AboutD. Hughes Expertise Alvarez/Alvarez Yairi, K. Yairi, S. Yairi, and Yairi and Son. There are also a few export models, Wilson and Samick by S. Yairi.
NOTE: Due to very limited info available on K. Yairi, S. Yairi, and Yairi and Son models, without photo's I won't be able to do the research necessary to try and find the answers you want. Even then, we are talking about 50+ Years of guitar manufacturing, with hundreds of different models. A lot of which were exported to other countries, where info is even harder to find, so, I can't guarantee that I will be able to pinpoint your EXACT model! I will do my best to gather as much info, and answer your questions.
PLEASE, if you have questions in regards to OTHER BRANDS, use the Guitar-General catagory, as I won't be able to help you.
Experience Research over the past 4 years, and have been answering posts on both the Alvarez Message Board (over 500 up to now), and, the Yahoo Yairiguitars group.
Education/Credentials High School, Empire College graduate 4.0 gpa. 1992 Knowledge limited to ONLY the brands mentioned!
Alvarez
Alvarez Yairi
K. Yairi
S. Yairi
Yairi and Son
Question I bought a used Alvarez model 5036 serial number 70735 about 5 years ago from a guy who said it was in his closet for 10 years. I know Alvarez guitars are difficult to date, but I was hoping you could help me. It's got a brown almost sunburst finish and the double-A's on the headstock. I have seen some different model 5036's, but they were classical models where mine isn't. I also have pictures if it would help. I've had Martins in the past but I have to say that my $200 Alvarez is the best playing acoustic I've ever owned! Thanks for the help!
Answer Hello Elliott,
The first thing I was going to ask is if it was a classical~but, you already gave me the info. I think I will need to see the photo's, since there were at least 3 different 5036 models that I know of.
Please send them to yairi_luvr@comcast.net and I should be able to help you out. Please include close up of label, front and back of guitar.
Regards,
D.Hughes
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Thanks, I got the photo's, and I do think I know which one of the 5036 models it is, I'm going to need either a detailed description of the back, and fretboard inlays, or more photo's of same to be sure I'm giving you the correct answer. I believe yours is from the late 70's to early 80's, as I find no mention of it later than 1982. It may have been an Anniversary model (which is why I need more info), which would put it at 1982.
Once I have the additional info, I should be able to tell you more.
Regards,
D.Hughes
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Okay, I double checked after looking at your additional photo's and it does appear to be the Anniversary model from 1982. Unlike most Alvarez guitars of the time, yours has a SOLID spruce top. Here's what was throwing me at first, it is listed as having a Charcoal Black Sunburst finish, and yours just didn't seem to fit. However, a photo from the catalog shows that it did look like the one you have (not sure where they got the Charcoal Black from!?). Indian Rosewood back and sides (laminated). Ivoroid bindings on body and Mahogany neck. Chrome tuners 3 per side. Double A logo on headstock. White bridge pins with black dot inlays. From what I can tell yours has all original parts (not sure about the pins, since they aren't in the photo).
I couldn't find a price list for that exact year or model, but I would imagine the pricing would be close to the others with solid tops at that time, so it probably cost somewhere between $350 and $400 new.
Hope this answered your questions!
Regards,
D.Hughes
