K.Yairi YW500P, made in Japan 1979, natural gloss. These Yairi guitars are some of the finest production acoustic guitars in the world, and they rightfully enjoy a loyal cult following. They're truly handmade: the bracing is shaped by hand, the rosette and binding are cut and installed by hand, the top is tap tuned and planed and sanded for maximum resonance by hand, the finish on the top where the bridge gets attached is hand sanded off for adhesion... they do everything the slow, proper, time-tested way. The results are a guitar that feels alive and sounds amazingly rich and balanced. The three piece rosewood back, snowfalke inlays, gold hardware and multi-ply binding add a level of bling to the otherwise fairly understated look. This has the classic Yairi balance across all strings: chords come out in sparkling clarity with a delicate eloquence, or when you strum with some gusto, a rich choral force. It's a satisfying strummer but also delivers plenty of nuance and detail in a fingerstyle setting. There's a lot to love here, this is one of those 'future family heirloom' type guitars. Thanks Kazuo!

Model: K.Yairi YW500P
Made: Japan, 1979 (serial 23622)
Finish: natural, gloss poly
Body: square shoulder dreadnought style; solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides
Neck: mahogany, rosewood fingerboard, dovetail joint, 25.5" scale, 15" radius
Weight: 2.030kg
Pickup: none
Mods: none
Case: basic black wood hard case, good quality and condition

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has a few dimples on the end, nothing nasty. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a couple of dimples around the back edge as well as widespread light scuffs around the body, nothing nasty. The sides have a few dimples on the bottom shoulder and corner, as well as some light scuffs in the elbow area, no major marks. The front has a scratch int he bottom corner, some dimples along the back edge, a surface scratch and a few dimples on the bottom shoulder and some dimples on the top shoulder, as well as some standard play wear on the guard and shoulders. Overall: very good condition (8/10).

Playing condition notes: action is moderately low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. Frets look pretty even and in good shape, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 12/54 Moonshiners strings.