(SOLD) Yamaha LL-8RJ Jumbo Acoustic 1991
Yamaha LL-8RJ acoustic, natural gloss, made in Taiwan 1991. Yamaha make lovely acoustics, but you don't see many of these high-end L Series examples from a few decades back kicking around the neighbourhood. This is a really beautiful guitar, both visually and sonically. First up, the solid Indian rosewood back and sides are absolutely stunning. The detail and depth in the grain rewards a closer and longer look, it's really quite something. The solid spruce top is tightly grained and bookmatched, it's a classy piece and looks all the better for three decades of yellowing and mellowing. The quality of build is obvious when you hold it, the neck is in great order, the top is flat, the gold hardware is classy, the ebony bridge and board are dark as midnight... it has a luxurious air to it. Tone-wise, there's a lot to like as well. Yamaha dreadnoughts have this certain clarity and sparkle through the top end you don't get on other brands, and this definitely displays that singing sweetness in the treble. The solid rosewood lends it a full, rich low end, adding weight and depth to chords and rewarding a generous right-hand attack. While this was sitting on the fresh-in rack waiting to list on our website, I heard a customer strum it from across the room and was struck by it's amazing balance of power and clarity, it's really stands out. This would record beautifully and is exactly the kind of guitar you'll look forward to coming home to.
Model: Yamaha LL-8RJ
Made: 1991, Kaohsiung Taiwan (serial HL-138)
Finish: natural, gloss poly
Body: jumbo style shape; solid spruce top, solid Indian rosewood back and sides, ebony bridge
Neck: mahogany, ebony fingerboard, dovetail joint, 25.5" scale, 15" radius
Weight: 2.255kg
Pickup: none
Mods: none
Case: basic non-original vintage hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor scuffs on the end and a couple of small dimples on the front. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a handful of very light scuffs around the body, no major marks. The sides have a few light scuffs on the elbow area and and bottom bout, no major marks. The front is also nice and tidy, just some widespread minor dimples around the body, rub wear in the elbow area and some play wear on the guard and shoulders. Overall: excellent condition (9/10).
Playing condition notes: action is moderately low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. Frets look have some minor wear but are in good shape, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 12/54 Moonshiners strings.