Product: Alvarez 5313 Acoustic
Price Paid: US $100 used
Submitted
07/24/1999
at
07:35pm
by
Gil Stevenson, RN
Email: stevns at idir<dot>net
Features
:
8
I bought this 1980 model three and a half years ago as a reward for surviving nursing school. I paid a whoppin' $100 and and old Gremlin (that was aptly named). I know that I came out ahead. It's a standard 20 fret full-size dreadnought. It has white binding on body/neck/headstock. It's laminated with an outstanding gloss black finish. I rate at 8 only because it had no case, wasn't a solid top, and the pickguard could match better.
Sound
:
9
I play fingerstyle, acoustic blues, acoustic rock and this guitar delivers the goods as long as I don't lay into it too hard. It has a sweet, balanced tone for a laminated guitar. I prefer 11-52 gauge strings. With 12's the tone becomes harsh, and the box starts to buzz on the high E string on the higher frets.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
9
I got this box when it was 18 years old. It looked and still looks like it was well-loved (it still is). There was a small gauge in the very top of the headstock. This finish is sort of a weird sunburst. It's gloss black fading to a dark grey. I've only seen this finish on one other guitar and it was another 5313. My only complaints are the black finish holds fingerprints, and the pickguard binding-edging is a different color white that the binding on the rest of the instrument.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
I have played this guitar in church, and for other gatherings since I got it. It's 20 years old now and I think that even the bridge pins are original! So I guess it's holding up. The only thing I added was straplocks and the strap button at the heel of the neck. I have 3 guitars. This is the only one I play regularly. Would I use it without a back-up? I usually do. The only thing I would consider backing it up with is another 5313.
Customer Support
:
10
I've never had to have anything done to the instrument. I have e-mailed the company to get info because this model was discontinued and they got back to me inside of 24 hours.
Overall Rating
:
10
I have played off and on for 20+ years. I have another Acoustic, an old Kay, and a Tiesco Del Ray electric. Neither is close to this Alvarez. I fell in love with it after strumming the first chord. (I bought it before I talked to my wife.) If (God forbid) it were tolen or destroyed. I would buy another, if I could find one. To get something else I liked as much would cost a LOT more.
