The Yamaha SA60 and 90


This is an extract from the 1974 catalogue can't imagine why they would recommend different strings

In 1973 two new models were launched the SA60 and SA90 these were a departure from the earlier models and started to look a little more like the modern SA guitars but with the old shape. Gone were the three controls of previous models in favour of the 2 Volume and 2 Controls seen in the modern SAs.
These were now semi hollow guitars instead of plastic baffles behind the F holes we have the typical semi hollow body with a full center block of wood. There were new sealed tuners in the style of Grover imperials, full size humbuckers and a different headstock design. The OHSC was changed to the more familiar modern style The 2 guitars didn't differ much in specs see below. The 60 was launched at ¥65,000 the 90 at ¥95,000

Model SA60 SA90
Body Bound Maple semi hollow with F holes Bound Maple semi hollow with F holes*
Neck Set Maple bound Set Maple bound
Fretboard Rosewood 22 Frets 13.75" radius no 0 fret thin shell block markers Ebony 22 frets 13.75" radius no 0 fret thick Pearl chevron markers
Headstock see pictures plastic truss rod cover with Yamaha written on Tuning fork logo black on Sunburst Matching on Natural see pictures plastic truss rod cover with Yamaha written on Tuning fork logo black on Sunburst Matching on Natural
Tuners Yamaha branded Grover style sealed marked made in Japan Chrome Yamaha branded Grover style sealed marked made in Japan Chrome Gold
Pickups 2 Humbuckers said to be new powerful 2 Humbuckers said to be new powerful
Control 2 volume 2 tone 3 way no coil split 2 Volume 2 Tone 3 way no coil split
Pickguard Small 5 ply sort of dark pearl see pictures Small 5 ply sort of dark pearl see pictures
Bridge Tune o Matic style with plastic saddles a trapeze style tailpiece with leather infill Tune o Matic style with plastic saddles a trapeze style tailpiece with leather infill
Weight 3.8kgs 3.8kgs
Colours Sunburst or Natural Sunburst or Natural

* The binding on the 90 is more elaborate than on the 60.

Some pictures

First the SA60





Now the 90


Note the binding
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