Yamaki Acoustic Guitars
84Yamaki Acoustic Guitars. Very Fine And Rare Instruments.
When talking about Japanese made acoustic guitars people tend to think of Yamaha, Takamine, and Alvarez as being the major brands of acoustic guitars that are made in Japan. Those three companies are the three major companies in Japan that have been and still are making acoustic guitars. But there is also a pretty rare brand of guitar out there that you might run into, and that is the Yamaki brand of acoustic guitar. If you do see one, and it's in playable or repairable condition at all, then I seriously suggest that you buy that guitar if you are financially able to.
I've seen exactly two of these guitars ever. I very much liked both of them. I became acquainted with one just this last week, and couldn't have possibly been more impressed with that guitar. The other one I'd seen once belonged to my grandfather, and I nearly bought it from him at one point. Basically, the two Yamaki acoustics that I've had my hands on both belong to Uncles of mine, and one of those uncles at one point or another had owned both of them.
I can't speak for how truthful or accurate this next thing is, but the story that I was told was that the way that Yamaki was displayed on the head stocks of their acoustic guitars looked so similar to how Yamaha was displayed on the head stocks of their guitars that Yamaha sued, and had the Yamaki company to change things. Here's what I know for certain - I like Yamaha acoustic guitars, and I consider them to be fine guitars, and especially if you buy one of their solid tonewood construction L series guitars - but I'm positive that the Yamaki guitar that I played this past week was better than any Yamaha acoustic guitar that I've ever seen or played, in fact, it was a very comparable guitar in quality to the Alvarez acoustic guitar that I fell in love with once at the North Texas Guitar Centre - but a more expensive or fancier guitar..
A Very Nice Yamaki Acoustic Guitar. It Looks Like a Martin D 18 Copy.
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YAMAKI ACOUSTIC 6-STRING GUITAR W/ HARD CASE
Current Bid: $124.50
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Vintage Yamaki Dreadnought YW365 Buffalo Horns Natural Finish MIJ
Current Bid: $790.00
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Yamaki Acoustic Guitars.
I'm sticking to the full sized photo above - because it's such a beautiful photo. Were I unable to use that one, then I'd not be able or likely to find another photo so comparable. In time I'd like to get a good shot of my Uncle Thomas' Yamaki Acoustic guitar. Hell, if I owned a digital camera I'd certainly do that right away for this hub.
If you know guitars and you look at that picture of a Yamaki acoustic guitar up above, then it's clear that that guitar is a copy of a Martin D 18. You can't really know how good a quality that guitar is from the picture - you don't and can't know whether or not it's a solid wood construction guitar or not, but I'm betting that that is exactly what it is. The thing that is MOST clear from that photo is that the guitar features a spruce soundboard. From the looks of the thing - I'm betting a thousand to one that it's a solid spruce soundboard, a hallmark of a great acoustic guitar.
The High Value Of Japanese Acoustic Guitars.
- The High Value Of Japanese Acoustic Guitars - InfoBarrel
What this all boils down to is this - you can get a great Japanese guitar for less money, new or used, than you can an American guitar. I won't say that Japanese guitars are "better," because I don't believe that that is true. What I will say is th
A Very Nice Yamaki Acoustic Guitar.
The Yamaki Deluxe Acoustic Guitar.
The Yamaki Deluxe Acoustic Guitar.
Now - looking at the fine photo above we see an example of the Yamaki acoustic guitar model called "The Yamaki Deluxe." This guitar more resembles my Uncle Tom's guitar than does the other photo, and the reason for this is that the sound board of this guitar is clearly a different wood than is the spruce sound board in the top photo. The sound board on the Yamaki Deluxe model is clearly Western Red Cedar, and that is what my Uncle Tom's Yamaki flat top guitar features as a sound board.
If you recall that I mentioned something about having two uncles with Yamaki acoustic guitars - that's correct. My uncle James owns one as well, and that would be the one that my grandfather used to own. I've not seen that guitar in years - I hope that cleared up any confusion that I might have created.
The Yamaki acoustic guitar that my Uncle Thomas owns would more be a "super Deluxe" or something, it's a more decorated model than the Yamaki deluxe in the very fine photo above. The sticker that should be visible inside the sound hole of his guitar is absent - but Uncle Tom's Yamaki flat top has abalone inlay up the fingerboard the likes of which would be seen on a Martin D 42, or a Martin D 45.
Western Red Cedar As A Soundboard or Tonewood.
- Alternative Tonewood
Western red cedar is by far the most popular cedar used in soundboards. It is common to classical guitars and is used in a strong minority of steel-strings. It has a nice red-tan color that ranges from chocolate brown to cinnamon or beige. It is well
Western Red Cedar As An Acoustic Guitar's Soundboard
I've no idea why Yamaki Acoustic Guitars as a company seems to use Western Red Cedar as a soundboard on some of their best guitars. I don't have any problem with it. The very fine Yamaki flat top that my Uncle Thomas owns has what are definitely solid East Indian Rosewood back and sides and a solid Western Red Cedar top, a rosewood fingerboard, and lots of Martin style abalone inlay for fret markers up the neck. It's more than a thousand dollar guitar any way you slice it.
Here's the deal about Western Red Cedar as a soundboard and tonewood. It's outstanding for that purpose. I've always been told that cedar wasn't used so much for flat tops because people using a heavy pick attack when playing will tend to overdrive and distort the notes with cedar - so that cedar, having more excellent tonal characteristics when played lightly, was most often used for guitars that a finger style player would more likely use. I didn't have that problem at all though, not with the Yamaki dreadnought. I played the thing with a tortoise shell pick, and every note rang loud, clear, and true.
The Video says "D 35 Copy" but the D 35 is a Spruce top guitar, and this guitar is Western Red Cedar.
Yamaki Buffalo Series - Notice The Unique Shape Of The Head Stock.
Acoustic Guitar Forums - Some Yamaki History.
- Yamaki Deluxe anyone? - The Acoustic Guitar Forum
Yamaki Deluxe anyone? General Acoustic Guitar Discussion
Some History Concerning Yamaki Brand Acoustic Guitars.
Sometime in the late 1960s, Daion began exporting Yamaki guitars to America, where they were well received. By the early 1980s, however, Daion felt that the Yamaki Martin-style guitars were getting lost among similar instruments from other Japanese builders like Takamine, Yasuma, and C.F. Mountain, so they redesigned the entire acoustic line and started building acoustic-electrics and solid-body electrics as well as oddities like double-neck acoustics. They dropped the Yamaki name and rebranded their instruments as Daion guitars. Daion began an extensive advertising campaign to introduce the new line around 1982, but this was a time when musicians were more interested in the new MIDI-equipped synthesizers than in guitars. In 1984 Daion stopped importing guitars to America and soon went out of business. Yamaki, on the other hand, survived the downturn of the 1980s and now makes parts for other Japanese guitar companies.
I just think this guy is sort of "cool," really - and he's got a nice Yamaki Acoustic Guitar.
Yamaki Acoustic Guitars, Conclusion
From browsing forum posts and looking at youtube videos, the general consensus among owners and players is that the Yamaki brand acoustic guitars are top notch. I've played two of them in my days, and one just last week. I recall liking very much both Yamaki acoustic guitars that I've had my hands on. The one I played last week was a superb instrument that would be comparable to rosewood and cedar flat top steel string guitars selling anywhere from $1,700.00 dollars to $3,000.00 new, and by C.F. Martin & Co. The particular guitar that I played could possibly be comparable to more expensive models than the prices listed above, if the backs and sides happen to actually be Brazilian Rosewood rather than East Indian Rosewood. I'm mostly certain that that guitar was East Indian, but again, several forum posts seemed to indicate that Brazilian Rosewood was most often or very often used with Yamaki Acoustic Guitars.
These guitars are rare, and somewhat hard to find nowadays. If you bump into one at a flea market or yard sale - you should definitely grab it. It's either a keeper already, or worth repairing.
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You really see Yamaki guitars in pawn shops often?? I've only see two of those things ever here in Tejas!
No, I was just yankin' your chain. I used to go to pawn shops all the time but haven't for quite a while. They have always had Yamaha's and those crappy Takamine's. Do you think that name has anything to do with some guy in Japan saying "please take a mine"? On another note yea Mav's, kicked those jackasses right back to South Beach! I love it!
LOL!
Here's the problem with pawn shops these days - all those places have computers in them, and they nearly always know exactly what their guitars are worth nowadays.
Somebody could get lucky on a Yamaki though - I'd imagine it would take a bit to try to price one right if you didn't know your stuff.
Yeah - I guess economics determines that I should always be pro Texas sports. I just have a really hard time watching basketball. Most folks can't seem to watch baseball, or that used to be the complaint. Not with me though, I can watch baseball.
Pawn shops, thrift stores, all that stuff where I used to get killer deals seem to have gotten more aware. Shit man you used to be able to go down to the hills of Kentucky and find some killer stuff for nothing but even the hillbillys are smart now (which is enough to scare the hell out of you). Yeah, don't get me wrong, I was watching the Reds and switching back and forth to hoops. I didn't pay much attention to the NBA this year (I prefer college hoops) but I always watch the playoffs to some extent. What Dirk did to the Heat was legendary. I never tire of baseball man, I played from age 4 to 17, then I discovered pus....ah girls! I get to go to a couple of Reds games again this years. My ex gets great tickets in a section that includes all the food and drinks you want. I hear those same people saying they can't watch it anymore..oh well I'll never get tired of it!
Yeah - it's the information age now. All the information is out there, it's just a matter of knowing where to look, what to look for, and actually deciphering fact from fiction.
Just having Hamilton in the lineup makes everyone on my Rangers better. He's such a psychological booster. I'm betting on Texas being back in the playoffs. ~crosses fingers~
I will keep my eyes open for one of these guitars at garage sales etc. I have a cheap guitar but from reading your hub I realize once again that your get what you pay for.
Hey tebo, - hopefully that is what happens most often; but sometimes at garage sales you can find something that someone has frustrating memories associated it. Other times people assume they know an item's value, and are wrong.
I've heard believable stories about spray painte guitars that were bought at garage sales for ten buck, and turned out to be all solid wood construction Martin guitars that sell for over a grand brand new.
Hell, I'm so. . . ."stupid" that I'd most likely wind up telling such a yard sale host, "Look dude, I can show you online, this thing is worth a hell of a lot more than the ten dollars you were asking. . . ."
I don't often have sense enough to let people be as stupid as they wanna be. Sadly, I'm twice as stupid as I want to be.
A really great guitar can make someone play and sound better - but after a certain level of skill is present. . . .then the issue is more often the player than the guitar.
Just a note to the origin of the Yamaki, The name on the head stock looks like Yamaha because it was made by Yamaha. In the late 60's and early 70's Yamaha and Zuzuki were making Martin Copies, and Yamaha was selling them as Yamaki's. Martin sued and stopped Zuzuki but they came to a deal with Yamaha so they would stop the Yamaki but continue to produce models for the US market for Martin. The going price for Yamaki's range from $250 to $500 depending on the model, dispite the fact that they don't come up for sale very often and everyone that owns one loves it.
Hey thanks for the comment, Sir!
I was confused about that whole thing - I might have been thinking more about C.F. Mountain vs. C.F. Martin. I've definitely appreciated the Yamaki guitars that I've played - if I owned them, it would take a grand to take them off of my hands.
I own two 1973 Yamaki Buffalo headstock acoustics. I would not trade them for any other guitar or large dollars.
Hey - that's the sentiment of most Yamaki owners!!!!
I've only got to play two - but I've not ever got to even see one of the Buffalo headstock models before!
Just bought my first guitar 2 months ago at age 68, and it is a Yamaki Deluxe Folk A-331 built in 1973. Just Love It! Sounds wonderful, and for $39.95 at a thrift store, I'm still scratching my head as to how something this wonderful could end up there. It has a good home now, for keeps...wouldn't part with it for anything.
Thanks Duffer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I used to run around all over to flea markets with my late grandfather (one of em') and that guy was forever finding awesome guitars for nothing - and even though he knew what they were really worth - he'd let em' go to folks for twice as much of nothing.
That's how I met my first Yamaki. I've got an uncle - the grandfather's son, who's got another one that is even nicer.
Great Buy 39.95...I have several Yamaki's all different models...and like it is and always will post...Great Guitar, would never sell any of them. I am looking if anyone would sell theirs.....
What's this 39.95 bullshit? You think someone would sell you a Yamaki acoustic guitar for that amount???
That's insane.
When I spied this guitar case in amongst a pile of junk furniture at the local Value Village, I thought I'd check it out. The case is beautifully plush lined, and the guitar inside sounded wonderful, as I stated before. I took it out and looked on the back for a price, but there was none there. So I strummed it a little, and put it back. The case was a rich brown leather and had a Yamaha logo on it, and there on the back was a sticker that said $39.95....NO BULLSHIT!
That's a heartbeat buy right there, Duffer!!!
I'm piss broke, but if I ever saw a Yamaki for sale - I'd buy it; even if it were one of the cheaper ones in need of some repair...I'd buy it.
Wessman, sorry to hear that you're piss broke. I'm an old retired dude on a very small pension, and the day I bought my Yamaki, I had about $10.00 left in the bank after I paid for it. I had no idea what a Yamaki was worth, but it just sounded real good to me. So I took a chance. It wasn't until I did a little research online that I realized that I had scored a good one. It's nice to have sunshine strike the nether regions once in a while eh? Hang in there...
Thanks Duffer!!!!
You know, I think retirement is now almost a thing of the past. I'm not sure it's even a thing of the possible future for me.
Oh well, there's no tomorrow to plan for so long as it's today.
Oh well, it's certainly a very interesting time to be alive - no matter who or where we happen to be!
The past is past, the future is not here yet. There is only the NOW. Every day you get to wake up is a good day. Do something nice with it....
I have a Yamaki 12 string 1973 that I'm considering listing on E-Bay. If anyone is interested and gives a fair price I could skip EBay. Let me know.
Hey Antoko, send me some good pictures of the thing!
wesmantoddshaw@yahoo.com
Just title it Yamaki.
My Yamaki was my first decent guitar bought in 1973. It was stolen in 1979. Great guitar; I miss it!
Gosh I'm sorry to hear that Mike!!!!
Hey..I am about to check out a Yamaki ay438 12 string acoustic. It has a different headstock than the pics posted. It looks more like a classical hollow headstock.Does anyone know anything about these..The logo on the headstock is left to right "Yamaki custom"/ thx.dave
Well, it sounds to me like what you are describing is a Yamaki that is going to be a nice copy of a Martin S series guitar...and so it's probably got a wider than standard neck, and only twelve frets clear of the body.
In other words - it's more of a fingerstyle player's instrument than it would be a strummer or a flatpicker's style of instrument...but what matters here is whether or not your fingers are long enough for you to play a wide neck S style guitar comfortably.
I think it must be a ay439..I am going to see it on Monday..Here is a link to what i think ihttp://www.oldguitar.jp/catalog/yamaki/yamakisings is.. I'll post a pic if I end up buying it. thx,dave
musichabs - good luck!!! I hope you like the guitar, and are able to purchase it at a fair enough price
I just picked up a Yamaki Deluxe Folk W-118 off craiglist. I bought it because it was made in Japan and had rosewood back, sides and neck (I think). A couple tuners are hard to turn and when i opened it up the gear was worn and out of alignment. Does changing the tuners lower the value? Should i try to repair the tuners myself. What are these worth?
Hey Chuy, don't worry about the tuners in regards to the value of the guitar.
You see, if the tuners are worn out - then that guitar has probably been played a whole hell of a lot, and the more you play a fine guitar - the better it's going to sound.
So in other words - I'm betting that guitar sounds awesome!
I'd think that you could most likely change them out yourself - it's usually just a few very tiny screws, but of course you want to find tuners that are as similar as is possible to the ones on it already, if not exact replacements.
I believe that if you took it to any guitar or music shop that sold guitars (expensive guitars) - that someone there could take a look at it and either sell you the tuners , or order some that would be just right for you.
I fixed the tuners and let the new strings mellow a bit. I have a 82 Sigma DM5, made in Japan with spruce top and Mahogany back and sides, which has been my baby this last year. I am afraid to say I think the Yamaki blows it away as far as sound. Brighter and louder. I know the strings are different but I think the rosewood back and sides on the Yamaki really makes a difference. I still love my Sigma but the Yamaki may turn into my everyday player. Its surprising there isn't more of a following for these guitars.
You'll be picking up the Yamaki instead of that Sigma!!!!
I would never EVER say that Rosewood is "better" than mahogany - there's a lot more to it than that between those two guitars.
You would have to play a D 18, or a Yamaki or something all solid wood with mahogany back and sides for an even comparison.
That Sigma might not have had even a solid spruce top, and I absolutely PROMISE you that it's laminated back and sides - and that makes a HUGE difference all by itself.
My model is a Deluxe Folk W 118. I know the top is Spruce ply, but are you saying the sides and back are solid Rosewood? I can't tell by looking at it. I like the rosewood fingerboard.
I did have a Sigma DR7 MIJ that had a similar sound as the Yamaki, that I ended up selling for $285 on CL because it needed some work. It seems to me the Rosewood back and sides add the same unique sound I hear. Either way, I am happy with picking up the Yamaki.
I bought my Yamaki, new, in 1980. Sounded as good as any Gibson or Martin back then and still does now! It was half the price of the other premium US guitar makers and as a result, I seem to recall learning that Gibson & Martin conspired to thwart Yamaki's efforts to import their outstanding instruments into the US market. Mine is a full size, acoustic 6 string; all spruce - model YW-50W. Rich, full, robust sound and resonance across the tonal spectrum. A joy to play and even better to listen to...
Alas, my playing days are over and time to sell with OHSC w/ plush interior. Both guitar & case in very, VERY GOOD condition. Request pictures via e/amil to: douglas(dot)e(dot)roy(at)gmail(dot)com or just call me: 615/585-7376
Hey Doug, if you'll put the guitar on Ebay, then you and I can both benefit from that, as I'll have it for sale here, where it can be bid on and the price driven higher.
I have been watching some Yamakis on ebay and it seems the demand for Yamakis is very low. Seems not enough people know how good they sound beacuse they are so rare. Most people that hear my guitar say it sounds great but have never heard of the brand.
Chuy, I'd imagine that this is true. I hope that it stays true too, really, as at some future time when I have money to invest - I perfectly intend to buy a lot of them.
Also, Yamaki as a brand made beginner to intermediate instruments along with the instruments that rival the Martin guitars that they copy in a round about, but sometimes unique manner, so knowing the Yamaki model numbers well (which I do not at present) is also important.
I seem to be on a collecting binge since I started dinking around with guitars. Yamaki huh? I'll have to keep my eyes open. Thanks for the tip.
jimmar - they are absolutely FIRST RATE. The solid wood construction Yamaki guitars that I've seen are every bit as good as the Martin D 28 and the Martin D 18's that I've owned!!!!
I found a Grande with a 000 body from the mid 1970s. Did some research and Jemar Corp in St. Louis used to import from Yamaki and rebranded them Grande. So it is a Yamaki in disguise. I am waiting on some bone nut and saddle blanks because it still has adjustable saddle. I cant wait to hear it after it is upgraded.
Chuy - DUDE THAT IS AWESOME INFORMATION!!!!!!!!!!!!
You just set my radar off, I'll not forget that, and I'll be looking!
I've got to get a bone nut and saddle for my Japanese Fender F 65, it's a damn nice guitar too - D 28 copy, but it's got a bit more abalone than a D 28.
Anyway - COOL DEAL!
I have a Yamaki Custom with a sideways A on the inside and then the numbers 425. I got it from a girlfriend in the mid 70's as a birthday present. Has a great sound. Does anyone know what it might be worth?
Hi Rusty!
There are a lot of other factors involved...most specifically, what kind of shape the neck is in, and how many dings and scratches there are.
I personally don't worry much about scratches, etc - so long as it plays, then it is a winner to me.
I intend to do a lot more research on these guitars. I can tell you from the stats of this article...that there is a heck of a lot of interest in Yamaki guitars - so if you sell it, make sure you get the right price!!!!
Take some pictures from every angle, and ask on an acoustic guitar forum - is my advice.
I have had my Yamaki since I bought it new in 76. By far the best acoustic guitar I have ever owned, and of course it now has the perfectly aged tone. Acoustic guitars come and go from my stable, but he Yamaki will go to the grave with me. That's probably why you don't see a lot for sale.
Pitter - ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!!!!
I've got two uncles that own Yamakis (amongst several Martin's each) - and they are certainly damn fine instruments!!!!!
I hope to land a good all solid wood Yamaki one way or another some day!!
I've got a Santa Cruz that will be passed on to someone in the family when I'm gone. I've sold some Martins that I should have kept, but I've also got one of those that will go to someone else in my family when I'm gone too!
I actually have a guitar that is almost identical to the one you posted first on this article. The only differnces I saw was that the neck on mine is not as worn and that the name given on it is a Grande, model D90. All of the research I have done has told me that these guitars are the same, can you confirm this?
Just to give you all the info, the tag inside says Grande Guitar Distributed by Leigh Distributing Co Minneapolis Minn Made in Japan.
This guitar belonged to my grandpa and its very important to me, but I just wanted to know more about it, because I was not familiar with the company.
I just bought a Yamaki AY232S the lady at the thrift store in front of me turned it down because it wasn't a very good name. It plays like a dream, and I love it.
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stupid people often give the worthy their best deals ...without having ever realized it!
justom Level 4 Commenter 11 months ago
Dude, pawn shops around here are littered with with these things. They can't give 'em away. How many do you need?