Yamaha L-31A (Late Model), Manufactured in 1982

YAMAHA / 1982 L-31A (Late Model)

When you hear “Japanese vintage guitar,” what comes to mind?
The wood quality might be good. But the design is outdated and may not suit today’s playing styles. Even if the sound is good, it might not be practical enough for live performances or recording.

This uncertainty—wondering whether a guitar “will actually sound good” or “be usable”—is particularly common with models manufactured in the early 1980s, a transformative period when the shift from handcrafted to mass-produced guitars was just beginning. Precisely because this era boasts a high level of craftsmanship yet lacks a settled critical consensus, it’s difficult to judge these instruments, and one must proceed with caution.

Yamaha’s L Series demonstrated the reliability and quality of Japanese-made acoustic guitars to the world.
The appeal of this particular instrument lies in the purity and balance of its materials.
The Honduran rosewood used for the back and sides is a precious material that is extremely difficult to obtain today. Its acoustic properties are so excellent that it is sometimes mentioned in the same breath as Brazilian rosewood.
Its wood is dense, offering a responsive yet not overly stiff tone, combining rich harmonics and a full-bodied bass with a well-defined treble. The sound is deep, clear, and expands three-dimensionally throughout the space. It is truly the perfect wood for a "guitar meant to be heard."

Honduras mahogany is used for the neck. Unlike the African mahogany commonly used today, this premium wood is lightweight yet strong, offering a supple response and moderate sustain. The transmission of vibration from the neck to the body is exceptionally smooth, giving the player the sensation that the entire guitar “resonates” as a single unit.

Furthermore, equipped with a YAMAHA original pickup—a design over 40 years old—it stands out as a one-of-a-kind instrument, a “vintage guitar ready for the stage right now” thanks to its line-out capability.

[Staff Comment: Mochizuki]

While there are some minor dents and scratches from use, it is otherwise in excellent condition.
The soft V-shaped neck makes it easy to fret chords, and it’s a guitar that’s also easy to play when using a lot of melody.
The first things you’ll notice are the rich bass and sparkling treble. When playing low chords, it produces a full-bodied tone with delicate overtones, and as you move up the fretboard, it transitions to a bright, focused sound that still retains a sense of low-end presence.
Isn’t the ability to enjoy this kind of sound what makes this guitar so great?
Due to the low string action, there are some areas in the higher positions that may buzz if you pick too hard, but for normal playing, it’s very easy to play and highly recommended.

[Specs/Included Case]
TOP: Solid Spruce
BACK/SIDES: Honduran Rosewood
FINGERBOARD/BRIDGE:
NECK: Honduran Mahogany
NUT WIDTH: 42.5mm
SCALE: 654mm
Electronics: YAMAHA Original Pickup
CASE: Original Hard Shell Case

[Repair/Modification History / Replaced Parts / Cosmetic Condition, etc.]
*Please note that this is a used/vintage item, and the information provided is based on our inspection.
Please be aware of this in advance.
- Tuning pegs and truss rod cover have been replaced

[Playing Condition]
- String action at the 12th fret: 2.1mm on the 6th string side, 1.4mm on the 1st string side
- Saddle height: Approx. 3.0mm–3.5mm

[Peace of Mind Warranty: 6 months]

[Mail-Order Assurance Service]
Since we cannot offer customers the opportunity to try out the instrument before purchasing, we provide a 6-day trial period after the product arrives.
Please take your time to try the product at home, and if you are not satisfied, we will refund the purchase price.
*You are responsible for round-trip shipping costs.