1,172 thoughts on “Alvarez-Yairi- K. Yairi Discussion Group”

  2. 1974 Yari Alvarez Abalone Master Special DY 95 Dreadnaught
    Dusty

    i have a 1974 Yari Alvarez Abalone Master Special DY 95 Dreadnaught for sale…. Only 10 made, only 3 left in the US. For more info email me please.

      1. 1974 Alvarez by Yairi Master Abalone Limited Production
        Dana

        Yes! It is still for sell. One owner. My mother bought for my father in California in 1974. It just got passed on to me. Can email multiple pics.

  3. Alvarez yairi fym 200
    Anonymous

    Hi, I was wondering if anyone out there had an opinion about this guitar. I have a 2005 with a clear pickguard and abalone and maple binding. I ordered it on a custom order. I was thinking of upgrading to a collings OM2H. But I’m not sure if its really an upgrade. Seems like this guitar is rather unique. The sound and playability is very good and it is still in mint condition. Its also signed inside the neck and on the label By K Yairi. I also have a 1985 DY 51 in good condition that I still play. Any thoughts?

    1. looking at selling
      braveheart

      I have a alvarez steel classical: Serial # 54954 YC-2 I am finding these are fairly rare. anyone want to make an offer. I saw one place where new they were $1500 This one has a hair line crack in the face.

  4. Kazou YAIRI CY140CE for sale
    Geno

    I have a Kazou YAIRI CY140CE serial#71001
    and heal stamped 08 11 099 for sale.
    It was made in November of 2008, and is in pefect condision, zero scratches, and only played a handfull of times. Master builder Kazou YAIRI passed in 2013, and there will never be another guitar built like this again. I’m selling it for $2300

    1. Yairi CY140CE For sale$2200 in mint condision, and very hard to
      Geno

      If your interested in my YAIRI CY140CE contact me at [email protected]
      Seriously One of, if not the best playing classical guitars in the world. Absolutely mint, very rare, and plays beautifully. Kazou Yairi CY140CE

    2. I have an '84 AR377
      Anonymous

      Mine’s a dread’ shape with Venetian cutaway, and electronics — 1 volume & 1 tone knob on side of small bout, jack on bottom side bout. It’s also only about 3 1/4″ deep. Brown sunburst, faux tortoise shell pick guard, ivoroid body/top binding. Back/sides/neck are painted copperish color. K Yairi in abalone(?) along with stylized Y in middle of head stock. K Yairi branded chrome tuners. Ebony(?) with pearl dots for bridge pins. Bone nut & saddle. Your mention of AR 375 is the closest I’ve found to mine. No idea what your 375 is like tho.

      1. I have been searching for
        Anonymous

        I have been searching for others with a 1984 AR 388. Sounds like it is very similar to the AR 377 or 375. I have loved this guitar for over 30 years. Just wondering about the other 388’s out there.

  6. 1985 DY-62
    David H.

    I have a 1985 Alvarez Yairi model DY-62 and serial 58006. It has stereo pickups where you can run two cables from guitar with two volume pots and two eq pots. The lower front of the guitar is inscribed with the signature of K. Yairi. It is in good condition with a few dings on the body and a little fret wear. No cracks or breaks that I can find. Comes with hardshell case but handle is missing from case. Thinking about selling and just wondered what it would be worth. Any ideas? Thanks.

  7. Alvarez Yairi guitar
    Anonymous

    Hi I have a 1983 Alvarez Yairi guitar made in Japan # DY-48 signed by K.Yairi. and I have a Guitar case is a Guild case #2520. I was wondering how much is it worth? Anybody have any idea.

    2. K. Yairi DY-72 12 String
      Barry C

      Hi. I have decided to sell my K. Yairi DY-72 12 String. I am the original owner and have owned it since 1989. It is in excellent condition. I am in Calgary, Canada. For more information, you can contact me at ***********.

      1. K. Yairi DY-72
        Barry C

        Sorry, I just sold my K. Yairi Dy-72 12 string, so its no longer available.
        (Moderator of the forum: I would appreciate it if you could remove my earlier posts that had my email address in them if you can. Thanks!)

      1. Yairi DY-72 12 string
        Patricia

        Hello Zane. I was too nice when I called about a DY72 Yairi 12 string “K” signature Yairi a few days ago. It was a beautiful instrument with amber tuning buttons. I was on the line with a Lynsee at the store when a customer walked in asking about it so I let her go so she could speak with the customer telling her I would call right back. 2 minutes later I called her back and the lovely DY 72 was gone! Ack… The customer was there representing another person who lived in Texas and bought it. I still feel like it was meant for me and I missed out because I was too nice. Is your DY 72 still available? I can be reached at (904) 446-5175 if you leave a message. I really feel like I was this Yairi was meant for me and I missed it for reasons I do not yet understand. maybe it was because “you” have the instrument I was meant to find.

        Thank you Zane. No matter what, I hope your Yairi found the home it was meant to have.

        Patricia

        1. K. Yairi DY-72 12 String Guitar
          Barry C

          Hi. I just found this site. I am selling my K. Yairi DY-72 12 String Guitar. I am the original owner and have owned it since 1989. It is in excellent condition. I am in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. If you or anyone else is interested, you can contact me at barry.clapp (at) gmail.com.

  9. K. Yairi 1983 Mod AR300E or 306E Can't make it out
    Marlyn Gibson

    It’s time for me to sell this guitar, It’s signed and hand crafted Serial # 26411

    Is there anyone out there that could help me put a fair price on this beautiful piece???

    Thank you

  11. Mid 70's Yairi DY57 & DY 85 Certifications
    Kelly Hendrickson

    My dad bought a Yairi DY57, Serial 12628 (manufacture date January 18, 1976) brand new in January 1977. I have the guitar (in almost new condition , BTW) which he sent to me some years ago. He bought the guitar in Syracuse NY at Gerber Music. Somehow the music store put the wrong certification (signed by Kaz Yairi) in the case. The cert document is for model DY85 Serial 10747 (March 10, 1975 manufacture date). So if anyone out there has this DY85 guitar and would like their original cert document, let me know. Also if anyone happens to have the cert document for my DY57 guitar, please let me know. Thanks

  13. I have a 1985 K yairi AR373E
    Anonymous

    I have a 1985 K yairi AR373E i bought brand new in 1985 stickers still inside handcrafted very nice condition sounds great not played a lot.would post a pic if i knew how.Dan

  14. Appreciate any info
    muskoka

    Hi,

    I bought a new K Yairi in 1986, as a divorce gift to myself. LOL I would appreciate any info any can give me about it. The Label reads
    K Yairi of course. It say’s, hand crafted, Date 1986, Model No AR321, Serial # 86534. It is in mint condition. I rarely played it.
    Would like to know what it may be worth, and anything else. Am thinking of selling it. Was offered $200 from a pawn shop and didn’t
    know it that was a fair price or not. I live in Ontario Canada, just north of Toronto.
    Many thanks

    David

  16. dy77 annaversary edition
    Anonymous

    I have a 1987 dy77 anniversary edition this guitar is in great condition I’m the only one who has ever played it was trying to find out what its worth.thanks

  17. 1974 DY85 Alvarez By Kazuo Yairi - For Sale?
    Daver

    Great condition, sound, finish, etc. looks like new. I bought this new around 1974-75 and has original case.
    Anyone interested in looking at it around the Columbus Ohio area? I don’t want to ship it anywhere.
    It is in excellent condition except for a small crack in the headstock that I’ve never been too concerned with because its been there now for 25 years (it sort of got sat by my young daughter while on the sofa). A guitar maker told me he could fix it no problem but at that time I didn’t want to put any money in it. I thought I might sell it now because it’s rarely played anymore, depending on what I can get for it. If it’s not worth very much to someone, I’ll just keep it and hand it down.

  18. Yairi's in Utah
    Robinson

    Alvarez especially the Yari are hard to find in Utah. Anyone in here have an Alvarez or Yairi they just want to get rid of? My favorite guitar for sure. Love to here from you.

    1. Still looking for a yairi ?
      Fred

      Utah sure is some beautiful country!!!
      If you still are on the search for a Yairi. I have an Alvarez Yari Dy- 72 Signature Series 12 string 1991. It has spent most of it’s life in the case in my closet. If interested, call, text or email me #13172135364 [email protected]

    2. YW-1000 1979 & YW800G 2002
      Rick

      Aloha,
      These are both very high end Yairi’s and are not cheap. Please do some investigating.
      I don’t just want to just dump them, as I am happy with both of them.
      If you think you may be interested, drop me a note ans we can discuss.
      Regards,
      Rick

  19. Neck Bolt location on Yairi DY66?
    john

    I’d like to put a 2nd guitar strap button on the heel of my Yairi neck, but am not sure where to drill because I don’t know where the neck bolt(s) is. Where should I avoid drilling? Thanks….

  20. Tuning Peg
    Donald

    Hi, I have a 1981 Yairi DY52 that my lab knocked over with his big happy tail. I had it on a stand but guitar and stand couldn’t with stand the force of happy waggle. Anyway it broke one of the tuning pegs. I would really love to get a tunning peg to match the others. Could someone point me in the right direction in retaining a new or even a good used one please. Thanks so much and my lab thanks you as well. Donald

    1. Tuning peg
      Sue

      Depending on the brand of tuning peg, you may want to try ebay. On some of the older models, Yairi used the “Patent applied for” Grover tuners. I have seen some older complete sets for sale there as well as single tuners. You want to make sure (if you buy and older single tuner) which side your replacement tuner goes on; bass or treble side. Or just keep the old ones in a safe place and buy a new set of your choosing. Stewart McDonald is another great place to try if you decide to buy a new set of tuners, they sell almost every model of Grover tuners that are made.

  22. 2 Yairi Classicals
    Anonymous

    K Yairi CY 140 S/N 66169: This is a beautiful Brazilian I bought new several years ago. Can anyone give approx. age and when they discontinued this model?

    K Yairi CY 128 CE, S/N 66152: Have had this one somewhat longer. Do close serial #’s indicate about same age? Both are in mint condition; are NOT FOR SALE.

    THANKS,
    DICK

    1. My Yairis
      Dick

      Okay, I’ll reply to myself. I contacted national Alvarez-Yairi distributor at St Louis Music asking for background. Serial #’s don’t mean a lot since Yairi repeats those number sequences. More relevant are the numbers stamped inside under the neck join, e.g., 04-05-010. Both my Yairi’s have numbers similar to this, which I interpret (guess) birth date as 4th month, 2005, sequence 10, or something like that.

  23. K Yairi W1 1983
    Neil

    Hello to all Yairi fans. I have a W1 from 1983 with serial 26803. I would like to sell this to a person who knows a little about them or ho at least appreciates them. If you are interested could you please contact me?

  24. 1974 Alverez DY90
    Biz

    I have one. It needs some love. Bridge cracked, cracks in head. Does anyone know how much these guitars are worth?

    More important what should I do. Local guitar repair fellow (works mostly with electrics) says it will cost $200 – $300 to fix.
    Should I send it to the Alverez factory? Does anyone know a person or place that does this kind of work? I’m in North Chicago Suburbs.

    Any guidance would be appreciatted

    1. Contact St. Louis Music.
      Anonymous

      Contact St. Louis Music. Alvarez’s are supposed to have a lifetime guarantee for the original owner – I told them I was. You pay to have it shipped there (any UPS store) and they will fix it for free and cover shipping back to you. The glue on the bracing of my DY-85 was starting to dry up and crack. They repaired it and cleaned it up like the day it was new. I passed my DY85 along to my sons. I just love hearing the music that comes from that guitar.

  25. K Yairi, Signature Series, Model No. YW8000-12, ANNE 1980
    Aaron

    Hey everyone, I have a K. Yairi 12 String I’m wanting to sell, it is a Signature Series, Model No. YW8000-12, ANNE 1980, Serial No. 28102. Immaculate Condition, Still in original case and original Japanese Tags and warranty. Will email pictures to anyone interested and would greatly appreciate any info on value, construction etc.

    Thankyou

    1. YW8000-12
      Gary

      Hi,

      If you still have it, I’m very interested in purchasing this guitar from you. There’s one on eBay right now for $860 with free shipping. I love 12 strings and I can assure you that it would be going to a good home. Please let me know what you would want for it. Thanks –

      Gary

  26. Small Nylon washer on Tuning heads
    Anonymous

    I have a 1985 DY-51
    There are small white nylon washer/spacers on each tuning peg. All six washers are crushed and / or broken. Does anyone know were I could get the replacement parts for this. The Heads are original.

  27. For Sale: Alverez By Yari 1990 12 string DY 87 12 VS
    Richard

    This guitar came off a Crosby, Stills and Nash tour (I have no documentation) and I brought it from their Guitar tech in 1993. Perfect Cond. w/Hard Case

    Maple Top
Sunburst Finish
Maple Back and Sides
Ebony Fretboard
    Dreadnaught style, rounded cutaway body, curly maple top, round soundhole, 5 stripe bound
body and rosette, maple back/sides, mahogany neck, 21 fret ebony fingerboard with pearl dot inlay,
12th fret has pearl snowflake inlay, ebony bridge with white abalone dot pins, 6 per side chrome tuners,
bridge pickup, 3 band EQ.

    310-980-3338

  28. 1979 Alvarez K Yairi DY 68 12 string signed by Kazuo
    Dave

    I’ve owned this guitar now since 1979. The frets and tuners are getting worn out. I managed to get my hands on 12 new tuners from the St Louis guitar company back a couple months ago. SWEEEET !! originals. I keep wondering if I should have a re-fret done or just sell it and buy a new Taylor 856 or Martin d12-28. I know that in order to get the same quality of guitar that my DY 68 is, I’ll have to drop $2.500 to $3.000. With Kazuo having died back in March 2014 there will be no more K Yairi guitars signed by him personally like mine is. What to do what to do.

  29. Alvarez Yairi DY 68
    John

    I have been trying to find my 12 string in all the Alvarez Yairi cats and reference materials, but nothing seems to match up… I bought it in 1971, and recall paying between 700-800.00 for it ser# 24290, DY68…originally had the chrome diamond shaped tuners and the abalone inlay bridge pegs and the brown “foamfit” case, which I have since replaced… as you can see, the headstock has the logo inlay, not the name….the inside label has the K.Yairi signature… can anyone help with a value, picture reference, or any other info you feel might be helpful?

  31. Alvarez 5065 Kazuo Yairi
    Cathy

    I have this guitar and would like to sell it. does anyone know the value? It is in beautiful condition. Just a minor dent on right lower front. comes with a case that is in perfect condition.
    From around 1970 I believe
    Thanks for the help

  32. Alvarez Yairi D74 Dating Question
    Anonymous

    Hi, my serial number reads; 43496 and heel stamp reads; 0507 480. She is a DY-74. Can someone give me her year and specs? Thanks in advance. Just got her and its beautiful. Tony

  33. Yairi FY40B
    JTR

    I have a 1976 Yairi Model FY 40 B. It’s a Bicentennial edition but the plaque has fallen off and I have not been able to find another.
    It’s a concert size. Blond wood. In pretty good shape for the years.
    Anybody have any idea what this might be worth?
    Or how I might be able to find another plaque?

  34. 1984 DY56 BB
    Alisha

    I have my dad’s old 1984 Alvarez by Kazuo Yairi DY 56 BB that he bought for my mom to learn on, but he has since passed away and she knows nothing about it. I have been trying to find out information about it as far as value, but I am not keen on trusting a random eBay sale I found. I am expecting anywhere between $400-600. Can anyone help out? Can’t find the blue color anywhere…

  36. TW1 S 12 string
    Steve

    I have a K Yairi 1884 TW 1 S 12 string tha I bought in 1990 in Townsville. The K Yairia expert could find no reference to the model in any catalogue and assumed that they were only made for the Australian and Canadian markets. A TW 1 S 6 string was on ebay a few years ago. Anyone know any thing about the 12 string guitars?

  37. dy 50 1980
    Matthew

    Does anyone have info on the k.yairi Dy 50 1980.
    The date is 55 7.23 made in japan by k yairi.
    I am in Australia but unabe to find out
    any info about this model and date stamp.

    Does anyone know anything about it.

    I was told that out side u s a that Alvarez
    .
    model number were not the same.

    if so would anyone know.

    Are they are they as good as a martin.

    Is it worth paying to get a refret?
    Or would i be better paying for a matin

  38. 1980 dy50 k yairi
    mat

    I have a 1980 k yairi Dy50 as i bought this 2nd hand does anyone have info on it and what it is worth. I can not find out any info on this and is it worth spending money to refret.

  39. K. Yairi Model YC 40
    Peter

    Hi there – I own a K. Yairi classical guitar with a rectangular label inside the sound hole. This label provides the following info: Hand Crafted K. Yairi – Anne 1978 – Model No YC40 – Serial No. 12571 – 53.3.06 – Kani, Gifu, Japan. I live in Denmark so the numbers may be especially European? Can anyone tell me more about the guitar and maybe approximately what it is worth? I bought it about 20 years ago from a reputable source and it is in very good condition. Owing to accident many years ago I am now disabled and cannot play anymore

    1. YC-40
      Bruce

      Yairi guitars NOT sold in the US have different model number then those sold through Alvarez in the US.
      Not sure what a YC-40 is, but Most used Yairi classical guitars here in the US are selling for $400. to $600. This would be for a guitar in good condition with no cracks or major flaws, and most would come with a case at that price.
      If you could send me some pictures of the guitar then I could be more specific.
      Bruce

      1. Yairi, signed model 394
        Barbara

        I have a signed 5065 serial, model 394. two really minor dings on front. Amazing sound. I bought it a few decades ago to learn, yet still haven’t. Obviously this is a popular serial, especially considering the passing of Yairi, I would think his signature merely adds to the value now. Anyone have any ideas on its value?

  40. ALVAREZ LIMITED EDITION DY 50 602/900 a
    RICHARD JONES

    I HAVE A GREAT DY50 great condition WANT TO TRADE IT OR SELL THERES ALOT OF IDEAS ABOUT HOW MUCH ITS WORTH MAKE ME A OFFER OR TRADE MUST MAKE ROOM FOR OTHER GEAR REACH ME AT [email protected] posted 2/25/14 .

    1. Yairi DY 50
      Lisa Morris

      I could be ready to buy this item immediately if it is what I’m looking for and of course, can pay your price. I got outbid on Ebay recently for one of these, asking price was $575. I thought I had it, last 5 seconds i was out bid. I think it sold for about $611. plus about $ 50. shipping. You can look it up on completed listings. It was in excellent shape, # 113/900. Would you be willing to take $650. if it is correct and in excellent shape that would work for me. Need more info., photos, description, condition, #???/900?. You can call or text me at (360)591-4848. I am in Northern CA just moved back from WA so I haven’t changed my # yet. I rather a text or call than email except for photos, info, transaction etc.. My email is, [email protected] I check email periodically but will be near my phone. I hope we can both be happy with a deal! Looking forward to hearing from you soon! Thanks, Lisa

  42. 1981 K.yairi ar 353
    Anonymous

    I have a 1981 signed K.yairi ar353 but someone broke it and it was the best guitar I have ever owned and I was wondering if anyone had any idea where I could get another one or if you have any info on it I would be very appreciative thanks.

  43. DY38-12
    TexaPiney

    I just traded a 5e3 clone for this Alvarez by Kazou Yariri DY38-12, serial number – 40637, the label says 1989. Can anyone tell me about my guitar? It appears to be all solid wood – tightly grained spruce top, mahogony back and sides, ebony fretboard, Brazilian rosewood bridge, black lacquer with mother of pearl “A – V” logo headstock. These are my guesses.

  44. 1982 K Yairi M-2
    Dave Smith

    I bought my second Yairi (1982 K. Yairi M-2) recently from an estate. (seller knew nothing)
    I just loved the look of the wood, sound, action, condition,etc. (All amazing) But I can’t find anything on it. It is not an Alvarez Yairi. It is the K. Yairi logo on headstock, label inside sound hole has K. Yairi signature and M2 as model, SN 22451, Gifu, Japan. Help!!! Anyone know anything??? Other numbers…..on heel, 5706-864. Any help would be so much appreciated. THANKS!!!

    Dave

  45. Yairi Alvarez Model 5050 1972
    Matt

    Hello, I have an opportunity to bun the above guitar. its in Perfect shape. I don’t know much about this guitar. Would like to know what a good price to pay for would be and any information that’s valuable about it.

    thanks!

  46. price info
    Anonymous

    hey everybody,

    I just found an old k. Yairi guitar , yw 300 from 1973, in very good shape
    i would like to know how would much would you price it,

    thank you very much

  47. Alvarez by kazuo yairi dy85 1982
    Matt

    Hello,
    A Kazuo Yairi DY85 from 1982 has been passed down to me from my Dad who has dementia. Unfortunatley, I know nothing about guitars and he can no longer help. I am wondering if any enthusiasts might help me figure out how much it is worth. I have done some internet searching but cannot find that exact model anywhere. It appears to be in good shape except for a minor scratch or two. If anyone can give me a ballpark for what they’d list the guitar at if they were selling it, I’d be very grateful!
    Matt
    [email protected]

    1. DY85
      Bruce from Oregon

      The DY85 is near to top of the Yairi food chain. Very nice guitars with abaloni binding. You will see them selling for beween 500. and 1,200. depending on condition. Average price around 600 to 800.

      Hope this helps

  48. serial number 32155 dy 76 autographed
    Anonymous

    Autographed guitar. Do you have an estimated value on this guitar (dy 76 autographed, serial number 32155)? It is in very good condition with superficial pick scratches on the face board. It was purchased in 1985. Thanks!

    1. DY-76
      Bruce from Oregon

      I also own a DY-76. Best 12 string I have owned. You will see them priced from around $350 for a thrashed one to around $650 for a very pristine example. The early ones have the hairing bone style binding, and are a little more coveted by yairi collectors, but they all have that great sound. Average price for a good one is $450 to $550.

      Hope this helps you.

      Bruce

  50. k. Yairi 357
    Anonymous

    Anyone know what this guitar is worth, whether or not it is a solid wood guitar and what woods it was made of?

    I have a chance to buy one and I can’t find information on this model anywhere!

    Thanks,
    J

    1. Yairi 357
      Bruce in Oregon

      You did not metion if this was a classical or a steel string, or the price. Most Yairi guitars are solid top with laminated back and sides. Over the years Yairi has perfected a process that makes his laminated guitars sound as good or better then most solid wood guitars. The model number is a non US model number. So a description or photos of the guitar would help a lot.
      But rule of thumb with a Yairi classical or dreadnaught is if the neck is straight and the body is not beat to hell or cracked then its worth $350. and most are worth more. Some are worth much more. A 357 might be like a DY57 (US model #) Which is a very nice dreadnaught.
      I currently own 4 Yairi’s and they are all very good guitars.

      If you can give me more information or photos then I can be of more help.

      Bruce in Oregon

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