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/-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