(SOLD) Yamaha SJ500 Super Jam Black 1978
Yamaha SJ500 Super Jam, black, made in Japan 1978. Ever seen one of these? Me neither! The Super Jam was a Yamaha shape made from 1978-84; roughly referencing the Fender Telecaster but with plenty of fun Yamaha eccentricities thrown in for good measure. You get an alder body and a bolt on maple neck, both Tele-ish, but with a Strat-style belly curve and a wonky upper horn. The guard is similar to a Cabronita style shape while the big black speed knobs would look at home on a Les Paul. It's super comfy in the hands: the neck is moderate, neither fat nor slim and very well played in; the body sits nicely in the hands and is well weighted and resonant. The high mass bridge transfers a heap of vibration to the body. The pickups are awesome: the neck humbucker is juicy, warm and full with plenty of definition; the bridge pickup is chiming and snappy but with a hefty natural bass... the real magic is in the middle position. It really does sound terrific both clean or dirty, it's got a whole lot of personality and mojo. Yamaha stuff from this era enjoys a cult fanbase owing to it's superb build quality and... fun weirdness. These certainly don't come around often so nab a super quirky player's vintage guitar and smash out some nasty riffs.
Model: Yamaha SJ500 Super Jam
Made: Japan, 1978, (serial 002689)
Finish: gloss black, 2-ply black guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple, one piece w. skunk stripe, 25.5" scale, 13.75" radius
Weight: 3.955kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Yamaha G111 humbucker (neck), J1 single coil (bridge)
Case: basic non original gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has a few dimples and marks on the end, bottom edge and back. The neck has some wear on the edge of the board, dimples and scuffs on the back and a couple of minor gashes on the back; nothing too nasty and it's smooth in the hands. The back has a bit of discolouration from a since-removed sticker and some widespread light scuffs and dimples; no major marks. The sides have minor dimples and marks around the whole body and a couple of small chips on the top horn and shoulder. The front is pretty tidy, just a few minor dimples around the body and some play wear on the guard and top horn. Overall: good condition (7/10).
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets have some reasonable wear inc some pitting, but there's no major buzz issues and they're fairly even, 5/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.