A very nice Kazuo Yairi Y505P Torres Style Classical Guitar Handmade in Japan in 1981
Kazuo Yairi stands as one of Japan's most respected luthiers, renowned for both his artistry and his vision. His classical and steel-string acoustic guitars have earned worldwide recognition, treasured by musicians for their quality, playability, and character.
Central to Yairi's success was his philosophy of offering exceptional instruments at accessible prices. Over the course of his career, he trained and mentored many young luthiers, ensuring his standards of craftsmanship carried on through their work. His workshop, located in Kani in Japan's Gifu Prefecture, produced a wide variety of models, some made exclusively for export. Yet, a large portion of Yairi's guitars never reached markets in the United States or Europe, making them rare and highly sought after today.
The guitar presented here was built in 1982, positioned as a mid-range model within Yairi's Torres-style series. These instruments were created with ensemble players in mind and offered a complete range of voices: Prime (P), Alto (A), Soprano (S), Bass (B), and Contrabass (CB). All were crafted under the supervision of Saburo Nogami, a legendary luthier in his own right and the very first apprentice of Masaru Kohno.
At its original price of 50,000 yen, this guitar was far from a beginner's instrument. Still, when compared with similar models from other prominent Japanese makers, Yairi's guitars consistently offered greater value. His deliberate choice to keep prices modest was a cornerstone of his business approach and a key reason for his international acclaim. Today, guitars of comparable quality from Japanese workshops are typically priced around $2,500.
Built in the Torres tradition, this guitar features a body slightly smaller than average, with a narrower upper bout and waist. These proportions give it a more elongated profile compared to most classical guitars.
The sound, however, is where the instrument truly shines. Its voice is marked by crystalline, colorful trebles; resonant basses with a metallic edge; excellent note separation; and an impressive sustain. In every respect, it embodies the qualities that made Kazuo Yairi's work so admired—clarity, balance, and a distinct musical personality.
Condition
Despite its age of over 40 years, this guitar remains in excellent condition. There are very few superficial marks that are only visible if you look very closely. The bright white spots that you might see on some pictures are just reflections.
The guitar has been kept in a room with humidity set to 50% at 25 degrees (75F).
The action is medium to low, comfortable to play.
Specs.
Top: High grade Solid Cedar
Finish: Urethane
Back and Sides: Indian Rosewood
Neck: Honduras Mahogany, Natural Bone Nut
Fingerboard: Ebony
Bridge: Rosewood, Natural Bone Saddle
Scale Length: 650 mm
Nut width: 52 mm
Action at 12 fret (1st): 3.50 mm
Action at 12 fret (6th): 3.75 mm
Comes with a quality hard case
