In the small town of Kani, nestled in the hills north of Nagoya, Japan, lies the renowned K. Yairi guitar factory. They have been crafting guitars here for over 80 years.
Alvarez and Yairi have enjoyed an uninterrupted 55-year partnership in producing exquisite guitars, made by hand, from naturally seasoned woods with an unwavering commitment to quality and design. Every neck is spoke shaved by hand, braces are carved, and tops are tuned to perfection. The attention to detail and quality of the build are impeccable.
Kazuo Yairi and his loyal team of luthiers created an incredibly efficient and innovative workshop. Being able to work with such a lineage of master builders is very rare. Some of the luthiers have been at Yairi for over 50 years. Their skills and experience are shared with younger luthiers to form a multi-generational team who have chosen guitar building as their livelihood and dedicated their working lives to the craft. Our guitars are the result of the close collaboration between Alvarez & Yairi—a sharing of knowledge and an obsessional approach to excellence.
2024 is an exciting year as we introduce a new voicing and tonal response in our Honduran and Masterworks Series. This voicing is designed to widen the tonal palette, and to bring a more robust, clear bass response and a compelling openness to the guitar.
We call our new bracing system FST6. It is similar in shape and placement to our previous FST2 system, but the braces are lighter in weight. In the quest to strike the perfect balance between strength and vibration, FST6 delivers with a heightened richness we found impossible not to embrace.
Playing an instrument that instantly, almost intuitively reacts to your requests is a result we continually strive to achieve. We feel FST6 increases the connection with the player and responds effortlessly.
2024 also sees us launch new models and bring an array of new wood configurations to certain body shapes we have never made before. To our Honduran Series, we add an all-Mahogany 12th fret Parlor and a stunning non-cutaway Grand Auditorium. Masterworks expands its offering with a majestic mix of tonewoods. Californian Redwood, purchased by Mr. Yairi many decades ago, has been paired with East Indian Rosewood, and Premium Adirondack Spruce is now also available with Rosewood. Both parings help to create rare and inspirational instruments with new tonal horizons.
2024 Masterworks also offers several new Grand Auditorium and OM models with a much-expanded choice of colors and tonewoods.
Laureate Series, Left Handed
Every constituent part considered; each component hand-selected to achieve optimal quality throughout the build.
A bench made approach to the build
The quality of every component is so important in the overall performance of an acoustic guitar. For Laureate Series we hand select every bridge plate, brace, side brace and piece of kerfing from thousands, to make sure they are the best quality possible for structure and appearance. This dedication can be seen, heard and felt and brings a rare level of detailing to the build process.
Hand finished FS6 bracing
FS6 is based on a traditional forward shifted bracing pattern with particular attention paid to the weight and placement of the struts themselves. For Laureate we take a couple of extra steps and hand sand the braces which are cut from quartersawn Sitka spruce and chosen for their straight, finely grained quality to enhance overall response and vibration.
The finest tonewoods
Only our finest, wonderfully quartersawn and silked Sitka, as well as hand selected African Mahogany is used in Laureate Series. The stiffness and quality of the tops allow us to thickness sand them just a tad thinner to help heighten response. Backs and sides are cut from the best East Indian Rosewood and African Mahogany that comes into our possession; bookmatched with perfect coloring.
A flawless finish
The systems required to achieve the quality we aimed for made us once again improve upon our sanding and painting process to deliver a flawless, deep shine with the thinnest clearcoat we have ever achieved in Alvarez. We’ve also introduced a new colour called Daybreak, a super light burst adding an aesthetic depth to the top and creating a vintage style vibe at the same time.
Appointments & Styling
Bridges, fingerboards and headstock plates are cut from the finest African ebony we can find. The ebony components impact articulation, clarity and separation of notes and frequencies and work with other premium comments to deliver a clear and powerful voicing. This quality of ebony works beautifully with rare Blue Abalone inlays to create a very luxurious but understated vibe.
The Laureate Bridge
Aesthetically, Laureate is a traditional guitar series in the sense its body shapes are based on guitars from the late 1800’s to the 1930’s. With this in mind, we made the decision not to use our Bi-Level bridge and to stay closer in keeping with a traditional approach, and a full, single level bridge style. The Laureate bridge has its own unique styling and is cut from the finest black ebony.
Compare the LP70Le
Some years ago, artist JP Cormier independently made a comparison video between our MD60BG Dreadnought and one of his own high-end dreadnoughts. The video went viral helping to launch and promote the Alvarez Masterworks guitar. JP became a friend of Alvarez, and as a thank you for his support (and the fact that we think he’s an awesome guitar player), we made him a Signature Model Alvarez Yairi. JP revealed his DYMRJP Signature Model on his YouTube channel and immediately generated interest from his followers. They asked and we listened!
In the small town of Kani, nestled in the hills north of Nagoya, Japan, lies the renowned K. Yairi guitar factory. They have been crafting guitars here for over 80 years.
Alvarez and Yairi have enjoyed an uninterrupted 55-year partnership in producing exquisite guitars, made by hand, from naturally seasoned woods with an unwavering commitment to quality and design. Every neck is spoke shaved by hand, braces are carved, and tops are tuned to perfection. The attention to detail and quality of the build are impeccable.
Kazuo Yairi and his loyal team of luthiers created an incredibly efficient and innovative workshop. Being able to work with such a lineage of master builders is very rare. Some of the luthiers have been at Yairi for over 50 years. Their skills and experience are shared with younger luthiers to form a multi-generational team who have chosen guitar building as their livelihood and dedicated their working lives to the craft. Our guitars are the result of the close collaboration between Alvarez & Yairi—a sharing of knowledge and an obsessional approach to excellence.
2024 is an exciting year as we introduce a new voicing and tonal response in our Honduran and Masterworks Series. This voicing is designed to widen the tonal palette, and to bring a more robust, clear bass response and a compelling openness to the guitar.
We call our new bracing system FST6. It is similar in shape and placement to our previous FST2 system, but the braces are lighter in weight. In the quest to strike the perfect balance between strength and vibration, FST6 delivers with a heightened richness we found impossible not to embrace.
Playing an instrument that instantly, almost intuitively reacts to your requests is a result we continually strive to achieve. We feel FST6 increases the connection with the player and responds effortlessly.
2024 also sees us launch new models and bring an array of new wood configurations to certain body shapes we have never made before. To our Honduran Series, we add an all-Mahogany 12th fret Parlor and a stunning non-cutaway Grand Auditorium. Masterworks expands its offering with a majestic mix of tonewoods. Californian Redwood, purchased by Mr. Yairi many decades ago, has been paired with East Indian Rosewood, and AAAA Adirondack is now also available with Rosewood. Both parings help to create rare and inspirational instruments with new tonal horizons.
2024 Masterworks also offers several new Grand Auditorium and OM models with a much-expanded choice of colors and tonewoods.
In Yairi Masterworks, the acoustic-electric versions are fitted with the new Hi-Fi system from LR Baggs. In Yairi Stage and Standard series, we’ve embraced the LR Baggs Stage Pro Bronze, a new low-profile, small footprint, modern EQ with the Element pickup.
Alvarez-Yairi 2024 is without a doubt the most exciting new line-up we have ever offered – a brand new, exquisite voicing for our all-solid models, glorious new tonewood configurations in Masterworks and new EQs and pickups. They are, quite simply, the best guitars we have ever made.
To celebrate our 60 years, we have made available two very special OMs which are limited to 60 pieces each.
The MF70 Diamond Black and MF70 Diamond Shadowburst are superbly made, all solid, Sitka/Rosewood instruments, and elegantly dressed for the occasion. They feature premium abalone diamond inlays in the fretboard, abalone purfling and rosette and unique 12th fret inlay, specially designed and will only ever be used for this limited run. Also, exclusive to these models, is a special soundhole label, and each guitar is numbered. They are limited to 60 pieces each, with a small amount available in lefthand version too. Stunning guitars, wonderfully responsive and rightly limited to help celebrate our 60th birthday!
Making a guitar from all-solid wood delivers strong tonal benefits, and we approach the design of Masterworks to embrace all of them. Top thickness, brace weight and tapering, back design and wood choice all count, and when each is considered as a part of the sum total of the instrument’s voice, great articulation and quality of tone is achieved.
Our FS6 bracing system is a forward-shifted, scalloped X allowing for a slightly larger soundboard area around the bridge. This helps generate more vibration, which is heightened by AAA soundboards and premium components throughout, culminating in powerful voicing, inspiring articulation and instant response.
All Masterworks ship with our durable AFC30 Flexicase.
All of our solid tops are selected by our team and graded independently of our suppliers. If it isn’t worthy, it isn’t used. Our laminated backs and sides are uniquely constructed with Mahogany as our middle layer, and our inner and outer layers are always matched.
Artist Elite guitars strike the right balance between strength and vibration, crafting a voice to both inspire and give players “tools in the tone.” Alongside this approach to development lies our respect for sourcing, preparation and nurturing the wood we use to make our guitars. No matter how considered design may be, it can only be as good as the wood we use to realize them.
Our all-solid wood tops, backs and sides, as well as the mahogany used for our necks, go through a curing process developed over years to create stability, strength and tonal benefits. Depending on the wood and its use, this process takes many months or even years for some of our models.
After months-long seasoning, we perform an extra drying stage in thermo-kilns to further enhance wood stability and improve resonance. We call this process ATR—Advanced Tonal Response. ATR™ is a form of torrefaction—oxygen controlled, vacuum curing at special temperatures to remove more moisture and volatiles such as saps and sugars from the wood.
This does two things:
ATR™ makes our wood more stable when exposed to adverse dry or humid climates. While we can’t stop the effects of dryness or moisture saturation that can damage guitars, ATR™ goes a long way in helping our guitars become more resilient. Guitars will move or change according to the environment they are in and are more likely to move within the first two years from their production. A guitar usually becomes drier as it ages; this is one of the reasons why players often like the sound of an older guitar. ATR™ advances the natural, post-build drying process so the wood behaves as if it were more mature, stable, and resonant from the first day it is used.
The effects of ATR™ are also audible in the instrument. The biggest difference is the clarity and separation between notes and the overall response of the guitar. As the top is drier, it’s also quicker, more resonant, more open, even louder. New guitars can sometimes take time to reach this state as the wood dries over the years. ATR accelerates this effect to deliver a more sophisticated and complex voicing from day one.
Our caring approach to development comes from one unwavering goal: To deliver the best guitars in the market at every price point—instruments of a truly remarkable value that offer an unparalleled player experience.
Thank you for choosing Alvarez.
Compare the MF70 Diamond Shadowburst
To celebrate our 60 years, we have made available two very special OMs which are limited to 60 pieces each.
The MF70 Diamond Black Top and MF70 Diamond Shadowburst are superbly made, all solid, Sitka/Rosewood instruments, and elegantly dressed for the occasion. They feature premium abalone diamond inlays in the fretboard, abalone purfling and rosette and unique 12th fret inlay, specially designed and will only ever be used for this limited run. Also, exclusive to these models, is a special soundhole label, and each guitar is numbered. They are limited to 60 pieces each, with a small amount available in lefthand version too. Stunning guitars, wonderfully responsive and rightly limited to help celebrate our 60th birthday!
Making a guitar from all-solid wood delivers strong tonal benefits, and we approach the design of Masterworks to embrace all of them. Top thickness, brace weight and tapering, back design and wood choice all count, and when each is considered as a part of the sum total of the instrument’s voice, great articulation and quality of tone is achieved.
Our FS6 bracing system is a forward-shifted, scalloped X allowing for a slightly larger soundboard area around the bridge. This helps generate more vibration, which is heightened by AAA soundboards and premium components throughout, culminating in powerful voicing, inspiring articulation and instant response.
All Masterworks ship with our durable AFC30 Flexicase.
All of our solid tops are selected by our team and graded independently of our suppliers. If it isn’t worthy, it isn’t used. Our laminated backs and sides are uniquely constructed with Mahogany as our middle layer, and our inner and outer layers are always matched.
Artist Elite guitars strike the right balance between strength and vibration, crafting a voice to both inspire and give players “tools in the tone.” Alongside this approach to development lies our respect for sourcing, preparation and nurturing the wood we use to make our guitars. No matter how considered design may be, it can only be as good as the wood we use to realize them.
Our all-solid wood tops, backs and sides, as well as the mahogany used for our necks, go through a curing process developed over years to create stability, strength and tonal benefits. Depending on the wood and its use, this process takes many months or even years for some of our models.
After months-long seasoning, we perform an extra drying stage in thermo-kilns to further enhance wood stability and improve resonance. We call this process ATR—Advanced Tonal Response. ATR™ is a form of torrefaction—oxygen controlled, vacuum curing at special temperatures to remove more moisture and volatiles such as saps and sugars from the wood.
This does two things:
ATR™ makes our wood more stable when exposed to adverse dry or humid climates. While we can’t stop the effects of dryness or moisture saturation that can damage guitars, ATR™ goes a long way in helping our guitars become more resilient. Guitars will move or change according to the environment they are in and are more likely to move within the first two years from their production. A guitar usually becomes drier as it ages; this is one of the reasons why players often like the sound of an older guitar. ATR™ advances the natural, post-build drying process so the wood behaves as if it were more mature, stable, and resonant from the first day it is used.
The effects of ATR™ are also audible in the instrument. The biggest difference is the clarity and separation between notes and the overall response of the guitar. As the top is drier, it’s also quicker, more resonant, more open, even louder. New guitars can sometimes take time to reach this state as the wood dries over the years. ATR accelerates this effect to deliver a more sophisticated and complex voicing from day one.
Our caring approach to development comes from one unwavering goal: To deliver the best guitars in the market at every price point—instruments of a truly remarkable value that offer an unparalleled player experience.
Thank you for choosing Alvarez.
Compare the MF70 Diamond Black Top
Laureate Series
Every constituent part considered; each component hand-selected to achieve optimal quality throughout the build.
A bench made approach to the build
The quality of every component is so important in the overall performance of an acoustic guitar. For Laureate Series we hand select every bridge plate, brace, side brace and piece of kerfing from thousands, to make sure they are the best quality possible for structure and appearance. This dedication can be seen, heard and felt and brings a rare level of detailing to the build process.
Hand finished FS6 bracing
FS6 is based on a traditional forward shifted bracing pattern with particular attention paid to the weight and placement of the struts themselves. For Laureate we take a couple of extra steps and hand sand the braces which are cut from quartersawn Sitka spruce and chosen for their straight, finely grained quality to enhance overall response and vibration.
The finest tonewoods
Only our finest, wonderfully quartersawn and silked Sitka, as well as hand selected African Mahogany is used in Laureate Series. The stiffness and quality of the tops allow us to thickness sand them just a tad thinner to help heighten response. Backs and sides are cut from the best East Indian Rosewood and African Mahogany that comes into our possession; bookmatched with perfect coloring.
A flawless finish
The systems required to achieve the quality we aimed for made us once again improve upon our sanding and painting process to deliver a flawless, deep shine with the thinnest clearcoat we have ever achieved in Alvarez. We’ve also introduced a new colour called Daybreak, a super light burst adding an aesthetic depth to the top and creating a vintage style vibe at the same time.
Appointments & Styling
Bridges, fingerboards and headstock plates are cut from the finest African ebony we can find. The ebony components impact articulation, clarity and separation of notes and frequencies and work with other premium comments to deliver a clear and powerful voicing. This quality of ebony works beautifully with rare Blue Abalone inlays to create a very luxurious but understated vibe.
The Laureate Bridge
Aesthetically, Laureate is a traditional guitar series in the sense its body shapes are based on guitars from the late 1800’s to the 1930’s. With this in mind, we made the decision not to use our Bi-Level bridge and to stay closer in keeping with a traditional approach, and a full, single level bridge style. The Laureate bridge has its own unique styling and is cut from the finest black ebony.
Compare the LT66e Daybreak
Laureate Series
Every constituent part considered; each component hand-selected to achieve optimal quality throughout the build.
A bench made approach to the build
The quality of every component is so important in the overall performance of an acoustic guitar. For Laureate Series we hand select every bridge plate, brace, side brace and piece of kerfing from thousands, to make sure they are the best quality possible for structure and appearance. This dedication can be seen, heard and felt and brings a rare level of detailing to the build process.
Hand finished FS6 bracing
FS6 is based on a traditional forward shifted bracing pattern with particular attention paid to the weight and placement of the struts themselves. For Laureate we take a couple of extra steps and hand sand the braces which are cut from quartersawn Sitka spruce and chosen for their straight, finely grained quality to enhance overall response and vibration.
The finest tonewoods
Only our finest, wonderfully quartersawn and silked Sitka, as well as hand selected African Mahogany is used in Laureate Series. The stiffness and quality of the tops allow us to thickness sand them just a tad thinner to help heighten response. Backs and sides are cut from the best East Indian Rosewood and African Mahogany that comes into our possession; bookmatched with perfect coloring.
A flawless finish
The systems required to achieve the quality we aimed for made us once again improve upon our sanding and painting process to deliver a flawless, deep shine with the thinnest clearcoat we have ever achieved in Alvarez. We’ve also introduced a new colour called Daybreak, a super light burst adding an aesthetic depth to the top and creating a vintage style vibe at the same time.
Appointments & Styling
Bridges, fingerboards and headstock plates are cut from the finest African ebony we can find. The ebony components impact articulation, clarity and separation of notes and frequencies and work with other premium comments to deliver a clear and powerful voicing. This quality of ebony works beautifully with rare Blue Abalone inlays to create a very luxurious but understated vibe.
The Laureate Bridge
Aesthetically, Laureate is a traditional guitar series in the sense its body shapes are based on guitars from the late 1800’s to the 1930’s. With this in mind, we made the decision not to use our Bi-Level bridge and to stay closer in keeping with a traditional approach, and a full, single level bridge style. The Laureate bridge has its own unique styling and is cut from the finest black ebony.
Compare the LT60e Sunset
Laureate Series
Every constituent part considered; each component hand-selected to achieve optimal quality throughout the build.
A bench made approach to the build
The quality of every component is so important in the overall performance of an acoustic guitar. For Laureate Series we hand select every bridge plate, brace, side brace and piece of kerfing from thousands, to make sure they are the best quality possible for structure and appearance. This dedication can be seen, heard and felt and brings a rare level of detailing to the build process.
Hand finished FS6 bracing
FS6 is based on a traditional forward shifted bracing pattern with particular attention paid to the weight and placement of the struts themselves. For Laureate we take a couple of extra steps and hand sand the braces which are cut from quartersawn Sitka spruce and chosen for their straight, finely grained quality to enhance overall response and vibration.
The finest tonewoods
Only our finest, wonderfully quartersawn and silked Sitka, as well as hand selected African Mahogany is used in Laureate Series. The stiffness and quality of the tops allow us to thickness sand them just a tad thinner to help heighten response. Backs and sides are cut from the best East Indian Rosewood and African Mahogany that comes into our possession; bookmatched with perfect coloring.
A flawless finish
The systems required to achieve the quality we aimed for made us once again improve upon our sanding and painting process to deliver a flawless, deep shine with the thinnest clearcoat we have ever achieved in Alvarez. We’ve also introduced a new colour called Daybreak, a super light burst adding an aesthetic depth to the top and creating a vintage style vibe at the same time.
Appointments & Styling
Bridges, fingerboards and headstock plates are cut from the finest African ebony we can find. The ebony components impact articulation, clarity and separation of notes and frequencies and work with other premium comments to deliver a clear and powerful voicing. This quality of ebony works beautifully with rare Blue Abalone inlays to create a very luxurious but understated vibe.
The Laureate Bridge
Aesthetically, Laureate is a traditional guitar series in the sense its body shapes are based on guitars from the late 1800’s to the 1930’s. With this in mind, we made the decision not to use our Bi-Level bridge and to stay closer in keeping with a traditional approach, and a full, single level bridge style. The Laureate bridge has its own unique styling and is cut from the finest black ebony.
Compare the LT60e
Laureate Series
Every constituent part considered; each component hand-selected to achieve optimal quality throughout the build.
A bench made approach to the build
The quality of every component is so important in the overall performance of an acoustic guitar. For Laureate Series we hand select every bridge plate, brace, side brace and piece of kerfing from thousands, to make sure they are the best quality possible for structure and appearance. This dedication can be seen, heard and felt and brings a rare level of detailing to the build process.
Hand finished FS6 bracing
FS6 is based on a traditional forward shifted bracing pattern with particular attention paid to the weight and placement of the struts themselves. For Laureate we take a couple of extra steps and hand sand the braces which are cut from quartersawn Sitka spruce and chosen for their straight, finely grained quality to enhance overall response and vibration.
The finest tonewoods
Only our finest, wonderfully quartersawn and silked Sitka, as well as hand selected African Mahogany is used in Laureate Series. The stiffness and quality of the tops allow us to thickness sand them just a tad thinner to help heighten response. Backs and sides are cut from the best East Indian Rosewood and African Mahogany that comes into our possession; bookmatched with perfect coloring.
A flawless finish
The systems required to achieve the quality we aimed for made us once again improve upon our sanding and painting process to deliver a flawless, deep shine with the thinnest clearcoat we have ever achieved in Alvarez. We’ve also introduced a new colour called Daybreak, a super light burst adding an aesthetic depth to the top and creating a vintage style vibe at the same time.
Appointments & Styling
Bridges, fingerboards and headstock plates are cut from the finest African ebony we can find. The ebony components impact articulation, clarity and separation of notes and frequencies and work with other premium comments to deliver a clear and powerful voicing. This quality of ebony works beautifully with rare Blue Abalone inlays to create a very luxurious but understated vibe.
The Laureate Bridge
Aesthetically, Laureate is a traditional guitar series in the sense its body shapes are based on guitars from the late 1800’s to the 1930’s. With this in mind, we made the decision not to use our Bi-Level bridge and to stay closer in keeping with a traditional approach, and a full, single level bridge style. The Laureate bridge has its own unique styling and is cut from the finest black ebony.
Compare the LP60e Sunset
Laureate Series
Every constituent part considered; each component hand-selected to achieve optimal quality throughout the build.
A bench made approach to the build
The quality of every component is so important in the overall performance of an acoustic guitar. For Laureate Series we hand select every bridge plate, brace, side brace and piece of kerfing from thousands, to make sure they are the best quality possible for structure and appearance. This dedication can be seen, heard and felt and brings a rare level of detailing to the build process.
Hand finished FS6 bracing
FS6 is based on a traditional forward shifted bracing pattern with particular attention paid to the weight and placement of the struts themselves. For Laureate we take a couple of extra steps and hand sand the braces which are cut from quartersawn Sitka spruce and chosen for their straight, finely grained quality to enhance overall response and vibration.
The finest tonewoods
Only our finest, wonderfully quartersawn and silked Sitka, as well as hand selected African Mahogany is used in Laureate Series. The stiffness and quality of the tops allow us to thickness sand them just a tad thinner to help heighten response. Backs and sides are cut from the best East Indian Rosewood and African Mahogany that comes into our possession; bookmatched with perfect coloring.
A flawless finish
The systems required to achieve the quality we aimed for made us once again improve upon our sanding and painting process to deliver a flawless, deep shine with the thinnest clearcoat we have ever achieved in Alvarez. We’ve also introduced a new colour called Daybreak, a super light burst adding an aesthetic depth to the top and creating a vintage style vibe at the same time.
Appointments & Styling
Bridges, fingerboards and headstock plates are cut from the finest African ebony we can find. The ebony components impact articulation, clarity and separation of notes and frequencies and work with other premium comments to deliver a clear and powerful voicing. This quality of ebony works beautifully with rare Blue Abalone inlays to create a very luxurious but understated vibe.
The Laureate Bridge
Aesthetically, Laureate is a traditional guitar series in the sense its body shapes are based on guitars from the late 1800’s to the 1930’s. With this in mind, we made the decision not to use our Bi-Level bridge and to stay closer in keeping with a traditional approach, and a full, single level bridge style. The Laureate bridge has its own unique styling and is cut from the finest black ebony.
Compare the LP60e