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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For Sale - Yamaha SA700 Super Axe
Superb looks and sound, ES335 copy

Click on thumbnails for full size pictures

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 SA700 Super Axe - a clone of the Gibson ES335. Here are the specs:

Specification

Body Maple/Beech/Spruce
Neck Mahogany
Fretboard Rosewood, 
Frets 22, Wide
Weight 4.1kg
Pickups Humbucker x2
Control&Switch 2 Vol, 2 Tone, 3 Way Switch
Hardware Chrome
Pickguard Black
Condition
This model was made between 1977 and 1983 (old Yamaha serials are hard to pin down). It was made in Japan (not all SA series guitars were) and is of superb quality. This guitar may have been made around 25 years ago, but it doesn't look it, which is a testament to the original quality. The condition is very good indeed. There are a couple of dings and a little buckle rash as you would expect, but nothing major or even particularly noticeable under normal circumstances. Check the photos above. There is very little fret wear. All around, this is in extraordinarily good condition.

From a translation of the Yamaha website it is unclear to me which bits of the body are made of which wood! But one thing is clear - it's not cheap plywood. 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 4.1kg, is heavier than a Strat. 

All controls work smoothly and without noise. The action is low and very comfortable. Hardware is in superb condition with no pitting and the tuners are smooth and positive. The pick guard is not original.

This instrument seems to have had an easy life and to have been well-cared for. 

Comments

These semis never sound that great played acoustically, but one thing you will notice is the sustain and the 'feel' of the notes through the body. Plugged in, its just wonderful... good sustain, obviously, 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.

I've had a couple of these before and admire them immensely. Like the others, this one plays like a dream and sounds wonderful.Yamaha guitars in general have a real feel of quality, but their SA series semi acoustics are just superb. 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! 

Price including gigbag: £565.00

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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