K.Yairi / 1994 YM-1
Even if you’ve managed to get your hands on that coveted vintage acoustic guitar made overseas, do you ever feel uncomfortable handling its thick neck or large body, or find your fingers and arms reaching their limits during long playing sessions?
No matter how wonderful the tone may be, forcing yourself to keep playing a guitar that doesn’t fit your physique or hand size not only lowers the quality of your performance but also saps your motivation to play.
On the other hand, if you switch to a compact, modern model just for the sake of playability, you—with your refined ear—will surely not be satisfied with a shallow, youthful sound.
Playability that feels as if the guitar is clinging to your hands, combined with a tone that has matured over decades—balancing these two elements is an eternal challenge for serious players.
The K.Yairi YM-1 is the ultimate practical instrument that perfectly resolves this dilemma through Japanese craftsmanship, bringing you true stress-free playing.
Handcrafted by skilled artisans in a workshop in Kani City, Gifu Prefecture, this instrument has been in existence for over 30 years and has now reached its golden age, where its potential as a musical instrument has fully blossomed.
- A mature tone honed over more than 30 years
After many years since its debut in 1994, the carefully selected top, side, and back woods have dried to the absolute limit, resulting in an exceptionally fast response—something a New guitar can never replicate—and a rich, resonant tone with intense body resonance even from the lightest strum.
- A superb neck grip that feels like a second skin to Japanese hands
Setting it apart from the clunky necks found on foreign-made guitars, this model features K.Yairi’s signature delicate and meticulously carved neck profile.
It dramatically reduces left-hand fatigue during long live performances and recording sessions, while also facilitating smooth, technical chord changes.
- Unparalleled Durability Unique to Handcrafted Japanese Guitars
Yairi Guitars’ uncompromising craftsmanship, rooted in the philosophy of creating guitars you can play for a lifetime.
Even after more than 30 years, these guitars boast the toughness to perform reliably in demanding environments, dispelling concerns about the serious issues often associated with older guitars.
K.Yairi guitars from the 1990s—when their sound had reached its peak of maturity—are rapidly gaining popularity as hidden gems among practical, performance-oriented players due to their overwhelmingly high quality.
Well-preserved specimens in excellent condition, still tough enough for everyday use, are highly sought after not only in Japan but also overseas, and typically disappear from the market immediately upon arrival.
We invite you to experience firsthand the soul of Japanese craftsmanship and the sublime tone forged over 30 years—right in your own hands.
[Specs/Included Case]
TOP: Cedar
BACK/SIDES: White Sycamore
FINGERBOARD/BRIDGE: Rosewood
NECK: Mahogany
NUT WIDTH: 42mm
SCALE: 646mm
CASE: Non-Original Soft Case
[Repair/Modification History / Replaced Parts / Cosmetic Condition, etc.]
*As this is a used/vintage item, the information provided is based on our inspection.
Please be aware of this in advance.
-There are minor dents and scratches from normal use, but the condition is appropriate for its age.
[Playing Condition]
- String action at the 12th fret: 2.5 mm on the 6th string side, 2.0 mm on the 1st string side
- Saddle projection: approx. 2.5 mm to 3.0 mm
- Although the saddle is set low, there is no muffled sound or buzzing, and the instrument plays well.
[Peace of Mind Warranty: 1 month]
[Mail-Order Assurance Service]
Since we cannot offer customers the opportunity to try out the instrument when purchasing via mail order, we provide a 6-day trial period after the product arrives.
Please take your time to try out the product at home, and if you are not satisfied, we will refund the purchase price.
*The customer is responsible for round-trip shipping costs.
