alvarez k yairi dy53 1991 acoustic jumbo guitar

I just had this guitar set up at Gryphon Stringed Instruments (Palo Alto, CA) to the factory spec for the Taylor GS guitars. The action is superb no buzzing, even straight strings and neck. Recent set up, clean & polish + new strings. It does not have the boom of a dreadnought and I would say that it has more of a focused, mid-range sound. Probably best suited for flat or finger picking and this guitar is on the bright side. Sound I would say this guitar compares to the current Taylor 216 Deluxe - gloss sitka spruce top with gloss layered rosewood back and sides and it has the projection of the current 416. In terms of finish this guitar compares to the 516 and 716 and the older sitka spruce/rosewood 416. I readily compare this DY 53 N to my 2007 Taylor GS 8, however, the ivoroid on the Alvarez is nicer and this guitar has more of a hand-made feel and look to it.

Kazuo Yairi has become quite famous within the brotherhood of acoustic players because he made such great hand made instruments that have stood the test of time. This guitar has the fit and finish that you would expect on a much more expensive guitar. Mahogany neck and headstock (with a gloss black finish)

GS body shape - this guitar is very similar to the Taylor grand symphony body shape only that its wider by about a half inch so it projects quite a bit more. Rosewood back and sides - officially its a laminate but my understanding is that Yairi used layers of rosewood (this is what Taylor is doing with its current 200 series guitars) and this can be seen when you look inside the body/sound hole. Hi Guys - this is one of the nicest looking guitars that I've ever owned and I'm going to draw several comparisons to the Taylor GS8 (grand symphony) that I also own and the 216 / 416 / 716 models.

Very good condition (recently cleaned and polished), superb fit and finish and great note articulation and separation. 1992, vintage Alvarez acoustic guitar made in Japan by the legendary Kazuo Yairi.

Alvarez k yairi dy53 1991 acoustic jumbo guitar