This is an SFX 1 which is the top of the range
This range comprises three guitars the 1 the 11 and the 111, they are metal or rock style guitars released as
the signature models of Kyoji Yamamoto who was the leader of the band Bow Wow also known as Vow Wow. Lots of videos on
Youtube for those interested. The guitars are all made in Japan for the domestic market.
There is the usual Yamaha discrepancy with dates, the archives saying they were launched in October 1986, yet they
appear in the Winter 1985 catalogue. They also show in a catalogue described as 1988 new line up suggesting they may
have been available after 1988 despite what the archives say. The specifications below show that the guitars are all
very similar in build extra features on some models.
| SFX 1 | SFX 11 | SFX 111 | |
| Launched | October 1986 | October 1986 | October 1986 |
| Discontinued | 1988 | 1988 | 1988 |
| Launch Price Yen | 110000 | 80000 | 60000 |
| Neck | Maple Set | Mahogany Set | Mahogany Set |
| Scale | 628mm | 628mm | 628mm |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Frets | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| Body | Arched Maple Top Mahogany Back | Arched Basswood | Arched Basswood |
| Hardware | Gold | Gold | Chrome |
| Bridge | Rockin Magic 11 | Rockin Magic 11 | Rockin Magic 11 |
| Pickups | 2 Power Guerilla 1 | 2 Power Guerilla 1 | 2 Power Guerilla 11 |
| Pickup Switches | 3 way selector 2 power boost switches | 3 way selector | 3 way selector |
| Controls | 1 volume 1 tone coil tap | 1 volume 1 tone coil tap | 1 volume 1 tone |
| Colours | Black Pearl, Wine Red, Pearl White | Black Pearl, Pearl White, Red and Black Sunburst | Black, Pearl White, Red and Black Sunburst |
Update April 2022 SFX 1984
World of Musical instruments have recently added the 1984 catalogue in there there is a model just known as the SFX no mention of
a signature model just a limited edition of 180 units. It is black gold bound with gold hardware has an SG type shape but
with extended upper horn like the other SFX but with SG style controls presumably 2 Volume and 2 Tone with a 3 way switch,
possibly coil split. Can find no information anywhere.
Update June 2022 Sergi a friend from Russia frequently sends me pictures of rare guitars. Thanks Sergi. Here are some he sent me of the above guitar.
