Yamaha SA1000 Super Axe Brown 1977
Yamaha SA1000 in brown, made in Japan 1977. It's no secret we love vintage Yamaha stuff around here, and these Super Axe models are some of the best ones going around, no doubt about it. They were made from 1976-1982 and are loosely based on the Gibson ES-335, although the body and headstock is are a slightly different shape from the Gibson examples, plus they used different timbers. We get a lot of SA700s through, but the SA1000 has some upgraded specs and is trickier to find. First up, it's got a lush ebony board. It feels great under the fingers, adding a certain velvety smoothness in feel and accentuating the high-end clarity of the tone. The neck is a moderately chunky '59 style shape, which is perfect for this genre of guitar, as it's conducive to playing juicy chords and legato leads and enjoying the richness of the tone. This has the harmonic complexity and dynamic responsiveness typical of these vintage Yamaha semi-hollows, but with an enhanced eloquence on the top end and a whisker extra bass response. The rich walnut hue is gorgeous in the flesh, paired with the dark fretboard and chrome hardware it radiates grace. All class.
Model: Yamaha SA1000 Super Axe
Made: Japan, 1977
Serial: 001002
Finish: brown, gloss poly
Body: laminate birch with centre block, thinline depth
Neck: maple, ebony board, 12" radius, 24.75" scale, '59 style profile
Weight: 4.055kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Yamaha A-11 humbucker x2
Accessories: basic non-original hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end and treble side, scuffs on the front and back and a little bit of hazing on the front. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and scuffs on the back and a little patch of hazing about halfway up. The back has scuffs on both horns, dimples in the middle and back edge, scuffs along the bottom edge and a little haze mark and some dimples in the elbow area. The sides have scuffs on the top and bottom horn and elbow area, and dimples and scuffs near the jack. The front has scuffs and dimples on the top horn, dimples around the elbow area and F hole and the back edge, scuffs around the tailpiece and knobs and some play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: very good condition (8/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.
Fret life: 9/10, minor wear only