Yamaha SA700, red, made in Japan 1978. The SA series kicked off in 1966, and still exists today. The late-70s versions of these models referenced the Gibson ES-335 more closely than the earlier examples, so you get an arched laminate top and back with a centre block and the traditional set of controls. The woodwork is very tight and tidy: it's responsive and even in the hands, with generous natural sustain and plenty of unplugged volume. The tone is warm and wide with a lovely gooey complexity. You can cover plenty of ground, from rock and blues to jazz or country, this does it all with panache. There's a decent ding on the top, but otherwise, this presents nicely: that rich red looks great with a bit of natural play wear on show. This is a beautiful vintage semi-hollow, you really can't go wrong with these old Yamaha beauties.

Model: Yamaha SA700 Super Axe
Made: Japan, 1978, Nippon Gakki factory
Serial: 002204
Finish: Persimmon Red, gloss poly
Body: laminate birch, semi hollow with centre block, thinline depth
Neck: mahogany, rosewood board, 24.75" scale, 12" radius, generous C shape
Weight: 4.050kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Yamaha A-III PAF-style humbucker x2
Accessories: basic vintage gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has minor scuffs on the ends, sides and front. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor rub wear on the back only. The back has minor dimples around the whole body, as well as some surface scratches in the middle of the body. The sides have dimples in the elbow area, near the knobs and minor scuffs on the bottom horn. The front has a pretty decent dent near the rear strap pin, as well as dimples behind the bridge, around the knobs and in the elbow area, as well as some play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: very good condition (7/10)

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