1970s Yamaha L-5 (Early Model)

The Yamaha L-5 is one of the earliest models from Yamaha’s flagship L (Luxury) Series, launched in the early 1970s to showcase the brand’s highest level of acoustic craftsmanship. Built entirely in Japan during Yamaha’s golden era, this early L-5 reflects the attention to detail, tone, and build quality that made the L-series legendary.

This model features a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides, delivering a warm, articulate tone with balanced projection. The gloss finish has aged gracefully into a beautiful vintage amber hue, a natural patina only possible through decades of careful use – giving the guitar a rich, golden character both sonically and visually.

Classic early L-series appointments include a rosewood fingerboard with split-diamond inlays, Yamaha’s split-saddle bridge design, vintage-style tuners, and cream binding along the body and neck. The neck is straight, and the action is set at approximately 2.5mm on the low E / 2.0mm on the high E at the 12th fret – offering comfortable playability for most players.

This example is in good vintage condition, showing expected cosmetic wear (surface scratches, lacquer checking, small dings – see photos), but with no cracks, breaks, or structural repairs. The frets and fingerboard have been cleaned and polished.

⚠️ A pickup was previously installed and has since been removed; the endpin jack remains, offering an easy option for future pickup installation if desired.

🪵 Features

• Year: Early to mid 1970s

• Series: Yamaha L-Series (early model)

• Top: Solid spruce

• Back & sides: Mahogany (laminate)

• Neck: Nato

• Fingerboard: Rosewood with split-diamond inlays

• Bridge: Rosewood (split saddle)

• Pickguard: Tortoiseshell-style

• Binding: Cream (body & neck)

• Finish: Natural gloss, aged to amber

• Scale length: ~650mm

• Nut width: ~43mm

• Label: Beige Nippon Gakki

• Made in Japan

✅ Condition

• Good vintage condition with visible playwear and natural lacquer checking

• No cracks or structural repairs

• Frets and fingerboard cleaned and polished

• Straight neck with healthy frets

• Setup: Approx. 2.5mm (Low E) / 2.0mm (High E) @ 12th fret

• Naturally aged amber finish on the top

• Previously installed pickup removed; jack hole remains at endpin

🎁 Includes

• Vintage hard case (well-fitted and protective)

🎼 Why this guitar?

This early Yamaha L-5 is a fantastic piece of vintage Japanese guitar history. As one of the first entries in the L-Series, it reflects the craftsmanship and tone that defined Yamaha’s golden acoustic era. The solid top, warm voice, and naturally aged beauty make it equally desirable as a player’s instrument and collectible piece.

Ready to play, record, or admire – this L-5 is a stunning example of early MIJ excellence.

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