Alvarez Yairi WY-1

$2,499.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (2)

Find out who is using Alvarez Yairi WY-1

1 community setup

2 wishlisted

6 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated June 23, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

$2,499.00

View Deal

5.0 (1)

$2,499.00 2 available New

$1,600.00 2 available Used

View Deal

4.5 (8)

$2,499.00

View Deal

Average Price: $2,274

High-end/Boutique

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Acoustic-Electric Guitars category, Alvarez Yairi WY-1 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Alvarez Yairi WY-1". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Unveiling the epitome of old-world craftsmanship meeting cutting-edge construction, the Alvarez Yairi WY-1 is an acoustic-electric guitar that transcends the ordinary. This masterwork instrument is the culmination of 50 years of meticulous refinement, offering a sublime balance of potent power and exquisite, shimmering detail. Every touch, every strum, every chord leaps from the guitar with an electrifying vivacity that will redefine your acoustic experience.

The Yairi luthiers, equipped with decades of experience and an obsessive attention to detail, have devised an innovative construction technique unique to Yairi instruments. The result is a responsive guitar that consistently delivers exceptional sound quality, time after time. The heart of this vibrant, explosive tone lies in the "FSTII" bracing pattern, a product of two years of relentless testing and refinement.

The Alvarez Yairi WY-1 also boasts of a direct-coupled bridge, a unique feature that connects the strings directly to the bridge plate and top, enhancing sustain, volume, and resonance, while achieving crystal clear articulation between the strings. Alongside this, the extended dovetail neck block and a longer adjustable truss rod contribute to the instrument's superior stability and tonal balance.

This remarkable fusion of innovation and tradition is what sets the Alvarez Yairi WY-1 apart. This acoustic-electric guitar promises an exhilarating, chill-inducing musical journey each time you pick it up.

Key Features:

Solid AA Western Red Cedar
Cutaway Folk
Mahogany neck
D'Addario EXP strings
Deluxe Wood Case included

Product specs

Brand	Alvarez
Model	WY1TS Yairi Folk Cutaway with Electronics
Finish	Tobacco Sunburst
Year	2010s
Categories	Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp	Yes
Back Material	Rosewood
Body Shape	Dreadnought
Color Family	Brown
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Neck Material	Mahogany
Number of Frets	20
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup	Undersaddle Piezo Pickup
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Sides Material	Rosewood
String Type	Steel
Top Material	Cedar

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the construction of the Alvarez Yairi WY-1?: The Alvarez Yairi WY-1 features a cedar top, rosewood back and sides, and a mahogany neck, providing a warm and resonant sound ideal for a variety of playing styles.
Is the Alvarez Yairi WY-1 suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Alvarez Yairi WY-1 is equipped with an active preamp and an undersaddle piezo pickup, making it well-suited for live performances and easy amplification.
What body shape does the Alvarez Yairi WY-1 have?: The Alvarez Yairi WY-1 has a dreadnought body shape with a cutaway, offering a balanced tone and easy access to higher frets.
How many frets does the Alvarez Yairi WY-1 have?: The Alvarez Yairi WY-1 features 20 frets, providing a wide range for both rhythm and lead playing.
What kind of finish does the Alvarez Yairi WY-1 have?: The Alvarez Yairi WY-1 has a tobacco sunburst finish, giving it a classic and visually striking appearance.

Videos

Add video

Brook Hoover

Alvarez Yairi WY1 Quick Test

Brook Hoover

Alvarez Yairi WY-1 Guitar Demonstration - Firey Brothers Music-Tulsa, OK

Diana Firey

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Unmatched craftsmanship with attention to detail
Versatile neck shape enhances comfort and playability
Unique cedar top and clear pick guard design
Sweet, mellow tone with excellent projection
Arrives perfectly set up and in tune
Lightweight feel makes it easy to handle
High-quality fit and finish, surpassing top brands
Retains quality and performance over decades
Offers exceptional value within its price range

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Alvarez Yairi WY-1.

Build quality

0 0

The Alvarez Yairi WY-1 uses a two-layer rosewood laminate process known as "parallel laminate" for strength and durability, preserving tone while resisting environmental factors.
Source
0 0

The WY-1's construction is noted for its impressive build quality, with a mellow tone that some attribute to its cedar top.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The WY-1 features a "direct coupled bridge," designed to improve volume and frequency response by pulling the bridge down, reducing long-term separation issues.
Source
0 0

The cedar top of the WY-1 is praised for producing a rich and clear sound, offering a tonal alternative to the more commonly used spruce tops.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners note that even with laminate back and sides, the guitar can open up and improve in sound over time due to the high-quality top construction.
Source
0 0

Owners describe the WY-1 as having a voluminous, deep resonance with a sparkling clarity, ideal for live performances.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

A user compared the WY-1 favorably to a Taylor 714ce, highlighting similar form and tone, with the WY-1 being a preferred choice for those seeking durability.
Source
0 0

The WY-1-12 Bob Weir 12-string model, made in the late 90s and later custom order, is noted for its booming sound that can outplay others in a group setting.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

It's reported the MSRP of the WY-1 has increased significantly, leading to concerns about its rarity and future availability.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Clear pickguards are a concern for potential discoloration over time, leading some owners to consider removing them to preserve aesthetics.
Source

Add review

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

Artist usage

Add artist

Joe Bonamassa

Guitarist, Singer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

Verified via YouTube

At 1:19 in this video, Bonamassa can be seen playing an Alvarez Yairi WY-1.

Bob Weir

Guitarist, Composer

Grateful Dead

Verified via reverb.com

Bob Weir uses the Alvarez Yairi WY-1, known as his signature model, featuring a solid AA grade Western Red Cedar top, rosewood back and sides, a mahogany neck, Gotoh tuners, ebony bridge pins, and the System 650 B-Band electronics. This information is detailed in Peter Schu's article "The Gear of The Grateful Dead" on Reverb.

Aoi

Guitarist

the GazettE

Verified via Photo

Aoi, guitarist of The GazettE, is confirmed to use the Alvarez Yairi WY-1 guitar, as it is featured in The GazettE Sound Analyze Book.

Anaïs Mitchell

Singer, Guitarist

Bonny Light Horseman

Verified via YouTube

This Alvarez Yairi WY-1 acoustic cutaway is one of her earlier guitars. In 2010 this video was shot on her farm where she plays this guitar. At around the 0:57 mark you can see this. :)

Ani DiFranco

Guitarist, Singer

Verified via Photo

From a profile on DiFranco for Guitar Player magazine: "She is a big Alvarez fan, and the company’s instruments comprise the bulk of her live rig, including two Alvarez Yairi WY1 Bob Weir Signature acoustic-electrics, a Yairi DY62C, an MSD1 short-scale dreadnought, and a custom baritone." (https://www.guitarplayer.com/miscellaneous/ani-difranco-chooses-sides)