In 1985, I bought a Yairi DY-74. Magnificent guitar. The week I bought it, a friend compared its tone and build quality to his own Martin D-45. “You paid HOW MUCH?” He asked. “A bit over $600.” My friend continued to strum and shook his head. “It’s just not fair. I paid five times that much. You’ve got better tone!” I was proud and thrilled. I still have the guitar and it is still going strong. Back then, I bought the DY-74 because I couldn’t afford an HD-28 Martin. Years later, when I could finally afford to buy a Martin, I realized there was no point. I had my Dreadnaught guitar, and it had Yairi’s signature on the inside.
YES YOU DO HAVE BETTER TONE. I CAN BUY ANY GUITAR I WANT. BUT I CHOOSE THE DY 90'S, DY 95N, DY 84'S, DY40, DY 80-12 AND A RECENT ACQUISITION, MINT DY 91 KOA THAT IS UNBELIEVABLE! I have my sites on a DY 96 and 99 and 100. Gerry Garcia played the 99/Graphite Neck and a thunder cannon. Rare and expensive vintage mojo!
Yes, probably my favorite acoustic guitars now. Yes, Martins and Taylor’s are nice, but there is something more special about these unique pieces of history and craftsmanship. Thanks for watching!
Nice collecting' I started collecting Alvarez guitars in 1968, I currently have 78 that are in good to excellent condition and a dozen or so that needs repair work that I haven't been able to get around to due arthritis in my hands and deteriorating eye sight' I also have several parts that I've accumulated over the years for them. I've about came to the decision to let them go and focus more on my gretsch and Rickenbacker collection. If anyone is interested in them.......
That’s way more than I have ever had. Not sure how far you are, but I would love to tour the collection. I have sold most of my Alvarez and mostly have Yairi now. Do you have any Yairi’s in your collection?
Nice collection. I recently bought a Yari DY70 from a friend of mine who bought it new in 1994. Flame maple back and sides, and a spruce top. Looks and sounds amazing. Very bright. Being fairly new to playing. I had no Idea really of what I had acquired. After researching it I was happy to fine out it is quit a gem.
My friend found an Alvarez dreadnaught in a dumpster, looked like spruce top. Mahogany back and sides. Had a giant crack right through the top. In hindsight I think that someone over humidified it and it curled when it dried because it was already separated. I put a new saddle and nut on that guitar and played it for years until selling it to a friend. I wish I’d kept it. Now I know what model it was!
Thank you. I used to think I would have a lot of these Alvarez's for a long time, but after playing the Yari's, I think I know which ones I will be keeping.
I think you got the better deal. The 85s are beautiful and great sounding. I just picked up another 85 last week for $900. I’m less familiar with the elites but early 80’s strats we’re better coming out of Japan than US. Thanks for watching.
There are Deals to be Had, and some Special Guitars people cared for and Guy was having issues making chords on Acoustic and Butter smooth Strat Action will extend his years of playing Comfortably, which is mostly why I agreed to deal@@briansuniqueguitars
I inherited a 5039 Bicentennial #271 of 800 that was a leftover from my late father's music store so it is essentially a new guitar that was made in August of 1975! Anyway it is the Alvarez version of Martin D35 as it's got the 3 peice rosewood back and sides with a mahogany neck. An absolutely beautiful guitar that sounds amazing. It's got a really deep low end but also crisp and projects like a cannon. Like most Alvarez guitars I believe it's highly undervalued but I imagine the secret can't be kept forever and eventually Alvarez will get it's due recognition. Great collection- subbed! Cheers from Louisiana P[>
Thanks for sharing. Those who know, know. Amazing guitars for the value, and becoming rare collectible pieces if still in good condition. I just can’t keep them all. Thanks for watching!
I just snagged a 1973 5038 blond with flame maple back and sides for $100 with a hardshell case. It shows very little wear on the first three frets only, neck is super straight and has low action. The rig is super light and seems small but it is full size. What a snag, I'm pretty stoked. It was made in Japan. How long did they make them in Japan before moving to other countries and what countries made the best guitars? I would assume Japan. Love 70s Japan made guitars.
Most of the Alvarez were made in the Japan until the mid 80’s I believe. Most of the ones I have seen from Korea or Taiwan were from the 90’s. My favorite Alvarez are the Yairi, with the ones from the 70’s having a special vintage feel and sound. I have sold most of my Alvarez and keeping most of the Yairi. Thanks for watching!
hey man, cool video! I was researching a guitar I may purchase soon...it's an Alvarez classical guitar, model no. 5032. I can't find much info on this particular model. Some of my research turned up that the model is supposed to be a dreadnaught size steel string. I have found a few sources for small drops of info, which told me this classical model is rosewood back and sides, and cedar top. I am trying to figure out a fair value of the instrument, since it's a friend of a friends guitar, who got it from his grandfather. I am just curious if you have any resources to find more info, or a way to look up serial numbers. I couldn't find a good source online, but you seem a lot more plugged into Alvarez than I ever was. I had an Alvarez-Yairi a few years back - a WY1K - all Koa. It sounded great, but I hated the narrow nut, so I sold it. Anyway, I appreciate any info you could give me about the classical 5032 model. Thanks for sharing these instruments! 🐰❤️🎸🎵✨🤝✌️
Hi, I know this is a year after this video has been posted, but I was wondering if you or anyone else can tell me any kind of idea as to what an Alvarez 5022 (with mahogany back) would retail at? By the way: It is used, but in VERY GOOD CONDITION, near impeccable, with only ONE SMALL EDGE NICK to the edge of the back end of it. Also, it was "made in Taiwan, Model #: RD-10 N"👍 I'm desperately hoping to get some kind of guidance, because Google has absolutely nothing on my guitar.🤷🙍 Thank you in advance if you have the time to help me out, lol😊🤙
I would estimate it to be $350-450 retail, but probably selling for $300 on average. They have been flat in price but are picking up in the last couple of years.
Beautiful collection, I came here looking for a possible answer, I own a vintage looking Alvarez acoustic guitar, I've been doing some research as the model number is missing either the 1st number or letter, It just says "011" I'm guessing it is a 1970s 5011 but when I googled it it seems to be a classical guitar, mire is really weird, it has a thin neck like it was designed to use metal strings but the headstock and the bridge seem to be for nylon strings, although the guitar has a truss rod cavity and a truss rod... beautiful to stare at but it has some damages, I've found it like that in a pawn shop and got it almost for nothing, looking to have it restored if possible but I'd like to know more about it before doing it. I'm also wondering if possible at all to send you a few pictures and maybe you could help me to identify the model number and/or year? the label inside doesn't say the year the guitar was made.
Great video! I am currently looking at a 5034 with the traditional A headstock logo. Do you have thoughts on this maple body? There is almost no info about the model online. Thanks!
Enjoy you footage on alvarez guitars but I have a 5062 professional with gold grover running keys don't any with gold keys hopefully you can help me figure out what I have thank you Roger
I am not familiar with those either. I mostly deal in 70’s and 80’s Alvarez and I do not know all of the newer models. What I can see about this one is that it is rare and has a cool body shape. There seems to be two different looks/styles of this guitar, which is common with Alvarez. Most likely yours is from the mid 90’s. The tuners might have been put on by the previous owner. Thanks for the question. Sorry I am not a lot of help.
It varies. The older the guitar, the more likely it will get some pull on the neck. However, it really just depends on how well it was taken care of. On average, the Yairis are better built and their necks hold their position better than the Alvarez. I just pulled out my 5034 the other day and put new strings on it and the action was near perfect for 45 year old guitar.
@@briansuniqueguitars Yes they have and I bought before the 50% increase. These guitars are starting to get recognized and wanted by those who take the time to research the quality at 1/3 to 1/2 of the 'other' big boys!
I am Japanese and know this manufacturer. However, this is not the well-established Japanese instrument manufacturer K. yairi (the name in Japan) (except for the last three). When it was an export model, it was marked as made in Japan with Alvarez yairi and the name of the president (Kazuo Yairi). This has not changed to this day. It’s characterized by a unique mark of A and Y interlocking on the headboard (it looks similar, but there is only one). Please note that these are similar guitars made in Korea called Alvarez and have no relation to Alvarez Yairi. Therefore, many of the guitars introduced here are guitars made in Korea, not domestic yairi guitars produced for the US market. Yairi guitars are a well-established guitar manufacturer that has been in business since the 1960s, produced only in Japan by about 30 craftsmen. The CEO's policy of making them in Japan has not changed to this day. The CEO, Kazuo Yairi, passed away in 2014. The DOVE model introduced here seems to be an old model made in Korea, but this model does not exist in the history of Yairi guitars. There are Martin types, but there are no models with adjustable bridges in Yairi's history. And the bridge and pickguard of the 12-string guitar are copied from Yairi guitars, which is a shame. I recommend you research these two manufacturers. However, I thought the collection of guitars introduced here was gorgeous and interesting.thanks 🙇from🇯🇵
Thanks for the detailed feedback. Half of these guitars are Alvarez and the others are Alvarez Yairi. All of the Alvarez guitars shown here, except for the 12 Sting, have Made in Japan on the label. These are made in Japan, but not by Yairi. From my understand the Alvarez Yairi (AY on headstock) and the K. Yairi (K. Yairi on headstock) were both built by Kazuo Yairi, but the K. Yairi was for the domestic market and the AY were for SLM to be exported to the US. Most of these were all made in the 70’s, where I have noticed that the regular Alvarez guitars started to show made in Korea in the mid 80’s.
The writing on the head is exactly like the 5034 model.I’ve been looking all across the internet for a guitar or explanation to whether what my guitar is.
I have seen them but never played one, yet. Most are sold in Japan, so I don’t want to mess with that knowing what I get with an Alvarez Yairi. Thanks for watching!
The only difference in Alvarez Yairi and K. Yairi guitars is the Y/A emblem was only for the American market, as agreed upon with St. Louis Music and Kazuo Yairi, the American Distributor. The K. Yairi was for all others. I have a 2 DY 40 C BKE's(B for Black) and three were three other DY 40 models/woods, one with the A/Y headstock inlay and the other with the K. Yairi inlay. Both have the two Abalone diagonal top/bottom headstock inlays. However, K. Yairi guitars will usually have a YW prefix then 100, 1000, and so on and so forth. Many sellers on Reverb MISLABEL an American DY with the K. Yairi name too. That is incorrect. Ironically, in 2003 Kazuo produced a model DY 84 in Brazilian(Mine), East Indian Rosewood(Mine), Mahogany(mine), Koa, Walnut and Ovangkol. Six, yes 6 different DY 84's. And the DY 80-12 "Canyon Creek" 12 string with gorgeous Coral Rosewood(Mine), but the 6 string was the DY 52 "Canyon Creek" model with the same Coral Rosewood B/S. Kazuo did some strange things with woods and number designations. I own 17 Alvarez/Yairi's and am about to purchase 2 more this week and next. Check Reverb and see where the K. Yairi guitars come from, mostly Europe and Japan!!! This per my conversations with Tom Kruszka, North American VP for sales and one conversation today to clarify all MD Solid Tone wood models made in the early to late 2000's. i.e. MD 60, 70, 80, 90, 95, 100, 200C(Mine), 350Aura, 350C, 350, 500, 500C, 1000 & 5000! I intend to start purchasing these models due to the SOLID Tone woods especially the Indian, East Indian and Brazilian Rosewood models. The electrics, Dana Scoop, AE-Classic I and II and others are excellent electric guitars for very modest prices on the web!!! I would include picture examples but can't do that here!
If you need more info: The head of the guitar doesn’t have the Alvarez symbol or that other thing right above the white line but instead has Alvarez in golden Cursive. Also the pick guard is all black and my case was all beaten up which suggested the guitar to be old and used a lot across the country.
Mine is in rough condition, so I am thinking of selling it at the moment. But it is the only Yairi I am comfortable with taking around the fire or beach, so hard to loose that tool.
I have a yairi that I’ve had for 40+ years and want to sell it .I can’t figure out how to get A hold of you or leave my info. You tube doesn’t allow me
I bought a $40 5023 from a bud in ‘75 or ‘76. Truss cover has the conductor behind and “Pause and Note” overlaying a treble cleft. “Alvarez” in script on headstock. Serial # 3709 but no date. Any info from anyone will cheer my heart
@@briansuniqueguitars I bet it was all hardwood and not super thin veneers.. I have seen the inner layers of a Japanese and Korean vintage of different brands that were a decent quality.. Not bass wood at all... The Korean had Mahogany in the middle . the other, I am not sure..
Oh, it's not sic! It's an Alvarez/Yairi. Love the two electrics. And, don't forget the Dana Scoop. A totally remarkable and "future tense" electric. Don't like Floyd Rose anything, and they came in both versions. I need one of them!!! Of all the Yairi's I have, I really like the Mintness(a real word?) of my DY 91. All of mine are used Mint/Excellent except the DY 40 C BKE, a non USA model with K. Yairi Headstock. Only the US market models has the A/Y emblem. Now I need to search for a Dana Scoop!!! I need to do this for my collection. It has taken years to accumulate all of my guitars, but about 50 of my 62 are from 2018 till today.
For 20 years I never had more than 3 guitars, and in 2016 I bought an 1975 Alvarez 5022, and I started collecting. I am close to your number but some are for sale. I am about to sell the 5022 and the Alvarez Tele if yours are interested?
Thanks, I noticed that after recording, but didn’t want to mess with it. I just do this for fun, not for a living so I’m still working on the video quality and editing. Glad you enjoyed it. I have already sold half of these guitars, so nice to still be able to see them tougher.
I am willing to sell most of the Alvarez’s on the right. It would take the right offer for me to sell a Yairi. Sold the DY-47, but I do not plan to sell the others.
I used to have one, but it had some bellying at the bridge and I sold it for cheap. I could probably make a video like this every year and the collection would look different.
Very nice collection of Alvarez/Yairi!
Thanks for watching! Check out the video I just posted of all of the Alvarez’s I am listing for sale.
Sweet! Alvarez and Yairi best bang for the buck.
In 1985, I bought a Yairi DY-74. Magnificent guitar. The week I bought it, a friend compared its tone and build quality to his own Martin D-45. “You paid HOW MUCH?” He asked. “A bit over $600.” My friend continued to strum and shook his head. “It’s just not fair. I paid five times that much. You’ve got better tone!” I was proud and thrilled. I still have the guitar and it is still going strong. Back then, I bought the DY-74 because I couldn’t afford an HD-28 Martin. Years later, when I could finally afford to buy a Martin, I realized there was no point. I had my Dreadnaught guitar, and it had Yairi’s signature on the inside.
I strongly agree. Very underrated. Thanks for watching and sharing your story!
YES YOU DO HAVE BETTER TONE. I CAN BUY ANY GUITAR I WANT. BUT I CHOOSE THE DY 90'S, DY 95N, DY 84'S, DY40, DY 80-12 AND A RECENT ACQUISITION, MINT DY 91 KOA THAT IS UNBELIEVABLE! I have my sites on a DY 96 and 99 and 100. Gerry Garcia played the 99/Graphite Neck and a thunder cannon. Rare and expensive vintage mojo!
The Yairi line is exquisite
Yes, probably my favorite acoustic guitars now. Yes, Martins and Taylor’s are nice, but there is something more special about these unique pieces of history and craftsmanship. Thanks for watching!
Nice collecting' I started collecting Alvarez guitars in 1968, I currently have 78 that are in good to excellent condition and a dozen or so that needs repair work that I haven't been able to get around to due arthritis in my hands and deteriorating eye sight' I also have several parts that I've accumulated over the years for them. I've about came to the decision to let them go and focus more on my gretsch and Rickenbacker collection.
If anyone is interested in them.......
That’s way more than I have ever had. Not sure how far you are, but I would love to tour the collection. I have sold most of my Alvarez and mostly have Yairi now. Do you have any Yairi’s in your collection?
Nice collection. I recently bought a Yari DY70 from a friend of mine who bought it new in 1994. Flame maple back and sides, and a spruce top. Looks and sounds amazing. Very bright. Being fairly new to playing. I had no Idea really of what I had acquired. After researching it I was happy to fine out it is quit a gem.
I have started to shift my collection from Alvarez to Yairi. A clearly higher tier guitar. Thanks for watching!
I like your collection I have a model 5041 1982 Alvarez I absolutely love the sound of
Just bought a Yairi Alvarez dy73 and arrives Tuesday!
My friend found an Alvarez dreadnaught in a dumpster, looked like spruce top. Mahogany back and sides. Had a giant crack right through the top. In hindsight I think that someone over humidified it and it curled when it dried because it was already separated. I put a new saddle and nut on that guitar and played it for years until selling it to a friend. I wish I’d kept it. Now I know what model it was!
It had the mirrored a I believe painted or laminate, completely plain finish on the peg head. No binding on the neck.
Nice collection, my very first guitar was an alvarez 5066 mij ... still got it and still love it... your yairi collection is stellar....
Thank you. I used to think I would have a lot of these Alvarez's for a long time, but after playing the Yari's, I think I know which ones I will be keeping.
My first Yairi a 85 DY51 and this past weekend traded a sweet 83 Stratocaster Elite for a 82 Yairi DY85A and love them both
I think you got the better deal. The 85s are beautiful and great sounding. I just picked up another 85 last week for $900. I’m less familiar with the elites but early 80’s strats we’re better coming out of Japan than US. Thanks for watching.
There are Deals to be Had, and some Special Guitars people cared for and Guy was having issues making chords on Acoustic and Butter smooth Strat Action will extend his years of playing Comfortably, which is mostly why I agreed to deal@@briansuniqueguitars
I inherited a 5039 Bicentennial #271 of 800 that was a leftover from my late father's music store so it is essentially a new guitar that was made in August of 1975! Anyway it is the Alvarez version of Martin D35 as it's got the 3 peice rosewood back and sides with a mahogany neck. An absolutely beautiful guitar that sounds amazing. It's got a really deep low end but also crisp and projects like a cannon. Like most Alvarez guitars I believe it's highly undervalued but I imagine the secret can't be kept forever and eventually Alvarez will get it's due recognition. Great collection- subbed! Cheers from Louisiana P[>
Thanks for sharing. Those who know, know. Amazing guitars for the value, and becoming rare collectible pieces if still in good condition. I just can’t keep them all. Thanks for watching!
Nice collection. I got a 5208 M for My first guitar in 96, it's a little beat up now but still going strong.
Thanks! Got to love the Alvarez’s!
Nice
Thanks for watching!!!
I have a 1982 DY54. Bought it new 1984 and it sounds great.
They all look mint. What do you use to clean, polish and wax your guitars. They got a great gloss on them!
Just a little Dunlop polish spray and a soft cloth. They are not mint but most have been well taken care of. Thanks for watching!
Nice 👍
Other than that the tone of my and your 5047 model are the same. Thank you for replying I didn’t think you would!
Are you gonna flip more Alvarez in the future? Would totally buy one from you
I have a couple right now I will sell. Look at my later video showing my Alvarez’s I am going to sell.
I just snagged a 1973 5038 blond with flame maple back and sides for $100 with a hardshell case. It shows very little wear on the first three frets only, neck is super straight and has low action. The rig is super light and seems small but it is full size. What a snag, I'm pretty stoked. It was made in Japan. How long did they make them in Japan before moving to other countries and what countries made the best guitars? I would assume Japan. Love 70s Japan made guitars.
Most of the Alvarez were made in the Japan until the mid 80’s I believe. Most of the ones I have seen from Korea or Taiwan were from the 90’s. My favorite Alvarez are the Yairi, with the ones from the 70’s having a special vintage feel and sound. I have sold most of my Alvarez and keeping most of the Yairi. Thanks for watching!
hey man, cool video! I was researching a guitar I may purchase soon...it's an Alvarez classical guitar, model no. 5032.
I can't find much info on this particular model. Some of my research turned up that the model is supposed to be a dreadnaught size steel string. I have found a few sources for small drops of info, which told me this classical model is rosewood back and sides, and cedar top. I am trying to figure out a fair value of the instrument, since it's a friend of a friends guitar, who got it from his grandfather. I am just curious if you have any resources to find more info, or a way to look up serial numbers. I couldn't find a good source online, but you seem a lot more plugged into Alvarez than I ever was. I had an Alvarez-Yairi a few years back - a WY1K - all Koa. It sounded great, but I hated the narrow nut, so I sold it.
Anyway, I appreciate any info you could give me about the classical 5032 model. Thanks for sharing these instruments!
🐰❤️🎸🎵✨🤝✌️
Hi, I know this is a year after this video has been posted, but I was wondering if you or anyone else can tell me any kind of idea as to what an Alvarez 5022 (with mahogany back) would retail at?
By the way:
It is used, but in VERY GOOD CONDITION, near impeccable, with only ONE SMALL EDGE NICK to the edge of the back end of it. Also, it was "made in Taiwan, Model #: RD-10 N"👍
I'm desperately hoping to get some kind of guidance, because Google has absolutely nothing on my guitar.🤷🙍
Thank you in advance if you have the time to help me out, lol😊🤙
I would estimate it to be $350-450 retail, but probably selling for $300 on average. They have been flat in price but are picking up in the last couple of years.
Beautiful collection, I came here looking for a possible answer, I own a vintage looking Alvarez acoustic guitar, I've been doing some research as the model number is missing either the 1st number or letter, It just says "011" I'm guessing it is a 1970s 5011 but when I googled it it seems to be a classical guitar, mire is really weird, it has a thin neck like it was designed to use metal strings but the headstock and the bridge seem to be for nylon strings, although the guitar has a truss rod cavity and a truss rod... beautiful to stare at but it has some damages, I've found it like that in a pawn shop and got it almost for nothing, looking to have it restored if possible but I'd like to know more about it before doing it. I'm also wondering if possible at all to send you a few pictures and maybe you could help me to identify the model number and/or year? the label inside doesn't say the year the guitar was made.
Great video! I am currently looking at a 5034 with the traditional A headstock logo. Do you have thoughts on this maple body? There is almost no info about the model online. Thanks!
I don’t have a lot of info, other than them being less common, but here is a video I made of the one I had. ruclips.net/video/BK2O8_YpRwM/видео.html
What size fret wire barb fits in the wood slots in the Alvarez dove 5024
On all of the guitars? I have never removed or replaced any frets on them.
Enjoy you footage on alvarez guitars but I have a 5062 professional with gold grover running keys don't any with gold keys hopefully you can help me figure out what I have thank you Roger
I am not familiar with those either. I mostly deal in 70’s and 80’s Alvarez and I do not know all of the newer models. What I can see about this one is that it is rare and has a cool body shape. There seems to be two different looks/styles of this guitar, which is common with Alvarez. Most likely yours is from the mid 90’s. The tuners might have been put on by the previous owner. Thanks for the question. Sorry I am not a lot of help.
Very cool guitars!
Quick question: How is the action on older guitars like them compare to a new guitar? Thanks
It varies. The older the guitar, the more likely it will get some pull on the neck. However, it really just depends on how well it was taken care of. On average, the Yairis are better built and their necks hold their position better than the Alvarez. I just pulled out my 5034 the other day and put new strings on it and the action was near perfect for 45 year old guitar.
@@briansuniqueguitars Cool tx..Im looking for a all solid rosewood back and sides one right now..But im a bit scared o f these old necks...
had a 78 dy-90 super abalone jacaranda
Nice. Those are guitars to hold on to! Already seem like they have gone up 50% in the last few years.
@@briansuniqueguitars Yes they have and I bought before the 50% increase. These guitars are starting to get recognized and wanted by those who take the time to research the quality at 1/3 to 1/2 of the 'other' big boys!
I found a 6724 12 string Alvarez In a pawn shop made in 73 but can’t find a single other one like it anywhere I look! Do ya know anything about that?
I haven’t heard of that one. Aria had a 6724 12 string. Are you sure it wasn’t an Aria?
@@briansuniqueguitars it says Alvarez on it and also has the golden arch below the Alvarez on the head
I am Japanese and know this manufacturer. However, this is not the well-established Japanese instrument manufacturer K. yairi (the name in Japan) (except for the last three). When it was an export model, it was marked as made in Japan with Alvarez yairi and the name of the president (Kazuo Yairi). This has not changed to this day. It’s characterized by a unique mark of A and Y interlocking on the headboard (it looks similar, but there is only one). Please note that these are similar guitars made in Korea called Alvarez and have no relation to Alvarez Yairi. Therefore, many of the guitars introduced here are guitars made in Korea, not domestic yairi guitars produced for the US market. Yairi guitars are a well-established guitar manufacturer that has been in business since the 1960s, produced only in Japan by about 30 craftsmen. The CEO's policy of making them in Japan has not changed to this day. The CEO, Kazuo Yairi, passed away in 2014. The DOVE model introduced here seems to be an old model made in Korea, but this model does not exist in the history of Yairi guitars. There are Martin types, but there are no models with adjustable bridges in Yairi's history. And the bridge and pickguard of the 12-string guitar are copied from Yairi guitars, which is a shame. I recommend you research these two manufacturers. However, I thought the collection of guitars introduced here was gorgeous and interesting.thanks 🙇from🇯🇵
Thanks for the detailed feedback. Half of these guitars are Alvarez and the others are Alvarez Yairi. All of the Alvarez guitars shown here, except for the 12 Sting, have Made in Japan on the label. These are made in Japan, but not by Yairi. From my understand the Alvarez Yairi (AY on headstock) and the K. Yairi (K. Yairi on headstock) were both built by Kazuo Yairi, but the K. Yairi was for the domestic market and the AY were for SLM to be exported to the US. Most of these were all made in the 70’s, where I have noticed that the regular Alvarez guitars started to show made in Korea in the mid 80’s.
Which one is your fav?
Probably the DY53, as I find myself playing it the most. The cedar top gives it a nice warm sound.
@briansuniqueguitars Here very very few have Alvarez I still haven't heard one live
The writing on the head is exactly like the 5034 model.I’ve been looking all across the internet for a guitar or explanation to whether what my guitar is.
Nice collection. Enjoyed it! Have you seen the non-Alvarez Yairi guitars? It says “K. Yairi” on the headstock. They’re nice also
I have seen them but never played one, yet. Most are sold in Japan, so I don’t want to mess with that knowing what I get with an Alvarez Yairi. Thanks for watching!
The only difference in Alvarez Yairi and K. Yairi guitars is the Y/A emblem was only for the American market, as agreed upon with St. Louis Music and Kazuo Yairi, the American Distributor. The K. Yairi was for all others. I have a 2 DY 40 C BKE's(B for Black) and three were three other DY 40 models/woods, one with the A/Y headstock inlay and the other with the K. Yairi inlay. Both have the two Abalone diagonal top/bottom headstock inlays. However, K. Yairi guitars will usually have a YW prefix then 100, 1000, and so on and so forth. Many sellers on Reverb MISLABEL an American DY with the K. Yairi name too. That is incorrect. Ironically, in 2003 Kazuo produced a model DY 84 in Brazilian(Mine), East Indian Rosewood(Mine), Mahogany(mine), Koa, Walnut and Ovangkol. Six, yes 6 different DY 84's. And the DY 80-12 "Canyon Creek" 12 string with gorgeous Coral Rosewood(Mine), but the 6 string was the DY 52 "Canyon Creek" model with the same Coral Rosewood B/S. Kazuo did some strange things with woods and number designations.
I own 17 Alvarez/Yairi's and am about to purchase 2 more this week and next. Check Reverb and see where the K. Yairi guitars come from, mostly Europe and Japan!!! This per my conversations with Tom Kruszka, North American VP for sales and one conversation today to clarify all MD Solid Tone wood models made in the early to late 2000's. i.e. MD 60, 70, 80, 90, 95, 100, 200C(Mine), 350Aura, 350C, 350, 500, 500C, 1000 & 5000! I intend to start purchasing these models due to the SOLID Tone woods especially the Indian, East Indian and Brazilian Rosewood models. The electrics, Dana Scoop, AE-Classic I and II and others are excellent electric guitars for very modest prices on the web!!! I would include picture examples but can't do that here!
I’d like to see an Alvarez 5047. I saw yours and it looks similar but has instead of dots on the fret board square quarts like instead.
I will make a video of my 5047 and let you know. Thanks for watching!
If you need more info: The head of the guitar doesn’t have the Alvarez symbol or that other thing right above the white line but instead has Alvarez in golden Cursive. Also the pick guard is all black and my case was all beaten up which suggested the guitar to be old and used a lot across the country.
The script logo's were early 1970s, 70-74 I believe. I just left a comment from another guy asking the same question. lol
I have a DY45 exactly like yours. My favorite guitar ever.
Mine is in rough condition, so I am thinking of selling it at the moment. But it is the only Yairi I am comfortable with taking around the fire or beach, so hard to loose that tool.
I found a guitar that I believe to be a 1978 Alvarez and I was wondering if I could show you some pictures and get your opinion on it
Definitely! Email briansuniqueguitars@gmail.com.
I have a yairi that I’ve had for 40+ years and want to sell it .I can’t figure out how to get
A hold of you or leave my info. You tube doesn’t allow me
You can email me at briansuniqueguitars@gmail.com thanks!
I bought a $40 5023 from a bud in ‘75 or ‘76. Truss cover has the conductor behind and “Pause and Note” overlaying a treble cleft. “Alvarez” in script on headstock. Serial # 3709 but no date. Any info from anyone will cheer my heart
Hello Brian,
Ik got a'n old Yairi Alvares....can i send you some pictures...?
Greatings Arnold
Sure thing. Send them to briansuniqueguitars@gmail.com
Do the DY have solid bodies?
I believe most were a special laminate design Yairi developed. Great sound and strength.
@@briansuniqueguitars I bet it was all hardwood and not super thin veneers.. I have seen the inner layers of a Japanese and Korean vintage of different brands that were a decent quality.. Not bass wood at all... The Korean had Mahogany in the middle . the other, I am not sure..
Oh, it's not sic! It's an Alvarez/Yairi. Love the two electrics. And, don't forget the Dana Scoop. A totally remarkable and "future tense" electric. Don't like Floyd Rose anything, and they came in both versions. I need one of them!!! Of all the Yairi's I have, I really like the Mintness(a real word?) of my DY 91. All of mine are used Mint/Excellent except the DY 40 C BKE, a non USA model with K. Yairi Headstock. Only the US market models has the A/Y emblem. Now I need to search for a Dana Scoop!!! I need to do this for my collection. It has taken years to accumulate all of my guitars, but about 50 of my 62 are from 2018 till today.
For 20 years I never had more than 3 guitars, and in 2016 I bought an 1975 Alvarez 5022, and I started collecting. I am close to your number but some are for sale. I am about to sell the 5022 and the Alvarez Tele if yours are interested?
Wife presented me with a 5062x for 31st anniversary gift which she found at a YARD SALE. Don't know what the 'x' means.
That’s a new one for me. I’m going to look into it!
It's hard to beat an Alzarez... I'm here to tell ya.
Cool collection. FYI. Your smoke detector battery needs to be replaced. The good news is you don't suffer from Misophonia.
Thanks, I noticed that after recording, but didn’t want to mess with it. I just do this for fun, not for a living so I’m still working on the video quality and editing. Glad you enjoyed it. I have already sold half of these guitars, so nice to still be able to see them tougher.
Do you have one guitar of this for sale.
I am willing to sell most of the Alvarez’s on the right. It would take the right offer for me to sell a Yairi. Sold the DY-47, but I do not plan to sell the others.
DY 77 how much?
Not for sale at the moment, but I guess I am always open to offers that might tempt me to let it go?
You need a 5055 in there. Both of them.
I used to have one, but it had some bellying at the bridge and I sold it for cheap. I could probably make a video like this every year and the collection would look different.
@@briansuniqueguitars good to know. Was it a 5055 Lawsuit or 5055 Bluesman?
It was the lawsuit J-200 copy. I’ve never handled a Bluesman.
Where the dy85
Just have a dy91 right now.
WONDERFUL CONDITION!
Cannot understand abuse. Relics?...not for me!
Thanks for watching! I’ve had some beat up ones that sounded great, but relics aren’t my thing either, especially with acoustics.