B&M SOLOIST 1960s CLASSICAL ACOUSTIC GUITAR

The Curious Case of the B&M Soloist: 1960s Japanese Classical Guitar

When you come across a B&M Soloist classical guitar from the 1960s, you’re entering an intriguing corner of guitar history — part import branding, part Japanese craftsmanship, part mystery. In this post, we’ll explore what is known (and what is speculative) about this model: its origins, construction, sound, user impressions, and what to look for if you ever stumble on one.

Background & Origins

B&M (Barnes & Mullins) as Importer / Brand

“B&M” is shorthand for Barnes & Mullins, a UK music instrument importer and distributor. In earlier decades, it was common for such companies to import guitars from Japan or Europe and re-brand them under their own names for sale in domestic markets.

Some surviving instruments suggest that the “B&M Soloist” label was sometimes placed over another maker’s label, hinting at rebadging practices. In at least one case, a guitar labeled “B&M Jose Ferra Soloist” had an original S. Sgroi Silvestri label underneath — proof that B&M was importing instruments from outside builders and presenting them under their own branding.

The Yairi Connection

One of the more credible associations is with S. Yairi (Sadao Yairi), a Japanese luthier family known for producing guitars under their own name and for other brands. It is well documented that S. Yairi made guitars for export under different labels, including B&M in the UK.

Surviving examples of “B&M Soloist by Yairi” confirm this relationship. These guitars often feature solid spruce tops, mahogany laminate bodies, and construction details consistent with Yairi workshop output of the era.

Construction & Specifications

From documented examples, here’s a composite description of what a 1960s B&M Soloist classical guitar might include:

FeatureTypical SpecTopSolid spruce (often aged)Back & SidesMahogany laminate, sometimes with one-piece backNeckOne-piece mahoganyFingerboardUsually rosewood or similar hardwood (some examples listed as mahogany)Nut / SaddleBone (in at least some examples)Scale Length~25½" (650 mm)Nut Width~2" (50.8 mm)WeightAround 3 lbs (≈ 1.36 kg)

Many surviving guitars show evidence of repairs: top cracks (often behind the bridge), replaced nuts or saddles, and occasionally re-fretted fingerboards. Original tuners and bridges add value, but replacements are common due to age.

Sound & Playing Impressions

Because so few well-documented examples exist, tonal descriptions vary. Players and sellers often describe:

• A warm, balanced tone with good midrange presence.

• Satisfying projection and sustain for its class.

• Less “glassiness” than some cedar-topped guitars, with more warmth than brightness.

Given its spruce/mahogany build and partial laminate construction, you might expect a sweet, articulate voice rather than a booming concert-level sound. Still, the craftsmanship and aged wood contribute to tonal character that many players find appealing.

Rarity, Value & Collectibility

The B&M Soloist is relatively rare and not often seen in the secondhand market. A few factors affect value:

• Condition: Structural integrity, crack repairs, and neck condition matter most.

• Originality: Original nut, saddle, tuners, and bridge raise desirability.

• Provenance: Evidence that the guitar was built by Yairi (or another known maker) enhances its appeal.

Surviving examples have sold in the mid-hundreds of pounds or dollars, with well-preserved ones fetching more depending on condition and documentation.

What to Look for If You Encounter One

If you come across a B&M Soloist from the 1960s, check for:

1. Label inspection – Look inside the soundhole for hidden or original labels.

2. Top condition – Check for cracks, warping, or excessive repair work.

3. Neck & frets – Ensure straightness, healthy relief, and usable frets.

4. Tuners & hardware – Original parts are a plus; check replacements for quality.

5. Sound – Play it! Listen for balance, sustain, and responsiveness.

6. Repair history – Professional work adds confidence, DIY fixes may lower value.

Why the B&M Soloist Matters

Though less famous than Spanish or high-end Japanese instruments, the B&M Soloist offers a glimpse into the mid-20th century guitar trade, when importers like Barnes & Mullins brought Japanese craftsmanship to European markets under rebadged labels.

For collectors, it’s a “hidden gem”: not always pristine, not always documented, but certainly a fascinating piece of guitar history. For players, it can be a unique and soulful vintage classical guitar at a fraction of the cost of better-known names.