Alvarez MSD1

See other reviews for info on features. The only thing I don't like about this guitar is the color of the Alvarez gigbag that came with it; it's a yucky sort of putty color. The bag itself is very nicely padded and seems durable; I just wish it were black or dark brown or some other color. (Yes, I know that's really picky.)

Excellent tone for a travel guitar. It's more bright than full, but that's to be expected when the body is so small. I have played the Baby Taylor and the little Martin (which is partly made of a composite material--the Martin dealer down the street sneered at it and called it "Formica"), and I own a Squire travel guitar which has a bigger body than the Alvarez. In my opinion, this Alvarez smokes them all in terms of tone. It is also LOUD--almost unbelievably so for a small guitar. It's ridiculous to expect dreadnaught tone in a travel guitar, folks. See this for what it is and you'll be pleasantly surprised. I'm giving it a 10 for sound when compared to other 3/4 size guitars I've played.

Really excellent action and setup. Very nice matte finish with abalone rosette and a 12th fret marker--nothing gaudy or over-the-top on this one. Might be too plain for some folks, but I prefer an understated look, and this guitar has it.

Though I've only had it two weeks, my gut feeling is that this guitar will last. I've played Alvarez guitars most of my playing life--bought my first one in 1978 and still have it and have never had any serious problems with it.... I'd have no hesitation gigging with this after adding electronics, but I wouldn't use it for a whole show (just because I like to switch guitars for different sounds). More likely I'll keep it strung Nashville style and use it when recording to double regular guitar parts for that high-end shimmer.

Never had to deal with Alvarez. However (as I've said before re a different guitar), the Alvarez website is almost useless. They could make it a lot more user-friendly and easier to navagate. For that reason I'm giving them a low score here.

I've been playing 37 years. I have owned several electrics, a lap steel, basses, and a number of steel-string acoustics: Gibson, Larrivee, Squire, Yamaha, and Alvarez. Currently I own four Alvarez steel-strings (I'm happy with three; the other is going on eBay next week). This MSD1 is the newest and it's just so much fun to play--I can hardly put it down. If it were stolen I'd get another, no hesitation whatsoever. If you're looking for a travel guitar/small guitar (especially for a child or a beginning guitarist), you really should check this one out; play it against the Martin and the Taylor and you'll know what to do.

This is an update to my last review. Most 3/4 sized guitars I've tried have that signature "boxy" and thumping sound ( including the Alvarez MSD1 ) which drives me crazy. If you have this problem, read on. One day I was google-ing and found someone talking about dealing with wolf notes on guitars in the news group. My MSD1 has exactly that problem which I think gives it that signature boxy, cheap, unpleasant sound. Basically his explaination was the resonance frequency of the top is too close to that of the body ( air cavity ) which causes the vibration energy from a particular note being absorbed too quickly. This causes the sound decays much quicker than others notes, and hence gives a deadened sound. The good thing is he also mentioned a couple of things you can try :

1) Partially or fully cover the sound hole to change the resonant frequency of the body cavity,

2) Try adding weight on different part of the top to change its resonant frequency

3) Scallop the braces or thin the top to change its resonant frequency.

You know what, I tried 1) and 2) and they both worked! I stick with #2 ( sounded and looked better than #1 ) and now the guitar sounded MUCH BETTER than any parlor and 3/4 sized guitar I have ever tried, including Baby Taylor, Martin LXM, Yamaha Jr, e.t.c. For solution 1) it was easy, just cover the soundhole with a cardboard or better yet, buy a sound hole cover ( usually they are 4" in diameter, for the MSD1, a company called lutehole or something like that makes custom wood soundhole covers ). For solution 2), I first used 2oz poster putty to try different locations. I found several places in front of the bridge that worked well and make a 2oz custom weight with wood and glued it to the same location from inside ( I guess you can stick the putty from inside too, but make sure you use something that stays ). The guy also mentioned that you can shave the braces or thin the top ( solution #3 ) at those locations to achieve the same results, but that might compromise the strength of the top. I played safe. The only drawback is a little reduction in volume as the top is now a bit heavier, but it sounded so much better and the decision is a no brainer for me.

Again, with the modification it sounded much better than anything travel size guitars I have ever tried. The wolf note is practically gone, and both strumming and fingerpicking is very even and smooth, it really sounds like a dreadnought with less bass and volume. I think it sounded better a lot of full sized guitar in the same price range.
I also have a K&K soundboard pickup installed and the result is even better with some EQing. I can't wait taking it to a gig and try it out ( last time I did that I was embrassed by the funny boxy sound ).

The only travel guitars I haven't tried that worth mentioning are the Larrivee Parlor and the Martin 5-xx terz. But they are much $$$ instruments, especially the Martin.

I am still going to try the Martin size 5 terz, and may end up buying one if I found a good deal. The cheapest one are the 5-15 which sells for $799 and they better sound much better than the modded MSD1! I don't think I will buy the Larrivee because it is not small enought for my application. If you have a small guitar that is suffering from the same problem ( which most of them do ), it definitely worth a try. The poster putty is only $0.99 and it won't harm your instrument. The credit goes to the luthier who shared this info on the news group. I think he has the same name as I do. Thanks bro.

This is a 3/4 sized, all solid wood travel guitar. I have the older version with only one fretboard inlay on the 12th fret and a inverted U bridge ( immitation of the famous Alvarez bridge, functionally not the same ), Satin finish, Inlay on headstock. It comes with a nice gig bag. Basically a scaled down version of a regular full size guitar, nothing more, nothing less. I buy it for keeping it in my car, so I can practice during lunch time or while waiting for someone.

Okay, before I go on with my not so good comments about the MSD1, I wanted to state that I like this guitar. For a travel size guitar and the money I've paid for it, it is really not bad. But I wanted to share my faithful opinion to anyone who are considering buying this guitar, and check it out themselves if their guitars are having the same issues.

The major complaints I have are ( from the worst down )

1) Egonomics. When playing sitted in my car or even standing up ( I installed a strap button on the heel ), the bass side of the lower bout is always pressing against my ribs. That started bothering me after maybe playing for a couple of minutes. I don't think this is Alvarez's fault, I can imagine every 3/4 size guitar having the same problem.

2) Neck/Body weight balance. I have to either hold the neck with my left hand or tug the guitar in with my right arm when I am playing standing up with a strap. Otherwise the neck side will immediately drop due to the reduced body weight.

3) Sound. There is a "dead note" or "Wolf note" on the B note in almost everywhere on the neck. I can feel the guitar body and neck resonant when I play that note ( not a good thing ). I guess the resonance absorbed most of the energy and the note sounded weak and "dead". Maybe it is only my guitar, but I suggest you tried every notes on the neck to make sure.

In general, I have compared this guitar with a Martin LXM, a Baby Taylor, a Takamini and numerous other "kids" guitar, including the rover and backpacker. Soundwise I think I would prefer the baby taylor a tad more, but the MSD1 hold its own. For finger picking and light strumming it sounded much better than the others ( except the BT, which sometimes I think the MSD had a more complex and pleasant sound, but most of the time the BT sounded more "smoothing" and "even", probably due to the dead B note thing on the MSD). I won't recommend hard strumming though, the guitar will "break up" and sounded harsh and boxy. Overall I will rate it the MSD1 a 7, the BT an 8, the Martin LXM a 6 and others below 5.

The action is light, tuner is good, the elixir strings feels soft in this guitar. Basically the material and workmanship is excellent for what I have paid for. Oh, mine is a second with a small crack on the back, otherwise the instrument will cost 2-3 times more. But since I won't be very gentle with this guitar either so I don't care. The crack extened a little bit but stoped on one of the laterial bracing on the back. The only minor complaint I have is the finish is thicker where the neck and fretboard joints the body, but come-on!

I have own it for almost 3 years now. It was banged up in the car (hot and cold) with lots of other stuff and still holding up strong. But this is still a wood instument so I guess with care, it will last a long time.

It is stamped "USED" on the back of the neck, so I don't think it is covered by the warranty.

I have been playing casually for 7-8 years. I have other acoustic and electric guitars. I will definitely not buy it again at full price, and very likely not buy it again even at $130. I am kind of picky on my instrument and probably I will save up for a better travel size instrument, maybe a parlor from Larrivee or something like that. But that is only my personal buying preference. For the price I've paid, I think it is a good deal, although the guitar is not prefect, but I don't have that much $$$ to spent either.

All wood constructed travel guitar with symbol on twelfth fret. Headstock decoration. Amazing 14 fret clearance for tiny guitar. Natural finish with abalone roseatte. Neck is mid-speed and mid-rhythm. Medium action on strings. Great tuners that have a solid hold. Bridge pins don't hum. Not much rattle on frets. Comes with AWESOME little gig bag...free (from most places).

Try it in an acoustically built room; the sound is excellent. Does not have a booming full dreadnought sound because it's a travel guitar. Its purpose is for practice and travel, and this guitar still excess in sound. The Elixer lights are perfect for this guitar. Can be strummed and fingerpicked. LOVE IT!

No visible glue marks, dents, scratches, misplaces, or other flaws. Basically, quality control is up there. Had another China-built guitar...horribly assembled. This is different. Even the strings don't need to be changed..for a while.

It's a travel guitar...gosh. It is sturdy. It is built well. But it is expensive. I just don't want $300 floating around in my car in the blistering heat or super humid ambiance. I have my aforementioned China-built for that purpose. As I am in college, the MSD1 is a perfect dorm instrument as it is not so cheap where my fingers rot as I play or way too expensive where I find my dorm ransacked. Great spacesaver. Plus, I can take it to parks or other boring places where I'd rather play guitar (then it is EXTREMELY reliable)

I haven't needed any customer support. So instead of rating low, I'll rate based on quality control of the product. Perfect.

Tried the Little Martin LX1 and LXM (also the A/E versions as well). Tried the Baby Taylor (both finishes). Tried the Martin Backpacker. Tried the Washburn Rover. Tried the Yamaha one. Tried the Montana Washburn-wanabe. Bought the Alavarez MSD1. Is it so hard to fathom that this may just as well be the best travel guitar out there?

An all-wood, dreadnought shaped, travel guitar that doesn't have much flash or ornamentation. It is smaller and shorter scale than a parlor guitar making it very compact.It has no-name mini Schallers that work well. Included a decent gig bag.

Remarkable for a small guitar. In a different class that a backpacker
and has a light, resonant voice. It came from Elderly with elixr lights which are a good match. Overall, it is better than I expected in this area.

This is a nicely finished/detailed guitar and not as sloppy as some
Chinese guitars that I have seen (interior finish/glue joints are
remarkably tidy and well done) good quality tuners. The action and intonation are first rate. I wonder if the plastic saddle and nut
could be upgraded to my benefit however, as delivered, it was and remains impressive.

It has a lifetime warranty in the event I have any problems but sofar
it seems as simple and reliable as a hammer.

As mentioned, lifetime warranty but I have no contact or experience with the importers.

Playing on and off since 1965. I buy stuff to suit a purpose; that can mean that I wanted something that's loud, or light/compact or even collectable- depending on which purchase that we're talking about. As a result, I've has lots of guitars and basses (and amps)
This guitar is no disappointment, which can't be said about everything that I've owned. I rate this thing very highly as a compact, short scale relatively inexpensive guitar. It ain't no D-28, which is good because I didn't want a D-28!

This is Alvarez's entry into the Travel Guitar (3/4) market, and I have to say it's impressive. Particularly for the category. I went to the music store to look at a Tacoma Papoose but got turned off by having to tune it to A-scale. Luckily I stumbled across the MSD1. I hadn't realized Alvarez had introduced this, and since my first reasonably good guitar was an Alvarez 5022 I got in 8th grade, I had an open mind. According to their website, the guitar is solid wood. The top is Spruce. Back and sides are beautiful mahogany. Satin finish. Nice understated inlaid circle around the sound hole, and in a diagonal across the 12th fret. The neck is 1 3/4" at the nut. Mine has the Master Series style bridge. A nice quality soft side gig bag came along. I strummed this little beauty for 10 minutes in the practice room and said "sold!".

My other travel guitar was a Martin Backpacker. Love the unique shape. Hated the sound and awkwardness of playing it. This MSD1 had great sustain and impressive volume. It doesn't have the huge sound of a full size dread, but if you weren't looking you'd think it was at least a concert-sized body. It comes with Elixir lights (which I use anyway)and it really rings. My rating, like others, is based on this being a Travel Size guitar.

Overall, the action and fit are excellent. It's quite an attractive guitar to look at. Upon close inspection on the inside, I see a few places where the bracing has wood that wasn't fully sanded off, but that's being picky, especially at this price point.

I bought this guitar about 8 months ago, and I took it to the Abaco, Bahamas. Snuggled in its gig bag, and carried easily slung over my back, it's handled the elements and travel like a champ. Not even a ding yet. It appears to be none worse for the wear despite some pretty humid conditions and temperature extremes. Seems very travel-worthy.

Can't add anything here. Haven't sought out any support. The guitar was new from Alvarez, and if I have any issues, I'll contact them through the website.

Been playing for 30 years. I have a Takamine Santa Fe PFS-15C electric acoustic, my old Alvarez 5022, an old Aspen Classical Guitar, and a Dillion PRS-copy (the black one with the abalone binding). If it were lost or stolen, I would replace it with an Alvarez MSD1.. I like it better than the Baby Taylor. In summary, I looked at the Backpacker (lousy sound), Baby Taylor (more expensive, not as nice tone), Tacoma Papoose (short scale), and the Ovation/Applause Trekker (expensive, not as nice tone). I highly recommend the Alvarez MSD1.

See other posts or Alvarez website for complete description. A previous poster mentioned that the neck width is small...etc., But from my measurements, it's almost 1.75 inches at the nut - it's the fret spacing that makes it feel small...but very playable as mentioned. For those who are comparing it to the Baby Taylor - it's the exact same dimensions and size except that the MSD1 has a normal dove tail neck heel whereas the Baby Taylor has a bolt-on neck without a heel. I know this because I also own a Baby Taylor Mohagany. The MSD1 fits inside the Baby Taylor's hard case perfectly. It comes with a decent gig bag but you gotta place it in and out of there carefully or the zipper will scratch it up because the gigbag doesn't fully open up. Not a very well designed gig bag in my opinion. I am purchasing an SKB-300 hard case for added protection while travelling. The SKB-300 is billed as a hard-shell case for the Baby Taylor - but it will fit the Alvarez MSD1 perfectly too. You can get it on eBay for about $75.00 - a wise investment.

The sound is excellent for a guitar of this size. Although, as expected the bottom end is a little weak because of its size. Comparing it side by side with my Baby Taylor Mahogany - I think the MSD1 has more volume and sustain. Probably because of the solid spruce top and the set neck. The Baby M has a bolt-on neck and I think the top is a mahagony laminate of some sort (which still has a decent tone though). The setup is the same on both guitars - Elixer lights and I've replaced the bridge pins on both guitars with TUSQ pins. I must say that the MSD1 sounds very good for a travel sized guitar. I prefer the MSD1's sound over the Baby Taylor M. I think because it is built with higher quality solid woods than the laminate materials Baby Taylors uses...and this thing is made in China! Don't even think of wasting money on a Martin Backpacker - they sound like a cigar box strung up with rubber bands (if you ever made one of those as a kid). I know, because I have a first generation (1992)Backpacker too - it's been hanging up on the wall as decorative art / conversation piece for a while now.

The Alvarez MSD1 is a little thing of beauty. It's a very well constructed guitar like its big dreadnaught brothers. The top is a high quality tightly grained spruce with a satin finish and a very attractive green abalone soundhole rosette. There's also a single thin diaganol slash of abalone inlayed at the 12th fret with position markers on the side of the fretboard - there's no dots on the fretboard. Mini Grover type chrome tuners. The Alvarez logo on the headstock is a very nice mother of pearl inlay. The mahogany back and sides are very beautiful too. The guitar is very well put together, with well dressed frets, nice low action and spot-on intonation - right out of the box! A very high quality guitar with features not found on similar sized and priced guitars! Alvarez' quality control at this Chinese factory is very good. Changing the plastic bridge pins to TUSQ improved the tone/sustain considerably. I don't why quality guitar manufacturers use plastic parts any more - although the nut and saddle appear to be an ivoroid material similar to TUSQ - definitely not plastic. As mentioned earlier, the gig bag design isn't very "finish-friendly" as you have to place it in and out of the gig bag very gingerly, or else you risk zipper scratches on the guitars' sound box (top, bottom, sides, etc...) because it doesn't open up very wide when its un-zipped at its maximum.

I play higher end guitars (Taylor, Godin, Gibson) for live playing. It probably would stand up to live playing but I wouldn't use any of my travel guitars for "real" gigs because of its tiny tone. Although since getting the MSD1, I always bring both the Alvarez MSD1 and Baby Taylor to the local coffee house I hang out at - many an impromptu acoustic jam have been had with these two little guitars. That's exactly what I use travel guitars for - easy portability, easy to whip out, easy to play, easy on the eyes and ears and easy to impress and inspire non-players to become players because of all the above. I've had two people offer to buy the MSD1 on the spot - I told them I couldn't part with it - I did too much research, bidding and waiting for delivery to get this little puppy - they'd have to buy their own off the web, because no one carries them locally in Salem, OR. Nobody's made an offer on the Baby Taylor - probably because there's a Taylor dealer here in town. You won't go wrong with this travel guitar! Very high quality for the price! The ease of playability and pure fun factor is very high!

Have not utilized customer support. Although, Alvarez could include more specification/technical information on their website about their products. Rating is for website.

I've been playing guitar, bass, ukulele, harmonica for over thirty years. I have too much gear to mention here - and does anybody really care what kind of gear I have? I certainally don't care what other people have - only if its in direct comparison with whats being reviewed. I'd definitely get another one if it were lost or stolen. As I said earlier, you won't go wrong with this little traveller! It would make an excellent first guitar for a child, teenager or adult! I only wish there was something like this when I was first learning - like many of us "old fart rockin' jammers", I learned on the cheap high-action finger slicer boxes of the 60's.

MATERIALS: Solid Spruce top. Solid Mahogony back and sides. Great materials thoughout. Rosewood fingerboard. Neat abalone fingerboard inlay. Nice abalone rosette. Satin finish. Ivoroid binding. Nickel die-cast tuners. No electronics. Nice looking Alvarez trademark inlay on head.

SIZE: 3/4 size dreadnought. Great for my son, but easily manageable for me or my wife, too.

This is part of the Alvarez Masterworks series of guitars. All wood for this price? Great, great materials and very good workmanship. Made in Korea.

Very nice little padded gig back (w/the Alvarez logo).

This is an amazing guitar for this size. It absolutely blows the doors off the Baby Taylor and the Little Martin. It's not even close. Just try it, you'll see what I mean.

Sure, a nice full-size dread may sound richer; but this little guy blows the doors off everything else close to the same size I tried (and I tried a LOT). Better sound than a lot of sub-$500 full dreads, too.

Nothing at all wrong, except crack on back that had been repaired (bought it as a "new, damaged and repaired" model). Setup is excellent. Low action. Nice Elixer Lights. Very easy to play for my 6-yr-old son, my wife, and myself.

Dunno yet, but it looks like a tough little guy. Solid wood!

Haven't had to try, and doubt I will.

List is $430 or so. I bought it for much less than that off Ebay due to the crack. I was really nervous about that, but I'd have to shine a light on it, put in front of your face, and then point it out for you to see it. No impact on the sound at all.

I played with a bunch of guitars while trying to find one for my son to learn on. I had already been looking for well over a month when I happened across one of these in a local shop, and it blew my wife and I away.

It's just not even fair to compare this to other 3/4 size guitars.

See first post for description. Scale is 23". Neck width is small as you would imagine, but very playable. Features are appropriate for the intended use. The gig bag is very nice!

For a travel guitar it's great. I'm impressed with the vol. and tone overall. It plays louder than you'd think for it's size. Lows are a tad boxey, thuddy, sounding, not real clear, but it will play in dropped-D well and sounds nice. If you play finger picking blues things it's has a great funky sound. Has some very nice overtones as well. Beats the Martin travel 'stick' by a long shot. Tunes to E (not like the Tacoma Papoose which is A). Very pleasing sound for casual playing. I intend to fit with a pickup, I suspect it will work quite well. My rating for sound is relative to the overall guitar market, if travel guitar market only it's a 9. I like better than baby taylor and papoose, and martin.

Wonderful fit and finish. Solid woods. Lovely simple design. Nice satin finish. Simple, elegent abalone inlay around soundhole and one diagonal inlay at the 12th fret. Action is delightful due to the short scale. I bought this guitar on impulse! Had no intention of buying a travel/camping type guitar, but it was so FUN to play and had such a nice sound for a little guitar I was smitten. Did I say the little gig bag is cool? The whole thing is so lite! It's made in China and I'm impressed with the quality for the money.

Seems really durable. Feels quite solid to me. Time will tell. I noticed that the top is raised behind the bridge a small amount, not sure if a new guitar should exhibit that yet. The top looks thin by comparison to some larger guitars - probably why it sounds as good as it does.

no experience
has lifetime warranty for normal problems

I've been playing 40 years. Have many guitars. This will be a favorite simply because it's fun, easy to haul around, and comfortable to play. With a pickup in it I think I'm going to be surprised. I'd consider playing it on stage. I'm glad I have it. Actually, in it's price range - it sounds as good or better than anything I've seen - large or small. One of the groups I play with is a Hawaiian band, we have a uke, bass, steel and guitar. I think this will compliment the uke sound really nice. It will add some sounds in between the uke and regular guitar. So a pickup will go in this for sure. If you need a travel acoustic, or fun camping guitar check it out!

Made in 2003. Constructed in China. Mini dread 3/4 size travel guitar. All solid wood construction with Spruce Top and Mahogany back and sides. Abalone rosette white body binding front and back. Neck is bound in black and blends very well with the rosewood fingerboard. There is a trademark alvarez marker at the 12th fret, otherwise no markers on the fingerboard. Side position markers. Mahogany neck with unknown brand tuners, look like a mini-grover style. Satin natural finish. Included really nice Alvarez gig-bag

Sounds like a travel guitar. I think the sound is very nice for a guitar its size but there is not a lot of bass presence due to the body size. Has pretty good sustain and doesn't get to cranky about heavy strumming. I am rating the sound based on comparison to a traditional dread. For a travel guitar, it as probably better than most.

The workmanship on this guitar is fantasitic and the action is really nice. Of course the shorter scale makes things really nice and would be great for a youngser starting out. This is the main reason I purchased this guitar, it was solid wood construction througout and had the nice finishing touches that most travel guitars do not have.

Seems well constructed, time will tell. Perhaps I will follow up later. I want to travel with it, so it will be interesting to see how it behaves.

I have been playing 18 years. I would purchase another one if stolen or lost. The only concern I have is if I will have trouble with the solid wood construction as I travel in different climates conditions. I live in western Kansas, the climate is dry, but in eastern Kansas the climate is much more humid. I will have to be consious about instrument care when transporting. I may add a pickup later, I think it might make a really cool plugged in guitar.