K.Yairi SRF-2A Parlour Acoustic Sunburst 2011
K.Yairi SRF-2A, sunburst, made in Japan 2011. This is very cute. K.Yairi have been making beautiful acoustic guitars in the mountains of western Japan since the late 60s. They're a small-scale operation compared to the Yamahas and Ibanezes of the world, with a small team of highly trained luthiers and their own sawmill and tone wood drying facility on site. This one is a round-shoulder small body, which seems to reference the Gibson LG-2 shape. It's a similar size to a Martin 000, and although the curves are a bit different, it's very comfy to hold and play. The neck is slim and agreeable and made from some beautiful mahogany and rosewood, it's very easy to play. The solid spruce top shows off some beautiful grain under the gorgeous burst finish, it looks very classy. The back and sides are finished in an open-pore style, which feels great but also lends the guitar some extra resonance and balance when played. The tone is really enjoyable: warm, dry and woody, with a chirpy top end and a gooey, rich midrange. Yairi stuff tends to have a lovely balance to it, and this is a great example of that signature even, clear voice. In my opinion this will scare some guitars out of USA at 3-4 times the price, it's very convincing indeed. Delightful.
Model: K.Yairi SRF-2A
Made: Japan, 2011, Gifu workshop
Serial: 49404
Finish: sunburst top, natural back and sides, satin poly, open-pore back and sides
Body: solid sitka spruce top, laminate mahogany back and sides, LG-2 style round shoulder folk shape
Neck: mahogany, Indian rosewood fretboard, 24.6" scale, 12" radius, slim C shape
Weight: 1.590kg
Mods: nome
Pickup: none
Accessories: Yairi hard case, basic docs
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has minor dimples on the end and edges and some scuffs on the front around the outside edges. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and a fair bit of rub wear on the back. The back has minor scuffs on the top shoulder and back edge. The sides have some minor scuffs on the top shoulder, rub wear in the elbow area, dimples and scuffs in the bottom corner and some rub wear on the bottom shoulder. The front has a minor dent and a checking line in the bottom corner, dimples along the back edge, rub wear in the elbow area and some play wear on the shoulders and guard.
Overall: very good condition (8/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good. Setup with 12/54 strings.
Fret Life: 8/10, minor wear only