This is a comparison video I was asked to do by the kind folks on the Bluegrass Guitar group on Facebook. It was so cool and was received so well I decided to put it on RU-vid channel and also the follow up to it.
I’ve always appreciated the sound and build quality of Alvarez! I purchased two of them in 1970 and bought another for my Grandson in 2018. Dollar for dollar, one of the very best guitars!
If I run across any Alvarez in a pawn shop or yard sale I buy it... and usually still sound beautiful and have great playability... just a damn good brand
Newish player (18 months) and totally new to this 'Martin vs anything' question. Ill in bed doing some research on purchasing my first serious guitar upgrade from my £250 Tanglewood Superfolk. I have no idea which guitar is the Martin, but the sound of guitar two (and your playing) put a big old smile on my face!
I’ve never played a Martin or an Alvarez but I can tell you they both sound beautiful. Your first one sounds like a Martin and your number 2 sounds like Alvarez
Martin #1 & Alvarez #2. I've been playing Alvarez since the early 70's when I bought Alvarez's version of the Gibson J-200. An absolute monster voiced guitar. About a year and a half ago I bought a MPA66SHB, the parlor. All I can say about it is "Oh my." Every single person that has picked it up and played it has loved it and know six people that played mine went out and bought one. Thanks for the video. I subscribed.
Thanks for the time you take and the thought you put into it Mr. Cormier. #1. They are all voices in the "choir." #2. There has never been more, excellent acoustic guitars available in the world. #3. "It's personal." Keep up the great work. Love it.
I’ve been using Alvarez guitars since 2013. I was in the market for a Parlor sized guitar and visited the local guitar center in Columbus Ohio when I lived there. I found the Artist series AP710SB model there which is a cosmetic blemish model rather than the standard AP70. I played it for about 30 minutes and fell in love with it. I wanted to get it professionally setup so I took it to the Fret Shop. They did their magic and really changed the way it played for the better. 6 years later I have 11 different Artist series models covering different styles and applications. I understand that Martin, Taylor and others are big names for a reason but I’m not one to buy for a name. I’ve been very pleased with all the Alvarez guitars I have. Everyone has been setup by the Fret Shop in Columbus, even shipping my news ones to them from Texas where I’m at now. Manufacturing has improved over time that entry level models are at pro gear levels from a few years back.
Without looking at your answer video, I was very sure #2 was the Martin. Once I checked your answer video, I am just blown away that #2 was the Alvarez. I loved the Alvarez. Looking to find this model soon or something close to it.
Yes, #2 has that more yielding, sweeter sound that typically Martins have against others in comps. That character for my tastes isn't better or worse. The problem is global trade can't be justified by the quality of products that we get, nor the prices that we pay, for guitars and everything else. We don't pay less due to global trade, and the quality is generally worse for everything. There shouldn't be a 5x difference between US and import. The lack of tariffs isn't to help the consumer with low prices in the big picture, but to fleece the public and break down nations. There's no reason we should tolerate a situation where US companies have to set up overseas and send guitars back here so we're not getting ripped off.. I'd be happy to pay more than $899 for US labor, but I'm never paying used-car prices for a f'ing guitar.
@@guyincognito320 At certain point the law of diminishing returns become so obvious. I believe $500 - $1000 range is where all the best guitars at best value stays. Beyond that point people are mostly paying for brand name, collectors obsessions, and sometimes ignorance.
Alvarez and especially Yairi are really great guitars. I have played Martins and Taylors, only owned Alvarez. About 10 years ago I got a Yairi Masterworks and it has really spoiled me because I can not really find anything else I enjoy beyond another Yairi Masterwork.
Thank you for this video JP! Love your explanations and that you share your rich experience with us. It's super helpful. They both sound great as do you! First was more balanced overall sound. 2nd had a more bass but less balance and less overall definition. Great video! I will now follow and subscribe.
I had several Alvarez when I was younger. Didn't play for about 15 years. Recently I decided to start again so I went to the shops with the intent to find a Martin or Taylor. I picked up an Alvarez and immediately fell back in love. To me, the sound is just so good and the quality is beautiful for the prices.
I just purchased the Alvarez based on your take. Just outstanding. It is the best guitar I have ever played in the $500 range, and I have spent a lot on acoustics in the past. Thank you very much for this.
Thanks so much for doing these videos. I had the itch so bad, every day I had to talk myself out of buying a Martin. Last night I was paying and I decided that my 'Marlboro Martin' from early 2000's actually sounds and feels great. It's real spruce/rosewood and I've played it a lot for 20 years. Thanks for saving me $5,000!
J P thank you so much for your videos. Love your playing and I have to tell you I have an Alvarez hanging on the wall that blows my Martins away. I had Martin reset my bridge on my 00 18 G but it is a '53 model. Now that is a guitar if you like the nylons.
I remember trawling around london guitar shops and being left dismayed by the tone of the instruments vs the price. I then stumbled into a shop that sold furch and Eastman. The tone put a big grin on my face and when I realized they were half the price of the big name equivalents I was stunned. Not only that but these brands seem to be getting better by the year. Played a couple of these Alvarez in Australia and it's the same story really brilliant guitars that everyday folk can afford
You persuaded me to buy the Alvarez as I was on the hunt for a medium priced acoustic for my pub and bar work. I already have a J45 but don’t want that being knocked about and drinks spilled on. It’s arrived yesterday and it’s great! Very nice rounded and full bodied sound, nice treble and is brighter than my J45 which is what I wanted. The neck is a nice feel too, not as fat as Gibson acoustics (which as a female I would rather a thinner neck!) needs playing in but so far so good! Thanks for this video and you definitely have a point with companies that are building better guitars for a better price without the big brand name! I’m over it!
I'm starting to try to get back into learning acoustic guitar after a long layoff. I know I want a guitar with some good bass, so I think I need a dreadnought. I've had Taylors and Martins in the past but I don't want to spend lots of money this time. I am considering this Alvarez or one of the Yamaha Red Label guitars. The Alvarez is less expensive for a new one, so I really appreciate this video and your expert advice. Thank you J.P.
Thank you JP, I really appreciate your no-bullshit reviews and honest appraisal of guitars and guitar equipment. I've recently installed a K&K Mini after one of your vlogs and am certainly not regretting it...it just sounds great. While I own a Martin, I get a bit tired of all the Martin evangelism that goes on because of the strength of their marketing. The reviews you do on Yamaha's, Fenders and now the Alvarez are spot on. I'm particularly impressed by the Alvarez...at any price they are phenomenal.
Excellent vid! Subscribing as a result! I have been playing Alvarez since 1985, 1st 12 string 5021 handmade in Japan; life long guitar. Still amazing, never a problem! Medium strings on for 36 years! Subsequently got a hog 6 string in 1986, a custom 12 string as a gift for my son when he graduated college which was stolen and replace with the EMD 711c.... which led me to your vid!!! Have taylors and gibsons, but Alvarez holds a well earned spot in my heart.
Its about the heart if the man behind the fingers that lay so perfectly and precisely upon the frets. You would sound phenomenal on a broom strung with two untunable strings. We all are here in this spinning rock for a reason. Im hear to listen and appreciate and you are here to master the stringed instruments. Keep on keeping on and thank you for penning Afgahannnnistannn! Pro patria!
I bought a Colling C10 about 10 years ago, it’s doubled in price since but is the only guitar I’ve played since… I used to play Yamahas and have some signature Taylors and I’ve recently gone back to playing that for practice but the Collings is just amazing. Louder than everything else in the room, half the size etc and amazing!
Yesss. The video that really launched this channel. I still have my 60BG and play it more than any I own. I currently searching for a used 70BG Rosewood Version. I love these new Alvarez Guitars!
I am going to guess that #1 is the Martin because it sounds broken in and has a bit more depth in the tone. But it would not shock me to be wrong. I have played a whole lot of guitars in the last couple of years trying to find the right one and what you say is true. But I want to toss in an important caveat based on having exclusively played a $350 Washburn D-25/SN from 1988 for 30 years. Everything is about the right mix of sound and playability for you personally. I'm always surprised to pick up a 3k Martin and find that my old Washburn sounds at least good and it always did. But it's a high action guitar with a chunky neck and good setup only brings it down to the stiff end of normal. It always held my playing back because it's hard for me to play more than cowboy chords on it and bar chords are outright painful. I couldn't prioritize a new guitar for a long time but finally added a Godin 5th Ave. a few years ago and than an Alvarez masterworks a year ago and found that both pushed me past limits I thought I had for decades. The trick is to find a guitar that is comfortable to play and you want to play for hours. That's how you get good. And when you practice technique on an easier to play guitar and improve you find that a guitar that may have a particularly interesting tone due to high tension gets easier to play as well. And all that said I found after trying tons of other stuff that Martin 15 series and Gibson j-45 models more consistently play better for me than other things so I managed to add those to my collection this yet. But my old hard to play Washburn is still the best sounding guitar I have.
I just bought an Alvarez AMP660ESHB parlor. I've owned many great acoustic guitars in the past 45 years and this one just amazed me. In my opinion it rings out, plays, feels as good as any on the market.
I’ve been a subscriber for a couple of years now and just came across this video. I agree with almost everything you say and your philosophy. I was there , thinking I needed to have all of the Big 3 American made guitars. I haven’t played thousands but I have owned about 150 acoustic guitars at my advanced age. I still have a dozen various makes. Two Martins l love, along with two Breedloves, Alvarez, Eastman, 50 year old Epiphone , Gibson and Yamaha. Each one I’ve hand picked to keep over the past 15 years. Some are $4000 guitars, and several as low as $600. You can definitely find well made guitars by many brands. Just ignore the label, close your eyes and let your ears and hands decide. Thank you for your videos. Great stuff
Well you could’ve fooled me you’re an amazing guitar player you’re right about the mind my number one I’ve read number two but still they were very close and he sounded really good can’t wait for your next video
I've had a Martin 000M since 1998. In '98 it was a $1000 guitar (Canadian), exopensive for a guy sittin' on the couch. I also have a Yamaha FG75 from the early 60s. I've had it since 1976. I've never had to repair it. I've been trying since 1998 to like the Martin better than the Yamaha and it hasn't happened yet. I've also had to have the Marting repaired because it can take the rigors of laying in a case in my livingroom. So which one is the Alvarez you ask... Not sure but I'll trade you a Martin for it. 😁
I've found that Yamaha, Alvarez, and Epiphone have been just as good and in many cases better than my Martin and Taylor. I was shocked at the playability of my Epiphone when compared to the Taylor. It has been my go to as of late. My Alvarez AF66CE is my favorite and I payed 500 bucks for it. It's beautiful and plays so easily. The mids and lows are on point. Great video man. This is becoming a more popular line of thinking. Now you have other small brands like Orangewood who are putting out amazing instruments for incredible prices.
JP I love this, love this. #1 has that muddy low end sound just like a Clarence White recoding... certainly my guess for the Martin. #2 Sounds like a crisp clean modern guitar of the shelf at the music store. Do each of these guitars have Adirondack/red spruce tops? My guess is that the first one does and second one does not. Both amazing guitars. I am trying to figure out if my next guitar should be a red spruce top, or if that is not so important.
I don't know, there's something about guitar #2 that just amazes me. Both have really 3D sounds, like you can feel different parts of the sound (treble, mid, bass) each have their own job, yet come together as one whole drama really well and effortlessly. #1 has the 3d-ness as well, but everything felt a bit more muffled compared with #2
Purchased an MF60CEOM 20 minutes ago from Sweetwater. Long time Martin player, and I still have them, but I wanted a quality electric acoustic for recording. My dad pointed me in this direction. He has an arsenal of amazing guitars, and explained to me the exquisite features packed into such a great value. Why not? Loved your video.
#1 Alvarez. I always pick guitars by sound & feel. One of my best guitars is a $135 Washburn made of Basswood. It did need some finish fretwork, which I perform myself, but other than that it’s a great guitar.
My first guitar was an early 80's Alvarez that I got as a graduation present... great instrument, but I traded it for a cheap Gibson electric a couple years later. Been trying to buy it back ever since!
The difference is what you’re comfortable with and the courage of your convictions to stand by your choice regardless of what everyone else thinks or says. 😇
Thank you J.P., great video. Let me ask you this question - if we take money out of the equation, do you think Alvarez quality is lower than, say, a Martin or high-end Taylor? I have a Martin 000-15M, which has a really amazing all-mahogany tone but I have my eye on the Alvarez MFA66 all-mahogany. The Martin retails for about 1,700 dollars and the Alvarez about 700. Without taking the price difference into account, which do you think is the better quality or is it negligible? I was also thinking of a J-200 at some point in the near future but obviously they cost a wedge at about 4k, and the Alvarez AJ80 Jumbo looks and sounds great at about 600 dollars! Hope you see this message and can shed some light on this issue as it is very difficult to find like for like comparisons with Alvarez. Thanks for a great video
A year since your presentation I listened well with ear buds. #1 had more ambience more bottom end albiet a bit muddier. #2 was clearer, sharper. Both are fabulous guitars. My personal preference was #1. If I was to step into a guitar store under the same blind test conditions I would have picked #1 but would have leapt back immediately upon seeing the price difference. Martin's are great but the Alvarez is very impressive. John, thank you for another excellent video!
Hey JP, enjoy the video that Alvarez surprise me I have an idea for a comparison I'm looking into either a Blue Ridge or an Eastman I think that would be a great comparison if you can look into it I mean the Bluegrass models the ones that or whatever you think will match up the best? For example. Eastman D20 vs Blueridge A180 ?? Really enjoy your videos as always,
I'm a little late to the party and I didn't know which guitar was which but as soon as I heard the second guitar I loved it and after just hearing like 30 seconds of it I just wanted to know which guitar it exactly was.
absolutely. I'm a long time musician and my fiance wanted to learn to play . so I bought her a cheap Alvarez from a pawn shop. I think I payed around 150 for it. it was a starter guitar on the low end of thier price range. that being said the action on that guitar was amazing. I enjoyed playing it more than my higher end guitars . I would actually use it for lead more than anything. it was just so fast and smooth. I was amazed that they could build such a great playing guitar in such a low price range. I don't know if it's just that they have an amazing group setting g those guitars up at factory or what the fretwork was perfect. definitely something you would expect on a high end guitar. I just couldn't get over how fast it was. it wasn't a dreadnought. it more of a concern model so didn't have a large low end sound but for a lead it was amazing.
First one is the um CW Martin? Which would leave my guess for second one the Alvarez BG? I'm stumped already that they sound well almost identical!! Can't wait to listen to the revealing! God bless you JP this is very informative and valuable as a family man who works semi pro at my music and don't have a ton to spend on just the brand!
Don't know much about brands, am 77 years old recently retired bought my first stringed instrument from a man getting ready to go into a pawn shop $40. Us d it was a Woods acoustic, that was February 2022, I was in our local music store last week they recommended a Alvarez MP66 parlor acoustic $550. usd liked it bought it. All that being said I liked the sound of #2. You sir are a fabulous guitar player.
What is the price of that Alvarez and where can I buy one? Awesome video thanks for sharing. Btw, I think guitar 2 sounded bbetter. So I have to say 2 was the Martin. But number one guitar sounded great also.
J.P. What would you recommend for a small guitar ? I’m calling it a couch guitar? I have some great guitars. But nothing 00 or 000 size. Thanks for your videos. I really enjoy them.
I have a D28 Martin that my Mom bought about 76 I love the guitar mom played it so much the varnish has her handprints in the neck,I wanted my own Martin went and looked at a Martin D15m I had the money to buy the Martin for 1200.00 then right under it was an Alvarez M60 I played it was too pretty not to and to my surprise I bought the guitar but I got a 700.00 guitar for 550.00 and I love it honestly.Im not a great guitar player but this guitar makes me sound goo really
I’ve had an Ibanez acoustic since the 90s, bought it second hand. Got a Tanglewood which I had to fix up because it was unplayable. Two nice guitars which proper players have asked to borrow for gigs. I’ve set them up nice and they’re good workhorses. Now I just bought an Alvarez MD60ce, really,really cheap 😎Even with 3-year-old strings (it’s been sitting a while) it still sounds and plays amazing. I went after it because I’d watched a few reviews, including yours J.P. Keep up the good work. And the excellent playing.
I ordered an Alvarez MF60CE (Masterworks series) yesterday. It looks like a beautiful guitar, I've never bought a guitar online, I hope it travels safely to me.
Just bought an Alvarez Ap70 parlour guitar blind thru a UK music chain online, which is always gonna be a gamble right? But I have to say it came outta the box (untouched by the shop it would appear) in tune and perfectly setup. Albeit the strings were dead, but the build quality and tone for £379.00 is amazing. I would have another Alvarez on my experience, possibly the master series, although their left hand ranges are limited.
Are Alvarez Masterworks also made at the Yairi workshop in Japan, just with some design differences and different branding? Or are these actually made elsewhere?
I don’t have a good enough ear to determine either way but both sound very good I’m extremely interested in trying an alverez Can you suggest a location to see and play these beautiful instruments Thanks in advance Andy in Cape Breton!
About half a month ago I bought a Recording King rd126 for $250. All solid and it plays and sounds amazing! Only problem is the neck is bowed slightly.
As someone that daily drives a Martin DSR, the 1 sounded like the Martin to me. It had the same distinct booming bass that I get from my rosewood model, but lacked quite a bit of clarity especially in the lower and top end. The number 2 guitar sounded significantly better. It was considerably more articulate with a wider spectrum of tones, and it seemed like you were able to play it smoother. It did lack that bottom string bass oomph that I crave, though.
I bought an Alvarez 2 weeks ago for £500. £85 for my guy to set it up. Believe me, it's a dream. I can't stop playing it. Quality no brainier. Don't waste your money ☝🏻
My guess would be #1 Martin and #2 Alvarez. Both played by Doc Watson. Actually I just made that up. Years ago I had a Taylor 514 and a Breedlove Stage Concert that I was trying to choose between. I stumbled across a 1970s Yairi DY 90 online and bought it. When it arrived I unpacked and it was incredibly gorgeous. I played the Breedlove then the Yair and strummed one chord on the Yairi and my thought was " Why would anyone ever buy a Taylor? Since then I have been a Japanese fan. Thanks for this. Now I will go see what I picked.
I was watching the video where he comes back and talks about the results and thought I should watch this first before he revealed which was which. Idk which one was what, but for just picking lines i preferred guitar 1, and strumming i preferred guitar 2. I dabble with guitar. I'm actually a saxophonist, my current guitar is an old entry lvl Alvarez and love it, but I think its time for an upgrade.
I got caught up in buying these expensive over the top high end acoustics to impress people that I don't know or even care about. I recently purchased one of these used Alvarez bluegrass guitars for $400. It's now the only acoustic that I will ever need... sometimes letting go can be the most liberating thing that you could ever do.
I’ve owned many Martins over the years and sadly was very disappointed with every one of them: CEO7, John Mayer OM, HD-28, 000-15. I’m just came a Across an Alvarez at a local shop that I have my eye on. Martin was #1 Alvarez was #2 Thank You !!
Greetings. I just bought an MD60EBG. It came with a LR Baggs VTC Element System, not a Fishman. All of the listings I have seen show the Baggs. BTW - this is another Alvarez. I also have a DY40 with the direct coupled bridge, and a DY80 (12 string) Canyon Creek. They are all outstanding guitars!!! Keep on pickin'!!
Number two sounded like it had more bass, number one sounded a little bit thinner, however number one is probably preferred in recording, so my quess ...number one is the Martin
Have you played the Collins CW Indian A? I have one and not that impressed with the volume and projection. Maybe it needs to break in more. The bridge is lifting up a bit too, does that affect the sound?
without having looked at the answer... I would say #1: Martin, #2 Alvaraz. Both guitars sound great. #1 is a bit warmer and rounder, and a bit more mid-range, #2 has a lot of sparkle without sounding harsh. If I could steal one from you, I'd go for #1, because it's less hot-blooded and a bit more balanced and relaxing. If I had to pay for it, I would go for whichever one is the cheaper (Alvarez) and be perfectly happy. BTW: very true what you said about Doc Watson.
Don’t know why I have not seen this particular video? Anyway I am just learning to play. Maybe intermediate. But was was getting ready to buy a D18 Martin until I watched one of your videos. On your word I bought one of the MD 60 Alvarez guitars online from Sweetwater. Now I played several Taylor‘s and Martin’s. Very expensive guitars. And I have to tell you and remember you’ll forget more about playing the guitar today than I will ever know in my entire life but I’m gonna tell you I’ll absolutely love that Alverez. I thought I had to have a martin or a tailor and I still would but I swear that Alverez is more comfortable and I enjoy playing it honestly better than that Martin 18 or that Taylor. Both those guitars were right around 3000. I got my Alverez with a really nice hard shell case that I paid extra for for under $800. I do want you to know that. I’m really glad that I started watching your videos I appreciate it.
