Alvarez 5029 Ash Festival

It is an ash bookmatched top. I think it's solid, but I'm not sure. It has a satin finish, no pick guard and brass pins nut and saddle. Back and sides are ash laminate. It was made in Japan in 1982. It had no accessories with it, as it was bought from a pawn shop. The owner threw in a SKB hardshell case for $50.00 though. Strictly an acoustic guitar. The tuners are chrome and a bit corroded as stated warlier, but hold true.

I bought this guitar used at a pawn shop for $125.00 I was new to guitar and just liked the looks. I've been playing for several years now and I'm very pleased with the sound. Nice and full. More treble than bass due perhaps to the brass nut and saddle.

Action was high when I bought it, but I've had it set up and its nice now. Bookmatched top is perfectly matched and the finish is beautiful. The guitar is 23 years old. (Made in 1982) and it has a few small areas near the bridge that the finish has disappeared. May have had the bridge fixed sometime in its history. The chrome tuning pegs are slightly corroded, but nothing too bad given its age.

This a dependable guitar. I haven't gigged with it, but would have no problem doing so. It rarely needs tuned, and then usually only a tweak. One strap button was missing when I bought it, and I had it replaced. No big deal.

Never Dealt with Alvarez, and I have no idea what the warranty was.

I have been playing for a little over three years. I also own a Gibson Les Paul electric, a Fender Bass and a Telecaster clone I built. This is my only acoustic, and I play it at least as much as my LP. I love the tone and and the looks of it. I lucked out buying this, because I really did not know that much about guitars. I bought it because it's pretty, but I would but it again for its tone and performance.

1985 model made in Japan. Solid Ash, purchased from ad in local paper. Left behind by tenant for rent. Wonderful look and sound. Brass used pegs and nut, bone binding or ivory hard to tell.

Beautiful and bassy works well with other acoustics and playing in concert with a couple of other six strings and a tweleve string for the higher end. Full and bassy

Set up by pro shop and action is close, neck fully adjustable and harmonics up to the 19-21 frets.

This sacraficed a durable bonded glazed top for a thin matte finish over the open ash and l/koa grain. A couple of nicks and some capo damage along the back side of the neck, rosewood fingerboard is holding up well to a lot of playing.

Not used, but Alavarez is legendary for special set up shops and Yari masters for any problems with their lower line instruments

Just started playing after 20 year hiatus from the stuff. I would buy this guitar again it has the sound of a Taylor and the clarity and sustained intonations of a Martin at less than half the price buy it!!

Made sometime in the 80's. My opinion is that top sides and back are all laminated although I've heard others say it's a solid top. My local tech guy said it's all laminate so take that for what it is.
Brass nut and bridge pins and cool diamond shaped position markers.
The Ash top is a vibrant bownish orange and the woodgrain is stunning. This is a very extraordinarily sharp looking guitar.

The guitar has a nice crisp high end. Lacks a bit in low end and overall sound projection/volume. However, it should blow away anything in its price range and above (to around $650ish) in both sound and appearance.

I had it set up after I got it on EBay as it looked like it had been sitting for 20 years with rusted strings and high action. It plays great now, action set medium. I use it for rythym and leads as notes bend very well.

I love this guitar because once you have it set up, put some good strings on and stretch them out, it just plays and plays and plays rarely needing tuning. A real solid, consistent instrument with a medium gloss woodgrain finish that hides minor flaws very well. Extremely lightweight.

Vintage instrument N/A.

I've been playing around 30 years. I will never sell this guitar because when adding layers of guitars in my recordings this guitar will always be useful to add the higher end that my bassy Martin doesn't cover. It blows away any new entry level guitar in its price range and has a unique ash woodgrain...absolutely stunning. They really should have used some solid wood on this though, to give it some more power, and bottom end . Very rare on Ebay, if you are reading this because there's one for sale now, I'd recommend buying it as an addition to your collection but not as your one and only. Just don't expect a $2000 sound, but she is surely competitive with guitars in the $500 - $800 range.

This is a 1986 Ash Festival by Alvarez. Not sure the country of origin. It has 20 brass frets, rosewood fingerboard, and brass pegs. Chrome tuners--non-locking, brand unknown. Not a whole to say here, its pretty basic acoustic guitar--nothing fancy.

I play just about everything with this guitar, rock, country, folk, even jazz. I typically use a Dean Markley pickup and either play directly through a PA or through a Laney 50 watt amp. Sounds comparable to many guitars that cost three times as much. As a living room guitar it is great as well. Full sound, nice tone. Can't say enough about it.

Nice action for an acoustic. The frets are pretty flat making sliding pretty easy. It isn't a cutaway, so the upper frets can be difficult to reach, but it is an acoustic after all.

I gigged with this guitar a lot in an acoustic band. The front of the guitar doesn't have a pick guard so it has shown wear from strumming, but is doesn't negatively affect the sound and it just gives the guiar more character. The intonation on the guitar is still amazing, the only string that is off is the high E--only at about the 10th fret. The tuners are a little cheap and have required some tightening. Also, I lost the strap peg years ago and have had to replace it. Other than that, the guitar has held up well.

Never dealt with Alvarez.

This guitar is a great value. If it breaks, gets stolen, or I lose it--I will cry that day. Its a great living room guitar, sounds good on gigs, and plays nice regardless of style.

alvarez modle 5029 made in japan. year unknown, 20 brass frets, string pins are brass also, solid top,appears to be all ash wood, except neck. i'm not sure about that. dreadnought style,non locking crome tuners, brand unknown.

i play mostly country music. however, any kind of music sounds incredible. the sound that comes out of this guitar is the best i've ever heard. no exceptions. rich/full doesn't come close. the tone of this guitar eases my mind after a hard day.

the action is very good. no flaws that i could tell. however the tuners have worn over the years. i figure the guitar is approx 20 years old. I purchased it on consignment at a misic store in tampa a couple of years ago for $225 and another $140 to rework the frets. worth every penny. the original owner had a stroke and could no longer play. It was the last place I looked on a mission to find a guitar that didn't sound like crap. I went to a lot of music stores.

This guitar will never be used in live play outside of family functions and vacations in montana. however, I believe it will be around for another 20 years.i almost never have to tune it. even if i do, it only needs a little adjustment.

n/a

I Tought myself to play 4 years ago, I also own a Dean that is collecting alot of dust. I do not know what i would do if it was lost or stolen. I've never seen another like it. I would buy another festival if i saw one. I love everything about this guitar. If you played it you would know why.

I would have to agree with the others. I have a Festval that I bought new in 1982. Beautiful guitar, incredible sound. Serial # 66377 (Whatever that means) Anyway, I have sworn to NEVER let go of it.
Unlike others, I have taken this sucker with me all over the world, I mean, ALL over the world. It has traveled well. I have played it so much that it now is in need of fret work. The squeamish may not want to hear this, but I installed Grover locking tuners...I know, never mess with the original equipment...but this is my favorite acoustic, love to play it, It is not an investment for me, so I did it and I love it. It is SOOO nice to have the 'Tuneability' that I now have.
Anyway...I still say that I will NEVER sell this one. Wouldn't mind having another as a backup.

The BRIGHTEST sound you will ever get out of an acoustic. Ovation used to own this sound. However, this goes a step further sound-wise...AND you can play it without the need to put a strap around your neck. This one won't slide out from under you. Brass nut and bridge= sweet sound. Put a condensor (sp?) mike a couple feet away, a nice pzm overhead, and roll the tape...this one sounds great!

Action- superb. Fit, finish- beautiful...however, I don't know about any others, but the inlay on the head of mine is WAY off center...no need to get out the measuring tape, it's obvious.

I do depend on it, never been let down...these things are a bargain! I paid $175.00 for mine when it was brand new...When mine was (thought to be) stolen, I estimated the value at $800.00, then later thought that that was nowhere near enough to cover it- since I couldn't find another like it for sale...thinking that the only replacement for it would be a Yairi or Taylor.

There is nothing to hate about this one....just a joy to play and a joy to hear someone else play. Been playing since1974, also have a 1980 Strat, 1995 Les Paul, 1962 Musicmaster and a bunch of other stuff...

I Happened Into a Neighborhood Pawn Shop In Athens Ohio. They had Just got in, a 1985 ALVAREZ Model 5029 (Dreadnought Acoustic 6 String) (MADE IN USA)I bought this Guitar for $85.00. It has a Beautiful wood grain, (Due to lack of Heavy finish).
As for the Sound Quality, I find it to be Exceptional. This ALVAREZ
ASH FESTIVAL also came with a built in Factory Pick-up, that Plugs in from the Bottom Strap Holder. It is a SOLID ASH FACE and BACK, And I Believe that the NECK is ASH Also. (Very Thin and Comfortable) Nice Chrome Tuners, I have had it for a Month now, Play it everyday, and Only Have had to tune it Once, (Just a Tweak). I did find a Slight Warp in the Face of this Guitar right Below the Saddle. Nothing Big, Took it To Blue Eagle Music Shop, they seemed Impressed, Said that a Little Warping by the Saddle is Normal, as they are ALVAREZ Dealers. It has a Brass Nut, Brass Bridge, and Brass String Pins. I think this enhances the Sound Quality. I would Love to find another one Like it. Alvarez Also made a 5028 MAHOGANY FESTIVAL Guitar in 1987. I would be Lost without this one. I Cherish it!! If you ever get the Chance to Buy an ALVAREZ FESTIVAL Guitar, I say,, Grab it!!! You won't be Sorry!!

I Play a Lot of Gospel Music,, Mainly Rhythm, And it has a Beautiful Sound for Rhythm.. I find that Capo'd on the 2nd or 3rd fret is where it really gets a Beutiful sound. The Change in tone is phenomenal, as you go down the Neck. Love this Guitar

The Action on this Guitar is extremely LOW, so Low in fact it Should have a string Buzz, but yet it Doesnt, It Chords so easy! I find the rosewood Fretboard to be very Durable, as this Guitar is 19 years old now, and Just beginning to show a Little wear on the frets and fretboard. I Do see a Slight warp below the Bottom Bridge, but it hasn't seemed to affect the Sound. I do find if you Bump it, it will leave a mark, as this guitar Does lack a Heavy Finish,, but the Look of the wood Grain is well worth the Lack of Finish...

So far this Guitar has held up for 19 years of playing, and I would estimate that it will last another 15 years before anything major will need attention, All the Hardware and Tuners, frets etc, seem to be Factory Original, and Are Still in Great shape. I have had a few other "Name" Brand Guitars that I would not depend on, as they have let me Down a few times. I would take this guitar and do a Gig any day of the week, and Not worry about anything giving out on it. It is Of the Highest Quality Plus I am an Alvarez Man all the way!

I have been playing for a Number of Years, I had an Older Alvarez that was My Dads, when I got started Playing in the 1980's. I do Own a SAMICK (Greg Bennett Signature Series) 6 String Acoustic and I Love it as Much as the Alvarez,, But my ALVAREZ ASH FESTIVAL has a Special Place in my Heart! I Love the Feel of it, the SOUND, the ACTION, It is Just QUALITY all the way around! If it was ever Lost or Stolen, I dont know what I would Do,, (Probably Offer a Reward) If It was never to be found, I would go in search of another JUST LIKE IT! As I said Before, If you Find One, BUY IT! You wont Be sorry!

It was made in Japan in 1985. It does have a lacquer free finish which gives it a very nice look but does ding easy. All hardware is metal (brass I think). It does play very nice and has great action.

Sound is beautiful. This is my first guitar however I have been around alot since my dad (owns an ovation) and brother (owns several different types) have been playing for years. I have received many great comments on the look and sound of the guitar. I took it into get an appraisal and they were very excited to see it....the guys had lots of good things to say about it and they enjoyed playing it.

Has great action...however the hardware is not perfect...it does have some oxidation on the metal only.

Stap bolts are solid, it has lasted very well through 25 plus years of playing. It is very dependable.

Never dealt with them.

Mine was made in 1982. I believe Alvarez stopped production in '87. Top and body made of ash wood. I believe the neck is also, but am not certain. Solid top. Satin finish. Rosewood fingerboard. Fairly thin neck. Brass nut, saddle, and string pins. Came with deluxe Alvarez hardshell case.

Great sound! Base is just a tad weak, but quite acceptable. Very full, rich sound.

Put together very well. Typical Alvarez quality. Action is great, and it is a beautiful, beautiful guitar. Bookmatched ash top. Binding aroung top and also around neck. The lack of heavy laquer finish really sets of the grain of the ash, and I believe it contributes to the excellent sound of this guitar as well. Enclosed chrome tuners. Brass nut, saddle and string pegs.

This is a twenty year old guitar and it is in great shape. I bought it used, (I used to have one just like it, but had to sell it years ago and have been looking for one like it ever since), and the previous owner must have taken great care of it as it was near mint when I got it. I must say that the finish is fragile and does not protect to wood very well. I barely tapped this guitar and dinged it. It is not a guitar that one would want to take to the beach or camp out. Very well built, though.

Never dealt with them.

I have been playing off and on for over 20 years, and have owned several guitars, (Fender, Takamine, Applause, Alvarez) and this is by far the prettiest and best sounding guitar I have ever had. It holds its own against guitars costing hundreds more. I wish the finish was more durable, but that one drawback is more than compensated for by the beautiful sound. If I lost it I would be heart-broken, and would search the world over to find another. If you ever run across one of these beauties, BUY IT.