ALVAREZ GUITARS FOR SALE

In today's market of high-tech guitar manufacturing, one objective still remains constant: tone. At Alvarez, we manufacture tone the old way: by hand. Since 1965, Alvarez Guitars has been building an illustrious history of quality, reputation and tone.

The Alvarez line stems from an exclusive relationship with Kazuo Yairi of Japan who's family represents more than 60 years of hand crafting fine acoustic guitars. Kazuo Yairi is the last luthier of his generation who continues to build guitars by hand. This attention to quality, detail and tradition separates Alvarez from other acoustic guitar manufacturers.

The evolution of a new guitar begins in St. Louis, Missouri where production model ideas are concepted and designed by a development staff at St. Louis Music, Inc. The Yairi factory in Kani, Gifu-Japan then takes these designs and produces a limited number of instruments, each with its own individual characteristics.

The absence of computer-based production and automation results in instruments that are completely and inherently unique: Different examples of the same model will exhibit sonic and cosmetic character particular to that individual instrument. The luthiers at the Yairi factory are master craftsman who build instruments from start to finish. As opposed to an assembly-line manufacturing facility, the Yairi factory produces limited-run, detailed guitars that feel and sound...special. Guitars that are hand-crafted for tone and playability.

The production of an Alvarez Yairi guitar begins with only the finest select, tone woods including: North American spruce and cedar for tops; well-seasoned mahogany for necks and bodies; premium-aged rosewood, mahogany, maple and koa for bodies and fingerboards, or top-grade ebony for fingerboards and rosewood for bridges. Other exotic offerings from the Yairi factory include: highly figured Koa; quilted and flamed maple; ovangkol; and coral rosewood.

The key to superior tone and stability and the main ingredient to the superior tone of an Alvarez Yairi acoustic is correct seasoning of the wood. Woods are both kiln dried and air dried for extended periods...up to 15 years before pieces are individually selected for use in specific instruments. Backs and sides are chosen from these aged tone woods and selected by the luthier for tonal and cosmetic properties. Bookmatched tops of high grade spruce and cedar are also chosen for tonal and cosmetic attributes.

The Yairi luthiers hand shape and scallop the top braces, tuning the guitar to the proper frequency for optimum tone and volume balance while ensuring structural integrity. A maple bridge plate is used for clear articulation and structural support for the top.The exclusive Direct Coupled Bridge eliminates any possibility of bridge lifting and offers superior transfer of string vibrations to the top. On many Alvarez models, genuine shell is hand inlaid around the soundhole Contrasted with modern, "bolt-on" necks, hand-fitted mortise and tendon neck joints allow for a perfect fit between the neck and body and add to the tonal balance of the instrument. The exclusive "U Channel" truss rod assembly provides precise adjustment of neck relief for maximum playability and neck stability. Nickel silver frets are hand inlaid, then sanded and filed resulting in a fretboard that sings tone and feels responsive to the player. In addition to high quality die cast tuning machines, authentic bone nuts and saddles are hand cut and fitted for optimum sound and playability. The Yairi luthiers hand shape and scallop the top braces, tuning the guitar to the proper frequency for optimum tone and volume balance while ensuring structural integrity. A maple bridge plate is used for clear articulation and structural support for the top.The exclusive Direct Coupled Bridge eliminates any possibility of bridge lifting and offers superior transfer of string vibrations to the top. On many Alvarez models, genuine shell is hand inlaid around the soundhole Contrasted with modern, "bolt-on" necks, hand-fitted mortise and tendon neck joints allow for a perfect fit between the neck and body and add to the tonal balance of the instrument. The exclusive "U Channel" truss rod assembly provides precise adjustment of neck relief for maximum playability and neck stability. Nickel silver frets are hand inlaid, then sanded and filed resulting in a fretboard that sings tone and feels responsive to the player. In addition to high quality die cast tuning machines, authentic bone nuts and saddles are hand cut and fitted for optimum sound and playability.

Today's acoustic guitar needs to be versatile and as the most advanced EQ system available, the award-winning Alvarez System 500 MKII is the most natural sounding acoustic guitar reproduction available with plus or minus 15dB of cut or boost on individual bass, mid and treble sliders and a mid-contour control. The System 500 offers superb sonic shaping of the guitar's natural tone when interfacing with modern sound reinforcement and recording equipment. Inside the System 500 are two trim pots for further adjustment of high and low frequencies affording the player unparalleled amplified tonal control.The Alvarez System 500 is exclusive to Alvarez and is standard on most Alvarez Yairi guitars. The System 500 may also be added as an option and installed at our guitar shop in St. Louis, Missouri.