Mahogany vs Mahogany: Entry Level to Pro! Here's Why They’re Different

We love mahogany, and we decided it's time to compare one of our Artist Series OM guitars to a Honduran Mahogany Yairi. While this may not be a direct comparison, each of these instruments have their unique strengths. Today on Alvarez TV we're looking at what those strengths are, how they perform, and what their characters tell us.
Jump to…
0:00 Mahogany Sunrise (Intro Jam)
1:27 Meet the Mahogany OMs: What Makes Them Different?
3:15 AF66SHB vs. FYM66HD
7:06 Richness of Every Note: The Yairi Difference
10:06 Demo: Artist AF66SHB
10:36 Demo: Yairi FYM66HD
Chris is playing an Artist AF66SHB: alvarezguitars.com/guitar/af6....
Dee is playing a Yairi FYM66HD: alvarezguitars.com/guitar/fym....
Alvarez-Yairi Honduran FYM66HD OM:
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[@lhvent]

Three years in my AD66SHB continues to bloom sounds incredible for what it is. The Yairi is steller and in a class all its own. They are assembled by incredible artistens.

[@benwood7132]

I will never *not* comment on a video featuring my beautiful Yairi. Play it every day, and it is gorgeous. It’s truly a world class instrument for a fraction of the cost of any other at such a level. The value is incredible. Yes, it took me some time to save for. Yes, I waited a year for it to arrive. Worth every penny and second spent. This is a lifetime *and beyond* quality, heirloom instrument. Thank you for building it, and making it affordable. I’ll likely never need another guitar.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Thanks so much for the kind words, Ben. We can't tell you how pleased we are to read stories like this. Thank you 🙏

[@scottfishkind5335]

I always look forward to your videos! As always this is a very honest and transparent discussion. With the AB samples you can definitely hear the superior tone of the Yairi, it’s a different level! However the Alvarez still sounds great not only for the money, but at any price! It’s wonderful these days how many affordable guitars are out there that are beautifully built with an excellent sound! The Yairi FM66HD is definitely a guitar that I would love to eventually add as my dream OM. I already have my dream Grand Auditorium from another builder (though I’m sure the Yairi GA’s are comparable) and if I’m in a position in the future to get the FM66HD I definitely will!

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Great feedback. Thank you!

[@sidweazel2883]

Of course high end guitars are worth it, we all know that 😂 Loved the sample and discussion around the FYM66HD, how can you not comment when it’s in the room! Absolute dream guitar, coming my way 😊

[@yogarich]

Always a joy to watch these videos. Great guitars demonstrated and discussed with such passion. Thanks for doing these videos! I own an Alvarez spruce topped parlor with flamed mahogany back and sides. My go to couch guitar. Love it!

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Fantastic to hear, @yogarich! Thank you 👍

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

I own an FYM66HD, and it's a special guitar. I also own a classical Alvarez from the 1970's, and a Masterworks Elite MFA77CEARSHB (OM cutaway in all solid black walnut). Great guitars. Peace. 🐰💙🇺🇲🎸🎶🤝✌️

[@MrNep2une]

what a sweet tune! the intro is amazing

[@Dogband]

I may have noted this before, but here goes: would be nice in the description to note the microphones and settings and such. As an avid pure acoustic player [no pickups, only mics] I am always looking to improve my recorded sound. Enjoy your vids in my inbox.

[@anthonyb2334]

Thank you. I’ve owned a few Alvarez guitars and never disappointed. Presently have an M120. Very nice sound for a small bodied guitar.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

That's great to hear, thank you Anthony!

[@billallen1594]

I just bought the AP66SHB and am very pleased with it. Has a warm and full sound even with the laminate back and sides. There were a couple of minor flaws with it but was too scared to send it back in case the replacement didn’t sound as good! For me it’s everything I was told it would be, and some more. Hate to admit it but these videos swayed my decision... that and the fact that I couldn’t find any bad reviews on it.

[@rprochowski3930]

Great tone.....

[@Dogband]

PS Love my baritone Yari Alvarez. Incredible sound and workmanship. I also have 3 Taylor guitars and 2 Martins, and it stands up to them in playing quality, sound and finish. Sweet.

[@damonlove8]

Please make an all honduran mahogany masterworks in a parlor 12th fret acoustic. That would rival the Martin 00-15 in playability and tone. That would be amazing. Specially if their made from those honduran mahogany that Yairi had in his warehouse in Japan & sell them around $1300-$1500

[@rickp3646]

I have the Parlor version of the the PYM66HD, just got it this week 6/24 and it’s feels very different from all my other parlor size guitars. I have some Eastmans and an old Martin 0-18 it’s not a 12 fret. This guitar feels very stiff. I change all my parlors to 11-52 strings and even then it feels stiff. The notes don’t seem to ring out as long as my Engelman spruce tops when fingerpicking. I’m not sure if it’s just the way the Honduran Mahogany is as a wood or if it just needs to open up after some time. I’d be interested to know if anyone else has that experience with this type of wood. Mine is the 2024 model. My wife said she loved the sound of it and she hasn’t really said that about some of my other guitars so it must sound good to her. This is my first Yairi so maybe they just feel different with the different bridge and set up. Any comment?

[@kamarienedwards1757]

⁠@@rickp3646i agree with you about the stiffness on the pym. I played 2 at my local dealer and there wasn’t a great responsiveness/feel underneath my fingers or vibrations from the guitar. I’ve played some guitar where they don’t have that magical aha moment and that was one of them. I did love the warm tone from it. I ended up getting a 00015sm, love the responsiveness

[@lhvent]

Alvarez has perfected a way to make an affordable guitar sound like a million bucks.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

We work very hard on this.

[@lhvent]

Something about Mahogany is growing on me.

[@damonlove8]

been a team mahogany guy since day1 of learning the guitar. Personally, a well built mahogany guitar is what a 30+yrs of what a rosewood martin sounds like. The warmth, the roundness is just amazing if you get the right mahogany.

[@lhvent]

@@damonlove8 agreed

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

Merry Christmas, Yairi Alvarez. Should not laminate be better overall and less sensitive regarding climate changes? I have an impression that hard working stage guitars for touring musicians are always made from some laminate, at least on sides, to make the instrument less susceptible to moisture/temperature/shrinkage/expansion changes.

[@jonjeffries3265]

I have the very 1st Taylor GA guitar off the line. A 94’ XXRS #001 that I could possibly trade for a hi end Alvarez with cutaway n dark finish..

[@rickp3646]

I have the Parlor version the PYM66HD, just got it this week 6/24 and it’s feels very different from all my other parlor size guitars. I have some Eastmans and an old Martin 0-18 it’s not a 12 fret. This guitar feels very stiff. I change all my parlors to 11-52 strings and even then it feels stiff. The notes don’t seem to ring out as long as my Engelman spruce tops when fingerpicking. I’m not sure if it’s just the way the Honduran Mahogany is as a wood or if it just needs to open up after some time. I’d be interested to know if anyone else has that experience with this type of wood. Mine is the 2024 model. My wife said she loved the sound of it and she hasn’t really said that about some of my other guitars so it must sound good to her. This is my first Yairi so maybe they just feel different with the different bridge and set up. Any comment?

[@lima621]

Great review of great Guitars. 🙂🙂 Do I detect a geordie Twang in those Accents 🙂

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Indeed! Thanks, Chris 👍

[@bighes100]

I'm teesside so not far 🙂

[@azcharlie2009]

I love these videos. I love Yairi and Alvarez guitars, too. But, with all due respect, I find it very hard to understand Chris when he talks.. I'm older, 75, and my hearing is not as good as it used to be. I just wish he'd speak a little bit clearer.

[@djayr1soulfulhouse838]

What song was being played at the beginning?

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

That’s an original house jam! Thanks for watching 👍

[@djayr1soulfulhouse838]

@@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial hook a brother up with the chords lol

[@luvmypup-_-6955]

I’m still learning, but if I can ever play well i will be investing in a Mahogany guitar

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

You won't regret it!

[@user-jm7uv9ld8p]

Do gents have a yairi Honduran 50 years old mahogany one .excuse my grammar

[@nicholascowie5944]

I've rarely a sweeter sounding OM than that Yairi, but I'll tell you what that Artist series OM isn't exactly a poor cousin

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Thank you, Nicholas!

[@janjablonsky]

I really wanted to hear the tone of both guitars but you can't do that when two guitars are playing simultaneously. Where here to find out what these guitars sound like not to be entertained by a couple of salesmen.

[@roior]

In both cases you get a LOT of guitar for the money 💰