(SOLD) Yamaha SA-50 Hollow Body Electric Blue 1973
Yamaha SA-50, made in Japan 1973, electric blue. These early SA models drip with swagger and sleek styling; they're truly an unsung hero in the vintage guitar universe. This example dates to late in the game for this model that was made from 1967-74; it's in excellent shape for a 45+ year old guitar. The electric blue finish is both exceedingly eye-catching and a rarity; this model is far more common in sunburst or red. It has a certain automotive-esque look; slick lines and shiny paint... too cool, basically. The pickups look like a humbucker but are actually a hum cancelled single coil, not too far in tone from Gold Foil type pickups. There's a lovely deep, warm body to the tone, but it's got a spanky, sparkling attack you don't often hear on a hollow style guitar. This one has some brand new frets; there's not a single hour of playtime on them, in beautiful Evo Gold wire to boot... it's playing extremely smoothly and feels luxurious. The original case and trem arm are included; a rare and handy bonus. We love these around here, and not for no reason: this is what dreams are made of.
Model: Yamaha SA-50
Made: Japan, 1973 (serial 18756)
Finish: gloss metallic blue
Body: laminate maple, fully hollow, thinline depth
Neck: maple, rosewood fretboard, 24.75" scale, 12" radius
Weight: 3.32kg
Mods: pickguard replaced, frets replaced
Pickups: original Yamaha pickups: 'hum-free anisotrophic ferrite magnets with individually adjustable pole pieces'; basically a hum-cancelling single coil
Case: original Yamaha case, good condition, handle broken, trem arm included
Overall: minor finish wear. There's a few dimples on the front, back and sides of the headstock, nothing major though. The neck has some play wear and dimples on the back, most notably behind the 3-5 fret mark, but it's smooth in the hands; the binding and board are in great shape. The back has a few scratches and dimples spread around the place; some have been slightly filled and colour matched to minimise their visual impact; nothing major. The sides have a sprinkling of minor dimples around the whole guitar; they're most concentrated around the shoulder and rear strap pin. The input jack plate is slightly bent but works fine. The front is fairly clean; there's a few dimples between the bridge and tailpiece as well as on both horns and the shoulder area; again, nothing nasty. Overall: good condition (7/10)
Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, intonation is good, action is low, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Frets are brand new, they've just been replaced with Jescar Evo Gold wire; 10/10 for life left. Setup with fresh 11/49s.