12-fret parlor slotheads: Taylor or Alvarez

[Shortfinger]

My limit is $2,500 in upgrading from my Fender all-mahogany PM-2.

There is a nice barely used 522e parlor shape that also has a soft v neck, and the shop can get me a new Alvarez Yairi Masterwork PYM70, almost exact same specs except no soft v. The T is all-hog, the PYM70 spruce over rosewood.

Here is a blinged-up version of the PYM being played. The added mother-of-pearl does nothing for the sound and feel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbfZ...&t=266s&loop=0

And here is the Taylor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjCTwjrz8iE&loop=0

I can play the Taylor, as it's in the store. The PYM70 would be an order.

Help me decide, please!

[Rudy4]

Originally Posted by Shortfinger

My limit is $2,500 in upgrading from my Fender all-mahogany PM-2.

There is a nice barely used 522e parlor shape that also has a soft v neck, and the shop can get me a new Alvarez Yairi Masterwork PYM70, almost exact same specs except no soft v. The T is all-hog, the PYM70 spruce over rosewood.

Here is a blinged-up version of the PYM being played. The added mother-of-pearl does nothing for the sound and feel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbfZ...&t=266s&loop=0

And here is the Taylor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjCTwjrz8iE&loop=0

I can play the Taylor, as it's in the store. The PYM70 would be an order.

Help me decide, please!

I have a Taylor 322 and love it. The body is actually a Grand Concert, and wouldn't be what I consider small enough to be called a parlor guitar, though. I purchased the Taylor as a year-old pre-owned at 1/3 of your budget, so there are great deals if you want to go that direction.

Before you nix them, you may want to give a Taylor GS Mini and Taylor Academy A12 a test drive. Inexpensive, and smaller scale lengths and body sizes more comparable to an actual parlor if that's what you truly want.

I have never been able to get past the look of the Alvarez bridge. It kills any desire I would have to own one.

[Daddyo]

I have the Taylor 312CE 12 fret and I really like it. It is not quite a parlor but the cut of the body makes it very comfortable to play. Played in the classical position the guitar moulds to your body.

[whvick]

For $2400 this is nice

https://youtu.be/flAOlXO8W-8

[Shortfinger]

"For $2400 this is nice"

But it's a dread. My old shoulder wants me to get something no larger than the PM-2 with its 14-3/16" lower bout.

[MinTac]

Originally Posted by Daddyo

I have the Taylor 312CE 12 fret and I really like it. It is not quite a parlor but the cut of the body makes it very comfortable to play. Played in the classical position the guitar moulds to your body.

I recently purchased this very same Taylor 12 fretter and completely agree with Daddyo. Extremely comfortable and great tone in a relatively small package. The 12 fret configuration provides a surprising amount of bass response and the soft v neck profile feels great in the fretting hand.

[rpatkin]

https://www.laguitarsales.com/index....322-56072.html

[msbedard]

I have an as new recently purchased Furch Vintage 3 OOM- SR that I could be talked into selling/ trading if you have an interest. I purchased 2 new Furch guitars within a 3 week stretching and now would consider moving on from one to partially fund another project.

PM me if you have any interest.

Michael

This was my NGD post https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=605616

[MBee]

I know you're looking for a 12-fretter, but I think that the Yairi parlour from the honduran series would be an amazing guitar


https://www.alvarezguitars.com/guitar/pym60hd/

[jaymarsch]

I played both and preferred the Alvarez. More responsive and a bit more punch in the tone which is my preference. If you like more of a “dead string” sound, you might prefer the Taylor. Now, I was only able to play two of the Taylor’s and one of the Alvarez. Another consideration are the specs - make sure that you are happy with the respective scale lengths and string spacing at the nut and bridge. Those things are subtle but can make a difference. Every Alvarez parlor that I have played (different tone woods, some all wood, some laminate) have been really outstanding. I think the one in the video captures the kind of balance and responsiveness that Alvarez manages to get without any boxiness.

Best,
Jayne

[Twin Six]

The Alvarez Yairi.

Disclaimer: I'm biased.

[jaymarsch]

Originally Posted by Rudy4

I have a Taylor 322 and love it. The body is actually a Grand Concert, and wouldn't be what I consider small enough to be called a parlor guitar, though. I purchased the Taylor as a year-old pre-owned at 1/3 of your budget, so there are great deals if you want to go that direction.

Before you nix them, you may want to give a Taylor GS Mini and Taylor Academy A12 a test drive. Inexpensive, and smaller scale lengths and body sizes more comparable to an actual parlor if that's what you truly want.

I have never been able to get past the look of the Alvarez bridge. It kills any desire I would have to own one.

I never notice the bridge of any of my guitars when I am playing them but I sure notice the sound and the feel. : - )
It is great that we have so many choices so our hands, ears and eyes are satisfied in good measure!
Best,
Jayne

[whvick]

Try this one
Small enough for my recliner
Loud as you need
And sounds great

https://www.eastmanguitars.com/e10oo

[mawmow]

On the long term, a neck reset on a Taylor is easily done... ;-)

[KevinH]

I have only good things to say about my 522ce and will never sell it. Highly recommended.