Sadao Yairi - Heaven J - - Chitarra classica - Giappone - 1967

Wonderful, handmade, incredibly rare Sadao Yairi classical guitar, model Heaven J, made in Japan in 1967.

Here's roughly what the label says in English:
"I meticulously crafted this guitar for the enthusiasts.
1967, Sadao Yairi
Heaven J"

Check the demo video I recorded playing the guitar: https://youtu.be/MX2LssZvrAo

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The Guitar's Story:
Sadao Yairi is a legendary figure of the golden era of Japanese guitar making. After learning the art of instrument carving at the Nagoya Suzuki Violin Company in the 1920s, he opened his own independent workshop in 1932. Originally, Sadao made steel-string acoustic guitars. However, around 1940, he encountered a high-quality, foreign-made classical guitar for the first time. Amazed by its tone, he devoted his time to studying its construction. Because of World War II, it wasn’t until the 1960s that his classical guitars became his main line of production. This guitar was produced exactly at that time.

When many guitar manufacturers shifted toward mass production, Sadao fiercely resisted. He carefully trained his craftsmen and sculpted the wood by hand, "listening with his hands". Because of this, his vintage 1960s classical guitars are highly sought after today for their projection, lightweight build, and rich, matured resonance. It goes without saying that this guitar is a rare and sensational piece of Japanese luthiery.

Here's a look at Sadao Yairi's models in the early to mid '60s:
聖 (Saint / Holy) — The Absolute Pinnacle
神 (God) — Elite Master-Tier
天 (Ten: Heaven) — Premium Artistic Tier (This model)
地 (Chi: Earth) — Mid-Tier Performance / Utilitarian
人 (Jin: Human) — Standard / Student Tier

Therefore, the Heaven J was a high-end model.

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Please note that the history section above is approximate because there is not much official info on this guitar. In fact, it is so rare that when searching for this specific model (Heaven J), I wasn't able to find another one exactly like it online.

It has a mellow, warm, nostalgic, balanced sound. It sounds great for both Classical and modern music (Folk, Indie, etc). It currently has medium tension nylon strings. The wood used on this guitar definitely looks great and has a breathtaking pattern, especially on the back & sides. There is some dust, I cleaned it but it would benefit from a more accurate cleaning. The tuning machines still work but are a bit "squeaky" and worn. The bridge is slightly lifted, but it seems stable at the moment: I've used the guitar for a while with medium tension nylon strings. There is little room to lower the saddle, however I wouldn't suggest it as the guitar sounds nice with the current string height (but this will be up to each player's preference). The rosette looks lovely and feels handmade to the touch, it has a texture, it doesn't seem printed like on common guitars. However, I am not an expert on this and I do not know the exact technique Sadao used to create it.

Please check the photos and the videos carefully, they are the best way to understand the guitar's condition & sound.

This guitar is almost 60 years old, so adjust your expectations accordingly:
- it may have scratches, blemishes, cracks and imperfections
- the inside structure may have issues like detachments
- there may be rust on the tuning machines
- it will feel different compared to a new instrument
- it has not been professionally setup, so adjustments may be needed to improve its playability

I'd suggest it to people who have some experience with vintage guitars and are willing to make adjustments down the line, or who can embrace the imperfections in exchange for a special sound and vibe.