NGD! Alvarez DELTA00 TSB

fpuhan · #1 09-25-2021, 06:38 PM

No, it's not a high-end guitar, but I wasn't looking for one. I really like my Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy, but feel hampered by its 12-fret build. I wanted something I can take over to entertain the grandkids, and won't lose any sleep if it gets banged, stepped on or otherwise kid-handled.

First impressions (I just tuned it and am letting it acclimate):

It's larger than the Gretsch. It's even larger than my Taylor GS Mini.
In fact, the body size is roughly the same as my 12-string dreadnought (I guess that's what the 00 designation does).
The neck is wide and chunky. 1.75" at the nut, and a decided girth to it.
The guitar looks well made. It's all wood (mahogany back, sides and neck), Sitka Spruce on top).
Chrome hardware, abalone and mother of pearl inlays, bone nut.
Fit and finish are great! I can't see a flaw anywhere.

After tuning it, I played a few notes and chords, and it sounded kind of dull, but a short while later, after sitting a bit, it brightened up a bit.

It's too early to say if it's a keeper or not, but I think I got my money's worth.

KenL · #2 09-25-2021, 06:54 PM

Handsome guitar! Alvarez makes good stuff.

Congrats!

madhat · #3 09-26-2021, 05:26 AM

looks like a fun little guitar!
enjoy

madhat.

jklotz · #4 09-26-2021, 05:35 AM

Looks really nice. There is a certain freedom to having a less expensive guitar to take anywhere. Enjoy!

Goat Mick · #5 09-26-2021, 07:33 AM

Very cool! I have a soft spot for Alvarez guitars.

GoPappy · #6 09-26-2021, 10:29 AM

I think you found a great guitar for your stated purpose. I'd love to have one of those myself as a guitar that could be played and enjoyed banged around a little without worry. Congrats.

Bix-B · #7 09-26-2021, 10:47 AM

On top of all that, it's a very nice looking guitar.

marty bradbury · #8 09-26-2021, 11:35 AM

Very cool guitar. I have the AP70 and love it. I use Philippe Bosset lights and they sound great. Enjoy!

sharkblues · #9 09-26-2021, 12:08 PM

If you like small guitars, I think it will grow on you. I have an AP70 that I would not part with. Just a fabulous guitar! I've tried other parlor and 00, but really none I like better enough to spend $2000 more.

jricc · #10 09-26-2021, 12:19 PM

Nice Alvarez! Quite a looker, congrats

fpuhan · #11 09-26-2021, 12:35 PM

Thanks, everyone. I've let it sit overnight and it's now sounding pretty nice. The only issue I have is that the bridge sits a little higher than I'd like. I want a 14-fret guitar because I often play leads high on the neck, and the strings just seem a little high for me up high. I know I'm spoiled because my Taylor just sings at every fret, but I think maybe a little filing (unless I can just lower the saddle a trifle) might do the trick.

fpuhan · #12 10-07-2021, 09:45 AM

Well, this is probably the fastest I've ever fallen out of love with a guitar. I've let it rest after shipping, then found I needed to apply some neck relief, some of the fret ends are a bit sharp, and worst of all, I can't love the neck.

The good news is that I found a Breedlove Organic Signature Series Companion CE in Laurel/Copper Burst that I've purchased and expect delivery on tomorrow.

The bad news is I'm going to try to sell it. It will be my first experience using Reverb to sell and not buy. Given the current value of the guitar, after paying Reverb's commission and factoring the S&H, I'll be losing money.