I own 12 Yairi's and three Alvarez acoustics and these guys are from a well known store. My point, I know that the 12th fret guitar is a MDR 70SB, "R" for Rosewood, SLOPE shoulder and the natural top is a SQUARE Dred, MD 70 BG and MD 70 EBG. Come on guys, you do this for a living. Plus I know the models and no one makes a guitar better and for the price point as Alvarez, and Yair's are on a level all their own. You can have your D-45,42,41,35, oh and the iconic D-28 and now D-28 HD etc. and your J200, J45, Songwriter, Hummingbird, Dove and forget the screwed in neck Taylors, SCREWED IN, WTF Taylor and all their cracked tops, for years! And to his point, the Japanese and Koreans are proud, hard working people with a inherent desire to work hard all day, every day they are "on the clock". Can't be said of American workers, as a whole. Just Google Gibson guitar issues, 500 million in debt, and mortgage payment Martins, I own two Limited Edition OMCE Solid Engelmann Top and Solid Curly Maple B/S Blue Edge Burst 2019 Sam Ash exclusive # 50 made. They do make good looking pieces of art hung backwards. I own #33 and #36 at over $3000 each!! I'll pick up my Alvarez guitars every time. And now I hear at 14:29 the "square top" Dred on my Bang and Olufsen computer speakers and it sounds rich, powerful like all Alvarez guitars do. Yes. they make lower end models and the sound is not a full as the Masterworks series, but for $400-600 dollars you are in beginner stage with the Regent, Artist and Artist Elite Series. So do yourself a favor, forget the name on the headstock and buy sound, quality, playability and still have enough left to buy an amp and a good steak at Ruth Chris'.
@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks, lads, for the great review! Happy to see our new Rosewood guitars at the studio, glad you enjoy them.
@jochemspillebeen3551
2 жыл бұрын
Time to make a d35 copy Alvarez!
@paulbates4100
2 жыл бұрын
I got an Alvarez Masterworks folk from Andertons a couple of weeks back and I couldn't be happier. It's built beautifully set up great and is just plain gorgeous all round. Solid mahogany and sounds like a choir of twangy angels!
@guitarman7169
2 жыл бұрын
Again, touché!
@karlmartin849
Жыл бұрын
How has it held up since?
@paulbates4100
Жыл бұрын
@@karlmartin849 still great
@jonskaptason8840
2 жыл бұрын
The times they are a-changing. I paid about 900 pounds for my Martin DM some 15-20 years ago, and that has laminated back and sides ... this is what I'd be looking at now, 15-20 years later, if I were in the market. Great sound - and great playing, as usual.
@SuperEdge67
2 жыл бұрын
I played a DM for 23 years. Fantastic guitar. Yeah, it’s got laminated back and sides, but it’s US made, and the tone is great , better than many all solid guitars. I recently traded it for a Martin 00015M.
@bigmac51290
2 жыл бұрын
I recently got the "D18" of this series and it's replacing my Martin Custom D, which is US made and all solid. Tonally, mine is actually extremely close to a Santa Cruz "D28" that I had in my possession for a bit. These things are stupid good.
@susanroycroft89
6 ай бұрын
😅Just Ole Don here again from Hamilton NZ, Iv'e been playin Acoustic's since I was 12, in those days (in my circle of guitarists) no one knew the importance of ' solid top's or bone for tone or laminate or cheaper play- top's, and when I Finally had some money, listening Carefully to various Acoustic's, I brought a HPL solid top Martin, & an L series Yamaha, also a Trans-acoustic C/A/Way Yamaha ,& you know I Also have 2 Laminate top Acoustic's (FG 180, & a Bristol) and they Almost compare, and Iv'e owned Many Chinese-made ac/guitar's that Easily Compare, if not , are Better than ( not the Martin) so let's not get To carried away with the details, But I STILL love your Videos 😊😊😊
@752brickie
2 жыл бұрын
I have two Alvarez' and two Martin's hanging on my wall in my office. I play the Alvarez' probably 3-4 times as much as the Martins. I have had probably 6-8 Alvarez' over the years and they are Amazing guitars ! They are always set up with low action and polished frets. When I bought my Martin OM 21 home the first thing I did was worked on the action. I have never had to set up any of my Alvarez' ! My wife about had a stroke with the OM 21. She said " you just spent over $2000 on a guitar and you are tearing it apart????
@biganttony6786
2 жыл бұрын
I have a 78' Alvarez Yairi my dad gave me when I was 14 and I will NEVER get rid of it. I still play it everyday. It's my go to that I have to pick up and play everyday. Beatiful, but a little worn out but still sound and plays amazing.
@jennyfeucht3006
2 жыл бұрын
I also have a gorgeous 78’ Alvarez Yairi that MY dad gave me! But mine was for my 15th birthday in January of 79’ 😁. No way I’ll ever get rid of it. It’s traveled everywhere through life with me and survived my child rearing years as well. I recently brought it to a local luthier just to check it out and clean it up a bit. He was blown away at how great it still looks, sounds and plays. I absolutely love that guitar.
@Jez3134
2 жыл бұрын
Those 70's Alvarez and Japanese Yairis are some of the best sounding acoustics you could buy
@guitarman7169
2 жыл бұрын
Touché!
@mantistoboggan4967
2 жыл бұрын
Awesome review - as usual. Thanks for giving us the means to compare different models. With so many options out there, guitar shopping can be overwhelming.
@stratosexual1329
2 жыл бұрын
Nice job snagging Ben! Dude can play!
@limpindug
2 жыл бұрын
Alverez, top build, top Finish. Comparable with 3.5x price wise guitars. Great demo guys. Respect and stay healthy all.
@guitarman7169
2 жыл бұрын
Another touché!!!
@stevevice9863
2 жыл бұрын
I have a 1990 Alverez Yairi DY-77 that I bought new. I pick it up to play more often than my Taylor. It is a fantastic guitar that has never had any issues except fret wear. I've never had to adjust the truss rod or lower the saddle. It still has low action and plays great without any buzz.. Sounds better every year. Go to youtube and watch the video of the Yairi factory. It is an old school luthier studio...no computers or lasers or CNC machines... producing hand made guitars by skilled craftsmen.
@lhvent
2 жыл бұрын
Alvarez is the best kept secret. Fantastic Slope Shoulder guitar.
@bigmac51290
2 жыл бұрын
I used to turn my nose up at Alvarez, then I got one from this series a few days ago. Now I'm selling my Martin.
@joemonroe1106
Жыл бұрын
Yeah...I'm pretty sure I'll soon be trading in my Martin DRS for a MD610ebg.
@bldallas
2 жыл бұрын
Just love watching Ben play those acoustics.
@glennselwitz1377
2 жыл бұрын
Its the design of the bridge that is magic much more contact with the steeper string angle to the top fantastic instruments with a long history....good review...
@guitarman7169
2 жыл бұрын
Yes, Kazuo Yairi taught Alvarez some great lessons on how to build quality at a respectful price point!
@billw8648
Жыл бұрын
This guy can play a guitar! Acoustic Ben, a heart like Rosewood, a brain like Sitka Spuce, all solid construction!
@endoffate5475
2 жыл бұрын
I have the MASTERWORK mg60bg, its the one with the solid Mahogani back and sides and its the best guitar i ever played..Alvares is king in my book..These guitars are very cheap for what they are.
@guitarman7169
2 жыл бұрын
Inexpensive! Cheap does not fit well with Alvarez or Alvarez Yairi's! IMHO
@davidhirst1661
4 ай бұрын
I've got a MD70BG I bought from Andertons and it's amazing. The action was a bit high, so I lowered it to Martin specs and now it's perfect. Also adjusted the truss rod a little.
@rosshorne4769
2 жыл бұрын
I’m diggin the guitars, but Ben should do a how I lost the weight, he looks like another person. Amazing
@MisterRorschach90
2 жыл бұрын
My dad has a vintage Alvarez that sounds amazing.
@I.M.Guitar-Nerd
2 жыл бұрын
I love my Alvarez. I've played guitars that were two to three times the price and the only difference between them and my Alvarez is the cost.
@endoffate5475
2 жыл бұрын
Same here.
@elsizzle2000
2 жыл бұрын
Same here too
@guitarman7169
2 жыл бұрын
You damn right!
@realjumper
2 жыл бұрын
Love your playing Ben.....and you make that Alverez sing. I'd love one one day!
@USWNTfan101
2 жыл бұрын
I have a cheaper Alvarez for fun at my fiancé’s house (long distance). Wanted an acoustic for his place instead of hauling my electric back and forth. It’s honestly been a blast to play. Definitely an under appreciated brand.
@lhvent
2 жыл бұрын
I just got an Alvarez AD66SHB and it is a great guitar that has a solid mahogany top with laminate mahogany back and sides. There is something about an Alvarez.
@bigjel1
Жыл бұрын
Bought one of the natural versions of these with pickup recently (not from Andertons) and afraid I was not as impressed as Lee and Ben were. The fret finish was very poor with sharp edges sticking out of the binding by the high E string. The action was higher than I liked making it not so easy to play as other less expensive acoustics I own. The retailer has sorted these issues and it is now much better and the sound is great. I would recommend trying before you buy and not relying on it having a good setup out of the box if buying online.
@ellesnyder942
Жыл бұрын
I've been shopping Alvarez's locally and have not experienced anything like what you have. They were all nicely finished and polished. I picked up a few Martins while i was at it and was astounded at the sharp fret ends.
@6stringsandapick
2 жыл бұрын
Why won't they put a good (non-piezo) pickup on these? I am tired of picking up good sounding guitars and plugging them in to sound like a duck. Lyric, Anthem, or K&K pure mini should be the baseline. Piezo pickups should just be taken off the market in my opinion. There is better tech than that in 2021.
@anthonylane9547
2 жыл бұрын
I couldn't agree more. That duck needs to be shot.
@fedexnman
2 жыл бұрын
K&K is Piezo , Anthem is Piezo but with mic , lyric is just mic . You are thinking under the saddle Piezo . K&k is a soundboard transducer but it is still Piezo .
@scotthansenmtbt4110
Жыл бұрын
What amp/s are you using?
@demolitionwilliams7419
Жыл бұрын
I always wonder this
@im58woody
Жыл бұрын
Agreed. Anthem SL is best
@chiefkikyerass7188
Жыл бұрын
Rosewood and spruce..IMO is the best..only combo to have
@azcharlie2009
Жыл бұрын
I has 2 regular Alvarez guitars from the 70's. A 5059 and 5043. Both are nice guitars. I also have 3 Yairi guitars from the 70's. A 5036 classical (stunningly beautiful) coral rosewood and cedar top, and two DY 85's. One is a 3 piece back in burled mahogany, and the other is a standard jacaranda back and sides. Both are spruce tops. Yairi's are something special! Alvarez has really upped their game recently. Yairi's are the best, but you can't go wrong with a Masterworks Alvarez.
@kingstumble
2 жыл бұрын
I've had four Alvarez (so far) and have nothing but good things to say about them. I love the wider necks and they are bloody loud.
@marctestarossa
11 ай бұрын
Most people would say, you don't need this many frets. I say they're wonderful because they show you where to find those sweet harmonics that hide up there.
@Rich6Brew
6 ай бұрын
If you really want to see those frets are for, watch a good classical guitarist play.
@marctestarossa
6 ай бұрын
@@Rich6Brew I find them actually harder to play on a steel string, because the neck is quite a bit narrower. But yeah, I know ^^
@seansweeney7643
2 жыл бұрын
What lovely pieces of kit! Cheers
@Mark_Ocain
2 жыл бұрын
Great demo on great guitars !!! well done, those men!! I like how a couple have headstocks with that Martin configuration..nice touch!
@observingyt6159
Жыл бұрын
I just got an Alvarez AD60 from Andertons and I'm amazed by it. My second ever guitar and it's such an improvement from my previous all-laminate one which was an electro acoustic and cheaper. I'm still a beginner and not experienced with guitars but the quality and sound seems so high I can't imagine something even around the £1000 range surpassing it. One thing I was apprehensive about was I wanted improved playability and the action is great out the box.
@paulngardner
2 жыл бұрын
Watched this video multiple times, absolutely awesome content and have just placed an order for one. You have a great team, and I seriously think these videos make me choose you over other competitors. On top of that you really do give the best deals out there, look forward to getting my hands on mine!!
@cmh6122
2 жыл бұрын
Need another guitar like I need a hole in my head, but I want one of those 12 fret guitars. Have an Alvarez 12 string I payed $250 for brand new in 1978. When my collecting buddy got his 1978 D-28 I noticed my guitar (except being 12 string) was nearly a perfect replica; though still think my Alvarez had the nicer wood. My one that got away is a Yairi.
@anthonyclegg1511
7 ай бұрын
Got the Alvarez little jumbo guitar from Andertons this week, and it's a beautiful guitar. 💓🎸.
@garyjford1981
2 жыл бұрын
Wow, in the space a few weeks we have the Gibson Generation and the Alvarez Masterworks guitars… need to hear the counterparts side by side compare the rosewood and walnut of both brands. Both brands sound amazing!
@leonodoherty9775
Жыл бұрын
Very impressive! And a very helpful video, D35 and J45 comparison was spot on, they sound great! :)
@chiefkikyerass7188
2 жыл бұрын
Btw..You need to invite Justin Johnson on the show..show you guys how to play acousti/slide blues..IMO..1 of the best in the world...totally master class
@brysimm404
2 жыл бұрын
Interesting... I preferred the sound from the pickup in the 14 neck, but from the mic with the 12.
@oceanhedonist265
2 жыл бұрын
I remember back in the 80's and 90's if someone showed up with an Ibanez guitar, someone would comment, "Oh, you went and bought yourself an 'I been had.' " 😆
@Slushpuppie55
2 жыл бұрын
These Guitars look and sound Great... love your playing too Ben.
@toms5951
2 жыл бұрын
Would like to see the Epiphone Masterbuilt series side by side with these.
@endoffate5475
2 жыл бұрын
I have done that.. The mg60bg vs the Masterbuilt dr400..Its an older model. Its not even close, the Alvares sounds WAY bigger and louder. My dr400 came with sharp frets and the bridge lifting on day 1 also. Now maby the 'inspired by Gibson' are better but not the older models.
@louisfryzel4618
2 жыл бұрын
@@endoffate5475 Masterbilts were made in different time periods. I agree the newer (2017 and so on) DR400 aren't that great ... but take a look at some of the Masterbilts in the earlier period around 2008-2010. I think they are much better. MUCh better.
@JeffSimpson-yy2si
10 ай бұрын
I have two Alvarez guitars and truly enjoy them hard to say what my next guitar
@johnjgibson6807
2 жыл бұрын
Beautiful Guitars And Always Great Playing 👍👍🎶🎶🎸Well Done.
@deividasprunskas6689
2 жыл бұрын
Yes please do comparison with Martin guitar
@andertons
2 жыл бұрын
Will do something like that next time Ben is here
@jonskaptason8840
2 жыл бұрын
@@andertons The question is: do you do a comparison with a Martin with the same/similar specs or a Martin of the same/similar price? Both, perhaps?
@andertons
2 жыл бұрын
@@jonskaptason8840 I think you just do the Alvarez vs the D28... Even if they end up sounding the same I think people will still aspire to own the Martin, but I thought those Alvarez guitars sounded fantastic
@Bob-Whiting
2 жыл бұрын
From the camera's point of view, they're definitely more "slope shouldered" Just sayin'. Beautiful guitars and great playin'
@_dmfd
2 жыл бұрын
The 12th fret neck joint are. The 14th neck joints are more traditional full size dreadnought profiles.
@whitefoamsea8070
2 жыл бұрын
12 frets are louder because the sound hole is closer to the point where the string can oscillate at its widest point.
@frankie5072
2 жыл бұрын
I think it is a Slope Shoulder guitar... at least it looks like to me. The differences in sound, in my limited hearing range, is the SS is brighter with slightly scooped bass. The Dreadnought is big sound, bright and boomy, not as bright as the SS.
@footnotedrummer
2 жыл бұрын
Ben is an amazing guitar player.
@Oculus729
7 ай бұрын
Consider the Masterworks MDR70ESB to be Alvarez's version of the Gibson J45 slope shoulder guitar.
@simonjensen5480
2 жыл бұрын
I have an Alvarez electric. I really like that one.
@kennvillegas2014
2 жыл бұрын
Its wonderful, Because I have an Alvarez from the EARLY 70's and it has a AMAZING tone. (I suspect it is Rosewood body and sides)
@scottbowley5717
2 жыл бұрын
How do these compare to the Faith hi-gloss series which is also solid rosewood and spruce at a similar price?
@ZappaBlues
2 жыл бұрын
When I play a large bodied guitar, I always feel like I'm wrestling with it, and I am no small guy.
@JT-gm4fk
2 жыл бұрын
Thats why I'm trending toward a Parlor guitar. It's very intimate and I feel more attached to it. I'm also a big guy.
@graemero5532
2 жыл бұрын
Ben, wow, what a player.
@andreamarconforreal
2 жыл бұрын
Can't wait for the blindfold challange 🤙🏻
@ashwolf1977
2 жыл бұрын
Oh yes..Mr. Ben The Acoustican!
@JeffSimpson-yy2si
10 ай бұрын
They do make them without any amplifier systems so you can put a K&K in it
@sammyrothrock6981
2 жыл бұрын
My Alvarez are my favorite acoustics for any value
@JT-gm4fk
2 жыл бұрын
The masterworks parlor is probably my favorite of the series though its not on this video.
@footnotedrummer
2 жыл бұрын
Bluegrass guitars have a wider nut and flatter fretboard than "standard" acoustics. It creates more room between the strings for the playing style.
@louisfryzel4618
2 жыл бұрын
Wrong. In fact, older Martin D-18s had a narrower nut than today's Martins. I can't talk about the fretboard radius, however. Fingerpickers prefer guitars with the wider nut.
@paulboden7850
2 жыл бұрын
@@louisfryzel4618 I guess you never played a 1939 Martin D 18.
@halcyondraconis7437
2 жыл бұрын
I love that it looks like Ben's lost a decent amount of weight. He almost looks like an entirely different dude.
@thethingthatshouldnotbe3035
2 жыл бұрын
I havent watched for a while and if i hadnt read your comment before watching, i probably wouldnt have recognized him tbh :o
@nemuchan
2 жыл бұрын
Hello Lee, just a comment to let you know discovering your channel in march 2020 during the first lockdown here in France is the only thing i can associate with the phrase "thanks to covid" Cheers
@banjo1434
Жыл бұрын
I wish Alvarez would get rid of those naff powershell rosettes on the masterwork models. Btw, the bluegrass guitar is far better -for me - than the 12 fretter, having played both.
@randallsmith3073
2 жыл бұрын
Google the specs on Alvarez MD 350 & 350c...these are the absolute best of what Alvarez has ever made...I have the MD 350c and I get pissed when I see a cutout hole In the side for electronics...Love Alvarez guitars and always have and I've been buying and selling guitars for 55 years.....now if Alvarez would just take ugly ass script off headstock and just leave logo on
@jimakin3541
Жыл бұрын
The 12 fret guitar appears to have a larger sound hole.
@oliverk191
Жыл бұрын
14 fret dreads seem to have a more direct sound. 12 frets are more expansive. I would take a 12 for solo peeformance
@edhead5296
2 жыл бұрын
These sound great! ..... I was about to order one of the new Gibson acoustics you recently reviewed, now I've been tempted by these.... which would you buy?!
@andertons
2 жыл бұрын
Both. Definitely both 😉
@kye903
2 жыл бұрын
I would have liked to hear some camera / room mic audio also.
@jessefillmore
2 жыл бұрын
Alvarez are a great guitars . IMO if you can't afford anything over $1500 , buy an Alvarez . They sound better than any acoustic in their price range . Find a used one from the 80's that is in the $500-$1000 range . They sound just as good or better than Gibson's and Martin's
@banjo1434
2 жыл бұрын
Eastman are also amazing value.
@notmyname3681
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah. I looked at getting an MD60bg but went for an Eastman E10ss/v for a bit more money. Worth every penny, it's an exceptional instrument. The Alvarez really are great as well.
@locky828
2 жыл бұрын
Are these built by Cort? I'm seeing similarities between this and their Gold line. Both great quality for the money
@andertons
2 жыл бұрын
Nope - 99% sure Alvarez have their own factory
@locky828
2 жыл бұрын
@@andertons That's even better then. Good way to keep QC up. Thanks for replying!
@ezraestrada4992
Жыл бұрын
Is it made in Japan?
@jeanaimarre
2 жыл бұрын
Very nice guitars....et "quel talent" thanks ;)
@dennismullins4930
2 жыл бұрын
Excellent ☮️
@christianboddum8783
2 жыл бұрын
One day I'll go for a 12 fretter !!
@shays2347
2 жыл бұрын
I like Alvarez 😁
@shays2347
2 жыл бұрын
Oh and I have a Alvarez acoustic too its pretty cool 😎
@djrbfmbfm-woa
2 жыл бұрын
ben is great and the dreadnaught sounds beautiful. j.
@chiefkikyerass7188
2 жыл бұрын
Alvarez Yiari set the gold standard for acoustic tone ..btw..a Yiari eats Taylor's and shitz Gibsons..vomits..martins..fact..these Chinese alvarez's...are just a sarn good value
@hansidelk6604
2 жыл бұрын
How many times have we heard about new acoustics that has a wonderful price and you get premium wood etc etc but when I try them no one of them is even close to my Martin, or much better than my first guitar, a Yamaha I bought for 150 in the 80s. Yes a Martin will cost you more, but I bought my D16 in excellent condition for a grand. Most people can afford that if you save for a few months
@domagojoinky8262
Жыл бұрын
I wonder if this kind of guitar comes in 000 or auditorium shape ?
@wibby2143
2 жыл бұрын
Oh no now I need to buy another guitar 😭
@always_pickin3565
2 жыл бұрын
Can we get a review on the Larrivee d 30R
@kowalguitarlife9119
2 жыл бұрын
Not much of a fan of the acoustics I will watch anyhow just because I love you lie you're awesome have a great one man
@deanlockamy2087
25 күн бұрын
Alvarez makes the best Martins, go to the store and play both you'll leave with the Alvarez and $2k in your pocket.
@nickofzo
2 жыл бұрын
It doesn't even have 1 screw to put the bridge down :O
@matthigdon4809
2 жыл бұрын
Anyone else wish Alvarez would bring back their T shaped guitars??
@endoffate5475
2 жыл бұрын
15:26 15:47
@Chrispackettt
2 жыл бұрын
Theres a very very nice sigma somr 45 on the andertons site right now, i know what id be buying for around a grand :P
@stephenbeaver2035
2 жыл бұрын
Ben!
@Floortile83
2 жыл бұрын
I have a guitar company. Instead of making guitars with solid back and sides, we make them with squishy back and sides. Will you come to Finland to do a review of them? They are too fragile to ship to you.
@stephentyndall159
2 жыл бұрын
?😂
@gtr1952
2 жыл бұрын
You didn't mention, and I didn't see it on the site what the scale is? The D28 is 25.9 I believe and the J45 is 24.75. The neck is also flatter on the D28, 16", and 12" on the J45. That's one of the reasons I have a J45. Just curious... JMHO --gary
@Daniel-yt6sc
Жыл бұрын
The guy is wrong when he mentioned the name Alvarez and not being American name. He’s wrong Alvarez is more American than Jones. Know your history
@KRASIPARVANOV
2 жыл бұрын
Brilliant guitars. L.R.Baggs pickups: they stink...
@Jasper_Yay636
Жыл бұрын
Piezo making expensive and cheap guitars sound equally bad.
@Jpetersson
2 жыл бұрын
Sounds great but I couldn´t live with that bridge...daaaamn that´s ugly!
@PTAjammer
Жыл бұрын
Sounds like playing into a bucket
@denisprieur7944
Жыл бұрын
That piezo pick up is awful!
@Lozh1993
2 жыл бұрын
Bought one but FFS dhl suck! Why is it every fricken time they deliver they alllllways only partially deliver. Leave such a bad taste in the mouth. Please please please chance courier 😭😭😭 wasted my day staying in all day
@tarkett8529
2 жыл бұрын
If only they came in a lefty 😭
@spekenbonen72
2 жыл бұрын
Premium accoustics are not bought from the "shelve". Sorry...
Пікірлер: 146