#1
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Older Alvarez Guitars
I was wondering if anyone has any knowledge about some of the older Alvarez models. Particularly the 5022. I recently found one at GC in fair/good condition, but I have no idea whether it's a solid top or lam(I'm sure it has to be lam b/s). Also it has the split diamond fret inlays, but I can't seem to find many others like it online, so I'm assuming it's just an aesthetic thing. It is MIJ, and has the inverted double A logo on the straight "Martin style" headstock. One thing I do know is that it is not the professional model that I've heard about, it has the brown paper label instead.
Nobody at GC had any idea about the specs of it so I figured someone on here might know. Any info is much appreciated. |
#2
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Most of the old Alvarez and Yairi guitars are laminate back/sides and sometimes lam top.
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#3
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Sounds like the one you are looking at might be like this one:
http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=395266 My research indicates it most likely has solid spruce top with laminated mahogany back and sides.
__________________
"I've seen it raining fire in the sky..." -- John Denver (Rocky Mountain High) Martin D-15M Taylor 420 Maple Alvarez MD80 Alvarez MD80/12 |
#4
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First guitar was an '88 5212 Regent. Not the same model, but it was a laminate spruce with mahogany back and sides. Pretty basic student model, but had an adjustable saddle on the bridge.
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#5
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It does look almost exactly like that model in the image. I was just curious about the split diamond inlays. It's got one on the 5th, two on the 7th, one on the 9th, and two on the twelfth. I don't imagine it makes it rare by any means, but just wondered if it might suggest what year it was made or maybe a particular model?
However all it says on the label is 5022, and a serial number |
#6
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I don't have the same model Alvarez, but a 1987 5083 thinline acoustic. I don't know if it is laminate top or solid, but I don't care, it sounds great, and has held up fantastic. If it is good shape and sounds good, you can't go wrong! I like my old Alvarez!
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--------------------------------- Martin OM -15 Custom Taylor 314ce Taylor GS Mini Mahogany Yamaha AC1M Yamaha FSX800C |
#7
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I have a 5054 that was purchased new in 1981. Solid spruce top with Rosewood B&S. Don't know if it helps at all but it's all I got.
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#8
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After searching the Internet, it seems info on Alvarez is pretty scarce!
How many models did they make? So far we have a 5022, a 5212, and a 5083...I think I've heard of a 5014 too. Does anybody know if the numbers meant anything, or did they just slap whatever number they could on them? |
#9
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Many numbers.
Back in the day, they changed numbers if not the actual guitars pretty frequently. If you Email them or send a PM thru the Facebook page...you will get an answer back pretty quickly. Never have I waited more than a couple days.
__________________
A bunch of guitars I really enjoy. A head full of lyrics, A house full of people that “get” me. Alvarez 5013 Alvarez MD70CE Alvarez PD85S Alvarez AJ60SC Alvarez ABT610e Alvarez-Yairi GY1 Takamine P3DC Takamine GJ72CE-12-NAT Godin Multiac Steel. Journey Instruments OF660 Gibson G45 |
#10
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I have a 5040 and used to have a 5018.
And I have an AP-70. Alvarez's being affordable, never really got any steam going with collectors and therefore there's not much history on them model-wise. And they are a nice players guitar, but they're imported and la-di-da-di-da... There's bits and pieces on the web, but no grand amalgam of data. I am referring to the basic Alvarez's not the Yairi models. I hope someone proves me wrong, I'd love to see it.
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~Dave ~Music self-played is happiness self-made |
#11
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Well I have it stored away and thought it was a 5013 or 5088, but may be a 5083, need to get a magnifying glass, the label is faded, I know it was a 1976 model MIJ, I purchased the guitar in Feb 1977. It has a 3 piece back, but it is laminate, very good looking though, back and sides are laminated brazilion rosewood, very nice grain, top is spruce not a laminate. Has the Martin headstock, very easy guitar to play very low action, and has the adjustable saddle. The guitar overall is still in top notch condition. Also has an interesting history.
Last edited by Markini; 08-20-2015 at 08:59 PM. Reason: change model number |
#12
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Did Alvarez ever put out a catalog? I know I've seen an Ibanez catalog from the 60s once. If there were any Alvarez catalogs, they might answer some questions.
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#13
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Quote:
They also do not have a three piece back. And were made from 1980-1982 or '83. Alvarez put out a catalog every year. As I said, one year a guitar has one designation, the next year it would be a different designation. Now it's fairly simple. The first letter is the Series, the second the body style, The numbers are a little more complicated. 60 is a mahogany back and sides with a spruce top. 70 is Rosewood with spruce top, 66 is all mahogany. 65/75 means cedar top. And that can vary as the Artist Jumbos, AJ60, AJ80 have maple b/s. That is the main reason for sending an email or Facebook PM. They have a guy who has access to all the info. It will take him a day or two for him to get back to you. But he will get back with the specs on any Alvarez or Yairi
__________________
A bunch of guitars I really enjoy. A head full of lyrics, A house full of people that “get” me. Alvarez 5013 Alvarez MD70CE Alvarez PD85S Alvarez AJ60SC Alvarez ABT610e Alvarez-Yairi GY1 Takamine P3DC Takamine GJ72CE-12-NAT Godin Multiac Steel. Journey Instruments OF660 Gibson G45 |
#14
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Here are 3 Alvarez Guitars I have with 4 digit Model numbers. The early Alvarez line used mainly 4 digits, later they went to alpha Numeric, and in my mind are slightly lesser quality.
5021, 12 string equivalent of the 5022 ( I think ) ? 5024, Alvarez Dove Gibson Copy. I replaced the Tune-O-Matic Bridge with a fixed insert I made. I purchased the LAST 6 saddle inserts Alvarez had in stock according to Tom Kruska. A very nice playing guitar. The original saddle, collapses in the middle, so if you have one, you may want to pull it out and straighten it, and add a support to the center portion. Finally the 5043. It's also a Martin Copy, Can't recall the Martin model number. Looking at all of my guitars, I realized I have about 10 Alvarez-Yairi models. I love each of them. Dan |
#15
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Thanks for the photos Dan, my 1976 model is identical to last photo a 5043. Any idea of the age on yours?
Last edited by Markini; 08-22-2015 at 12:07 PM. Reason: spelling |