S. Yairi Y1-1 c. 1980 natural

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. Sorry about the high shipping quote. It's an estimate to the West Coast, and I will refund the difference if it's less closer to Ohio.