Expert: D. Hughes - 12/1/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi D. Hughes,
I've been trying to find any info I could on this guitar I picked up a few years ago. I came across this site and was delighted to find someone that might have some insight into it's background. It is an "S. Yairi, model# 300, and has 1974 on the label. Unfortunately the serial number appears to have faded from the label.
Quite frankly it is the most wonderful sounding guitar I've ever held in my hands.
What little info I could find about these guitars has me wondering if this is was made before Sada Yairi (?) had to fold his company. Or if this is one of the later mass produced models that bore his name(If it is I am still amazed at the tone).
Any info you can give me about this particular model, i.e. rarity or value, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

ANSWER: Hello Chris,

Thanks for the photo, however I would need to see some closer shots to really help me see what you have.  One of the label, front of headstock, soundhole area showing rosette, and one of the back to determine what tonewood it is.  

With Sadao Yairi guitars, especially classical models, the same model number can have a variety of woods, labels, headstock shapes and inlays.  Thus the need to see photo's.

I can assure you that having been made in 1974 this was well before any re-issue models were even thought of, and while we are on that subject the re-issue models from the 1990's on, were made by Sadao Yairi's son, Hiroshi Yairi or under his supervision. Some of these are VERY WELL made (in Japan) others less so, and made in China.

Regards,
D.Hughes

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: D.
Thanks for the quick reply. Maybe it would be best if I posted a series of pics of the details you mentioned in an album on Picassa. I will try to do that over the next couple days, I'm in "finals" week.

Can I contact you directly through the Yahoo group if I join?

Thanks,
Chris

Answer
You can either post your photo's and send me a link, or you can send them directly to yairi_luvr@comcast.net

If you wish to join the Alavrez Yairi Plus site, that is great too, but isn't necessary if you just need help with this one guitar.

Regards,
D.Hughes