Yamaha SA2200 Discontinued ?

[newsense]

According to the US Yamaha site, the SA2200 is listed as discontinued, but the UK site still has it as a current product. Anyone know any better ?

I have always fancied this guitar as a worthy ES335 alternative, but it seems it may not have been popular enough to satisfy Yamaha's accountants.

[John A.]

I think they've been discontinued in the US for a long time. When I was semi-hollow shopping 3 years ago, there were none of these to be found new, and very few used ones. There are a couple on ebay now, but all are in Asia. In fact, their whole hollow and semi-hollow line appears to be discontinued in the US, and come to think of it, I don't think I've seen a Yamaha hollow or semi of any kind in a US store in many years.


John

[339 in june]

At least in Europe, you can see some.
French Yamaha guitar site still mention the SA2200 today
Bireli Lagrène made a CD last year clearly mentionning his use of the SA2200 in the french press at that time.
It seems to be a good guitar, at least on paper, (as I never played one, being happy with my ES339)

[jzucker]

i think they were made in taiwan the last few years of production. I bought a new one about 5 years ago which had a manufacturing defect where the bridge was offset about a 16th to one side causing the strings to be poised at the edge of the fingerboard on the treble side. Hard to believe something like that would get out the door.

[salexander]

They have been discontinued in the states, not sure about elsewhere, BUT can be ordered. I just purchased one from a dealer in New Jersey who ordered three and had them on hand. They all went quickly on ebay. He said they take about 8 weeks if you order them form Yamaha. Price was quite good, much better then all the ones in Japan and Europe. Arrives tomorrow I am really excited.

[feet]

not everyone wants to pay less for a better product. wouldn't touch one that wasn't mij, though. no real reason, i just don't need more guitars.

[zoolion]

I have had mine for about nine years, bought new after a 15 year search for a Gibson 335 I liked and could afford. It is in the top five nicest guitars I have ever played. Sound, fit finish playability, stability, etc all exceed any Gibson I have ever come across. The only guitar that comes close is my Hamer Artist.

[Treading Water]

I picked one up used a couple of months ago.
I had been wanting another 335 (one with a fixed bridge, my previous one had a trapeze) when i found this in my local store.
I had been carrying around a tax return, and paid $1200. I don't know if i overpaid, but i am very happy with the guitar.
It came with a real nice hardshell case, although there is a slight dimple where the guitar jack is mounted.
I haven't compared it side by side with a Gibson, but appreciate the ability to switch to single coils, as i have been playing a telecaster and strat.
It plays so easily with 10's on it that i am considering switching to 11's.

[Boogieman]

Hello everyone. First time posting here.

I have been thinking of getting a SA2200 for quite some time. Used to see them once in a while in local shops but haven't seen one anywhere locally for almost 2 years. Contacted my local Yamaha distributor about its availbility last year, and I was told they no longer import this particular model.

My understanding is that Yamaha is stilling making this model, so I am considering getting one through mail order. I don't fancy buying a guitar (new or used) without first trying it. But if I really want this one, then the options are limited.

One thing I would like to know: Are the current SA2200's all built in Taiwan, instead of Japan?

[Sean65]

I'm shopping for a semi at the moment and have noticed they seem very short of ALL mid priced semi's this in the UK. One dealer has one SA2200.

The Yamaha's appear to be just what's left on the shelves. I think Guild Starfires and D'Angelico DC's might have stollen their thunder at this price point. Although they're slightly cheaper guitars.

Ibanez AS153's seem to be very rare. The AM153's seems to have vanished before they arrived.

The choice is expensive Gibson or cheap Epiphones. Neither of these appeal.

I've got a dealer trying to get me an Ibanez AS153.

Seems kind of odd that it's so tricky to find a few mid priced semi's.

[LtKojak]

I'm shopping for a semi at the moment and have noticed they seem very short of ALL mid priced semi's this in the UK. One dealer has one SA2200.

There are several Yamaha SAs for sale on e-bay uk as I type this, I've just looked.

Did you look?

http://www.mercatinomusicale.com/mm/...-obprezzo.html

Eleven hits for SA 2200s, from which three used in my neck of woods in this site alone. And if you don't care about the brand, there are over a thousand for sale.

If you're looking for a mid-priced semi, I don't think you properly did your due diligence, Sean.

[Sean65]

There are several Yamaha SAs for sale on e-bay uk as I type this, I've just looked.

Did you look?

http://www.mercatinomusicale.com/mm/...-obprezzo.html

Eleven hits for SA 2200s, from which three used in my neck of woods in this site alone. And if you don't care about the brand, there are over a thousand for sale.

If you're looking for a mid-priced semi, I don't think you properly did your due diligence, Sean.

LOL, I don't buy guitars on ebay. Call me old fashion and improper in my due diligence if you like but I still prefer to go to a shop and play a guitar before I buy. Unless of course I'm familiar with the guitar and the dealer then I'm happy to buy on line.

If I've missed 'a shop' where I can play a few mid priced semi's side by side then please point me in the right direction if your diligent searches flag up any suitable dealers.

[Soco]

If Yamaha had more Japanese made versions of their semi hollows, including a smaller 336-style that seems to be only available in Asia, on the market in the U.SI, think they would do very well.
Same goes for Ibanez. Why not re-introduce the as 200, the Scofield signature model who is based on this is not as good as the old one from the early 80's. Right now 335-style and 336-style(smaller) guitars are really popular, both Yamaha and Ibanez should take advantage of than and be on the market with more than just Chinese made cheepo's.

[salexander]

I just received mine a few days ago. Clear "Made in Japan" label.

[salexander]

looks like a good lightly used
one on ebay right now

[Frog'n'Roll]

Hi, first post to the forum. I am also in the UK, maybe the Yamaha SA is one of the only semi hollows here apart from the Gibsons and Epiphones because Yamaha are using the same distributors for their other mass produced equipment. Also, it might sell more because it has the edge over other semis.

I bought mine new 3 years ago (Chappell's, Yamaha dealer) and it's a stellar guitar in all respects: playability, sound, looks & finish (except the cheap jack input and switch - shame for a guitar of that league but cheap to replace). I compared it to Gibson, Ibanez and Tokai at the time and that was the one for me. Still in love with the guitar today. I wasn't impressed by the Gibsons (QC), Ibanez and Tokai were very similar in quality but not as special as the SA to me anyway.

FYI the current days Yamaha SA2200 is definitely MIJ. The thing with MIJ & MIK Yammies is that consistency is usually one of the best so you can buy safely 'unseen' new or used providing it hasn't been abused. I also played a 90's MIK SA700 since and playability was very close (setup wasn't great though). In that respect eBay shouldn't be a problem, the SA2200 tends to depreciate a lot from new so they can be had for a good price and pop up quite regularly. Also the old SA2000 are said to be even nicer but pricey (solid top).

[West LA Jazz]

I asked this on another thread.
-----------------------------------------------
Anyone know?

Are the SA 2200s that listed as "new", are they just left overs since the guitar has allegedly been discontinued or are they making them and not just selling in the USA?

This store in NJ has a quote "pristine" used SA 2200 for $5995!! That's insane considering, they're still selling new ones in Europe $1800 or on eBay for $2017.

Yamaha Guitars - SA2200 - Semi Hollow Classic Double Cutaway - Hammond Organ World

• Thanks!

[kjatexas]

I bought an SA2200 about three years ago. Searched the US, after finding out it was discontinued for sale in the US, hoping to find one still in stock somewhere. Had no luck. It still. however, was being sold outside the US, at that time. An international search turned up one in the UK and one in Australia. I bought the one in the UK. This is without a doubt an exceptional guitar. I have yet to play a 335 that sounds as good. Just be aware, that if you are a US citizen, and buy one outside the US, Yamaha will not warranty the guitar. Parts are available however. The only problem that I have had, is I have had to replace the three way toggle switch twice. I use mostly the neck pickup, and leave the switch in that position for long periods. Eventually, if I move the switch to the middle or bridge pickup position, the pickups will not work. A good electrical cleaning seems to remedy the problem. However, if it happens again, I am going to replace the three way with a Switchcraft. Yamaha should make this guitar available in the US again, but perhaps, they cannot compete with Gibson.

[kjatexas]

Got mine from Fret's. They did a great job of packing the guitar for international shipment to the US. Mine was a violin sunburst. Quite beautiful.

[Fusionshred]

Just got a new one not that long ago (this summer) from Riff City Guitar Outlet. It was brand new in a Yamaha box. Labeled "Made in Japan" and one of the best guitars I've ever owned. So I guess they are still available but perhaps more difficult for dealers to get. It didn't come with a case but arrived safely and was placed securely in a Reunion Blues Continental gig bag anyway.

[West LA Jazz]

I feel good! I'm in a fellowship of sorts. It is indeed a very very good guitar.

You can purchase this here also. I could CALL the store first before continuing an email correspondence. Check your local time difference. I kept getting it wrong.

https://www.musicstore.de/en_OE/EUR/...GIT0000691-001

https://www.musicstore.de/en_OE/EUR/...GIT0000691-002

[Jabberwocky]

Try Japan. ~$1525 new. $120 to $150 Japan Post EMS.

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