Alvarez Artist Elite Acoustics - Handpicked Tops For £699?!

[@fatwitnessvevo6623]

Adding Ben to the channel was a great decision. He's an incredibly talented guitar player, and seems to fit right in with the other hosts. The acoustic show has quickly become one of my favorites.

[@piratewhoisquiet]

Shoutout to Ben, the guitars are cool but I mostly tune in to hear him play whatever the acoustic of the week is haha

[@bensmithguitar]

Thanks SImon. :-)

[@KrausKeysGuitar]

The acoustic show with Ben is now one of my favorites on this channel! But still waiting for mr. Danish Pete to join it

[@bensmithguitar]

Glad you're enjoying it! :-)

[@CurrieNerd]

No purple acoustics..?

[@zykify]

Why focus on the built-in pickups and the amp? The "without amp" sound examples are thrown out as "extra" but they should be the meat.

[@nickhalewijn5668]

100% agree

[@WailinHeino]

I second that.

[@bobaldo2339]

Totally agree, Stefan. Built-in acoustic guitar PU's all sound awful to me. And absolutely none sound as good as a guitar played into a decent microphone. If you are using a PU instead of a mic, the "tone woods" all sound the same to me.

[@timchalmers1700]

My 50-year old Alvarez is still amazing. And it's fascinating to hear the different tones from different wood and design.

[@MrCandystop]

"why put the good stuff on the back" Petes laugh in the background

[@macanoodough]

Gotta say, I bought my Alvarez based on one of your earlier videos and aside from my Les Paul I'd say it was the best purchase I've ever made. I spent $400 on an arm rest cutaway folk like some of those, but those aare much nicer woods and finishes. For those looking at Martins and Talyors at that (or as low as they get to that price point), Alvarez sounds and feels better. Don't buy into the name thing, yes Martins and Taylors are better, but the one's that start from like $1500. If you got it to spend, go for it. But if you only got $600, Alvarez makes the best quality you'll find at the price.

[@mollers92]

I enjoy that Ben doesn't seem to "sell" the guitars, just demoes them and comments honestly. Fantastic player and has improved the demoing of acoustics on the channel tenfold.

[@jaymacdonnell4730]

Love these guitars. I have a Grand Auditorium strung up with D'Addario Nickel Bronze 12s and the sound is out of this world.

[@davideade3641]

The all mahogany deadnought sounded sweet as hell.

[@39MercFlathead]

I have come very close to buying an Alvarez guitar several times. Most of them were their Yari models which today cost in the $2,000 to $3,500 range. However, they make excellent quality for the price in moderate price ranges like Lee and Ben are demonstrating here. Ben is a real asset, by the way. When it comes to tone woods I find more clarity along with some brightness with good maple compared to good rosewood which I find to be a little more bassy and muddy. On the other hand, I find that rosewood tends to sustain more. Since I tend to like mid-range more more, I tend to be most partial to mahogany. But each guitar is a unique instrument and my Cordoba classical is maple and spruce with a very warm tone and lots of sustain. My custom jazz box is also maple and spruce, very warm and lots of sustain on the first and second strings. It doesn't have a lot of sustain on the other strings because I use D'Addario flatwounds on it. Among those demonstrated here I preferred the sound of the maple and spruce grand auditorium played first. But I would have to play them personally to decide. I would love to see more videos on acoustic guitars again.

[@micah-8023]

10:34 - You can hear Danish Pete (wheeze) laugh in the background right after "D is the key of the people!" is said. CLASSIC

[@patrickwooton966]

I got the aa red cedar top model and i just cant stop looking at it. All day everyday.

[@danfango1333]

I bought the Walnut one today - also tried a Faith, but the Alvarez felt better for me, and looks gorgeous. I didn't know it was Walnut, but now I do!

[@deividasprunskas6689]

Hey,How is it sounds? enought mids and bass?

[@davidyates8880]

loving all the new acoustic stuff :)

[@TheBlackCrayon77]

I've been only playing Alvarez guitars for the last 2 decades, from the cheaper ones to the high-end stuff. One of the most underrated acoustic guitars for sure.

[@xleeb0y13x]

My wife always laughs when I say it but damn these are pretty guitars. I love my Alvarez Grateful Dead parlor guitar but really need a single cut. And the wood selections are epic.

[@bensmithguitar]

Hold on, Grateful Dead Parlour guitar? WHAT!

[@xleeb0y13x]

bensmithguitar they have a whole line with different Grateful Dead images on them. Not really high end but great for the price.

[@Mr.Nabil.Belhaj]

The D is the key of the people, then i hear Pete laughing in the back 😂 hilarious

[@anthonycashero7605]

Nice sounding guitars. Thanks Lee and Ben.

[@SebastianMaruntiel]

nice playing... first acoustic show I see from you and Ben is really up there

[@jamescoughlan8193]

Livin the acoustic show . Love all the guitars I would be demented trying to choose between them.

[@_RLP]

Dude's playing is great. Lots of feel and a superb touch. I tune in just to hear him play. Cheers

[@RC32Smiths01]

I am being specific, but I think the sound had a good 60s Woodstock tone to it. Something that Crosby, Stills, and Nash would play! Cheera

[@petrotmyrcz308]

Ben could make any guitar sound great, but these sound terrific. Probably unbeatable at the price point. My two favorites are the Sapele dread and the Cedar top. Nice stuff, thanks for the video.

[@seanandben]

Hi Lee. Ebony is one of the very few wood species that does not float on water, but sinks to the bottom. It is heavy, dense and has superior bend strength as compared to any other wood species. Poice batons in the U.K. were made of ebony at one point, and I believe some still are. Greetings to you from Ireland.

[@Ellysionair]

I like Ben, he’s awesome. Cheers Ben

[@bensmithguitar]

Thanks!

[@07strummer]

Super Reviews - Thanks

[@glenproctor1999]

The first and last did have that extra 'brightness', I'm still convinced wood matters! (Definitely need to get Ben a Hawaiian shirt!)

[@deancheese1006]

More Acoustic PARADISO love the playing and the beard, ginger power.

[@matthewcombs9059]

He shakes the guitar like it owed him money. Lol! Great guitars

[@rickcar94]

He plays more with his left arm and shoulder than his hands lol

[@billyellow4849]

My experience - The sonic differences between tonewoods become more noticeable as you go up the price points. So strum most £600 acoustics and there's similarity, strum a bunch of £3000 acoustics and there are chasms between the maple/mahogany/rosewood tones.

[@RADThird1]

I'd agree with this.

[@jerrypayton3231]

The cedar top with ebony back and sides. Grand adotorium.

[@mikeconway727]

My fist acoustic was an Alvarez RF 26 and it was an amazing beginner guitar

[@bosse641]

Beautiful guitars. Oh my.

[@Thirsty_Fox]

Alvarez does a reasonably priced acoustic baritone, which is rather unique.

[@brocluno01]

All impressive. Prefer the walnut grand auditorium in drop D :)

[@fredflinstone3173]

Cedar and, or walnut for me. I would have loved to hear the AFA95 (cedar top with acacia back). Wish they came with a satin finish instead of the gloss though.

[@manueldiacomanolis367]

Ben you are amazing in every way.... I hope to watch you more often or see you around Berkshire. As I can see, my fav Alvarez guitars are different than your fav and you make it more difficult...!! I see you are more a fan of the Sire guitars? I am puzzling between the AGW77CEAR (which I fell in love) or the AG70CEAR (its not here in your video but shes closer to the first one I guess). Im more to 70s folk, country & blues so I need a flexible guitar. Ben help...! Thanks again for your amazing guitar videos, your nice playing, and much more about your nice character and your warm presentation. Manny

[@tomahoks]

Hey, congrats on the 600000 subbers!

[@MrStradia]

This guy has more moves than James Brown! Great playing, I enjoy the show!

[@schlitz739]

ben is so good he makes all the guitars sound the same........he breaks the myths

[@lightfoot413]

beautiful guitars and sound gr8...

[@raymondvaughan6262]

Thanks lads alverez guitars sound and great for the money play alot better than a lot better more expensive models i have tried keep it up andersons great

[@prateekpoddar1890]

The only way this show could get any better than it already is would be if you invited Mick back as a special guest to do an episode with both Ben and Danish Pete.

[@chroniclesofbap6170]

Beautiful tone

[@Bluesguitarist1994]

Solid top not back and sides. That doesn't matter to me i find this guitar is perfect for laptapping guitar reminds me of mexfs laptapping guitar he use which i think a intermediate Tanglewood acoustic electric guitars. Mexfs is a legend of laptapping guitar in UK And The World 🌎🌍🌍

[@graemero5532]

The blonde Ben played at the start sounded great

[@bb38313]

My 1971 Alvarez was the best guitar I owned in 55 years I hope the guy who stole it 30 years ago is good to it

[@jonskaptason8840]

Just an opinion: All sound better without the pickups. Murky with pickups. Perhsps adjustable.

[@christianmarloncortazar8213]

Demo sound should be the real sound of the guitar Acoustically !!!

[@nerodize_]

Seth Rogan is one talented man

[@emmawebber9438]

Spill the beans on tomorrow's new Fender. Is it an Ultra or Deluxe? When will the Anderton's video be out, featuring this new guitar?

[@Doug5524]

Nice one Ben you made then sing

[@bensmithguitar]

Thanks Doug. :-)

[@SteveLedger]

The Caraya A-2016CEQ has an even more rounded arm rest than these. They've been doing it for some years. This model sells for as little as AUD$280 +AUD$20 shipping. No idea if they sound any good though :D

[@hunterbrown4585]

Thumbs up for another Jerry Reed fan!

[@bensmithguitar]

Jump on it, son! ;-)

[@randybeane7473]

What archtop is that behind the captain?

[@1972Georges]

Alvarez does Left handed Models? Help! Cant find any info online. I use Yamaha LL Series so fare....need good oo fingerpicking model

[@cherrycoke106]

Did you guys ever do a new Kata 50 vs new THR practice amp shootout?

[@christurner2398]

Should we expect an Anderton's exclusive of Ben's Signature Nails soon?

[@bensmithguitar]

Next time I go to the nail bar I'll video it! 😆

[@Terrible_Peril]

bensmithguitar I sub’d your channel in anticipation 🤭👀

[@christurner2398]

@@bensmithguitar yeah but I meant you could probably market a line of fingerpickers acrylic nails. Niche in the market for you there

[@bobaldo2339]

Does anyone know what the fretboard radius is on Alvarez acoustics??? Anybody????

[@idessaoutlaw]

🌴🎸🎶💃🕺🥁🎸🌴✌️😎👌 🐸🎸Alvarez is the real deal 🌴 Even if they're not "Reliced"..😹🤳

[@jamesorrell7462]

no one: Not a single soul: Not even your mother: Ben: Yeah

[@bensmithguitar]

Yeah

[@InAtlasAtLast]

What great guitars for the price

[@CurrieNerd]

There's well priced Ibanez acoustics with the bevel on, isn't there?

[@Paul-D]

and still, ive never heard a piezzo sound i actually like lol.

[@dirtywater5336]

Alvarez has been the sleeper in the industry for a long time. You can spend $3000 on a Martin or you can spend a 1/3 of that on an Alvarez that sounds and looks better

[@greatreset3]

About your weak nails, I always heard eating jello or any gelatin helps strengthen them??? 🎶🎸

[@bensmithguitar]

I did try that, but it didn't seem to help me that much, unfortunately.

[@zykify]

The thought of the gelatin spreading through the body and into the nails is terrifying!

[@daddio307]

So, Ben, what exactly is the process you use on your nails? I have the same problem- my own nails are useless (except for my pinkie, for some weird reason, lol)

[@zykify]

The traditional way to make them stronger is to file them often. Everyday. That keeps them flexible.

[@bensmithguitar]

@@daddio307 I go to the nail bar and get them to do a fairly thin layer of the brush on powder acrylic stuff straight onto my own nail, then finish it with the colour of your choice! That way it's just thickening up my own nail to make it stronger. Then I file and buff the nail tip so it's super smooth. I normally go back and have it infilled about one a month, maybe more if I'm gigging a lot. It is worth getting some kind of colour or at least clear laquer put on though, as otherwise it yellows a bit and makes it look like you smoke 2 packs a day.

[@bobpowell7002]

using amplification, and all sound variations can make any guitar sound great. Let me HEAR them without the electronics...

[@antoniogatto1855]

Please, can you tell me the model of the guitar at 11:11?

[@darkomtobia]

Looks like the Masterworks Grand Auditorium.

[@marcionobrega5117]

Show ✌

[@AndyHayner]

I hate hate hate under saddle pickups in acoustics. They are the autotune version of real pickups. Even LR Baggs 9which is far better than Fishman IMO) make all guitars sound like plastic Ovations. We need better pickup options that will actually amplify the tonal qualities of the guitar.

[@paulorobertosoaresjr.6436]

The maple one is a bit too bright or dry for my ears.

[@paulorobertosoaresjr.6436]

The Cedar one is sensational though.

[@MAAACIxD]

Hey guys can you do a "Sound like - Airbourne" would be f*cking awesome ;)

[@jthompson2379]

Would have been helpful if this video actually told us which MODEL NUMBERS these are, not just, "this is the cedar one, and this is the walnut one, etc."

[@vincentdelmas2792]

the mic used here > neumann 184 is 700 euros. just saying

[@tbeau6663]

I like Ben........

[@_dmfd]

He sure likes talking with that fancy hand

[@dobster5819]

Why are we getting adverts in your videos now

[@idessaoutlaw]

The pick-up sounds like crap... Unplugged is much better..✌️😎👌

[@joshoptical]

Smart move from a great company- for sub-$1K USD make a guitar with all the right physical/acoustic stuff and a pickup that...works. If your plugged in tone matters, you can upgrade to a better system- but we won’t force you to pay for it to get the guitar.

[@michigangreen1915]

Wow I am never this early

[@Nj1498]

Well, I'm bad.

[@rorystorm4284]

It sounds like Lee is saying "Andersons." Is it just me? Please educate this Yank.

[@rudiger1337]

4th

[@willwaters6873]

CORT ACOUSTICS

[@WailinHeino]

Now we're talkin'. I have a Cort Luce L450:). Great sounding guitar.

[@willwaters6873]

Mine is a Cort SFX-MEM-OP.... they are amazing at names 💯 smh.

[@shawnmcx482]

Why do Brits say St. Louie, instead of the correct St. Louis?

[@sequoia1792]

Rob Chapman is lookin weird these days.

[@Pannemat]

Artist Elite series? In 2019? HOW ORIGINAL!

[@jamessankey01]

Nice. The giant plastic electronic lr baggs wart. Shame. Shame. Deal breaker.

[@abetteryou2025]

to tini sounding

[@blanchedesmas]

Too much bla...bla...

[@mns8732]

Even for Brits you guys are weird