Alvarez-Yairi DY-90

1985 DY90 made in Japan. Solid Canadian Spruce Top, Jacaranda three-piece back and sides, mahagony neck, and ebony fingerboard and bridge. Lacquered on the inside to "improve tonal characteristics". Extensive Abalone body, bridge, and rosette binding. Abalone logo on headstock and pickgaurd, as well as, Abalone diamond fingerboard markers. Exquisite jumbo frets and gold plated tuning machines. Bone nut and saddle. It is my understanding that right after the time this guitar was made, Alvarez-Yairi switched from Jacaranda to Rosewood for the back and sides. This instrument, although 15 years old, would easily pass for a new instrument. It is in excellent condition and was a true find.

This is a wonderful acoustic guitar and sounds as beautiful as it looks. It has excellent projection and balance. I would compare it to a Gibson J-60 or Martin D28 (although it seems better balanced than a D28).

It is as beautiful today as the day it was built over 15 years ago. This speaks volumes for the quality of guitars that Alvarez-Yairi has produced. I can not find a single manufacturing defect in the instrument, and after 15 years I don't expect any to surface any time soon. The Canadian spruce top is perfectly bookmatched, and has a rich golden tone to it (much like new guitars with artificial toners to acquire a vintage look, but this is natural!). The grain is tight, but still very defined. The top definitely contributes to the "canon-like" voice of this instrument. The Jacaranda back and sides are equisitely grained, and look compareable to rosewood, but with a more red tint, and a rougher grain texture. I understand how Kazuro Yairi gained his reputation for workmanship.

This instrument is 15 years old and still looks like the day it was manufactured. Says alot about the original owner (I wish more people treated their guitars this way) and even more about the craftsmen and their manufacturing process. Definitely sturdy enough to gig with, but believe me this one won't see that type of abuse! If I could give this one 11 in this category I would.

Excellent. I sent an email to customer service at Alvarez-Yairi in St. Louis asking many questions concerning the origin and specifications of this instrument. I receive a response the next day with all the information I requested, and an open offer to provide more if needed. this type of customer service is not easily obtained when purchasing a brand new instrument, much less one that is over 15 years old. They also congratulated me on finding such and excellent instrument in such prestine condition.

I have been playing and collecting acoustic guitars for over 10 years. I own Gibsons, Martins, Taylors, Takamines, and now, proudly, a vintage Alvarez-Yairi. I have been looking for this instrument for several years, but as other collectors know, it is all about being in the right place at the right time. I was fortunate to have taken that Sunday moring trip to my local Guitar Center. I feel, for collectors, that it has a lot to do with destiny, and that the guitar that's meant for you will reveal itself when appropriate. If it was lost or stole I would definitely buy another in a second, but the chances of finding another one in this condition are just about nil. Thank you Alvarez-Yairi for crafting this wonderful guitar.