The amazing story of Yairi Guitars, DYM60HD review 

How does this guy not have a bigger channel? It's fantastic content. Hell of a player and great info.

When I went to uni in 1971, my friend played guitar. I saved and saved, and when she went to Sydney (from Bathurst, NSW), I begged her to get me a guitar ... one that sounded good to her. She went into town where the biggest music store was back then, and she played every guitar in my price range in the shop. She came back home with a Yairi nylon string classical guitar manufactured in 1968 and signed, which I still have and love playing till this day. It has grown sweeter and more melodic over the almost 50 years I've had it. It's still in beautiful condition and makes my heart sing every time I get it out of the case.

I hope you don't mind a wordy tale but, this is my story about Yairi, Alvarez and Chris Meikel is as follows. In about 1975 I was shopping for a new acoustic guitar and had about $400 to spend, which put me within reach of Gibson/Guild etc. There was a Yairi right next to that range and it was a brand I had never heard of before. It was the guitar i walked out with, a DY-57 with some seriously beautiful wood in it. About 6 years ago I was looking for another acoustic guitar (I have had many steel and nylon strings over the years), and saw Alvarez brands online in some Australian shops. My gut reaction was that it sounded like a cheap brand with that name when they were made in China, but I still did some research. As soon as K Yairi's name came up, I was sold on trying one. I live in Tasmania and a lot of shopping has to be done online for certain 'luxury' items (Music shops exist here but not many but have limited range in terms of brands and value). So I bought one and had it sipped down. I was so disappointed. It was the MD-60 which was made from all solid wood with nice fittings and finish, but the neck was bowed beyond recovery. It turned out to be a storage issue with the importer, a problem that has been fixed since this problem was bought to their attention. I rang the import.seller and they gave me a budget of $400 to have a luthier look at it, but the luthier too declared it beyond salvation. So it was agreed I'd return it for a refund, and at their cost and have a think about what I wanted to do. meanwhile I had messaged St Louis Music on FB and told them of the problem with the guitar, their Aust importers storage, and my immense disappointment. Chris Meikel came back to me the next day and said hold on and don't buy anything just yet. A few days passed and he asked for my shipping address, which I gave him with a question mark. He said he was sending me a replacement by way of an apology for my experience. A few weeks later a brand new Masterworks MD70 in luxury case turned up at my door compliments of St Louis Music company. That stands out as the best customer service I think I've had. It's a fantastic guitar. Beautiful sound. Balanced. Very responsive. And very loud.

John, I just bought this guitar based on your review. I’m in the states and the only one I could find was in Canada! I have 3 Martins and a fantastic Yamaha L16. I’m waiting for the guitar now! Cant wait. Thank you for your beautiful spirit, deep knowledge, phenomenal talent and love of guitar. I’m so happy I found your channel. You’re truly a treasure!

This guitar is probably the best sounding acoustic I have ever heard, regardless of brand or price!

Fantastic back story for the Yairi, never knew there was so much history for the guitars he made. I bought mine in 1979 as a graduation gift to myself, it was made in 1978. The model number is a bit faded, but I believe it is DY57, I love this guitar. So easy to play and love the tones.

The sound of this guitar and the wideness of the neck and wide string spacing reminds me a lot of my Furch Orange guitar. Very similar sound and playability. I also have a 1991 DY90 Yairi I bought brand new for $1200 USD in 1992 and have owned and played it for 32 years. I was fortunate to be exposed to Kazou Yairi and his guitars at the early age of 22, I'm now 53 and still run into people my age and older who have never played or owned one and when introduced to his guitars are instantly blown away and can't believe they never knew about them or about Kazou one of the greatest Luthiers of our life times. Gave my DY90 to my son this year so he can enjoy and play for another 30-40 years. These guitars that Mr. Yairi built are not only top end boutique guitars, they are literally Heirloom's to pass down in the family for years to come. I have no doubts that 100 years from now, if taken care of that DY90 will sound even better than it does today.

You influenced me to get a K Yairi! Jumped in and got a D-45 copy without playing it and not an ounce of regret!

Was given my mom's Yairi today (from her, on her 87th Bday). Her "old" guitar. I didn't really know what it was and of course didn't care because it was hers. It's a Yairi, hand signed and hand numbered with "year built" of 1971. Needs to be restrung, but otherwise it's in brand new like perfect condition. I think it's a keeper.

That might be the most beautiful sounding guitar I've ever heard.

The tone out of that guitar is insane. The richness of the bass is something I've only ever heard in Rosewood, but it definitely has that warmth you expect of Mahogany - just better than I've ever heard.

Hi JP, I just left you a comment over on your video “why do I hate Martin’s “I hope you get a chance to read that :-) wanted to let you know that I just purchased the Alvarez guitar that you’re reviewing in this video which I have probably watched about 20 times. I’m super excited to get it, it arrives next Wednesday. You can bet I’ll be thinking about you when I pull it out of the case and try it for the first time. Thanks again for all your great reviews, your enthusiasm for music and most of all your heart for others.

I discovered a Guitar store about 40 minutes from my home, it is the only Alvarez dealer I know of in my entire area. Since finding the store and finally playing an Alvarez I can say I feel cheated out of not knowing how beautiful and excellent these guitars are. I am obsessed with the Alvarez now and I can see a purchase in my future. Love the channel and content, blessings!

Just watched the video of Yairi guitars being made in the workshop, it's incredible to watch them being made from scratch! A must watch! The attention to detail and craftsmanship is incredible, masters at work on every bench on every aspect of guitar! Beautiful to watch! Stunning. I was expecting an industrial noisy production line, but was amazed at how quiet and meditative the atmosphere in what an specialist craft workshop! Really gives you an better appreciation for these guitars! 😳

Coolest thing about Yairi production process that I found was that they actually play music to the finished instruments so that the woods will vibrate at musical frequencies, 'playing in' the guitars.

Wow, what a sound! Loved the history. I bought a K Yairi (AR375) new in 1981, the year our first child was born, and it's been my favourite guitar since. Never knew much about it all these years and this is the first time I've done any research on it. I'm blown away. Thanks for the info and now I have to dig deeper. Kudos to your abilities as a picker! 👍🏼

I've got 8 guitars, a Santa Cruz TR, Guild D55, and 3 Adi/Madagascar Martins and electrics. Been playing for 40 years and this guitar sound amazing and has tone all its own. Something is going to get sold...

I have a K Yairi I bought in 1996, it's a DY53N and I love it

Man, you took us on a journey. That was really enjoyable and what a guitar! Subscribed!

Man i love this channel! Just found this channel last night. Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge and love of guitar with us. My life is richer having discovered this and you. God bless

As always, a joy to watch and learn. Thank you.

You know your stuff! I subscribed to your channel because of your genuine enthusiasm for playing guitar. It's awesome to watch your videos! Thanks

I absolutely love this channel! Thanks John.

Love your channel. Thanks for all you do J.P. ! What a truly spectacular instrument!

Thanks you for sharing all these legendary guitar builders .

I am in Tokyo as I type visiting family. I will be making every effort to visit their factory after this, as I stumbled across a S Yairi YD-75/VS at a second hand thrift store here in Tokyo that just blew me away for the price. Hope my adventure is successful. I'll update as it happens.

Thanks so much for this vast fund of knowledge! My first quality guitar is a 1974 DY 77 Alvarez Yairi. Been playing it ever since! Thank you!

Thanks John. Impossible not to desire this guitar after hearing it. The voicing, as you mentioned, is incredible. Full and deep, so musical in fact. Beautiful !

Been playing for 20 years and purchased my first Yairi (fym66hd) just under 6 months ago. Far and away the most exquisite guitar I've ever played. No way I can articulate the magic that's in that parking lot mahagony, but my God, it's breathtaking. Would sell my Martin 000-28 before the Yairi if I was forced to choose. The Yairi's are some of the best stringed instruments ever crafted by human hands. Beyond underrated. Great video and history JP.

Thank you for Showcasing Alvarez Yairi guitars! Wonderful intro to Yairi, their legacy of luthiers and the love and passion which produces this incredible result. I understand why you’re getting guitars to review… gorgeous playing sir Thanks Alvarez!! Long time fan and player

Thanks for a fantastic story and the playing

Guitar Stuff with John! What a joy to watch you work out on that guitar. It's a wonderful feeling when you have a guitar in your hands that just begs to be played, and that you just can't put down. Clearly that Yairi guitar is that kind of instrument. Many years ago I had the chance to play a 9-string Alvarez-Yairi DY58 that belonged to my brother, and it was a really great guitar. That guitar is long gone, but I'm hoping that someday I'll run across another one ... Thanks again, John! Subscribed, and looking forward to your next video.

Really sounds great... crisp and sparkling with a warm fundament... probably part of that great sound is your great playing... nice show, btw...

WOW did I ever learn a lot THANK YOU so MUCH for this ...my first guitar my mom bought me aged 12 for Christmas '83 is a K. Yairi and I still treasure it ...my daughters learned to play on it too ...and I recently acquired a Flambeau you mentioned were commissioned by Lowden 80-85 Cedar top / Walnut sides & back ... Love your vids that DYM is the BOMB!!

Thanks JP!! I have been playing guitar since 12 and am always looking for gems. I gave my Alvarez acoustic to my nephew and was missing it. Your channel opened my eyes to Yairi! Wow am I thankful!! I picked up a WY1-K and have only put it down from exhaustion. A very fine instrument for 1525 usd delivered to my door. It’s a 1992 and completely beautiful!

Wow that bridge and saddle design does seem to be ingenious as you said. The sound of your voice ringing for that top and the response of but your touch shows how lively it really is.

Love my Alvarez/Yairi.. been playing them for 20 years. Awesome tour of history JP!

Really interesting review, thank you. Incredible tone.

My high school graduation gift was a k yairi jy-45 and sir it is to this day my favorite guitar! I grew up in Japan and hope to get my hands on another k yairi. Hearing more history of the maker just makes me appreciate it all the more. Thank you!!!

Have been enjoying your colorful,enthusiastic podcast demos here for a short time . Especially the Yamaha holy trinity LL26 LL36 and LL56. Sadao Yairi did a tremendous build quality for the Lowden group during that 1980-85 time span .

Great review of a great guitar. Thank you for sharing, John.

Absolutely astonishing to hear this beautiful guitar.

Your playing is amazing, one of the best reviews/demos out there!

love the guitar, the info. and impressive playing. thanks

Beautiful guitar, great review JP... Thanks 🎶🎶

These vids. You make are absolutely amazing.I’ve learned more about acoustic guitar than any other show . I love that your not biased. You really no your guitars. You are a great . I have a yamaki 12 string I bought in the 70s . I don’t use it as 12string .I use it as a 6 .let me tell you it does have more room to play at the nut. Keep up great work for this important information.

What a great studio space you have there! You seem like a good dude, and this was great, so I subbed. I had a Alvarez-Yairi WY1-K a while back. It was beautiful, but Koa isn't really my thing at the moment. I have never tried any of his other models, but i am sure they are all just gorgeous. That one sounds amazing. I bet it feels very organic. Thanks for sharing your info with us. I learned a lot...but I need to take some lessons from you haha! Your playing is amazing, man.🐰❤️🎸🎵🤝✌️

I needed to watch this again as it is so important to the history of the acoustic guitar.

Marvelous tone from that guitar !! Thank you sharing the history of Alvarez. In the summer of 1971 I bought an Alvarez Dove model 5024 from a friend in the New Orleans area. And yes, you know what they were using as a design pattern. And yes, the tone from my 50-something year old guitar is amazing.

I bought this exact guitar because of your review of this guitar. I am so happy i bought it.

Wow!!! A wonderful story told in a wonderful way, thank you. 🎼

Wow! That was great info. I have the K. Yairi AR351 serial number 18558 built and signed in 1981. I bought it new back then when the pawn shop in the Ottawa Market area went out of business and have enjoyed it ever since. The sound seems to improve every year.

I just scored a yw-1200 and I’m stoked to get it here and play it. Always been a big fan of this amazing luthier

awesome sound. really nice playing too. thankyou

If you cut a section through that bridge you will find that the part the strings pass through with the bridge pins is shaped like a 'T'. So what you see exposed on the top of the guitar is actually smaller than the profile on the underside, so that it isn't depending on just glue to hold it in place. The tension of the strings actually pulls up on it and make the joint tighter. It is a very ingenious design.

Thanks J. P. Wonderful video. I still play a Yamaha FG-180 I bought as a 16 year old, coincidentally 50 years ago. It's broken in nicely. So 50 years does do something to the wood. Recently I got an Alvarez Artist Series Parlour. (Mahogany) It's just tremendous. I can't believe the sound it puts out. It's like heaven to me. A Yairi is still a dream for me.

Most underrated guitars in my opinion. Out of college in 1984, living in St. Louis, and I needed a decent guitar. I bought an Alvarez/Yairi DY-45 since it was the best deal for the money at the St. Louis Music store. One day I was sitting in my living room and I heard something strange. I turned off all my stereos/TVs and hunted around until I found that it was the DY-45 sitting on its stand in the room. Just sitting there on its stand the ambient noise in the room caused the strings to vibrate. I gave that guitar to my older brother to pay him back for the guitars of his I trashed in my younger days. He's still playing that guitar today and it's still in perfect condition. In 2007, I just had to have another Yairi so I bought a brand new DYM-85, it has a kihada wood body. It retailed for $2000 at the time and I picked it up for $850. The lack of knowledge about the Yairi guitars makes them very affordable and you can usually find a great deal on them. One thing people should know is that there is a difference between the Alvarez guitars and the Alvarez-Yairi guitars. The Alvarez guitars are the factory-built line that the Yairi shops make for St. Louis Music and these are fine guitars for the price. St. Louis Music imports, and is the sole distributor for, Yairi handcrafted guitars in America and they sub-brand them as Alvarez-Yairi guitars. I can find no distributors in the USA that carry Yairi guitars that are not under the Alvarez name.

That guitar sounds rich! Beautifully balanced sound. Love it.

Amazing story! What a Glorious guitar! And awesome playing as usual JP......thank you!!!

What an awesome channel. I have learned so much about guitar building.

Love the video! I just started my journey to learn guitar this year with a guitar I found in an attic in a dusty case, a 1990 Yairi dy75. After a bit of online searches (especially the yairi factory video) I'm so thankful to have such a gorgeous piece to help me along, it sounds beautiful❤ Though I don't think mine is mohogony, my homeland is Honduras so even more connection to the guitar! ❤ wish me luck!

Thank you for that piece. Great story beautiful guitar.

Awesome review JP .

Such a cool story! Thanks sir, this video has me on a mission to find a Yairi. I have a 70s Japan Alvarez and it’s a beauty! But now I have to get a Yairi. I really appreciate the upload.

I was a buyer for a music store in the mid seventies while I was studying classical guitar. I wanted to buy a cy140. Without me knowing it, st. Louis music had Kazuo hand select one for me. I still have it in pristine condition.

My son was fortunate enough to land a 72 900 recently. To say the least, it's just stunning. Enjoyed your vid and knowledge. I sold these for a a retail shop in the mid 90s in Youngstown, OH, that was very well known. We knew the Alverez Yairi pieces were special, but I had no idea what the history was behind them. Enjoyed the vid.

" So many voices it is incredible " Yes ! I was thinking the same thing and then you said that and it explained it perfectly. I sure enjoy your guitar reviews .. You love guitars like no one I know of and it shows in your words and your face .. It is very cool YOU make the reviews like NO one can . I am so glad I found you. Thanks for all you do I am sure you are helping many many people through the last year of insanity .. perfect escape :-) God Bless you XOX0

Awesome sound ( and playing ) !

Thanks for the review. I have an Alvarez, but have been longing for a Yairi. After watching this I believe I will make purchase.

Hello John, I'm Z, simple guitarist. I just wanted to hear a few different acoustic guitars. And.. I found your channel. Wow, I'm so impressed by its quality. I knew about Alvarez and Yairi, Boucher etc.. But that one! It's insane.. This is ridiculously good, deep (I'm speechless). Now I know which one I will buy. Many thanks, you're fantastic. Cheers. ps: I knew long time ago a certain Jean Paul Cormier in Paris, he played sax!

Fantastic sounding guitar, thanks for sharing.

That guitar sounds good, really good. Terrific sustain and projection. Back and sides are very beautiful.

Apart form the technical aspects, listening to this man's playing is really a treat.

THANK YOU !! JP !! .... sick to death of the endless '' Guitar Faces " ... You have the Real Deal ! Mesmerizing watching you ...... almost as if an energy field surrounds you and you stare into, and through the lens..... trippin' off to that place few of us will encounter

My dad has a 1983 DY-75 he bought new and over the years we haven’t found anything that sounds and plays as well as it does. I liked his so much I bought a 1982 DY-73 for myself

I have a Yairi GYM70-CESHB. I found it interesting you mentioned the spirit imparted on their guitars because that's exactly one of the factors I bring up when talking about my guitar. It's as though the guitar has a literal spirit in the way that it breaths and sounds. They're spectacular instruments.

That is an EPIC guitar!!! Incredible, indeed. A friend’s 1930’s Martin C made me weep the first time I touched it; the sounds of this guitar touches on that experience.

JOHN , STARTED WATCHING YOUR CHANNEL A SHORT TIME AGO. LOVE IT BY THE WAY !! GREAT STUFF !!!!! ❤❤❤🤘

These videos are so sooooooo sooooooo entertaining and informative. Nobody could pull these off the way you do. Thank you and congratulations. So glad to see amazing builders reaching out to you to review their best stuff. JP, if you don't mind please, which other makers did you reach out to per your comment early on?

Beautiful guitar for sure, but man, you can freaking pick! You were melting my face with your 45 second outro jam. I'm diving down the J.P. Cormier rabbit hole!

wow - that "Shenandoah" at the end - started me cryin - glad you put a little jig finish to it, otherwise I would have felt ashamed for weeping . . God Bless

I just ordered my DYM60HD from American Music Supply. It's backordered, but I had to get my order in before they ran out of the Honduran Mahogany. Fingers crossed!

Great video. Thanks.

This video led me to buy the PYM60HD14 Parlor guitar from the 50 year old Honduran range. It is absolutely fantastic, the build quality and playabilty is 2nd to none. The tone is wonderful and the neck shape is so right feeling in the hand..Thanks JP for posting this video.

Wow, I have to try one and get one. That bridge design is brilliant!

Love the lower end. It punched a hole in my chest. I'd max out my card for that guitar

Thank you JP for making us discovering those great guitar builders as Yairi in this case. There are lot more than the 3 or 4 well known brands to try out there and in some cases lot cheaper.

Excellent videos. Of all my guitars, the ones from japan have always been the best. I have a Alvarez/Yairi semi-hollow w/ a figured koa top that is off the hook.

What a sound, would love to have seen the bridge plate and how it sits in the bracing. So much innovative thinking and experience in this instrument. Fabulous playing too John, thanks.

It’s crazy I have an Alverez maple Sprucetop amazing guitar when I wanna write songs I always go back to that guitar it takes me to another world you are awesome man

i literally shed my tears listening to this

Beautiful playing! I own two Yairi stage models. Both are all Koa. The first is a DY1CK, and the other is a WY1K. The tones and colors I get are amazing. Both have incredible fretboards and are a real joy to play. I bought them from private sellers online without benefit of taking them for a test run, I was convinced of the absolute quality of the build and they both came and there were no issues whatsoever, even after shipping. they hold tune as well as any other guitar in a similar price point. Love Yairi!

I have four different Alvarez acoustics and love them all. I hope to have a Yairi one day.

Love my Yairi. Can’t put it down is an understatement. Great video.

Fantastic review sir . I actually brought a used K.Yari baritone electro acoustic jumbo with a Headway side mounted Sheer SA2 with slidable eq’s bass mid treble and master . The build quality is amazing and the sound is distinctive and resonates beautifully. Being a baritone guitar I have too sing in lower keys but it sounds unique. Great hearing the history of K.Yari guitars . I never knew they were from the Alverrez family of guitars

I have a 1985 Alvarez Yairi DY45, which I’ve owned since new. It still plays and sounds as good as the day I brought it home, and I would never part with it. Thanks for this video. 🙏

I just ordered a Yairi and so excited to play it!

My parents owned a Music store in the 70's - 80s and we had close ties with St. Louis Music. We loved the Alvarez Yairi Guitars. Your review was extraordinary and your skills really show off an amazing instrument. Although I was taught 50 years ago to play my skills lack to own such a wonderful instrument Although I do own a Yairi that is closer to my skill level. This guitar belongs in the hands of a much more skilled player just to do it justice and not wasted. Thank you for taking the time to show it.

Got one made in 1987 cedar top. Plays wonderfully. Isn’t super bright, but sounds great using Fishman pickup inside. Everyone seems to love it.

Bonsoir from Eastern Ontario, J.P. Cormier and followers. I stumbled on this RU-vid community and this Yairi session is the clincher. I've just subscribed! I'm a Larrivée and Martin guy -- I don't play well, I just like playing! -- with a J-45 "sustainable wood" Gibson thrown in. But to me, a guitar is both an inspiration leading to great music and a crafting masterpiece. I enjoy these sessions. Keep up the good work, mon ami!