Alvarez 5003

Guitar finish is beautiful, made in the'70's in Japan judging by low serial #, can't find date stamp ( some #'s but don't make sense 0631). Instrument was well cared for for the past 30 years or so.

Full rich sound - classical. Beautiful & mellow. Just started playing again after a 35 year hiatus.

Looked at new & used Ibanez, Fender, Ramerez in $300+ range, most bang for the buck considering it was used.

Hand made in Japan, timestamp is 11/81. I had to replace the tuners because the old ones were beat to hell.

Absolutely gorgeous. Its dark and chimey, perfect for flaminco or other latin styles, but it sounds damn good on moonlit sonata as well. I love this guitar.

Great action, but years and years of play have taken it's toll on this poor girl. She needs a fret file bad.

Well mine has been beat to hell. It has scratches everywhere, some pretty deep, and a chunk is missing from the headstock. Someone definatly didn't take care of her before my grandpa bought it for 10 bucks. It still sounds wonderful! So this gets a 10.

This guitar has alot of sentimental value to me, as my grandpa basically taught me how to play on it. It sounds beautiful, and for it's age its a rock solid instrument. If you like dark sounding classicals, get one of these.

I bought this guitar used at a pawn shop for 35 Bucks with hard shell case,mdl 5003,srl 0015 and a raft of very good books from the 60's.I was impressed with the over all quality of this instrument. Every thing was mint condition.From the finish overall,fretbord included, down to the tuners . the action perfect but like I said this guitar was case keept. and the sound , to my suprise better than any new yamaha ,gibson ,takamine ,or even lower end rimerez.the preformance from nut to bridge ,like a bell.I think i was very lucky,I hope you are too.Rating an easy (9)

I've had some classical training , so of course it is my first love . My style I like to say is very well rounded ,leaving no note on any instrament unturend, eletric, acoustic or otherwise. I've been using a tube drive condencer mike and pre amp with logic7 , wih no eq.I'm very suprised at the responce from this guitar

book matched all the way , Really did not expect it.Mint all the way.

I found it is a bit tempeture sensitive , but not bad!Yes I would use this live or session any time

Been pick'n pluck'n and strumm'n since 1975!

I bought this guitar used for $75.00 The stamped date inside says it was manufactured in Sept 1971 in Japan. It still looks new.

This is a great sounding guitar. It has a rich tone, especially for a guitar that I was able to acquire so inexpensively. I play this guitar when I'm feeling mellow and not in the mood to play my Gibson J-45, or Ovation Balladeer or Fender 12-String. I truly enjoy the sound.

The action is a little high, but not so high as to be an annoyance. The finish is still really nice. The tuners (chrome with plastic) have a little rust or oxidation, which they had when I purchase the guitar, but it doesn't affect playability.

I've played this guitar over 14 years and it survived several moves while I finished my Air Force career, so it passed the durability test with flying colors. I've played it in many venues and always get compliments on it's condition and sound.

I've been playing off and on since I was about 12 years old. I own a variety of instruments including a Gibson J-45 from 1956 (according to Gibson), an Ovation Balladeer from about 1968 (according to the Ovation Co., a Fender D-16 12 String, and old Harmony Stella that I picked up for $1.00, a couple of mandolins, some African instruments, etc,etc. If it were lost or stolen, I'd probably not replace it only because I don't need any more instruments. But who knows?

This was my first classical guitar. It is over 25 years old. I still play it. Everything still works. Holds its tune.

I like to strum, play barre chords, and finger picks. It has a deep sound which I like.

Everything still works. I'd like for the strings to be a bit closer to the fret but this is my never-ending complaint as I have very small hands and am double jointed.

Again, guitar is over 25 years old. I play for myself and with friends. I have never abused the guitar.

I've been playing off and on for almost 40 years. I own a 1927 Martin studio guitar and a Gibson Blueshawk electric, as well as a piano, a Kalimba, a banjo, a recorder, a pair of bongoes, and am looking to replace the reeds in my brother's practice chanter (for bagpipes). Recently, I read that selecting an instrument is comparable to building a relationship. I wish someone had told me that from the beginning, only because I like the thought. Still, I like this guitar and would have another. My favorite feature is that it is quiet enough that I can blend in with my friends who play much better than I.

Chrome Tuners, Laminated top, classical guitar, made in Japan 1970-1980. Lots of laquer. Bought on E-Bay with case for $172. Arrived in mint condition. Price adjusted without case would be about $130.00.
This is a fun beginner instrument. Neck not as wide as my Yamaha G-230. Perhaps this guitar would sound better with new strings? Only pay 130 for mint condition. Used should fetch 100 and under. The quality is there, but I think dollar for dollar a used Yamaha is a better buy.

Sounds a bit loud. Strings appear a bit high off the frets.

Hey I've got rusted strings. Perhaps I need to get new ones. Tuners appear slightly off flesh to wood.

Looks like new after 20 years

Talked to company. They said this was farmed out to Japan. Unlikely to have parts, but what do you expect for a 130 buck guitar? Also sold retail for suggested $300 back in 1980's.

So far a 7 but could go higher with new strings.