History: Yamaki started in 1967 when Kazuyuki Teradaira left Zenon to make classical guitars under the Yamaki brand name. His brother, Yasuyuki, had already left Zenon five years earlier to establish a musical instrument distributor called Daion. By the 1970s the Yamaki product line also included steel stringed acoustics which were distributed exclusively by Daion. Yamaki also built guitars for other brands as an OEM builder. The 1980 Yamaki catalog had electric guitars and basses in addition to acoustic guitars. By 1984 Daion was no longer in business, but Yamaki carried on as a supplier of components for other guitar companies.
The name almost sounds like Yamaha and Takamine had a baby~!
This is an early version YW-80 model. The later models had the Daion harp logo on them. What I think makes this guitar so unique is what I would call "Art Deco" looking inlays on the fingerboard. The abalone shell really POPS! While many of the older Japanese acoustics had the geometric type fingerboard inlays, this one is really different and cool.
The guitar is in excellent condition for its age. Very mild fretwear in first position and the neck is straight. While having the setup done after I got it, it received a new saddle and set of bone bridge pins with abalone dots. The pins that were in it when I received it were brass. I'm happy to include those at time of sale if you want them. Spruce over rosewood construction. The guitar does have what I assume might be a factory installed pickup, and it works as it should.
Nut width: 1 3/4"
String spacing at saddle: 2 1/8"
There are a few marks here and there, but nothing really notable. The biggest thing on this guitar was that the face of the headstock was quite clouded in the finish. I pulled the tuners, and tried the trick using a blow dryer to rid it of potential moisture or whatever caused the clouding. It worked to a degree and looks much better than when I bought it. Also a few of the original Grover 102N nickel finish tuners were chewed up on the knobs, so I bought a new set and installed them. I can also include the originals if you want them.
I love the marquetry around the back and the center strip on the back. The white bindings have yellowed, giving it a great vintage vibe. Very nice hardshell case from Japan included with the guitar.
This is another guitar in my stable as I continue to downsize the herd. The guitar sounds and plays amazing. You will not be disappointed.
PRICED AT SOLD!! PLUS SHIPPING AND ANY FEES APPLICABLE WITH PAYMENT METHOD.
THANKS FOR LOOKING!
