Yamaha SA700, natural finish, made in Japan 1979. This is a lovely item, no doubt about it. The Super Axe was Yamaha's late 70s take on the Gibson ES335, so you get a thinline laminate maple body with a centre block and mildly chunky 59 style neck profile, although the horns and headstock are a slightly different shape. The build quality is spot on: great fretwork, tight joins, excellent fit and finish... it all adds up to a guitar that feels very integrous and reassuring in the hands. The neck is a moderate '59 style profile, not too thick or thin, nice and straight and easy to get along with. The tone is superb: percussive defined attack with a juicy, rich warm midrange and a tight, fat low end. It's a joy into a clean amp on jazz stuff, or equally excellent with a healthy dose of drive doing rock numbers. The maple grain, especially on the back, looks amazing. These never last too long and absolutely count as a Topshelf favourite, so come see what all the fuss is about.

Model: Yamaha SA700 Super Axe
Made: Japan, 1979 (serial 003299)
Finish: natutal, gloss poly
Body: laminate maple with centre block, thinline depth
Neck: one piece mahogany, rosewood board, 12" radius, 24.75" scale, 43mm nut, 59 style moderate profile
Weight: 3.900kg
Mods: knobs replaced, pickguard removed
Pickup: Yamaha PAF-style humbucker x2
Case: basic non original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock has some clouding and scuffs on the front and marks on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has widespread very light scuffs and dimples, no major marks. The sides have minor scuffs on the elbow area and near the jack as well as a rust stain where the guard used to attach. The front has a little dent near the bridge, dimples behind the bridge and on the top edge and some play scratches on the horns. Overall: good condition (7/10).

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, intonation is good, action is low, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Frets have minor wear, they're in reasonable shape for their age, 7/10 for fret life left. Setup with fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.