Alvarez AJ417Artist Series Jumbo Acoustic Guitar Review

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(More customer reviews)I got this guitar on a Today's Deals special, so I was pretty skeptical, even though I've enjoyed quite a few Alvarez (usually from the Pro line or above.) It arrived looking better than the pictures, but I still wasn't convinced. Earlier tonight, I played it and my 5 year old Professional Dreadnaught. They're different instruments, of course, but after careful consideration, playing them back & forth for over half an hour, this AJ417 is my favorite, the clear winner. The harmonics are exceptional, and it's crisp and clear. The action was just fine when I got it.
Caveat: Each guitar is at least a little different. Just because I got a really good one doesn't mean they will ALL demonstrate these characteristics. That said, it's a fine choice anyway, at such a price.
While playing it, though the action isn't quite as good, the sound reminded me a lot of my old Martin Hd-35. That's saying a LOT for a guitar in this price range.
I see they have been discontinued. Buy it up while you can! Solid Edelmann spruce top and an African hardwood side & back that looks like a darker quilted maple, good tuners, ebony fretboard and bridge -- what's not to like!
P.S. I just purchased a Martin MMV (basically old stock but unused, at a huge discount.) The particular Martin I selected sounded much better than the others of the model, and those in the league cost $1400-$2400 each. Playing the Martin I DID select and this Alvarez side by side, back to back and together, two of us agreed that this guitar's sound is SLIGHTLY less rich than the Martin I bought, but more importantly that they compliment each other, are mostly just different instruments, neither being truly greater or lesser. That's saying a lot for a guitar that sells for $400 (and I got lucky and got mine at TWO HUNDRED!) Maybe mine was exceptional, by luck of the draw, but generally Alvarez are consistent. So yes, it reminds me of a Martin. I liked the Martin enough to buy it to compliment this guitar, but if you have to get just one, save yourself a lot of money buying one of these!
PPS The Gator 6/12 case (about $80) fits this guitar nicely; no need to pay more money for one that is specifically a Jumbo case.

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Artist Series jumbo with Bubinga back and sides and a solid spruce top

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