Yamaha SA1000 in brown, made in Japan 1979. 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 ES335, 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, 1979 (serial 004674)
Finish: brown stain, gloss poly (BR)
Body: laminate birch with centre block, thinline depth
Neck: maple, ebony board, 12" radius, 24.75" scale, '59 style profile
Weight: 3.880kg
Mods: none
Pickup: Yamaha A-11 humbucker x2
Case: basic non original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some marks on the end, a dimple on the front near the low E tuning post and a mark on the bottom side near the truss cover. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, just a few minor dimples on the back. The back has widespread surface scratches and light scuffs, most notably in the middle and on the back edge, as well as some dimples in the elbow area and bottom edge, nothing nasty though. The sides have dimples on the top horn and elbow area, some minor scuffs near the jack and some light rub wear on the bottom horn. The front has a couple of dimples on the top horn and elbow area, some scuffs around the bridge and near the knobs, a minor 3cm crack in the finish and possibly the top (of three) layers of wood coming off the bottom F-hole, and some minor play wear on the guard and 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 minor wear only, 8/10 for life left. Setup with fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.