1970s Yamaha L-5 (Early Version)
Made in Japan | Solid Top | L (Luxury) Series | Hard Case | Vintage
£740.00
The Yamaha L-5 is a respected early model from Yamaha’s flagship L (Luxury) Series, produced in Japan during the 1970s as part of the brand’s pursuit of high-end acoustic craftsmanship. Known for its solid build quality, refined detailing, and musical, balanced response, the L-5 represents Yamaha’s true golden-era acoustic design. Early-version examples like this are increasingly rare and sought after by both players and collectors.
This example features a solid spruce top paired with beautifully grained rosewood back and sides. The wood grain on the back and sides is particularly attractive, with clear, well-defined figuring that adds both visual character and vintage appeal. Tonally, it delivers a warm, articulate response with balanced projection and a strong, focused midrange, making it equally suitable for fingerstyle and strumming.
Classic L-series appointments include a rosewood fingerboard with elegant inlays, a rosewood bridge, vintage-style tuners, and cream binding on both the body and neck.
🪵 Features
Year: 1970s (Early Version)
Series: Yamaha L (Luxury) Series
Top: Solid spruce
Back & Sides: Rosewood – beautifully figured grain
Neck: Nato
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Bridge: Rosewood
Saddle: Bone (upgraded)
Bridge Pins: Bone (upgraded)
Binding: Cream (body & neck)
Finish: Natural gloss
Scale Length: ~650mm
Nut Width: ~43mm
Label: Made in Japan (MIJ)
Setup / Action: ~2.75mm (Low E) / 1.75mm (High E) @ 12th fret
✅ Condition
Good vintage condition with light, honest cosmetic wear consistent with age
No cracks or structural repairs
Frets and fingerboard cleaned and polished
Straight neck with healthy frets
Fully set up and ready to play
🎁 Includes
Hard case (well-fitted and protective)
🎼 Why this guitar?
Rare early-version Yamaha L-5 from the 1970s
Solid spruce top with beautifully grained rosewood back and sides
Tasteful bone saddle and bridge pin upgrades for improved clarity and sustain
Classic L-series appointments and vintage amber finish
A collectible yet highly playable MIJ acoustic with strong visual and musical character
🔑 Hashtags / Keywords #YamahaL5 #YamahaLSeries #VintageYamaha #MadeInJapan #MIJ #SolidTop #RosewoodBackAndSides #1970sGuitar #EarlyVersion #JapaneseVintageGuitar #RooftopMusicUK
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Default service (UK): Royal Mail Tracked 48 (standard 2–3 business days in transit; not a guaranteed timeframe).
For details, see our Shipping & Returns policy.
Used/Vintage items — final sale for change-of-mind
No change-of-mind returns on used/vintage items.
If an item arrives damaged or significantly not as described, email us within 48 hours of delivery with photos of the outer box, inner packing and item. Keep all packaging until resolved. We’ll arrange an appropriate remedy (repair/replacement/refund) after assessment.
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Non-returnable (unless faulty): opened strings, consumables, personalised/custom orders, and any setup/labour services once performed.
Faulty/not-as-described (all categories)
If your item is faulty or not as described, contact us within 48 hours with photos. We’ll cover reasonable return costs or offer another suitable remedy in line with your statutory rights.
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