NGD! Alvarez Delta00EDLX/SHB (need your input on whether to add pickguard)

[jazzguy]

I got this a few weeks ago and just getting around to posting. I've owned over 30 acoustic guitars from Taylor, Martin, Guild and a host of others and I can't believe how much I like this guitar. I already have a high-end all Koa Taylor GA-K and wanted something much smaller and less expensive so that I don't stress if I take it on vacation or around the couch. So I took a chance on this without playing. It reminds me of a Collings 00, only it might be better, I'm not kidding. It's amazing how difficult it is to find an inexpensive 00, 14 fret, 1 3/4 nut, non slot-head guitar. Well Alvarez just did it and it is exceptional. Came with LR Baggs Element and SKB hard case!

The build quality is QUITE GOOD and the vintage burst is EXCEPTIONAL. The only caveat is that the frets needed a bit more polishing - that's it. From there I adjusted the saddle and nut to my specific liking. Wow, wow, wow! With the onboard LR Baggs Element (one of my favorite pups) - its over the top. Highly recommend.

The sound?: very balanced and nice bass (which I like). very slight mid-range hump, but not honky or boxy (though it is billed as a blues guitar). It just flat sounds good. I'm expecting it to age very nicely. I put Elixir Polyweb lights on it and it sounds fantastic. I know coated strings - much less Polywebs - is heresy to some of you folks, but trust me it sounds and plays great to my ears.

The neck: is very comfortable to my medium sized hands. It is what I would call a "thin v" neck. Not at all old school V, I don't even notice it, I just play.

The price?: significant Sub-$1000. It's crazy.

KEY FEATURES

Series Alvarez Jazz & Blues
Top Wood Solid AA Sitka Spruce
Back & Sides Wood Solid Mahogany (the website just says Mahogany, but I saw the official release video on Youtube and it is solid hog back/sides)
Shape Blues
Neck Mahogany
Bracing System Back Shifted, Scalloped X
Inlays Abalone & Mother of Pearl
Fingerboard Rosewood
Headstock Plate Rosewood
Nut & Saddle Real Bone
Tuner Premium Open Gear Chrome
Binding Ivory ABS
Strings D'Addario EXP

This one is staying with me until the Lord calls me home. Which I hope isn't anytime soon.

BUT I NEED ADVICE: Vote for whether you think I should put a pickguard on (see last pic). I'm on the fence and leaning toward just leaving as is - especially since it has the abalone rosette, perhaps a removable clear pickguard?

[Greg Rappleye]

Beautiful guitar!

Congratulations!

I'd probably go with the pickguard, but that's just me.

I can't find the 000 listed on the Alvarez website. Any chance that what you have is the 00?

A 000 does sound like a great idea.



Greg Rappleye

[Twangcat]

It's a nice looking guitar and I think that pick guard would make the top look crowded and detract from the aesthetic of the small body. I'd leave it off or go with a clear one if you plan on strumming.

Have fun with it!

[jazzguy]

Oops - typo! Yes - it is a 00. Here is the link: http://alvarezguitars.com/guitar/delta00edlxshb/

[Jobe]

She is beautiful. I wouldn't do a pick guard. Willie Nelson insists that it isn't really required.

[rokdog49]

Although the pickguard would look nice, I wouldn't put it on there. That guitar is too beautiful just as it is. I agree with the clear suggestion if you're concerned about scratches.

[roylor4]

Originally Posted by Jobe

She is beautiful. I wouldn't do a pick guard. Willie Nelson insists that it isn't really required.

LOL

I agree. Think it looks great without one. I wish they had one in solid hog without a slotted head. My ideal Blues box.

[marty bradbury]

Beautiful guitar! Just me but I am not a big fan of pick-guards. If it were mine I would leave it off. Don't spoil that beautiful top...

[guitargeak99]

Nice rig, Jazzguy.

I have a cheap guitar with a glossy finish, and whenever I play I throw on one of those clear, flimsy urethane pickguards.
It will only stay on a gloss finish and it works fine.

My guitar is a cheap one, but I still want it to look decent.

Regards

[slice]

pretty guitar! Congratulations. I've had a couple of Alvarez guitars, still have one, and I love them!

I wouldn't put a pickguard on it, or use a reusable clear pickguard during play. Top is too pretty to cover

[jazzguy]

Well I think it is unanimous - no pick guard. Thanks for all your comments and kind words.

[Irish Dave]

Why clutter up the top? I vote leave it as is.

[Wade Hampton]

Originally Posted by jazzguy

Well I think it is unanimous - no pick guard. Thanks for all your comments and kind words.

Actually, no, it's not unanimous - to me it looks unfinished without a pickguard. You've got a nice pickguard there, and you might as well use it.

Of course, if it was me I wouldn't be on the fence or ask anyone's opinion about it, the pickguard would be on there before I posted about it or took any photos. But to each their own....

Anyway, it's nice that you scored a cool little guitar like this.


whm

[jdto]

Add me to the pickguard brigade. I think a pickguard would look great on that one. What a beautiful guitar.

[BluesyRob]

I'm with the majority. Keep it naked.