Description
Samurai Special! 80s MIJ Yamaha SS-300 with a Humbucker in the bridge, $649!
The Yamaha SS-300 is a Japanese-made electric guitar, part of Yamaha’s Super Session series from the early 1980s. Known for its compact, lightweight design and versatile sound, the SS-300 is a unique blend of classic and modern features. Its shorter scale length, combined with its comfortable body shape, makes it easy to play, while its high-quality Japanese craftsmanship ensures excellent build quality and reliability. The SS-300 is ideal for players seeking a versatile guitar that handles a wide range of genres, from rock and pop to jazz and blues.
Key Features
Compact, double-cutaway body design, offering excellent playability and comfort
Shorter scale length (approximately 24.75 inches), providing a slinkier feel for easier bending and fretting
Solid alder body, offering a balanced tonal foundation with warmth and clarity
Maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard, providing smooth playability and durability
Two single-coil pickups and an added Humbucker delivering a bright, articulate tone with vintage-inspired clarity
5-way pickup selector switch, allowing for a wide range of tonal options
Master volume and tone controls for simple, effective sound shaping
Hardtail bridge for improved tuning stability and sustain
Vintage-style chrome tuners
Sound Profile
The Yamaha SS-300 delivers a bright, articulate tone thanks to its three single-coil pickups, making it ideal for clean, chiming sounds as well as gritty, overdriven tones. The shorter scale length gives the guitar a slightly warmer, fuller tone, with more pronounced midrange and less tension on the strings. This makes it a great option for blues, rock, and jazz players who want a guitar with vintage tonal characteristics but modern playability. The 5-way selector switch provides plenty of tonal flexibility, allowing players to switch between glassy highs, scooped mids, or warm, full-bodied sounds depending on the pickup configuration.
Applications
The Yamaha SS-300 is well-suited for a variety of musical genres, from blues and jazz to rock and pop. Its shorter scale length and comfortable body make it ideal for lead guitarists who need easy access to higher frets and smoother string bending. The guitar’s versatile single-coil pickups allow for bright, cutting tones in clean settings and responsive, dynamic tones when paired with overdrive or distortion, making it a great option for both rhythm and lead playing. The SS-300 also performs well in live settings due to its light weight and ergonomic design.
Build Quality and Aesthetic
Built in Japan, the Yamaha SS-300 showcases excellent craftsmanship, featuring a solid alder body and a smooth maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard. The double-cutaway design is sleek and modern, offering easy access to the upper frets and ensuring comfort during long playing sessions. The guitar’s minimalist design, with chrome hardware and simple controls, gives it a vintage vibe while maintaining a contemporary feel. Yamaha’s reputation for building durable, reliable instruments is reflected in the SS-300’s solid construction and attention to detail.
Country of Manufacture
Japan
Collectibility and Market Value
The Yamaha SS-300 is a somewhat rare guitar, making it appealing to collectors of vintage Japanese instruments. While it may not have the same level of recognition as other Yamaha models, its solid build quality and versatile sound have earned it a loyal following among guitarists. The SS-300 holds its value well on the used market due to its limited production run and Yamaha’s reputation for crafting high-quality instruments. Its combination of vintage aesthetics, modern playability, and rarity makes it a sought-after model for players looking for a unique, collectible guitar.
