K. Yairi Y-100

[TAClemmer]

In 1970 I bought a K. Yairi Y-100 classical guitar. It has been played very little and is in showroom mint condition with original case and sales slip. Can anyone help me figure out what it might be worth? Thanks !

[MoePorter]

quoting waikuentsui on the delcamp site:

"K Yairi classical guitars are fairly confusing in the line up,
partly because he used different model naming methods under different situations.

In Japan, his classical models are:
YC-30, YC-40, YC-50 YC-80, YC-90, YC-100 and YC-150

In USA when selling under his own labels, the models are:
CY116, CY117, CY118, CY120, CY125, CY130, CY135 and CY140

In USA under the Alvarez label, his models are:
5047, 5048, 5049, 5050, 5051, 5017, 5027, 5036 and 5037

Generally,
Lower model number = lower price
Higher model number = higher price
Except under the Alvarez labels, pricing jumped around with model 5037 as the top model."

Assuming your guitar is a YC-100 or equivalent it would sell for about $500. to $700 on the Bay Area California C'list in good condition. That's what I've paid over the last several years for a CY117,CY118,and a CY132. I paid 900 for a CY140 (an absolute bargain for the quality level). That's the price range here...

[TAClemmer]

The guitar just says it is a "Y 100" so ????? I just noticed a Y 100 on ebay with a starting bid asked of $695. No bids as of yet. So I guess mine isn't the only one. Thanks for the information.

[MoePorter]

I've often been confused by the naming patterns of Yairi's - I could get a better sense of it's spot in the Yairi lineup of the time if you had photos but a "next to the top" spot is a pretty good guess... the back's were nicer the higher up you go & the detailing better. In any case they were really well made & always worth a listen - they can be exceptional & a real bargain if you find a nice one - speaking from a buyers perspective. In my area I'd try & check it out at any price below 600 - 700obo if that helps coming from a long time classical Yairi player.

[TAClemmer]

Thanks again for your good information. I have pictures but I don't understand the requirement that they come from a URL on a media site. My email is [email protected]. If you are comfortable with receiving pictures by email you may contact me there.