The handmade guitars of K.Yairi need no introduction. If you know anything at all about classical guitars, you will know about the legendary Japanese handmade K. Yairi guitars. This is a YC90 model, and serial number is 23408.

Established in 1935, K. Yairi guitars have been made under the watchful eye of the son of the founder Kazuo Yairi. Around 30 people hand-make these amazing instruments in Kani, in the mountains of Honshu, Japan. The woods are hand-selected and air, not kiln, dried for 5-10 years, logs are cut in the on-site sawmill, all guitars have hand fitted dovetailed neck joints. Kazuo has a plaque in his workshop which reads: "There is no other way of surviving except through high quality". The 73 year old master luthier took over the family business from his father in 1965 and has earned a reputation for making beautiful hand crafted acoustic guitars appreciated by world renowned artists such as: Paul McCartney, Ritchie Blackmore, Bob Weir & Jerry Garcia, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Carlos Santana, U2, Monte Montgomery & Ani Difranco.

This beautiful example features a fine-grained solid Cedar top, Rosewood back and sides, Mahogany neck, and Rosewood fretboard and bridge. Purflings and bindings are of contrasting timber strips, and give a stunning finish to this beautifully made guitar. The 'skunk stripe' on the back of the neck is Ebony, and the headstock displays the cutout stylised 'Y' that was used on the upper-end Yairi guitars.

Cosmetically the guitar present extremely well, with some fine markings and indentations on the face, but virtually none on the back or sides. The guitar was owned by a professional musician, but has been extremely well cared-for. It comes with a Hiscox Liteflite case.

The guitar has a discreet under-saddle pickup and jack endpin, enabling the guitar to be amplified when necessary. It plays beautifully with a nice strong projection and balanced tone. String spacing is 42mm at the nut (nut width is 53mm), and 58mm at the bridge. Action at the 12th fret (body join) is 4mm on both the bass and treble sides. String clearance from the cedar top is 11mm at the bridge.

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