(SOLD) Yamaha SA-30 Hollow Body Aruba Green 1969
Yamaha SA30 hollow, aruba green, made in Japan 1969. These are such rad guitars. The body shape and design is a Yamaha original; these sixties era Yams have a very cool upmarket surf atheistic and a bunch of quirky hardware. The funky trem and roller nut, noiseless single coils with pickup balancer knob and zero fret were all pretty innovative in the sixties. The quality of workmanship and materials on offer is awesome; it adds up brilliantly in the hands. The neck is moderately chunky and feels great; combined with the light and lively body there's a whole lot of pizzaz to enjoy while you play. Tone wise, these are a little snappier with shorter sustain than a 335 style guitar; there's a breathy openness to the attack that's really lets the nuance of your playing shine through. The fully hollow body has mellowed to perfection and brings an awesome depth and warmth to the sound. The British racing green-esque finish has classy Aston Martin aesthetic; it's a visual delight. It's hard not to fall in love with this once it's in your hands... such is the glory of the vintage Yam charm.
Model: Yamaha SA-30
Made: Japan, 1969 (serial 16490)
Finish: transparent aruba green, gloss poly
Body: laminate maple, fully hollow, thinline
Neck: maple, rosewood fretboard, 12" radius, 24.75" scale
Weight: 3.170kg
Mods: pickguard removed
Pickups: original Yamaha hum-cancelling single coils 'hum-free anisotrophic ferrite magnets with individually adjustable pole pieces'
Case: none
Overall: minor finish wear. Headstock has some marks on the end and top edge and some scuffs on the back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, just a few minor dimples on the back. The back has a bunch of shallow scratches and scuffs but no major marks. The sides have a few marks: dimples on both horns, some scuffs and dimples on the shoulder and near the jack. The front is pretty clean, just some dimples near the knobs and on the bottom horn, few scuffs and dimples near the bridge and tailpiece, some rub wear on the shoulder and some regular play scratches on both horns. Overall: very good condition (8/10)
Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, intonation is good, action is low, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Frets have some normal wear but are pretty even with no major buzz issues; 6/10 for fret life left. Setup with fresh 12/54 Moonshiners strings.