Yamaha SA700 Super Axe, persimmon red, made in Japan 1981. These Super Axe guitars came out in the late seventies, right in the thick of the 'lawsuit' era, as a take on Gibson ES-335 style guitars. As with all these vintage Yam guitars, it's absolutely superbly made. The neck is a moderate '59 style profile, a little beefy in the back without being a 'baseball bat', perfect for rhythm stuff but slim and quick enough to get your lead lines moving. The body is superbly resonant and lively in the hands, you can feel each note and chord ringing around in your chest as you play. The classic red finish lets the grain show through and has weathered the decades with grace, it's in great shape. Tone-wise, there's a defined and punchy attack and slappy sizzle through the top end, balanced by a huge, dark, gooey warmth through the lows and mids. Big full chords rumble with complexity and warmth... yum. We love these around here, and you will love it around your place too.

Model: Yamaha SA700 Super Axe
Made: Japan, 1981 (serial 034899)
Finish: persimmon red (PR), gloss poly
Body: laminate maple with centre block, thinline depth
Neck: one piece mahogany, rosewood board, 12" radius, 24.75" scale
Weight: 4.010kg
Mods: none
Pickup: Yamaha A-III PAF-style humbucker x2
Case: basic non original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. The headstock has some marks on the end as well as the cap on the low-E string tuner is missing but it all works fine. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has widespread dimples and scuffs around the whole body, no major marks. The sides have a few little dimples around the elbow area and near the jack, no major marks. The front is pretty clean too, just some minor scuffs and dimples behind the bridge and some play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: very good condition (8/10).

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 only, they look almost new, 9/10 for fret life left. Setup with fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.