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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 early-eighties: Yamaha's SA1000 Super Axe - a
clone of the Gibson ES335. Here are the specs:
|
Specification |
| Body |
Birch/Beech |
| Neck |
Mahogany |
| Fretboard |
Ebony |
| Frets |
22, Wide |
| Pickguard |
Black |
| Pickups |
Alnico 2 Humbucker x2 |
| Control&Switch |
2 Vol, 2 Tone, 3 Way Switch |
| Hardware |
Chrome |
|
| Condition |
| Yamaha recycle serials
so it is impossible to tell exactly when this instrument was made.
However, the SA1000 was manufactured only between 1977 and 1983. It was made in Japan (not all SA series
guitars were) and is of superb quality. This guitar may have been
made around 30 years ago, but it doesn't look it. It is in
excellent condition... yes, there is the odd tiny mark, but
nothing worth pointing out. Vintage Yamaha guitars frequently have
an issue with the finish 'clouding' with age, and it is evident on
the neck (only) of this instrument. I emphasise it is not unusual,
but there is nothing that can be done about it.
From th epics you will see tha the
plating on the stop bar and bridge shows evidence of pitting, and
there is some tarnish on the pickup covers. This is all to be
expoected and just part of the guitar's history. The tuners are in
excellent condition and work smoothly and precisely. There is
plenty of life in the frets and the ebony fretboard (cleaned and
oiled) is a thing of beauty. The controls all work as intended
without noise or crackle. Everything appears original.
Of
course, just as with the ES335, there is a hefty lump of wood
inside the body to give extra sustain... hence the weight which,
at around 4kg, is close to the weight of a Strat.
This came from Japan with the
oldest, scruffiest gigbag I have ever seen! You are welcome to it,
but I can also supply a hardcase if you wish at extra cost..
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Comments |
| The SA1000 is very
similar to the SA700 but has an ebony fret board and Alnico 2
(rather than Alnico 3) pickups - at least that's what I gather
from a translation of Yamaha's website! The feel of quality is
undeniable. These instruments are beautifully made.
When it arrived, this guitar was
covered in dust and had just a couple of rusty strings. It's
scrubbed up well hasn't it! A new set of 10s and a set-up giving
minimal relief has resulted in a guitar that is easy and a
pleasure to play right up the neck... just like every 'SA' guitar
I've owned.
When plugged in it really comes
alive... good sustain, full and
rounded on the neck pup, and with plenty of top without ever being
harsh on the bridge pup. Drive it and the sound just get heavier
without ever get muddy... the tone remains well-defined. Fabulous
and very versatile.
Regular visitors will know that I
rave about Yamaha build quality and the SA series in particular. No wonder then, that the Japanese themselves are keen to
hold on to them and prices are going up fast. If you want one -
don't wait!
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Price:
£735.00 |
Contact me on 01992 523138 or by email
Shipping in the UK, £30.00.
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