I have an FYM66HD, and a PYM60HD/14 Parlor model. These instruments are the best-kept secrets in the acoustic guitar world! After acquiring these two, all my other high-end acoustics have been sold-Collings, Taylor, Larrivee, Martin-none hold a candle to these two. I have played a number of 5-figure boutique guitars in my travels; even if I had the $$, no reason-these guitars do everything-as well, if not better-than the high-dollar status symbols. I’ll own these until I don’t need them anymore-THANK YOU, Alvarez-Yairi, for these superior guitars!
Thank you for the wonderful feedback and we are super pleased you love your Yairi guitars, that's great to hear. Thank you for tuning in and following the show 👍
I also have high-end acoustics from all the different well known and boutique. Since I have an FYM66HD, and a FYM60HD, agree with your comment, for me its the ultimate set you can get, you cannot get better than it.
Wow, thanks for giving the OM/000 sized guitars some love! I got tired of every channel pushing dreadnaught sized guitars, which I think are ok, but my OM’s feel like home to me. Intimate playing is what I am best at, and the OM’s are perfect. In fact, I’ve got an Fym66hd right here. Peace. 🐰💙🎸🎶🤝✌️
Thanks, Jack! We are dreadnought fans too but we do love these OMs, and the feel as you say is very different. Each shape has its special place. Thanks for watching the show!
One of the most notable "side-by-side" comparisons I've ever heard. :D I can see why a serious musician might want guitars of both tops/materials, each for their unique sound! :D
Fantastic video and truly appreciate all the information and the fantastic sound from the two guitars. I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on one of these in the very near future. Unfortunately, there are no dealers close by for an in-person comparison, etc. I'm interested in knowing which one you would choose to accompany male vocals in the baritone to the low tenor range. Thank you.
Hi @Keyboredplayer55, we would recommend the FYM60HD, as it has more brightness and would definitely complement a deeper vocal register. Thanks for watching!
Another great video. After my second stroke, along with losing my ability to hold a pic, it's very hard for me to play a dreadnought sized guitar. I'm looking to get an OM or OOO sized guitar. I think that sized guitar is the perfect blend between the larger dreadnought and the small "O" or even the "OO". Great video.
Informative as always. Great sounding guitars! When I was younger I would only play a dreadnought. Now I think the OM is the best guitar for me. I need to play one of the Yairis.
It's an educated chat. It's a researched chat, especially when we need to get history and details correct. It's also an edited chat, thanks to our video team. However, these conversations are simply conversations, and we often don't know where they will end up-sometimes that's dangerous! We'd be happy to show more behind the scenes on the making of these episodes. Thanks for watching. 👍
I have a fairly solid acoustic collection Yairi, Guild, Yamaha, Martin, and have owned some other highly regarded acoustics. Dreadnought is my favorite sounding shape and my DYM60HD is my favorite sounding guitar however my Laureate LF70 is my absolute favorite to play!
I love my OM model Martin. But I have had a boat load of Alvarez' over the years and would give my eye teeth for the FYM66HD !!! They are the absolute best on the market for price.
Great video! Talking about the OM being a more intimate guitar for the player ; Can you guys consider the idea of a player's side sound-port in order to make some of Alvarez guitars more enjoyable/intimate for the player?
I own one of these and I think it’s totally awesome, however, I can’t help but think this a naked plug to try and sell the last few. Whatever, if you can afford it, buy it, it’s gorgeous.
Hi @sidweazel2883, this was actually a fan-requested episode, one of several that we have done. That was the motivation behind this episode, and we're grateful that we are not having a difficult time selling these at all :) Thanks for watching.
I have an A-Y FYM95V. 12 fret, OM with a slotted head and 3 piece back. I put Waverly tuners with ebony knobs and ebony pins to match the bridge . It has a flat fretboard and a deep v-vintage neck. It is an amazing playing and sounding instrument - no electronics. Good to know some of the history.
My first guitar was a Harmony H-6362, OM or 000, who knows which, from 1972, with a 1-3/4" nut and a 25.25" scale length, and of course, Harmony's typical ladder bracing. It was sitting on a very high shelf behind the jewelry department at our local Grandpa Pigeon's store (may they rest in peace). As a young teenager, when we would go there, I'd just stare at it for long periods of time. One day I finally saved enough money, and I was able to ask to see it up close. My love for it was requited, and she came home with me that day. It was solid mahogany if I remember correctly and had an unidentified type of spruce top. Probably Sitka. It's been long gone for close to 50 years now. The bridge began to lift, and this ignorant teenager completely botched the repair. If only I'd known that it could have been easily fixed by a qualified person, I might still have it. Sigh... I was lucky enough to finally find a very nice example of one last summer and bought it. It's not solid mahogany as my original was, so it's not quite as beautiful, but it is nice enough to love, and not quite so deserving that I would be tempted to have it re-braced, or would I? Hmmm. Nah. I'd probably be without her for too long. I don't whether to call it a 000 or an OM. Whatever it's officially called, its lovely sound takes me back to being a teenager whenever I pick it up. I personally think it's the nicest sounding Harmony I've ever heard after my original one. Going off-topic, I do still have my next guitar purchase (and many more), an Alvarez 5054 12 string from 1978. It could use a neck reset after all these years, but it has been tweaked to get the most out of it as is possible as is. I'm tempted to try the "steam and clamp neck reset" technique to avoid invasive techniques. It's my understanding that most Japanese necks of that era have glue that will not release with moisture or heat, so it's either "steam and clamp" or leave it alone. I'm a fan of Alvarez's mostly brand-wide offerings of 1-3/4" nuts on their guitars. (A comment regarding my views on gloss finishes heretofore posted has been removed after I read Alvarez' sensible reply to me regarding said finishes,) I have an Alvarez Delta Delite that sports an open pore satin finish, 1-3/4" nut, and 23-5/8" scale. It has one small fret problem, but otherwise the sound it produces IS seemingly straight from the delta. I believe that it's arched back goes a long way in the production of that sound. Yeah, OMs, I love 'em, I think?
Hi Bob, thank you so much for sharing your wonderful guitar history with us! So happy to hear you love your 12-string Alvarez. We would add that our gloss finish is thin and getting thinner, and our guitars resonate and project wonderfully. Gloss guitars can perform in an optimal sense for resonance, and we capture that across our brand. Thanks again for choosing Alvarez and thanks for watching 👍
@@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial Thanks for your thoughtful reply, a reply which may prove to have been effective upon me as a sales technique. 😉 I've edited my previous comment regarding my thoughts on gloss finishes. Hearing that Alvarez' gloss finishes are getting thinner and also hearing your reasoning for using gloss to capture resonance would definitely be a reason for me to revisit Alvarez guitars. My bit of an aversion to gloss over the last several years has been mainly for visual aesthetic reasons. My visual tastes have changed somewhat over the years to more satin or matte finishes. There are many Alvarez models that I do still drool over, though. Maybe I can come to return to loving gloss finishes. I'm glad to see that Sweetwater and Alvarez have come together in recent times. This new information about your finishes may prompt me to make a phone call to St. Louis Music to inquire as to whether different series Alvarez guitars have different types or thicknesses of finishes. I guess I'm in the market for another guitar. Don't tell my wife... 😊😊👍👍
I have the FYM66HDE model. The feel is superb. I never tire playing it. The sound is even better than the feel. Louder and more responsive than my beloved DYMR70.
I'm a rosewood - spruce guy. I'd love to have DYM60 in rosewood. The Honduran story is great, but I love the sound of rosewood. I wish I could afford either of these guitars.
I have the FYM60. I have other acoustics as well and something about this aged Honduran has a lot of rosewood characteristics to my ear. I have read somewhere that as mahogany ages it takes on a different character so maybe there is something to that. It is my most played go to guitar. Easy player and sweet neck
Picking up my MF60OM is always a pleasure, clear and subtle. Talking of which how about a look at your Masterworks OMs - the ones we ordinary mortals play. A comparison with the FYM60HD would be interesting. I don't think, price for price there is as much between them as you'd think.
really interesting, particularly considering my fascination with OMs / 000 as you know Chris. when are you coming out with the 25.4" scale, 1.75" nut width on this shape in masterworks, open pour finish please! such a wonderful shape, which feels like you can hold closer and hums through your rib cage! Also, much nicer ergonomically for a creaky older fella like me ;-). Alvarez makes lovely guitars, hidden gems, and great value.
What is the oldest Alvarez you ever saw and played? I can tell you from experience I have one and ON Poppy, the first one you ever made and it’s still going strong.
The FY66HD nut width is 1.71 Inches which is Gibson's "default" nut with 1 23/32" Since Martin originated the OM with 1 3/4 nut width and a 25.4 scale length, by definition, much like Eastman's "OM", the Yairi is closer to a 000 and not an OM. Nothing wrong with triple 00s. I have owned a few and enjoyed them. But, neither is an OM.
I can only dream to have one of these wonderful guitars. My budget can not afford such expensive ones. I like smaller guitars but have bigger hands, and for now I own a Baton Rouge X54OM CHB. It's a great budget 46 mm nut widht confortable little OM. But I'm thinking of an Alvarez MF60 OM, MF70 OM or Eastman E3 OM, but first I have to play a 44.5 mm nut widtht one because the 43 mm are definitly incomfortable to me, and I sold all of them.
Does anyone know where you can try these guitars in the UK? The big dealers like Andertons and GuitarGuitar just seem to carry the lower price Alvarez models.
The 1st time hearing a Alvarez , I new I had to find out more ,What was this making this Deep Rich Sound .I a lot of info for sure! Thanks for all The Truly Hard work and Years that Went into making this Video....... 1st time listening I spent try to bring my sound system to hear the Whole (ALL) of the Music once I turned down the lower range I got the best of it..... I do have one that's a cheaper model but sounds perfect . Do`s anybody know somebody that can bring the NECK back to Shape ,or put in a TRUST ROD
I find your title "The Guitar You Always Needed (But Never Knew Why)" somewhat ironic as 3 of my 4 acoustic guitars are of OM/000 body size including a FYM66HD.
In a JP CORMIER's demonstration on the FYM 66 HD, all majogany, he just said that it was a cannon, that it was so loud that if you put your ears to close to the guitar when you play, it, it almost hurt your ears! And here, you mention that the FYM 60 HD seemed to sound twice as loud in volume when you strum it! I realy don't understand? Is the 60 really twice as loud as the 66?
I have an FYM66HD, and a PYM60HD/14 Parlor model. These instruments are the best-kept secrets in the acoustic guitar world! After acquiring these two, all my other high-end acoustics have been sold-Collings, Taylor, Larrivee, Martin-none hold a candle to these two. I have played a number of 5-figure boutique guitars in my travels; even if I had the $$, no reason-these guitars do everything-as well, if not better-than the high-dollar status symbols. I’ll own these until I don’t need them anymore-THANK YOU, Alvarez-Yairi, for these superior guitars!
Thank you for the wonderful feedback and we are super pleased you love your Yairi guitars, that's great to hear. Thank you for tuning in and following the show 👍
I also have high-end acoustics from all the different well known and boutique. Since I have an FYM66HD, and a FYM60HD, agree with your comment, for me its the ultimate set you can get, you cannot get better than it.
I also have the FYIM66HD and PYM60HD/14 - they complement each other perfectly. A joy to play.
I own two Alvarez’s 1-is a om cheaper of the two and my AGE95 love the tone and vibe it bring
Nobody. Nobody does better, more informative, well produced videos than Alvarez. Perfect conversational vibe. Superb.
We love to hear that! Thanks for your kind words @bradettinger3072, much appreciated .🙏
Wow, thanks for giving the OM/000 sized guitars some love! I got tired of every channel pushing dreadnaught sized guitars, which I think are ok, but my OM’s feel like home to me.
Intimate playing is what I am best at, and the OM’s are perfect. In fact, I’ve got an Fym66hd right here.
Peace. 🐰💙🎸🎶🤝✌️
Thanks, Jack! We are dreadnought fans too but we do love these OMs, and the feel as you say is very different. Each shape has its special place. Thanks for watching the show!
@@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial 😉👍🏼
Nice to see you guys again. Great times and info. I just love your content.
Thanks for tuning in, Matt 👍
Can't get enough of the 66, such a treasure.
One of the most notable "side-by-side" comparisons I've ever heard. :D I can see why a serious musician might want guitars of both tops/materials, each for their unique sound! :D
Thank you, Heidi! Glad you enjoyed this episode. Watch for more! 👍
Love browsing TH-cam and stumbling across Dee!
Fantastic video and truly appreciate all the information and the fantastic sound from the two guitars. I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on one of these in the very near future. Unfortunately, there are no dealers close by for an in-person comparison, etc. I'm interested in knowing which one you would choose to accompany male vocals in the baritone to the low tenor range. Thank you.
Hi @Keyboredplayer55, we would recommend the FYM60HD, as it has more brightness and would definitely complement a deeper vocal register. Thanks for watching!
Another great video. After my second stroke, along with losing my ability to hold a pic, it's very hard for me to play a dreadnought sized guitar. I'm looking to get an OM or OOO sized guitar. I think that sized guitar is the perfect blend between the larger dreadnought and the small "O" or even the "OO". Great video.
Great content. Can you tell me what the differences are between my 2002 Alvarez Yairi FY200 and the current Yairi FY models? Thank you in advance.
Jim
It’s so nice listening to you; would love to see those guitars available in Italy. Didn’t find them, are they only for US market?
Informative as always. Great sounding guitars! When I was younger I would only play a dreadnought. Now I think the OM is the best guitar for me. I need to play one of the Yairis.
Thank you, @yogarich! We hope you do play one of our Yairis, you'll love them!
Love your content! Great info, very engaging interactions, and wonderful guitars and beautiful recordings!
Thanks for watching, Scott 👍
@@AlvarezGuitarsOfficialI’m obsessed with these Yairi OMs!! Will definitely look into them when I’m ready to buy my dream OM!
Always an education. Thank you.
I’m a fan, however be aware, this is a calculated chat
It's an educated chat. It's a researched chat, especially when we need to get history and details correct. It's also an edited chat, thanks to our video team. However, these conversations are simply conversations, and we often don't know where they will end up-sometimes that's dangerous! We'd be happy to show more behind the scenes on the making of these episodes. Thanks for watching. 👍
I own three OM’s…a Larrivee and two Guilds; maybe one day a Yairi will be in my collection….saving my Pennies!
Great to see you Dee, you were a brilliant lecturer back at Newcastle College - loved the studio days!
This is great! We'll pass the comment onto Dee👍
I have a fairly solid acoustic collection Yairi, Guild, Yamaha, Martin, and have owned some other highly regarded acoustics. Dreadnought is my favorite sounding shape and my DYM60HD is my favorite sounding guitar however my Laureate LF70 is my absolute favorite to play!
I love my OM model Martin. But I have had a boat load of Alvarez' over the years and would give my eye teeth for the FYM66HD !!! They are the absolute best on the market for price.
Great video! Talking about the OM being a more intimate guitar for the player ; Can you guys consider the idea of a player's side sound-port in order to make some of Alvarez guitars more enjoyable/intimate for the player?
As a matter of fact… But that's all we can say for now. 😉
I own one of these and I think it’s totally awesome, however, I can’t help but think this a naked plug to try and sell the last few. Whatever, if you can afford it, buy it, it’s gorgeous.
Which one do you have the FYM66HD or the FYM60
Hi @sidweazel2883, this was actually a fan-requested episode, one of several that we have done. That was the motivation behind this episode, and we're grateful that we are not having a difficult time selling these at all :) Thanks for watching.
OM's OMG another informative Video. Thanks Chris and Dee
Thank you, Ron! We appreciate that. Thanks for watching 👍
I need to find our nearest Yairi dealer ... Very fine A-B & history
Beautiful playing guys!
Eric Shoenberg Guitars of Marin County, CA. had much to do about promoting the OM to me.😎
Great design 👍
😎👍❤🖖
Thank you, Richard 👍
I have an A-Y FYM95V. 12 fret, OM with a slotted head and 3 piece back. I put Waverly tuners with ebony knobs and ebony pins to match the bridge . It has a flat fretboard and a deep v-vintage neck. It is an amazing playing and sounding instrument - no electronics. Good to know some of the history.
Thanks for watching, Gordon 👍
Great video as usual!
I love my OM and my concert ce . Looking to get the parlor both are Alvarez
What mics are you gentlemen using to record the audio for these acoustics? Any effects?
My first guitar was a Harmony H-6362, OM or 000, who knows which, from 1972, with a 1-3/4" nut and a 25.25" scale length, and of course, Harmony's typical ladder bracing.
It was sitting on a very high shelf behind the jewelry department at our local Grandpa Pigeon's store (may they rest in peace).
As a young teenager, when we would go there, I'd just stare at it for long periods of time.
One day I finally saved enough money, and I was able to ask to see it up close.
My love for it was requited, and she came home with me that day.
It was solid mahogany if I remember correctly and had an unidentified type of spruce top. Probably Sitka.
It's been long gone for close to 50 years now.
The bridge began to lift, and this ignorant teenager completely botched the repair.
If only I'd known that it could have been easily fixed by a qualified person, I might still have it.
Sigh...
I was lucky enough to finally find a very nice example of one last summer and bought it.
It's not solid mahogany as my original was, so it's not quite as beautiful, but it is nice enough to love, and not quite so deserving that I would be tempted to have it re-braced, or would I?
Hmmm.
Nah.
I'd probably be without her for too long.
I don't whether to call it a 000 or an OM.
Whatever it's officially called, its lovely sound takes me back to being a teenager whenever I pick it up.
I personally think it's the nicest sounding Harmony I've ever heard after my original one.
Going off-topic, I do still have my next guitar purchase (and many more), an Alvarez 5054 12 string from 1978.
It could use a neck reset after all these years, but it has been tweaked to get the most out of it as is possible as is.
I'm tempted to try the "steam and clamp neck reset" technique to avoid invasive techniques.
It's my understanding that most Japanese necks of that era have glue that will not release with moisture or heat, so it's either "steam and clamp" or leave it alone.
I'm a fan of Alvarez's mostly brand-wide offerings of 1-3/4" nuts on their guitars.
(A comment regarding my views on gloss finishes heretofore posted has been removed after I read Alvarez' sensible reply to me regarding said finishes,)
I have an Alvarez Delta Delite that sports an open pore satin finish, 1-3/4" nut, and 23-5/8" scale. It has one small fret problem, but otherwise the sound it produces IS seemingly straight from the delta.
I believe that it's arched back goes a long way in the production of that sound.
Yeah, OMs, I love 'em, I think?
Hi Bob, thank you so much for sharing your wonderful guitar history with us! So happy to hear you love your 12-string Alvarez. We would add that our gloss finish is thin and getting thinner, and our guitars resonate and project wonderfully. Gloss guitars can perform in an optimal sense for resonance, and we capture that across our brand. Thanks again for choosing Alvarez and thanks for watching 👍
@@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial
Thanks for your thoughtful reply, a reply which may prove to have been effective upon me as a sales technique. 😉
I've edited my previous comment regarding my thoughts on gloss finishes.
Hearing that Alvarez' gloss finishes are getting thinner and also hearing your reasoning for using gloss to capture resonance would definitely be a reason for me to revisit Alvarez guitars.
My bit of an aversion to gloss over the last several years has been mainly for visual aesthetic reasons.
My visual tastes have changed somewhat over the years to more satin or matte finishes.
There are many Alvarez models that I do still drool over, though.
Maybe I can come to return to loving gloss finishes.
I'm glad to see that Sweetwater and Alvarez have come together in recent times.
This new information about your finishes may prompt me to make a phone call to St. Louis Music to inquire as to whether different series Alvarez guitars have different types or thicknesses of finishes.
I guess I'm in the market for another guitar.
Don't tell my wife... 😊😊👍👍
outstanding tones
Where can I buy one of these guitars please 🙏 preferably from you 👍
I have the FYM66HDE model. The feel is superb. I never tire playing it. The sound is even better than the feel. Louder and more responsive than my beloved DYMR70.
Thank you for sharing that, @m k, we do love these models and glad you do too.
I'm a rosewood - spruce guy. I'd love to have DYM60 in rosewood. The Honduran story is great, but I love the sound of rosewood. I wish I could afford either of these guitars.
I have the FYM60. I have other acoustics as well and something about this aged Honduran has a lot of rosewood characteristics to my ear. I have read somewhere that as mahogany ages it takes on a different character so maybe there is something to that. It is my most played go to guitar. Easy player and sweet neck
Picking up my MF60OM is always a pleasure, clear and subtle. Talking of which how about a look at your Masterworks OMs - the ones we ordinary mortals play. A comparison with the FYM60HD would be interesting. I don't think, price for price there is as much between them as you'd think.
Interesting idea Nicholas, we'll take that to the team. Thanks for watching 👍
really interesting, particularly considering my fascination with OMs / 000 as you know Chris. when are you coming out with the 25.4" scale, 1.75" nut width on this shape in masterworks, open pour finish please! such a wonderful shape, which feels like you can hold closer and hums through your rib cage! Also, much nicer ergonomically for a creaky older fella like me ;-). Alvarez makes lovely guitars, hidden gems, and great value.
Thank Lu! We're probably going to stay with our 25", but the other requirements may need a custom order. 😉
What is the oldest Alvarez you ever saw and played? I can tell you from experience I have one and ON Poppy, the first one you ever made and it’s still going strong.
Do either of these come with onboard electrics? Also how come neither seem to be available in the UK?
Great playing
Thank you Larry 👍 Thanks for tuning in!
Interesting info 🤓
The FY66HD nut width is 1.71 Inches which is Gibson's "default" nut with 1 23/32"
Since Martin originated the OM with 1 3/4 nut width and a 25.4 scale length, by definition,
much like Eastman's "OM", the Yairi is closer to a 000 and not an OM.
Nothing wrong with triple 00s. I have owned a few and enjoyed them. But, neither is an OM.
I can only dream to have one of these wonderful guitars. My budget can not afford such expensive ones. I like smaller guitars but have bigger hands, and for now I own a Baton Rouge X54OM CHB. It's a great budget 46 mm nut widht confortable little OM.
But I'm thinking of an Alvarez MF60 OM, MF70 OM or Eastman E3 OM, but first I have to play a 44.5 mm nut widtht one because the 43 mm are definitly incomfortable to me, and I sold all of them.
Thank you, Antal! They are great guitars, and you can't go wrong with an OM. Thanks for watching!
Does anyone know where you can try these guitars in the UK? The big dealers like Andertons and GuitarGuitar just seem to carry the lower price Alvarez models.
The 1st time hearing a Alvarez , I new I had to find out more ,What was this making this Deep Rich Sound .I a lot of info for sure! Thanks for all The Truly Hard work and Years that Went into making this Video....... 1st time listening I spent try to bring my sound system to hear the Whole (ALL) of the Music once I turned down the lower range I got the best of it..... I do have one that's a cheaper model but sounds perfect . Do`s anybody know somebody that can bring the NECK back to Shape ,or put in a TRUST ROD
Thank you, Scott, for the fantastic comments and so happy you love Alvarez. Super please you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching 👍
I find your title "The Guitar You Always Needed (But Never Knew Why)" somewhat ironic as 3 of my 4 acoustic guitars are of OM/000 body size including a FYM66HD.
Ha! Great choices, hope you're loving the FYM66HD. Thanks for watching 👍
In a JP CORMIER's demonstration on the FYM 66 HD, all majogany, he just said that it was a cannon, that it was so loud that if you put your ears to close to the guitar when you play, it, it almost hurt your ears! And here, you mention that the FYM 60 HD seemed to sound twice as loud in volume when you strum it! I realy don't understand? Is the 60 really twice as loud as the 66?
No, it’s not actually twice as loud. It is a bit louder, perhaps. I own the 66HD, and have played the 60HD
Which did you prefer? I'm really torn between the two. The 66 is less available, for one thing. @@benwood7132
I can’t find anywhere that sells these guitars in the uk😢. Is this correct?
I'm having the same problem. It's a shame.
Hi guys, they aren't readily available in U.K. at the moment but we'll let you know if that changes.
@@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial Please do that.
Mind you this guitar is a maple back inside mahogany neck and a spruce top
Also, as a professional banjoist, I'll try not to be offended 😂
Ha! We love our banjo-playing friends, thanks for watching Jesse 👍
Shame guys all guitar from Chinese
Hi @muhemmedabdalmejid7577, these guitars are handcrafted in Japan.
You couldn’t use and write English correctly, and wanted to show how ignorant you were to the public.