K.Yairi Guitar Nocturne ST Natural 2021
K.Yairi Nocturne, natural finish, made in Japan 2021. I love this, it's a lovely little thing. K.Yairi build all their guitars by hand from their workshop in Gifu. They mill and air-dry all their own tone wood on site, which is certainly unusual but allows their craftsmen to be extra careful about which piece of wood they use for each instrument. The Nocturne is their mini-size guitar; the name derives from the latin word for 'of the night' The body is made from all solid timber, which is a significant point of difference to the usual suspects by Taylor or Martin in this body size. The neck is a comfy shape and beautifully carved, and the lightweight small body is a dream to sit and hold. The tone is awesome: obviously not as loud as a dreadnought, but the design touches like the offset sound hole and the amazing execution mean this has a certain fullness and integrity you don't usually get on a mini guitar. It's gooey and warm through the mids, snappy and clear up top and has an understated tasty roundness on the low end. I personally think this sounds better than all the other mainstream mini models out there. Nice one Kazuo!
Model: K.Yairi Guitar Nocturne ST
Made: Japan, 2021, Kani Gifu
Serial: 821ST
Finish: natural, thin satin poly
Body: solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, 290mm across. 80mm deep
Neck: mahogany, rosewood fretboard, 570mm scale, 43mm nut, medium C shape
Weight: 1.260kg
Mods:none
Pickup: none
Accessories: Yairi padded bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has minor dimples on the back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back only. The back has minor scuffs in the middle of the body. The sides have minor rub wear in the elbow area. The front has light play wear around the strings.
Overall: excellent condition (9/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good. Setup with 12/54 Moonshiners strings.
Fret life: 9/10, minor wear only