I’ve personally never played a bad Yamaha guitar. Even one of their cheaper electric guitars, the Eterna, which was a Pacifica type model sold through one of the big box stores, was very impressive to me.
The serial number is NL16104, indicating that it was made in May of 1987, in the first year of this models manufacture at Yamaha's Kaohsiung factory in Taiwan. Those words “Made in Taiwan” may be off putting to some. They used to be to me . . . but not anymore. I’ve played too many 20+ year old Squiers made in Taiwan and know that it means something entirely different from the words “Made in China” from the same period. In case you don't already know this, listen up: "Vintage" Taiwan made guitars are notably superior to "Vintage" Chinese made guitars. In the case of this Yamaha RGX 612S, the build is stellar. If you ever have a chance to grab one do not hesitate because of the "Made in Taiwan" label. If I didn't know different and somebody told me this instrument was MIJ I would believe it without hesitation.
The thought and engineering that went into this guitar is pretty amazing. It's clearly a Strat type instrument, though everything from the way the neck is joined to the body, the output jack placement, the tremolo system, upper fret access, etc., is so sensible and pragmatic. It is also unique in that the scale length is 24 3/4.
The condition is very good, with just a couple nicks on the beak of the headstock, some minor bumps, and superficial neck pocket cracks in the finish. Original parts that are missing are the trem arm and the backplate for the trem cavity. Electronics have been altered (upgraded) as noted below.
A quick rundown of the highlights:
*Beautiful Pearl White finish, both neck and body.
*Made in Japan bridge, the RM II (Yamaha Rockin’ Magic II). The strings lock at the ball end, though the balls don't need to be cut. The rest of the high quality hardware may very well be Japanese as well.
https://www.axebition.com/bridge/yamaha-rm-ii
*The neck plate(s) are Yamaha’s unique two piece “Super Playability Joint System.”
*Bound neck that feels full and round in the hand. More like a 58 Les Paul than a typical Ibanez or Jackson.
*Superb fretwork, as good as the best guitars I've ever played.
*Full sized CTS pots and quality mechanical switch.
*Bridge pickup upgraded to a SD Pearly Gates. I'd thought for sure it was going to be a JB, and when I saw it was a PG I said a little "Thank You" prayer. I assume the two ALNiCo single coils are original, and they are very good quality.
