S.Yairi YD-303, natural finish, made in Japan around 1976. We've had plenty of Kazuo Yairi acoustic guitars through the shop, but this one was made under the watch of his uncle, Sada Yairi. Sada worked at the Suzuki Violin Co, apparently moving on to experiment with doing his own thing as early as the 1930s. By the time the 1960s had rolled around, they were doing superb work and enjoying a great reputation within Japan. The company hit hard times and sold up in the 1980s, so you can still get a new one today, but they're made offshore these days, so they're really not what they were. This one hails right to the thick of their purple patch, and it's a very enjoyable guitar indeed. The back and sides are listed as 'jacaranda', which was the pseudonym used back when in Japan for Brazilian rosewood. The grain on show on the sides and back is gorgeous, with wide dark streaks and flourishes. The top is bookmatched tightly grained sitkla spruce, which is a classy match. The tone is awesome: tight plump lows, rich dry mids with heaps of nuance and depth, sweet clear top end... it sounds so detailed, but so warm at the same time. It's a comfy player with a soft V neck and an agreeable action, so it's pretty easy on the fingers. This is a really vintage dreadnought, the only issue you're going to have is wanting to hang it on the wall backwards so you can always see that dang back.

Model: S.Yairi YD-303
Made: Japan, circa 1976 (serial 19610)
Finish: natural, gloss poly
Body: square shoulder dreadnought style; solid spruce top, laminate rosewood back and sides, possibly Brazillian rosewood (not verified)
Neck: mahogany, rosewood fingerboard, dovetail joint, 25.5" scale, 15" radius, soft-V
Weight: 2.140kg
Pickup: none
Mods: none
Case: basic non-original hard case, good quality and condition

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor dimples on the end and top edge, as well as light scuffs on the back. The neck has minor dimples and rub wear on the back, nothing major. The back has minor scuffs around the whole body, as well as some minor dimples on the bottom edge and elbow area, as well as some minor surface scratches near the neck join. The sides have minor scuffs on both shoulders, the elbow area and bottom corner, as well as some dimples near the rear strap pin. The front has some minor dents on both horns and the elbow area, scuffs behind the bridge and near the bottom edge, and some play wear around the soundhole. Overall: very good condition (7.5/10).

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.