A Great Pairing - Alvarez Delta 00e and Alvarez Blues 51

[@chuckmatses6803]

Yes, exactly as you said these guitars open up sweetly. Greetings from from Boxford, MA

[@jasonvalcourt]

Greetings!

[@samalbrightvideo]

Thanks you, for bein' a real guy talking about what you're experiencing with these instruments we play. I'm looking for something to compliment my favorite Larrivee Po1 parlor without the weird tonal vibrations at certain frequencies I get on my Larrivee. thanks again. Sam Albright

[@jasonvalcourt]

My pleasure! Seeking another parlor as compliment, or other style? Happy hunting!

[@JBMindset]

Hey man, beautiful playing. Im trying to find a nice small bodies guitar to play the blues. Thanks for your help and information. 🕶️🤘

[@jasonvalcourt]

Hey thanks so much. Glad to share. Hope you find a good one, cheers!

[@jmscnny]

Excellent review. It tipped me over the edge and I just bought a Blues 51. Thanks for that.

[@jasonvalcourt]

Haha! That's great to hear, thanks! I hope you love it. I'm still enamored with mine. I think you made a good choice. Cheers!

[@CalonegoMusic]

Love Alvarez small guitar sound. I love your playing too. Sometimes I play my Alvarez parlor (66 masterworks) and it's always a pleasure. Greetings from Italy

[@jasonvalcourt]

They do it right for my taste. Thanks for dropping a line, much appreciated.

[@martincoward9671]

Really great review, thank you, help me choose what's right for me

[@jasonvalcourt]

@martincoward9671 Much appreciated, cheers!

[@Craig_KCfan]

nice video but you introduced introduced us to the Delta 00E but made no reference to the electronics? Is the Delta 00E the one with LR Baggs pick ups in it? Great video thank you Craig

[@jasonvalcourt]

These are both 2018 models. Yes, I believe they both have the LR Baggs VTC system. Personally I don't prefer under the saddle setups and would buy without it, and install a K&K. The sound is a good sound from these, but, I've had to fiddle with them to get good string balance. Both have volume issues on one string. The only lackluster aspect of otherwise great guitars in my opinion, cheers!

[@jimbergson]

Hey Jason, Thanks for sharing your experience with these 2 ! Stumbled upon your old Gibson video and my jaw dropped haha. I've been looking for that woody/dry/warm sound for years and never felt satisfied with new guitars. But with these 2 Alvarez it seems to work with your playing and maybe your string and tuning choice too ! Very nice :)

[@jasonvalcourt]

Hi Jim, thanks, glad you appreciate it and yes! these get the job done in my book. As you can tell I'm partial to the 51. I blind tested myself and a couple others with short recordings of all the small bodied guitars I have and the 51 came out on top, purely on sound recording. Anything I do on the old Gibson moves to the 51 nicely. Both seem to hit the mark though to capture that dry wood sound. I imagine the Delta may be more friendly? if you are having lots of different players in your studio. The 51 is more unique to me and may take a moment to make friends with.

[@vacadreamer]

Jason....before the pandemic the blues 51 could be had for a song. Now, as of june, 2023, I can't find one anywhere. If you have a lead on one, especially the rosewood back and sides, drop me a line. Your videos are packed with great info. JD

[@jasonvalcourt]

I don't see them often, in fact, only two since I acquired mine. I guess patience will be needed, but, I love mine and think it will be worth the wait. I'll keep my eye out, good luck. Thanks for the feedback too, much appreciated.

[@Thomannfamily.]

Great review and playing, i was looking at the Epiphone eloo and someone recommended this. Going for it.

[@jasonvalcourt]

Awesome! Hope you like it. I'm a big fan.

[@lhvent]

You and I have similar tastes. I have 4 Alvarez Guitars. My AD66SHB is a great sounding mahogany dreadnought

[@jasonvalcourt]

Excellent, we have good taste. You're not the first to tell me their AD66 is one of their favorites. I'm going to have to get ahold of one for a spin. Thanks!

[@lowellcalavera6045]

I like your style, friend....I have a 1981 Dread, and a 1977 12 string, and both are amazing. Haven't tried a newer one. Maybe I should 🤔

[@jasonvalcourt]

Much appreciated. Nice, the newer ones are holding up well in my book.

[@vieuxbouc2900]

Thank you for good review ,and your playing is great .Looking to purchase a Blues 51.If I can find one. Cheers

[@jasonvalcourt]

My pleasure, many thanks. I'm excited for you to get ahold of one. I hope it suits you well. They do occasionally pop up on Reverb but you may have to have patience. Happy hunting!

[@leewaite789]

Wow, love that blues 51 Wonder why Alvarez stopped making them. I would love to find one, I really prefer 12 fret guitars 👍🏻👍🏻

[@jasonvalcourt]

I love the 12 fretters too. I think the market is small though for this body style. Their AP or MPA line is more robust, so they must've found more of an audience. I see them (the 51) pop up occasionally, so I hope you'll find one!

[@nicholascowie5944]

Can't get hold of a Blues 51 new now, I'll look out for a used one. I have a DeltaOO and mine too has opened up. I use Martin retro strings which suits it. No need to pay Gibson a small fortune for an LOO for sure!

[@jasonvalcourt]

I see the 51 pop up occasionally, but not very often. I agree, these hold their own for a much smaller fortune. Alvarez for the win.

[@JRMoonTube]

Thanks for the great review(s)! Would you mind letting us know the saddle string spacing? 2 1/4” would be awesome!

[@jasonvalcourt]

Thanks! Just confirmed, you are correct, 2 1/4". Cheers!

[@toddcagle4245]

Have you tested out any of the Alvarez parlor guitars? AP66 I think

[@jasonvalcourt]

I did have one for a few months but let it go. I was new to parlor guitars so can't really compare or offer much, but if you like that body style I think they are probably worth trying, cheers!

[@bobaldo2339]

I enjoyed your playing. Do you know what the fretboard radius is on these guitars?

[@jasonvalcourt]

Hey, thanks! I do not know the radius. A quick google search leaves me even more confused. Hope you can get a good answer.

[@md6397]

you got them deep river blues dude!

[@jasonvalcourt]

A bad case of it!

[@chuckmatses6803]

What about the PRICES?

[@jasonvalcourt]

The Delta can still be bought new for @ $450. They don't make the 51 anymore, but on the used market I occasionally see them for 350+. Deltas as well on the used market, cheers!

[@E.Fudd56]

Hi, I was lucky enough to find a very nice Blues 51 recently and I am enjoying it immensely. Wondering what strings you prefer on yours? Really enjoyed your review. Thanks

[@jasonvalcourt]

Very nice! I'm pretty dedicated to D'Addario EJ16s, but admittedly don't have a lot of experience to offer. I know I prefer Phosphor Bronze to all Bronze or 80/20, but again I found what works and have stuck to it. I've found D'Addario coated XTs to be very close to the EJ16s. Hope you get a lot of inspiration from the 51. Definitely still in love with mine. Thanks!

[@752brickie]

Great playing and demo of both guitars ! Have the 51 and it is an amazing little guitar !! I have been wanting a Delta . I have many guitars and several are expensive but these Alvarez' seem to almost stand up to the Taylor and the Martins I have ! I have owned many Alvarez' over all the years and I have "NEVER HAD TO ADJUST A NECK OR DO ANY REPAIRS "!!! Thank you Jason you are an amazing player !!! Thank you !

[@jasonvalcourt]

Hey thanks! Excellent, isn't it a great box, that 51? The Delta is equally nice. I'd love to put it up against the new Gibson LG2s for a comparison. I think they'd be head to head. Alvarez for the win, cheers!

[@752brickie]

I mam playing one of my cheaper Martins right now buy will probably hit the 51 later. If you do not have a lot of disposable income I feel these guitars are the best investments on the planet .@@jasonvalcourt

[@jasonvalcourt]

Nice! I agree. Alvarez and Yamaha too. Alvarez is more daring with their product line but both offer tremendous value.

[@jamesmcgraw724]

Really like your playing style and un biased reviews on Alvarez guitars. My parlor apa has such a lush full voiceing it surpasses the tone of my higher priced name brand guitars by far. I have trouble putting it down … if we lived closer I would pay you to play it 🤣

[@jamesmcgraw724]

APA 1965 Anniversary Model

[@jasonvalcourt]

Thanks, I appreciate lack of bias as well. It's like the "best guitarist ever" conversation, totally subjective. Alvarez does a lot right in my book. I'm not surprised it outperforms your others, and the size/geometry of these parlors suits me too. Another win for Alvarez for me is their innovation on bridge style (not on these models in the video). They (maybe K. Yairi himself?) created a unique design that I appreciate and has become signature. Hard to do I think, but they did and it's holding up now for many years.

[@jasonvalcourt]

Just took a closer look at some pics online. Beautiful!

[@nickworley1000]

I have a blues 51 bought new never used it much found the action high its very loud, thinking of seiing it

[@jasonvalcourt]

Bummer. I assume you've had a tech look it over, but maybe you just got a bad one with bad neck angle? They're hard to find now. Wish it was better for you. I like your slide work on it though!

[@elsizzle2000]

Sell to me. Where you located?

[@nickworley1000]

@@elsizzle2000 Ireland

[@chatter7653]

Wonder the sound difference between those and the Alvarez parlor size MPA 66?

[@jasonvalcourt]

Can't say just yet but that seems like an interesting comparison. I'm thinking of parting with the Delta but may hold on just to compare with the MPA66.

[@elsizzle2000]

Had a blues 51 and loved it but got rid of it for something i really wanted!

[@jasonvalcourt]

No harm in that. Hope you got something good!

[@ChikenComet]

Curious, what you got in place of the blues 51?

[@elsizzle2000]

@@ChikenComet well not a direct replacement. I have all vintage Japanese guitars now. I got a small body Yamaki guitar. Not a 12 fret or similar in any way to the Blues 51 but the tone and feel and quality fulfill my needs. I really enjoyed the Blues 51 but not the wider nut and string spacing. However I'd maybe add one to my collection some day 😄

[@myexperience_is]

Prefer the first guitar more, the Delta oo But they're both beautiful sounding and it is an individual preference thing.

[@jasonvalcourt]

It has great tone and carries a full sound. I took it on a trip and enjoyed the heck out of it for a solid weekend and it didn't disappoint. Alvarez is getting it right with these, in my book. Thank you

[@bertbregdenz2756]

When i am searching for Blues 51 they have 14fret and White Neckbinding 🤔

[@jasonvalcourt]

Strange. I do see a listing online with spec listing that states 14 frets (River City), but it is my understanding they kept the Blues51 with 12, and gave the Delta 14. And for the white neck binding...I don't know? Hope you find one, cheers!

[@bertbregdenz2756]

I bought the Delta last year and like it ! Thank you and kind regards from Berlin

[@jasonvalcourt]

Nice! ...and happy hunting, cheers!

[@toddcagle4245]

What is the nut width on the 00E

[@jasonvalcourt]

They are both 1 3/4".

[@LoveOneAnotherHeSaid]

That 51 is already impossible to find.

[@jasonvalcourt]

Sure is. I do see one from time time, but rarely.

[@anthonyfowler2623]

I didn’t know bob dylan did guitar reviews

[@jasonvalcourt]

If he did... I'd watch'em

[@WysteriaGuitar]

Any thought on the Alvarez mpa66?

[@jasonvalcourt]

I had the AP66 for a short while a couple years ago, which is the Artist version of the MPA if I'm correct. I can't say I have a comprehensive assessment/memory of it, but I did let it go pretty quickly. That being said, I was just acclimating to smaller bodied guitars at the time. Slotted headstocks aren't my comfort zone either, but I have no doubt they are superb guitars. Just the wrong time and place for me maybe?

[@WysteriaGuitar]

@@jasonvalcourt Ok, thx. Yeah the mpa is all solid. I was wondering if you had played an all solid. Thanks nice vid and playing btw.

[@jasonvalcourt]

Hey thanks, much appreciated. And I'll be sure to give the MPA another look sometime. I do love the burst on those particularly.

[@michaeleggleston4737]

One video says it's solid wood back and sides and your saying laminated so who do I believe?

[@jasonvalcourt]

It is my understanding that the material Alvarez uses for these back and sides are not technically a laminate, but a real wood fabrication they've engineered themselves. They have made their own "laminate" but from the actual wood stated, as opposed to a laminate wood with a real wood verneer. I'm not claiming expertise though! Just my rabbit hole research on Alvarez. If you find different conclusions let me know!

[@michaeleggleston4737]

@@jasonvalcourt thank you for getting back to me.

[@jasonvalcourt]

@@michaeleggleston4737 of course, good luck!

[@michaeleggleston4737]

@@jasonvalcourt can you tell me what the scale length is on those guitars by chance?

[@jasonvalcourt]

@@michaeleggleston4737 same on both! 24 13/16"

[@rong648]

Jason, do you tune all your guitars down a half step?

[@jasonvalcourt]

I do. I used to go a whole step but am settled at 1/2. More comfortable for my voice mainly.

[@rong648]

@@jasonvalcourt Thanks, I'm going to give it a try on my Alvarez parlor guitars.

[@jasonvalcourt]

@@rong648 Nice. It is a nice option for going easier on the fingers too, softer tension for the left hand.

[@rong648]

@@jasonvalcourt I switched from extra light strings to lights, so I notice the difference in my left hand. What I really like is the tone of my index finger on my picking hand.

[@jasonvalcourt]

@@rong648 nice, yes, extra lights always left me wanting more roundness in tone.

[@elsizzle2000]

Blues 51 for sale?

[@jasonvalcourt]

It is not. They are rare but do appear from time to time if you're able to keep a consistent lookout. Good luck!

[@andrewbowen6875]

Jerry Garcia played an Alvarez dreadnought and he knew a thing or two about guitars

[@jasonvalcourt]

Very true, thanks!

[@danblake3265]

I've owned and played one for almost 2 years. I maintain humidity religiously, no change in altitude ect. The neck is soooop far out it's unplayable, a straight edge points the fretboard at the BOTTOM OF THE BRIDGE !! intonation is a joke ! Note...I play exclusively with custom light .011 tuned a half step down, and in DADGAD also a half down. So it's been cared for properly, and has never been tuned to full (compairitavly) tension. It's a $400 guitar you might get two years out of. I'd like to see all of these reviewers opinions two years down the road, I liked it too.......for a year and a half.......

[@jasonvalcourt]

Bummer, sounds like a dud! These are both 2018s and are holding up well. I play the 51 a whole lot. Great guitar to grab and go. Hope you have other guitars you love!

[@romysan1]

why demo tune down? Silly.

[@jasonvalcourt]

why silly? What's missing?