S.Yairi YD-305 with P/UP 1974

If you've been hunting for that massive, woody, deep-chested Martin D-35 roar without the price tag, this is the giant-killer you've been searching for.
 
Sadao Yairi was a mad scientist with spruce and rosewood, and it shows. The top on this thing has aged beautifully over the last 52 years, turning a gorgeous amber and opening up into an absolute cannon.
 
Tone-wise, this thing is a time machine. Because that solid Sitka top has had five decades to dry out and vibrate, it responds to the lightest touch with a massive, booming low-end, but it's never muddy. That's thanks to that iconic 3-piece back design and ebony board. The highs have this gorgeous, glassy, bell-like clarity that sparkles on top of the mix.
 
On the back, that gorgeous 3-piece design is tied together with stunning, intricate decorative wooden marquetry separating the panels. On the front, the multi-ply ivoroid binding has aged to a beautiful, smoky cream colour, framing the body perfectly and running all the way up the neck and around the headstock.
Condition-wise, she's a beautifully preserved player. That premium ebony board is smooth, hydrated, and feels like absolute butter under your fingers. It's got some very light, honest fretwear just on the first two frets, but it plays cleanly across the entire neck with absolutely zero buzzing.
It's already got a pickup installed, so it's completely gig-ready. No need to stress about drilling into a pristine piece of 1970s history, this one is dialed in, stage-tested, and ready to go to work tonight. It's got the mojo, the headroom, and that unmistakable '70s MIJ magic.
 
Features
Model: S.Yairi YD-305
Body: Dreadnought, solid Sitka spruce top, 3-piece back with decorative wood marquetry
Fretboard: Ebony
Neck: Mahogany
Scale Length: 25.5"
Binding: Multi-ply ivoroid, body and headstock
Pickup: Active pickup system, soundhole-mounted controls
Tuners: Schaller, gold, kidney buttons
Made in: Japan
Year: 1974
Serial: 9145
Case: Original hard shell case
 
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