K.Yairi LO-K7-MAP , made in Japan 2010, natural satin. Yairi stuff enjoys a cult following, and once you play one, you won't soon forget it. K.Yairi is a much smaller operation than the Yamaha/Greco/Takamines of the world; they're truly handmade guitars made by a small team of luthiers that initially were all trained by one master. They also run their own timber mill onsite at their workshop, air-drying their own carefully hand selected tonweoods often over decades before shaping them into instruments. The K7 series was an experiment in ultra-light bracing, they're a bit of a departure from the trad Martin style build. It's lightweight in the hands and rings like a bell at the lightest touch. The back and sides are flame maple, stained to a mahogany-esque hue. The maple/spruce combo offers a superbly crisp, clear top end, but there's a really lovely rounded, warm low end that balances it out perfectly. The sound is reminiscent of some of Taylor's better offerings to my ear, although (in my opinion etc) this has a balance and richness you seldom get on all but the finest Taylor offerings. The last couple of these we have had through haven't lasted more than a day or two, so nab yourself a gorgeous piece of craftsmanship and enjoy it forvermore.

Model: K.Yairi LO-K7-MAP
Made: Japan, 2010 (serial 44053)
Finish: natural satin
Body: square shoulder dreadnought style; solid spruce top, solid flame maple back and sides
Neck: mahogany, rosewood fingerboard, dovetail joint, 25.5" scale, 15" radius
Weight: 1.965kg
Pickup: none
Mods: end pin replaced with jack, pickup installed and removed
Case: non-original deluxe gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor wear on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back and glossing from play only. The back has a few scuffs on the shoulders and a couple of dimples near the front strap pin. The sides have a little scuff on the elbow area as well as a little chip around the back strap pin. The front is pretty clean, just a couple of dimples on the bottom bout, behind the bridge and on the shoulders, as well as some light scuffs from play. 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, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 12/54 Moonshiners strings.