(SOLD) Yamaha SJ500 Super Jam Persimmon Red 1979
Yamaha SJ500 Super Jam, persimmon red, made in Japan 1979. The Super Jam was a Yamaha original shape debuting in 1979 and disappearing in 1984; it roughly referenced the Fender Telecaster but with plenty of fun Yamaha eccentricities thrown in for good measure. You get an alder body and a bolt on maple neck, both Tele-ish, but with a Strat-style belly curve and a wonky upper horn. It's a comfy player: the neck is moderate, neither fat nor slim and very well played in; the body sits nicely in the hands and is well weighted and resonant. The high mass bridge transfers a heap of vibration to the body. This really does sound awesome plugged in: the neck pickup delivers a heap of grind and juicy low end, the bridge pickup has that traditional twang but with a nice breathiness to it... but the magic is in the middle position with both pickups jamming. The trans red finish shows off some flame in the grain and evokes a certain Gibson-ish twist on the Tele-ish body, combined with the weird curves of the body it's got a quirky bold look. There's a lot to love here, and why not? It's a vintage Yamaha after all.
Model: Yamaha SJ500 Super Jam
Made: Japan, 1979, (serial 003600)
Finish: trans red, gloss poly, 2-ply black guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple, one piece w. skunk stripe, 25.5" scale, 13.75" radius
Weight: 3.985kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Yamaha GIII humbucker (neck), J1 single coil (bridge)
Case: basic non original gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a couple of little dents near the rear strap pin and on the bottom horn, as well as widespread light scuffs around the body. The sides have minor dimples and scuffs around the whole body but no major marks. The front has light scuffs around the whole body but no major marks. Overall: good condition (7/10).
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets pretty even with no major buzz issues, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.