My brother is an Alvarez Yairi collector and he gifted me this guitar a decade ago. Then this year for Christmas, he gifted me ANOTHER vintage Alvarez Yairi 12-string. I can't keep both, so I told him I'd sell the 1972 as the new guitar has a slimmer neck that fits my hands better.
This is an "Alvarez by Kazuo Yairi" guitar from the early days, made by hand under the supervision of the late Mr. Yairi. It has a rich, harpsichord-like sound, enhanced by string pairs that are farther apart than on a modern 12-string. You can hear it in the background of this track that I recorded with it (note that it's capoed up 2 frets):
The neck and bridge are firmly set. There's a ding on the top and a small, glued crack visible in the close-up photo, both of which have been stable for the 15 years since my brother first got it. There's also what looks like a small chip in the lacquer inside the treble side of the soundhole on the underside. There are the usual surface marks and small scratches, but overall it's in great shape. It's also very light in weight.
- Handmade in Japan, 1972
- Solid spruce top, beautifully yellowed by time (also note that the wood was aged by Yairi before it was put into the guitar so it was probably cut in the 1960s)
- Sides and back are African mahogany, I believe - note that in real life they are darker than they appear in the photos
- Gorgeous flame headstock with original Alvarez script logo (before the AY logo)
- 25" scale length
- 1 15/16" nut width
- String height at the 12th fret is around 0.125" - higher than ideal but I can play full barre chords up to D major where the body starts to get into the way
- Frets show some wear but have plenty of life
- Bridge has never been lowered so there's room to lower the action if you prefer
- Alvarez Yairi hard case (this is from a 1985 AY 12-string, this 1972 guitar came in a chipboard case that's not as nice)
I hate to let this one go, but it's a shame to have this vintage beauty sitting in a case not getting the attention it deserves. My dog is not included in the sale.
Ask me any questions! It will be shipped in a double box from Japan originally belonging to my old Korg M1 - it's very vintage but it'll keep the guitar very safe.
