Does anyone have experience with this guitar? How well do they hold up under the pick? I played one over the weekend and was amazed at how well it performed strummed/flatpicked. I keep going back and forth between adding a Larrivee OM to my collection or trying something wild like another Martin or even a California Guild!! :o
Mid life crisis, I guess.
--Fred

Buy an older Guild they put the new stuff to shame.

Unclrob--Ok, how old? Didn't they have some neck issues in the 1990's?Personally, I played a 2003 D-40 that was very nice.
Have you ever played a Yairi DY, while we are talking...?
--Fred

Aug of 2001 they closed the RI factory I've played a lot of the new one's but they just don't feel the same and there have been lots of finish problem's.In a couple of more years if they continue to build them in Cal. they may have it more together.There are lots of used Guilds out there.You can check our site or go to gbase.com click on instruments this gets you a search enjine of the site type in what your looking for and compare.
I love the Yairi stuff very nice piece But I would go used as some of the DY stuff has lamenated back and sides.

Thanks, Unclrob. What did you mean by "our site?"
Also, I can't understand the laminated Yairis. I had someone tell me
that laminated wood handles feedback better in acoustic electric
guitars? Ever heard that one? I am just guessing it is a cost and production
issue for Yairi.
Still, they sound nice when you find the right one.
--Fred

I don't normally do this but our site is the store site.
www.andysguitars.com.
Ya some people say that they don't feedback as much.

Thanks, Unclrob! I appreciate the help.
--fred

late 50's -> early 60's Guilds can be awesome, esp the small body ones... resonant, light, responsive...... if you can find an older one give it a try!

They seem to be very sensitive to string and saddle choices, i run Ej16's and bone on my '61 F20, with an Earvana nut, for me that is a happy combo, enjoy the journey

Ta,

d.

 

:unsure: Not so sure about the Guilds. I agree with the earlier post about the post-Fender take over. I had two Guilds from the late 80's early 90's, a D14 and a D4-12. The 12 string is nice, but the D14, was iffy at best, and I just got rid of it this year. But for what I use it for, the 12 string can hang for a while longer. The new stuff though, I don't know, I think Fender is killing what was an okay company. Closing the RI factory took the soul out of the company or something. Lately their guitars feel a lot like empty boxes. Maybe I make a lot more than I used to, or am more discerning, but I couldn't see myself seriously considering, or recommending one again.

Andy  

I played a Martin 000-16rgte and I really liked it. It was 1350 at the store though, but I don't know how much cheaper it can be had on the internet.

You mentioned the Yairi DY series.  I played an 1984 model DY-74 that had some of the best tone I've ever heard from a Dreadnaught.  And the action was perfect.
But like Rob says, you have to find a good one.  Most Yairis I've played have been good, but like Martins, ocassionly you find one that really sings.
I own two Yairis and for the price are great guitars.
Actually the guitar I play the most (lately) is one of my least expensive guitars, my Yairi FY-40.
Cheers
Dan

I can't figure out the Yairi's. Some of them really are duds and then you will hit one that lights up. I guess I expect more consistency from a small builder like that.
The 000 Martins are pretty neat, period.
Fred