Description

Shop fav! Late 70s MIJ Yamaha SA1000 Super Axe- elite 335 lawsuit model for $1999!

The Yamaha SA-1000 is a vintage semi-hollow electric guitar from Yamaha’s SA (Super Axe) series, produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Known for its exceptional craftsmanship, versatile sound, and unique blend of jazz, blues, and rock tones, the SA-1000 is a highly respected guitar among players and collectors alike. The design draws inspiration from classic semi-hollow models like the Gibson ES-335, but with Yamaha’s own refinements, making it a standout instrument for musicians seeking warm, rich tones and excellent playability.

Key Features:

  • Body Design: The SA-1000 features a semi-hollow body with a center block, which reduces feedback while preserving the resonant qualities of a hollow-body guitar. The body is typically made from laminated maple for both the top, back, and sides, offering a bright, articulate tone with plenty of sustain.
  • Neck: The guitar has a set neck construction, usually made from mahogany with a rosewood fingerboard. The combination of these tonewoods provides warmth and depth to the guitar’s overall sound, enhancing its ability to produce rich, smooth tones.
  • Pickups: The SA-1000 is equipped with two humbucking pickups, which deliver a wide range of tones, from warm and clean to powerful and overdriven. These pickups offer low noise and high output, making the SA-1000 versatile for genres like jazz, blues, and classic rock. The humbuckers produce a smooth, full-bodied tone with clear highs and a tight low end.
  • Electronics: The guitar features two volume and two tone controls, along with a 3-way toggle switch for selecting between the neck, bridge, or a combination of both pickups. This classic layout allows for easy tone shaping and quick adjustments during performances.
  • Hardware: The SA-1000 is equipped with a tune-o-matic bridge and stop tailpiece, providing excellent tuning stability and sustain. The chrome hardware adds to the vintage aesthetic while ensuring durability.

Sound Profile:

  • Warm and Resonant: Thanks to its semi-hollow design, the SA-1000 produces a warm, resonant sound that’s ideal for jazz and blues. The guitar’s body adds natural reverb and sustain, making it great for clean tones and chording.
  • Versatility: With the combination of humbucking pickups and tone control options, the SA-1000 can deliver everything from mellow jazz tones to aggressive rock sounds. It handles overdrive well, providing a rich, smooth distortion that doesn’t lose clarity.
  • Balanced Tone: The maple body and mahogany neck give the guitar a balanced sound, with a bright top endfrom the maple and a warm midrange from the mahogany. This balance makes it adaptable to various musical genres and playing styles.

Applications:

  • Jazz and Blues: The SA-1000 excels in genres like jazz and blues, where players need a guitar that can produce warm, clean tones with plenty of sustain and resonance.
  • Rock and Fusion: Its humbucking pickups allow the guitar to handle overdriven and distorted sounds, making it suitable for rock and fusion players who want to blend clean and dirty tones in their music.
  • Live Performance and Recording: The SA-1000’s versatile sound and reliable construction make it a great choice for both live performances and studio recording, where consistent tone and playability are essential.

Build Quality and Aesthetic:

  • Classic Vintage Look: The Yamaha SA-1000 has a traditional semi-hollow body shape with a classic double-cutaway design, giving it a timeless look similar to the ES-335 style guitars. The guitar often comes in natural, sunburst, or cherry finishes, which highlight the maple wood grain.
  • Durable and Reliable: Yamaha is known for its high-quality craftsmanship, and the SA-1000 is no exception. The guitar is built to last, with robust construction and solid hardware, making it a dependable instrument for both professional and hobbyist musicians.

Collectibility and Market Value:

As a vintage Yamaha model from the late 1970s to early 1980s, the SA-1000 is highly regarded among collectors and players for its combination of quality materials, excellent build, and versatile sound. Though not as widely known as some American-made semi-hollow guitars, the SA-1000 has developed a strong reputation for being a reliable and sonically impressive instrument. Its relative rarity, especially in good condition, adds to its collectibility and value on the used market.