1985 Yamaha SFX-III Pearl White MIJ

A rare 1985 Yamaha SFX-III in Pearl White, built in Japan and loaded with Yamaha’s original Power Guerrilla-II humbuckers and Rockin’ Magic II locking tremolo system.

The SFX series was Yamaha’s mid-1980s answer to the high-performance electric guitar boom, combining a compact carved Superstrat-style body with set-neck construction, 24 frets, dual humbuckers and a fully locking tremolo system.

Yamaha’s 1985 catalog lists the SFX-III at ¥60,000 and specifically shows Pearl White as a factory finish.

Factory specifications include:

• Basswood body
• Mahogany set neck
• Rosewood fingerboard
• 24 frets
• 628mm / approximately 24.75" scale length
• Dual Yamaha Power Guerrilla-II humbuckers
• Master volume
• Master tone
• 3-way pickup selector
• Yamaha Rockin’ Magic II locking tremolo
• Locking nut
• Chrome hardware
• Pearl White finish
• Made in Japan

Those specifications are also documented from a period Yamaha catalog reference for the SFX-I, II and III lineup. The SFX-III was the more stripped-down version of the family, using the Power Guerrilla-II pickups and chrome hardware rather than some of the extra switching and upgraded appointments found on the higher SFX-I and SFX-II models.

This guitar still retains the distinctive original Power Guerrilla-II pickups. These unusual rail-style humbuckers are a big part of the SFX-III’s identity and are often missing or replaced on surviving examples.

It also retains the original Yamaha Rockin’ Magic II tremolo system, including the locking hardware at the nut.

This guitar has just been cleaned, restrung and set up.

Overall condition is Very Good. There are normal scratches, small chips, light dents and general cosmetic wear consistent with a roughly 40-year-old guitar, but it presents very nicely overall. The Pearl White finish has aged to an attractive warm cream color.

The frets show moderate but very usable wear. I would rate them approximately 8.4/10, with plenty of life remaining.

Serial number 660442 is stamped on the rear of the headstock along with “Made in Japan.”

Case: Soft

Scale Length: 24.75“

Nut Width: 1.6“

Fret Wear: 8.4/10

Action at 12F (6th): .08“

Action at 12F (1st): .06“

Weight: 8lbs 10oz

Overall Condition: 8.6/10

Cool Factor: 11 out of 10

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Internal Use (Bin) - I1