Yamaha SB5A Flying Samurai Bass Sunburst 1967
Yamaha SB5A, sunburst, made in Japan 1967. The 'Flying Samurai' was a Yamaha original shape that debuted in 1967; they were made for five or so years before disappearing into obscurity for several decades. The bass in the line came in two versions, this one was the higher-end version with two pickups instead of one. It's a medium scale with a moderately slim neck, and the odd body shape balances remarkably well... it feels great. The pickups are good quality and produce a thumpy, round tone with nice but of snarl on the top. The neck pickup is full and fat, while the bridge adds aggressive mids and plenty of bite. The frets and finish are in excellent shape for an instrument this old, it's quite remarkable. The shape is truly fantastic, and with all the quirky hardware and that classic burst finish, this looks like a million bucks. I'm a big sucker for these, because heck: it rules.
Model: Yamaha SB5A
Made: 1967, Japan (serial 5781)
Finish: sunburst, gloss poly
Body: nato (not verified)
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 32" scale, 12" radius, 42mm nut, moderate C shape
Mods: new bone nut installed
Weight: 3.985kg
Pickups: Yamaha single coil x2
Case: basic non original gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some scuffs and dimples on the end and bottom edges, as well as some chips on the front on the edges, nothing nasty. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back. The back has widespread minor dimples around the whole body but no major marks. The sides have minor dimples around the whole body, most notably in the elbow area, but again, nothing nasty. The front has some a couple of minor chips in the elbow area, dimples around the bridge and around the edges and some play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: very good condition (8/10).
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. The frets have minor wear only, 9/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 45/105 Moonshiners strings.
Original: $982.48
-65%$982.48
$343.87
Description
Yamaha SB5A, sunburst, made in Japan 1967. The 'Flying Samurai' was a Yamaha original shape that debuted in 1967; they were made for five or so years before disappearing into obscurity for several decades. The bass in the line came in two versions, this one was the higher-end version with two pickups instead of one. It's a medium scale with a moderately slim neck, and the odd body shape balances remarkably well... it feels great. The pickups are good quality and produce a thumpy, round tone with nice but of snarl on the top. The neck pickup is full and fat, while the bridge adds aggressive mids and plenty of bite. The frets and finish are in excellent shape for an instrument this old, it's quite remarkable. The shape is truly fantastic, and with all the quirky hardware and that classic burst finish, this looks like a million bucks. I'm a big sucker for these, because heck: it rules.
Model: Yamaha SB5A
Made: 1967, Japan (serial 5781)
Finish: sunburst, gloss poly
Body: nato (not verified)
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 32" scale, 12" radius, 42mm nut, moderate C shape
Mods: new bone nut installed
Weight: 3.985kg
Pickups: Yamaha single coil x2
Case: basic non original gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some scuffs and dimples on the end and bottom edges, as well as some chips on the front on the edges, nothing nasty. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back. The back has widespread minor dimples around the whole body but no major marks. The sides have minor dimples around the whole body, most notably in the elbow area, but again, nothing nasty. The front has some a couple of minor chips in the elbow area, dimples around the bridge and around the edges and some play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: very good condition (8/10).
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. The frets have minor wear only, 9/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 45/105 Moonshiners strings.
