Working with strategies to keep playing as aging hands are “crimping my style” a bit. I have a Larrivee LV05e and a ‘72 Martin D35S that I love and they are wonderful guitars, but both are “long scale”. I play them often but for shorter stretches these days before fatigue starts to set in. 4 fret stretches are getting pretty “iffy” at times.
Easy remedy has been to use capos to effectively shorten the scale length on whichever guitar I might be playing at the moment. Then I got to thinking... what about a short scale guitar? I knew if I kept the cost moderately low I could probably justify a modest purchase with the boss. So with stimulus check in the bank, I went on the hunt for something in the $500 or less range.
What I finally landed on after copious research (much of it from comments by you folks here on AGF) and listening to demos (and playing the meager choices available locally) was an Alavarez AP66 ESHB 12 fret, slot head with a 24” scale length, solid hog top, laminated B&S. The nut width was supposed to be 1 ¾”, but apparently Alavarez changed to 1 11/16”. Disappointing, but not a deal breaker once I heard the tone it produced. Have had it about 3 weeks now and my impressions are…
Alvarez Md70sd 12 Fret Dreadnought
Out of the box it had surprisingly great tone for a smaller body, and a really nice tone on the bass stings. But the action definitely required a setup. A truss rod tweak, a slight saddle shave and it was pretty much good to go. Nice intonation up the neck for its price range. It came with D'Addario EXP16, but during the setup I put on Newtone Heritage (round core) 11-47, that play nice and soft on the 24” scale. Since it’s not the “treasure” that my Larrivee and Martin are it sets out on a guitar stand most of the time and I walk by and pick it up on a whim if I want. Much greater comfort when playing. Really happy to have a more “convenient” guitar to noodle around with and work out on. But when I need to hear “that special sound” still turn to my Larrivee or Martin.
Very cool! I've been on the lookout for parlor guitar that won't break the bank (in the past few months I bought an Eastman OM, an Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-45, and ordered an Eastman archtop, so I don't want to spend a ton of money), and sounds OK for flat picking (from the videos I've seem of the Alvarez AP66 ESHB, it handles picking pretty well), and the AP66 ESHB (especially due to it being a 12-fretter) went on my radar recently. What's the neck thickness like (thin, medium, or chunky)? I'm asking because I fined thin necks uncomfortable for playing.
It feels so similar to my LV05 and D35S that I don't notice any appreciable difference in depth or profile (moderate C shape).
Alvarez Ap66sb Artist 66 Parlour Review
These are great guitars! I have the 660 model which is the longer scale non slot head model. It's really surprising good! In fact, it's just about the perfect couch guitar! Congrats on a great new guitar!
My wife got me one of those for Christmas and I've probably played it more than all my other guitars combined since then. Really a great little guitar! Hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine!
I have the same model. Mine is from 2016. Great little guitar. I put some Grover Sta-tite tuners on and it was a nice improvement from the stock Wilkinsons , which were a little sloppy.
Used Alvarez Amp660eshb Acoustic Electric Guitar
I have one of these guitars and I agree, they are fun to play and sound pretty good. I leave mine out in the living room and people comment on how nice it looks.
The model number is H97N. The screw holes were just the tiniest bit off on mine but I made it work ok without having to redrill any holes.
Very cool guitar! I have an AP70 and love it. Every time I think of trading out I pick up and play it.....nah, Enjoy your new guitar!
My Alvarez Yairi Yb70 Baritone Acoustic
Marty, while on the lookout for a parlor I was very interested in an AP70 I saw on Reverb, but missed out on it and really regretted that. Would love to have had a chance to play one. I have always been curious about Alvarez guitars since they are often described as punching above their weight class. Now that I own one I'd have to agree...All of my current guitars are rosewood except for my Martin JR D-10, so I've been keeping my eyes open for a mahogany. I love the sound of mahogany and really wanted one in an OM size. I thought I would end up with a Martin OM-18, but continued to read lots of reviews and listen to Youtube videos on various guitars. For some reason, I kept coming back to the Alvarez MF60OM. I went to my local GC (the only guitar store within 75 miles of here), but they didn't have one. I didn't want to order one without having ever played one. I decided I would search for a used one so that I could flip it, hopefully without a loss, if I didn't like it.
I found this one on Reverb at an excellent price and it was listed in like new condition. I corresponded with the seller quite a few times and he was responsive and answered all my questions. As a bonus, rather than coming with a rigid gig bag (standard from Alvarez for this guitar), it came with a brand new hard case.
The guitar arrived today and I couldn't be happier. It sounded really nice right out of the box with worn out strings. I put some new strings on it and it now sounds terrific. The neck fits my hand perfectly and has the nicest profile of any guitar I've ever played. I already have one OM (Yamaha LS-16), so I knew I would like the size. The tone from this guitar is so much warmer than the Yamaha. It also has much more bass than the Yamaha without being muddy at all. Don't get me wrong...I still love my Yamaha. The Yamaha definitely has some competition for playing time.
Alvarez Rd20s Dreadnought W/nice Hardshell Case (mb1006613)
Yes, Alvarez kicks butt, especially anything in the Masterworks series. I have the MD60BG, and it's pretty much equivalent to a D-18. It doesn't have that Martin sound--it's more balanced sounding across the strings and up and down the neck, and it's simply a joy to play. And with a AAA grade Sitka spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, and playing great right out of the box, you really can't beat that for $700.
Anyway, I love that OM, and I am glad you have found Alvarez. I recommend them to folks all the time. And if you get into the Yairi line, those are just deadly, lol.
I have the exact model. I own 3 Alvarez guitars, and they all punch way above their weight class. The MF60OM is an extremely versatile guitar.
Ngd, Old Cbs Masterworks K Yairi
I recently picked up a used, like new Alvarez AF66SHB, which is the all mahogany version of what you have. Very nice guitar and the price was under $500 with hard case. Great value and fantastic tone and playability are the norm for Alvarez, particularly with their Masterworks series.
I came close to getting an AF66SHB because I've never had a guitar with a mahogany top, but decided to stick with Sitka. The YT reviews of the AF66SHB sound wonderful, though.
Congrats on the OM...if its anything like the Dread (MG60BG) it's a great guitar. It sure is nice looking...enjoy that new to you Alvarez!
New Guitar Alvarez Amp660
Already have a tusq XL nut on which widened up the string spacing and was well worth it in my opinion. value is terrific and really gives me pause about purchasing a 00018 . i really enjoy my alvarez already.
It's a winner. I put .11's on it and it is so easy to play with great note separation and a nice bloom. Really a top notch instrument. I like the neck too - nice and full with a true 1 3/4 nut. The abalone trim is just icing. Every time its out my wife comments on how pretty it is.
I put 12's on it, but will try 11's at the next change. It plays fine with 12's, but I'm all for easier! I agree that it is a gorgeous guitar.Just curious if anyone has seen one of these guitars in the wild and actually played it? If so...thoughts please. Many thanks!
Alvarez Yairi Fan Club
I’m looking at one of these right now to add an all solid mahogany B&S to the tool bag. Am interested in any input here as I will not be able to play one first. They seem like they are well made and a good value.
I can't speak directly to the BG, but based on the fit/finish/tone of my MDA66, I would think it's a steal
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