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About D. 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. http://yairiguitars.spaces.live.com/

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. Opened new Alvarez (guitars and banjos), Alvarez Yairi, K. Yairi, S. Yairi Yahoo Group after Alvarez MB stopped working.

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

You are here: Experts > Music/Performing Arts > Musical Instruments > Acoustic Guitars > Yairi 5016

Acoustic Guitars - Yairi 5016

Expert: D. Hughes - 11/5/2009

Question
I purchased this guitar 12 years ago for 100.00 at a neighborhood guitar shop, just wondering how old and what it might be worth. The heel block number reads 5 5274, the ser# is 1546, it is in wonderful condition, just a few dings around the top edge, plays beautifully. From my research was this made in 1977? The label looks similar to a 10-26 post you replied to.

thanks, Mark

Answer
Hello Mark,

Regardless of what year it is, you did well to pay only $100 (unless it needed a lot of repairs).

Normally the heelblock numbers you've given would show it to be a 1980 model, I know that these were only made in the early 1970's, so even 1977 would be quite a bit late for it. However, I should make mention that there are times when years pass in between the start of the build, to the completion date! I own one that has a 5 year span.

If it is the older design label, white and black, with his signature in what appears to be either a felt tip or heavy ink pen, only the signature and date are in this, the rest of the info if included is stamped. Then, I believe it would have to be no later than 1973, early 1974.

Photo's would help, as the inlays changed over the years of manufacture. If you can send some, send to yairi_luvr@comcast.net

Regards,
D.Hughes
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Thanks for sending the photo's Mark! While yours is slightly different than my 1970 5016, it does look like it would be a 1970 model (date on label). This model also has almost indentical inlays as K. Yairi's earlier Y Series.

I would approximate the value (if in excellent condition with no issues) to be between $375-$500.

Regards,
D.Hughes

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