Alvarez MD60BG vs. Alvarez-Yairi DYM60HD

We're comparing two very similar and yet incredibly different guitars today, our Alvarez Masterworks MD60BG and our Alvarez-Yairi Masterworks DYM60HD. Both are cannons made from spruce and mahogany but tell different stories with their individual voices. Watch the A/B demo at the end to hear both of these beautiful Dreadnoughts in action.
Jump to…
0:20 Meet the Guitars: MD60BG and DYM60HD
2:07 Differences Between the Models
8:44 Demo: MD60BG
9:11 Demo: DYM60HD
Tim is playing the Alvarez MD60BG: alvarezguitars.com/guitar/md60bg.
Dee is playing the Yairi DYM60HD: alvarezguitars.com/guitar/dym....
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[@scottfishkind5335]

Great content as always, I really enjoy everyone's passion for whatever you are discussing! The demo, listening with headphones, surprised me! While the Yairi DYM60HD was more transparent and had an extra chime element, the Alvarez MD60BG had more richness and warmth Either way both sounded great!!

[@HayesTech]

I've had a lot of success with the video I did on my MD60BG and I love the sound of it. Some day I would love to be able to try out the Yairi DYM60HD. Great video.

[@guitarman7169]

I have ALVAREZ: MD70 ACE/NAT( A cannon!), MD 200C/NAT(Tree of Life), 2 PD 100S(Tree of Life), YAIRI: DY 40CBK, DY80/12 Coral RW, DY84 E East Indian RW, DY84 Brazilian RW, DY90 Brazilian RW('78 MODEL), 2 DY90'S('89)Tight grained Rosewood, DY91 KOA, The coveted DY95N "TREE OF LIFE" with Museum Grade Brazilian and I can honestly say that my well trained ear, singing since the age of 6 and 63 now, prefers the tonal range of my DY 84 Brazilian Rosewood, DY 84 East Indian Rosewood, one of the DY 90 '89 models and, last but not least, my just acquired 2003 DY 91 Koa. The MD 200C Flame Maple(4 AAAA B/S) has some real punch for maple, the MD 70 has a Yairi-like sound. But the Yairi's win out over the 14 Alvarez/Alvarez Yairi's I own. If you want an acoustic, and there are many, that is made to perfection, sonically alluring and plays like an electric, then WHY look any further!? I don't! I do have two 2019 Martin Custom Shop Solid Maple OM's and '21 OM-15M Streetmaster, Takamine '21 Blue Rose and Guild '03 D-55 in rare HoneyBurst. I play them all, but I always reach for the Yairi's when working on a song or just pleasing my need for playing! RIP Kazuo, the six string angels are still singing! And for those buying the AD Introductory series or any Alvarez guitar, they will surpass any like model from any manufacturer. Believe me, I know!!!!

[@DaveHuber1]

What are your thoughts on an Alverez Yari DY, 77?

[@indydavereynolds166]

I have Martin, Gibson and Taylor......always had little respect for Alvarez.....picked up an MD60BG and tried it out a year ago.......I have not played anything else since.....this thing is truly something.....best sound period......

[@sa1168]

Got the MD60BG recently. Can’t believe the value it is. Love it

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Super pleased to hear that, @S A! Enjoy!

[@Southernguitar74]

Yep, it’s a great guitar.

[@Southernguitar74]

My MD60ebg is easily the best guitar I’ve ever owned for the money, and one of the best guitars I’ve owned, period. I’ve had it for over 3 years now, and it just keeps getting better. It loves the D’Addario exp 16’s, at least to my ears. Just wonderful.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

We always love hearing that! Thanks for playing Alvarez 🙌.

[@johnwashburn3793]

I have a 50 year old Alvarez 5043 with the 3 piece back of rosewood and mahogany in the center. I also have a Martin D18GE with Adirondack and Honduran mahogany. Some of my friends prefer the Alvarez and I enjoy each very much. In the demo, the lower priced guitar was a bit older and played in. Give me other a few years and watch out!

[@nicholascowie5944]

While the Yairi costs a lot more the the Alvarez it should be compared more properly to guitars from the likes of Gibson or Martin - in which case it is remarkably inexpensive. The Alvarez is just outstanding value and can hold its own in the company of far more expensive guitars - as the video amply demonstrates.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Appreciate the great feedback, Nicholas 👍 Thanks for watching!

[@fouramhq]

With this comparison, the MD60 sounds better.

[@TomMcCormickGuitar]

08:48 Masterworks 09:16 Yairi

[@Wobbz9413]

If you watch the whole vid, you might actually LEARN sometĥing....😅😅😅

[@chuckgillespie1]

MD60BG owner here....love that thing - Tone and volume are great. I've always drooled over Yairi's, but my playing ability doesn't justify the cost for a poor boy like me. Either way, good job, alvarez!

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

We love hearing that, Chuck! Great guitar. thanks for playing Alvarez 👍

[@Southernguitar74]

I bought my MD60ebg 3 years ago on a whim. I’ve played it everyday since. Outstanding guitar at any price point.

[@romstrevonvliet9905]

Great video! Got the md60bg a few weeks now. An absolute beast that fits in my price range :) Greetz from Holland.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Super pleased you're enjoying your MD60! Thanks for tuning in 📺

[@charliewelch328]

Have same one and yes

[@winterwillows2056]

I love Alvarez guitars! I have an Alvarez 5006, from around 1980, give or take a few years. Spruce top with rosewood back and sides. Made in Japan. It has phenomenal sound, despite being laminate construction. (I was told all laminate by Alvarez in St Louis, Mo, when I asked for info about it. I can't remember, it's been so long since I bought it, if I even asked back then.) It has survived numerous long distance moves, some while packed in the back of a U-Haul! I recently (yesterday!) replaced the original nutt and saddle with unbleached bone and I can hardly put it down, it sounds so good. I fell in love all over again! I'd greatly appreciate any info anyone might have about this model/series...

[@staleyexplores]

an alvarez-Yairi is on my bucket list for sure!

[@marchansel7296]

I have the K Yairi DY59 (1987) You wont be dissapointed

[@Akapickles]

I’ll take one of each please!

[@robotusa88]

I am a bass player who loves of acoustic guitars. I am blessed to have a few beauties. I recently purchased an FY66HDE. I am not a piano player, but it is like playing a Steinway. So, perfect, so sensitive.

[@iankyoko]

Awesome guitar!

[@mathiasgombaud4147]

I have bought a masterworks md60 ebg on april. Fantastic guitar ! Do the strings are d'addario exp light or medium on this video ? Since the exp are currently no longer available, I struggle to find a good replacement, could you tell me one ? Thanks a lot.

[@johnnydogg746]

Iv always been a huge fan of Alvarez, the regent series was my parents price range and iv still got 3 RD10'S But I'm a proud owner of the MD60BG for over a year now and it still hasn't totally opened up and probably will not fully open till my great grandchildren get it,but I'm so blown away by this MD60BG,yeah it's been showcased and talked about but I want to say they are CONSISTENT as any big name guitars,I played 4 different ones before I purchased one.idk where you could get one for 700$ I paid closer to 900 I'm sure,but I didnt like the preamped version, I think it totally takes away from the overall sound of that particular instrument. I play bluegrass and I mic up on the 12th fret and I cant put the thing down,my D18 hasnt been played except for just a few times since getting this piece of ART....

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

We loved hearing this, Johnny. 👍 Thanks for following Alvarez TV!

[@ralfybaby]

I picked one up used for $400 from a GC, had to be shipped to the one near me. Flawless. Fantastic instrument. I can't put it down. I don't think I will ever spend a better $400 in this hobby.

[@iankyoko]

The 'fall-away' on the MD60BG is quicker than on the DYM60HD. So after the strings are strummed the sound drops away quicker. It's best when there's hardly any sense of fall-away, so that the sound carries in fullness from one strum to the next.

[@derekfromtauranga6012]

I’ve recently bought the solid top AD30 which is one of the much cheaper range but sounds great when recorded. 🎸🎸🎸🤗🤗🤗

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

We love that guitar, Derek! Thanks for watching 👍

[@roior]

Both Fantastic! How about comparison of FYM60HD vs FYM66HD ? Thanks

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Thanks for the great idea, Roi! We'll think about that for a future episode…

[@larryburrow6278]

Do they still make yairi guitars by hand in 2022.

[@matthewmiller6817]

I absolutely love my dym60hd..I play bluegrass music and it just has it all for that style of music...I love it enough that I use it for my profile pic 😁😂

[@charliewelch328]

I always wanted a Yairi. Sweetwater had special with 48 month interest free financing last year in 2022. I bought three. Two of the HD Mahagony series and a Brad Davis Yairi signature. Should get Brad Davis signature by May this year 2023.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

That’s fantastic! Thanks for sharing, Charlie, super pleased you have those Yairis, and those mahogany models are very special. Thanks for watching 👍

[@grzegorzel.1157]

Alvarez MD60BG has a neck made of one piece of wood? On the Alvarez Guitar website under this model it says "One piece mahogany, 50/50 Semi gloss finish" is that correct?

[@topsbottom2214]

Mine has a 3 piece neck. The heel and headstock are different pieces of wood but I think it plays, sounds and looks amazing.

[@knvbcoach]

What microphones were used in the short demo at the end? Thanks

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Thanks for asking @knvbcoach, for this demo Dee used a matched pair of DPA2011 small diaphragm condenser mics.

[@davidhirst1661]

Adirondack and mahogany work well together because they both have very clear projection, a perfect match. Just as spruce and rosewood work well together because they both have a nice jangle.

[@theguitarschoolproject3785]

I could really hear that Adirondack top. Thanks for the comparison

[@shawnsnow6413]

Honestly prefer the Alvarez. The Yairi just sounds so dry and airy, it almost reminds me of a Taylor

[@lhvent]

Two cannons for sure.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Thank you Larry 👍

[@jtarman70]

I actually think the cheap one may sound a bit better. Both Excellent guitars, have a feeling the expensive one may age way better and in 10 years would be the better sounding guitar.

[@ryanbloom1738]

Bought the Alvarez today hasn't arrived yet going to get the Yair. I'm going to have to pay off my Blueridge br280 first. Now that I've moved off Martin I sold my D28 I'm all about a Yairi last one I swear to my Wife.

[@roncollins6259]

Alverez folks...I have a mf60. I have been raving and writing comments to anyone Willing to listen. I convinced 2 others I know to purchase one. Can I get a discount on a Yairi all Mahogany OM please? Both Chinese and Japanese factories seem to have access to some of the best wood available,but your mahogany seems on another level. Isn't the "African Mahogany " on the Chinese masterworks Sapelie? If it is, then the "Sapelie" On my mf60ceom is far outclassed by my previous favorite guitar I own. A Taylor 310. I also have a 810 that's Beautiful, but I love the sound of the 310 more. The Alverez sounds a good bit better to my ears. And is figured beautifully!!! Taylor's necks are constantly praised by players. I agree 100%. But holy crap, the neck on the Alverez!! As much as the Chinese masterworks get praise, they are far underrated in my opinion. Longevity, compared to higher end builds? Remains to be seen,but I have faith...

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

That's fantastic to hear, Ron, thank you so much for the kind words 👍

[@KJ-pl4sr]

9:41.....8:48 of blah blah blah....53 seconds of playing

[@tywoodruff8578]

Frankly, pretty disappointing “vs.” video. Almost 9 minutes of the 9:41 was conversation, which told us a bit about the guitars but did little to compare and contrast the two. Then a 40-45 second demo at the end, which was one style only and only gave each guitar just over 20 seconds, and really didn’t highlight the differences.

[@Timrobrus]

Too much chat

[@Patriot1777]

I like the older Alvarez guitars, these new ones are great but I dont support China, Indonesia yes.

[@johnjones-uc3ni]

Alveraz made in China is totally different from the Alveraz Yairi made in Japan. The Yairi guitars are hand made. The Yairi on this video is an outstanding value at $3000. The same woods from other manufacturers start at 7 to 10 thousand.

[@mrbesserwisser7447]

All talk and almost no playing? You get a DISLIKE from me

[@kurt8805]

I agree. An almost useless comparison video.

[@acousticsong-guitarco964]

Thanks for the presentation, but… on a video of 9:49 minutes, you only start playing at 8:45”??? Too much talking for me.

[@magoel7325]

Stop talking about comparing and just get to the playing the guitars…