Description: c. 1980 S. Yairi model Y1-1 dreadnought acoustic guitar, handmade in Nagoya Japan. Sadao Yairi was uncle to the perhaps more widely known Kazuo Yairi (whose marvelous guitars are associated with Alvarez), and is considered one of Japan’s finest luthiers. This relatively plain dread is actually all laminates (spruce and m******y), as was common practice among top Japanese makers for stability and durability in instruments made for export. Looks, plays, and sounds wonderful, and is one of the best fretting and intonating dreads I’ve played. BTW, and interestingly, this guitar is not a bass cannon. It has nicely defined and jangly tone throughout all registers, but it does not seem as if the American bass in your face tone of our domestic guitars is what they were after. I had an S. Yairi grand concert a while back that had a similar tone palette – beautifully defined but not bass-thumping. This guitar is 100% structurally solid, but it has tell-tale evidence of being over-tensioned through its life. Hence, its modest price here. First, there is a moderate forward bridge tilt. No corresponding top lifting, however, so the action is a still a very comfy 5/64 – 3/32” at the 12th fret, with plenty of saddle. Next, excess tension has created some small cracks in the bead of finish where the neck heel meets the guitar body (see pics). No compromise of the actual neck joint whatsoever – just the finish. I’ve stressed it and flexed it in every imaginable way and there is no movement or even any creaking sounds. Also, the outlines of the top braces are subtly visible in the top, which is a sure indicator of too much string tension over the years. Fortunately, just cosmetic issues all, and the guitar is still robust and solid. Stay away from 13s... Comes in a very nice original hardshell case. NOTE: USA regulations under the CITES convention (trade in endangered species) have finally been loosened to allow easy international shipping of vintage instruments, unless they contain BRAZILIAN r******d (Dahlbergia nigra). Unfortunately, I can't really guarantee whether or not here is any Brazilian on this guitar, so it cannot be shipped internationally.UPDATE: Ebay now demands that we sellers give THIRTY DAYS for returns. Any honest buyer will know within a few days whether there is any need for a return. I no longer take returns through Ebay, but I will never "stick" another musician with a guitar. Please contact me if there any problems, and we'll work it out.
Price: 595 USD
Location: Youngstown, Ohio
End Time: 2023-11-21T21:40:01.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Country/Region of Manufacture: Japan
Type: Acoustic Guitar
Brand: S. Yairi
