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 balanced vintage tone, the L-5 represents Yamaha’s true golden-era MIJ acoustic design.

Early-version examples like this are increasingly rare and sought after by both players and collectors.

This guitar features a solid spruce top paired with beautifully grained rosewood back and sides, offering a warm, articulate voice with balanced projection and a focused midrange. It performs equally well for fingerstyle and strumming.

One particularly rare and desirable feature for a vintage Yamaha like this is its low action setup — measuring 2mm on the Low E and 1.5mm on the High E at the 12th fret — with no fret buzz, making it exceptionally comfortable and easy to play.

Classic L-series appointments include an ebony fingerboard with elegant inlays, ebony bridge, vintage-style tuners, and cream binding on both the body and neck.

Includes the original Yamaha hard case, making this a more complete and desirable vintage package.


🪵 Features

  • Year: 1970s (Early Version)
  • Series: Yamaha L (Luxury) Series
  • Top: Solid spruce
  • Back & Sides: Rosewood – beautifully figured grain
  • Neck: Nato
  • Fingerboard: Ebony
  • Bridge: Ebony
  • Saddle: Bone (upgraded)
  • Bridge Pins: Rosewood (upgraded)
  • Finish: Amber matte
  • Scale Length: ~650mm
  • Nut Width: ~43mm
  • Label: Made in Japan (MIJ)
  • Action: 2mm (Low E) / 1.5mm (High E) @ 12th fret

Condition

  • Good vintage condition with light 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

  • Original Yamaha 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

This item is sold As-Described

This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More.

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Listed20 days ago
ConditionGood (Used)
Good condition items function properly but may exhibit some wear and tear.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • L-5
Finish
  • Natural
Categories
Year
  • 1970s
Made In
  • Japan
Body Shape
  • Dreadnought

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Rooftop Music

Altrincham, United Kingdom
Joined Reverb:2024

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