Yamaha SA2000

[BenVir97]

Hey!

I have a question. I found a vintage 1980s Yamaha SA2000, japanese made semi-hollow guitar, but it has been heavily moded.

Pros:
-It has Schaller pickups, and tuning pegs, and also some extra swiches for paralel and series on the neck humbucker.
Cons:
-It had a Bigsby on it, so there are 6 screws drilled in the guitar. Also there is an other whole underneath the pickguard, probably a place for another switch.

The owner told me, that this guitar had belonged to Gordon Giltrap at some point in the 80s, and he was probably trying to put some sort of midi system in the guitar, but hasn't finished the project. (He has no proof of this whatsoever, so I dont really belive it, but I also don't care, I just want a good instrument.)
The guitar is in nice condition, and I like the Schaller stuff, but I'm really not happy about the screws and the holes in the top. I'm afraid, that if someone messes with the top of a guitar, and puts holes in it, it will effect the tone.
Also, he is asking for 1400 euros with the original case, what seems quite a lot for a guitar with holes drilled in it.
I've included some pictures the owner sent me.

How much would you pay for this instrument?

Thanks for the help,
Ben

[citizenk74]

Hey!

I have a question. I found a vintage 1980s Yamaha SA2000, japanese made semi-hollow guitar, but it has been heavily moded.

Pros:
-It has Schaller pickups, and tuning pegs, and also some extra swiches for paralel and series on the neck humbucker.
Cons:
-It had a Bigsby on it, so there are 6 screws drilled in the guitar. Also there is an other whole underneath the pickguard, probably a place for another switch.

The owner told me, that this guitar had belonged to Gordon Giltrap at some point in the 80s, and he was probably trying to put some sort of midi system in the guitar, but hasn't finished the project. (He has no proof of this whatsoever, so I dont really belive it, but I also don't care, I just want a good instrument.)
The guitar is in nice condition, and I like the Schaller stuff, but I'm really not happy about the screws and the holes in the top. I'm afraid, that if someone messes with the top of a guitar, and puts holes in it, it will effect the tone.
Also, he is asking for 1400 euros with the original case, what seems quite a lot for a guitar with holes drilled in it.
I've included some pictures the owner sent me.

How much would you pay for this instrument?

Thanks for the help,
Ben

I know nothing of market value, but that is one nice-looking, and undoubtedly good- sounding "player's grade" guitar. Are the frets OK?

[2bornot2bop]

It’s already been discounted for the holes don’t you think? An SA 2000 here sells for $2200 and more. I don’t get your complaints one bit. Just my opinion. What’s a perfect new one sell for over there? And how often do these even come up for sale? Besides the pick guard aren’t the holes plugged?

[BenVir97]

I don't know the current market value of this guitar, that why I was asking you lovely folks about it. Complaining and being concerned is a different thing.
If you put holes in a guitar, which are not ment to be there, you are altering the texture of the wood. No matter if its done professionally, or in a shed by some bozo, it can affect the tone.
The acoustic quality, and the resonance of the wood is can damaged. Especially the top man... Thats why some companies do a laminate back and sides guitar with a carved top. Because the top is very important. Its where the vibration of the strings are transfered to the chambers of the guitar.
Anyway i'm not trying to be all whiny here, I was just curious, about your opinions.

[Jimmy blue note]

Those are GREAT guitars. Period. But I agree, if it's important for you to have a pristine specimen of the SA 2000, then this is not for you. Don't get it.
No, it's not going to effect the sound of the instrument in any way, shape of form. And as a player, the absence of a quarter gram of wood is not something that will change the music that comes out of that guitar. But you do seem to be bothered. Don't buy it, and put this guitar out of your mind. Someone who wants the guitar for its qualities will be a much better match.
For that money, you can find a pristine Ibanez new, out of the box, never even been sweated on or not one bad note ever played on it.
That's a good match.
Don't ignore your misgivings or reservations, do get something you can buy with total satisfaction.

There's a chance somebody else will buy it, play the hell out of it, make great music and it'll look a lot worse when they're finished with it. That is a destiny a guitar like that deserves.
Best wishes for a guitar that meets your dreams.

[feet]

it's ply. the bigsby holes won't make a bit of difference, especially on the sides. the other open holes and flippy switches might not either, though i don't really care for that stuff. if you can find a use for the switches, great. i couldn't possibly care less who owned it before either, as there's no proof and and i'm sure that makes a difference either way as far as the price goes.

if i were so inclined, i'd rip out the superfluous switches, consider getting them patched and offer what i felt was fair for all the swiss cheese. i'm in the states so i couldn't say, but see if they'll take a few hundred f's of? can't have too many f's these days.

[JaxJaxon]

I would not go over $800 for it. But I am not a big fan of that style of guitar or Lp.