Thoughts on Yairi CY-116 vs Matsuoka No.30

[carmona_nostra]

Looking for a 70-80's Japanese classical and wondering which two of these builders models is the better guitar. Not looking for a Flamenco guitar.

[offkey]

I have an older Yairi CY140 now and once owned the 116 with burled mahogany. It was beautiful and I would get another in an instant.

[carmona_nostra]

Originally Posted by offkey

I have an older Yairi CY140 now and once owned the 116 with burled mahogany. It was beautiful and I would get another in an instant.

Sound on the 116 concert level? I love a good underdog.

[offkey]

Originally Posted by carmona_nostra

Sound on the 116 concert level? I love a good underdog.

I think to get a true concert level guitar it would be best to look for something else. Concert level seems to be a subjective kind of description and usually cost is a big factor.

[MoePorter]

I've several Yairi's a Cy 140,Cy118 Cy132 & Cy117. My favorites are the 140 & the 117. Very different guitars, they are all very competent but these are the two that really stand out in recordings. Absolutely give Yairi's a listen, they are all very well made & relative bargains.

[carmona_nostra]

Of the Yairi guitars you have which has the warmest Spanish sound, but still quite focused?

Originally Posted by MoePorter

I've several Yairi's a Cy 140,Cy118 Cy132 & Cy117. My favorites are the 140 & the 117. Very different guitars, they are all very competent but these are the two that really stand out in recordings. Absolutely give Yairi's a listen, they are all very well made & relative bargains.

[MoePorter]

Of the Yairi guitars you have which has the warmest Spanish sound, but still quite focused?

The CY-117 is call the "Commemorative" in the sales literature. It's noticeably lighter in weight than the other 3 and has an ebony nut as spec'd from the original specs. "Commemorative" must mean Torres or at least Spanish - it sure looks like a Torres style & the bracing is consistent as well so that's my guess...

It has a beautiful Spanish sound - I have it tuned to DADF#AD and seems to play "Spanish" by itself if you let it...

I don't know how to answer "still quite focused". It sounds very clear, sweet & warm in recordings - more so than I experience as the player - but the playing experience is wonderful & self motivating especially if I'm feeling sad...

The other three Yairi's are more "precise", the different strings are more distinct from one another while the CY-117 seems to blend together more (which might be just the tuning...) It can't replace the CY-140 (standard tuning) for range & clarity but then the CY-140 can't touch the CY-117 for warmth...I love them both.

[cliff_the_stiff]

Originally Posted by offkey

I have an older Yairi CY140 now and once owned the 116 with burled mahogany. It was beautiful and I would get another in an instant.

I had a 116, would also get another without a second thought.

[OPJ77]

I just traded for a 2001 CY-116 and am thankful with ever pluck that I did.

[Beanctr]

I have a 1986 CY-116 that I bought new. I have other guitars but still play the 116 and think it is an excellent guitar. Not sure when, or if, they changed the scale, mine is 660mm. Rick

[carmona_nostra]

Yairi seems to get a lot of praise. Anyone have a Matsuoka? What about a Masaru Matano? Threw that last one in for fun.