Why not the Alvarez MDA70?

[Shortfinger]

Solid spruce top, dreadnaught size, solid rosewood back and sides, what's not to like?

$770 in the shop where I just played it, and perfectly set up.

What else compares?

[Ten]

I’d rather get an E8D or used E20D.

[Ed66]

I've had great experiences with Alvarez, at least with the Artist Series, and the Masterworks is up one level. I don't know if you can find a better value on a solid rosewood back. Given the significant QC I'm not exactly sure how they do it. I have looked at some Eastwood's that have had neck issues (I know that's probably a very small minority), so that combined with the great value the Alvarez represents would push me in that direction.

[Beakybird]

The Yamaha LL16 is around that price, and it has the same woods. The Engleman spruce on the Yamaha is torrified. Is that the case with the Alvarez? I know where you might be able to get an LL-TA for just north of the price of the Alvarez, but you'd have to wait until September.

That being said, I will look for the Alvarez to play next time I'm in a guitar store.

[L20A]

There are so many great guitars out there for less than $1,000.00 these days.
The biggest problem is choosing one and sticking with it.

If you like the Alvarez, get it.
I still enjoy my Alvarez Baritone a lot.
Quality products at great prices.

[Shortfinger]

I own a beatiful LS-TA Yamaha, got it new for a steal price, but really liked this Alvarez when I played it this morning.

These Asian-built guitars don't get the respect they deserve, IMHO.

[Jcamp]

Sounds about like my Alvarez MD90 that I got new 15+ years ago. Price probably ain’t bad for a new solid RW guitar but u might find a used Larrivee for around that price. Might just b my area but Ive seen several of the Larrivee pop up used for well under 900 in the last several months. Also might check out a used Martin d15 or Gibson j15.

[geelinus]

I am the very happy owner of an Alvarez Masterworks OM & wouldn't hesitate to buy another Masterworks. Great quality at a great price.

A Yamaha LL16 is doable in that price range, but I'm biased toward Alvarez. A used Gibson or Martin would be a fine alternative but harder to find in the $770 price range. A Larrivee would be fine too but -- in my experience (YMMV) a bit too bright for my tastes and -- brighter than the Alvarez, if that matters. .

I guess that means I vote for the MDA70

[Oldguy64]

Originally Posted by Shortfinger

Solid spruce top, dreadnaught size, solid rosewood back and sides, what's not to like?

$770 in the shop where I just played it, and perfectly set up.

What else compares?

The MSRP on the MD70CE when I bought mine was 1199.
Mine is a bit older than the one you are looking at.
Generally the MAP on these is $900.
On the financial end, you’re saving $130.

My fifties started with the MD70CE. I searched for an all solid wood Alvarez to test drive for a number of years.
I play a number of Alvarez guitars. I often forget how good my Masterworks is.
But every time it comes out of the case, it blows me away.
You won’t beat it for twice the price.
My only issue with the guitar, is that the built in tuner is not fast, or terribly accurate.

[Steadfastly]

I have its brother the MD60. I never knew much about Alvarez until I joined this forum and bought the MD60. For those that have not tried out a Masterworks Alvarez, I strongly suggest you do.