This is the results of the comparison we did blind on the Bluegrass Guitar Facebook group!! It was a ton of fun!! Thanks to all the members who helped me out on this one!! Cheers
I have a '78 Alvarez Yairi. Looks just like an old Martin. My dad bought it brand new, but gave it to me when I was like 12 cause I was playing every day. After that I played all day every day. I learned so many songs on it. I still have it and it is still as sweet as the first day I strummed it for the first time. He payed 750 bucks for it in 1978 and played it on a submarine when he was in the Navy. I still love it and play it almost everyday.
@@BryanClark-gk6ieyou actually do not want guitars to dry out, and it’s pretty humid in a submarine if I’m not mistaken. But that humidity was probably good for it yeah.
@@Emoralis Didn't know anything about submarines is why I asked. After doing some research, I figured out several music stores in my area have what they call' the submarine room to keep their acoustic instruments in.
I’m a small bench luthier, I build 4-5 guitars a year. I first experienced producing a large soundhole guitar using a torrefied Adirondack top, with sinker mahogany back and sides. It had a 4 3/8 soundhole. It was an absolute cannon. Forward shifted and heavily scalloped bracing. Every guitar I’ve built since then has had at least a 4 1/4 inch soundhole. I just prefer the look and serviceability of them. There’s to many variables in guitar construction to say either way. That’s my .02
I loved your enthusiasm for people to prioritise using their ears. Your sense of enjoying each instrument for their best qualities comes through. Your openess to exploring and enjoying is the hallmark of an excellent musician. Thanks for the time and thought you put into this.
That was really wonderful and informative. I just picked up a 20 year old Alvarez master series that is well, one of the most amazing sounding guitars I remember playing.
Thank you so much for this video, and for your knowledge, experience and musical judgment. I've played a Martin 000-18 all my life, and I'm now looking to buy a parlor guitar. I'm considering Martin vs. Alvarez. This was very helpful!
Oh my goodness. That Boucher sounds amazing... much more balanced than either the Martin or the Alvarez. I thought the Alvarez had a nicer, tighter bottom end and cleaner high end. But the Martin has that focused mid-range that ya gotta love. The blind test was really entertaining, J.P. Thank you for the time you invest in us.
Oh, I've got an Alvarez Yairi DY55 1979. Kind of a no frills guitar, but the sound is deep, colorful, mysterious and beautiful. The thing with the Alvarez--it puts out more...the more you put in. Quite divine. I used to call it my Stradivarius.
JP I love the quote at the end. I'd consider myself an "ok" player at best and used to always feel like giving up when I'd see how quickly other people progressed or how good they are. As I've gotten older and perhaps wiser it has really become more about enjoyment and and experiencing that feeling of strumming an open G on something that somebody made with their hands and sharing that and stories with others.
Great insight. I am a 66 self taught player. Started at 13 years old learning Cat Stevens. I've owned the big names and the nameless. There are great and not so great guitars. I believe a guitar picks the player. Does it speak to you ? Can you feel it? Does it move and inspire you? Its not about the $$$$. Its all wood in the end. Thanks for listening. 😎💖💙🏖🏖🏖😎
i guess im randomly asking but does anyone know a method to get back into an Instagram account? I stupidly forgot my password. I love any tips you can offer me.
@Arturo Colton i really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and Im trying it out atm. I see it takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.
I have an Alvarez 5064 MIJ from late 70’s. I love it! I’ll save up & get one of the new breed, not 100% sure which one yet but I’m so impressed with that sound & value for money. Great honest down to earth video, Thankyou! 👍
As a hack (from the other end of the province), who has been trying to play for almost 50 years.. I really appreciate your enthusiasm and of course your talent. Thanks for these videos. Its good to see you posting again.
This was fun! I don’t play guitar, but started the ukulele 2 years ago and love it and now looking to try guitar. I have been researching bodies and listening to dozens of sound samples for weeks now and so I guessed right! I like the Alvarez for the clarity and balance. Thank you for sharing your vast experience and knowledge 💕🎵
Guild is killing it right now to, even their budget Westerly line is impressive. I got a D-140 a year so ago and recently a Bluesbird Iced tea . I have nothing but high praise and play as good or better than guitars 2x the price combined.
Thanks so much for this video. I just the EBG delivered to my house today. I can’t wait to get it on stage and show it off at the songwriter rounds in Nashville!!!
Nice! Thanks for the history and comparisons. I've owned my share of Gibbies & Martins over 70 years, and among of the most memorable of two Japanese-made I've played were the A.Y.s and one Suzuki in particular. (Damn I should have bought that Suzi!) I chuckled when you mentioned the bottom end of older Martins, I had a '46 D-18 that was ALL lower end and dead as a doornail within seconds! Still, thanks to mics, I chunked out leads for which myself and our band got food and beer money back in the day on a regular basis. I lucked into a special Yamaha 12 about a decade and and she's quite sweet, but you've convinced me to go look for another A.Yairi six for here in my twilight years. Thanks, bro.
Hiya JP! Been a while... Yes, this is the GSWJ video that moved your channel into the fast lane! I just wanna say Thanks again. For a little more than a year, my MD60BG has lived on a stand right next to my recliner. The slim taper neck and low action makes this guitar such a joy to play. I especially enjoy handing it to typical guitar snobs, then seeing the look on their face when they hit that first big "G" chord! I've put this Alvarez up against two different vintage D18's and the Alvarez flat smoked them out... A FEW DAYS AGO, I ran across a used Alvarez MD70BG Masterworks Series that was for sale $600. HOLY CRAP... A REAL DEAL D28 killer! It played just as easy as the MD60BG and sounded AMAZING! Adirondack top, Indian Rosewood back and sides... I want it so bad!!!! Hoping to have the cash rounded up in a few days!
I had been looking for an "acceptable" dreadnaught in the sub-$1500 range that really resonated with me. I picked up the MD60BG back in June, and for the price was surprisingly so much more than just an "eh... that'll do" type of guitar. It really is as good as you were purporting in this video series... I don't feel the need to "step up" to a Martin or any other instrument...I don't feel I'd get much of a better guitar out of it. I picked up the MD70EBG last night so I could have the rosewood B/S version.. and it's pretty good too... but the MD60BG sounds more "lush" to me. Anyhow... thanks for posting the "Martin vs. Alvarez" miniseries. Really helped me find the right instrument for me at the moment. I'll be looking more at your channel content, and joining as a supporting member.
You sir can flat out pick!! I enjoyed the comparison and yes, my next acoustic will be an Alvarez! (I bought one back in '87. It was my best buddy but literally destroyed by a "friend" of mine in '04. I still can't bring myself to throw what's left of it away!)
Thanks man! I never even heard of these guitars before. But even with the compression on RU-vid, I could hear this sounded better. I recently tried a Gibson J35 which looks kinda similar to this one. But I haven't settled yet on anything. And now I got to try this before I make any choice. Thank you again sir. I've liked & subscribed. Dig your playing man, you rock!
Beautiful presentation.... In my experience I’ve been favoring a standard X braced dreadnought design. I’ve owned a 1958 D-28 with standard X bracing and non scalloped braces for many years, and it has a more balanced and even voice compared to a forward shifted/pre war style design dreadnought. Louder doesn’t necessarily mean better, a lawnmower is loud too. Love watching your videos. Thank you.
JP, I'm a new follower and subscriber on your channel. I really like the content you have channel wide. I found you through the FGX5 review as I'm a long time Red Label Guy and hope to get one of the new ones eventually, but in the meantime I picked up a used MD60BG a few days ago based on these Martin Vs. Alvarez videos. So far I really like it. I live in Alabama and you and I are the same age. So we have a few things in common but I just wish I could play 1/3 as good as you! Keep Truckin' 🇺🇸🚛JW🚛🇺🇸
Wow ALVAREZ!! WOW BOUCHER!! thanks JP from the TN central Cumberland Highlands I don't get to travel to stores much and your presentations are being very helpful!
Hey JP, thanks for your stuff here. Im a new subscriber because you remind me of all the guys who encouraged me and made me feel welcome as a young picker in South Alabama as opposed to the well trained guys that made me feel unwanted because of the price of my guitar. I look forward to exploring more of your stuff. ( I played the 16:30 mark about twenty times to get that lick too)
Great video and I agree wholeheartedly with your statements. I started out with an Alvarez a long time ago and let it get away from me for some reason. A few years ago I went to buy myself a really, really good guitar with intentions of it being a Martin. I walked out with an Alvarez Masterworks and I have never been happier with a guitar. As you said, it just fits.
I just had to subscribe to this brilliant video super clean picking on great guitars alvarez very surprising n amazing tone and it way least expensive we need see more comparisons like this
Great videos J.P.! I just purchased the Alvarez GYM70CESHB Yairi and can't wait to get my hands on it. There was something calling me to own an Alvarez, and this model stood out for me, an investment for sure, but quality lasts forever. My 1988 PRS told me that. 🙂
I really enjoy your videos J.P., met you a few times in Kingsville through John Law, last you were playing a Boucher and that was pretty amazing, thank you for posting.
this is my 2nd listening on the comparison of the Martin and Alvarez there was quite a difference for me. Listening again to this. The Alvarez really sounds much more up front and sharp then in the last you tube. like it did keep up with the Martin. I would not hesitate to play that Alvarez any where. I love my guild d50 from 1973. But I have a guild d46 Ash with the Rosewood center down the back which is unlike any other guitar I have played. very heavy and Aggressive.. My Yairi DY61 is a favorite to.. next purchase?.. That Alvarez Bluegrass.. Thanks for Mentioning PICKS.. they really can be the whole diff. in sound.
I went with my daughter to take her brass instrument into the local music store for new pads and a once over. This particular store was obviously a dealer for Alvarez guitars. Beautiful guitars adorned the walls of the store. I was not familiar with this particular guitar, but now that I have watched several of your videos, I will go back to that store and take one of those guitars off the wall and into a practice room for a closer and serious look over. Thank you for your videos. They are the most informative.
After seeing this video. I was looking around and came across an Alvarez md60bg, and yes after playing I broke out the check book and bought it. I was hook after playing basic chords and the esthetics are superb, it’s like the guitar Gods pointed me your way towards this fine guitar. Awesome guitar.
I got my Alvarez and Martin from my Dad after he passed, I grew up playing them all through the 70s, 80's and 90's. The Alvarez is my favorite acoustic guitar.
Watched a few of your vids and I have to say your reviews are better than most on the tube. I really enjoy your content and your personality as well. New Subscriber here! Thanks!
I own a Taylor 818e - its a big guitar but its a 2013 and now sounds so good, opening up and as my first guitar I am so attached to it as it opened my ears to the beauty of a great tonewoods. I have owned two Martins since and sold them both (mostly because I am in love with the Taylor!) but now, to replace my last mahogany Martin I am going to try out an Alvarez Parlour guitar, mahogany front, back and sides and Im really excited to possibly buy it and have it along with my big Taylor. Thanks for your great video - I drank two glasses of Glenmorangie whisky while listening to your wisdom and you sounded as good as the malt tasted - all the best!
I played a really nice version of that specific Martin last year and should have snapped it up. However the neck is just massive in comparison to the Alvarez......which I happened to play last week and was very very very impressed! I also loved the slight v-shape and you’re right new on the wall I told the shop owner that it’s 85% of what a buyer is looking for in a Martin. Great video and it’s so refreshing to hear a real bluegrass player weigh in on some of these more obtainable models for us average guys looking for a workhorse!
After playing Martins all my life I became the owner of a '64 Gibson J50. Wow what an amazing guitar! I could hear tones I'd never heard a from a guitar - lots of mids and clear loud ringing highs.
i have always said that they are way under appreciated , i have nothing but japan guitars, and have owned many usa ( fender, gibson, ) and i have to say some of mine surpass usa models easily.. love my japan geee-tars
I love the sound of the Alvarez! Of course I'm partial, since I have one! Lol Mine is a classical, but it, too, has fantastic sound. Yours sounds awesome! Love it!
Hi John, it's Don here from Hamilton NZ, on my Wife's tablet, Iv'e just gotta say thank you for explaining the way you do on this 'NAME ' thing most guitarists have going on in our minds, l haven't got the money ( a beautiful Wife an' 6 kids kept it that way) but I'm retired now and love my acoustic guitar's ( 7 ) I can't read music but one thing I do know, I know a good guitar when I hear it, and in my time Iv'e played my share, and found what you're saying is SO TRUE. Thanks for your videos, Iv'e Subscribed and look forward to some more, take care now, Don from Hamilton New Zealand signing off
Awesome videos!! I told my wife #1 was the Martin as soon as you strummed it but… that is the guitar of guitar. For that Alvarez to compare to that classic says something about it. I’ll be purchasing an Alvarez this week 👍
I'm 57 and really new to youtube and the internet stuff. I love Alvarez guitars. I have a 12 string and a 6. Love em both. Thank you for sharing the point of a Martin wont make you play any better than a cheap Kay guitar. Time behind the guitar makes the player, not the guitar. Again thanks for the video. Great day to you sir.
Great video. I played an Alvarez for the first time yesterday. My heart skipped a beat as that first G chord rang out. Wanted to do my research before I buy and you've made my choice pretty simple. That Alvarez is gonna be mine!
I was so insanely happy to come across this video! I bought that same model of Alvarez about a year ago, and it's the best money I've ever spent in an instrument! I would put either of my Alvarez acoustics, either the MD60EBG or my Yairi DY62c, up against any Martin or Taylor any day... and do it proudly! Talking about strings... have you tried Martin's Lifespan phosphor-bronze strings? I like them better than Elixir strings. Elixirs are great sounding, but I could never get used to that slick feel. The Lifespan strings are coated but it's much thinner (than the Elixirs) and that great "new string" tone lasts like the Elixirs! I can't brag on them enough
Thank you for this! 🤩‼️ I just found out what I'm going to get next. I was thinking of another Yamaha, but I DEFINITELY veered to the Alvarez side. Such a fantastic sound. Thank you 🙌 Yoe make a difference in this RU-vid full of different reviews. Be blessed, brother 🙏❤️✝️
Back in the early 1980s I bought an Alvarez, best decision on buying a guitar that I ever made. I played a number of Marten's that the dealer had in stock first, and the Alvarez I bought was not only less expensive, but sounded so much nicer. Over the years, I have compared it to other guitars, including other Marten's, and it still sounds awesome to me. My guitar, well that one, like most of us I have a bunch of guitars for various reasons, was handmade. It leads me to believe that it was made by the hands of master luthier Kazuo Yairi. Alvarez makes decent, and fairly affordable, guitars that have been played by some pretty well know names, think Joe Bonamassa, Carlos Santana, and many others. Really nice video, sir.
I have three Alvarez, from a low end model (for camping - RD 8) to a moderate one (DY 48) to a DY 40 with the direct coupled bridge. Like playing them ALL!
Just bought a 1989 Alvarez Yairi DY-38 before Christmas from a gentleman in Chester NS. and I love it.My son has a 1985 Alvarez Yairi DY 45 that he got from me a few years ago.
Just want to tell you I love your videos and appreciate you taking the time. I agree with 99% of your opinions. I was playing that Alvarez for a couple weeks and loved it. Last second I bought a new epiphone frontier and had never played it before. Absolutely love the Frontier but that Alvarez us a sweet guitar.
I have a 1999 Martin D35 and an Alvarez AD70SC NAT....Funny I love playing the Alvarez more...my Martin sits in its case, because the Alvarez just plays easier and sounds just as good if not better. I'm afraid to scratch the Martin...LOL, I did notice the build quality of the Alvarez seems so much better, the neck and frets are amazing. What's up with this??
So I'm watching this a year later and I guessed # 1 as the Martin in the first video. Both great sounding guitars. Then you brought out the Boucher , and yes , it definitely " eats the other two ".
Because of this video I ordered the alvarez bg. I can't thank you enough. I have quite a few guitars and side by side the others disappear sound wise. Its a real cannon. I'll buy another to keep in my second studio. I can't recommend it enough. Thanks for this video.
