On the Alvarez Masterworks MSD1, the solid Engelmann spruce top with scalloped bracing and solid mahogany back work together to get very large tone from a small dreadnought. Sharp looks come from an abalone rosette, rosewood fretboard, maple binding, and nickel-plated tuners. For those familiar with the Baby Taylor 3/4 guitar, the Alvarez MSD1 and MSD2C are upgrades, in our opinion. This model boasts a high quality solid Engelmann spruce top and solid Mahogany back and sides. (NOTE: The MSD2C has a very warm sounding solid Cedar top. We carry that too, if you're interested. One very nice feature (in comparison to the Baby Taylor) is the full traditional neck heel, vice the removable screw-down design of the Baby. Fretboard is purposely low-acoutrement, with a single abalone inlay at the 12th fret, and the soundhole is a distinguished abalone inlay as well. Nickel plated Grover-style tuners and a MOP Alvarez logo on the headstock. Craftsmanship for this guitar is as good as any 3/4 we know of, including high-end custom and individually luthier-built designs from major builders. Frets are dressed superbly, finish and glue joints are precise, action and intonation are right-on. We love this guitar and have already incorporated it into our own personal collection. This is a very high quality youth and travel guitar (with a hard shell case) right out of the box! Endemeo is the one and ONLY place you will find the Alvarez MSD1 with a hardshell case included. |
Lifetime Limited WARRANTY: Which means SKB will fix the case if it breaks. Period. Unless they can tell for certain that you were doing something really dumb like using it to prop open your garage door, or ...Latches - reinforced with back plates. These latches are there forever. Valances - (that's the metal edge banding around the seam) Bent in unison to guarantee perfect matched pair, for trouble-free closing. Neck Support - Full length support for guitar neck via molded EPS foam bridges. Keyed latch - Center latch is keyed for optional security.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Overall Length: 34 1/4" Body Length: 16" Body Depth: 4" Lower Bout: 12 1/2" Upper Bout: 9 5/8" Weight: 6.0 lbs.
Common Questions: Q: How does this compare to a Baby Taylor?
A: See above table. Q: Do you carry other 3/4 guitars?
A: Yes, check out our website [endemeo.com] to see some of our other 3/4 size guitars. Q: Which one would you choose if you could only pick one?
A: Up until a few months ago, we would have said pick the Baby Taylor. Now we recommend the Alvarez MSD1 first, as the MSD1 is an all-solid wood guitar with a traditional neck. Some folks also appreciate the ornate bindery and inlaid soundhole, but these are purely cosmetic and don't affect the sound, playability or tunability of the instrument - they do look nice though! In our case we have nine children using five Baby Taylors and one MSD1 (so far) - we got the Babys first though! Q: Do you have gig bags as well?
A: Yes. If you buy this guitar, you can get the VERY NICE padded Alvarez gig bag for an extra $15. Just pay the extra amount during checkout and make a note that you want the gig bag as well. Q: How does the warranty work?
A: If it breaks, they fix or replace it. The only exception to this rule is when the failure is caused by your neglect, in which case it's not fair to the manufacturer to pay the cost of your mistake. Otherwise, it's covered. They make good products and they stand behind them. Q: Are the pictures of the actual guitar I'm buying?
A: No. The pictures are of one sample. Taking pictures of every guitar would not be cost effective - but all our guitars conform to the same high standards of consistently tight wood grains and high quality craftsmanship.
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Current Price: $ 389.0
