K Yairi YF20 1983

The YF20 is part of K. Yairi’s small-body folk series, built in the company’s workshop in Kani, Gifu, Japan. In contrast to some larger YF models, the YF20 is closer to a traditional 00 size, with a narrower upper bout and a compact feel. These guitars were hand-built under Kazuo Yairi’s direction and are known for consistent workmanship, stable neck construction, and a balanced acoustic response suited to fingerstyle and light strumming.

This 1983 example shows quite a bit of playwear, with scratches and small dings across the body, but nothing serious. Frets are worn, so while the guitar actually plays very well, there is not enough fret left to do another fret dress. It is a straightforward working instrument with a comfortable neck and a wide 47 mm nut that gives extra room for fingerstyle technique and open tunings. It also sounds fantastic, with a big voice for its small body size.

It has a Fishman Natural 1 undersaddle pickup installed. It is a simple, passive system with an endpin jack and no onboard controls. Weight is 1800g.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Year: 1983
• Model: YF20
• Origin: Kani, Gifu, Japan
• Body style: 00-size folk, 14-fret
• Finish: Natural gloss
• Top: Solid spruce
• Back and sides: Mahogany (period-typical laminated construction)
• Bracing: Traditional X-bracing
• Neck: Mahogany, set neck
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Bridge: Rosewood
• Scale length: approx. 650 mm
• Nut width: 47 mm
• Frets: 20
• Tuners: Sealed chrome die-cast
• Electronics: Fishman Natural 1 undersaddle pickup, passive, endpin jack
• Weight: 1800g
• Condition: Quite a bit of playwear with scratches and dings, nothing serious

Body measurements:

• Upper bout: 255 mm
• Waist: 210 mm
• Lower bout: 360 mm
• Body length: 490 mm
• Body depth (neck): 80 mm
• Body depth (tail): 100 mm