Alvarez 5023

Dreadnought, chrome tuners, thin rosewood neck, no accesories, built on 3/3/1971 in Japan (stamped on the label), 20-22 frets (I don't remember and I'm not near the guitar to check), I believe this is a solid spruce top, no electronics.

I play mostly classic rock, Eagles, Kansas, The Who, along with some newer stuff like 4 Non Blondes and Kenny Wayne Sheppard. I also play some rockin worship music. This guitar can stand up to anything you can throw at it. Beat it some more, it loves it.
Holly booming soundhole batman, this thing is loud! I have absolutely no complaints about the way this guitar sounds especially for the price. I got it free from my Mother about 12 years ago when she realized she hadn't played it in 15 years. I play alot with a friend that has a 30 year old Martin D-28 and I really can't tell much of a difference between the two, his might be slightly richer but it's not by much, very good bass and high's, and the midrange is pretty good. I switched to DR electric guitar 10's just to bring the volume down some and it actually plays a lot easier and the sound is still great.

The fit and finish of this guitar are not what you would call exceptional but it's not bad. The thing that bugs me the most is that the decal running up the back of the guitar doesn't meet up with the center of the neck, it's off by a 1/8 inch or so. Also the tuners are not great but they are not bad. It has stayed in tune no kidding sitting in the closet for over a year! I will probably replace all of the tuners eventually but I have had to replace two already. I guess thats not too bad for a 37 year old guitar. As far as the factory setup goes I can't say but it's pretty good now (more on that later). This guitar is looking a little rough after 37 years, for the first 34 it never had a case.

You could play this guitar on stage every day for the rest of your life and it would hold up fine, it is well built and strong as an ox. The only thing you might have to do is replace the tuning machines. The finish is very durrable, the strap button is solid and I never have a backup.

No opinion but from what I've read about other Alvarez guitar owners they have a very high opinion of the customer support

When I got this guitar I hated it but it was free. It was scratched up and the decal I mentioned earlier was off center, and who'd ever heard of Alvarez, besides that it was made in Japan. I thought it was a major pile of junk. I've been playing off and on for 12 years but this is where the story really starts. As I mentioned before my mother gave me this guitar 12 years ago when my Daughter was born. I was looking for something to do late at night when I had to get up and feed her while my wife slept. I knew I wouldn't be going back to sleep so I figured that would be a good time to play guitar. I had had some lessons when I was 12 years old but I got real tired of lugging mom's Silvertone 1457 amp in case around so I gave up. When I started again at age 30 I bought some music books with chords and started strumming. The action on this thing was so bad it was like playing 6 razor blades. I could play for about 8 minutes before my fingers hurt so bad I couldn't use them for 3 days. I thought all acoustic guitars were this hard to play so I put it in the closet and it sat there for months at a time. Every once in a while I would get the urge and get it out again and then give up due to sore fingers. Finaly about 2 years ago I played a friends Ibanez on a camping trip and then it hit me. Guitars don't have to be hard to play, there must be a way to adjust them. I did some research and figured it all out and after several attempts at adjusting string height and neck angle I realized the top was bowed. Sitting unplayed and strung up for 25 years was just a little more than it could take without some disfiguration. I removed the metal saddle holder and sanded it down, filed down the saddle and then took an eighth of an inch off the top of the bridge to compensate for the bow. After making a few more neck adjustments I can now play this guitar for hours without a transfusion. I also have a Silvertone 1448 Amp in case and an American Strat. The Silvertone has the best action of any guitar I have ever played, it's butter, the Alvarez 5023 is more like soft cheese and the action of the strat (after adjustment) isn't even worthy of a metaphor.

Alvarez 5023
It is i believe called a Rosewood Dreadnought and my second guitar, the first being an old Sears Kraftsman when i was 8 - for Christmas. (i am female, btw) I got this one in maybe 1971. Not sure of guitar date, but thru research i believe it is between 1965-1970. A good friend sold it to me. He said, "You play way better than me, you should have this guitar." He and i put on Gold Grovers, which i LOVE. I believe Spruce top - and solid Rosewood back and sides. It has that pretty inlay soundhole and script mother of pearl Alvarez on the head. Rosewood fingerboard, i think - not sure. No pickup.

It has an adjustable bridge that is bone i believe. It's condition is quite fine with just a smidge of buckle rash - not from me, i was very careful, treating this as my baby. I played all the time. I am playing more now again. It is just such a pretty guitar. Everyone would comment on it - but of course i never let another person touch it once i got hold of it, except for adjustments. I got my Martin in around 1985 or so? So Alva was played hard by me about 14 years. Now i still play her - i cannot NOT play her. I mention i am female, with maybe a smaller hand, so the relatively small neck girth is appreciated on the 5023. I have played some guitars that are painful. I also have a Gibson Les Paul Standard. I love them all. The Alvarez has the most history.

OMG - when i started playing this guitar, that is when my playing became an addiction. The sound is phenomenal. Big, bright, yet also full - for such a guitar that is not a Martin. I also have a Martin D-35 from the 70's which is exceptional - a lucky, exceptional find. But i have to say, the Alvarez can hold her own! What i like is that you can hammer on the Alvarez and she does not get funky - just gives it back to you in full controlled sound. I have played several guitars - i love the Alvarez, no kidding, until i got my Martin, nothing could touch that Alvarez. I would never part with this beauty 5023. She is my real baby, the one i grew up with, you know?

The action has been messed with from my friend who sold it to me, as he was quite a technician, and he also helped rheam the headstock for the new Gold Grovers (find machines that helped it hold tune, btw) I was always impressed with it holding tune up and down the neck, however, the action on my Martin is easier. I believe there was some work done on it, but honestly, so many years ago, i just don't remember it all. Sorry. The top has "violined" just a bit, but that adds to its tone. I do believe this is a fine example of a 5023, soundwise, although i get goosebumps just reading the other reviews here - i had to jump in. The finish is still supurb! I got a hardshell case at some point, a Yamaha that fit it perfectly. But now my Martin wears the Yamaha case. I give it a nine for the action.

This guitar withstood the hippy generation ok? Parties, drinking, people accidentally kicking it, trying to pick it up and play it, before i whooped em up side the head. Don't touch my Harley or my guitars, ok? No kidding though, i would often fall asleep, craddling it in my bed - just fall asleep in mid-chord, since i just could not stop playing her - she is so fine. Tip-top shape. And actually now i am remembering, i had her tweaked - by a very good guy in my town. He also tweaked my Martin. I believe the frets were redone, as they are not worn, and they would be. I would and have played this guitar on gigs with no backup - it can go the distance. Seriously, if you are looking on ebay and you see an Alvarez 5023 - BUY IT. It is a dark horse, a lucky find - i was lucky that a friend just sold it to me one day, after i lusted after it.

I never dealt with the company, but i mean, the guitar is adjustable where it needs to be, and it hold true, so....

Oh - um i already mentioned i have the Gibson Les Paul Standard (black) i think from 1982? 84? And the Martin D-35 with some Brazilian Rosewood (lucky find. I love both. I have been playing since i was four years old. I had some breaks - and a sliced finger sidelined me for a while. But this is the year to return to all my guitars in earnest - i sing and write songs. Oh, do NOT even talk about parting me with my Alvarez 5023 - i would look for another one, yes, but of course the provenance is irreplacable. I do not hate anything on that guitar. Favorite features - the incredible sound, and the beauty of design. The neck is also not too wide - a plus for smaller handed woman. I basically love every single thing about this guitar. Of course i have played other guitars - from owners or guitar stores. I would play some "expensive" Yamaha, and then just smile smuggly at how much my Alvarez would whip the Yamie. Just no contest - until the D-35 - but the other day, i played my D-35 with new strings against my 5023 with old strings, and - it was NOT shameful, not at all! The Alvarez stood right up to that Martin, and that is high praise if you ever heard / played a Martin D-35 from the early 70's (it is a guitar that is maybe not beatable, in my opinion due to the variety of sound, the action, the beauty and how it mellows) But this is about the Alvarez 5023, so let me just say, i would never trade, sell or otherwise part myself from "Alva". And best of all, i only paid 50 BUCKS for her- from my friend, because he wanted me to have her so badly. That is generosity for you. He was pleased with the decision, and so was I.

My dad bought this guitar for me at a pawn shop in 1976. I have since bought and sold about 20 guitars but would never part with this treasure. It has a spruce top, mahogany sides, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, adjustable-height bridge, chrome tuners. Made in Japan.

The sound of this guitar is amazing. I have played countless "expensive" guitars over the past 30 years and I can honestly say the tone of this guitar is as good as it gets. Rich, full AND bright. Deep lows, clear highs, great sustain.

The action of this guitar is the best part. I don't think I have ever played another acoustic guitar that is set up so low and still does not buzz ever.

It is a miracle that this guitar is still in one piece. It has been on countless road trips, whitewater trips, camping trips and survived a decade of careless roommates. Most of this time I did not even have a case. After all that, except for a few battle scars, it is in excellent condition. It has never been professionally set up and plays better now then when I got it.

None needed.

I have played guitar everyday for the last 30 years and can honestly say there is no guitar in the world I would rather have.

This was my first guitar ever. I'm guessing I got it in 1976. It was used and came in a really cheap case with no literature so I've never known the woods. It is your basic dreadnought guitar.

The sound of this guitar is great. I prefer the tone of this guitar to many "expensive" guitars I have played.

Action is great. I have it set up with a new ivory inset in the bridge that is filed to the perfect height.

Unbelieveable. I have taken this guitar on every camping and road trip for the last 30 years and, except for a few war wounds it is in great shape. I now treasure the guitar and keep in in a nice hardshell case but in the early years I did't even have a case.

None needed in 30 years.

I have played guitar every day for the last 30 years and have been in several bands...this is a great guitar. I would not trade it for any guitar in the world.

I got my new 5023 as a high school graduation gift from my parents in 1976. They got it because my friend had one and I liked it a lot. I think they paid $199 for it. It's aged very well over the years. The light wood top has mellowed into a what I'd call a warm honey glow color. I almoss always get favorable comments about it's looks. Of course, the most interesting feature of this instrument is the experimental adjustable bridge. It's bone, but it's set in a chrome colored metal saddle. The holder fits into the wood bridge in a spot carved out for it. The metal saddle has two large set screws at each end (top and bottom). The idea is that you can quickly adjust the action up or down. In reality, it was a good idea that didn't really work too well. I've always kept mine set so that the saddle sits in the wood as far as possible. Raising it tends to throw it out of tune.

I love the sound of this guitar. It's been played a lot by me and by my kids. It tone is round and full throughout all the frets. It's a loud instrument, which I prefer. I almost always get favorable comments from other guitarists when they hear it.

The factory set up was very bad. I struggled with it for years before I learned how much a good set up can help. I almost got rid of it in the late '80s. I took it in to the shop where I bought it and showed it to the tech. I asked him how much I would have to spend to get something comparable. He said I didn't want to get rid of the guitar and started picking up $900 to $1200 guitars off the wall. He said he could make it play better and sound better. I let him work on it, and though he did some radical work on it (that honestly spoiled the appearance of the bridge, in my opinion). But he made it easier to play and really improved the intonation and I was very happy. It felt like I had a new guitar and it's been a friend for many more years.

The guitar has held up very well over the years. I've replaced the tuners and the back, neck, and top have their fair share of dents and scratches, but there's no serious damage. I think the normal wear and tear only add character. It's still my main acoustic guitar that I play at church almost every Sunday. I recently installed a Fishman Rare Earth single coil soundhole pickup and it still sounds great amplified. The only effects I every add is a light touch of chorus from my Boss Super Chorus pedal. The finish is beginning to wear off around the soundhole, but after almost 30 years and the amount of use it's seen, this is not unusual. The fretboard has stood up very well. Sure, there is some light wear under the strings at the top of the neck, but not too bad considering how much its been played.

Overall, I think it speaks well of the instrument when I honestly say I will never get rid of this instrument. I'd like to get an older Lowden or Martin, but I'll never give up my 5023.

No idea what year it is. Made in Japan, so my best guess is early 80's since it was before they moved production to Korea or China. Laminate top with--it looks like--rosewood sides and back, but I think those are laminate also. This is an entry-level dreadnaught. Came with a case that had shoe polish all over it (bought used). 20 frets. Chrome enclosed tuners. The neck looks to be mahogany. It has some interesting marquetry around the sound hole, and mother-of-pearl Alvarez logo on the headstock.

Sound is thin and tinny. Entry level all the way. No bass, few mids.

Action is surprisingly WONDERFUL. Very easy to play. The bridge split, so I'm replacing that.

Obviously if the bridge split, it isn't very durable. Strap button is loose. No super dependable depending upon if it is late 70's or late 80's.

N/A

I've been playing for 13 years or so... I bought this for my sister-in-law who wants to start learning guitar. It seems to be an affordable entry-level guitar with higher quality and sound than the new Alvarez comparable guitars ($199 w/case on sale at the dealer). Can't really beat the price for what it is. Not a star instrument, but definately a great value.

I currently own a '71 Guild D-25, and an old Kay archtop.

I purchased my Alvarez 5023 new in 1976 for $210.00, hardcase included ( a non-Alvarez case, it was included by the music store at no additional charge).

The 5023 is a Japanese-made instrument, and has a 20-fret rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlay on it's three-pice neck. The neck is rather thin but still comfortable.

The 5023 features a solid spruce top with mahogany sides and back (2-piece). The natural finish is glossy.

The pickguard is plastic (tortoise-shell finish). The soundhole is ringed with an Aztec-type decal (very nice appearance that compliments the guitar). The plastic bridge is a standard lower-end type that has two height adjustment screws, enabling the player to obtain a very low action, if desired. The 5023 utilizes plastic white end pins with black dots.

The body has white binding. I want to point out the binding is not just the standard plain white. My 5023 has three thin but prevalent black stripes that run through the white binding. Pretty cool looking.

A thin, single strip of the Aztec-type decal runs the length of the center on the back of the 5023's body (over the joint of it's two piece back).

Chrome finish, no-name tuners are utilized on the 5023. The headstock has the Alvarez logo (circa 1970's) in either mother-of-pearl or abalone.

The 5023 has an adjustable trussrod (wrench included). The trussrod cover is plastic tortoise-shell finish with "Alvarez" printed in a decorative manner (letters are gold finish).

No electronics included or ever installed on my 5023.

I play everything from lite-rock (Moody Blues) to Van Halen, and the 5023 fits in well.

This guitar has such a sweet, full sound. Although louder than any other <$500.00 guitar I've ever played, it is not overbearing. Deep lows and a strong midrange, the 5023 is as excellent a guitar for simple strumming as it is for fingerpicking (though the thin neck makes me wish it had been produced just a little bit wider).

And the sustain...this guitar has such beautiful sustain!

My 5023, from what I can remember, had already been adjusted for me by the seller (Owner of Craig's Music, Southgate, MI, long since out of business). He was familiar with my style of play and made whatever adjustments were needed prior to my taking the guitar home.

The fit can be described as meticulous. The builder(s) obviously took great pride in making this instrument, even though it is a low-end guitar (it was a low-end guitar in 1976 as well). The craftmanship is truly amazing.

My 5023 had no flaws when purchased. Today, 26 years later, the top has a few dings and a little player wear, but overall this guitar has retained it's beauty and quality.

I do not play live. My playing is restricted to playing at home. I am not sure how well the 5023 would hold up if used professionally.

I suspect it would work fine. I base this on the fact that I have had mine for 26 years and have had no problems.

My 5023 has one strap button (body). I have had no problem with it.

I have never had the need to contact Alvarez, therefore I cannot provide a score for this particular category.

I have owned other acoustic guitars, including a Martin D-41. The Martin does have a nicer tone and a more comfortable neck, but it would be unfair to compare these two guitars. I do not know what the Martin cost in 1976, though I do recall I could'nt afford it. I do recall the 5023 was much more in my price range.


If you're recording or playing live, the Martin, with it's tone, would be a better choice. But if you come across a decent 5023, grab it and play it. I'll bet you'll be impressed as soon as you start playing.

Simply stated, the 5023 is a low priced, well-made, nice-sounding guitar that should provide most any player a high degree of enjoyment. I have no intention of ever selling my 5023.

Also, check out two other evaluations of the 5023. "Shleppy" from 9-08-01, and "Scott" from 4-06-02 both give good in-depth reviews that should help you regarding the 5023.

I don't know what year it was made. My dad gave it to me three years ago. I know he bought it in the 70's sometime. Solid top guitar. Tuners are no name, but work excellent. The guitar stays tuned forever! The guitar has a slim neck, which is kind of difficult for me because I have big hands. I have gotten used to it though. Frets and neck are still in great shape. The guitar hasn't had professional adjustments in probably over 20 years, and it sounds great (it could use some adjustements, but it is very playable). Satin finish, not flashy, but very pretty. dreadnought body style. It is a very basic, but very pretty and effective acoustic guitar.

This guitar sounds great! It works well for struming and picking. I'm not a professional by any means, but it works great. I play contemporary Christian music and do a lot of praise and worship services in different situations. So, I don't do a lot of rock and roll stuff. It works good for what I use it for. I have used it with a sound hole pick up and it had satisfactory sound. I have a friend who plays a lot of guitar, and he is amazed every time he comes over at how good this guitar sounds.

I don't know anything about the factory setup, that was over 20 years ago. The action has been a little high, but it can be adjusted down at the bridge without having it proffesionally shaved. The satin finish is still great. There is a lare ding on the bottom left part of the front. My dad said one of us kids "whacked" it some time ago. For such an old guitar, the finish looks great. It is still smooth and shines. The bridge and the fret are still in great shape. I am giving it a lower rating because of the action, but everything else is great. The action could probably be greatly improved with some professional attention.

This guitar is over 20-25 years old, and hasn't been professionally attended to since it was purchased. This guitar seems to be able to withstand anything. The tuners still keep the guitar in tune. One of the tuners is a little loose, but it still works. The finish still looks new (apart from the ding mentioned above) and a little wear around the soundhole. There is only one strap button, but it is very solid. I picked this 20+ year old guitar up three years ago, and have been playing it almost daily. It has held up great, so I can depend on it. It has been to West Virginia and Nashville TN in a cardboard case. It has held well. I don't know about gigs live. Again, I have only played it for some church sevices and at home.

Never dealt with them.

I love the guitar because it has sentimental value to me. However, it is a great guitar. It sounds great and is VERY STURDY! It is a great guitar. I can't speak to its monetary value because I don't know how much it was purchased for, or how much it is worth. Sor how old it is, how good it sounds and how well it has stood up I give it a 9.

DREADNOUGHT BODY: solid spruce top with a VERY tight grain, mahogany sides and back, intricate rosetto and herringbone binding, adjustable-height bridge, laquer finish. NECK: 3-piece maple with no-name tuners, rosewood fingerboard, 20 frets, abalone Alvarez logo. truss-rod adjuster. Made in Japan in mid 70's. It's very well made, but i gave it an "8" for having low-end tuners. No big deal, tho!

I'm by no means an expert on guitars, even though i've owened 50+ geetars over my 23 years of playing. I've had quite a few vintage guitars that i've found at garage sales (this was awhile back, hard to find anything vintage now!). And when i saw this, I knew it wasn't anything near top-o-the-line, but it cried out to me, "just play me, finger my g-string". Of which i did. And when those first finger-picked notes rang through the air; people around me perked up thier ears and for a second, thought they were in Heaven with Angels playing some psychedelic rock/bluegrass blues. Ok, maybe they didn't think that! But of all the guitars I've heard and played (300+), this guitar was by far THE BEST EVER...BAR NONE! And this includes $3000+ guitars from the top makers! I could wack this baby with a Pete Townsend-like windmill strum, quickly followed by finger-picking (including hammer-ons/off with slides) and everything was crystaline clear! No notes were muffled or muddied by others. Everything from the warm bass notes to the sweet, singing highs were clearly heard as indivuals, even with jackhammer strumming combined with intricate finger picking! This baby is incredible! It feels so ALIVE! The sustain seems to last forever, and the slightest touch to the sound board alters the tone. I mean, THE SLIGHTEST TOUCH! I can lightly blow in the sound hole and feel the guitar vibrate! If i lost this guitar, i would hunt down the animal who stole it and force him to listen to the Back Street Boyz till he kills himself! That's how much i love this guitar! But because THIS guitar sounds so great, doesn't mean all in it's line are the same way. We all know that each and every guitar has it's own sound, even compared to it's brothers and sisters in the same line. Wood has a funny way of doing that to acoustic guitars! But i do believe this guitar is an indicator of the typical Alvarez guitar. They're known for being easy on the fingers and thier clarity and warmth. If you're thinking of an acoustic guitar, check out an Alvarez, you won't be disappointed, and might find a magical guitar like mine!

Well, what can i say except that even the most finger-preztelizing chords are easily played...from all positions on the neck. The action is incredibly low that it amazes me that this thing doesn't buzz. But it doesn't. I just seems to play itself.

Well, couldn't give it a "10" because we all know nothing is perfect when it comes to durability. Unless they invented a guitar made of titanium steel..but that would probably sound like $hit. But reliability scores a "10". I play rough...and this baby can take it night after night and still be able to sing like an angel (without even having to touch the tuning pegs)!

Huh? Don't need that.

Well, i'll give this a definite "10" for value. Especially since i only payed $65 at a garage sale for it. But even if i had to pay $5000, I would still give it a "9", since it sounds and plays better then 99.9% of the guitars that do cost that much.