I tried to be fair...the

[@stevevice9863]

The story is that Jack Pearson, a Nashville legendary guitarist, former member of the Allman Brothers' Band, all around virtuoso, and a Yairi owner and player asked Chris Meikle, the CEO of Alvarez, if they could build him a new Yairi guitar. Chris went to the Yairi workshop in Japan and wanted to use a special combination of woods and was thinking of pairing Mahogany with Adirondack spruce. One of the luthiers said he knows of some Mahogany that Mr. Yairi bought in the late 60's and has never been used. This wood has been air drying for over 50 years. They took a piece back to the workshop, planed it down and saw that it was beautiful Honduran Mahogany. Since it was such special wood, they decided to make a limited run of guitars until they run out of it. I am lusting after the Dreadnaught version of this guitar.

[@jltrem]

Jack Pearson, a guy known for playing a Squier...and not a higher priced Squier, one off the bottom of the rack. So did the make Pearson the Yairi?

[@stevevice9863]

Yes. There is a couple videos of him playing a parlor version. One of the videos is with him playing it with Tommy Emanuel.

[@geraldduncanduncan1874]

This makes me feel lucky that I own the dreadnought version explained to me by JP CORMIERS channel

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

I own an FYM66HD. It’s absolutely beautiful. Extreme precision is how I describe it. Responsive and very loud for an OM. It has all the frequencies you want, and gorgeous overtones. Worth every penny. Peace. 🐰💙🇺🇸🗽🎸🎶🤝✌️

[@CameraLaw]

Glad KZbin suggested this. I own a 1989 DY90 and it was called the Super Abalone and it is a really good copy of a Martin D-45 with a D-35 three piece back. Glorious rich tone. Kazuo Yairi, who passed away in 2014, assembled an amazing group of craftsmen who to this day put these top line instruments together by hand. And the used market is filled with affordable gems which have retained all their quality and spunk. Many earlier models, like mine, used laminated woods for backs and sides, but with a special twist. The lamination was from a single slab of wood, split down the middle and then glued together. Not a plywood sandwich by any means. Mine, for example, is built of a rich Brazilian Rosewood that Yairi catalogs of the day called Jacaranda. In the used market, many Martins and Gibsons of a certain age have multiple repaired cracks. Have never seen a cracked Yairi. So … if you’re in the market, don’t shy away from this type of construction.

[@joeyoungs8426]

I absolutely agree. I have a 1991 WY1 (cedar) and it is an outstanding guitar. I also have a 1991 CY118 classical when they were still using a 660 scale and it is also a stellar guitar. Both are as good as they were new but they have also been well kept.

[@OssianEMills]

I love your appreciation and promotion of Yairi guitars, becaue I share it! I own three Yairis. Each one is unique. Each one is amazing! I also own three 18/21/42 series Martins. The Yairis are not only comparable to those, but often preferred (in my hands).

[@annunacky4463]

DY67 owner. Wife bought it for me in the 80’s. It has aged beautifully and sounds excellent IMO. Cedar top, rosewood fretboard. I finger pick and sing sorta soft, so it really grew on me. Had offers to sell it, but I’m happy as heck with it.

[@metriczeppelin]

Bought a 1977 DY-57s brand new and I still have it today in 2024. It has aged better I have for sure!

[@annunacky4463]

@@metriczeppelin True Dat! I’m 69 and so old I’m wondering who to gift it to when I’m gone lol. The kids don’t play…all my music friends are old too, so maybe a local artist or school program.

[@metriczeppelin]

@@annunacky4463 Try reaching out to a veterans rehab group, they would be forever grateful 🙏

[@prosegold]

I think for the most part when Americans criticize import guitars they are speaking specifically about china and Mexico. European/Japanese guitars are excluded and in a class of their own imo

[@prosegold]

americans basically criticize any import that is an import for the reason of production cost cutting

[@RantzBizGroup]

​@@prosegoldwhich as it should be, there won't be any American made instruments in a short period of time at this rate.

[@kevin6385]

I have a Mexican made Martin that holds its own against any guitar I own. Don't be an elitist

[@RantzBizGroup]

@@kevin6385 Then you have aided the enemy. Every dime going offshore takes money off the table of an American worker. Soon, all Martin guitars will be made in Mexico and China.

[@angelg8445]

It’s pretty simple; there’s absolutely NOTHING INHERENTLY better or worse ab anything made outside of America. The reason US made is more revered is because of branding, history and economic reasons mostly because of the dominance(and exploitation) that America has imposed on the rest of the world. When you look at factory made US guitars like Martin/Taylor they’re only better than their respective Mexican counterparts bec that’s where the money and market is, if they made the same all solid wood quality with the same type of materials and craftsmanship then OFCOURSE the guitars would be equal or better. Particularly look at Yamaha, Furch, Larrivee(when they were in Canada)and even boutique level like Boucher and Yairi!

[@danielschroeder1449]

Richard Betts (from the original Allman Brothers) plays a Yairi on several KZbin videos. One is a version of Melissa that I really enjoy.

[@sonoma_s]

You have really upped your game on the filming/editing of this video. I have been watching your videos for a couple of years now. This one visually comes together well. Really appreciate content you are putting out for YT guitar community.

[@BlackwingDan]

Must read: My first guitar was also an Alvarez Kazuo Yairi bought new in 1982, and I play it occasionally to this day. It’s still mint. Model 5051 60th anniversary closed floral shoulders soundholes (etched by lasers - HIGH tech in 1982). 4 years later, who played one exactly like it on tv? Sir Paul McCartney, that’s who. Google “Prince’s Trust Concert” 1986. Decades later, I talked to a technician at Yairi about this guitar. He said they were notorious for top separation, and there’s maybe 200 good ones left in the wild. Soft spot for Yairi, for sure. Great video. Thank you sir.

[@jsckie4150]

Wow! Beautiful guitar and great playing today, Jeremy! Hearing some chord progressions that aren’t too common! Thanks for the great review and playing.

[@anthonyb2334]

I missed out on a vintage Yairi. The guy who beat me to the sale was gracious and let me play it. Amazing. I’m a BIG Martin fan, BUT, there ARE IMPORT guitars that are fantastic. I was in Spain and Portugal 12 years ago. The classical and folk guitars folks were playing there were beautiful and amazing in sound. We can be very snobbish. Excellent video.

[@johnmichaelginty3210]

Great explanation there PaleFace! LOL. My first "good" guitar was a Yairi - back in 1973 - and is was often mistaken for a D28, in both sound and appearance. This FY model is stunning!

[@myronlarimer1943]

Yairis are absolutely amazing! They are simple, clean sounding and incredibly affordable for a quality, hand made guitar. Not flashy. Just a great guitar.

[@BobsYoureuncle]

Jeremy ... You are so spot on with ALL of your points mentioned through the first 7 minutes . 👍👍

[@Guitaural.]

Sounds great - I've got an old early 80's DY-62 that's still going strong! Never heard the "Year-y" pronunciation before though...

[@yellowhammergenetics]

I've wanted a Yairi for over 20 years. I have a couple Alvarez, solid built guitars, and my Taylor GA8 custom shop, but I need that Yairi in my life

[@runwin3]

All you needed for this review was that opening song. The music spoke just as much as your words.

[@ozarkprepper1718]

Japanese Yiari alvarez are the best acoustic guitars ever made

[@MrDaveKC]

That's a very nice Yairi Alvarez Guitar... and it's a little striking that you're wearing a Martin shirt. Honestly the only USA made guitar I have is my old 70's Guild 12 string. My Martin (with the HPL sides & back) was made in Mexico, my Sigma is old enough it's one of the Japan versions (and a very fun guitar). I think you're right that there's a certain snobbery about where the guitar is made, and the USA is not necessarily better than anywhere else. So it's a very nice instrument, and I find their bridge to be fascinating in it's design. And I agree it's really really pale in it's color. That may get resolved over the years, but it's a definitely bright right now. I have an all mahogany mandolin that I dearly love. It's got a mellowness that I really enjoy. My other (both are Mid-Missouri/Big Muddy) is so punchy in comparison, but it's Maple back and sides, with a Spruce top. One of these days I hope to have a good Mahogany guitar, too.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

The bridge pin block mounted within the top and separate bridge is the very best bridge design ever invented for the acoustic guitar. This amazing design does 3 things: #1........the bridge pin block not only has "better contact with the bridge plate".......IT IS DIRECTLY COUPLED WITHIN THE BRIDGE PLATE, which results in the very best energy transfer to the top. #2: This design also causes a much more elevated drop in the already great string break/angle, which applies far more downward pressure on the saddle, which again, means superior energy transfer to the top. #3: This amazing innovative design also makes it IMPOSSIBLE for string tension to eventually "pull the bridge off of the top"........just as it also makes it IMPOSSIBLE for the bridge to cause a rising bulge in the top. Back when Mr. Yairi invented this innovative design, he really knocked it out of the park.

[@stevelacombe5291]

I never noticed the break angle before. That is quite unique. The string tension is still trying to pull up the top, but I can see how the separate bridge/saddle might offset it somewhat.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

Yep. @@stevelacombe5291

[@dalesearcy5734]

It would be nice to see some higher end Yamaha guitars on your reviews. So many great Yamaha guitars are being built these days.

[@johnjones-uc3ni]

I bought this model about 5 months ago. It is an outstanding acoustic. Very comfortable to play. It sounds loud to me for such a small body size. And as far as the color of the top being too white. When I first opened the case I was very pleased with the contrast between the Adirondack top and the Honduran mahogany body. The Japanese are really into the natural progression of nature in art. Therefore, I think Yairi would believe in the Adirondack top aging naturally with no age toner.

[@JamesHearon-r2y]

I agree. When I bought my first Alvarez the top was super white. My granddaughter asked me recently why the top of my guitar was so much darker than hers. I got to tell her that the more she plays and the more sun her guitar sees, the darker it will get. I like the dings it’s acquired over the years. I like the fact that the neck started with a satin finish and now it’s polished. I like the fact that it started out white as a sheet of paper and all of the color it has now is from honest use.

[@HayesTech]

Alvarez makes a great guitar. And if you can't afford the Yairi, they also make the straight Alvarez series. I've reviewed one of them. And you can get all solid wood, with actual wood glue and not epoxy construction. They have dovetail neck to body joints with that awesome, low C shape neck profile with that satin finish to make the neck feel smooth and slick. I have an MD60BG, which is their affordable all solid wood dreadnought with all solid East African Mahogany back and sides and Sitka Spruce tops (mine has silking in it showing a perfect quarter saw top). That guitar sells for around $690.00 new. I can highly recommend Alvarez. Recording King is another great budget minded, all solid wood guitar. It's built more like a 40's Martin D-28. I have the RD-328 and it's a cannon. It's got Adirondack Spruce for its top.

[@rickwebermusic]

Hang onto it for a while, the spruce will darken considerably. My Larrivee was pretty pale when I bought it, and now it has a rich amber hue- almost 17 years later.

[@jerbear1601]

I remember one time years ago I was in a store, played a Martin D-28 and then moved on to a cheap Alvarez for a quick try and actually prefered the Alvarez! It really depends what tones you want to hear. They certainly make great guitars and that one there is wonderful sounding amd has great sustain.

[@LucasHaneman]

As a Canadian who has been lucky to get in the good books with some small scale Canadian guitar builders (I’m a full-time player), watching this video made me realize that I have seven Canadian made guitars in my arsenal. Honestly I would put those guitars up against anything else out there. trust me I love Martin and Gibson just as much as anyone else out there, but to get the Martin or Gibson I would like here in Canada with import duties etc. I would be spending an absolute fortune. The beautiful thing about being in such a fortunate position knowing the few great Canadian builders is that I see supporting their business much like supporting a small mom and pop shop. By playing their guitars I’m putting money in their pockets for their families and loved ones, and by endorsing their products and performing with them on a regular basis I’m putting money in my pocket for my family and loved ones as well. It’s a beautiful thing. The bonus is that I always have people coming up to me at shows asking me about the guitars, so this also supports the small companies as well. Through this process that began when I was only 20 years old when my good friends father decided to start building guitars in his basement I come to understand that it’s all about the way an instrument is constructed rather than the historical significance of the name on the headstock. I think it helps that my first experience with a guitar was my dad‘s old Japanese made Yamaki dread. Yes a somewhat obscure brand, but that dreadnaught is a marvellous marvellous sounding guitar to this day. Hearing that thing since I was an infant set The bar for acoustic guitars very high

[@crazywisdom2]

I own a Seagull S6 ( 20th anniversary acoustic guitar ). All blonde. It is an incredible guitar !

[@brandoshreds]

Always wanted a Yairi after seeing Zakk Wylde playing them in the Pride & Glory years. You should ask Chuck if he still has the Zakk Yairi display poster from the earky 00s! It used to be in the stock room of the old old building. Not the one that exploded.

[@JeremySheppard]

I remember it. I'm sure it's gone in the explosion though.

[@tomopie4296]

Thanks for educating us acousticals on the need to be open minded about an international view of many great guitars. And yes, Martin originally came from Germany!

[@scottfishkind5335]

The Yairi are really beautiful sounding and beautiful looking guitars! I really would love to play one! I’d be curious to hear an A-B with Yairi and Furch of similar construction. I have a Furch Yellow Master’s Choice Gc-CR which is my dream guitar so I’m not looking to add right now, but at some point I might consider a high end OM so I’m keeping my eyes and ears open. Also, I agree with you regarding American made versus guitars made in other countries . Music is a universal language and people all over the world are ideally brought together by music. To falsely imagine Americans are superior at either making music or constructing instruments is simply ridiculous! I graduated from Berklee College of music back in 1981. The coolest thing about attending an internationally known school like Berklee is that you are surrounded by some of the best musicians from all over the world! In fact many people who were already popular recording artists in their country would come to Berklee to study! I remember one of the first jam sessions I ever did at Berklee, we had serious music students from all over the world, playing together and being thrilled to do so! You quickly learn to get out of your little bubble regarding American musicians and the same should apply to instrument makers!

[@johnjones-uc3ni]

I've already made a comment but I think it's important to note that the first 2 prototypes of this guitar went to Jack Pearson who asked Alveraz to make a guitar to his specifications. And the second went to Jeff Beck, who was touring Yairi in Japan, and when he came across the fym60hd he left the factory with it. It says alot about this guitar that these two great guitarist chose it. When Jack Pearson comissioned this guitar he was in a shop playing Martin, Taylor, Gibson and other brands. But none of them fit his needs. So he got Alvarez to build a guitar for him. And of course Alveraz turned to Yairi and the rest is history.

[@SimiPair]

I own one of those guitars. It is perfection.

[@emaneercsadeeni]

Good presentation, well prepared. I’m actually interested in one…

[@fourocker]

Your comments on this subject are spot on, I find it quite ironic that Martin being held in such high regard in the U.S is German in heritage, here in Australia we're more open to brands from all over the world even though we do have some builders of excellent guitars, we really do have to realise guitar building is an international skill.

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Because Germans make the best stuff, always have….in WW2 my grandpa said his goal was to get his hands on a German gun ASAP…they were superior to what we had

[@fourocker]

@@mr.smithgnrsmith7808 ha ha, thanks for that, I'm certainly not embarrassed by my Saxon lineage, one thing Germans are good at is design and engineering.....guitars included 👍

[@el34glo59]

The US is definitely open to all types of brands. And no Germans don't make guitars better than Martins who literally started it all. The Yairi is nice. Always wanted one. Tried one, disappointed. Does not beat a great Martin

[@fourocker]

@@el34glo59 you may have missed my point, Martins are German originally.

[@LuNaaaaaR]

A lot of snobbery about American built guitars, especially Martin. The rest of the world caught up and in many cases overtook, with some at a fraction of the price

[@752brickie]

I have had probably at least 8 Alvarez' over the years !!! I HAVE NEVER HAD TO ADJUST A NECK AND HAVE NEVER HAD A SINGLE ISSUE WITH ANY OF THEM !!!!! They are amazing guitars for the money and my next one is going to be the Yairi folk size. I was thinking about the solid Honduran Mahogany top ,back and sides ! Great video Jeremy thank you !!

[@Gratefulman1965]

Alvarez & K.Yairi guitars have been my guilty pleasure for over fourty years. I recently purchased another. A 1979 YW-500P. Which is Yairi’s take on a Martin D-35. Handmade and beautiful.

[@mikedproducer]

I bet that is incredible.

[@BluesDan321]

Thanks for a great video on this amazing guitar; Jeremy. GREAT PLAYING TOO!!! They have one as I am writing this at Hometown Music. They installed an LR Baggs for someone, but the guy didn’t buy it. I mentioned that I watched your YT video, only to see afterwards that it is tied to their ad for this guitar! I am waiting for a response from them. One comment said that Jeff Beck bought one of the prototypes of this guitar. Very cool. Take care.

[@JeremySheppard]

It was the same guitar as my video! It’s still there. You should snag it! I put the pickup in it myself.

[@johnnym721]

The RD8 was my first guitar too! Still have it actually

[@johnjones-uc3ni]

I saw a posting on Reverb for this model from Harrisonburg, VA. Thought it might be your store. That's a great price! I already have that model and after almost 2 years of playing it is an awesome sounding guitar. In the end the FST2 model will be more valuable and collectable than the FST6. The reason being is the Honduran mahogany used from the 50 year old stash will be gone. And the FST6 model will still have Honduran mahogany but it won't be the same aged wood.

[@johnjones-uc3ni]

I just wanted to comment on the one thing you didn't like about the FYM60HD. And that is the white top. I own this model of guitar and the first comment I get when I show it and open the case is " I really like the top!" It will eventually age and turn darker. But for now, I really love the contrast between the Adirondack top and the Honduran back and sides. The sound is excellent after 10 months. And it's still bright white. I can only imagine how it will sound as it ages and the top turns yellow.

[@cffinch44]

Glad to see someone with some cachelovin on Alvarez. I bought my first Alvarez 40 years ago. I have had many but not a Yairi yet but soon. They make affordable well playing guitars that easily compare with many more costly brands. That applies for Yairi ( while I have not owned one I have played many) as it relates to other well known expensive brands.

[@scottfishkind5335]

Great stuff as always Jeremy!! That is a beautiful guitar both aesthetically and sonically, and your playing brought out the best in it! I'm currently not looking to buy anymore guitars, I had to push the stop button on that lol, but I love hearing about different acoustic guitars that are out there! Alvarez also has a great channel as well and they do a wonderful job doing some deep dives into their products (and general topics around acoustic guitars) and I've learned a bunch about both Alvarez and Yairi. The instruments they are producing is really impressive! I truly appreciate your content and can never thank you enough for introducing me to Furch, my Yellow Master's Choice Gc-CR is my dream guitar and it blows me away every time I play it! I also have three Walden's and I'd love to see you review more of their guitars from the Natura and Supranatura line. You did a great job introducing the baritone. In fact if I was to add another guitar a baritone is very tempting!!

[@DerekPaulGuitar]

Your knowledge is so inspiring my friend! Another great video!

[@alanhembra2565]

I have a 6 and 12 string and an 8 string Baritone acoustic from Alvarez. I hope to one day have a Yairi.

[@jamienaundorf8798]

Really enjoy your videos and your passion for guitar is truly insightful and entertaining

[@timelwell7002]

So far as high quality acoustic guitars are concerned, it really doesn't matter what the nationality of the luthier who made it might be, nor where they live. Rather, it has EVERYTHING to do with how skilled they are at making guitars. There are makers here in the UK who make spectacularly good guitars - Atkin, Lowden, Fylde, Barton, Benjamin, Mobbs, etc. In Canada you have Linda Manzer, among many others. It is also worth noting that Steinway pianos are made not only in the UK but also in Hamburgh, Germany - and that most pianists far prefer the European made Steinways to the US made instruments. And most piano tuner/technicians (such as myself) also far prefer the German-made Steinways.

[@janiceandscottwolfe6203]

Over time the guitars top will age beautifully.

[@michael4930]

If I didn't already have an OM-28...That is a great guitar.

[@jayman1338]

This guitar sounds absolutely amazing. It’s just sick!! The lower tones really stand out to me but the openness of the mids and highs are amazing as well. I see why the price$$$

[@Bossanovawitcha]

I just got a wy1 used, and it’s def super premium, plays itself.. unreal prices can be had on secondary market rn tbh wish they would bring the dy-88 back Thom Yorke loved so much

[@abeellis4470]

Great video, as always. I love the Yairi’s but I personally think Alvarez’s Masterworks would be a great buy for $600-$900.

[@JeremySheppard]

We're going to do a blind comparison

[@abeellis4470]

I’d love to see and hear that!!!

[@MashaT22]

I second that!

[@ralfybaby]

I got a masterworks md60bg and it's fab. Slightly used from GC for $400. I liked it so much when another one showed up on gc for $400 I bought that too 😂

[@alinchitown7556]

IMO Alvarez Yairi are some of the finest guitars made in the world. I have 2 the latest being a Yairi DYMR70SB SB and it is without a doubt a guitar that far out performs it’s price. It is in every way comparable to guitars that come out of boutique, and custom shop guitars.

[@leelossi1257]

What an incredible guitar....possibly one of your best yet

[@drothberg3]

I agree about purchasing boutique guitars used, especially lesser know ones. I got my Huss & Dalton DR-H for less than $2000! It’s less likely to get a deal like that on the better known boutique brands like Collings or Bourgeois.

[@JeremySheppard]

That's a stunning deal! Good find!

[@RandyBancroft]

Also, Spain and Mexico have been making guitars for long (long) time.

[@shred5]

This guitar sounds great! I haven’t played a higher end Yairi in years but people seem to love them. As for guitars made overseas, I generally find guitars in Japan to roughly be made similarly to US guitars. Even guitars from China or places they make them to be cheaper typically are getting much better and while I am not aware of any guitars made in China or Korea that are on the same level yet, it won’t he long

[@barkrussell4083]

Some of the older Johnny Cash shows shows Johnny Cash playing Yari guitar as well as Carter family same old Hee Haw shows Roy Clark as well as Porter Wagner every bit as good as Martin or Gibson

[@TomWimmer]

What do you think of the new Laurette series guitars?

[@viniciuseduardobomfim]

I believe you meant Laureate. They are a step below the flagship Yairi's, but from what I've heard... Laureate's are fantastic guitars that just like the Yairi's, punch way above their weight class. Great sounding intruments sporting the best materials they have available, with lots of care put into the craftsmanship, they're pretty much guitars to be assigned in your will to one lucky heir or to be buried/cremated alongside you.

[@shawn4189]

Have you played the FYM66HD? I’m pretty stuck between the two. All the hype seems to be with the 66, but sometimes I think the 60 sounds better.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

Jeremy, perhaps in some quarters people view foreign guitars as inferior, but I don't know of anyone who believes that to be the case. Perhaps the cheaper, low end imports are viewed in that light, but even they are on a much higher level than in years gone by (and of course, you get what you pay for). Many of the greatest luthiers in the world have their shops outside of the US. Many fine builders are making their instruments in America. If it's good, it's good. That said, I would prefer to support American builders and their employee's when I purchase an instrument, so that's what I try to do. -Just my 2 cents worth..

[@tysnaden]

Have you played any Asturias guitars? They look really well built but there isn’t any info about their steel string guitars

[@drothberg3]

I sold a Yairi dreadnought that I bought in the 1980s. I regret it, even though I’m now playing a Huss & Dalton.

[@IndigoJo]

Is the Yairi bridge design patented? I've noticed that no other guitar builder (other than the Chinese built Alvarez) uses it. Do you notice any particular advantage to it?

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

it adds downward tension to the strings due to the steep break angle. It can be fit together with no glue, because there’s no pressure trying to rip the bridge off from the pins. Also, it adds extra vibration to the top, due to the ebony only where the pins sit. I own three Alvarez guitars, on is the Yairi FYM66HD. Peace. 🐰💙🇺🇸🗽🎸🎶🤝✌️

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

it adds downward tension to the strings due to the steep break angle. It can be fit together with no glue, because there’s no pressure trying to rip the bridge off from the pins. Also, it adds extra vibration to the top, due to the ebony inlay where the pins sit. I own three Alvarez guitars, on is the Yairi FYM66HD. Peace. 🐰💙🇺🇸🗽🎸🎶🤝✌️

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

it adds downward tension to the strings due to the steep break angle. It can be fit together with no glue, because there’s no pressure trying to rip the bridge off from the pins. Also, it adds extra vibration to the top, due to the ebony inlay where the pins sit. I own three Alvarez guitars, on is the Yairi FYM66HD. Peace. 🐰💙🇺🇸🗽🎸🎶🤝✌️

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

it adds downward tension to the strings due to the steep break angle. It can be fit together with no glue, because there’s no pressure trying to rip the bridge off from the pins. Also, it adds extra vibration to the top, due to the ebony inlay where the pins sit. I own three Alvarez guitars, one is the Yairi FYM66HD. Peace. 🐰💙🇺🇸🗽🎸🎶🤝✌️

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

it adds downward tension to the strings due to the steep break angle. It can be fit together with no glue, because there’s no pressure trying to rip the bridge off from the pins. Also, it adds extra vibration to the top, due to the ebony inlay where the pins sit. I own three Alvarez guitars, one is the Yairi FYM66HD. Peace. 🐰💙🇺🇸🗽🎸🎶🤝✌️

[@BaktaBak3]

(IMO) USA made instruments hold their value . Can't justify import products being the same $$ or more than what you'd pay for USA made.

[@willweatherhead3115]

Your playing in the intro… 🤌🏻

[@texhaines9957]

Great sounding guitar. So they are different from Alverez. What is the neck profile like? I didn't like a 2004 Alvarez neck profile . Thanks.

[@socksgratecheese]

The Yairi profile is similar to the newer Alvarez neck profiles in their Artist series and above. Its a shallow V that is radiused at the middle and close to the fret board. I find them very comfortable even though I prefer more substantial necks. They play very similar to Taylor's necks in both feel and consistency even though the shape and method of construction are pretty different.

[@davidmellick1947]

I own a mckenzie and marr built in China. Very beautifully done

[@BillySoundFarm]

Are you adding the blur/focus effect in post or are you just riding the wave of your camera auto-focusing the shot?

[@JeremySheppard]

If there's a title, it is a blur effect. The bridge shots are a macro lens that has a very shallow focus.

[@BillySoundFarm]

@@JeremySheppard thanks!

[@thasandmanmorrison8469]

that thing is a martin OOO 18 killer.

[@fedexnman]

Sounds great and is a beauty

[@andyt5559]

won't that bridge design make it weak, less glued surface area or is it attached through the top??

[@joeyoungs8426]

Yes, it’s inlaid. My WY1 is as perfect as it was 30+ years ago.

[@Therionx]

where are alvarez artist series guitars made

[@ryanbloom1738]

Selling my Blueridge br280 and buying the dreadnought model.

[@Morten_Nielsen1979]

8:35 Acare guitar. What is that?

[@deanmcbride8747]

The guitar sounded great. What's it's price point. Dean 🇬🇧

[@JeremySheppard]

$3300

[@deanmcbride8747]

​@@JeremySheppardhi jezza the guitar is fairly pricey but if made in Japan it will be worth it. 🇯🇵. Never tried one but will look out on the used market for one maybe. Great video thanks Dean 🇬🇧

[@kyleharleyanderton]

It would be great if you could get a hold of a Yairi JYM90 JUMBO

[@tbeau6663]

Sublime tone

[@endoffate5475]

I get to play Stained?! Im sold.

[@lapidarydave]

is the african guitar company you’ve been trying to work with Duncan?

[@JeremySheppard]

Yes! We've got someone on the books. Keep an eye out.

[@pawlowski6132]

I would love to know the demographic and type of person that is buying these guitars

[@JeremySheppard]

We've sold 4 in the last two weeks and they're all younger players. 30's or 40's. Men, not traditional players

[@RByrne]

Theres amazing companies, builders, and luthiers all around the world. I think Chinese and Mexican mass production is where the worst reputation is. Japan, Canada, Ireland, etc. all have fantastic standards when it comes to building guitars. You also mentioned Africa, from which I've seen some of the most amazing acoustic guitars.

[@Gratefulman1965]

I sold my China made guitars. I have owned Mexico martins and they were fine guitars. I have owned Japan made Alvarez and K. Yairi guitars and I continue to own those up to present day. I wish Alvarez would go back to Japan builds. They were better instruments to my ears. My American and Japan made guitars live together in my studio and they are useable works of art. 🎶

[@thasandmanmorrison8469]

make that a 12 fret slot neck and a parlor. and you have what i really want.

[@HometownMusicHVA]

There is an Alvarez Yairi PYM70, which is rosewood for the back and sides but is a slot headstock and a 12 Fret. Happy to help!

[@thasandmanmorrison8469]

@@HometownMusicHVA yes, and i am mystified that they do not make a 12 fret slot with that mahogany. saving as we speak to make an order. thinking of selling a couple to make it happen. i have an OM solid adirondack and indian rosewoods guitar that i love. and a yairi brazilian rosewood dread. but i want to fill it in with a quality solid mahogany guitar. and the opportunity to use that 50 year old honduran mahagony is calling to me. when i pull the trigger. i will contact jeremy and make this happen.

[@davidmellick1947]

I would buy this over a Larrive. I owned a L9 and the bridge was pulling off! Not impressive!

[@glenfougeron2823]

Dumb question of the day - How would you compare these to say Collings or Santa Cruz? Even if there is a comparison.

[@JeremySheppard]

There is absolutely a comparison. It is right up there for quality and precision. Its not as bassy as a Santa Cruz would be but it's absolutely in the conversation

[@kurt8805]

Collings-level build quality. Warmer sound than Collings and almost as loud. Louder and more projection than most Santa Cruz guitars I've played. I've had the dread version (Yairi DYM60HD) for a year and sounding better already. Trebles are not as thin and shrill-sounding as on Collings.

[@alementary4065]

I just ordered an Alvarez Yairi DY1SB. I hope I love it as much as I do the one in this video.

[@JeremySheppard]

They’re truly excellent!

[@matthewrtrego]

Was the African Guitar Company, Duncan Africa, by chance?

[@JeremySheppard]

You know it! Jay put me on the list! It's happening!

[@sburton223]

I have an 85 dy 74 that is a super guitar⁶

[@jeffw468]

Nice video. What is the nut width?

[@JeremySheppard]

1.75"

[@martinharvey249]

Yairi is a Japanese name. It is pronounced Ya-ee-ree. There is only one Y sound, at the beginning

[@Natedogg2112]

Yai (like my, lie, sky) - ri (like see).

[@martinharvey249]

@@Natedogg2112 No. It is made of three syllables. Ya, i and ri. Ya-i-ri.

[@Natedogg2112]

@@martinharvey249 true but any combination of A and I makes a sounds more similar to the words I mentioned above. Take kudasai or onegaishimasu for example. You wouldn’t say o-ne-ga-ee-she-ma-su, you would pronounce the word o-ne-guy-shi-mas. You can take my word for it or just go listen to any Japanese person say it on KZbin, There’s plenty of Japanese guitarists reviewing Yairi guitars out there.

[@ChuckEzell]

Wondered if someone would point this out. 😂

[@markpousseur9441]

Per my son who has lived 7 years in Japan… It is pronounced phonetically… “Ya ear di”. Jus sayin.

[@aleksanderzobec5103]

I played a Gibson and a Martin and a Yairi after them …. The Yairi wins totally

[@nathanalane2674]

It’s gone already isn’t it?

[@JeremySheppard]

This one's still available but not for long.

[@vwdlamont]

Alvarez guitars says, "The top is Adirondack Spruce."

[@michaelforde4373]

Super instrument

[@daedalusjones4228]

You're right about the ignorant American attitude. Guitars are like wine. There is excellent wine made in countries that Americans would never associate with wine.

[@earlsinstrumentsandtunes9732]

There are players who do not fit to the Martin sound. An Alvarez is a much better guitar for them. Even a low to mid priced Alvarez is better for them. It took me some time to understand that, but it is true. And i say "Whatever works for you is what you need."

[@robertardizzone4010]

I love my DY79

[@monkeysweeperguitar]

Dang, that thing is suhweet!

[@billystephens9255]

Bud theirs no way for that kind of money I'm not saying they don't sell I'm saying most guitar players are goin to choose a Gibson or martin or a American boutique builder just a fact.

[@corycunningham8675]

It’s a shame, because it’s just really hard to find an American made guitar at this price with this build quality.

[@NagoyaHouseHead]

Ya-i-ri

[@Joe-m6p6b]

Wide grain in any other spruce species is regarded as inferior against tight grained tops Suddenly wide grain is better...? Come on...