Strings Need A Changing - Alvarez Blues 51 - Am I Seeing Double?

[@anthonyb2334]

I’m a big fan of the Alvarez Delta 00 but would love to try the 51. I’ve not seen them but I will keep looking for one. Thanks for your video

[@jasonvalcourt]

Nice! They are similar but different. I did a video on both models on the channel if you want more thoughts on them. Cheers!

[@thomasknapp7236]

Nothing better than a 12 fret. I finally just got my Yairi PYM60SB 12 fret. Wow. She's insanely beautiful

[@jasonvalcourt]

No way, that's incredible! What an amazing NGD that must've been. Psyched for you, cheers!

[@LoveOneAnotherHeSaid]

Make a mark on the wall, it's impossible to find any Blues 51 for sale.

[@jasonvalcourt]

I know it! Couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it.

[@realcygnus]

Nifty ! I had an early 80's Alvarez, forget the model but, after going thru countless acoustics of ALL prices & makes, it's still one of my all time faves. Wish I still had it. BTW, defo heard a pretty clear difference & actually prefer your older one, from that very limited tone only assessment anyways. Not really clarity but like the space between simultaneous notes, especially as the low end rings.

[@jasonvalcourt]

Nice, Alvarez makes nice guitars, so many of them have magic no matter the price. Cool! I know the old one is a good one too. In the room the bass comes on strong on the new one but I'm not convinced I always want that. Thanks for listening closely, fun stuff, cheers!

[@josesoares9986]

They`re identical and they sound identical to me.

[@jasonvalcourt]

I'm sure you're not alone. They're close to my ears too, but I hear a difference especially in the room. Not sure the mic can communicate the subtle differences, cheers!

[@USNAVDC]

Can you do a comparison of that and your Yamaha FS-800? I know you don't like the string spacing on the Yamaha.

[@jasonvalcourt]

Ah, I lent one to a beginner and sold one. But, I will get ahold of one again and do that comparison, cheers!

[@WysteriaGuitar]

I'm not much for laminate guitars, prefer solid wood tone. Was curious, you are a very accomplished player, why do you prefer laminate, at least on these models? I suspect Alvarez makes a solid wood small body as well. Do you have one and any thoughts?

[@jasonvalcourt]

Alvarez does make all solid builds and I own the Yairi FYM66HD. From my informal education following luthiers and players, I don't conclude laminate back and sides are detrimental to tone and that laminate is not the forbidden material it is fabled to be. I like the idea of solid wood all around, but won't close the door on backs and sides, especially at a lower price point. I'm sure there could be an argument made for laminate tops as well. My more expensive guitars are all solid, but I play others just as much and enjoy them just as much.

[@WysteriaGuitar]

@@jasonvalcourt Fair enough, it's in the ear of the beholder. I guess for my ears I find them to be somewhat lacking in complexity of tone. Could be I have not tried the right brand of laminate or it could be my ears are spoiled by Martin, Gibson, Collings, and Taylor high end solid wood guitars. HAHAHAHAHA. I heard that Alvarez "sandwich" their laminate between two pieces of solid rosewood or mahogany whatever the guitar is made of. Perhaps this results in a better more "solid wood" tone and sustain. If I can get my hands on one to try in person perhaps I'll be "converted." LOL

[@jasonvalcourt]

Excellent! Yes, not everyone has an ear that can discern the same things. And that is what I understand about their laminates as well. I think Alvarez is worth a try if you're able to play some, cheers!