Far East Guitars 

Specialists in used  
Fender Japan instruments and other guitars made in Japan
 for sale

 

Tel 01992 523138 / 07952 923412

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SOLD - Yamaha SL700S Studio Lord (Les Paul-style)
Superb quality, Split-coils 

Fender Japan are not the only fine guitars to come out of Japan - far from it. Some of the makes you may not have heard of, but Yamaha you will certainly know. This is an example of the sort of quality that had the major US manufacturers extremely worried in the late seventies/early eighties: Yamaha's SL700S. Here are the specs:

Specification

Body Maple/Mahogany
Neck Mahogany
Fretboard Rosewood, 
Frets 22, Wide
Weight 4.4kg
Pickups Humbucker x2
Control&Switch 2 Vol, 2 Tone (push/pull with coil tapping)
Hardware Chrome
Pickguard Cream
Condition
This model was made in Japan between 1980 and 1981 and is of superb quality. The guitar may have been made around 25 years ago, but the condition is excellent. Of course, there is a little buckle rash - but nothing major. The back of the neck has been relacquered as there was some hairline cracking in the original topcoat, which was allowing dirt and sweat to penetrate... which would in turn cause more of the top coat to lift. A light sanding, several coats of clear lacquer plus a buffing, and the neck is once more smooth, glossy and a pleasure to play. Check the above pix for close-ups. 

There is very little fret wear and all controls work smoothly and without noise.  The tone pots are push-pull and operate as coil tappers. The action - with a new set of 10s fitted - is very comfortable. The hardware is in excellent condition and the tuners work smoothly and precisely.

Comments

You won't need telling that Yamaha introduced their SL as a copy of Gibson's Les Paul. This guitar is extraordinarily well put together. If, like me, you are used to Fenders, the weight of this thing, 4.4kg, is something of a surprise. But mass is supposed to equal sustain and this guitar has no shortage of that! The sound is full with good tonal definition... quite amazing actually. And, of course, you have the variation in tones that being able to split the humbucker coils brings. This puts modern Korean-built rivals to shame in every department and gives any Gibson a run for its money.

I've had a couple of Yamaha SL, SG and SAs s in the recent past and they are just fantastic - under-rated in the UK (but not in Japan, where they are very well-respected) and something of a well-kept secret. A highly recommended guitar.

Price including gigbag: £485.00

Contact me on 01992 523138 or by email

I suggest shipping via the Royal Mail's Special Delivery service which guarantees next day before noon delivery and includes insurance for £25.00. 

ender Japan guitars for sale, new and used, Fender Stratocaster for sale, Fender Telecaster for sale, MIJFenders, CIJ Fenders, MIJ Fenders, Fender made in Japan, Far East guitars


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