K.YAIRI G-1F – Old Violin Sunburst, 2009

K.Yairi G-1F is a Japanese acoustic guitar, manufactured in 2009 at the Yairi Gakki manufactory (Gifu prefecture). The G-1F model is an instrument based on a compact Parlor-style body shape. The guitar features a spruce top plate finished in Old Violin Sunburst, and mahogany back and sides. After our service work, which included fret polishing and conditioning of the fingerboard and lacquer finishes, the instrument is ready to play.

Technical specification

• Manufacturer: K.Yairi
• Model: G-1F
• Year of production: 2009
• Body: Spruce / Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Frets: Vintage (Condition: 95% – after dressing)
• Pickups: None
• Electronics: None
• Visual condition: Very good (details in description)
• Finish: Old Violin Sunburst
• Weight: 1.74 kg / 3.84 lbs

Body and construction The Parlor-shaped (00) soundbox features a top plate made of solid spruce, with the back and sides made of mahogany. The instrument is finished with Old Violin Sunburst lacquer. A traditional glued Dovetail Neck Joint construction is used. According to the tradition of the Japanese manufactory, the bracing is hand-carved based on the luthier philosophy of "listening to the wood with hands," allowing for the individual tuning of the top plate. In our workshop, the lacquer coating went through a cleaning and waxing process.

Neck and ergonomics The mahogany neck features a profile similar to a "C" shape. The neck is paired with a rosewood fingerboard. The shortened scale length of the instrument is 635 mm. The Vintage size frets retain about 95% of their original height and underwent a dressing process (polishing) during our service work. The fingerboard surface was cleaned and conditioned with lemon oil.

Sound The instrument is a fully acoustic guitar with no electronic circuit.

• Characteristics: The use of a spruce top and mahogany back and sides in a compact Parlor body generates a frequency response with clear mids and legible highs.
• Dynamics: The guitar responds to varied articulation strength, maintaining frequency selectivity, which is effective during fingerstyle playing.

Additional information

Since 1935, the K. Yairi manufactory has continuously based its production exclusively on traditional methods, completely foregoing the use of power tools in favor of manual woodworking.

The philosophy of "listening to the wood with hands" is a process implemented in the manufactory where luthiers individually evaluate and hand-shape each component to optimize its resonance before assembly.

The Dovetail Neck Joint used in this model requires precise, manual fitting of the wooden elements.

The service work we performed included: polishing the original frets, fingerboard conditioning, refreshing the lacquer finishes, installing new strings, and adjusting the intonation.

Hardware

• Bridge: Rosewood – a classic construction made of rosewood, with the original, fitted saddle.
• Tuners: Closed-gear Gotoh mechanisms. The chrome hardware went through a cleaning process and retains its full mechanical efficiency.

Instrument condition

• Technical condition: The instrument is mechanically functional after a luthier verification. The truss rod works properly, and the frets are level.
• Visual condition: The guitar is preserved in very good visual condition. Clear surface scratches on the lacquer are visible on the front of the headstock, and minor micro-scratches visible against the light are present on the body. The instrument has no structural wood cracks.
• Setup and Modifications: The instrument is 100% original. Fret polishing, conditioning of the lacquer finishes and fingerboard, and a basic setup for a new set of coated strings were performed.

Why choose this instrument

• Traditional craftsmanship: The instrument is built 100% by hand, without the use of power tools, ensuring a unique and individual character for the unit.
• Compact body: The Parlor shape offers high ergonomics, which is particularly useful for individuals looking for a comfortable guitar for playing in a seated position.
• Spruce top: The use of a solid spruce top plate provides appropriate brightness and sound projection.
• Ready to play: After our service work, the guitar is fully prepared for regular playing.