This ultra-rare Yairi Model B2 Classical Guitar was hand made by Sadao-san at Yairi Gakki in Nagoya in Japan in 1965.
Sadao Yairi used to be a master luthier at Suzuki Violin. In 1929 he and his brother Giichi left the Suzuki Violin and started their own Gakkis (workshops).
Both brothers had their sons help them out.
Sadao's son was Hiroshi, while Giichi's son was Kazuo.
Sadao used to make steel string guitars only until the early 1960s his son Hiroshi took over the steel-string guitar production and Sadao started making classical guitars.
This guitar is one of his early classical guitars.
It has a big broad, resonant sound despite having a slightly thinner body compared to modern guitars. The top is thinner than modern classical guitars, this makes it lightweight and able to project more. The back is slighty bowed (rounded) to create extra projection.
The Yairi B2's body is 3mm thicker than it's smaller sibling, the Yairi No.250, despite being 5mm thinner than the traditional clasical guitar. This makes it easier to hold and more comfortable to play. In addition, the nut width is only 50mm compared to the traditional 52mm, this makes it a very sort after guitar espcially by people with smaller hands and steel string guitar players.
It has a warm, round and beautiful tone, all thanks to the wood being matured and Sadao's excellent craftsmanship.
The soundboard has been tuned to the note F and A, this makes it more musical and lyrical as the entire guitar resonates harmonically.
The closest guitar to this model is being sold on eBay for over $3500 and it's in pretty bad shape.
This guitar is in amazing condition considering it's 57 years old. There are some light almost invisible cracks on the clear coat as all guitars of this age have, but it's the beauty of this guitar. Please check the photos for general conditions.
Specifications:
Top: Solid Spruce
Back/sides: Double-plate Mahogany
Fretboard: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Nut: 50mm
Scale: 650mm
Frets: Mirror polished steel
Rounded back for more projection.