Opinions on.....

[airborne1]

Ibanez avc11, Alvarez blues 51, Alvarez Delta, Recording King Classic series, Recording King RO-T16. All but the Alvarez have “torrefied” tops. All are under 5 bills. These are all smaller bodied guitars which suit my old shoulders. Any experience/opinions on these guitars? I’m not sure my ears can tell the difference between torrefied or not. Love some input, thanks.

[drawshot1975]

I bought a Delta-00 a little over a month ago.

Great sound, great size, amazing build quality. I love it.

It has a soft-V neck profile...which I wasn't sure I was gonna get along with...but after about an hour of play, I realized just how comfortable it is...especially with the shorter scale length.

I'm a fan!

[Paddy1951]

I have not owned any of the guitars you listed but I have owned a 000/OM sized Alvarez as well as an all mahogany dreadnought. I think Alvarez makes some vey good guitars. I think you would be pleased with the models you listed.

Of course, it is best to play these guitars. As for torrified... I am not sold on the process. What concerns me is what will happen to the pre-aged tops in 10 or 15 years? Torrification makes the wood brittle from what I have read. How much better does a guitar sound that has gone through the process?

Good luck with your search.

[airborne1]

Thanks for the replies! Not many folks interested in low end guitars.

[Rmz76]

Originally Posted by airborne1

Ibanez avc11, Alvarez blues 51, Alvarez Delta, Recording King Classic series, Recording King RO-T16. All but the Alvarez have “torrefied” tops. All are under 5 bills. These are all smaller bodied guitars which suit my old shoulders. Any experience/opinions on these guitars? I’m not sure my ears can tell the difference between torrefied or not. Love some input, thanks.

I own an Alvarez AP66SHB which is a little bigger than the Blues 51, but a very similar instrument. It's one of my favorite instruments. Speaking for Alvarez build quality, I can say they are very good for the money. I've had my AP66SB for a few years, no issues. Before that I had another Alvarez that I worked pretty hard, again no issues. I suppose you could nit-pick the thick poly finish, quality of tuners, etc... But those things are pretty common in this price range and they don't detract too much from the sound.

Regarding Recording King vs Alvarez. I've played a half dozen Recording Kings in the past few years and at least the same number of Alvarez's. Everyone has an opinion, but in my opinion Alvarez builds a better guitar and has found a great balance between tradition and modern in their designs.