Kazuo Yairi YC50 Handmade Classical Guitar Macassar Ebony 1977

A rare, beautiful  Kazuo Yairi YC50 Classical Guitar Handmade in Japan in 1977

Excellent condition despite the age.

The tone is rich and nuanced, very good volume and sustain thanks to the longer scale.

More info on the luthier below the specs.

Condition

Despite its age of almost 50 years, the guitar remains in excellent condition. It has superficial marks of use in different places, such as dings and scuffs, but no major issues. Please refer to the pictures. Guitar players have different styles and features, so it might need to be set up according to your preferences. There is no visible fretwear. The neck is straight.

The guitar has been kept in a room with humidity set to 50% at 25 degrees (75F).

Specs

Top: Solid American Cedar

Bracing: Fan

Back / Sides: Macassar Ebony

Finish: Nitro Lacquer

Neck: Mahogany, Natural Bone Nut

Fingerboard: Ebony

Bridge: Rosewood, Natural Bone Saddle

String Length: 663 mm

Nut width: 52 mm

String Width: 42.5 mm

Body Thickness: 13mm (4")

Action at 12 fret (1st): 3.75 mm

Action at 12 fret (6th): 4.00 mm

Ships in a hard case

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.