Alvarez RD8

This is a standard dreadnaught guitar. No frills. Spruce (laminated) top with mahogany sides and back. Bought with a NICE Alvarez hardshell case as a Christmas present for myself (wife approved) in 12/01.

This guitar sounds great with any style. I know a lot of people are "disgusted" by laminate tops, but compared to other guitars in the under $400 price range (including most budget solid tops,) this blows them away.

This guitar was absolutely perfect from the factory. Action was mid level, not nearly as high as other models in this price range, yet there is not a buzz to be found. Overall fit and finish are outstanding. I had a slightly less expensive Yamaha F-310 that I gave my daughter to learn on, and the Alvarez is far and away better looking and better constructed. If she decides she's serious, I may be getting another one of these for her.

I don't gig, just a long time hobbyist who can sound surprisingly good at times (according to family and friends.) Compared to my former Yamaha, though, this guitar seems a little sturdier overall. Actually a little bit heavier. I've played a lot of guitars and I don't see any issues with this guitar compared to others that would make it any more or less dependable.

Not any dealings with Alvarez - just registered warranty with them. It is a lifetime warranty (supposedly!)

Have played for over 10 years. Have owned electrics, 12-strings, etc. over the years. Last year I wanted to change focus and get back to basic folk, traditional and even a little classical music, so I decided to get a 6 string acoustic. I didn't shop very extensively, nor did I have much to spend when I got the Yamaha, and began to see it's limitations after awhile. While the RD-8 doesn't represent much more in terms of dollars spent, the quality difference both in sound, construction and playability is VERY evident. I'm a frugal guitarist. However, I was prepared to spend at least $400.00 this time around and after much looking found NOTHING to compare to this. I feel that you would have to spend more than $500.00 to find a comparable instrument. Save the money!

I bought this guitar in 2001 brand new. It has an excellent look and style. Dreadnought style body with mahogony back, sides, and neck with a spruce top. Has a great transparent finish that likes to catch the eye. Machined sealed tuners are ok, but they seem to slip sometimes during a hardcore jam session. The neck/scale is topped with rosewood and is somewhat thin. Just enough room for me personally. The only thing that i did not like with buying this guitar is that it did not come with a case. The dealer that I had bvought the guitar off of said that I could get one for about 100 dollars.

The music style that I like playing, is usually older rock to current acoustic finger picking. If I play this guitar hard, the strings usually slap against the frets, but other than that it's a great full sound. I really am pleased with the way this guitar sounds. It's a great beginner's guitar to intermediate player.

This guitar came to me with no flaws, mistakes, or marks. It was constructed virtually perfect.

This guitar definately holds up to what you give it. I've been playing it almost every day, with a few gigs involved and is still asking for more. I've had to replace the strings once thus far in a 3 month timespan. The finish and hardware seems like they can stand up to the hardest playing, and still look and work as if it were brand new.

Ahhhh, the best thing of all. This Alvarez guitar came with a lifetime warranty. Anything that happens to this guitar, the company will fix it, free of charge. I haven't had the oppertuinity to send it away yet for any repairs, but i can't wait untill I do!!

I really love this guitar because it looks professional, sounds proffesional, and plays proffesional for a great price that almost anyone can afford.