Yamaha LL16 ARE or ALVAREZ MD 60 EBG

Acoustirics · #1 07-11-2020, 02:07 PM

Hi all - I'm looking to add a guitar to my current list. Specifically differing in sound to my Taylor, 114CE and therefore was looking at either the Yamaha LL16 or ALVAREZ MD 60 EBG. Both have good reviews but wanted to know if any of you own either and what your opinion is...much appreciated.

Pickcity · #2 07-11-2020, 02:26 PM

I own the Alvarez and absolutely love it. It's a great guitar. I also have a Taylor 114e and they compliment each other well. The Alvarez is the best new guitar I've purchased in 20 years. I like it more than the Taylor, by a wide margin.

Never tried the Yamaha but would really like to try one. They make some of the best guitars out there, IMO, no matter the price range.

I don't see how you can wrong with either, and I can vouch for the Alvarez. Its excellent.

OKCtodd71 · #3 07-11-2020, 02:34 PM

I have played both and been shocked at what they both sound like for such little cost. If you can play them in person take home which ever neck feels better to you. You can't make a wrong or bad choice here. Only way to screw up is to buy one and then second guess your self. If you do go with the Alvarez, I strongly suggest you try Martin SP FB strings on it.

KCharlesD · #4 07-11-2020, 03:01 PM

They're both great guitars. Yamaha LL16s are wonderful, one of my main guitars is an LJ16 and I have a 12 string LL16-12. A couple of years ago I played a new LL16 in a store that was very impressive, in both sound and playability, but I couldn't justify buying it.

Wellington · #5 07-11-2020, 04:20 PM

Never played an Alvarez, but i own a LL16 i bought new 2-3 years ago. I upgraded the saddle to bone and bridge pins to wood. Incredible tone, it's my main guitar, I'd recommend them to anyone, if you get the chance play or first, some find the neck too chunky, I'd say less chunky than a gibson but a bit wider.

L20A · #6 07-11-2020, 07:25 PM

I own an Alvarez baritone and a Yamaha LL-16-12.
Both are different from your list but I just wanted to say that both are very good guitars.

You will do well with whichever you choose.

Acoustirics · #7 07-12-2020, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OKCtodd71

I have played both and been shocked at what they both sound like for such little cost. If you can play them in person take home which ever neck feels better to you. You can't make a wrong or bad choice here. Only way to screw up is to buy one and then second guess your self. If you do go with the Alvarez, I strongly suggest you try Martin SP FB strings on it.

thanks so much - just joined the acoustic guitar form and loving it immediately...

Acoustirics · #8 07-12-2020, 06:00 AM

thanks so much - just joined the acoustic guitar form and loving it immediately...

OKCtodd71 · #9 07-12-2020, 06:47 AM

Now that I think of it, the Yamaha FG830 is closer in price to the Alvarez. You should check that out too; everything I said before applies, fantastic sound for $320. If you buy online, rather than clicking, call and speak to someone and ask for 15% off. I'd be very surprised if you had to make 2 calls to get a discount.

geelinus · #10 07-12-2020, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OKCtodd71

Now that I think of it, the Yamaha FG830 is closer in price to the Alvarez. You should check that out too; everything I said before applies, fantastic sound for $320. If you buy online, rather than clicking, call and speak to someone and ask for 15% off. I'd be very surprised if you had to make 2 calls to get a discount.

The Alvarez is about $700

https://www.americanmusical.com/alva...V-MD60EBG-LIST

Birchtop · #11 07-12-2020, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OKCtodd71

Now that I think of it, the Yamaha FG830 is closer in price to the Alvarez. You should check that out too; everything I said before applies, fantastic sound for $320. If you buy online, rather than clicking, call and speak to someone and ask for 15% off. I'd be very surprised if you had to make 2 calls to get a discount.

Quote:

Originally Posted by geelinus

The Alvarez is about $700

https://www.americanmusical.com/alva...V-MD60EBG-LIST

And the comparable Yamaha LL16M A.R.E. with solid Mahogany back/sides is about $760.

Sorry, not much help on a comparison, and don’t know about the Mahogany version, but the LL16D Rosewood model that I have is an amazing instrument.

Nick84 · #12 07-12-2020, 02:19 PM

Either would be a great addition. I see your in the UK - Peach guitars have some great deals on Yamaha 16 series guitars at the moment!

Acoustirics · #13 07-13-2020, 11:56 AM

thanks for your reply - just had a look at Peach guitars...really interesting

Shadowfox · #14 07-15-2020, 05:19 PM

While the 16 series sounds well, I've found I don't get with the necks. I actually like the A series more! An Ac3R or AC5R are great buys

OKCtodd71 · #15 07-16-2020, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geelinus

The Alvarez is about $700

https://www.americanmusical.com/alva...V-MD60EBG-LIST

My bad; I was thinking of the lower priced AD 60. I have played both the Yamaha LL16 and FG830, and the AD60 but not the MD60. Based on my experiences, I would expect my initial comments to still hold pretty much true; I don't think one could make a bad choice between the two.