K.Yairi YW500R Dreadnought Acoustic 1998
K.Yairi YW500R, made in Japan 1998, natural gloss. Murmur the name 'Yairi' in MIJ guitar nerd circles and you'll need a towel to wipe the drool from the floor: these certainly enjoy quite the reputation. 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 painstaking attention to detail adds up to a certain magic in the hands: everything in it's place, working in harmony to create a stunning instrument. This is styled after the most iconic acoustic guitar model of all time, the Martin D28, so you get the classic square shoulder dreadnought shape made from choice solid rosewood and solid spruce. It's got that Martin-ish big booming bass and snappy treble, but with a certain evenness and breath in the tone that adds space and balance. The neck is a slim, comfy round profile with a pretty ochre red rosewood board, it's very easy to play. If you're after a guitar to write and record with, this is surely a superb candidate. Just terrific.
Model: K.Yairi YW500R
Made: Japan, 1998 (serial 58169)
Finish: natural, gloss poly
Body: square shoulder dreadnought style; solid spruce top, solid rosewood back and sides
Neck: mahogany, rosewood fingerboard, dovetail joint, 25.5" scale, 15" radius
Weight: 2.010kg
Pickup: none
Mods: bridge pins replaced
Case: basic non-original vintage hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor wear on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimple son the back and glossing from play only. The back has a few very light scuffs along the middle and bottom edge, no major marks. The sides have a handful of dimples in the elbow area and bottom edge down from the bridge, nothing nasty. The front has some widespread light 'clouding' from exposure to humidity over time, as well as a few dimples in the elbow area and behind the bridge and some standard play wear on the shoulders and guard. 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.