Dreadnought or OM? Yairi DYM60HD vs. FYM60HD - Alvarez TV

Today on Alvarez TV, we're playing two guitars with AAAA Adirondack Tops, Vintage Honduran Mahogany backs and sides, exactly the same specs in every way…except that one is a Dreadnought, and the other is an OM. In this highly-requested episode, we're taking a closer look at the differences between our DYM60HD and FYM60HD, chatting about these two beautiful Yairi models and doing some A/B testing so you can hear the differences for yourself.
Jump to…
0:00 Intro Jam
2:28 Dreadnoughts & OMs: Why We Love Them
9:37 Demo: DYM60HD (Fingerstyle)
10:04 Demo: FYM60HD (Fingerstyle)
10:31 Demo: DYM60HD (Strumming)
10:57 Demo: FYM60HD (Strumming)
Featured in this Episode:
Dee is playing a Yairi DYM60HD: alvarezguitars.com/guitar/dym....
Chris is playing a Yairi FYM60HD: alvarezguitars.com/guitar/fym....
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[@jbanjo056]

I've been hoping for this video, you did not disappoint!

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Great to hear that, Jesse, thank you!

[@jjallyn3151]

Amazing I’d love the JP cutaway in an OM Love this comparison

[@cody31]

Great! Thank you very much. I enjoy every episode.

[@heidih2887]

Wow! Both stunning, each with such distinct personalities.. and together, as you guys played them? DELIGHTFUL! :D Different "tools" for different situations, styles or players. Either one would be a JOY to play! :D

[@mk-wv6yv]

Another great video that showcases some of the fantastic sounds of Yairi guitars. I have a DYMR70 sunburst model that sounds terrific with the rosewood body. It is a boomer. I also have a FYM66HDE which has the Honduran back, sides, and top. The FYM66 is very, very loud when strummed. Yet, it remains very focused when fingerpicked. Can't go wrong with either the HD back or Rosewood back. I like each and every one y'all's videos. They are all very informative. Still can't wait to see, and hear, the Yairi archtop!

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

So pleased to hear that @mk-wv6yv 👍

[@scottfishkind5335]

Great content as always!! Listening with headphones…For sure the dread for the flatpicking but the OM really was sweet for fingerstyle! The dread sounded great for fingerstyle as well.

[@lugrundhofer8431]

Great comparison . they sound really wonderful together. The dread sounds big and bold, and is more articulate than i had expected, but the OM just beautifully compliments the jam, and stands out in the mix so well (as it should ;-) ). It's somehow a focal point in the overall sound for my ears, even though it wasn't the lead guitar in the jam. if it had been, it probably would have been even more pronounced.

[@johnjones-uc3ni]

Thanks for making this video! I really enjoy my fym60hd. It is the most comfortable guitar I have ever played.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

We love hearing that! Thanks for watching 👍

[@6stringsandapick]

Great Video as usual guys. Break out the Jumbos! Need a video with all the Jumbo guitars, Baritones included!

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

We love our Jumbos! Thanks for the suggestion 👍

[@tuneman59]

I don't know if you guys are just doing this on the side or if this is actually your job, but I have to say if so, it is a very enviable job! Lol... Talking about guitars, playing those beautiful instruments, and you gentlemen do play very well together. Very enviable job indeed! I find your videos to be very informative and enjoyable, except for every time I watch them I want to buy another Alvarez guitar! lol .... All kidding aside, thanks for putting this stuff out there!

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Hey, @tuneman59! Thanks for a great comment we really appreciate you. Dee is our audio engineer and head of content, and Chris is head of Alvarez and COO of St. Louis Music.

[@ektalon1]

Wonderful comparison. Shows the difference between two excellent and beautiful guitars. They complemented each other when played together. Interesting that the OM was the rhythm and the Dread the lead.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Thanks for watching, @ektalon1 👍

[@robmc1232]

Thanks for this! I think the OM has a much "sweeter" sound when finger picking. As far as the strumming AB goes, of course I expected the Dread to be louder, but not THAT much louder! I know you said everything was identical, but how about the action? The FYM almost sounded deadened on the strumming portion, and you even mentioned that it had been played in for a year. I also suspect that your slight change in body position, probably due to the different shape and depth, resulted in the FYM not having the soundhole aimed as directly at the mic as it was with the DYM. I'd be willing to bet that the volume and tone difference was not nearly as pronounced to people who were actually in the room during recording. Admittedly, I know little to nothing about microphones, but I know how sound waves propagate out of a hole, and I just think the DYM was aimed right at the mic and the FYM was a near miss. What do you think?

[@ralfybaby]

Now you've done it, i want both 😂 I would have appreciated a bit more playing....

[@fedexnman]

Thanks for the timestamps , both are nice .

[@fedexnman]

Wahhhhh

[@rayseto2724]

For my ears, the OM sounded better (strumming and fingerpicking). Thanks for the video!

[@GregsMusic61]

How about an episode on OM vs Grand Auditorium as this is more relevant.

[@lhvent]

These two guitars are some of the finest models in the industry today.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Much appreciated! Thanks for watching.

[@johnrollins2675]

For me, a smaller person, the OM sits far more secure in my lap when I’m playing in the seated position and there is far less pressure exerted on the in side bicep of the right arm as well. Just a lot more comfortable to play. Thanks for the comparison!

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

They are extremely comfortable guitars to play! Thanks for watching, John 👍

[@bigguy7777]

I really appreciate this comparison, super informative. Now, if only I could be a little spoiled and ask for your parlor PYM60HD/14 against the OM as well, that would be the icing on the cake for me :-) I'm between the two right now and won't have a chance to play - it'd be nice to know if the parlor's tone and volume could hang when playing with other acoustic players, or heavy strumming in general.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Great idea, we'll pass that on. Thanks for tuning in!

[@callawaycass5148]

FYM60HD and FYM66HD please!

[@ronchave6354]

Thanks again Guy's, great guitars well worth the money, but out of my reach. However I can still dream!

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Hopefully one day, Ron. Thanks for watching 👍

[@dalesearcy5734]

Dreadnaught guitars were in demand back before we had amplification. Now we have great ways to make a smaller guitar sound huge. The need for a big guitar is not as abundant as it once was.. That is why I own both size guitars now.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

It's great to have both on hand. We do, too.

[@zoranhruskar4302]

Can you do a comparison of your Cedar top vs Sitka top Yairis? Ideally all other specs being as close as possible, something like a FY70CE vs WY1 or a dreadnaught equivalent compare. I would love to hear the difference and rationale on choosing between these tops, and if that difference is more pronounced in the OM type body shape or the dreadnaught body shape. Keep up the good work!

[@zoranhruskar4302]

I would also like to see a comparison of the various Spruce types you have, I’m not sure if you use different bracing depending on the type of spruce top, but I’ve always wondered how Sitka vs Adirondack vs Engelmann actually impacts the tone. I realize you don’t use the Engelmann but the first two might be worth a compare, or does it not really matter?

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

We love talking about types of wood, so expect some more from us on this in Season 3! Thanks for tuning in.

[@user-zm5zh5fp9i]

I would really love to see you guys compare the FYM60 to the FYM66. I am strongly considering a purchase and I'm debating back and forth between the Honduran top or the spruce top. I would really love to hear the sound difference.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Thanks for asking! We actually did do an episode on this, here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/paS0d6yajJKYi9U. Hope you enjoy! 👍

[@lowellcalavera6045]

One of each, please.

[@nicholascowie5944]

My MF60OM now a couple of years old has opened up beautifully and really it ain't far off the Yairi - still only £549 in the UK!

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

They get better and better! Glad you're loving your MF60, it's a great OM 👍

[@tomhalbert7718]

Great opening chord progression.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Thanks Tom 👍

[@kiragina.7152]

I'd love to see an MF70om added to the lineup. The Recording King 328 000 sounds pretty good. Give me an Alvarez alternative!

[@larriveel03]

Can you design an OM size guitar that has a more powerful bass, as most, if not, all the OM size guitars I've played have the bass strings, although clear, lacking in that. Thanks

[@skyemoz6559]

These sound really nice. Thinking better than the Eastmans which are in the similar price range

[@musicbill369]

Very interesting. The D would be great for jamming, the OM for recording.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Great thoughts, @longbi1. We do love them both for both 👍

[@iannicholls7476]

Where can I try/buy one of these guitars in the UK? Andertons and a few others stock Alvarez but they don’t seem to have the high end Yairis.

[@nicholascowie5944]

I suspect they'd have to be special orders. Guitar Guitar had a couple of models a while back but nothing for well over a year or more

[@davidedwards4309]

Nowhere that I can find, come on Alvarez, find us a dealer!

[@ralfybaby]

That is what I want only in the US The big stores in the malls like GC have the entry level ones but no masterworks and up.... and the smaller community stores have small selections

[@jrlopez4341]

I’d like to see if the OM has a great finger style instead of strumming I thought I’d put this to you to see the quality of the finger style on that instrument I have just purchased one I was pretty blown away

[@Booker950]

I love these videos, but...Can you try to reign in the video editor a bit. I am visually challenged and I really struggle to focus on a video that changes image angles every 2 seconds or less.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Thanks for the feedback, @Booker950, and appreciate you watching the show! 👍

[@kalleblomkvist4173]

why are yairi guitars not available in germany?

[@CameraLaw]

Sometimes hearing the result you expected is gratifying. Finger style on the OM, strumming on the dreadnought, sounded best to my iPhone tuned ears. This is the conventional wisdom, no? I do think a player can overcome the expected. It takes more focus and energy. For example, playing fingerstyle on a dreadnought requires a more aggressive attack, and if done well produces a marvelous tone.

[@StevenRobbins-vv7fo]

Please do a comparison of the fym66hd and the fym70

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

We'd love to! We'll see what we can do. Thanks for asking, and thanks for tuning in 👍

[@lebe220]

Do these guitars do fine with very critical songs or are they too sensible?

[@jamesthompson2702]

I would like to see a comparison between the FYM70 and the FYM60HD.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

We'll see what we can do, James! Thanks for the request, and thanks for tuning in.

[@ellesnyder942]

I'd been wondering where you'd gotten to.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

We never left! Thanks for watching 👍

[@gilbertstevenson1494]

As I listened with the onboard speakers of my phones I noticed that the OM was more “direct”. The Dread a bit more “diffuse”. As primarily a dread/jumbo player, I preferred the dread finger picked. But I preferred the OM strummed. But, I play with a lighter touch. I think, I prefer bigger guitars BECAUSE I play with a lighter touch, and they are louder under my hands. You reference the “cannon” like sound of the Dread. The OM is more of a “rifle”. Not trying to blow down the house, but just a window. This is one of the very few “smaller” guitars that has me re-thinking things a bit.

[@gilbertstevenson1494]

As far as what I’d like to see. AD60 vs MD60. I was once told by an Alvarez dealer that he didn’t keep Masterworks guitars on hand, because folks that don’t really know the difference, play both, look at the hang tag and take the Artist series home because they don’t hear enough difference to account for the price difference. I have to admit that I currently have a PD85S, MD70, and an Older Yairi GY1. All some combination of Spruce/Rosewood. All solid, solid top and back, solid top and laminate b/s. With the same brand/gauge strings…it’s hard to tell the difference, sonically. There is some difference in playability, favoring the Yairi. My Guitarsenal includes two Artist series as well, but a jumbo and a baritone. The old AJ60 is IMHO one of the best guitars made. But it isn’t comparable to the dreads as it’s a “jumbo” and has a maple back/sides.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Great thoughts here, @gilbertstevenson1494. We'll see what we can do for an AD60/MD60 episode. We did an episode on the MD60 vs. DYM60HD, here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5iogqJ9mZqlaJI. Thanks for the requests, keep them coming! 👍

[@ralfybaby]

​@gilbertstevenson1494 I just saw someone make the same comment on a thread on the acoustic guitar forum. I bought my kid an AD30. Great guitar for $300 but my MD60BG is a lot better. All solid beats laminate back and sides every day.

[@gilbertstevenson1494]

@@ralfybaby was it Oldguy64? If so, that was me.

[@ralfybaby]

@gilbertstevenson1494 it probably was LOL 😆 And I honestly think the MD is A LOT better than the AD. But I get it when shopping for a beginner the AD is good enuff. But the MD is fab. Really all the guitar I will ever need. I may want more but I don't need it.

[@lhvent]

The balance on these models is quie apparent.

[@larryyouguessame6078]

TheDreadnought makes me feel like I’m hugging a piano 🙄..

[@Colosphonium]

Amazing guitar, but we canadian...get no case.... at 4900$ this is retarded. Secondly, i own several model made by Katsuo Yari himself, always came with a sign authenticity certificate.... This model came in a carboard box... without any certificate. I almost return it as i was very piss off. This is substandard...are you telling me the people at Alvarez try to cut cost to this point... Common... its a disgrace to be honnest. I contact support...and basicly told me nope...we aint giving you a certificate. That shows to me that the great Katsuo Yari era is over...this is the last aAvarez i ever buy. He wouldnt stand for this. Guess now that he is gone you can cut on shit... How much do you save a years on authenticity certificate? Like 200$ total....lol Make this right Alvarez.

[@chimneychuck]

Wow, 9minutes before single note testing. Thats lots of talking.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

We do our best to talk on this talk show. Thanks for watching! 👍

[@odblooded1]

Crooked tuners on nearly every DYM60HD I have seen online, it's steering me away from the brand.

[@md6397]

Thats dumb.

[@LegsON]

Paraphrase, please.

[@johnjones-uc3ni]

Crooked tuners? I highly doubt they would build them like that at Yairi.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

We do not. @odblooded1 please reach out to us if you've experienced this personally, this would be far off the mark. Thanks for watching! 👍