Very impressed with this guitar and zZounds. Guitar: I have 3 Taylors so high quality is expected. For $1400 I think this in an incredible value. The sound is great. The workmanship and finish is perfect. The tuners may be better than what is on my Taylors. Incredibly smooth. The neck is perfect. The saddle may be 1/32" too high for me, but I will adjust this after the guitar settles in a bit. I find that it needs to be played gently or the sound just muddles a bit, thus lowering the saddle will help my playing style. I contacted Alvarez a couple of times with questions and Tom was immediate and accurate in his response. The only drawback, and maybe not really a drawback, is that the case is very lightly made. For me, carrying it occasionally to a buddy's house to play, this is a plus. My Taylor cases are very. very heavy. For someone needing protection when touring this case might be a bit light. Highly recommend this guitar. A great buy for the price for sure. Would do it again.

Sound
Gentle guitar. Needs light touch or it will muddle up on deepest strings.

Features
Love the clear pick guard. It is pictured here with a black pick guard I think, but on the Alvarez site with clear. So glad mine came with a clear guard.

Ease of Use
Very playable. Will need a bit more hand strength. Will need to learn how to transpose on the fly to play with other musicians. Not a problem.

Quality… read more
Extremely well made. Most impressed. Like the lack of fret dots on the fretboard. Very simple clean lines.

Value
Very much worth the $1400. I suspect the laminate version at $400 is also well made.

Manufacturer Support
Incredible. Immediate response from Tom. Most impressed.

The Wow Factor
Just adds a different tonal aspect to my mostly solo playing.

Musical Background:
Pure acoustic musician and singer. 30 years experience. 4 guitars, 3 mandolins, 1 acoustic bass

Musical Style:
Folk/Americana. Playing older rock music on wooden instruments thru microphones. No processing, no effects. read less