Alvarez Yairi DY-72 12-String

Alvarez by Kzuo Yairi model DY 72 12 String Passive Acoustic Electric..1991 model made in Japan..Guitar features Die Cast Amber Pearloid Tuners, Ebony Fretboard,Rosewood Saddle,Abalone Inlayed Sound Hole,Kazuo ingraved Signature on Front,Spruce Top, Walnut Laminate Back and Sides. Using an Oasis humidifier.

Wonderful sound and tone. I play lots of Gordon Lightfoot and had been playing "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgeral" on my Yairi DY52 for years, but with the DY72 12-string it's a whole 'nother sound: full-spectrum highs and lows with layers of overtones.
I love the neck size and action. I have average size hands, and this guitar is as easy to barre chord as my six-string. It's lighter than I expected; significantly lighter than my DY52 six string (possibly because I keep the DY52 humidified in-case.)

Great action; as easy to barre chord as my DY52 six-string. I haven't tried the passive electronics in it yet, and it may be awhile before I do so. I just love the un-amplified sound. Top solid spruce is beautifully bookmatched. I bought this guitar used and it has wear beneath the sound hole and a few dings, but that actually adds to the appeal for me. It has a natural finish: no high gloss coating, which accentuates the wood grain. Just looks perfect to my eye, but to each his own.

Built in 1991, the neck is arrow straight. The tuners are firm but easy to turn. I haven't played it live yet, but would do so with confidence.
Per suggestion from other 12-string players, I've lowered the tuning one full step and am using a capo on the second fret.

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I've been playing for 25 years, and prefer acoustic guitars. I place a premium on sound and action, both of which are excellent on this instrument. The neck is narrow than other 12-strings I tried (Taylor, Guild, Martin) and the price was right in my wheelhouse. For the money I am very happy with this guitar.

1992 Solid red Cedar top laminate mahogony (I think) sides and back. Beautiful ebony board, one abalone inlay at 12. No electronics. Clear pick guard. Natural finish, understated abalone and timber inlays. Gold hardware. Signed "K Yairi" on lower bout. Unusual narrow waisted guitar -quite lovely to look at, better to play and simply beautifully made.

I think the previous reviewer pretty much nailed this.

Beautifully crafted. The action is fantastic, the best 12 Ive ever played

15 years old, solid as a rock.

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This is an outstanding 12 string guitar from K Yairi builds I bought it as a pair with another Yairi, a 6 string wy1, which I wanted. But the minute I picked this 12 string guitar up, it was sold. And i dont particlarly enjoy 12s. This is the only one Ive ever actually enjoyed playing. The sound is rich and textured. But its the neck and action that actually make it pleasant to play. Ive never played a 12 that you can comforably fret at the 10, 11, and 12 frets.

Still hate tuning the suckers tho.

Ive played guitar for more than 30 years- I feel I know a good guitar when i see one. This Yairi is out of production and would be very hard to replace- if you see one, grab it.

This instrument was made in 1986, in Japan. It has 20 frets, 14 clear of the body. The top is solid red cedar, while the body is laminated mahogany. The neck is Nato with an ebony fingerboard. The finish is a satin-type. Body style is slope-shouldered, narrow-waisted Jumbo. Scale length is 25 1/2 inches; Neck width is 1 7/8 inches. It came with very nicely finished jumbo frets. This is the only example of this model that I have ever seen. "K. Yariri" is woodburned into the top in the bottem right quadrant of the top.

Since I do mostly finger-picking in DADGAD tuning, the action and string spacing are perfect, especially for a 12-string (which can be nortoriously challanging for finger-style, unless your name happens to be Leo Kottke). The sound is bright overall, with a clear and BALLSY low end coupled with a ringing high end. It is one of the best sounding 12-strings I have ever heard, even with the laminated sides and back.

The guitar came set-up perfectly from the factory. There were absolutely no flaws in any of the components of the instrument. The intonation is exceptional for a 12-string.

I have only used the instrument on a gig 3 - 4 times since I've owned it (about 14 years now). I feel completely confident in it's ability to hold up, and would use it without a backup.

I've never had a reason to excercise the warranty of the instrument, since absolutely nothing has gone wrong with it.

I've been playing guitar for about 31 years, perhaps 10 of which is acoustic. I've had tons of electric gear, but other than this instrument, I only own one other acoustic -- an original 1928 Washburn (Lyon & Healy) Grand Concert Deluxe, which is the sonic equal of any vintage Martin or Gibson I've ever played on. If it were lost or stolen, I would definitely buy another one, that is, if I could even find one. There is nothing I dislike about it; favorite feature(s) are its sound and playability, both of which are equal or greater than any other 12-string I've ever played. I only wish it had a transducer system like that on modern Ovations. I might add a Sunrise System when finances permit. If you like ballsy sounding 12-strings, with gobs of sustain, definitely give one these a test ride -- IF you can find one.