Yamaha SA700 Super Axe, persimmon red, made in Japan 1982. The Super Axe series came out in the mid 70s, mixing some Yamaha original ideas with a bit of inspiration from Gibson's ES335. This one dates to 1982, making this among the last SA700 models made before they switched to the SA900 model, which was produced in Taiwan. We were all really impressed with this in the store: it feels and sounds terrific. The neck is a bit slimmer than the earlier examples, similar to a Gibson 'Slim 60s' shape or a Fender Japan vintage C, which feels super comfy to me. The tone on offer is articulate, bright and thick, balancing a full low end with singing sustain with a bell-like clarity on the top end. The bridge pickup is equal parts angular and creamy, while the neck pickup is glassy and fat. The rich red finish looks all the better for four decades of modest play wear and yellowing; this has a certain radiance about it in the flesh. There's a reason I love this vintage Yamaha stuff, and it's not because I've lost my mind... they're just such lovely instruments.

Model: Yamaha SA700 Super Axe
Made: Japan, 1982 (serial 097900)
Finish: persimmon red (PR), gloss poly
Body: laminate birch and beech with centre block, thinline depth
Neck: one piece mahogany, rosewood board, 12" radius, 24.75" scale, slim 60s shape
Weight: 4.045kg
Mods: none
Pickup: Yamaha A-III PAF-style humbucker x2
Case: basic vintage hard case

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples on the end, a dent near the high E tuner on the front edge as well as some clouding in the black finish. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back only. The back has some dimples in the middle of the body and elbow area as well as widespread very light scuffs around the whole body. The sides have minor scuffs in the elbow area and some dimples near the knobs. The front has some dimples behind the bridge and near the knobs, light scuffs in the elbow area and some standard 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. The frets have some normal wear, they're fairly even with no major buzz issues but there is some minor pitting, 6/10 for fret life left. Setup with fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.