Yamaki Deluxe Folk No.120, made in Japan 1972, 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 sounds huge. The solid cedar top has aged with play over the decades, so it's really moving now and responds to the lightest touch. It's loud, with a firm and tuneful low end and a singing rich top end and plenty of nuance and detail through the midrange. The neck is a moderately beefy rounded D shape, it's comfy and unassuming and works a treat. The adjustable bridge is a neat little addition and still works perfectly. These enjoy a loyal following amongst enthusiasts, and you'll understand why when you're sitting on the couch with it: it's such a rich sounding, charming, nonplussed little gem.

Model: Yamaki Deluxe Folk No.120
Made: Japan, 1972 date stamp (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: 1.986kg
Pickup: none
Mods: bridge pins replaced, rear strap pin removed and plugged
Case: basic non-original hard case

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor dimples on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has some scuffs around the edges of the whole body but no major marks. The sides have a few dimples in the elbow area and bottom corner, as well as some surface scratches on the bottom shoulder. The front has a dent near the back side of the guard, dimples around the back edge and shoulders and some standard play wear on the shoulders and guard. Overall: good condition (7/10).

Playing condition notes: action is moderately low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. The frets have some normal wear but they're fairly even with no major buzz issues and appear relatively recently dressed, 5/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 12/54 Moonshiners strings.