Product: Alvarez Yairi DY-57
Price Paid: US $500
Submitted
02/25/2002
at
08:12am
by
Bob
Features
:
9
6-string dreadnaught (all acoustic)
Made in Japan, 1978
Solid Sitka spruce top
Nato Mahogony neck
Mahaogony laminate back/sides
Ebony fretboard (unbound)
Ebony bridge
Grover tuners
Nut width 1 11/16"
voluted neck carving
St. Louis Music medalian on back of headstock
Origional AY logo (larger than today's logo)
Tortoise shell pick guard (teardrop)
Pre-war Martin lookalike
Exceptionally fine solid sitka top, this type of wood is reserved today for the very high end guitars.
Sound
:
9
Very bright sounding; well balanced; well suited for a variety of styles (flatpicking or finger style).
This guitar lacks the deep Martin sound, but has everything else.
This guitar had great volume and projection before I had the action lowered slightly following a refret. Still has good volume and projection, the sound jumps right out.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
9
I had the action lowered after 22 years following a refret job. Before it was lowered, it had more volume than any other guitar in it's class (that I'd seen).
Still has good volume.
Action is supurb.
One of the braces deep inside the guitar appears to have been installed after splitting; purely cosmetic.
Some glue visible inside.
Pick guard required re-gluing (slight shrinkage, typical)
Ebony fretboard appears to be the striped ebony type (looks a little like rosewood). It may be softer? I've worn some robust ruts in it.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
It's best feature. It's a truck that won't let you down.
Stays in tune.
Customer Support
:
7
I wish Alvarez-Yairi had better communication with it's customers.
I did contact St. Louis Music (importer) regarding materials of construction and had a pleasant conversation with one of their experts.
It required too much effort to get through. They (Alvarez/St. Louis Music) do not have a web site where you can communicate (2-way) with them.
Overall Rating
:
10
I've been playing since 1976. It's the only guitar I own.
Compared it to Martins, Gibsons and Takaminies before buying. I couldn't afford the Martin, but I got one that played better than most of the Martins of that vintage. I was not satisfied with the Gibsons of that era that I had seen (limited).
I wish I had purchased solid wood back and sides.
If I were to replace it, I'd consider Alvarez-Yairi, but I'd keep my options open.
I love it's looks. The sitka top is purely magnificent, both visually stunning and loud.
The neck is thin and straight. Fast action.
