Yamaki Custom dreadnought style, made in Japan around 1975, natural gloss. Yamaki is a brand with an intricate history. Founder Kazuyuki Teradaira worked at major 1960s instrument manufacturers Zen-On, before quitting in 1967 to start building under his own brand, Yamaki, which translates approximately to 'happy trees on a mountain'. His brother Yasuyuki had started an instrument distribution company called Daion a few years earlier, and by 1982 they had merged and ditched the Yamaki brand in favour of producing guitars under the Daion brand. This little cutie-pie pre-dates that switch up, so it's proudly wearing the Yamaki name on the headstock. It's pretty difficult to ascertain the model, especially given the headstock is stamped 'Yamaki Custom' and the internal label is missing in action. A later catalog from around 1980 displays the AY341S model, which seems to have similar specs: solid cedar top, laminate rosewood three-piece back, bound fingerboard, dot inlays and a rosewood fingerboard and bridge... the main difference is just the decal. Anyway, perhaps a Daion/Yamaki enthusiast will set me straight on the exact model here. The top is definitely solid (see pic 14) and appears to be cedar, which explains the rich colour and sound. This has a really lovely balance to it: it's full through the low end without being dark, it's clear and defined in the top end without being too bright... it all just sticks together beautifully. The neck is relatively slim and comfy, the body feels lively; it's a very agreeable thing in the hands. Yamaki were big on solid tops and big on careful wood selection, so the three piece rosewood back on show here is truly gorgeous. If you're after a quirky dreadnought that really does sound magnificent, this one might just light up your life just right.

Model: Yamaki Custom Dreadnought (appears similar to the AY341S model)
Made: Japan, 1975 approx (no serial)
Finish: natural, gloss poly
Body: square shoulder dreadnought style; solid cedar top, laminate rosewood back and sides
Neck: mahogany, rosewood fingerboard, dovetail joint, 25.5" scale, 15" radius
Weight: 2.150kg
Pickup: none
Mods: none
Case: basic 'Tric' branded semi-hard case

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples on the end and on the front near the high E tuner post, as well as some light scuffs around the logo. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back and a little dent behind the 7th fret approx. The back has some discolouration on the neck joint cap, some widespread minor clouding of the lacquer and light scuffs as well as some dimples along the bottom edge. The sides have some dimples on the top shoulder and elbow area and some scuffs on the bottom corner, nothing nasty. The front has minor scuffs around the whole body and a few dimples, most notably up from the bridge and in the elbow area. Overall: good condition (7/10).

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