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For Sale - Yamaha SA700 Super Axe
Superb
looks and sound, ES335 copy
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| Click on
thumbnails for full size pictures
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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 SA700 Super Axe - a
clone of the Gibson ES335. Here are the specs:
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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 |
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| 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.
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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!
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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.
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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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For REAL Heavy Metal
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