Alvarez 5059

Found this guitar in a pawn shop two weeks ago. Headstock has a rectangle mother of pearl inlay... very basic but oddly interesting. I saw that it had a nice soundhole mic/ pickup in it, so I figured at $130 this was a decent buy. Looks like a Japanese version of a Martin HD-28 (at least visually). Action on this guitar was horrendous. The top looked solid, but I didn't know a thing about this guitar so I had it checked out. I took it to the Gibson Repair Shop in Nashville, TN and they looked it over for me-- solid spruce top and solid rosewood back and sides. Mahogany neck with a pretty beefy feel... a soft 'v' profile. Herringbone trim and some nice snowflake inlays. The top on this guitar is pretty worn, but the finish is a nice deep honey-amber.

After talking to the Gibson Repair tech, I tweaked the truss rod and really cut down the saddle. Determined at all cost to find out what this guitar would sound like, I got off pretty easy. It sings now. It is not a Martin, but then I wouldn't call this a cheap acoustic either. It has a rich full bass and is pretty well balanced. It was a $130 gamble that I couldn't be happier with.

This was a pawn shop purchase, some thirty years after it was made... so all that I can recount is the condition in which I found it. As I mentioned above, the action was wretched. Minor adjustments to the truss rod and the saddle height fixed this. The build on this guitar is very impressive. The only cosmetic flaw that I see is the glue/finish of the nut at the headstock... very sloppy relative to how pretty the rest of the work on the guitar is. The rosewood is beautiful and bookmatched perfectly. The top is equally pretty.

Given that this guitar is 30+ years old, this will last a long, long time. It was well built. The small adjustments I gave it made it sing-- so I've got nothing but good things to say on this end. I haven't played out with it yet, but I will and I have no doubt it will hold up fine. I have a set of Grovers ready to throw on it, but the cheap factory tuners have held tune perfectly... no reason to switch (yet).

The only comment I will make here is that it is nearly impossible outside this Harmony-Central forum to find any information on this guitar. As far as dating it goes, I've found no solid resource to do so. The guitar is far better that Alvarez's record-keeping. I have dealt with St/ Louis Music before with a Yairi WY-1 that had a broken headstock (air travel)-- they replaced the guitar with no questions asked.

I have owned far too many acoustics. This is the first time I have ever written a review on one. My main guitar is a Martin D-28, one that I benchmark everything I play against. The only guitar that ever compared to it was a 99 D-18V that I never should have parted with. But I have a soft spot for older Japanese acoustics, and that is why I took a chance on this Alvarez. I have a 1980 Takamine F349 that records better than any Martin I've owned; I don't have illusions that this Alvarez will be that, but I have been very pleased with it. In short, great guitar and as it is solid wood throughout, a great find as well. If you come across one, don't hesitate on buying it-- if it is anything like mine, you'll be pretty pleased.

This guitar has been my constant companion for almost 30 years, and like all the other reviewers, I am truly happy with it. Gloss finish, herringbone dreadnought, inexpensive tuners (but they've lasted), nice round neck that really fills up your palm, solid top (as best I can tell). The decorative touches are tasteful and simple rather than ornate. I learned the word "herringbone" from this guitar (the binding and rosette). Don't know the woods but I assume the top is spruce; it has mellowed over the years into a beautiful glowing gold. I bought this guitar new in 1978 for something like $240 (it was on sale, 40% off retail). It came with a chipboard case which I long ago discarded for a good gig bag.

I play a little bit of everything: blues, rock, pop, roots, singer/songwriter, some country, etc. I would describe the sound of this guitar as full and mellow--not bright like a Taylor but somewhat "woody" like an old Gibson, though not as loud or rich. Bass doesn't boom like a lot of dreads--to me, the tone is nicely balanced. Decent sustain, nice when strummed. Over the years I've installed a Martin Thinline under-saddle; a Dean Markley Sweet Spot under-saddle; and now a really good and inexpensive system, the Artec AGEMC, which combines an under-saddle pickup with an internal condenser mic. GREAT amplified sound.

I can't remember how the guitar was set up new, but it must have been good or I wouldn't have bought it. Over the years I've had a good bit of work done on it. One refret, various nut/saddle combos (bone nut and saddle for the past decade); a repair to the neck joint when I dropped this guitar; etc. It's scuffed and scarred and beat up all over--kinda like me :-) The action is medium-low (how I like it) and I run medium-light D'Addarios on it (light top, medium bottom). I've owned Gibsons, Larrivees, Takamines, etc, but I keep coming back to this guitar because no matter what else I try, the Alvarez action and fit just suit me...like pulling on your favorite pair of old jeans.

I use this guitar live. In my current band I tried a Pete Anderson Larrivee, a Gibson LG-1, and another Alvarez, and I kept coming back to this one. It's a workhorse and a beater and I use it on gigs without backup all the time.

All the repairs and tweaks over the years have been by independent guitar shops, not by Alvarez. I like Alvarez guitars--I own four--but I will say that their website is almost useless as far as finding info and giving customer support. I'd like to see them be a little more accessible on the web, so that's why the low score here.

I've been playing 35 years. I own a bunch of other gear (in my life I've owned maybe two dozen guitars), but if I lost this Alvarez I would try like crazy to get it back. It's really the only guitar I've ever been sentimental about. It has given me countless hours of pleasure, and (obviously) I love it.

I bought my 5059 in the mid 70s. It has the beautiful harringbone detail around the body and sound hole, snowflake fingerboard inlays and a pearlescent Alvarez logo inlay in the head. All of which still look as good today as they did when the guitar was new 31 years ago.

I'm amazed at the qulaity of the sound. It never fails, each time I let a new guitarist acquiatance play it, they comment on how rich the tone is, or how warm and beautiful the guitar sounds. I have heard it up against all the major makers, and it holds it own against or shines above the very best.

The guitar has a comfortable balance and feels good to hold. The neck thickness has a great feel and the action is incredible. While learning to play, I considered this instrument a little hard to play, but I have grown to realize how nice it truly is. The narrower nut may be a little tight for larger hands, but mine are a bit thick and I have come to love the feel. The finish is still in great shape. There is a little white clouding in the finish on the face of the head, but other than that, it has held up remarkably well.

This guitar is tuff. Believe me, after 31 years (several of which was without a case as it fell apart after years on the road and it took me a while to replace it) this guitar has been through the ringer. It has taken more than it's share of knocks and drops and has held up great. The worst case was a broken strap and a long drop to the corner of a monitor off stage. That resulted in a small crack in the shell, but considering the impact, I'm greatful it didn't shatter into splinters. Like I said, this guitar is tuff. Very well built.

The tuners became loose from wear and had to be replaced at about year 15. Well, out of warranty. So, I can't comment about Alvarez's support.

I have been playing for about 32 years. I have owned Alvarez, Gibson, Yamaha and Ibanez. I have also played Taylor, Takamine and Martin with a degree of frequency.

I bought it new in 1977. The solid spruce top has gotten warmer with age. A beautiful deep gold, Herringbone inlay around the top and soundhole, It also has a 2 piece back with a herringbone inlay going up the joint. Abalone "A" logo on headstock, pearl snowflake inlays on the fingerboard. The back & sides are rosewood.

Warm full sound, excellent sustain.

Set up from factory was great.

This guitar is a trooper. Still new after all these years.

Never had a need for repair, or warranty.

It has outlasted my husbands and it keeps going and going. It is like a best friend that is always there when you need it.

Bought this guitar new about 1977. See specs in other reviews. About 5-6 years ago replaced tuners and added a piezo thinline pickup under the bridge piece. Nice dreadnought body, very comfortable.

Play mostly to suit myself - James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, some flatpicking, some blues. Plug in occasionally when gigging with other players, but have never been happy with the pickup I installed. When playing with a group, I mic the guitar. The Alvarez has a rich sound with good definition -- fine for all around play. Since I gather that Alvarez guitars kind of went lower quality over the years from when these were made, other players are surprised when they hear mine or pick it up and play it. I don't think I could do better for under $1,000 in a new acoustic electric guitar today -- I've been looking at all the standard offerings.

Guitar had a flaw on purchase in one of the snowflake ivory inlays - a piece of one missing. Got me a good buy at the time. : ) Other than that, very nice looking guitar and very easy action.

Guitar has held up for over 25 years and going strong. I've never babied it and there are small scratches and a couple of dings -- no real effect on looks or sound. I do notice that the finish on the back is getting a little "cloudy" in places.

Never had to deal with customer support.

Been playing since 1970 or so. Have an Epiphone knockoff of a Gibson Dot, and a raft of home recording equipment. Been playing a lot more lately and keep wondering if I should spring for a Takamine or suchlike acoustic electric. But after playing the prime candidates of around $800-$1200 in the stores, I keep thinking that after I spent that kind of money, I will find myself wondering why I just didn't stay with my smooth, friendly, wonderful sounding friend for as long as she holds out.

I bought my 5059 on Ebay as a as is purchase.Best I can find out it was made in early to mid 70s'.I think it has a solid spruce top since I can find no separation in the sound hole. Back and sides are rosewood as well as fret board. Rather flat finish with herringbone purfling. Bound fretboard. Snow flake inlays on fretboard which I had to glue one down that was loose when I bought it.

Sound, WOW! After cleaning it up and putting on new strings (Elixir Poly Light) I was amazed at the rich full sound especially on the low strings.I have a Yari DY40 and a WY1 and the 5059 will match either of them except the WY1 amplified. The 5059 is my player and first choice amongst friends when they visit.

Not sure of the source of set-up since I bought it used and have no idea of how many owners it has had. For me the set-up is perfect. The guitar shows a lot of use so someone or someones liked it well enough to play it to the extent it show wear on the fretboard. I'm sure the frets have been replaced due to lack of wear compared to fretboard. No apparent flaws in fit or finish except normal wear from a lot of use.

It has obviously had a lot of use and perhaps abuse and is still intact and plays and sounds great. Shows a lot of wear in ther finish on back of neck otherwise just nicks from use. I would take it anywhere without fear of malfunction. I think it's as tough as you will find in a guitar that sounds good as well. I don't do gigs but have loaned it to a friend on occasions who does when he needs an acoustic

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I have only been playing guitar for a relatively short time compared to most reviews on this guitar. I bought this on Ebay as-is for a small amount of money and did't expect much. I did read the reviews before I bought it but being an as-is ????? I have a Yairi DY-40, Yari WY1, Alvarez RD20SC, Alvarez 5022 Professional and a Cordoba Classical. The 5059 is my favorite and my player. If it was stolen or lost or just gives up the ghost I would try to replace it.

My Alvarez (dreadnought)was bought new for me in 1982 as a Christmas present from my parents. I wanted a "better" guitar than the one I was playing, so after playing what then seemed like every guitar in the city of Houston, this was my choice that my folks could afford (I was 17 at the time). I chose this particular one because I just loved the tone and the action (more on the action below)

It did not orignally have any kind of pickup in it, but I have since had a Martin Thin-Line pickup added.

As near as I can tell, the top is solid, not laminate. I can't tell you anything about any of the woods used in the guitar. I'm guessing rosewood for the fingerboard (like all other Alvarez guitars), given how well it has held up over the years.

The tone on my Alvarez is very full and warm, both acoustically and electrically. I have a friend who keeps offering to buy it from me, because it has such a beautiful and wonderful tone.

WHen I bought the guitar, I was debating between 2 different choices; I choice this one because the action was higher and the guitar had a "cleaner" sound. I am now (22 years later!!!) regretting that choice. Adult responsibilities don't allow me NEAR as much tme to play as I'd like, so I don't have quite the same finger strentgh as I used to. There were no flaws in the guitar, and the finish was perfect!!

I had a regular solo gig I played in college, as well as opening for a blues band some friends had. Just me and my Alvarez (thus the reason for instaling the Martin Thinline. And it handled it all just beautifully. I did it before and I'd do it again without hesistation.

I have never had to contact the Alvarez company. However, I read on their website they warranty their products "without time limit". I like that kind of faith in their product.

Overall rating? A 9.5 What would I do if it were lost or stolen? Cry for about a week, then buy a new one (There are three things to remove in event of fire - me, dog and guiitar).

mine is still factory setup other than added grover tuners (a must for any guitar). no pickup, no other extras.

nice gloss finish that is not covered with dings and scratches. nice top binding and sound hole binding. plain back binding. abalone diamond fret markers and abalone "A" logo on headstock

unmatched for guitars 4 times the price. i have a guild jumbo that doesn't hold a candle to this freakish little gem. everyone who plays it comments on the sound. great bass for a dread. can't say enough about the finish.

bough used. was probably 15 yrs old when i bought it, probably 30 now.

this is my everyday player. it has been dropped, kicked, had a plant take a 12 foot tumble onto it. i've had the head stock repaired from a particularly hard tipover. gets a truss rod adjustment every 5 yrs or so. this guitar has been through hell and still is what my ears know as "perfect acoustic sound".

no need.

for the price, you absolutely can not beat this guitar. i own a couple tele's, a couple strats, a paul, a jumbo guild acoustic and this alvares. this is and has been my everyday player since the day i bought it. i love the tone. even though i wasn't sure about buying an alvarez that fateful day in 91, i love everything about it now. has a vintage look about it. it also has the alvarez (lawsuit) paddle headstock instead of the stupid looking alvarez, artsy headstock they went to in the late 90's.

1973, made in Japan. passive pickup added in 1998

very balanced, warm sound.

small trussrod adjustment. need to be re-fretted below the 5th. i have 5 other guitars but this on is my favorite because is has a mold discoloration under the finish on the back.

this guitar goes everywhere with me. it has been from L.A. to New York and Europe. never a problem.

never needed it

this was my 1st guitar. It's my favorite guitar. My dad gave it too me as a gift on my 15th birthday because i wanted to learn to play. i don't know what i'd do if i ever lost it.

I bought my 1970's Alvarez 5059 online for $200.00. It's a really great looking guitar, it has herringbone inlay around the top & around the soundhole, pearl snowflake inlays on the fingerboard. Top is solid spruce, back & sides are rosewood, not absolutely sure if it is laminate or solid, it appears to be solid though as the grain patterns inside match the outside. The fingerboard is rosewood & the bridge. Bridge has pearl snowflake inlays. Slim mahogany neck. Enclosed tuners.

I like the sound of this guitar, it is well balanced, rich & warm sounding. It's pretty loud & has great sustain.

The action on this guitar is low, actually too low as it buzzes slightly on the lower E. I like to play it as it is easily fretted & a pleasure to fingerpick. I am not sure what I need to do to stop the buzzing, but the neck is straight, probably raise the nut or maybe just tweek the truss rod. The tuners work well, the guitar stays in tune & has good intonation.

For a guitar almost 30 years old this guitar is in nice shape, the finish overall looks great. I have never played live with this guitar or amped it. Good strap buttons.

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I own about 7 acoustics & this is one of my favorites. My favorite acoustic is a 1978 Ibanez 698, essentially a Gibson J-200 copy. The Ibanez has a big loud warm sound, with great sustain. The Alvarez sounds similar with less volume, it is a little more cutting than the Ibanez probably due to the rosewood sides & back.