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Average Price: $769

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Description

Discover the harmonious blend of vintage charm and modern craftsmanship with the Yamaha SA-15. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar is a testament to Yamaha's dedication to quality and musical artistry. Designed for musicians who crave rich, resonant tones and a comfortable playing experience, the SA-15 is a versatile instrument that fits seamlessly into any genre, from jazz to rock.

The SA-15 boasts a distinctive dual pickup configuration, delivering a warm, full-bodied sound with exceptional clarity and sustain. Its semi-hollowbody design not only enhances tonal depth but also reduces weight, making it ideal for long performances or studio sessions. The guitar's elegant finish and classic aesthetic are complemented by a meticulously crafted neck, ensuring effortless playability and a smooth, responsive feel.

Whether you're strumming soulful chords or unleashing fiery solos, the Yamaha SA-15 offers the perfect balance of tradition and innovation. Its attention to detail and superior build quality make it a cherished addition to any guitarist's collection.

Key Features:

  • Dual pickup configuration for versatile sound options
  • Semi-hollowbody design for enhanced resonance and reduced weight
  • Comfortable neck profile for easy playability
  • Classic aesthetic with a high-quality finish
  • Suitable for a variety of musical genres

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model SA-15 D Hollow Body
Finish Black, Maroon, Sunburst
Year 1968 - 1972
Made In Japan
Categories Hollow Body Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Black, Brown, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Yamaha SA-15 best suited for?

The Yamaha SA-15's semi-hollow body and dual humbucker pickups make it ideal for jazz, blues, and classic rock, offering a warm, resonant tone with reduced feedback.

How does the tremolo tailpiece on the Yamaha SA-15 affect playability?

The tremolo tailpiece allows for subtle pitch variations and vibrato effects, enhancing expressive playing styles without significantly affecting tuning stability when used moderately.

Is the Yamaha SA-15 suitable for beginners?

While the Yamaha SA-15 offers rich tonal qualities appreciated by experienced players, its comfortable double cutaway design and bolt-on neck make it accessible for beginners seeking a versatile instrument.

What is the neck profile like on the Yamaha SA-15?

The Yamaha SA-15 features a comfortable, slim neck profile that facilitates easy fretting and smooth playability, suitable for a wide range of hand sizes.

Does the Yamaha SA-15 handle high-gain settings well?

The semi-hollow body design of the Yamaha SA-15 may produce feedback at high-gain settings, making it less ideal for heavily distorted tones compared to solid-body guitars.

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Video thumbnail for Yamaha | Classic Electric Guitars Part One: The Innovation Road by Yamaha Guitars

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Yamaha Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha SA-15.

Setup and maintenance

  • The bridge setup on some SA-15s may be unintentionally flipped, affecting intonation, requiring specialized adjustments for optimal playability.

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  • Original frets on the SA-15D have a width of .079", crown of .040", and tang of .020", with some frets possibly pinned in place.

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  • Jescar 43080 fret wire is recommended for those seeking more height while maintaining original width during refret.

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  • Owners have experienced minor chip outs during refret due to bindings, but these are reportedly easy to fix.

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  • Clean any tape residue before attempting repairs to ensure a clean and effective bonding process.

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Features and functionality

  • The SA-15's plastic saddles contribute to its unique playability, which some owners find appealing despite the unconventional feel.

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User experience

  • A reverse-placed bridge pickup can provide unexpected tonal qualities that some players appreciate, suggesting a willingness to embrace quirks in vintage models.

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Build quality

  • The pickguard material can be repaired by using ABS plastic and acetone to create a paste, then polished for a seamless finish.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Consider replacing the broken pickguard with a custom one made from cut-up LPs or thin aluminum for a unique look.

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Critic Reviews

Salute to the Ventures: the 1968 Yamaha SA-15 | MyRareGuitars.com

myrareguitars.com

While the Yamaha SA-15 boasts a cool, distinctive design reminiscent of the Ventures, its thinline body and P-90 pickups may not appeal to everyone. The review reflects nostalgia for the brand's legacy but reveals the author's personal disdain for semi-acoustic guitars. Despite its decent sound and solid construction, the SA-15 fails to impress those who prefer more traditional styles. If you're a fan of the Ventures, this might be a charming choice, but it won't win over skeptics of the thinline genre.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Link Wray uses Yamaha SA-15

Link Wray

Singer, Guitarist

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Verified via Photo

In a photo from the 1960s, Link Wray is seen playing a Yamaha SA-15 semi-hollowbody electric guitar.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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