Yamaha SA700 Super Axe, transparent red, made in Japan 1979. The SA series launched in 1967 as some of Yamahas first electric guitars. These second-gen examples were made from 1976-82 and borrowed more from the Gibson ES-335, so this has a centre-block style semi-hollow construction. It's beautifully made: excellent wood selection, great fret and finish work, outstanding natural resonance, strong and sturdy as an ox. The neck is a comfy rounded C shape, slightly slimmer than a '59 style and very agreeable in the hands. The tone on offer is outstanding: wide, hairy midrange brimming with warmth and complexity balanced by sweet chirpy highs and woody, percussive lows. This will happily cover blues, jazz, rock and more, it's as versatile as a pair of Blundstone boots. Big red box of good times.

Model: Yamaha Supre Axe, SA700
Made: Japan, 1979 (serial 004576)
Finish: persimmon red, gloss poly
Body: laminate birch, semi hollow with centre block, thinline depth
Neck: mahogany, rosewood board, 24.75" scale, 12" radius, vintage C shape
Weight: 4.065kg
Mods: none
Pickup: Yamaha A-III PAF-style humbucker x2
Case: basic non-original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor dimples on the end and edges, as well as some scuffs on the front around the posts and the back up the top. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a surface scratch on the lower horn and back edge, some dimples in the elbow area and middle of the body and widespread light scuffs around the whole body. The sides have some dimples in the elbow area and some light scuffs on the bottom corner and bottom horn. The front has some dimples behind the bridge and around the knobs, some 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 minor wear, they're in pretty good shape, 7/10 for fret life left. Setup with fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.