Alvarez Yairi DY-73CS

I purchased this 1983 model new for $420. Spruce top that has a beautiful dark sunburst finish. Abalone binding and trim around the sound hole. When I bought the guitar, the Yairi line had a growing reputation as an outstanding instrument and I have been nothing but satisfied. Back and sides are laminated rosewood. Tuners are rock solid brass AY.

Historically I've been more of a rythym player, with limited lead work. However, receently I've started working more in the latter area. The AY 73CS has a rich full sound, with solid action (not too high, not too low), which is doubly remarkable given that the back and sides are laminates. After 22 years, it's due for a fret job, but that's after tons of playing.

Factory set up was perfect. I've done nothing to it in 22 years.

Rock solid. Only a small nick in the lacquer on the bottom of the sound hole. I've put this instrument through the paces.

I've had no need for customer support, but I did e-mail Tom a couple of years ago to get the particulars on the wood. He got right back to me.

I've also got a Taylor 355, which is a 12 string, so the comparison is difficult. The DY 73CS isn't a Taylor, but it is very close. I've compared it to several Martins and do not find myself wanting...

Yairi, DY73CS, 1985, picked it up used in St. Louis about 1993 for about 300 bucks. Solid top, sides and back are laminated. The top is Spruce. Probably same version guitar as at the bottom.

It is cherry red in color with a shiny finish. The wood grain comes through the finish very nicely. Abalone inlay around the top and the sides both top and bottom and around the soundhole. The Yairi Logon on the headstock is inlaid abalone. Nice detailing even on the back. Great looking guitar particularly for the price.

Folk, lots of strumming and picking. Good full sound, low end could be better.

Flawless. Has held up extremely well despite reasonably hard use, not pro but

Almost 20 years old and it looks pretty fresh. The sound has held up and the body is rock solid. The finish is great. Played lots of small venues straight and recently added a soundhole pickup to play amped in larger venues.

I have recently been looking for an electric acoustic. The ones that come close are the higher end taylor's & Martins (That's why I added the pickup - removable).

Mine is the 1982 anniversry edition. Mahogany back and sides with a solid spruse top, dreadnought style. Beautiful inlays.

For what I need as a worship leader, this has been the best guitar i've owned. Great balance, clear highs, and nice rich bass. Sounds better than my Seagull c6+ and my Taylor 414.

I had to raise the action just a little bit. I was getting a little buzzing, but after the adjustments, flawless! perfect for a worship leader or someone whos primary style is with chording and strumming. It handles very well to hard strumming.

Well, it's 21 years old now and still in great shape. I always would recommend having a backup guitar for any kind of gig, but i've never needed one with this one.

never had to deal with Alvarez, but their website isn't very helpful. There is no way to contact anyone! They make great guitars though.

I've been playing about 10 years. The only guitars i've considered purchasing (to replace this one) are the 2000-4000 dollar range Taylors and the James Goodall guitars. James Goodall guitars are the best guitars i've ever played, but I don't have 3,500 bucks to drop on one. I've been very satisfied with this Yari. Many guitar players prefer my guitar over their guitars (breedloves, martins, larrivee's, ect.) I am looking to sell this guitar so that I can afford a Taylor 814ce or a James Goodall. It will be hard to part with it.

My Yairi DY73CS, dated 1983, made in Japan. 14/20 frets, solid spruce top laminated mahagony sides and back. Neck is dark rosewood, ebony bridge, tobacco burst finish with abalone, well let's start at the top; MOP logo on the headstock, abalone sound hole, around the top, sides (top and bottom of the sides) and back, with a nice wood inlay center strip up the back. Ivoride binding on the head, neck and body. DEEP gloss finish. Gold Yairi tuners, bone nut and saddle, also came with a beat-up heavy duty no name molded case. I got it about a year ago at a local small music store for $300. This guitar was as mint as can be. No dings or dents, the only scratches were light pick marks. OOPS, I forgot, the bridge had to be reglued and the pick guard replaces becausing of edge curling. $300, amazing since I just saw an undated DY70, used for $699 at another local chain store (Guitar Center).

I am a strummer and this thin is perfect. The sound is rich, full and mellow.

The guitar still looks like its new, No buzzing, rattles, like a rock.

It's almost 20 years old and it keeps getting better, I'm only gonna rate this part a 9, so I don't look like I like it so much.

I E-mailed Saint Louis Music a couple of times for information. They were quick to respond with the answers I wanted

I am a new guitar player, though I've been playing keyboards for around 35 years. I would (am) seeking out used Yairi's at reasonable prices all the time. Maybe I get this lucky again. Using my guiratist friends as a measuring stick, I haven't found anything that caome close to the sound or quality of used Yairi's. NO WAY!!

I bought a 1985 Yairi DY73CS (Cherry Sunburst). It was made in Japan at the Yairi factory. It has 14 frets to body, on 20 fret neck. The top is solid but the sides and back are laminated. The top is Spruce but the rest is mahogany. The guitar is absolutely beautiful. It is cherry red in color with a shiny finish. The wood grain comes through the finish very nicely. But it is the abalone inlay that really make this a gorgeous guitar. The abalone is inlayed as the binding around the top and the sides both top and bottom. It also has abalone around the soundhole and the Yairi Logon on the headstock is inlaid abalone. The combination of colors is quite stunning.

The sound of this guitar is very nice. It is full and rich, with very bright highs. The lows are not as profound as the DY 80s and up but they are solid and have nice sustain. The guitar works well as either a finger style or for rhythm work.

This is a very well made guitar (as are all Yairis). It shows every sign of great care in the building process. It even has a laquer interior for better humity protection. There are no flaws that can be seen and it just looks like it was made yesterday. The action does not appear to have been adjusted and it very nice.

Since this guitar is a 1985 (now 17 years old), I would say that it is a very durable guitar. Everything is solid and in place. It would be a great guitar for any smaller venue that one might play in.

I e-mail with guestions to Tom at St Louis Music and he is always very responsive. Very good company.

Like most of the Yairis I have come across, this is a keeper. It is so beautiful and the quality overall is superb. For the dollar value, this quitar is hand's down GREAT. I would play it along side any Martin, Gibson, Taylor, etc.....