Alvarez 5054 12-String

My Alvarez 5054 12 string was mfg. in 1977, it is a dreadnought style, solid spruce top, round soundhole, herringbone bound body and rosette, tortoise pickguard, rosewood back/sides, nato neck, 14/20-fret rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlay, rosewood bridge with white pearl dot pins, rosewood veneer on peghead, 6-per-side chrome tuners, and natural finish.

The Alvarez 5054 12-string is a great guitar for country gospel music. I use a Dean Markley pro-mag pickup and patch into the church's sound system. My 12 string sounds great acoustically and through the sound system.

The guitar was set-up fairly well at factory. There were no flaws that I could see.

I have been playing this guitar since 1977 and it continues to sound better each time I play it. It is a dependable guitar and I have never carried a backup guitar.

Never used Customer Support

I have been playing for 40 years. I own an Alvarez PD 80 6 string, 1911 Gibson "Style O", Epiphone PR 650, Fender Telecaster, Fender A style Mandolin, and a Martin backpacker.

This is a very "plain" guitar, nothing outstanding looks-wise. All the effort seems to have gone into making a great sounding guitar. Solid rosewood sides and back. spruce top, ebony bridge, rosewood fretboard, medium frets. Crappy tuners like most 70's Jap guitars.

I like the fact it's kinda "understated". See it, and you don't expect much. Then when it's played you get blown away. It's oh so cool.

A real nice balance between the bass and treble side. A little 'brighter' then my Guild 412, but I really consider this as a 'no-excuses' guitar. I kinda struggled with giving it a 10 rating, but it's closer to a 10 than a 9.

Originally got this as a back-up to my Guild. Never needed it in that capacity, but it was different enough that I prefer it for some songs. (Anything by Mr. Lightfoot for example). Original setup was good (that's very subjective), and it's always been in the ballpark. I like it better with light silks. Over the long run the only flaw I would mention is that the bridge pins dis-integrated (talk about a minor problem), and the tuners are pretty junky.

It's 30 years old, and traveled all over. It's been kicked over, dropped, had beers spilled on/in it. And its still good enough to make a living with. What more could you want?

No Idea. Never needed fixing. Been in St. Louis, but cab-driver couldn't find the building.

Got started more than half a century ago. I'm what we now like to call a multi-instrumentalist. Play in half a dozen bands, jazz, blues, metal, punk, Cajun and Irish.

This is a great guitar. The first time you pick it up you immediately recognize that it "has something". And it ain't just me, I've had some friends (including some well-known players) try it out and give it a thumbs-up.

I'm not saying I would trade my Guild for it, but I've not come across a comparable second choice. And considering that nowadays this is a sub $400 guitar it's an outright bargain.

Made in Japan, 1978 best I can figure, 14-fret 12-string with solid spruce top and (I believe) laminated rosewood back and sides. Has an adjustable bridge with plastic saddle and nut. Tuners are cheap two-piece with Kluson style buttons. The neck is Louisville Slugger fat which suits me just fine. One interesting thing is the headstock is very narrow and the A, D, G & B strings all bend at the lower tuner posts. I've seen that on a few of the older Alvarez 12's. Bought used so no case. Nothing special in the features department. But you don't buy these old guitars for looks.

How does it sound? Like the sweetest 12-string I've ever played! I shopped for 12's for about a year before deciding I would go with an older one. I looked at Alvarez's newer models which are very nice, Takamine, Taylor (just for comparison, way out of my price range), Gibson and Martin. Honestly, none of them sound better than this old 5054. The bass response is tremendous--there when I need it and tucked away when I don't. The highs are strong and clear and the mids are like butter.

Can't rate it for factory set-up as it was 25 years old when I bought it. There are a few dings on the front, back is flawless. The rosewood is absolutely gorgeous and very well bookmatched. The soundhole rosette is kind of cheap looking, some sort of Spanish motif. But I didn't buy it for looks!

Would absolutely withstand live playing. You can get one of these for about $200 to back up your sissy Taylor and when it breaks you can beat on this thing for the rest of the set, jam backstage and a little more on the bus and it will still be ready for more tomorrow. Mine's almost 30 years old and apart from a ding or two looks as good as when it was on the showroom floor. The bridge is still rock solid after 28 years of 12-string tension. I think it's the way the strings bend at the posts on the skinny head, perhaps it keeps the tension of the bridge some. It has an end pin.

Never dealt with Alvarez. Very used so I doubt they could help me.

Been playing for over 20 years now. More than an amateur, but by no means a professional. I own many cheap acoustics, cheaper electrics and a few nice ones. Current faves are a Gibson SG Standard, Stillwater Tele modified with a neck humbucker and an old Samick that I let my kids beat on. It takes a licking and keeps on ticking.

If this were stolen, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another old Alvarez 12. I haven't played all of their older models, but the 5054 is the one that did it for me. For not a lot of dough, you get a sound comparable with anything out there--and I mean anything! Nothing I've played--even guitars costing 10 times as much--has outperformed this old girl. Alvarez guitars in the 70's were hand built, one at a time. When they first got here, 'Made in Japan' meant "junk" here in the states. I can tell you that they were wrong. I'm a fan of what they are putting out now, but the guitars made in that era are treasures. The market value on them is nowhere near what the player value is. Look at the reviews here--I'll bet not one of these people would give their 5054 up for a guitar with a big name on it and 10 times the price.

I got this guitar brand new in 1975 as a Christmas present. It was the first guitar I ever owned. A friend of mine had a Yairi 12 string which he let me strum a few times and I knew right then I wanted one too. Unfortunately, I was still in high school (working part time to pay for a car and college) and my family wasn't exactly rolling in money, but I finally bugged and convinced my old man that I had some talent by learning some chords and banging out a few tunes on an old finger eating guitar of his that I found in the attic. Although it wasn't a Yairi, it was definitely the best Christmas present I ever got. As far as features, the other posts already listed them. I started jamming and learning with my friend and this guitar sounded and played as good as his Yairi but without the cosmetics.

The sound of this guitar is incredible. I've played alongside people with Martins, Taylors, Ovations, etc. and this particular guitar sounded as good or better than any of them. In fact, I used to gig with a friend who had a Martin and was quite snobbish about it. The Alvarez was in storage at the time and I was playing an Ovation. The first time I showed up with the Alvarez and she heard it, there was no more talk about how superior her Martin was. This guitar actually sounds that good. I have several acoustic guitars including a Martin, Ovation, and Ibanez, but none of them have such a full and sweet sound like the Alvarez. Maybe it's this particular guitar, but I've yet to hear any acoustic that sounds better unplugged.

This guitar was set up great right out of the box. I've owned it now for over 30 years and It's never been in the shop. The only problem I ever had was that the factory tuners were definitely crap. They eventually became so bad that I used it as a six string because half of the tuners slipped so much. In '84 I put new Grovers on it and haven't had any tuning problems since then. Also, the case it came in was basically nothing more than a cardboard box with felt inside. It was held together with duct tape until I finally got a proper one for it.

As far as reliability and durability, I'm almost ashamed to admit the extremes I put this guitar through. It has been locked in car trunks for days in the dead of winter and middle of summer. It went through a period of several years without seeing a case and left at party scenes both indoors and outdoors for long occasions in many adverse conditions. Luckily, it still looks and plays beautifully and is well taken care of now. The binding and finish have darkened with age, which actually give it a nice look deserving of it's age. It may be a psychological thing, but I honestly think it sounds better as it ages. One thing I know for sure is that it has taken some pretty rough abuse and is still in excellent condition.

A few months after I first got it, I took it to the music store where it was purchased and complained about the tuners starting to slip. They pretty much blew me off and said I should send it to the factory. It was still in warranty at the time, but I didn't want to go through the hassle of shipping it back and probably get the tuners replaced with the same $%^&*@ ones that came with it. The music store been out of business for many years now. I wish they were still open so I could show them the guitar and then kick the salesmen's ass.

I've been playing guitar since I got this one, a little over 30 years. Before that I was classically trained on the piano, trumpet, and French horn. I don't really read music that well anymore and don't need to. I mainly play acoustic and electric guitar. I also play bass proficiently and dabble on the keyboards and drums, along with as many other stringed instruments I run across. I've played in club bands of every type and style of music and done studio session work. I still don't consider myself a professional musician because I cannot yet support myself (and my ex-wife and kids) without a solid day job. I have a pretty decent home studio which I am constantly dumping as much money and time into as possible and have a ton of gear which I plan to start using for gigs again. Anyhow, enough about me and the other gear I own. If this guitar were lost or broken I would truly grive because it can't be replaced. If it were stolen, I would rabidly hunt down the thief and make him suffer as if he had taken one of my children. To sum it up, I would part with almost anything else I own before I let this guitar go because it was my first and is practically an extension of myself. No tears, please :)

This one was made in 1978 in Japan. I bought it from a friend of mine in 1982 for $220.00 and it is the best investment that I have made, musically speaking. It has 20 frets, solid spruce top, mahogany neck, and laminated rosewood back, sides, and headstock. The bridge appears to be rosewood. I got the brown turtle shell case with orange velour lining. I use a DiMarzio removable pickup that fits in the sound hole. I love the thickness and size of the neck. It is relatively thick and, as I learned my very first chords on a classical guitar, I find this one easy to play.

I play a variety of different music styles from folk to rock, rock-a-billy, blues, Beatles, CSNY, etc. The full, rich sound is absolutely wonderful! I play through a practice amp and use a distortion pedal for the leads...yes, this guitar plays leads quite comfortably.

The action on this guitar is outstanding! I like it better than my Takamine acoustic. It rarely goes out of tune. I have been playing this guitar for nearly 25 years and I thoroughly enjoy the experience each and every time. I have had to repair it a couple of times. Years ago it was dropped from about 4 feet high and needed patching on the back. Recently, I also has to replace a couple of the ribs at the base of the neck and the string holders are in need of replacement. The finish is beginning to come off of the back of the neck near the headstock due to "normal" wear. Otherwise, the fit and finish are awesome.

The proof is in th eplaying. I have played this instrument hard for many years. It's like the energizer bunny. Keeps going and going.

If this guitar ever got lost, stolen, or ruined, I would be heartbroken. I would search for another just like it. I agree with the other reviews about this guitar. Regardless where it was made, it is a beautiful, warm, incredible instrument.

I'm not positive of the exact year. I'd guess 1979-83. It was made in Japan. It has a solid spruce top with rosewood back and sides. The neck is mahogany ane the fretboard rosewood. The bridge style is a pin bridge made of rosewood. The materials used to make this guitar are very nice. It has a two piece back. It is a well constructed instrument. It came with a brown chipboard case that had a bright yellow fake fur lining. The case has done a adequate job of protecting the guitar.

I play some old rock, folk, and standards. Its strong point is the rich, full sound. It really is excellent! It definitely is a players guitar.

The action for a 12-string is excellent. I've not had any problems in the over 25 years I've had it. There have been no major flaws that I've noticed only on the back I've got a small spot where the finish has hazed a bit. It could be just wear. The quality is very good.

The guitar is well made to withstand tough playing. It has stood the test of time. Its a guitar you can depend on.

I've never had any problems. N/A

I've been playing for 30+ years. I also own a Gibson ES-125, Sigma Martin C-5 classical, a Yamaha classical, and a Aria classical.

The guitar reveiwed here is the one I just purchased yesterday. I was looking up Alvarez 12 strings to see what kind of guitar this fellow might be selling. I wasn't necessarily looking for a 12 string. My buddy knew I was thinking about and looking for a Gibson Jumbo. He sent me an email that this guys was selling this Alvarez 12 string. This fellow inserted first a thin line pickup in the bridge but said it made it too tinny sounding so he installed a Dean Markly pick up in it. It doesn't sound too bad but I don't like the pickup blocking the sound hole when I'm playing acoustically. I may take the Markley out and see what that other pick up sounds like (still in the bridge) Rosewood neck and sides and seems like a nicely constructed instrument. I love my Gibsons !!! But I have to say for a Japan guitar this seems pretty nice. Plays well.

The sound is good. I think it will sound even better once I get the pickup out of the sound hole. I haven't played a lot of 12 strings but this one sounds as good as any I've played (Guild, Seagulls)There is just a bit of a buzz on the high E string. I haven't figured out the problem yet but it's possibly in the nut. It may need some dressing. Time to call Ted. Everyone needs a good guitar guy. It's almost as important as having a computer nerd as a friend. I'd keep the # 10 rating in sound reserved for that Gibson Jumbo I hope to buy some day. Nothin' sounds like the KING of the flat tops.

The action is proper for a 12 string I suppose. I know the neck is straight and the upper frets don't buzz.

Seems to stay in tune well. This one needs new strings but even with the strings on it they stay in tune. Seems tough enough. I no longer wack my guitars around so hopefully it will survive my playing.

Never delt with Alvarez

I have Gibson's. A ES335 electric, a 1970 flat top, a 1964 Melody Maker, SO this must be a pretty nice guitar for me to buy it. It's a nice guitar for the price I paid. A deal I couldn't pass up. I'm sure I could sell it for more if I needed the Cash. Probably wont though I like to hoard guitars now.

Price Paid: US $275 new
Purchased from: Can't remember...purchased in 1983......Evansville, Indiana.


First off I have to agree with the first Two guys who reviewed it in Their description of this guitar as a dream come true.
20 frets, an adjustable body bridge, does not have built in pickups, and the tuners don't angle in enough to keep the strings seperated from each other behind the neck bridge. Made in Japan.

Oddly enough, the story the second guy told about how he bought this guitar is the same story that I tell everyone that I know about this guitar. The day I bought this guitar I was at a music store which stocked over a dozen different 12 string acoustic guitars. This was the first and last one I played....one chord after I finished playing the last guitar on the rack the others and I walked to the counter with it. The price (thank GOD) was affordable. It indeed, beat everything else in the store like a red headed step child. Rich" and "Bright" are precisely how this giutar sounds. It is indeed a "sweet" guitar. A rare find........a treasure that I am glad I found.

Action, Fit, & Finish: 10
I have fairly large hands, and to be honest I liked the sound so much that I use it as a six string instead of the 12 these days. I can always add the other strings when the need for a 12 makes it self known. The action is perfect, and I've had no problems with the finish other than a dent and a scratch or two.

To be honest....it was the sound that sold it.....all others problems if they existed at all didn't impact the decision to buy.

Ditto........it holds it's tune extremely well. Highly reliable!!!!

I've played nothing but this 12 string as my main acoustic axe for 20 years. Before that, it was an ALVAREZ,5056 ARTIST DREADNOUGHT
TREE OF LIFE, GUITAR 1979 - 1985. I donated that guitar (and it's sweet also)to my kids for their learning enjoyment as learning to play with a crappy guitar is highly demotivating. I also own and play a Gibson Les Paul Studio electric and a Charvell electric.

Were the 12 string stolen, I also would search the world over looking for another exactly like it. I will also keep this guitar until I die and then NO coffin. I expect someone in the family will be playing by then. The sound this baby produces is it's #1 feature and any deficits it has are totally insignifficant.

Submitted by Douglas Buck at 02/13/2003

First off I have to agree with the first guy who reviewed it in his description of this guitar as a dream come true. You can set this baby out in the breeze and it will make beautiful music all by itself.
As for spec's, it has 20 frets, an adjustable body bridge, does not have built in pickups, and the tuners don't angle in enough to keep the strings seperated from each other behind the neck bridge. As I bought it used and don't know one type of wood from another I have no idea what it's made of. This one sez it was made in Japan and my impression is that it's about 4 or 5 years old. I've been playing it for several months and the more I play it the better I like it.

The day I bought this guitar I was at a music store which stocked over a dozen different 12 string acoustic guitars some of which were over $2,000 and this one, which was used, beat everything else in the store like a red headed step child. I suppose the words "Rich" and "Bright" are very descriptive but I would use the idea of "sweet" as most accurate. Playing this is like eating your favorite candy bar where you can't wait to get to the next bite and you get depressed when your finished. You WILL play this guitar until your fingers bleed and then you'll go put super glue on them and continue. It's that good.

The action is good but could have been better, the neck is a tad narrow at the nut so an A chord is about only possible with two fingers and the finish has an extreme problem "blushing" when exposed to ANY humidity which turns the clear finish a cloudly color which will totally deface what is otherwise a really beautiful stain and finish. I'm talking about area's 6" in dia. in 3 or 4 places on the back and sides of the body and up on the neck above the nut as well. This goes away after a couple of weeks but you'll freak the first time you see it. I left it out in the garage overnight once under high humidity levels. I'd have to say that this would not stand up cosmetically were it to have to spend a lot of time outdoors.

Aside from the cosmetic problem with humidity I'd think it would be as rugged as any acoustic can be expected to be. I probably have about 100 hours on it so far and can say that it holds it's tune extremely well. If you haven't had a 12 string before this is a very big deal!

Wouldn't know as I bought it used.

I've played nothing but 12 string guitars for 23 years and currently also have a yamaha acoustic as well as two electric 12 string's. Were it stolen I'd search the world over looking for another exactly like it and will keep this guitar until I die and even then I'll try to take it into the coffin with me but I'm sure my son will pry it from my cold, dead, sore, fingers. The sound this baby produces is it's #1 feature and any deficits it has are ignored. It would have been nice if it had a built in pickup.

12 string guitar with rosewood sides and back and a solid spruce top, maple neck with a rosewood fretboard.

This guitar sounds amazing...it is unbelievable. Perfect for soft love songs but it also has that great 12 string sound. I've never heard another 12 string that sounds like this in my life!

Low action and the wood is very beautiful. Sometimes I just sit and look at this guitar and thank god that it found me.

I baby my guitar so I dont know...the finish is good enough to last and it could definitely withstand live playing.

I would have payed 10 times that price for this guitar. If it were stolen I couldn't go on, seriously. You'll fall in love with these, I promise. I highly reccomend it to anyone who is looking for a good 12 string.