I owned an Alvarez baritone a few years ago. I really enjoyed it but when Guild came out with their 8 string baritone, I sold the Alvarez to a friend and purchased the Guild. When I bought the Alvarez, i also ordered the Alvarez Jumbo hard case. It has a Tweed cover and the guitar fit very well in it. About a year after selling the Alvarez, I got to play it and compare it to the Guild. The Alvarez sounded wonderful! Made me rethink getting the Guild.
This Alvarez was my the first baritone I picked it up a few years ago. since then baritone guitar has become my primary instrument. Pros: volume (its loud!), fit/finish, the rumble you feel. Cons: setup is rough, its so loud and thrashy it can be hard to play with others acoustically. I have sold my Alvarez and now own a Taylor and Godin Baritone. The all solid Mahogany/Sapele of the Taylor refines the thrashy/boomynish the Alvarez. I do miss my Alvarez Bari at times never have I play a louder guitar,
I've gotta say--thank you for demoing this guitar by playing more simple pieces as well. Most reviews/demos are just showing off; you barely heard the guitar sing. Your playing showed the beautiful tones and nuances of the guitar. Great job! Hoping to get one soon!
Great demo! I waited a long time to get my Taylor 326e baritone Ltd and still play it frequently. As a bass-baritone voice singer it allows me to play songs I normally couldn’t handle, like John Denver. Wish I had seen a video like this 10 years ago. I would have bought this guitar.
Alvarez makes some great guitars. The best flat top I have ever played or heard bar none was a “law suit” K Yari Alvarez 5060. I owned it for nearly 40 years then gave it to my son. I have two of their newer models both are dreadnoughts. One is made in Japan and of solid Honduran mahogany the other is made in China and is solid rosewood. These higher end Alvarez guitars are proof that you do not have to break the bank to get a great quality instrument both in looks, playability and sound. I own a $6000 custom shop Gibson Pre-war J200 all rosewood guitar and I love it but these two Alvarez guitars are the ones I play everyday, day in and day out. Hats off to you guys for spot lighting these often overlooked gems.
I have this guitar in black and it’s a blast to play. When I play with others each Sunday I’ll bring it when there are other acoustics in the lineup already, so I can hang out in my own range of the tonal spectrum.
I think this guitar needs to "open up." In six+ months it will sound even better. Glad to hear that you are getting in Alvarez guitars. They claim that their laminate backs and sides are made of only three plies of hardwood not cheaper composite. I have one and it sounds very good. Their all-solid guitars have an excellent reputation. And yes, I'll take a corn acoustic t-shirt.
Nice video! I'm glad you're bringing Alvarez Guitars! Usually their best value is on it's Masterworks Series which gives you an all solid great sounding guitar for a very reasonable price. Example: The MD60BG which has been their best seller.
Thanks for the education on these Baritones guys, they really do sound so nice. I don’t own one but you guys have certainly got me thinking about one down the road 🤟
I have a 2021 Alvarez ABT610EBK baritone guitar (the all black one) and it's a blast to play. Santa Cruz Parabolic Baritone Mid Tension Strings are the best (13p 16.5p 24 33 45 56).
Really enjoyed that demo guys. I have an electric baritone, but I would like to add an acoustic one because I play a lot more acoustic anyway and I can't stretch to a Taylor, however desirable that is. I would love to hear you both demo a Guild BT258e and/or BT240e, and yes please, a comparison with the Alvarez would be very welcome. Cheers!
I have a Alvarez 12 sting that i got back in 91 and Alvarez was a low to mid end guitar n now ive seen their acustics now going for 2500.. 3800.. none were under 899! When back n the day their top high end wasnt much at all... or the shops just didnt carry them.
Chris....as always...thanks for the great content. If one was to step up and make a more expensive baritone purchase, since you have reviewed and played the Taylor 410e Baritone, the 516e Baritone, and the newer 326ce 6-string Baritone, I was wondering what your thoughts were on how these Taylors compare to each other. I also wondered if you ever played the Martin J-28LSE Baritone. If yes, how do you think it compares to the Taylors? Thanks.
I have three Alvarez guitars, one is a Yairi FYM66HD, and I also have a classical from the mid 70’s, and a Masterworks Elite in all solid black walnut. I do own a baritone, but it’s the Cort NDX (edit: which I use .13’s and downtune it to C). I prefer it to the Alvarez, although, I have been eying that Yairi baritone! The Cort also has a Bi-level bridge, and a Fishman Flexblend (with the mic built in). Check my video of it. Peace. 🐰💙🗽🇺🇸🎸🎶✌️
The electronics sound dead. I've heard solidbody electrics with more natural sounding piezo bridge pickups. I'd have to use an acoustic simulator to make that sound acoustic live.
Agree. I own one. It’s awesome. I have been looking at the higher end version of this Alvarez...the Yairi baritone looks killer. I just don’t have any way to play one in person. I also own a few Alvarez guitars, one is a Yairi. They do make really nice guitars, but the Cort has the same bi-level bridge, and it’s a bit less expensive. I’m not sure they still sell the Cort NDX Baritones anymore. Peace.
@@JackTheRabbitMusicI own the YB70, hands down one of the best acoustics I’ve owned/played. I was deciding between the Taylor baritone and the Alvarez, I played both. I went with the Alvarez because of the sound and the longer scale length (27.7). I usually keep it in A standard, currently up to D standard, I’ve done ball end nylons. It’s such an amazing guitar. I don’t have any experience with the Cort baritone but the Alvarez is absolutely worth every cent.
Love seeing Chris do some demos! Baritone sounds beautiful!
I owned an Alvarez baritone a few years ago.
I really enjoyed it but when Guild came out with their 8 string baritone, I sold the Alvarez to a friend and purchased the Guild.
When I bought the Alvarez, i also ordered the Alvarez Jumbo hard case. It has a Tweed cover and the guitar fit very well in it.
About a year after selling the Alvarez, I got to play it and compare it to the Guild.
The Alvarez sounded wonderful! Made me rethink getting the Guild.
This Alvarez was my the first baritone I picked it up a few years ago. since then baritone guitar has become my primary instrument. Pros: volume (its loud!), fit/finish, the rumble you feel. Cons: setup is rough, its so loud and thrashy it can be hard to play with others acoustically. I have sold my Alvarez and now own a Taylor and Godin Baritone. The all solid Mahogany/Sapele of the Taylor refines the thrashy/boomynish the Alvarez. I do miss my Alvarez Bari at times never have I play a louder guitar,
I've gotta say--thank you for demoing this guitar by playing more simple pieces as well. Most reviews/demos are just showing off; you barely heard the guitar sing. Your playing showed the beautiful tones and nuances of the guitar. Great job! Hoping to get one soon!
Great demo! I waited a long time to get my Taylor 326e baritone Ltd and still play it frequently. As a bass-baritone voice singer it allows me to play songs I normally couldn’t handle, like John Denver. Wish I had seen a video like this 10 years ago. I would have bought this guitar.
Alvarez makes some great guitars.
The best flat top I have ever played or heard bar none was a “law suit” K Yari Alvarez 5060. I owned it for nearly 40 years then gave it to my son.
I have two of their newer models both are dreadnoughts. One is made in Japan and of solid Honduran mahogany the other is made in China and is solid rosewood. These higher end Alvarez guitars are proof that you do not have to break the bank to get a great quality instrument both in looks, playability and sound.
I own a $6000 custom shop Gibson Pre-war J200 all rosewood guitar and I love it but these two Alvarez guitars are the ones I play everyday, day in and day out. Hats off to you guys for spot lighting these often overlooked gems.
I have this guitar in black and it’s a blast to play. When I play with others each Sunday I’ll bring it when there are other acoustics in the lineup already, so I can hang out in my own range of the tonal spectrum.
I think this guitar needs to "open up." In six+ months it will sound even better. Glad to hear that you are getting in Alvarez guitars. They claim that their laminate backs and sides are made of only three plies of hardwood not cheaper composite. I have one and it sounds very good. Their all-solid guitars have an excellent reputation. And yes, I'll take a corn acoustic t-shirt.
"Bi-level" bridge on the Alvarez models and the two piece "Direct Coupled" bridge on the Alvarez Yairi models.
What a beautiful performance, Damn!
Nice video! I'm glad you're bringing Alvarez Guitars! Usually their best value is on it's Masterworks Series which gives you an all solid great sounding guitar for a very reasonable price. Example: The MD60BG which has been their best seller.
Thanks for the education on these Baritones guys, they really do sound so nice. I don’t own one but you guys have certainly got me thinking about one down the road 🤟
Beautiful playing - I love it. Surprised at how much brighter this is on line input!
Great review, and sweet playing.
I have a soft spot for Alvarez. It was the instrument I learned on and allowed me to play the way I do today.
I have a 2021 Alvarez ABT610EBK baritone guitar (the all black one) and it's a blast to play. Santa Cruz Parabolic Baritone Mid Tension Strings are the best (13p 16.5p 24 33 45 56).
You two have way too much fun! Great vid
Such a full, sweet sound.
Really enjoyed that demo guys. I have an electric baritone, but I would like to add an acoustic one because I play a lot more acoustic anyway and I can't stretch to a Taylor, however desirable that is. I would love to hear you both demo a Guild BT258e and/or BT240e, and yes please, a comparison with the Alvarez would be very welcome. Cheers!
Awesome playing and presentation. Thank you 🎶
Totally addicted to yalls channel 💯
An Alvarez travel guitar comparison would be awesome! Little Jumbo, Delta Delite, etc
I have a Alvarez 12 sting that i got back in 91 and Alvarez was a low to mid end guitar n now ive seen their acustics now going for 2500.. 3800.. none were under 899! When back n the day their top high end wasnt much at all... or the shops just didnt carry them.
Awesome review guys
Alvarez is a great brand. I own a couple of nice Alvarez acoustic guitars.
Beautiful sound on this. I kind of want one
corn on acoustic is my favorite summer picnic snack
I now want one!!
Chris....as always...thanks for the great content. If one was to step up and make a more expensive baritone purchase, since you have reviewed and played the Taylor 410e Baritone, the 516e Baritone, and the newer 326ce 6-string Baritone, I was wondering what your thoughts were on how these Taylors compare to each other. I also wondered if you ever played the Martin J-28LSE Baritone. If yes, how do you think it compares to the Taylors? Thanks.
I own one. It is awesome.
Nice sounding. Why wear a Fender shirt demonstrating an Alvarez?
Why not advertise 2 brands for a price of 1?
Well Alvarez hasn't given me a free shirt yet so..... ;) - Chris
So funny
I knew we couldn't get through a video without Chris bringing up Taylor,,,,,,Geezzzz.!!!!
I have three Alvarez guitars, one is a Yairi FYM66HD, and I also have a classical from the mid 70’s, and a Masterworks Elite in all solid black walnut.
I do own a baritone, but it’s the Cort NDX (edit: which I use .13’s and downtune it to C).
I prefer it to the Alvarez, although, I have been eying that Yairi baritone!
The Cort also has a Bi-level bridge, and a Fishman Flexblend (with the mic built in).
Check my video of it.
Peace. 🐰💙🗽🇺🇸🎸🎶✌️
When you play it would be great to let us know what the pices are.....so we can try the same thing. Cheers from oz
Hardly can find a good pair of baritone strings, may I know what strings are you using?
There are Baritone Elixirs which I use and they're great
Would you folks do a setup for an extra charge ?
We absolutely would.
Does the Alvarez ABT60E have a truss rod?
Of course it does. Thing would snap without one. Every modern steel string guitar is going to have a truss rod.
Ball-end nylon baritone strings. Do they exists or am I chasing a ghost?
The electronics sound dead. I've heard solidbody electrics with more natural sounding piezo bridge pickups. I'd have to use an acoustic simulator to make that sound acoustic live.
A few hundred dollars for a setup?
Huh? Where does a setup cost so much?
Like dad used to say, "if you want it done right, do it yourself ".
Hard to tell if this guitar is that great or if the guitarist is just that good!!!
Cort model is MUCH better, folks.
Agree. I own one. It’s awesome.
I have been looking at the higher end version of this Alvarez...the Yairi baritone looks killer.
I just don’t have any way to play one in person.
I also own a few Alvarez guitars, one is a Yairi.
They do make really nice guitars, but the Cort has the same bi-level bridge, and it’s a bit less expensive.
I’m not sure they still sell the Cort NDX Baritones anymore.
Peace.
@@JackTheRabbitMusic Cort is satin, has a cutaway, lighter, has solid back and neck, abalone rosette, mic+piezo pickup.
It's better in every way.
@@JackTheRabbitMusicI own the YB70, hands down one of the best acoustics I’ve owned/played. I was deciding between the Taylor baritone and the Alvarez, I played both. I went with the Alvarez because of the sound and the longer scale length (27.7). I usually keep it in A standard, currently up to D standard, I’ve done ball end nylons. It’s such an amazing guitar. I don’t have any experience with the Cort baritone but the Alvarez is absolutely worth every cent.
These 2 guys could play a turd n make it sound like the best guitar in the world!
Please make that shirt
Can't stand the bridge mustach lol
You don’t even carry Alvarez 😒
Acoustic-tone-wise, it is quite blaaa and disappointing. The pickup is junk. Pure quack quack quack.