Alvarez Yairi DY-58

Made by K Yairi in Japan, this model's main feature is the 9 string configuration - single strings for the E, A and D and doubled for the G, B and E. This is great for slide playing, and heavenly for open chords and open string phrasings. Shredding/bending solos won't be the natural fit for this guitar, but with some time spent with it, can work out.

Solid-top construction, nice inlay on the headstock, good tuners (non-locking)...overall excellent quality work.

Bummer there is no cut-away. Bummer there are no electronics.

I have no buzzing or dead notes on the guitar.

Also, the neck is very rounded (fat) in shape which took some getting used to for a guy that plays a lot of electric and whose other acoustic is a narrow-body with a thin neck. Not a bad thing...just a mental note.

The fretboard is a nice rosewood, the inlays around the sound hole are
tasteful and understated.

I got mine used from a Guitar Center chain...knew what I was looking for and bought it sight-unseen over the phone. This was a replacement for a Samick 9-string destroyed by a girlfriend from hell type. The rep told me it was in great shape other than having a pick guard replaced.

I was horrified when I got it and saw the pickguard had been replaced in a hack sorta way, and that there was a strap-peg screwed into the neck. There was also a slight crack in the top, not very noticable, but it was there. They wound up giving me $500 in store credit when I
spoke with the manager.

Despite the apparent abuses it has suffered, this guitar is one of the best sounding pieces I have ever layed my fingers on. I was due for a
studio session the week I received it, and brought two acoustics to the studio. After comparing this to my trusty (of 12 years) main acoustic...my trusty never left the case for the session!

This thing sounds that good, even beaten up. Guess the bad times added to the soul of this one!

The action is great on this guitar...outfitting it with a DM acoustic pickup was a snap...

The construct is sturdy and functional, with little flash aside from the extra strings and tuners, which always makes people stop, scratch their heads and start a conversation.

The original components have withheld against the obviously abusive ex-owner very well, with no slipping in the tuners, the neck is still true, the frets are smooth and non-worn...what a strong guitar!

This piece is definitely sturdy as hell.

You will have to pick up electronics for live gigs of any size. I use the typical humbucking, in the hole DM type. Sounds great.

If you've read the rest of my review, you know this one has been beaten the heck up! The finish, depite the abuse has held up nicely. There is a spot next to the [actual crack] I described earlier where it looks like something else tried to crack it, but simply dented the finish, which is applied like a layer of friggin armor all over this thing.

I would gig no back-up with this baby any day of the week.

N/A, although it is rumored that the Yairi pieces have lifetime warranties.

I have been playing for 17 years, started as a kid...played lots of guitars, and consider myself selective as hell about what I own and play.

Other guitars I own:

A BC Rico Wave (1975) - prototype for the BC Rich line
An Ibanez Roadster Bass (1978)
An Alvarez Artist Pro Acoustic-Electric (1990)
A Gibson Les Paul (?)
An Alvarez DY-58 9-String Acoustic (1980's)
An Alvarez Dana Scoop Electric (1980's)

This guitar was a replacement for a Samick Elmore James 9-String. It was a 2nd choice for me, since I wanted my lost baby back! After playing this one, I would never want my baby back again! This Yairi is an increeeeedibly sweet, warm and full sounding item. Because of the modest decorations and accenting, I would liken it to a "sleeper" in the automotive world.

O.K. let's see... DY 58 9-string made in 1988 (SER# 75661)... great guitar, understated but attractive inlays, strong bracing and bridge configuration, truss rod always a plus, decent tuners. Came with this crazy clamshell case that doubles as a guitar stand (it's got a flat bottom) You'd have to see it to understand, but it's the coolest case ever. Guitar would have been breathtaking in koa, but I'm not complaining.

The clean bass and chorus-like treble make this guitar very unique, no low end mud. With new strings this thing sounds terrific. Gets a little muted once the strings get gummed up of course. Mine has a couple of buzzing spots on the neck. Nothing a good overhaul and setup won't fix. Great sustain, but I plan on replacing the plastic pins, saddle and nut for bone or fossil ivory or maybe some stone for even better sustain. Great for fingerstyle, well-suited for "chunky" diads and drone bass note work.

Found no flaws with the construction. Setup was o.k. considering it had been hanging from a wall for almost three years before I bought it. Action is near perfect except for the couple of buzzy spots.

Great finish, hardware is beefy, well-made. I play very "percussively" to say the least.I came from that Ani Difranco school of guitar playing. Or was it drums? In any case, the DY 58 has held up under my abuses for over a decade.

Never had to deal with the company. I think they have a lifetime warranty on their guitars, but I'm not sure. Never had to use it.

Got this guitar for a smokin' deal from a friend at the store. The damned thing had never been owned. It just sat there on the wall and scared people away. I love it beyond words. Question... how many were ever made and what was the original string gauge setup from the factory?

Bought this guitar brand new some 20 years ago.
Paid 600.00 at a local music store in Chicago.
This being my main onstage acoustic I have outfitted this guitar with the LR Baggs electronics. Sounds fantastic.

The Sound is a warm wonderful tone.
Defined bass tones with a 12 string high end.
A perfect combo.

The setup straight from the factory was very nice.
Since then I've had it re-fretted and tuning machines changed.
Re-fretting do to extensive capo use.

Over all the reliability has been great.
Of course there is plenty of usual playing wear.
It's called character.

I've only had to deal with Alvarez once to order replacement tuning machines. They didn't understand the setup of the guitar. Eventually
they sent me the right tuning machines.

Excellent Guitar, wonderful conversation piece.

Made in 1980 in Japan. Solid top dreadnought.

I traded an Aria Pro II 12 string for this guitar. I love the full solid bass yet it still has the ring of the 12. I mostly play bluegrass and gospel.

Smooth easy action. I've found no flaws in this guitar in materials or workmanship. I've played it hard for 23 years and it has held up very well.

So far this guitar has held up well. The finish has held up well, except for what you would expect from an instrument that has been well-played. I've used it on stage many times without a second thought.

Lifetime warranty on Yairi guitars. Never had to use it.

This guitar is a great conversation piece. No one that I've talked to has ever seen another one before. The dealer told me that only six came in the country. I have no idea if that is true or not. I also have an Alvarez AJ60SC-12. I had no idea what a great guitar I was getting when I bought it, I just liked the sound and the novelty of the nine string, but it has held up extremely well and has been a superb instrument. I will continue to buy Alvarez/Yairi guitars.

I didn't know KY made a 9 string ... I was looking for a good used guitar and this was under-appreciated in a local music store. It was sitting next to a 30 year old D-18 Martin, and I liked it better in almost every way. I've a a KY classical since the early 70's and have always appreciated their quality and value

Made in 1980; dreadnought acoustic 9 string; solid top, laminated sides and back; blonde top, rosewood(?) sides and back. A few small nicks and a divot where some idiot pulled the original pick guard off.

With the 9 string, I have a clean bass when I'm playing bluegrass and chordy treble when I'm singing ballads. The best of both worlds!

No flaws other than what 20 years of use caused.

I'm constantly amazed at how well this guitar sounds and preforms.

Bought the guitar on eBay from a used instrument store in Nashville. Very pleased!

I've been playing for 30+ years. I'd been looking for a 9 string for the last 10 years so when I found this one on eBay, I grabbed it. No regrets. The guitar has gotten more comments than anything else I've owned.