Yamaha SA-1300 Super Axe Sunburst 1986
Yamaha SA-1300, sunburst, made in Japan 1986. I'm a big fan of the Super Axe series, they're such outstanding guitars. This big brown beauty dates to the mid 80s, later than many of the examples we've had through. By this time, the more basic SA-900 model had moved production to Taiwan, but this more deluxe model was still made in Japan. The body is made from a five-ply maple body, paired with a maple and rosewood neck, whereas some of the earlier Super Axe models had birch bodies and mahogany necks. That means this guitar has a certain brightness, snap and clarity that comes from the maple; it's a very articulate and open sound without ever being thin or harsh. The pickups are lovely too: the neck is weighty and warm but still very clear, and the bridge is creamy and pronounced without being nasal or thin. The woodwork and finish quality on offer here is truly exemplary, it's a classy thing in the hands. The burst finish has yellowed and mellowed with age too, it's got a certain understated confidence to it. This is top notch stuff, you'll be most tickled.
Model: Yamaha SA-1300 Super Axe
Made: Japan, 1986
Serial: MK11074
Finish: brown sunburst, gloss poly
Body: laminate maple top, back and sides, thinline depth, semi-hollow with spruce centre block
Neck: maple, rosewood fretboard, 24.75" scale, 12" radius, 43mm nut, slim C shape
Weight: 3.770kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Yamaha alnico V humbucker x2
Accessories: basic vintage hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has a dent on the bass side edge neat the low E tuner, scuffs on the treble side edge and back and some minor surface scratches and fading of the black on the front. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and some rub wear on the back only. The back has minor scuffs near the neck join, bottom corner, back edge and middle of the body. The sides have very minor scuffs and dimples around the whole body. The front has dimples on the top horn and near the jack and some play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: excellent condition (9/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.
Fret life: 8/10, minor wear only