Want To Buy: Looking for an Alvarez-Yairi AY-20

[KenL]

Kind of a long shot, I know, but if you happen to have a nice Alvarez-Yairi AY-20 (the one with the walnut B/S) laying around- you should sell it to me!

I've always admired these guitars from afar, have never seen one in person. But I'm a big fan of Yairi guitars, and want something smaller-than-dreadnought.

Let me know, and thanks!

[lalowdwn1]

https://boulder.craigslist.org/msg/5373877828.html

[KenL]

That one has been for sale for a couple of years now. He had photos up at first and it's pretty beat up, looks like it's had a hard life. Plus at first you had to make a donation to some charity, and by the time you did that plus pay the rest in cash you were paying about twice what the guitar is worth.

I see that now he has a cash price, but wants you to donate to a charity. Pretty odd way to sell a guitar.

[Guildman]

I have a FY40 OM that I am considering selling if you are interested.

[KenL]

Thanks, Guildman, I replied.

Still looking for that AY-20, but will consider other OM and 000 guitars. Probably need to keep it around $1000. Prefer a medium-to-chunky neck.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to get back to looking out the window at the blizzard I'm in the middle of....

[Irish Dave]

Ken:

I have an AY-20, (no real plans to sell) but just FYI, I'd say it's closer to a 00 than a 000 size. Certainly smaller than a 000 Martin.

[KenL]

Thanks Dave, that's good to know.

Just curious, how long have you had yours?

[KenL]

Post-blizzard bump.

[Irish Dave]

KenL:
I'd guess a couple of years.

[KenL]

A couple of years already? Don't you think it's about time to move that ol' thing on to the next guy? C'mon, you've had your turn....



Seriously, though, would you mind describing the neck to me? Would you call it slender, not-so-slender, chunky? Like I said, I've never even seen one in person, should probably know what I'm getting myself into here.


Thanks again, Dave.

[Irish Dave]

I have to admit it hasn't gotten much playing time recently, but kinda like you, I spent quite a while hunting for one which I guess tends to make me hesitant to let her go. That and I still have a DY-57S Yairi that I bought new in 1977 (it's now retired except for some recording work) that was my main player for many, many years.

As to the neck:

I find it very comfortable to play. It's a narrower nut (1 11/16) than my 1 3/4" Martins but doesn't feel cramped to me. Then again, I don't have huge hands.

I'd say it's a moderately slender neck with a slight V shape that I find comfortable.

Not very scientific, I know, but hope it helps.

[KenL]

Funny, I JUST got home from a 50-mile round trip to buy a DY-57 that was on Craigslist. A 1977 too. Needs some TLC, but I think that underneath the crud will be a jewel of a guitar. Gorgeous mahogany on it. Also needs a slight bridge crack repaired and the pickguard removed, flattened, and reattached.

I had a DY-57S, sold it to a guy who plays around town so I get to see it once in a while. Pretty guitar! Played like a dream, too.

Thanks, Dave, for the info on the neck, very helpful.

[Irish Dave]

Yeah, my old 57S has been a workhorse and never a single problem. Only recently have I noticed the pickguard starting to raise a bit at the very tip. Actually, that's the only thing I've ever had with it that will need attention. Not bad after almost 40 years. Pretty, fine-sounding, comfortable to play and well-built. Don't know what more one could ask.

Best wishes on finding the 20 you're after. Probably should move mine out but just not ready yet.

[KenL]

Understood, Dave, I know how that goes. I started a thread this morning about the DY-57, might add some photos next week.


And I checked out your FB page and hunted down your YouTube stuff- VERY nice, enjoyed it. I've got a similar duo going with the "other" guitar player from my old classic rock band, but we haven't got out of the basement yet; not sure that we will, either, as there doesn't seem to be enough time....

[KenL]

Sunday morning bump.