Expert: D. Hughes - 12/4/2010

Question
hi there,
i was wondering if anyone could help me. i am trying to find some information on a guitar that has a label inside saying " handcrafted in japan by yairi" then alot of japanese writing on it. it also has model no:600 a.d.1967 seriel no: left blank at the bottom of it. this is an acoustic guitar in very good condition.
we are trying to find out a rough value of it so that we can get it insured and information on it for interest.
i would be very greatfull of any information you can find or if you could put me in touch with anyone who could give me this information.
many thanks,
helena.s


Answer
Hello Helena,

As always, it would be better if you could send me some photo's of it.  If you can, send photo's to yairi_luvr@comcast.net  Close shot of label showing rosette, one of the front and back of guitar and front and back of headstock.

If not, the best I can do is tell you it was made by Sadao Yairi.  A lot of his that ended up in England were exported by Barnes and Mullins, but since yours has Kanji on it, odds are it wasn't one of those.  The top is solid Spruce, back and sides could be either Rosewood or Mahogany and would be laminates.

IF in excellent condition with no past repairs and none needed, and it has Rosewood back and sides.  It would be worth between $375 and $450.  It really depends on how it was made, some of his older classical models are rather crude, and yet I have an old model 700 that is made as well as any of his later models.

Regards,
D.Hughes