Bill Alston
900 models
An SE 912a in Cherry Sunburst Courtesy of Buzzard
If you dont know who Buzzard is check out the Yamaha Forum
There are two distinct releases of the 900 range all designated as Session 11. Reasonably certain that most
models are made in Japan and are almost on a par with the 1200 series. Again though I have seen 903a and 912a models that are made in Taiwan.
First Release
This occurs in Japan in 1987 in two stages according to the Archives all models released at 90,000 yen.
In July 1987 there is a release of a 903p (SSS) and a 912p (SSH)these are referred to as Traditional Custom models.
We can tell some details from the numbers and a scan of the 1987 Japanese catalogue.
They are non locking trem. (indicated by the p) versions released in Cherry Sunburst and Navy Blue Sunburst.
They have roller nuts and traditional type trem unit.
In October 1987 two further models are released these are the 903j and the 912j obviously these are SSS and SSH models respectively.
What the j stands for I can't find but there are other session 11 models that have a j at the end. I have no further details.
The archives give no specs at all for these four guitars. I have no virtually no helpful images and any would be appreciated.
The only image I have of this release
Second release 903A and 912A
Released in the west I think in 1989 but any confirmation would be appreciated. I have a catalogue scans which are not dated
but I know they are not the 1987 or 88 catalogue unless there was a second issue in either of those years and would not
be earlier. I have not found anyone who has a full copy of the 1989 catalogue though, anyone out there?
Update June 2017
I now have a second edition 1988 catalogue and the 903A (SSS) and 912A (HSS) feature in it as SEs. So 1988 is the launch year.
Details now updated are:
Body Alder laminated with "exotic woods"
Neck Maple with a Satin finish
Board Rosewood 22 Frets, 350mm radius
Scale 648mm (25.5")
Nut Roller with height adjustment
Trem Vintage deluxe 2 point
Pickups Power focus active pickups
Controls Drive spectrum active control system, 1 volume, Master Tone and Midboost with electronic coil splitting.
Hardware Gold
Colours Cherry Sunburst and Navy Blue Sunburst
The insides of a 912a courtesy of Buzzard
Scan of the late 1988 catalogue