Yamaha SS-700EX, made in Japan in 1982, black. Here's one you don't see everyday! These SS models don't appear in the regular Yamaha catalog, but they popped up in 1982/3 in limited numbers. The SS-300 is the same Flying Samurai-inspired shape but with Strat-style pickups and controls, but this model is a rock and roller sporting but a single humbucker. It's a hot one at that, so it cleans up okay but is absolutely happiest smothered with gain and doling out stanky riffs with glee abandon. It's a bit hotter and heftier than a Gibson LP Junior, but it's vaguely in the same kinda tonal ballpark. As with all Yam stuff from this era, this plays great: perfectly balanced, great comfy neck, resonant body, sturdy hardware and great stability... it just works. If you want to mess up some minds with raucous riffs and are disinclined to play the same old sunburst Tele as everyone else, here's your new partystarter.

Model: Yamaha SS-700EX
Made: 1982, Japan (serial 097603)
Finish: gloss black poly
Body: alder
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 12" radius, 25.5" scale
Weight: 3.320kg
Mods: none
Pickups: original Yamaha hot humbucker
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some 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 some scratches on the cavity cover and widespread light dimples, no major marks. The sides are pretty clean save for some small dimples in the elbow area and near the jack. The front is also tidy, just some scuffs behind the bridge and on the elbow area and play wear on both horns. 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 very little wear, 9 /10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.