The Year Series ‘80 has a distinctive oval sound hole and highly stylized pick guard (unique to this model). The oval sound hole is also used the BIT Series and the Year Series ‘81 (Caribous and Gazelles).

Described in period catalogs as having a “.03mm Ovancol Mahogany facing,” the ‘80 has a laminate top that gives it a rich appearance. The ‘80 was available in six or twelve string configuration. The 12 string has a beautiful slotted headstock and open scroll tuners.

Also notable are the brass fret markers, tuners, bridge, and nut - a common design theme of the Year Series.

The ‘80W was a double neck variant that was sold in Canada and Europe. The advertisement below is from a German catalog (approximately 1982). The Canadian market model was called AY380D rather than THE ‘80W.