Yamaha SA700 'Super Axe', made in Japan 1977, persimmon red. Here we go, another reason to love vintage Yamaha guitars! These were Yamaha's late 70s take on the Gibson ES-335, so this is a full size thinline semi-hollow with a centre block and a mildly chunky round neck. The build quality is impeccable; you can really feel the exacting precision that's gone into the process and it translates to that certain 'magic' in the hands. The neck is sturdy and comfortable and the body is very resonant, so it rings loudly unplugged and lets you feel the notes bouncing around under your hands. Plugged in, the tone is majestic: heaps of thick, powerful lows, balanced by a midrange that seems a mile wide and full of character and promise all topped off by a clear and sparkly treble. If you're after a vintage 335 that'll play like guitars worth five times the admission price on this one, here's your new family heirloom.

Model: Yamaha SA700 'Super Axe'
Made: Japan, 1977 (serial 001757)
Finish: natural gloss
Body: maple with centre block
Neck: one piece mahogany, rosewood board, 12" radius, 24.75" scale
Weight: 4.005kg
Mods: strap pins changed
Pickup: original PAF-style covered humbuckers
Case: basic non original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock has some marks on the end and some scuffs around the tuners posts on the front. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, but there's a few minor dimples on the back. The back has no major marks, just a few light scuffs around the body. The sides have no major marks, just some light scuffs on the shoulder, near the rear strap pin and around from the knobs and a little scratch on the bottom horn. The front has no major marks, just some light dimples behind the bridge and some normal play scratches on the guard and horns. Overall: very good condition (8.5/10).

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.