Opinions on used older Yairis

[George Henry]

I have always had a fondness for older Yairis, especially if I can get them at a good price. I’ve actually own a newer DYMR70SB, which is in perfect condition.

I’d like some opinions on older Yairis, especially problem areas, like those needing neck resets, which have the reputation of being difficult on Yairis.

Any tips are appreciated.

[Keith_C]

I have a DY45N that I purchased new in 1985, I guess it would qualify as "older"!

It has been and is a great guitar - no issues with neck angle. The only repair that has been done happened about 10 years ago. The back of the bridge was lifting up just a little, you could slip a card under it. So, I had it glued back down.

It has a few bumps and bruises, but the neck shape and the ebony fretboard feel and play great.

I'm looking forward to playing it for another 37 years.

[TheGITM]

I like mine a lot.

I would not purchase one that I couldn't play first, so that limits what is available. Both of mine were acquired locally.

[Br1ck]

Here is the issue as I see it. Any all solid wood guitar, that would include Yamaha, Yairi, and others is worth repairing. Will it be worth more than the cost of the repair? Probably not. Plus the Japanese imports used some less than optimal glues. This same issue relates even to US built guitars, like my Guild I spent $1100 fixing.

Would you spend a grand on your Yairi? I probably would. I've played some really good ones, but the marketplace might have other ideas. These often get the bolt on conversion process done.

[Tycobb73]

There's 2 different yairis. An uncle and a nephew. The nephew is the 1 associated with alverez. The uncle is sado and made guitars under the s yairi name. The name was recently revived and the modern guitars made under it are cheap garbage.

[George Henry]

Honestly, I would pass on any that needed resets. I guess my real question would be; Are neck resets a common occurrence for Yairis of that vintage.

Most any other normal repair issue I can deal with myself.

[fenderball]

i have a 1990 DY 50 that i love...the neck is the most comfy neck i have ever had on an acoustic...is it my best sounding guitar, no, i dont think so...but does it sound great..yes...cedar top...love this guitar...have had it since '93...