1976 K. Yairi YW600 Natural

Offered for sale:

Used 1976 K. Yairi YW600 serial number 9918.

This guitar is in remarkably good condition, neck angle is good [no neck reset in the near future], frets have life. Cosmetically there is playing wear with nicks and marks primarily on the top. An example of true patina earned from countless years of playing and use.

The label inside this guitar states YW600, however research indicates that this is a variant of the YW600, it is a YW600G, (for Grammer). The Grammer versions feature the unusual slotted headstock and K Yairi branded tuners, along with a multi-point pickguard and upscale adornments. Many of these features are also seen on the YW800G instruments.

Kazuo Yairi, who has died aged 81, was a Japanese classical guitar luthier whose fixation with acoustic sound drove him to make beautiful, resonant guitars favored by musical such greats as Sir Paul McCartney and Carlos Santana.

In an era when many guitar manufacturers employ computers, lasers, and robotics in a race to produce more guitars faster, Yairi’s genius was to rely solely on the use of hands and hand-tools. “Good guitars are made of good wood, by good craftsmen” was the simple philosophy behind the creation of his Alvarez-Yairi acoustic guitars in the Spanish style. Musicians like McCartney agreed, preferring Yairi’s guitars for renditions of Blackbird and a specially designed K Yairi (as the guitars are also known) tuned down two notches for performing Yesterday.

There is much information regarding Yairi guitars and the relationship with the American distributors and manufacturers St Louis Music in the 1960s that gave rise to the first Alvarez Yairi acoustic guitar.

The condensed version is Alvarez Yairi guitars were factory production while K. Yairi instruments were handmade higher-end guitars, think “custom shop”.

Built by master luthiers in Kani Gifu Japan, modelled and inspired by both Martin and Grammar guitars.

Features include a solid Spruce top with Martin style X scalloped braces. The back & sides are semi-solid Brazilian Rosewood. Laminated is quite unfortunate term regarding Japanese made guitars. These plates were made from 2 layers of solid wood glued together with natural resins. They were made so well that they performed as good as solid woods while being far less expensive in guitar production and far more resistant to cracking in regular use. In recent years Kazuo Yairis descendants and many other guitar makers around the world adopted a new term "semi-solid" to more accurately describe these plates. The neck is Mahogany with 2-way truss rod, the fingerboard is Striped Indian Ebony or Brazilian Rosewood.

Beyond any doubt Kazuo Yairi was one of the best Japanese luthiers. His classical and steel string acoustic guitars have been, are and will be treasured by players all around the world. Thanks to Kazuo's business philosophy, his terrific guitars have always offered exceptional value for the money. This value was associated with the fact that over the years Kazuo has hired and trained many younger luthiers, who were later making his signature guitars.

This guitar offers impressive volume and superb response. Its sound is ultra-rich. Basses are deep but very “clean”. Trebles are metallic but very sweet at the same time. All notes have their unique colors, all are super clear and super well separated. When chords/arpeggios are played guitar releases a bounty of overtones and harmonies.

In addition to the tone, visually the look of the abalone inlays and trim are absolutely stunning!

Hard-shell case included.

“We carefully inspect every instrument when we buy it and bring it up to our standards before we offer it for sale. We also do a full set up before we ship. If you decide to purchase this guitar, please let us know what gauge strings you prefer.”

*Please note: we do our best giving descriptions of used pieces. We have found it impossible to describe every mark on an instrument or amp that is not in the "mint" category. Also, what's important to you may not be important to someone else. For example, you may say, "I don't care what it looks like as long as it plays or sounds well." Another person may say, "Body cosmetics are very important to me so tell me about every scratch, nick and blemish." So, please ask the questions that are most important to you. If you ask they will be answered. They are free and there's no limit. Additional photos can also be made available.

This is a specific item that is also being offered for sale in our brick & mortar location. It is possible that it has just been sold. Please ask if it is still available before purchasing.

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