YAMAHA SA 1000 - 1980 Ebony Board, All Original
SOLD
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In 1977 Yamaha introduced an entirely new version of their SA line of acoustic electric guitars. These were called 'Super Axe' as seen on the headstock of some models, but what makes them really special is that these were the first Yamaha's to closely emulate the ES-335, which all SA's since have followed. Prior to this only two models were actually semi-hollow body, and while beautifully designed, you would never mistake one for an ES-335.
Of the three models initially launched this is a 1980 SA 1000, which featured an ebony fretboard with mother of pearl dot inlays. This is a fantastic semi hollow body from Yamaha, with much of the features of the top of the line model, but a more reserved dot neck and chrome hardware and was originally offered at 100,000 Yen. This particular guitar is in incredibly nice, all original condition and a true vintage guitar nearly 40 years old. This guitar needs nothing.
Looking at the literature from the time, Yamaha did a lot of engineering for these guitars, matching materials and components and then producing many prototypes which were tested by musicians of the day for feedback before the production guitars were finalized. This attention to detail shows up in many of the features of this model. The neck profile on this generation (77-82) of the 335 inspired SA models is big. Comparing to Gibson's the profile would be close to a 59. The guitar uses a set neck construction, with the neck being one piece solid mahogany.
Center block construction has a hard maple center block sandwiched between spruce blocks with kerfs cut into them, just as an ES-335 would have. The center block runs the length of the body, fitted between the top and bottom of the guitar. This semi hollow body construction, whose origin is from the original ES-335's, allows for a fuller, fatter sound than a solid body, eliminates the distortion that a full hollow body suffers from at high volume and delivers plenty of sustain with the bridge and tail piece mounted into the center block.
The SA specific pickups sound fantastic, with a wide range of tones available between the neck and bridge pickups. I would describe these as a true vintage semi hollow body sound able to deliver on blues, jazz or classic rock. SA 1000 pickups are a big step up from the SA 700's. Another nice feature of the pickups on this model is the Yamaha tri-mount used only on the higher grade SA's of this era. The tri-mount uses three adjustment screws for adjusting the pickup height, two on one side and one on the other. This allows you to not only adjust the height, but also the pickup's angle to keep it parallel to the strings.Matched set are dated April 1980.
Condition of this guitar is excellent, as you can see in the many pictures this guitar is incredibly well preserved for its age. There are a few dings and scratches and a chip on the back of the neck that does not affect play - see pics. Chrome is in in good shape, with some pitting due to its age. While these are fantastic guitars, the biggest challenge is finding them in good condition, which this one clearly is. Grain on the top is especially nice on this guitar.
Frets have been polished and there is no buzzing anywhere on the neck. Yamaha's ebony board from this time are really nice and freshly oiled. You can see in the pictures it is jet black with really tight pores. Neck on the SA 1000 and up 77-82 models are really nice and a pleasure to play. Action, setup and intonation have also been adjusted after putting fresh strings on it, the guitar needs nothing.
How do these Yamaha SA's compare to other Japanese made 335 inspired guitars? The Yamaha's play, sound and look great with the consistent level of quality construction vintage Japanese guitars are renowned for. If you spend time looking into the finer details of the Yamaha's, it becomes clear that Yamaha did much more engineering and testing compared to the other brands. This makes sense given the size of the company, and scope of what Yamaha manufactures compared to niche Japanese guitar manufacturers.
The Japanese guitars of this era all shifted to emulating the pinnacle of the American made guitars, which for the 335 is 59 to the early 60's, focusing on trying to produce guitars as close as possible to the originals. As you play more of these guitars it becomes clear Yamaha's approach was a little different with the SA models. Their guitars remain true to the originals in many regards, but they were not bound by trying to produce exact copies, instead they tried to produce the best guitars they could and were willing to make improvements or enhancements based upon putting guitars in the hands of musicians and incorporating their feedback.
The early 335 inspired Yamaha SA's are fantastic vintage Japanese guitars which were only available for a few short years. I have many Japanese 335's and always find myself impressed with the 77-82 Yamaha SA's. I have a growing number of vintage Yamaha's from this time and will always have an SA for myself. The higher grade models from this time are professional quality instruments I find a pleasure to play.
This guitar will come with a non-original hard case. Want a brand new case - add $90 (my cost). Want a vintage correct Yamaha case made for the SA - add $125.
This guitar is located in the United States.
The early 335 inspired Yamaha SA's are fantastic vintage Japanese guitars, especially the SA 1000.