A discussion group for Alvarez-Yairi and K. Yairi guitar enthusiasts.
Pictures of hand making process, info on various models, links, tips, etc.
Members are from literally around the world.
1,172 thoughts on “Alvarez-Yairi- K. Yairi Discussion Group”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
any info would be great…
: any info would be great…
did uou get any. i’m lookin’ as well
I have a 1971 Yairi Classical Guitar. It has a crack on the front about 8 inches long and 1/32 wide. It is signed by S. Yairi and is numbered as 1061 clase 9001. I am wondering if it is worth the $75-$150 to get it fixed.
Thanks
Mark
You’re absolutely nuts if you don’t get it fixed. If you don’t, I’ll take it off your hands for a couple hundred.
my 70’s syairi 650 clasical suffered exactly the same damage …. a crack from heel to bridge along the book match .. most definatly fix it( or have a luthier do it) i love my syari’s full rich tones,… and that old wood… Irreplacable! go for it!!
Come to our Alvarez-Yairi/ K.Yairi discussion group site…..someone there may have the answers for you….178 members and growing!
Web Address:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/yairiguitars/
What is a DY55 and if it is in fairly good shape, what is it worth?
bought a classical yairi 1172. It said "ad 1966" does this mean it was made in 1966? It seems pretty old.
: Come to our Alvarez-Yairi/ K.Yairi discussion group site…..someone there may have the answers for you….178 members and growing!
: Web Address:
: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/yairiguitars/
I have an Alvarez-Yairi DY38 Anniversary Edition SLM 1922-1987. It is a 1987 and is in excellent condition. What is it worth?/
:have a 1960’s Yairi bought in the 70’s off the beach in southern CA. not sure of the model? sn# 405km
do you know anything based on this serial# ?
:have a 1960’s Yairi bought in the 70’s off the beach in southern CA. not sure of the model? sn# 405km
do you know anything based on this serial# ?
I just aquired this classical guitar. It says "made in Japan by Yairi" on the inside label and is dated 1966 or 1961 (handwritten and hard to read). I can’t find any info on this guitar or what its worth. It sounds great though! Any help would be much appreciated.
~s
:I bought one similar "ad.1966" I guess that means it was made in 1966? Mine has "model 1172"If you look up the alvarez web site it says a.d. means the year of manufacture. But that is about all i know.
I have the above model classical guitar made by Kazuo Yairi in 1973. Can’t find any info on it. Anyone know what its value might be?
: I have the above model classical guitar made by Kazuo Yairi in 1973. Can’t find any info on it. Anyone know what its value might be?
: : I have the above model classical guitar made by Kazuo Yairi in 1973. Can’t find any info on it. Anyone know what its value might be?
I have a Yairi cy 120 that I purchased new in 1977 for $475. I’ve seen a few sell on ebay recently in the $800-$900 range. I hope that helps.
Hi,
I have a 1983 K Yairi model WIS serial number 27265 and was wondering whether anyone knows anything about values, whether it is solid top and sides or solid top and veneer sides etc.
Cheers
John Dam
: Hi,
: I have a 1983 K Yairi model WIS serial number 27265 and was wondering whether anyone knows anything about values, whether it is solid top and sides or solid top and veneer sides etc.
: Cheers
: John Dam
dude, i think i got 1 of those WIS ones, but i don’t no any prices or stuff. Cathcha, Angus.
Hi I am jim in England. I have the chance to buy an old K.Yairi twin neck accoustic fitted with original electrics, in quite good condition complete with hard case. Any idea at what the true price should be ? they are asking nearly £700, is this a fair price, any help would be appreciated Thanks Jim
This popular thread has been given its own page : K.Yairi YD-5 Serial No. 42036
t looks like the
I have a similar ‘Dreadnought’ std. 6-string model
On the inside it says:
Anne 1988
Model no. YD – 5
Serial no. 42506
I bought it cheep in a guitar store in Denmark in 1988. Do you know anything more about your guitar by now?
: I bought a K-YAIRI in 1989 Model YD-5 Anne 1989 brand new! Thats when the model came to Australia.
Can anyone provide me with information on this guitar? I bought it back in Melbourne in 1989. The model numbers normally begin ‘DY’ not ‘YD’. I can’t find any reference to this model on the web at all. I think this was one of the first models with Yairi’s new bridge design. All in all it’s a great instrument. I have L25 Lowden I also love and while the Yairi is a completely different instrument it compliments the Lowden well.
Hi I bought a YD – 4 dated 1989 in Sydney. Like you with your YD5 I can’t find anything at all about it. Even emailed Yairi and they don’t either…
Hi gang, I bought a 1984 AR-421 12 string. Seems very solid and has good prescence. Anyone know what these are worth or can point me the way to find out any information about my new guitar?
Thanks for your help,………..by the way, I paid $ 400cdn $ 280us
Madmike
Anybody know the tory on the CY 120? There is one for sale on ebay, and it is a 1977-78 model. Is this any good and what might be a fair price???
This popular thread has been given its own page : Re: CY 120
Alvarez Yairi CY-120 sounds better than the more expensive CY140 and it even looks better as far as I’m concerned. If you could get a vintage one from the 1970s for $700 that would be an awesome deal. The woods on the 70s version have mellowed down through the years. Grab one if one is available as they are hard to get unlike the more expensive new models of Alvarez-Yairis that go around $2000.
What is this? Ebay sellers advertising a used K. Yairi #CY 125 for $600 or CY 118 for $900? Used Japanese classical guitars in Japan in good condition can be bought for $200 – $300 US dollars (as of this year-2006).
I also cannot believe seeing an-email claiming that a K. Yairi classical guitar sounds better than a Ramirez 1A. I own a late 70’s Ramirez 1A which has that wonderful bass/treble sound similar to Segovia’s late recordings.
K Yairi classicals are nice, but are no match for concert level instruments. Put the Yairi up against a Ramirez 1A "AM" model and you’ll see what I mean.
: Anybody know the tory on the CY 120? There is one for sale on ebay, and it is a 1977-78 model. Is this any good and what might be a fair price???
Hi,
I bought my 1977 yairi cy120 new in 1977 for $475. I still use it and love it. I hope that helps.
I have one of these which I bought in Houston in 1977. It has travelled the world – excellent sound, stable but wouldn’t have any idea what it is worth.
I’ve been looking for an Alvarez Yairi FY model. Does anyone know of a used one for sale.
This popular thread has been given its own page : Yairi Guitar = Hand made
: I Have a Yairi 1966 model number 181 B & M soloist Japan unfortunately the machine block had to be replaced,it broke 7 times!It still sounds lovely and is a good old friend of mine.I bought this for four £’s (yes 4 pounds) on the top deck of a bus. It was used on a ‘BIG’ demo session for a famous artist some years ago. I must dig out that session and give it another whirl.
:
:
:sorry gang,it’s me again.The artist who’s song I used the Yairi on was Kate Bush, and the song was called Hammer Horror- just out of interest- there you go. I like this guitar forum/seeking stuff it’s great. Thank you Gill Hogg you are a little gem.
: I Have a Yairi 1966 model number 181 B & M soloist Japan unfortunately the machine block had to be replaced,it broke 7 times!It still sounds lovely and is a good old friend of mine.
:
:
My mum’s friend’s neighbour (bit disjointed i know) was throwing out old things and was about to throw this acoustic until the friend grabbed it for me. she was only going to throw it out because a couple of strings were broken. I’m so glad she didn’t.
It reads inside B & M Soloist handmade by Yairi Serial No. 5 AD 1966.
It plays so beautifully and i’ve also been looking for how much it is supposed to be worth. it has a few scratches but it shouldn’t make too much difference i would have thought.
I have No 51 made in 1965, and it cost £16! Still sounds good to me. No idea what its current value is – I’d be interested to know if you find out.
: I have No 51 made in 1965, and it cost £16! Still sounds good to me. No idea what its current value is – I’d be interested to know if you find out.
: : I have No. 164 B & M SOLOIST Made by Yairi Japan
1965. I payed $900 Australian in 2002.
What a great sound.
She is definatelly a keeper..
: I have a beautiful Classical Guitar which I bought in 1966. They had just arrived in Scotland and were the best on the market at that time.
: The label inside reads:
: B & M SOLOIST – Handmade by Yairi – No 222 AD 1966 (Japan)
: Has anybody any idea how much it is worth ?
I HAVE A YAIRI B & M SOLOIST 1966 NO 50.MY FRIENDS MUM WAS THROWING IT OUT IT HAD BEEN SAT IN THIER LOFT FOR YEARS SO I HAD IT. ITS PLAYS SO WELL AND IM SURE ITS HAUNTED. its one of the best acoustics i have ever played.
My Yairi guitar is number 851 AD made in 1971.The tone has got better and better over the years. The value is in the pleasure you get from the sound it makes. Mine cost about £40 new. I chose it because my brother bought a more expensive Yairi(c.£65)so there are greater and lesser ones. I would not sell mine, it’s an old friend.
Mine is 871 and was bought from Kennards in Canterbury also for 40 quid. I have tried many classical guitars costing outrageous amounts of dosh that don’t come close to the warmth, resonance and clarity of this lovely piece of wood. Does anyone know what is the best affordable way of mic’ing a classical guitar ?
I have a Yairi Soloist dated 1970 (Serial No 443). I have had it from new and unfortunately it has picked up a couple of bad cosmetic scratches on the top. I also lent it to a "friend" who used a plectrum to play it. Ahh! The machine heads have also been replaced with inferior quality ones (don’t ask why). I think it cost me about £45. A fortune when I was on apprentice wages of £3-15s-0p. I have recently been trying to find out more information on this guitar. The label says it is hand made by Yairi. I assume it is constructed from some kind of solid spruce for the top & solid mahogany for the sides and back. I would like to bring it back to its former glory, or at least put some decent machine heads on it. If anyone has any more information about this guitar and/or advice on restoration, it would be much appreciated. According to Mell Lewis at http://www.collectorcafe.com/article_archive.asp?article=460&id=894 it is now worth £300 (presumably in good condition), but he hasn’t dated his article.
P.S. I have looked at the latest edition of the Blue Book of Acoustic Guitars by Zachary R. Fjestad, but they don’t have it listed. They do have a section on Alvarez Yairi, but it is not mentioned and I don’t think they any connection with the Yairi Soloist.
I have in front of me my dad’s B&M soloist. Handmade by Yairi. Serial No. 295 AD. 1966 (Japan).Bought in Sheffield at some time in the sixties. Really nice tone and loud (probably the solid top and sides). Got an intonation prob which i think is caused by the bridge which has been tampered with. No idea of how much it’s worth. My dad screwed some pretty knarley strap buttons into it,so that’s probably detracted from it’s value. Ah well. Hope i can sort the intonation out. I think the Yairi brothers are renowned luthiers if that’s anything to go by.
: : I have a beautiful Classical Guitar which I bought in 1966. They had just arrived in Scotland and were the best on the market at that time.
: : The label inside reads:
: : B & M SOLOIST – Handmade by Yairi – No 222 AD 1966 (Japan)
: : Has anybody any idea how much it is worth ?
: : : I have a beautiful Classical Guitar which I bought in 1966. They had just arrived in Scotland and were the best on the market at that time.
: : : The label inside reads:
: : : B & M SOLOIST – Handmade by Yairi – No 222 AD 1966 (Japan)
: : : Has anybody any idea how much it is worth ?
: : : Hi i have a classical guitar…..
Ive had it for two years.
I payd $900 australian.
any more questions please email.
: : : Lable inside reads.
B & M SOLOIST hand made by YAIRI No. 164 AD.
Stamped 1965 japan……
: : : I have a beautiful Classical Guitar which I bought in 1966. They had just arrived in Scotland and were the best on the market at that time.
: : : The label inside reads:
: : : B & M SOLOIST – Handmade by Yairi – No 222 AD 1966 (Japan)
: : : Has anybody any idea how much it is worth ?
: : : Hi i have a classical guitar…..
Ive had it for two years.
I payd $900 australian.
any more questions please email.
: : : Lable inside reads.
B & M SOLOIST hand made by YAIRI No. 164 AD.
Stamped 1965 japan……
: : : I have a beautiful Classical Guitar which I bought in 1966. They had just arrived in Scotland and were the best on the market at that time.
: : : The label inside reads:
: : : B & M SOLOIST – Handmade by Yairi – No 222 AD 1966 (Japan)
: : : Has anybody any idea how much it is worth ?
: : : Hi i have a classical guitar…..
Ive had it for two years.
I payd $900 australian.
any more questions please email.
I too have a Yairi B&M Soloist hand made guitar, made in Japan, model number 450AD. Like yourself I have tried unsuccessfully to track down the value. It was bought new in 1970 for around £50.00 from a music shop on Shudehill in Manchester. The manager at the time lived in Levenshulme and was teaching me classical guitar. We were both going to a guitar teacher called Frank (Francis) Johnson. So if you’re out there Terry, please lend a hand. Must go now, wife’s getting tired with the typing!!
I have a 1971 Yairi Soloist Made in Japan. It is number 510AD and also made in Japan. In my collection I have many great instruments from Rickenbacker and Gibson, but I have never come across such a wonderful instrument. Almost everything I write and record has the Yarai on it. The flames in the wood come alive when polished up. I would love to hear from other users of this type of guitar. If yours is as good as mine then we are very lucky people.
: : I have a beautiful Classical Guitar which I bought in 1966. They had just arrived in Scotland and were the best on the market at that time.
: : The label inside reads:
: : B & M SOLOIST – Handmade by Yairi – No 222 AD 1966 (Japan)
: : Has anybody any idea how much it is worth ?
I too have this guitar numbered 404AD1970 which I bought from Woods Music Shop in Wakefield on the recommendation of my guitar teacher. I’ve now had it for 30 years – from my playing you might think I’d only had it 3 months!!!
Still sounds great though and I play it more than my Yamaha FG-200.
:I own a B&M Cocert #108, 1969, and am looking to sell it, and would like to know it’s value
:
I have a beautiful Classical Guitar which I bought in 1966. They had just arrived in Scotland and were the best on the market at that time.
The label inside reads:
B & M SOLOIST – Handmade by Yairi – No 222 AD 1966 (Japan)
Has anybody any idea how much it is worth ?
I have a B M Soloist,
Found it resting against a bin some backwater town in Warwickshire. The guy said just take it. I couldn’t believe my luck.
Label reads
B m soloist
Hand made by Haiti
No 95 ad 1967,
Went to my local music store for some information on it and tried to Palm me off with a fiver for good will.
It’s near perfect condition, one tuning peg has been replaced but other than that a truly beautiful resonant instrument
Hi, I have been on the internet, for god knows how long, trying to find the guitar that my Mum owns? Basically, I’m learning how to play guitar on my Mum’s old YAIRI, and only recently have I been curious as to where it came from, and are there more of them out there? I know the Yairi make are handmade and come from Japan.
Now, my guitar doesn’t have a serial number, it just says:
By YAIRI
Serial No. AD.
(JAPAN)
But I’m looking online, and they all say they have serial numbers? It’s a B&M Artiste and if you look closely, inside the guitar is an engraving of a name… It says; sadayar nagoya ..
Either that or; Sadayairi (I don’t know if there are I’s between the R, it’s been engraved in the wood, and it’s a bit hard to see since my Mum bought it in the 70’s)
I was just wondering if anyone else had the same guitar, or know the history?
Hi there,
I’ve got a Yairi B&M Soloist #16 from 1966.
I’d like to know it’s market value, but I’ll never part with it.
It was bought for my mum when she was pregnant with me (don’t know how my father expected her to be able to play it!)
Anyway, like me it has picked up a couple of minor dings, but unlike me nothing has cracked or broken on it.
It is a truly fantastic guitar. Keeps in tune seemingly for ever.
Hi. I have seen a 7 string classical cutaway yairi awhile back and cannot find anything on it. I am desperate for one!!!!!!! I need any information on this guitar I can get Please email me!!!!!!!!
Not familiar with this one. Know anything about it. I have 5 Yairi and follow the used market very closely. This model has never surfaced before.
long time since you posted… do you stil have the guitar?
: Not familiar with this one. Know anything about it. I have 5 Yairi and follow the used market very closely. This model has never surfaced before.
In response to Pat: Yes I still have this guitar. it’ a work of art. I have discovered it is quite rare,AND I have it for sale. Can contact me if interested. (604)853-8065 Abbotsford BC Canada