Yamaha SA-50

$1,135.53 Price Tier: Standard

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Page last updated Jun 20, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 20, 2026.

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Price

$1,135.53 10 available Used

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Average Price: $1,136

Standard/Professional

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

In the Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars category, Yamaha SA-50 is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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The Yamaha SA-50 is a classic semi-hollowbody electric guitar that harmoniously blends vintage charm with modern playability. Known for its distinctive dual pickup configuration, this guitar offers a versatile tonal palette suitable for a wide range of musical genres. The semi-hollowbody design delivers a warm, resonant sound, while the solid center block minimizes feedback, making it an ideal choice for both stage and studio settings. The guitar features a sleek neck that provides a comfortable grip, allowing for smooth transitions across the fretboard.

Whether you’re exploring jazz, rock, or blues, the Yamaha SA-50 stands out with its ability to deliver rich, full-bodied tones. The dual humbucking pickups are engineered to capture every nuance of your playing, offering both clarity and depth. Coupled with a sturdy tailpiece and bridge, you can expect reliable tuning stability and sustain. The combination of traditional aesthetics and modern engineering makes this guitar not only a joy to play but also a statement piece in any collection.

Key Features:

Semi-hollowbody design with a solid center block for reduced feedback
Dual humbucking pickups for versatile tonal options
Comfortable neck profile for easy playability
Reliable tailpiece and bridge for stable tuning
Suitable for a range of genres, including jazz, rock, and blues

Product specs

Brand	Yamaha
Model	SA-50 Hollow Body
Finish	Cherry Red, Dark Green, Natural, Sunburst
Year	1967 - 1972
Made In	Japan
Categories	Hollow Body Guitars
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Body Type	Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family	Brown, Green, Natural, Red, Tan
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Neck Construction	Set-Neck
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup Configuration	HH
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed

FAQs

What type of music is the Yamaha SA-50 best suited for?: The Yamaha SA-50 is a versatile semi-hollowbody guitar suitable for genres like jazz, blues, and rock, thanks to its warm, resonant tone and dual humbucker pickups.
Does the Yamaha SA-50 have a tremolo system?: Yes, the Yamaha SA-50 features a tremolo tailpiece, allowing for subtle pitch modulation and vibrato effects.
What is the neck construction of the Yamaha SA-50?: The Yamaha SA-50 has a set-neck construction, which typically provides better sustain and a smoother neck-to-body transition than bolt-on necks.
How many frets does the Yamaha SA-50 have?: The Yamaha SA-50 comes with 22 frets, offering a standard range suitable for most playing styles.
What is the fretboard material of the Yamaha SA-50?: The fretboard of the Yamaha SA-50 is made from rosewood, known for its warm tone and smooth playing surface.

Videos

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Topshelf Instruments

YAMAHA SA-50 HOLLOW BODY 1968 (Sunburst) | Sound Demo

Topshelf Instruments

1967 Yamaha SA 50

wutzdog001guitars

DEMO YAMAHA SA-50 JAPAN 1967 - Guitar Shop Barcelona

Guitar Shop Barcelona

Yamaha SA-50 Hollowbody - 1972

GUITAR GEAR - Strumenti Musicali Dalmine BG

Vintage 1967 Yamaha SA-50 - Full Hollow Body Guitar

The Guitar Dude

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha SA-50.

Setup and maintenance

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Owners note the need for fret replacement, estimating a few hundred dollars in additional costs.
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Frets may contain pins, complicating removal; however, any chip-outs during the process are reportedly easy to fix.
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Stock fret dimensions are identified as .079" width, .040" crown, with tangs at .020" and indentations at .032".
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Fret tang size can vary by year, so checking specific measurements is advised before a refret.
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Features and functionality

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The neck pickup is described as dark, woody, and airy, while the bridge pickup is brighter and more cutting.
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The zero fret is appreciated by players for its contribution to tuning stability and consistent action.
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Comparisons

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The Yamaha SA-50 is noted to sound more hollow compared to a Gibson 335, with better clean tones but less suited for overdrive.
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The SA-5, a predecessor to the SA-50, features slightly smaller pickups and additional binding on the horns and heel, with only around 1,500 units produced.
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User experience

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Owners enjoy the tremolo bar for its fun and engaging playability.
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Collectors of vintage Japanese guitars often regard the SA-50 as a standout piece in their collection, particularly when found in excellent condition.
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Build quality

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The dark green finish is praised for its visual appeal, though difficult to capture accurately in photos.
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Some owners have reported the need for neck binding repairs, indicating potential age-related wear in this area.
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Mods and upgrades

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Dunlop 6105 or Jescar 43080 fret wires are recommended for replacements; Dunlop 6230 closely matches original specs.
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4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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ernesto_valk

352

over 5 years ago

Awesome Oldskool sounds

Lovely oldskool sounds, great build and a real player

Roles:

Guitarist

Genres:

Rock Pop Folk, World, & Country

Artist usage

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Ahmad Dhani

Singer, Guitarist

Dewa 19

Verified via YouTube

Ahmad Dhani is confirmed to use a Yamaha SA-50 guitar, as observed in a video by DJNKY on YouTube, titled "Koleksi Gitar Langka Ahmad Dhani," where Andra is seen observing Dhani’s red Yamaha SA-50 guitar.