Product: Alvarez Yairi 5009
Price Paid: US $90 used
Submitted
10/23/2002
at
02:04pm
by
Steve
Features
:
9
Classical, Made in Japan, 1970. Has 18 frets - neck joins body at 12th. Solid top - probably spruce - with an orange hue, nice tight grain. Sides and back look like mahogany, intricate inlay in binding and rosette. Rosewood fingerboard. Intricate engraving on plate supporting the tuners although the knobs look plastic.
Sound
:
10
This the best sounding classical I have ever played. It has excellent balance throughout the range and a smooth, breathy sound that is pleasing to the ear. Play classical and semi-jazzy stuff, live and in studio. Best sound is achieved using two mics: one 6-8 inches from the sound hole and a directional aimed at the lower bout, roughly 2 feet away. Not as much sustain or projection as others but a good trade-off for the warmth of it's tone.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
8
Excellent player - action is great. No flaws visible. Wood has a beauty and richness that is hard to describe - it has depth and fire as if you can see back in time into the primordial forest. Finish is kind of soft, easily scratched and nicked (-2 points).
Reliability/Durability
:
9
Neck warped slightly around 25 years old, increasing the action. Luthier solved the problem easily. The top is slighlty wavy but has no effect on playbility. Hard shell case keeps it roadworthy.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
No contact.
Overall Rating
:
10
Have owned this guitar almost 30 years and would not part with it for anything, 'nuff said. I love the sweet tone. If lost or stolen I would try to find another just like it. If you're looking for a concert classical this is probably not it, but it's great for small venues. Have been playing 35 years - custom Fender Telecaster, custom Gibson "Firebrand" (The Paul Deluxe), limited edition Ovation, Fender 12 string (el cheapo but fun), 70's Twin Reverb, DeVille 410, GK 250ML, complete PA and various toys.
