An SJ800 The case is dated 1980
The Superjam range or SJs were launched in 1979 and comprised several models. They are another Yamaha
Fender type but in this case looks like a sort of Telecaster Stratocaster combination. The domestic models
ceased around 1984 and the European models around 1988. In some cases the headstock shows Superjam and in some cases SJ. I
can't at the moment see a pattern to which ones say SJ and which Superjam possibly it's to do with when they were made.
Some sources say that these were all made in Taiwan but this isn't true. I have seen several that were made in Japan, but none that
have made in Taiwan on them. As always with Yamaha it is likely they were made in both countries.
Update July 2017
A member of the Yamaha forum has posted that he has a red SJ550 with Made in Taiwan stamped on it. Can we find an MIJ 550?
Update May 2020
I have now seen several SJ550s Made in Japan so as so often Yamaha made this model in both Japan and Taiwan
These comprise of 6 models 500, 600SM, 600SR, 700HM, 700HR and the 800. The M and R are just Maple or Rosewood boards otherwise
the same model.
| 500 | 600 SM and SR | 700 HM and HR | 800 | |
| Available | from Dec 1978 to 1983 | 1984 only | 1984 only | from Dec 1978 to 1983 |
| Release price in yen | 50,000 | 60,000 | 70,000 | 80,000 |
| Body | Alder Maple Top | Alder | Alder | Alder Maple Top |
| Neck | Maple Bolt On 25.5" scale 13.75" radius | Maple Bolt On 25.5" scale 13.75" radius | Maple Bolt On 25.5" scale 13.75" radius | Maple Bolt On 25.5" scale 13.75" radius |
| Board | Maple 21 Fret Strat Style
2 string trees |
Maple SM Rosewood SR 21 Fret Strat Style 1 string tree | Maple HM Rosewood HR 21 Fret Strat Style 1 string tree | Maple 21 Fret Strat Style
2 string trees |
| Pickups | 1 G111 HB and 1 J1 single coil | 2 Single coils | 2 Spinex HBs | 1 G11 HB and 1 J1 single coil |
| Controls | 1 volume, 1 Tone, 3 way selector no coil tap | 1 volume, 1 Tone, 3 way selector | 1 volume, 1 Tone, 3 way selector coil tap | 1 volume, 1 Tone, 3 way selector coil tap by push button |
| Weight | 3.8kgs | 3.4kgs | 3.4kgs | 3.8kgs |
| Available Colours | Persimmon Red, Black or Natural | Black, White or Candy Tone Red | Black, Brown burst or Candy tone red | Oil Stain or Yellow Natural |
In the 1983 English catalogue the 550 HR and HM are launched again the M and R just signify Maple or Rosewood boards.
These also appear in the 1985 and 1987 catalogues but are discontinued by 1988.
Specs
These are similar to the rest of the range in radius, frets, scale length etc. See update June 2025 below
Body Alder with Birch Top
Neck Maple Strat style one string tree Maple board on the HM and Rosewood on the HR
Pickups are said in several sources to be Spinex but they are not referred to as Spinex in the catalogues
Controls 3 way selector, 1 volume 1 tone with push pull for the coil split.
Available in Candy Apple Red, Black Cherry, Orange Sunburst or Black Pearl. I have also seen a white one which doesn't look
refinished but the colour isn't mentioned anywhere.
Update June 2025
Peter Kachler from Germany has info which suggests that there are differences between the HR and HM other than the board. He owns
both models and tells me that the HM has a 7.5" radius and the HR something like a 12" radius (he can't quite get an accurate measure
on that one but it is around that) some other differences he has are in his words:
The thickness of the necks is also a bit different. Probably due to the different radius. The HM is a bit fuller.
SJ550HR nut width 41.5mm at 12th fret 51.7mm Thickness at 1st fret 20.6mm at 12th Fret 22.8mm
SJ550HM nut width 41.7mm at 12th fret 52.0mm Thickness at 1st fret 21.6mm at 12th Fret 23.2mm
The weight is quite similar (HR: 3.61kg, HM: 3.54kg).
On more difference is the location of the bridge. It varies by about 5mm, so the distance from the saddle (intonated correctly)
to the bridge pickup (or the distance from the last fret to the pickup) is different.
I don't see a reason for this, so I would guess this is an inaccuracy during manufacturing (maybe the routing template was placed by hand?).
These guitars by serial number and pickup dates are made within 3 months of each other, both in Japan
Fairly sure no relevant modifications the Maple neck is one piece anyway so no new board
So question is are these model differences or are there other variations say some HRs are different to other HRs etc.
Anyone know? or own one to measure. Also why? Yamaha just doesn't normally do 7.5" radius (only the Mike Stern comes to mind)
if it was a feature you would have thought it would be mentioned in the catalogues.
Peter has kindly provided in depth pictures here are some of them
This model isn't mentioned anywhere and I can only assume that it is an export version of the 500. It differs from the 550
in having no pickguard and the one I have pictures of has a Rosewood board instead of Maple. It is certainly made in Japan,
Pictures below.
Any additional information on this model or any others would be much appreciated.
Update May 2020
Have seen a black SJ 500EX for sale on a Russian site serial number 099706 made in Japan that serial number
would indicate 2009 but that's impossible of course. Some details from the sale
Body Maple and Alder
Neck Bolt on Maple with Rosewood board 22 frets
SH Pickup configuration with 1 volume 1 tone and 3 way switch no mention of coil tap
Yamaha Branded Diecast tuners
Manufactured 1980 to 1990
As always sales info should not be taken as gospel but in this case it's all we have.
Update June 2024
Michael61 from Tokyo has sent me quite a lot of information including this advert from a 1983 Japanese magazine
Update February 2025
Andy Hood has sent me some details of a most singular guitar he bought it is an SJ550HR Made in Japan but it is an HSS
configuration. All looks to be original and I can find nothing else like it. If anyone knows anything let me know.
Some pictures
