How Did We Get Here? The Alvarez Story at St. Louis Music

This week Alvarez TV is coming to you from St. Louis in our Alvarez Guitar shop. Why Alvarez? How did it start in Japan? Why do we have two icons on our logo? Answers to all these and more in today's episode as we take a brief walk through time to discuss how we got here today and where we're going.
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[@georgejanes5666]

Thanks Alvarez. I bought a small size Alvarez in 2007 to take with me to New Zealand on vacation. 6 years ago I gave it to my 8 year old granddaughter as she wanted to learn guitar. She still has it and loves it. Last year while in Arizona I ordered an AMPE915EARSHB. What a good buy on my part. Excellent guitar right out of the box, the more play it the more I like it. I recommend to friends or their children embarking on guitar lessons that they look at Alvarez, good value for great performance. I tell them not to settle for a "starter" guitar just get the best you can for the price, you or your kids will stick with it To that premise Alvarez meets the standard. Not to mention the beauty. I find myself still marvelling at the beautiful woods and finish! Keep doing what you do!

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

That's wonderful to hear, George, and very special for your granddaughter! Thank you for choosing Alvarez 👍

[@brucejohansson9552]

In the spirit of “pushing the envelope” of Alvarez & Yari development construction and sales. First- great job overall and especially since Chris came onboard. -Pictures/ video of Chinese operation. Why not. What are work living conditions like for employees. I’ve read of the Cort horror stories and of similar sweatshops. Buying China is one thing crappy China life conditions another. - Finish options. no matter how Great shiny hard coats may be sonically and for shipping , bonding with guitar through encased poly isn’t optimum. - USA models- Why not. If it’s just about $ is that best explanation. In last few year I’ve purchased 2 Alvarez 1 Yari. Waited 7 months for WY1 then returned because my MFA70 was better sounding. Then sold MFA70 because of un friendly hard gloss finish. Now using 2015 MFA solid rosewood with removed electronics soundport then fitted with K and K. Like you say when explaining pushing the envelope. It’s hard to do then becomes normal.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Bruce, we appreciate these thoughtful comments and ideas and take them all to heart. We are planning video content featuring both our factory and a Yairi feature, so watch this space in the future for that, we really are looking forward to sharing that with all of you. We will pass your suggestions along as well. Again, we appreciate your thoughts, and thanks for watching 👍

[@edwardgarner1299]

Ever since I purchased the all-Honduran-mahogany Alvarez/Yari FYM66HD guitar, I’ve become an Alvarez fan. I must credit the Canadian musician, J.P. Cormier, for introducing me to Alvarez guitars and the FYM66HD in particular. In the 50 years I’ve played acoustic guitars, I’ve owned several “high-end” guitars from Martin, Yamaha, Harvey Leach, Santa Cruz, Bourgeois and Rozawood (Czech Republic). Every guitar has its own personality, of course, and it’s taken me several years to find the few keepers that I feel comfortable with that match my personality and music level. There are two favorites that I constantly pick up to play, and the Alvarez/Yari is one. The mellow but bright, full sound of the aged Honduran Mahogany is like no other I’ve owned. The construction is of the highest quality and the beautiful tan and brown leather-bound case it came in is also an art piece by itself. If I had purchased a like model from any of the other guitar-makers mentioned, I’m sure it would have cost 3-4 times more than what I paid for the FYM66HD. I don’t know how Alvarez does it, but for truly amazing, high quality guitars they offer, the price point they ask is incomparable.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Hi Edward, thank you for your thoughtful words and we are so happy you love your FYM66HD. It's truly a special instrument and we are grateful you chose Alvarez. Thank you for watching!

[@stevevice9863]

Thanks for the update. I have a 1990 Yairi DY-77 that I bought new. Still plays great. The action is still low...never had to adjust the truss rod or lower the saddle. It has been a fantastic instrument. I am craving one of the Honduran dreadnaughts as a bookend to my Rosewood Yairi. Thanks, Chris, for being such a good steward of the brand. There were some dark days after the buyout, and I'm glad to see that Alvarez is progressing and growing. Stay on course and strive for quality.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Beautiful! Thank you so much, Steve, for the kind words, they are much appreciated. We strive for quality every day 👍

[@homegrownson]

I own a 82 DY85A & 85 DY51, they both are exceptional Players and the 82 is about as Flawless condition as you could Hope for and Love Them

[@paulechols]

I've loved Alvarez guitars since my big sister got a beautiful 6 string in the 70s(unsure of the model), 3 piece back and amazing inlay.... I was gifted a flea shop find, script Alvarez 5022 (St.Louis music let me know via email that in 1973 (thanks Tom Kruszka)it came through the shop you're filming in) amazingly the intonation is still spot on.... I was fortunate enough to get a DYM60HDE this year, and it is by far the best guitar i have ever played. Really enjoy yall's videos!!!! Excited to see what's coming next.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

That's great, thank you Paul! The DYM60HDE is an incredible choice, glad it found a home with you. Thanks for watching! Any topics you'd like to know more about, please let us know 👍

[@markashworth983]

I follow every video post you guys do, and I have yearned for one of your Honduran folk body guitars ever since I watched J.P. Cormier's review of the Yairi fym66HD! 💕

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Thank you, Mark, for watching! We love J.P.!

[@benwood7132]

If you haven’t got one yet… do it! They are amazing and as good as advertised! Worth the money, and if need be, a long wait.

[@timchalmers1700]

Yes. I have a Model 5024 (Dove) with the script Alvarez on the headstock and no serial number. I bought it in 1971 from a friend of a friend in New Orleans. And yes, it still sounds amazing.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Great to hear, Tim! Thank you 👍

[@1982joe1982]

I have the prototype salesman's sample of that guitar with the Gibson open book peghead with stinger, Gibson font Alvarez inlay, straight from the family - that thing has been all over the US as a demo - likely the first if not one of the first Alvarez ever brought in and surely stopped by Gibson very soon after

[@timchalmers1700]

@@1982joe1982 Cool!! Does that one have a serial number? Mine does not. Does that tell you anything?

[@1982joe1982]

@@timchalmers1700 No - no label, no model, no nothing - Wouldn't even know it is an Alvarez aside from the script logo and I wouldn't know it was a pre production sample aside from they told me

[@mattnelson8325]

I just love you guys and my 2 Alvarez Masterworks. Thank you for your passion.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Thank you, Matt 👍

[@bluemooncanoe]

Thanks for these videos.I have an early 70's J-200 copy by Alvarez and the MPA66SHB parlor. My go to guitars. I bought a Bob Weir Yairi for my daughter in Nashville. Damn fine instruments.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

The kind words are much appreciated. Thank you for watching, @bluemooncanoe 👍

[@davidglynnguitars8119]

Wow, that was fast!! I just saw you this morning at the Crimson Guitars workshop. You either have a really fast airplane or Alvarez has developed teleporter tech!! I love my Alvarez 12-String. Bought it back in the 80's.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

We're always on the move!! ✈

[@realgoodmind]

For anyone that is beginning with guitar don't waste your money on any of the lower model Martin or Taylor guitars. Buy an Alvarez. I have owned so many over the years and finally went up to a Yairi. Even spending the higher amount, still a lot less than a M or T of the same level, it has so much value for what you are getting. They are excellently crafted in Japan for the Yairi brand models. I haven't picked up an Alvarez that I just did not like. For entry level there isn't a better brand. If you want a step up Yairi is only topped by the really hand crafted boutique builders. This brand is just amazing.

[@rikkimiller8435]

It was great meeting you guys this week, think I’ve found my next obsession 😮

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Was great meeting you as well, Rikki! Thank you 👍

[@timothywebber7404]

The prettiest sounding guitar I ever heard.

[@gilbertstevenson1494]

I have loved the brand since I got my 5013 Iron Horse back in the mid 1990’s. I’ve even rehabbed an ADA1965 and a PD85Sc. Both had “good bones”. I’ve gifted two…I’ve managed to keep seven. One helping just isn’t enough. My next birthday is a milestone (60) and I’m hoping to be able to add a Yairi Masterworks 12-fret or an MDR70 12 fret…

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Thank you, Gilbert, for your kind words and for tuning in! Those are both beautiful choices for a wonderful milestone! Looking forward to hearing which one you choose…

[@jhernandezdmd]

Awesome!! I'm really excited about a New and Improved Masterworks!! In have an MD60BG and definitely my next guitar will be an Alvarez! Thank You Guys for your always great videos, hopefully we can get an Alvarez factory tour in the future : )

[@hervegeorges]

yup , they are great guitars. they are well balanced and very easy to play. I feel that those guitars are made with lots of care. It is my opinion that nobody beats them at their price point. I have more expensive guitars but the Alvarez has a better sound

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

We love the MD60BG! Will pass along the factory wish, that's on our list…

[@juliemulie1805]

It seems like the USA is a perfect spot for a multicultural instrument. Spanish in name, Japanese in design, Chinese produced, and run by UK folks through Saint Louis Missouri. Phew!

[@HayesTech]

Awesome video. I've got to get a Yairi to test and make a few videos on. I've got so many dreadnought guitars, I would love to get the Yairi Masterworks DYM70HD and put that up against our Gibson J45, which has a rosewood body. Plus, hear the difference between my Alvarez MD60BG and a Yairi would be nice. Alvarez has such a cool beginning too. And with the way he designed the guitar a little differently, like the bridge, to get the most tone out of the guitar. It's brilliant. The strings angle down sharply at the bridge and at the nut.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Thank you for watching, @Hayes Tech! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the DYM70HD.

[@ClayShentrup]

i had no idea alvarez was in st louis. i actually co-founded an election reform non-profit, and st louis is the 2nd city where we introduced appoval voting, so you can vote for as many candidates as you want and never fear throwing away your vote on a "spoiler". if the US ever escapes the two party system, there's a good chance we'll be the reason. go st louis!

[@homegrownson]

The 5024 or Dove Lawsuit Guitar, was that regular Alvarez or a Yairi ?

[@herschelrector8218]

excellent video. great to hear you working to improve Alvarez and tinkering with Yairi. However, my DYMR70SB I believe is nearing perfection. How do you improve that? Sorry to hear you are upgrading the Master Works instruments; I thought I had my GAS under control, now I feel its not. A future video giving a little biographical sketch of Chris, Dee, etal would be appreciated.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Thank you, Herschel! Will pass along the bio request, that's a great idea… 👍

[@robertlucas9867]

I bought my first Alvarez. The AG66CESHB and I love it. The shadow burst looks beautiful and the sound is great. String Action is high for me but since I’m new to acoustic I don’t know if it’s normal or just setup high. Now I’m learning what I can do with it with the Line6 POD GO.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Great choice, Robert! The best thing to do is find a local luthier you can work with to customize the action to your playing. Enjoy your new Alvarez! 👍

[@Dynamic_Custom_Woodworking]

I bought a Yairi in the late seventies and fell in love with it. But I was a broke college student and had to sell it. I went on to marriage and kids and I still haven’t been able to replace it. I currently own an inexpensive Seagull and I am trying to learn to play again but it is not the same. I will own an Alvarez again soon.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Great to hear! Hoping you get a Yairi back soon :)

[@jbanjo056]

Fascinating story! Can't wait for the new models to come out so that I can have something else to lust for 😂

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Thank you, Jesse, we can't wait to bring them out to you!👍

[@richardbarbuto7356]

I’d love to see the chord charts of the songs you play at the beginning of each video. They’re beautiful.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

That's very kind, Richard, we will see what we can do! Any jam in particular?

[@christopherknaus1356]

I wanted to buy a Martin D18, and just discovered Alvarez, although I have known about the brand for a while. Couldn’t justify the cost of a D18, so I just purchased an Alvarez MD 610EBG from Guitar Center as I had a credit from a Sigma guitar. I am looking forward for my new Alvarez to be delivered , however, comparing descriptions between the MD610EBG and the MD60EBG, I am concerned I will be getting a lower quality guitar(?) ie lower grade top, tuners, etc.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Hi Christopher, the 610 was a GC exclusive, and does have different tuners and bridge pins that are PPS instead of Ebony, but all other components are the same and the top will be the same grade too. It's a great guitar. Let us know if we can help with anything else. 👍

[@christopherknaus1356]

Thanks for the speedy response. I am glad the key components are the same !

[@christopherknaus1356]

Hi, if I wanted to try and replace the pps bridge bridge pins Ebony, what size are they and where can I get them? DM610EBG due to be delivered tomorrow. Looking forward to it!

[@TheGeniuschrist]

There's an Alvarez shop in St Louis? Damn it, I'm gonna stop through. Get your bari's ready, Alvarez.

[@williama-d6]

Are you saying alverez is a Japanese brand?

[@timothywebber7404]

Why no fret dots?

[@juliemulie1805]

The dots are on the side, very visible, and help get you past the tendency to flip the guitar face towards you. Really has improved my positioning. Love my Alvarez Artist Elite.

[@timothywebber7404]

@@juliemulie1805 I need the dots.

[@juliemulie1805]

@@timothywebber7404 if you can try one out, you can decide if the side fret dots will work for you. I can think of some reasons where front dots are important such as being an instructor. Plenty of choices out there, some with beautiful fretboard inlays, just not this brand. Probably traces back to the orchestral string instrument beginning of Alvarez.

[@jayman1338]

@@timothywebber7404 Hey neighbor, not having the dots on the neck like an Alvarez is actually a good thing as it trains the player to look at the dots that are on the side of neck instead. This really helps a lot when playing standing up. I hated it at first but then I learned to look at the right dots. Plus not having dots like that just looks awesome!

[@ClayShentrup]

a guy who's this obsessed is exactly what a company needs to fight entropy and uphold the vision.

[@isadorealire5722]

Honestly, it's a bit frustrating to communicate with segments of the company. I purchased a guitar that was advertised as Honduran Mahogany GYM70CESHB. Well, it obviously wasn't Honduran. I contacted Alvarez and I sort of feel like whom ever replied to me was bothered. "Yes, that guitar is rosewood." Yes, I cracked that code🫤 I was simply trying to let the company know there was some product being misrepresented . I even let them know about 3 being on Reverb that day. No one seemed to be concerned. I love my GYM70CESHB (yes, I kept it) and Alvarez guitars. I just thought there would have been more concern since the tops are not AAAA and the back and sides not being Honduran.

[@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial]

Hi Isadore, we're sorry to hear you were frustrated! Where was the GYM70 advertised as Honduran Mahogany? If you need any more help please out to us, we'd love to hear from you and would never be bothered. You can email us at [e-mail] or reach us via DM on our social media channels.