Yamaha SS-300, made in Japan in 1982, black. These are quirky, but so cool, right? The SS series popped up for one year, 1982, and never made it into the full Yamaha catalog. The shape is a halfway between a Strat and a... something? The headstock borrows from the classic Flying Samurai models of the sixties, which paired with the wacky guard and big speed knobs makes for a cool look. Tone-wise, it's a super fat take on the Strat: heaps of beefy low end and attack with nice little sparkle on the top end. The pickups are slightly overwound compared to a standard Strat single, so there's a nice little bit of heat when you plug into an angry amp. The neck is a moderate round profile, it's easy to get along with and feels slick and quick. There's a lot to love, right?

Model: Yamaha SS-300
Made: 1982, Japan (serial 093352)
Finish: black, gloss poly, 1-ply white guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 12" radius, 25.5" scale
Weight: 3.305kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Yamaha single coil x3
Case: basic non-original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor marks on the end. Neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has widespread light scuffs and a number of dimples around the edge and cavity, nothing too nasty. The sides have no major marks, just minor dimples and scuffs around the whole body. The front has some dimples and scuffs around the elbow area and behind the bridge as well as some decent play scuffs on the guard and top horn. Overall: very good condition (8/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have some minor wear, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.