Bill Alston

The 1200 range



An SE1212a

This is the very top of the SE range and comprises 5 models. The 1203 the 1212 and the 1220 all launched in 1987 and the 1203a and 1212a launched in 1988.
The 1987 models are all essentially the same guitar with different pickup options as indicated by the model numbers SSS,SSH and HH respectively.
Similarly the two 1988 guitars are the same except for the pickup configuration SSS and SSH respectively.
The only launch price information I have is that the 1212a launched at 1039USD. It is believed that these models were produced up until 1989. The country of manufacture seems to be Japan but I have not seen absolute proof of this yet but I have seen a 1203 with Made in Taiwan stamped on it, so it could be that like the SA1100 and others these were made in more than one place.

1987 Models




Body
Alder

Neck
3 ply Maple and Mahogany through necks

Fretboard
Bound Ebony 22 frets

Bridge
Rockin Magic 11 locking

Electronics
2 Tone 1 Volume with 5 way switching (3 way on the 1220) with mini switch coil tap

Colours
Metallic Black, Candy Apple Red, Purple or Cream White Matching Headstocks

Hardware
Gold

Scale
648mm

Nut Width
41mm

Radius
13.75





Nice 1220 in Purple

1988 Models




Body
Alder

Neck
5 ply Maple and Mahogany through necks

Fretboard
Bound Ebony 22 frets

Bridge
Rockin Magic Pro with height adjustment

Electronics
Drive spectrum system 2 Tone 1 Volume with 5 way switching power focus active pickups with mid boost and noiseless mini switch coil splitting

Colours
Metallic Black, Candy Apple Red, Purple, Silver Pearl or Cream White matching headstocks

Hardware
Gold

Scale
648mm

Nut
41mm Locking with height adjustment

Radius
13.75




The headstock patterns vary between models and I have yet to find a pattern some have Yamaha in large letters and some in small letters
 

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