Yamaha SA900 Super Axe Black 1986
Yamaha SA900, black, made in Japan 1986. This is a later example of the excellent Super Axe series, Yamaha's late seventies to early eighties approximately ES-335-ish offerings. The SA900 was the follow up to the SA700, which is a firm Topshelf favourite. The 900 has updated knobs and tuners, a slightly slimmer neck profile, and is this case, a classy gloss black finish. The tone on offer is lush: big, wide mids with heaps of complexity, expressive dynamics, a full low end and a singing clarity. The neck pickup is bell-like and thick, the bridge pickup is snarly and snappy. The body has heaps of natural resonance and the neck is super comfy, it's a really lovely thing to sit with and play. The black-on-black finish hits the curves of the body perfectly, it's certainly a slick look and will decorate your wall or stage show with grace. I love this, you'll love this too.
Model: Yamaha SA900 Super Axe
Made: Taiwan, 1986
Serial: MY26020
Finish: black, gloss poly
Body: laminate birch with centre block, thinline depth
Neck: maple, ebony board, 12" radius, 24.75" scale, '60 style profile
Weight: 3.660kg
Mods: nut replaced
Pickups: Yamaha alnico III humbucker x2
Accessories: none
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end and some minor scuffs on the front. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor scuffs on the back only. The back has dimples along the top and bottom edges and widespread minor scuffs and surface scratches around the whole body. The sides have minor scuffs in the elbow area, dimples near the rear strap pin, scuffs and rub wear near the jack and some scuffs on the bottom horn. The front has scuffs around the knobs, tailpiece and elbow area and some play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: very good condition (7.5/10)
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: 7/10, minor wear only, playing smoothly with no major buzz issues