NEW ARRIVAL When Kazuo Yairi began designing and hand-crafting guitars in the 1960’s, he was not trying to create a “mid-range” alternative to the best American guitars; he was consciously competing with Martin, Gibson, Guild, and the “boutiques” for the higher end guitar market in the U.S. Since his death in 2014 his guitars have started to increase in value, and are becoming future collectables. This DY-84 M model is an example of the quality and sound which he was able to produce using the highest quality materials, the best Japanese craftsmen, and his own modifications of the most effective American designs. The guitar has a Sitka Spruce top, with stunning Curly Maple back and sides, and a Mahogany neck. There’s a bound Rosewood fingerboard with beautiful Abalone snowflake inlays, an Ebony bridge, Abalone rosette, bone nut and saddle, gold tuners and a really striking Ebony headstock with Abalone inlays. A very classy looking guitar. Tonally the Maple particularly resonates around the mid and high frequencies, while the dreadnought body shape generates a great bass end. So the guitar is balanced, very dynamic and works well with both strumming and fingerstyle. It’s in excellent condition, with only minor signs of playwear, and comes in a non original hard case.