Description

Affordable little ripper! Yamaha SE350 for $349!

  • Body: The SE350 typically has a solid body construction, with some models reported to use basswood or nato wood. The finish options include colors like Seafoam Green, Pearl White, and Cherry Red.
  • Neck: It comes with a bolt-on neck, likely made of maple, and a rosewood fingerboard. The scale length is approximately 25.5 inches, with 22 frets and dot inlays.
  • Pickups: The guitar is equipped with a versatile pickup configuration:
    • One humbucking pickup in the bridge position.
    • Two single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions.
    • This HSS (humbucker-single-single) setup allows for a wide range of tonal options.
  • Controls: It features one volume knob, one tone knob (which may include a push/pull function for coil-splitting the humbucker), and a 5-way selector switch to navigate between different pickup combinations.
  • Bridge: The SE350 is fitted with a locking tremolo system, known as the Rockin’ Magic II, providing tuning stability even with extensive tremolo use.

Sound and Playability

The Yamaha SE350 is praised for its comfortable neck profile and responsive playability. The HSS pickup configuration offers a broad spectrum of sounds, from warm, mellow tones on the neck single-coil to bright, punchy leads on the bridge humbucker. The coil-splitting feature further enhances its versatility, making it suitable for genres ranging from blues and jazz to rock and metal.

Collectability and Market Value

As a product of Yamaha’s mid-1980s Japanese manufacturing, the SE350 is considered a quality instrument with reliable craftsmanship. While not as widely known as some other models, it holds appeal for players seeking a vintage guitar with unique features. Market value can vary based on condition, originality, and demand, but it generally remains an affordable option for enthusiasts and collectors.

In summary, the Yamaha SE350 is a versatile and well-constructed guitar from the 1980s, offering a range of tonal possibilities and solid playability, making it a noteworthy option for both players and collectors interested in vintage Japanese instruments.