Alvarez Yairi CY-115

As I understand it, the Alvarez Yairi CY-115 was produced in a limited edition of 600 instruments, each numbered individually numbered on a small brass plaque on the reverse side of the headtsock (38/100....466/600...etc) but one website states that a CY-115 owner has one whose plaque reads 622/600. Is that possible?

The CY-115 Limited Edition guitar was the predecessor of the Alvarez Yairi CY-116. Each was handmade (some say that all CY-115's were made by Kazuo Yairi himself...but is that even possible for one man to do himself in one year or so?) with later numbered CY-115's produced in early 1979, I believe.

Each features stunning Burled Mahogany back and sides, honey-colored cedar top, elaborate, distinctive soundhole rosette, mahogany neck and ebony fingerboard. My CY-115 has lovely ebonized (black) tuning keys on gold-plated hardware. Perhaps these black tuning keys were replacement keys installed by a prvious owner.

The paper label inside the soundhole states model number CY-115and production year of 1978, along with serial number with Kazuo Yairi's rubber-stamped signature.

I have tried in vain to find substantive factual information about the Alvarez Yairi CY-115 to no avail...although information abounds about the subsequent (and similar) CY-116 model, produced in later years. Even the Alvarez/Yairi websites include no information whatsoever about the CY-115.

I am curious to know 1.) How many of the CY-115 guitar were actually produced; 2.) what was the original selling price of the CY-115 in 1978; 3.) Did Kazuo Yairi himself build any (or all?) of the CY-115 guitars; 4.) where does the burled Mahogany wood originate (because I see no other guitar maker using this gorgeous wood); 5.) and what is the current (2009) market value of the CY-115?

To truly appreciate the superb tonal qualities of any remarkable fretted work of art, one should play the CY-115 in total darkness.

Only then can one appreciate the delicately-nuanced frequencies/harmonics across the entire spectrum of its wonderful resonance.

The bass frequencies permiate the player's entire body, the sounds project powerfully, like a lion's roar that says: "I am something special. I am here now! Listen to me. Heed my voice. Hear me roar!"

Handcrated by Yairi in Japan. Impeccable Olde World hand-craftsmanship 'Nuff said. Go to YouTube to see the craftsmen at the Yairi factory creating these works of art. Simply remarkable!

Yairi guitars, as with most handcrafted woode musical instruments, only improve with age.

The CY-115 has already aged for over 30 years. And it sounds heavenly. Perhaps the best is yet to come! Special note...this guitar, like any good classical guitar...can change its tone (and feel) by installing different brands of nylon strings. So, keep changing strings until the CY-115 produces the exact tone, projection and sustain tha best suits your musical taste. Changing brands of strings and changing string tensions can alter classical guitars sounds dramatically...Hard Tension vs Medium Tension strings; LaBella brand vs Augustine brand vs Martin brand strings; black nylon strings vs clear nylon strings, etc.

This CY-115 is a carefully and delicately handcrafted work of art and, as such, it should be treated carefully and delicately in a reasoable hmidity/temperature controlled environment to reduce chances for wood cracking or splitting. Trust any repairs to the CY-115 to only an experienced and knowledgable luthier...even if you have to ship it out of town for needed repairs.

I never need Customer Support. When repairs or adjustments are needed, my guitars go to a qualified, independent luthier who knows what he is doing...and is good at it.

I have been performing solo guitar music professinally at upscale restaurants, weddings and various community events for over 40 years...playing an extensive reportoire of everything from classic country ballads, standards of the 1940's, romantic love songs, contemporary ballads, Beatles, familiar Big Band melodies, a few Flamenco pieces and light classical pieces.

Although I prefer my Gretch Streamliner thin-body arched top double-pickup electric guitar with Bigsby Vibrato tailpiece for most public performances (at large restaurants and outdoor events where volume/projection is mandatory), I use my CY-115 guitar for more intimate venues...churches, coffee shops, wineries, formal dinner parties.

The sound of the CY-115 in small rooms is simply mesmerizing...to me AND to the audience. The sound of the CY-115 adds the perfect, unobtrusive ambience that never interferes with intimate dinner-table conversations. Perfect!

I am interested in hearing from others who own (or have owned...or played) the Alvarez Yairi CY-115 to learn more about this instrument.

Perhaps one of you guitar collectrs/players/historians can help me to fill in the blanks about the CY-115...since so little information is available at ANY website...including harmony-central. So please email me with any information that you may have about the Alvarez Yairi CY-115 classical guitar. Thanks!