NBD: 1967 Yamaha SA-70

[wproffitt]

Look what showed up in the mail today from Kanagawa, Japan! It’s a 1967 (I think) Yamaha SA-70. I’ll add more later, but here are some first impressions:
-it’s in remarkably good shape for a 53 year old instrument . It must have sat under someone’s bed for a long time.
-the neck feels great! Just like it’s SA-30t brother (also pictured below)
-the mute apparatus is missing it's foam and a thumb wheel, but these are easy fixes.
-sounds clear and beautiful on the neck pickup, but the bridge pickup seems buzzy and microphonic. Thoughts?

Overall, I’m happy, but any pointers on triaging the bridge pickup would be welcome.

 

[bholder]

So sweet! I'd love a green one.

 

[Oren Hudson]

Too cool! Congrats.

 

[hypercarrots]

yours are in great condition. looks like your sa30t has had its bridge changed.
here's my pair, also in great condition. i have all original knobs, except missing a cap on the sa30t. i'm missing the bridge cover on my sa70.

 

[wproffitt]

yours are in great condition. looks like your sa30t has had its bridge changed.
here's my pair, also in great condition. i have all original knobs, except missing a cap on the sa30t. i'm missing the bridge cover on my sa70.

View attachment 3740241

Thanks!
Is that a speed knob on the tone control of the SA30? I changed my bridge for a Compton. It really adds some zing!
As for the SA70, once I lowered the bridge, it was mostly ready to go. I just need to get the bridge pickup sorted out. Where did you buy yours? There quite rare here in the States.

 

[hypercarrots]

Thanks!
Is that a speed knob on the tone control of the SA30? I changed my bridge for a Compton. It really adds some zing!
As for the SA70, once I lowered the bridge, it was mostly ready to go. I just need to get the bridge pickup sorted out. Where did you buy yours? There quite rare here in the States.

they're all original yamaha knobs. the sa70 is from japan. both of my sa30 were from usa. i've seen a few sa70 for sale here in usa.

 

[Grant Jack]

Look what showed up in the mail today from Kanagawa, Japan! It’s a 1967 (I think) Yamaha SA-70. I’ll add more later, but here are some first impressions:
-it’s in remarkably good shape for a 53 year old instrument . It must have sat under someone’s bed for a long time.
-the neck feels great! Just like it’s SA-30t brother (also pictured below)
-the mute apparatus is missing it's foam and a thumb wheel, but these are easy fixes.
-sounds clear and beautiful on the neck pickup, but the bridge pickup seems buzzy and microphonic. Thoughts?

Overall, I’m happy, but any pointers on triaging the bridge pickup would be welcome.

Newer than 67, the earliest ones have black pickup covers, early 70s with the chrome.