Description
The Alvarez Artist Elite range is the culmination of years of research and development by some of the best luthiers in the world. With over 50 years experience making guitars, the American company set out to create a stunning looking instrument packed with more value than any of its competitors.
Construction
This incredible line-up is fit and finished to the highest quality. Built with premium tonewoods, hardware and ergonomic design to create both an effortless playing experience and exquisite sound. The bi-level Pau Ferro fingerboard adds to the great tone and smooth playability.
Alvarez have also been conscious of the gloss finish. They’ve used a 50/50 gloss and satin mix over the body as thinly as possible to keep the sound lively whilst offering protection from wear.
The Grand Auditorium Design
As acoustic guitar shapes go, the Grand Auditorium is relatively new. Introduced in the ‘90s, it offered middle ground between the hefty Dreadnought and the more compact 000 (or Orchestra model). This often means a slimmer body with a cutaway, while keeping a broad lower bout to ensure a full-bodied sound.
Combining modern manufacture techniques with unique tonewood treatments, Alvarez Grand Auditorium acoustics are guaranteed to provide the best of both worlds; resonant sound and comfort.
About Alvarez
Established in 1965 by major US instrument distributor St. Louis Music, Alvarez teamed up with master luthier Kazuo Yairi with the aim of producing the finest guitars in the world.
The success of Alvarez-Yairi guitars helped put the brand on the market, and are still handmade in Kani, Japan to this day. In the decades that followed, Alvarez significantly expanded their operation, and now produce one of the most extensive and diverse ranges of acoustic instruments in the world.
Ranging from affordable entry-level to world-class handmade instruments, Alvarez have got everything covered. Their instruments have been used by the likes of Johnny Cash, Paul McCartney, Carlos Santana, Ani DiFranco and many more – they’re obviously doing something right!
Listen & Compare
Specifications
- Top Wood: Solid AA Western Red Cedar
- Back & Sides Wood: Macassar Ebony
- Shape: Grand Auditorium w/ Cutaway
- Neck: Mahogany, 50/50 Semi gloss finish
- Bridge: Bi-Level Pau Ferro/Indian Laurel
- Inlays: Abalone & Mother of Pearl
- Fingerboard: Pau Ferro / Indian Laurel, 12th Fret Inlay
- Nut & Saddle: Real Bone
- Tuner: Premium Die Cast
- Binding: Ebony
- Strings: D’Addario EXP16
- Pickup / EQLR: Baggs StagePro EQ and Element Pick Up
