Alvarez 5028 Mahogany Pro

This guitar was probably made in `96 or `97 and manufactured in Korea. Has 20 frets (medium size) on a rosewood fretboard and features an abalone inlay design on the 12th fret. Bridge also rosewood. Solid spruce top.....mahogany back, sides, and neck. Bound headstock, neck, and body - (nicely done!, I might add) Scalloped bracing, split back, and satin finish. Overall, this instrument was well put together, looks good, and is solid!

I have been playing for 27 years and can play anything. This guitar has very good projection, nice deep lows and bright highs. holds up to heavy strumming well. Actually I cannot think of one bad thing to say about the sound, it`s clear and loud.

This guitar was set-up pretty good, except for one thing........... the action was a little high and made playing past the 7th. fret kind of laborsome. But I always do my own set-up anyway. So after a slight trussrod adjustment and saddle sanding, I achieved a very good feel in all registers. Other than the action, this guitar is nice! Frets were filed nicely, (no rough edges) and no fret buzz. The neck has a comfortable feel (similar to Martin), the split back was well done, and except for a couple very small beads of glue, the scallopped bracing is excellent! The satin finish is smooth with no nicks and actually compliments this instrument in appearence. The binding around the body, neck and headstock is also excellent, no slop here! The Grover machine heads were also installed properly. Believe me, this guitar was constructed in a very professional manner.

Hav`ent giged with this guitar yet, but I believe it will hold up. As for performing with this guitar without a backup.....this guitar feels very strong and because of it`s solid construction, I would have no problem using it as my primary "road accoustic". The only thing that would be of concern, would be the satin finish. Only because this type of finish dents easier than a gloss finish. But little scratches and dings dont bother me anyway, but to others, it might.

Hav`ent had to deal with the company for anything to date, and this guitar comes with a lifetime warranty. All-n-all, This is a very good guitar for the money!

I have played and owned alot of guitars and am a stickler for a good sounding instrument. Comparing this Alverez to other accoustics..... (and there are many in the $600.00 price range), I would have to rate it as one of the best! You can see a pic of this guitar at the Alverez web site.