The only S-500 I've experienced is my mahogany 1982, but I do have three Strat-types with maple bodies (the '82-ish SC-3 in my avatar, an '83 Nighthawk and an '86 Skyhawk). All of them are magnificent.
Personally, I am a big fan of Leo-era guitars with maple bodies. There was a lot of variability in the lumber supply during the early days, so it's hard to predict exactly what that S-500 Sig will be like. My maple G&Ls are all over the place in terms of weight. I don't have the numbers in front of me, but they range from an '82 SC-1 that's just over six pounds, to an '83 SB-2 that's well over twelve. On the other hand, the SC-3 in my avatar has the exact same body dimensions as the SC-1 but weighs over eight pounds, and I have an '83 SB-1 with the same dimensions as the SB-2 that weighs under seven pounds. They are consistent in terms of tone, though. Jos called it "close to sonic nirvana", but I would go with "pure sonic bliss".
mRRN124 wrote:With proper papers.
If you are concerned about the maple S-500's authenticity, feel free to post some photos if you have them. We are generally pretty good around here about recognizing the details on older G&Ls.
mRRN124 wrote:I have no chance to try the guitar. And my other posible buy its an alder body roosewood fretboard, but new s500.
If the seller has a return policy or guarantees the guitar's condition, I would take a shot at the older one first. You shouldn't have trouble selling it if it's not right for you. A modern S-500 with an alder body shouldn't be hard to find again, but maple S-500s from the pre-BBE days don't show up that often.
Ken