Yamaha SA-50, wine red, made in Japan 1972. What a lovely creature. Yamaha's early hollow bodies were an original shape, with visual nods to Gibson's ES series as well as surf-inspired guitars like Mosrites, Fender and Teisco. Yamaha were a few steps ahead of their Japanese contemporaries in the early 70s, delivering instruments that were made with impressive precision and feel exceptional in the hands. We've had a few SA-50s through the shop over the years, but the rich Wine Red finish doesn't come around too often, so I was pleased to score this one . The front has some lovely flame figuring too, it rewards a closer look. The pickups look like a humbucker but are actually a hum cancelled single coil, not too far in tone from Gold Foil type pickups. There's a lovely deep, warm body to the tone, but it's got a spanky, sparkling attack you don't often hear on a hollow style guitar. The neck and frets are in good order and this plays very smoothly. Folks who get into vintage Yamaha stuff get really, really into it, and with this in your hands, it's no surprise.

Model: Yamaha SA-50
Made: Japan, 1972. Nippon Gakki factory
Serial: 16318
Finish: Wine Red, gloss poly
Body: laminate maple, hollow body with small bridge block, thinline depth
Neck: maple, rosewood fretboard, 24.75" scale, 15" radius, slim C profile
Weight: 3.420kg
Mods: bridge pickup re-wound
Pickups: Yamaha 'hum-free anisotrophic ferrite magnet' single coil x2
Accessories: basic gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end and front and scuffs on the sides and back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear and some clouding on the back only. The back has some scratches on the horns and elbow area and some widespread checking, dimples and light scuffs around the whole body . The sides have minor scuffs, dimples and checking lines around the whole body. The front has dimples around the knobs, tailpiece and switch, widespread light scuffs and some checking lines, as well as play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: very good condition (7.5/10)

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: 7/10, minor wear only