Info on Garage sale find please

Hardwired Flaws · #1 07-24-2011, 05:16 PM

Happened to drive by a garage sale and saw a guitar case.

Had to stop and see what was in it.

It was an Alverez classical guitar in pretty decent shape.

The Label says

Alverez by Kazuo Yairi / year 1973
s/n 5783 model 5050 made in Japan.

I haven't been able to find too much info on it, He wanted $150 and I gave him $100 for it.

Hope it's at least worth that.

Anybody know anything about this guitar?

sneaky · #2 07-24-2011, 06:50 PM

You have the maker, the year, the model number and the serial, can you tell what kind of wood it`s made from? Have a watchmaker`s loupe?...see if it`s a solid top. If you`re after production numbers, good luck with that, the Japanese generally do not release that kind of info...I`ve tried.
I own a LOT of old MIJ nylon string guitars and have plenty more questions than answers...just something I got used to.

SmilesDaGuitar · #3 07-24-2011, 11:10 PM

Alvarez Model 5050 Hand made in Japan by Kazuo Yairi. The label bears his signature, the serial #5xxx, This model guitar was later renamed CY120*

It has Indian rosewood sides and back. The top is Solid Spanish Cedar. Mahogany neck and the ebony fret board. Decorative bindings and rosette. As for value depends really on the shape of the guitar. I've seen them from $175-$425.. Hope that helps you, I'd say it a great find.

sneaky · #4 07-25-2011, 02:04 AM

any pics of the label?

Garthman · #5 07-25-2011, 04:28 AM

Yiari guitars are generally held in high esteem. Good quality, well-made instruments.

sneaky · #6 07-25-2011, 08:12 AM

Yes, I own a few but they`re S. Yairis and they don`t all have the same labels which is why I`d like to see this one.

Rocky Raccoon · #7 07-25-2011, 09:31 AM

I think you made a good deal there. Nice job!

Hardwired Flaws · #8 07-25-2011, 09:33 AM

Thanx guys. Smilesdaguitar thank you for the great info!!

Ya I was playing it and it sounds GREAT! There are some scratches on it but for 37y/o its fine.

I'm keepin it.

DJ in FL · #9 07-25-2011, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hardwired Flaws

Thanx guys. Smilesdaguitar thank you for the great info!!

Ya I was playing it and it sounds GREAT! There are some scratches on it but for 37y/o its fine.

I'm keepin it.

Yairi makes some GREAT sounding guitars and from what info you have already been given, sounds like you made a good deal. Probably time for a good set-up on your new acquisition. I am sure new strings and adjustment will make a BIG difference.
Good luck and play in good health.

Hardwired Flaws · #10 07-25-2011, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sneaky

any pics of the label?

Castlebravocast · #11 08-08-2015, 10:58 PM

Hello everyone, new here and I hope I can find some help. Bought an (what seems to be) old Alvarez classical guitar off a swap shop on Facebook. This poor old thing looks like it has been ignored for a long time. The label on the inside is gone, and I cannot find a serial number anywhere on it. I can tell you it has what looks like mother of pearl dots on the bridge, the tuning keys look like mother of pearl also. On the headstock the Alvarez label is more like a sticker than being painted on. I don't think it's a fake, at least I hope not. Why would anyone want to fake an Alvarez anyway? The back and sides seem to be mahogany and the top spruce. I have looked all over the internet and have not seen anything that looks like what I have found. The only thing that came close was a MC70. Any ideas?

Will try to post pics soon.

Thanks

Fire&Rain · #12 08-16-2015, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Castlebravocast

Hello everyone, new here and I hope I can find some help. Bought an (what seems to be) old Alvarez classical guitar off a swap shop on Facebook. This poor old thing looks like it has been ignored for a long time. The label on the inside is gone, and I cannot find a serial number anywhere on it. I can tell you it has what looks like mother of pearl dots on the bridge, the tuning keys look like mother of pearl also. On the headstock the Alvarez label is more like a sticker than being painted on. I don't think it's a fake, at least I hope not. Why would anyone want to fake an Alvarez anyway? The back and sides seem to be mahogany and the top spruce. I have looked all over the internet and have not seen anything that looks like what I have found. The only thing that came close was a MC70. Any ideas?

Will try to post pics soon.

Thanks

Alvarez makes several models of classical guitars. The current lower end starts with the Regent Series (RC16, etc.). Yours sounds like it may be much older but a picture would be useful to help identify it.