K.Yairi RA-1 (1999)

The K. Yairi RA-1 is a tribute to the historic travel and parlor instruments of the 19th-century Romantic era – not a modern parlor guitar, but a consistent reconstruction of the "Biedermeier guitar" with its characteristic features: an extremely delicate body (smaller than a Martin 0), a distinctive waisted figure-eight shape, slotted headstock, and 12-fret neck joint. K. Yairi built the RA series primarily for the Japanese domestic market under the personal supervision of Kazuo Yairi – these instruments were hardly imported into Europe, which today gives them a high rarity value.
Sonically, the RA-1 is designed for extremely fast response, dry, percussive mids, and crystal-clear, almost lute-like highs – not a modern bass foundation, but an authentic fingerstyle character for classical pieces on steel strings, folk picking, and historically informed playing. This example from 1999 comes from the golden age of the factory and is in beautiful used condition with signs of play.

Material and Construction

• Top – solid cedar: fine-grained, even annual rings from K. Yairi tonewood naturally aged for decades. Cedar responds faster and more sensitively to light finger attack than spruce and delivers a warm, round tone with a rich overtone spectrum.
• Back & Sides – maple: Typical for the RA-1 construction – maple gives the guitar clarity and brilliance, fitting the lute-like sound character of the model.
• Romantic Body: delicate, even smaller than a Martin 0 – the distinctive waisted figure-eight shape of 19th-century romantic guitars, not to be confused with modern parlor designs.
• Bridge & Fretboard – rosewood, historic romantic shape: slender, historically inspired bridge shape – visually and sonically based on the guitars of the Romantic era.
• Slotted Headstock, 12-Fret: Traditional construction with neck joint at the 12th fret – consistently historical.
• String Recommendation: Due to its delicate construction, the RA-1 harmonizes best with Custom Light (011–052) or Silk-and-Steel strings to protect the bridge and top.

Specifications

Body Shape: Romantic Parlor (smaller than Martin-0), 12-Fret
Top: Solid Cedar
Back & Sides: Maple
Bridge & Fretboard: Rosewood, historic romantic shape
Headstock: Slotted Headstock
Finish: Satin
Made in: Kani, Japan (1999)

The sale is subject to differential taxation according to § 25a UStG (used goods/special regulation). A separate declaration of value added tax is not permissible.