Alvarez Baritone on clearence at MF - Page 2

Brucebubs · #16 01-14-2018, 11:48 PM

I also replaced the stock tuners with Grover 18:1 Rotomatics and recently swapped the nickel buttons to black.

David MacNeill · #17 01-15-2018, 02:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

I also replaced the stock tuners with Grover 18:1 Rotomatics and recently swapped the nickel buttons to black.

That looks really sweet. I don’t see any extra holes, so did the Grovers just drop right in without issues?

David MacNeill · #18 01-15-2018, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

David I think the model you ordered is a newer slightly different shape to this ABT-60... narrower waist?

I’ve been staring at these photos for several minutes and I think it’s an optical illusion caused by the sunburst. Measure the space between the narrowest part of the upper bout’s waist then do the same with the second photo.

My eyes want me to see the shoulders as more square than the previous model, but again I think that might be an illusion. I guess I’ll find out in a couple days.

CT77 · #19 01-15-2018, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David MacNeill

That looks really sweet. I don’t see any extra holes, so did the Grovers just drop right in without issues?

Yes, I can confirm that the Grovers are a perrfect drop-in replacement.

CT77 · #20 01-15-2018, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David MacNeill

I’ve been staring at these photos for several minutes and I think it’s an optical illusion caused by the sunburst. Measure the space between the narrowest part of the upper bout’s waist then do the same with the second photo.

My eyes want me to see the shoulders as more square than the previous model, but again I think that might be an illusion. I guess I’ll find out in a couple days.

Not an illusion. The Alvarez Baritone shape was redesigned in 2017. The old shape is the classic Gibson Jumbo shape. The newer version has gentler curves.

Earl49 · #21 01-15-2018, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David MacNeill

Earl49, you may want to put some better strings on it before you pony up for a major setup. Packaged baritone strings are gauged all over the place. See my post about an Elixir mod I am very happy with:

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...07#post5603007

Thanks for the advice David. My now-sold Taylor 416-LTD baritone wore Elixir 70-16 strings, then EJ-18's (59-14) tuned C-c for lower tension. I would often swap out the sixth string for a 62 as the 59 could get a little floppy.

When the AVT610 sale price came along, I figured I could dip my toe back in the baritone waters again for minimal risk. If it didn't pan out, I could probably flip it on CL for about what I had into it.

I just sent you an email with my Boise phone number. (I'm not doing PM's here anymore).

jwayne · #22 01-15-2018, 07:18 PM

If anyone else is looking for case, here is the Gator case that came with my ABT60E. It's a perfect fit, snug around the body and only 1-1/2" of space above the headstock. Model GW-JUMBO.

Brucebubs · #23 01-15-2018, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwayne

If anyone else is looking for case, here is the Gator case that came with my ABT60E. It's a perfect fit, snug around the body and only 1-1/2" of space above the headstock. Model GW-JUMBO.

Very nice jwayne, perfect fit.

David MacNeill · #24 01-15-2018, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwayne

If anyone else is looking for case, here is the Gator case that came with my ABT60E.

That looks ideal. Where did you buy it?

jwayne · #25 01-15-2018, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David MacNeill

That looks ideal. Where did you buy it?

I bought my ABT60E used and the case came with it. Not cheap - search for GW-JUMBO and you'll see that most places carry it for $100. (As usual, the ubiquitous 15% off coupon at GC is useless as they exclude Gator.)

AZLiberty · #26 01-15-2018, 07:58 PM

My ABT610 in the Alvarez JC1 Case

Fit could be a bit more snug, but I've certainly had worse.

Brucebubs · #27 01-15-2018, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZLiberty

My ABT610 in the Alvarez JC1 Case

Fit could be a bit more snug, but I've certainly had worse.

I think the JC1 case was originally designed for the slightly bigger older ABT-60. (and other Alvarez jumbo guitars)

David MacNeill · #28 01-19-2018, 08:58 PM

Got the ABT610E. It is...pretty nice. Great sustain right out of the box. The woods are not exactly world-class but certainly good enough. Finish is smooth and consistent. Surprisingly good factory setup; frets are a little rough but that’s easy to fix with my StewMac metal fret guard and abrasive erasers. Tuning heads are tight and jumpy but may settle in and spin smoother with use. For a jumbo guitar it sure is easy to hold. Nut width is not 1.75” but closer to 1.72 — wish it was a bit wider. Neck carve is comfortable for me but this sure ain’t the Collings Modified V carve which I have come to love.

I’ve been totally spoiled by Collings and Martin Custom Shop quality, so bonding with the Alvarez is a lot more difficult for me. I have 45 days to decide so I’m trying not to stress about it. After all, it’s only $300 — my wife spends that much every time she goes to Trader Joes.