There are two distinct domestic releases of the 900 range both designated as Session 11. 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 as well as many that are made in Japan.
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. but these are almost certainly
the same guitars as the western release below and have the same specs. they certainly have the same trem units
the same nuts, pickup controls and colours.
Second Release
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 two guitars. From what I can see they seem to have the similar specs to the
903p and 912p but the bridges are different they seem to be hardtail, can't tell for sure also the headstock layouts
are different.
Western release 903A and 912A
Released in the west 1988 they are not in the first 1988 catalogue but are in the second
Specifications
Body Alder Laminated with exotic woods
Neck Satin finished Maple
Fretboard Rosewood 22 frets 350mm radius 648mm scale
Headstock Matching Yamaha in large white letters model number in smaller white letters
Tuners Sealed Diecast
Pickups Power focus active 903 is SSS 912 SSH
Controls Drive spectrum control system 1 Volume 1 Tone 1 Mid boost 5 way selector coil tap on the 912
Nut 41mm Roller
Hardware Gold
Bridge Vintage Deluxe
Pickguard Black ply
Colours Cherry Sunburst and Navy Blue Sunburst
Years available 1988 and possibly 1989
