Alvarez 5074

Satin finish, solid wood all the way through, The K&K is passive. Very few bells and whistles, the way I like it.

I do mostly fingerstyle these days, playing backup to various singers for various venues. When I'm asked to accompany somebody, the 5074 is the axe I reach for, over several other guitars. The sound is mellow enough it doesn't override the artist, yet if one digs in just a little, it really rings out. I played it for many years (20 plus) with the orginal pickup, which was just fine. A few years ago, I had a K&K Western installed, and have never looked back. K&K's now reside in all my guitars. Over the years, as the guitar has aged, the sound has gotten more complex and intresting. Rich and full. I'd give it a 9 only because there are occasions when I wish I could get more volume. That might be expecting to much, however.

From the factory, it played just fine. After dinging around with many brands of strings, I settled on D'Addario EJ 16's. About 4 years ago, I had the bridge and saddle changed out to Tusq, and plan on changing that out to bone in the near future. The Tusq was better, and bone will be better yet. Maybe I'll get that last bit of elusive volume I've been looking for.

Fit and finish are flawless. There's never been any problems with glue joints, finish, etc. The top is bookmatched spruce, back and sides a high grade of mahogany with a lovely arched two piece back. The top has aged to a beautiful rich amber, the rosewood fingerboard and bridge have darkened nicley over the years. I'm on my third set of frets up to the 9th, so it has been played a lot. The neck has a great contour, good for chording.

This guitar has been played live 100's of times, and still stands up well. The finish below the strings is finally starting to show a little wear (no pickguard, which I really like the looks of). I've never used heavy picks, and out of habit don't pick hit the guitar very much, which may contribute to the lack of wear. The only issue I had with hardware was the tuners, which were adequate, but not great. They have been changed out to Schallers, only for my own benefit, not the guitars. I have, and would again, gig without any backup for this guitar except for a couple of extra sets of strings. Occansionally I'll take a second guitar along, but only for a different sound, not as a replacement.

Never had need of it.

I've been playing for over 30 years, and in the last 10 have gotten pretty serious. In addition to the 5074, I currently own a couple of Tacoma's, a close to 40 year old Ovation (now retired), and as little gear as possible. Several guitars have come and gone, but the 5074 is still a main player. Finally had to breakdown a buy a small amp in addition to a good mike because some sound systems are really bad. If it were stolen, I haunt Ebay and shops until I could replace it. What I love about the guitar is it's ease of playing, warm mellow sound, and it's classic looks. As stated, the wood has aged wonderfully over the years. My kids like to argue about who's going to get it after I've gone to my eternal home.

In comparison to other guitars, I foolishly thought about trading it for a Martin or Taylor a few years ago. After taking it to a large shop and playing it next to 314's, 414's, D18's and 28's, I came home with it and swore never to do that again. There was no comparison. Those other guitars may sound pretty good in a few years, but I'm sure not going to trade and find out.

I have been asked to sell it a few times, and like to show the person in question the orginal price tag of $835 (not what I paid!) Then they are told I'd have to at least double this to get the same quality guitar. They may shake their heads in dis-belief, but I know there are very few guitars in the $1,000 or less price range that sound this good.

The only thing I wish it had was a 1 3/4" nut. However, the 1 11/16" is great for fast chord changes.

I am the proud new owner of this beautiful instrument. It is a fullsize dreadnaught with a cutaway for clear access to 18 frets. The solid spruce top resonates witha warmth that could only be compared to an HD-28. The Mahogany sides and arched back bound in white with a unique herringbone rosette make this a gorgeous looking instrument. The pezio bridge pick up sounds much better than my newer Alvarez even with only basic volume and tone controls. For more control I'll be looking for a Para-di soon.

I like the added bass response, since my other guitars have all been folk size and lack that bass component. It has Elixer strings on it right now so it has a mellow sound, but it really rings when you play it hard. I'm going to get some Alchemy strings soon because I like that they are a little brighter.

For a guitar that was made in 1983 it has held together very well. No looseness at the joints, all the trim is beautiful and the top has aged to a beautiful dark amber color. The action is great, but it will need some minor fretwork in the near future. Overall the guitar is very well made and will stand up to many more years of playing.

I feel that I could rely fully and completely on this instrument. I haven't touched the tuners in a week

Never had a reason to contact Alvarez or St. Louis Music company. Thier website is definitely geared toward new sales with very little information about older models. I would like to see more info and support for those of us who already have their product.

I've been playing for over 30 years off and on. I also own a RF20c Alvarez and an old and very unique Framus. This is certainly my best guitar and I love to sit down and play it.