Alvarez Yairi DY-66

My DY-66 is from 1986. I got it in a trade, for a Gibson Blueridge that had a twisted neck, in 1987. This guitar is stellar in every respect. It's a solid cedar top with laminated maple back and sides. The our lamintaes are highly flamed. It was not built with a pickup, so I installed a Fishman Matrix. The tuners are Yairi's own, and I've never had a problem with them.

I've used this guitar, almost exclusively, in both the studio and for gigs. While I own both Taylor and Martin acoustics, this is the one which gets the call.

The construction on this guitar rivals much of what you see being produced by large, CNC driven factories these days. Action and finish were perfect (well, the finish WAS perfect before I put 17 years worth of miles on it!).

Like I said, I've used this guitar almost every day for the last 17 years. It is an absolute workhorse. I have beaten the living Hell out of this guitar, and it laughs at me. I can't kill it. It won't let me.

I got the guitar used, so I never even considered the warranty. Even still, despite the daily deluge of my less than perfect playing style, this guitar has held up well. I can;t imagine doing anything to it which would require customer support.

There's simply nothing negative that I can say about this guitar, other than the fact that it's not filled with gobs of cash. Then again, that would probably ruin the tone. If this guitar were to ever be stolen or lost, I'd be crushed. I would try to find another, but I haven't seen too many of them out there. Trading away my Gibson acoustic for this guitar is, without question, the best gear-related decision I've ever made.

The DY 66 is a Signature, hand made, solid cedar, dreadnought, finger-style guitar with a satin finish. Mine was made in 1986. It didn't come with a pickup, so I added a Martin Thin Line pick up under the saddle. The DY 66 comes conservatively appointed, with a decorative Signature series head stock and Yairi's signature burned into the lower portion of the body top. However, the craftsmanship is great.

I saw this guitar in 1987 at a local music store. While other guitars were more flashy looking, this guitar sounded like no other I have ever played. I was sold from the moment I first played it. The cedar body is to rich tone as an oak barrel is to fine wine. I wouldn't trade or sell it for anything. Okay, you're right, I would sell it, but it would be for a lot more than I paid--which was $650.

The action has always been high for my tastes. I adjusted the action, myself, when I installed the Martin Thin Line pick up under the saddle. But it's still a little high. But my friends, who have played my guitar, tell me it feels fine to them.

For my needs at home, this guitar has been so reliable that I haven't ever seen a need to buy any other. It's the only guitar I own. However, I'm a songwriter, more than a live performer. If I were on stage more often, I would want something either more durable or more expendable. The cedar body dents easily--even with a finger nail. Although the guitar has a delicate finish, it has never let me down.

I like everything about this guitar. But I especially like the warm rich tonal quality it projects. Everytime I perform, someone asks me about my guitar, despite its simple, humble appointments. It proves to me everyday why appearances are only skin deep.