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I bought my ARD-70 used. It was pretty cheap--around $200. It was my first dreadnaught sized 12 fret. I am very pleased with the intonation, playability and feel of this instrument. In contrast to the other review I saw on this site, I think the ARD-70 is an excellent instrument, and Alvarez should be commended for making such a high quality, affordable instrument. Since purchasing this guitar, I have added a Larrivee 12 fret and a Collings 12 Fret to my collection. The Collings is the best, followed closely by the Alvarez. I would not recommend the Larrivee. One last thing: The pickguard is awful looking!

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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

Received guitar and all strings were fretting out at the twelfth fret. Simple neck adjustment did not help. Sent it back to zZounds for full refund. They were fantastic to deal with. I hold Alvarez solely responsible for the piece of junk sold to me. So the below ratings is solely for Alvarez and not zZounds. Also Alvarez never replied to my two attempts at emailing them.

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I've always wanted 12 fret dread. I needed a new big guitar [ this is a big one]. I found it at a music store and played it. Didnt buy it. Came back 2 more times- grew on me. The store's setup guy is very good and it played very well. I had to buy a huge case to fit it [ it didnt ship with a case]. I've had it tweaked twice [ about once a year] setup/new strings [martin retro montel sound great] but it takes a lot of tlc to keep it playing. For $350 it;s been lots of fun. I don't play out with it [ i have a hand build dread for that] but around hthe houise- jams it holds up quite well [for the last 2 years. ]

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