Tech: Alvarez Guitars

Subject: Tech: Alvarez Guitars
From: Riginslinger
Date: 17 Jan 07 - 11:15 AM

Is there anyone out there who has personal knowledge of, or can recommend, or comment on Alvarez Guitars?

Subject: RE: Tech: Alarez Guitars
From: Scoville
Date: 17 Jan 07 - 11:31 AM

Not really, but I have an Alvarez Regent 5212, which is a low-end model. I think it went out of production in 1997; I'm not sure what is the current equivalent. I've had it for 11 years and have been very happy with it for a really cheap guitar--sounds fine, plays fine, no quality issues. It has NO FRILLS, though. No trim, no pick-up, cheap tuners, etc. Absolute basic instrument.

Most people on here are probably going to be in the market for something better, though (5212's seem to go for $75-$150 on eBay, depending on condition).

Subject: RE: Tech: Alarez Guitars
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 17 Jan 07 - 12:08 PM

I have two Alvarez instruments, a classical guitar and a banjo. They're okay, but if I was a serious banjo or classical player, I'd definitely trade up.   

My son-in-law has an Alvarez dreadnaught. It sucks.

I've played plenty of Alvarez instruments and have found them to be extremely variable. Some sound great, others are the pits. IMO, Alvarez and Washburn are much more inconsistent than Yamaha. You may have to play a bunch of 'em to find a good one.   

However, I do know some excellent musicians who have used Alvarez instruments. My friend Guthrie Trapp, guitarist for The Jerry Douglas Band, played an Alvarez as a teenager and it doesn't seem to have held him back. And Gove Scrivenor usually plays an Alvarez he's had for years. He says he bought it as a temporary replacement after someone stole his Martin, but liked it so much it became his main axe.

Subject: RE: Tech: Alarez Guitars
From: Vixen
Date: 17 Jan 07 - 12:08 PM

I have a low-end Alvarez (not a Yairi) purchased new in 1985. It's easy to play, and has a very nice tone. However, be sure to check the neck grain and the neck--I know one that's warped, and have heard they have a reputation for that kind of problem. Do a search of the Forum in the search bar for "alvarez" and it should turn up the previous thread on these instruments.

V

Subject: RE: Tech: Alarez Guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Jan 07 - 12:52 PM

I've been playing the same Alvarez dreadnought for over 30 years, and it just gets better and better. My family are Martin addicts but they've yet to sway me.

Subject: RE: Tech: Alarez Guitars
From: catspaw49
Date: 17 Jan 07 - 01:24 PM

Previous RelatedThread

Another Previous Related Thread

And Another

Somewhat related previous threads with some good info

Spaw

Subject: RE: Tech: Alarez Guitars
From: open mike
Date: 17 Jan 07 - 01:38 PM

i guess you mean ALVAREZ
http://www.alvarezgtr.com/

Subject: RE: Tech: Alarez Guitars
From: Wesley S
Date: 17 Jan 07 - 01:38 PM

I owned a nice dreadnaught for a few years. I never did figure out what type of wood it was - a dark brown but not mahogany. My impression is that the quality of Alvarez guitars varys widely. Some are pretty good and some suck bigtime. Make sure you're happy with it before you lay your money down.

Subject: RE: Tech: Alarez Guitars
From: Don Firth
Date: 17 Jan 07 - 01:56 PM

I can't speak for the steel-string Alvarez guitars, but a student of mine has an Alvarez AC60S classic, and it's a very nice instrument; well-made and it has a nice, rich sound. I think it listed for over $300.00, but she got if for somewhat less than that. Red cedar soundboard and mahogany back and sides. Good workmanship. And a nice instrument to play.

I have a couple of pretty high quality guitars myself, but I would have no qualms about walking out on stage with her Alvarez classic. It would do the job well.

But Wesley's undoubtedly right. At that price, my student may very well have lucked out. Play before you buy.

Don Firth