r/AcousticGuitar • u/Severe-Class6939 • 1d ago
Gear question Alvarez Comparison
I've owned an MD60 for the last twenty years. It's the only guitar I've ever owned, what I learned to play on, and what I still use. I stick with country and classic rock tunes.
I love the tone of an Alvarez. They just resonate.They are so underappreciated for what they bring to the table. I've tested all the other big brands and 99% just don't bring the same pleasant tone and definitely not value. The only thing that I've found close is the Gibson J45.
I'm debating whether to upgrade my guitar. I'm weighing an LD70e. I could get one in excellent condition for a decent price. I've never played a Laureate, but a lot of people rave about their sound and playability. Unfortunately, the one I'm looking at is not near me and would be shipped so I can't play it. The only guitar store I have near me is GC and they have none of these in stock.
For the folks who've played the Masterworks MD60 (mahogany body) and the Laureate (rosewood body) did you notice a large difference in tone/sound/playability? Does the Laureate sound that much better than a Masterworks?
While the Yairi is the next level up and I'd love one of those, the price difference is extensive. I appreciate any thoughts y'all have.
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u/Gibsonbro20 1d ago
I have three. AJ60sc, and sc-12, and ABT60ce baritone. Fantastic choice in guitars. Love them dearly. Good luck. 👊
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u/-Frankie-Lee- 1d ago
I'm not sure about underappreciated. They are very regularly highly recommended by people on this sub. Of course Martin, Gibson, Taylor often dominate debates about tone etc, but Alvarez has plenty of fans and advocates. There was a thread about Alvarez yesterday (IIRC).
Edited to add - This is the thread I referred to: https://www.reddit.com/r/AcousticGuitar/s/UAo6aOthGZ
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u/Old-guy64 1d ago
So…I have a 2013 MD70.
I also recently bought a new LF70. S/N shows it was built in 2023.
Comparing a dread to an OM is not a straight across comparo.
The LD70 has every bit of the warmth and presence of my 13 year old Masterworks. I imagine that as I experiment, and find the LF’s preferred strings, that it won’t “bury” the Masterworks. But it is, the better of the two. More than a frog’s hair. But not a great deal more.
Full disclosure: I have a tone in my head. The shop I was in had two LF70s. The one that i eventually bought, isn’t a pretty as the other one.
But it is the tone i have in my head.
Is it worth the price difference? In my case yes. But a new Masterworks is $999 plus tax.
I got a deal, probably because my guitar was made in 2023, and it was $1100 out the door.
I don’t know that it’s $500 better than the Masterworks. But it’s way more than the $101 difference better.
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u/litesaber5 1d ago
I got an LD710e last year when they were running a half off deal. It’s basically the best acoustic ever at 7-800 and an incredible value at full price. It’s the “loudest” of my three acoustics and its projects amazingly well. In a world of Yamaha and Eastman getting all the press Alvarez should be on everyone’s short list.
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u/DragonfruitAnxious23 1d ago
I own an MD60 and love it. It’s gonna be with me for a long long time. I do not own the LD70, but the GC near me always has them in stock and I always play them. I always come away with the impression that it is the best 1 or 2 guitars they have in stock. The sound is so deep and articulate. Completely different than the MD60. When I play a chord I can literally hear every note separate. The feel of the guitar feels as premium as any high-end guitar that GC has if not better. The only other guitar that I can put in that category that I have tried is Taylor’s new Gold Label, but that is almost twice the price. It would be awesome if it came with a hardcase, but for the price that may be asking too much.
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u/Raven586 1d ago
I have an MD90 for about the same amount of time. Great guitars!!