Alvarez Baritone at a blowout price at Musician's Fiend

[Swamp Yankee]

Originally Posted by tippy5

love the double dots on a different plane. Sheesh what did I buy?

I've never seen an Eastman in person that didn't have the same poorly aligned dot inlays, even those costing $1,000 or more. So, finding them on a far less expensive guitar isn't too surprising.

[Mycroft]

Originally Posted by tippy5

love the double dots on a different plane. Sheesh what did I buy?

You bought an inexpensive guitar. Quality control costs money.

[Brian's Twin]

It appears that GC has the $299 price going for the next 3 days:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Alvarez/...tric-Guitar.gc

I think that would incur tax and shipping unless you could call MF and get them to match the deal.

[DavidE]

Originally Posted by DavidE

Home from vacation and picked up the guitar and case from my local GC today. Played it for a few and really like it so far. But I did find a good size ding/dent on the back of the headstock. I’ll contact GC about that tomorrow.

Rather than give me any partial refund, they're replacing the guitar. I have to ship it back and then they'll send the replacement. I'll open the replacement at my local store.....

[Reasley]

Does anyone know the difference between the Artist Series baritone at $500 compared to the ABT610ESHB at $300? I've tried to find Alvarez's mfr page and can't find it and the only difference I see on Guitar Center's site is a bone nut and saddle on the more expensive one? [I know the more expensive one is a natural top and the less expensive one is a sunburst but I am curious about the price difference).

[AZLiberty]

Originally Posted by Reasley

Does anyone know the difference between the Artist Series baritone at $500 compared to the ABT610ESHB at $300? .

The 610 instead of 60 indicates that this is a custom model for GC/MF/M123.

Same for the Parlors and Folk/OM, 610 instead of 60 means custom for GC.

Since it is custom for a particular vendor, there is no MAP pricing, and the vendor can set their own price without violating marketing agreements. Also, since it is custom, Alvarez will NOT have specs on their website.

Hard to say the exact differences. The 610 has a no-cut pickup instead of a giant pre-amp cut into the side. That's probably a substantial chunk of the cost savings. (also a big plus IMHO, I don't like giant holes cut into the upper bout anyway)

Also, every one of these I have seen says Alvarez 50, 1965-2015. Presumably part of the reason they are blowing them out on sales is because in 2018 they will look like a 3 year old unsold instrument.

[motojosh]

If anyone was kicking themselves for missing this deal, it's back up right now for $279.99.

[Wade Hampton]

Originally Posted by motojosh

If anyone was kicking themselves for missing this deal, it's back up right now for $279.99.

I wasn't kicking myself for missing ANYthing, but thanks for the mention. I'm sure a few folks will now go take a look thanks to your thoughtfulness in doing so.


whm

[Mortimor]

Originally Posted by motojosh

If anyone was kicking themselves for missing this deal, it's back up right now for $279.99.

FYI for those who purchased the guitar from Musician's Friend at a higher price:
Musician's Friend has a 45 day price match policy. I called and they gave me credit for the price difference.

[AZLiberty]

Originally Posted by Mortimor

FYI for those who purchased the guitar from Musician's Friend at a higher price:
Musician's Friend has a 45 day price match policy. I called and they gave me credit for the price difference.

Thanks for the info. I called but their call center was already closed. I left a message, let's see if they get back to me.

[AZLiberty]

Originally Posted by AZLiberty

Thanks for the info. I called but their call center was already closed. I left a message, let's see if they get back to me.

Quoting myself?

MF did not call back, so I called around 10 am, sat on hold for about 10-15 minutes. The sales rep did however refund the $20 price difference. (or rather claimed that it would be, won't know till I get my statement)

[yellowesty]

I bought an Alvarez ABT60 from Amazon on November 25 ($290 w/o case at the time). It was delivered on Monday, Dec. 4.

I'm VERY pleased.

It's well-constructed (the double dots at the 12th fret are aligned - in a bound fretboard) and well-finished (matte neck/sides/back with a gloss top - no runs, no "near" runs). The guitar has minimal bling, but every joint and seam has an excellent fit. The braces that I can see or touch are smooth and cleanly let into the kerfing. There's no reinforcement of the back seam. The solid sitka top has tight, straight grain with lots of medullary lines - it looks very much like the top on my Larrivee (though it's considerably bigger).

The best of all is the way it sounds (and plays). It's tuned B - B, and talk about "growl!" And loud with good sustain (maybe a bit too good for some music - I need to learn to damp). As it hasn't had a chance to break in/open up, I have a hard time imagining what it will sound like in 6 months, but it's quite good even now. It's also easy to play. I fingerpick with nails only and have fat fingers. The 1 ¾" nut and the greater spacing between frets (due to the 27 ¾" scale) makes playing easier for me than on a "standard" guitar. And out-of-the-box setup was just fine; I may shave the saddle when I change strings, but there's really no need.

This is my first (and, at this point, only) baritone; I'd never played or even heard a baritone guitar, and bought it on a whim. As ever, better lucky than smart.

[Mortimor]

Originally Posted by AZLiberty

MF did not call back, so I called around 10 am, sat on hold for about 10-15 minutes. The sales rep did however refund the $20 price difference. (or rather claimed that it would be, won't know till I get my statement)

Good to hear my message helped someone out.

I will be doing a post about my new baritone, but I'm still digesting the thing at this point. It's a different animal, to be sure.

[Wade Hampton]

Mortimor wrote:

Originally Posted by Mortimor

I will be doing a post about my new baritone, but I'm still digesting the thing at this point. It's a different animal, to be sure.

Mortimor, I couldn't tell from your name that you're a Burmese python:

Mortimor & his new Alvarez ABT610ESHB Baritone Acoustic-Electric Guitar

I guess that the rest of us who've posted in this thread didn't, uh.....you know....make it clear enough that you're supposed to PLAY the guitar, not eat it.







˚






So how did it taste, anyway?



whm

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by Wade Hampton

So how did it taste, anyway?

whm

mmmm ..... stringy?