I heard one at close range, well played, and it was GORGEOUS - very clear and bright and bell-like. (These are my criteria in guitar tone: if you like a big-bash sound you might prefer a different make - I can't say.)

If I were buying a new guitar I'd seriously consider getting a Yairi. Barry Dransfield plays one (his was the one I heard, from about two feet away, and it convinced me.) It's also a fairly compact size, similar to Martin 000's.