I have a CY-140 purchased in 1976 by K Yari. It sounds good, better than a cheap guitar. Top quality cedar top. The back and sides are "Jacaranda" which is species of rosewood try from Brazil, but it is not what is generally considered "brazilian rosewood".

The finish on this quitar is not laquer. I recently set about to refinish it and the finish was unaffected by laquer thinners. It is finished with some kind of poly acrylic enamel, which is a sure sound deadener.

It's worth the money, but don't kid yourself into thinking these match with a Ramirez 4E or similar.

Everytime I open the case I have to stop and stare at it for a little while. It is a very beautiful guitar. A great playing guitar, and it has amazing projection. My only complaint would be a few weak frets on the high E. Some of them don't ring as loud and clear towards the higer register, but it's not that noticeable. Overall I think this is hands down the best new classical in its price range.

I recently purchased my CYM-95 used and cannot begin to write how pleased I am with this instrument. The typical (and now expected) Yairi quality is evident throughout. The volume and projection are, quite frankly, astounding! I have added a John Pearse arm rest to my girl which, as good as they are stock, improves both substantially. My ONLY complaint is the lack of available electronics. Electronics are available as an option on the CY-140...why not this beauty? Could be Yairi-san figured it really doesn't need amplification. I don't like the fabric covering on the case which gets dirty quite easily nor the fact that no provision has been made for humidification. I bought a HumiCase Metro for my instrument...Now life is good!

After playing a few Cordobas at Guitar Center, I found myself disappointed with their quality, even the thousand dollar models. Having read a great deal on the quality of Alvarez guitars, especially the Yairi's, I ordered the CYM95.

I am EXTREMELY impressed with the quality of this guitar. The finish is perfect. There is no careless gluing to be found anywhere. The back (3 piece solid rosewood) is perfectly matched and quite beautiful. The intonation is pefect up and down the neck. Everything about the guitar is rock solid.

The best part, though, is the sound. The guitar is very light and very loud. The low notes resonate with commanding presence and the highs are crystal clear. My guitar was obviously not made long ago (it still smells very new and the dates on the inspection card are from October), so the sound is only going to get better as the wood ages.

If I had any gripes at all, it would be with the case (Alvarez CC1) that came with the guitar. It does not have a humidifier and is flimsy.

All in all, I am very happy with this guitar. You just can't go wrong with a guitar that bears Kazuo Yairi's signature in the soundhole.

I bought a Yairi, 'way back-in-the-day when I was in college. I'd been playing since I was 15, and this was the first "real" guitar I ever had. I had the opportunity at that time to try several at home before purchasing, and I settled on this one, hands down. I had no clue what I was buying, but I bought it on the basis of its sound and playability, compared to every guitar I'd tried.

I recommend this instrument for anyone who respects quality when they see it. It's the last classical you'll ever buy.

Mine is an original Yairi, dated 1976, No. 570. I'm a bit curious as to its worth.