Pawn Shop Yamaha LL-11 Unlike Any Other I've Seen

[Jingler]

A few years ago I came across this LL-11 at a pawn shop and bought it. After digging into it a bit, haven't seen another like it. Mine has a one piece back, every other LL-11 I've seen has a 2 piece back. My LL has a doesn't have the stock neck with the traditional double L headstock. It was apparently swapped with a different Yamaha neck, done professionally and seemlessly.

This was made in Japan with the 3 letter 6 number serial format, however according to Vin decoders I've researched, this was made in July of 2017, which is impossible. Is there a different 3 letter 6 number format? Also, there's no serial number on the neck block. I do, however, enjoy it as much as my L-25A and hope a more knowledgeable member can elaborate. Thanks.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/hifEmBXrDRE98DU7A

[TheGITM]

I could be wrong, but I think you may have a knock-off Yamaha. Yes, there are knock-offs out there.

Obviously as you note, the body and neck don't match the LL-11, but what really tips me off is the label. It reads 'Made by Kaohsiung Yamaha Co LTD in Japan...' which is not possible.

The Kaohsiung plant was in Taiwan. The only Yamaha labels from the Kaohsiung plant that I can find all read 'Made by Kaohsiung Yamaha Co LTD in Taiwan...'

This is the common LL-11 label:



Again, I could be wrong. There are just too many things that seem wrong to me.

[buddyhu]

Originally Posted by TheGITM

I could be wrong, but I think you may have a knock-off Yamaha. Yes, there are knock-offs out there.

Obviously as you note, the body and neck don't match the LL-11, but what really tips me off is the label. It reads 'Made by Kaohsiung Yamaha Co LTD in Japan...' which is not possible.

The Kaohsiung plant was in Taiwan.

Again, I could be wrong. There are just too many things that seem wrong to me.

Yes…with so many anomalies, this likely is not a genuine Yamaha guitar.

[Jingler]

Ha! That is bizarre. Guess it never crossed my mind that someone would produce a fake Yamaha amongst high dollar alternatives. Regardless, my "Chamaha" holds tune for ages, plays and sounds excellent and it's worth all of the $120 I payed out the door. It's very well constructed compared to many fakes I've seen. Thanks!

P.S. Reckon I ought change my signature

[Andromeda]

To me it does look like a Yamaha but one of their entry models like the F335.

[Gomers]

Sorry, I too have to join the unconvinced on the legitimacy....

What looks like Mahogany B&S, unbound neck, Dreadnought rather than LL shape, FG decal on headstock, label.......but, if it sounds good, it is good !

[Retired1]

Your guitar has the FG body and neck, what makes you think the neck was replaced ? The only thing I see out of place is the label. But if it sounds good to you - enjoy.

[PineMarten]

Originally Posted by Andromeda

To me it does look like a Yamaha but one of their entry models like the F335.

I'd agree, just about every feature bar the label seems right for the budget F series, 2000s-present. Somebody printing an imitation L-series label in the hope of getting a higher price for one of those feels more likely than all the details of an inexpensive entry-level model being copied.

[Jingler]

Thanks for the feedback. When purchased, I knew very little about the Yamaha product line and nothing about the LL series. She's been played hard and put away wet all around the lower 48.

[Jingler]

Originally Posted by Retired1

Your guitar has the FG body and neck, what makes you think the neck was replaced ? The only thing I see out of place is the label. But if it sounds good to you - enjoy.

Having initially believed it was an authentic LL, I noticed it didn't have the correct headstock when I researched them several years later. The neck heel joint has, at any rate, surely been separated at one point. Furthermore, despite a rather severely dished out top in front of the sound hole, the neck angle is perfect and the fret board was seemingly steamed to follow the dish contour rather than addressing dehydrated top. It's rarely cased and 30° relief adjustment in November and May keeps her happy.

[TheGITM]

Originally Posted by PineMarten

I'd agree, just about every feature bar the label seems right for the budget F series, 2000s-present. Somebody printing an imitation L-series label in the hope of getting a higher price for one of those feels more likely than all the details of an inexpensive entry-level model being copied.

This makes sense. I agree that it's likely just a fake label. It can still be a really good guitar, though!

[Everton FC]

Obviously a laminate top. Does everyone else concur?

[Shaneh]

Originally Posted by Andromeda

To me it does look like a Yamaha but one of their entry models like the F335.

That was exactly my thought as well. Lower end than fg800 based on appointments

[Retired1]

yes - agreed

[Guitarsquatch]

"Yamaha Corpation" lol