Product: Alvarez 5212B
Price Paid: N/A
Submitted
03/05/2000
at
09:44pm
by
Jay Eckles
Features
:
5
This is a follow up from my previous post - guitar is now 5 years old:
A very experienced luthier in Memphis seems to think that the top and back of this guitar are laminated. Still, I cannot find any information on the woods used for the top, sides, or back (it has a black finish that hides the grain).
Reliability/Durability
:
3
The bridge has started to lift up from the body and must be removed, leveled, and reglued. Repair estimates have ranged from $50-$125, with most being in the upper part of that range. I am disappointed in this development seeing as I do take care of it, keep it in a Taylor wood case, and really don't play it hard or as often as a professional musician.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Never could get Alvarez to give me any information on the guitar. Store where I bought it is useless. Nice folks, but useless.
Overall Rating
:
No Opinion
was a good first guitar, but I'm going to replace it rather than spend 1/4 its value to repair it...I'm going to keep it though. Maybe I'll get it back in shape one of these days.
Product: Alvarez 5212B
Price Paid: US $around $400
Submitted
04/11/1999
at
10:34pm
by
Jay Eckles
Features
:
7
'94 model pure acoustic, made in St. Louis, MO. Black finish, dreadnought body, uncertain of wood used, but solid front and back. Rosewood bridge and fretboard, dot inlays with a fancy design inlayed at the 12th fret. Ivory binding, chrome tuners. One ivory-colored plastic strap button on bottom of guitar.
crappy case, a strap, some picks, strings, etc. thrown in by the store.
Sound
:
8
Very nice sound, full and deep...good volume, resonates well. Tried many different strings and am still trying to settle on a favorite. Using phosphor-bronze right now and like it a lot.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
Fantastic craftsmanship-finish is smooth as glass-reflects like mirror when polished. plays great, keeps tune. I like the action, but it is not adjustable.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
Owned for almost 5 years now, has a couple of dings and that's it. Finish is very durable and it took some hard knocks to make those dings. Built like a rock really.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
No contact with Alvarez whatsoever.
Overall Rating
:
9
My first guitar, turned out not only great as a beginning guitar, but I have enjoyed playing it to this day. I plan to buy a 12 string, but I do not plan to replace this 6 string. Wish it came with a real case - the one that came with it was basically cardboard. I bought a Taylor hardshell case for it, a worth investment that has probably helped keep the guitar in great condition. Looks really good, sounds good too.
