Customer Reviews

Alvarez AJ417-12 Artist Series Jumbo Acoustic Guitar, 12 String

5 star:		(2)
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This is a wonderful 12 string guitar. First off the most important aspect, the tone: clear, shimmery, fluid, it sparkles. Not a big bass tone but has much volume and punch. Sweet midtones, clear treble and just enough bass. Playability: easy to play, doesn't bite the hand like some 12 strings do. The neck is very comfortable even for a smaller hand. Great for flat picking and very good for fingerpicking. Great tuners, stays in tune even after much playing. The tone, feel and finish are Taylor like. It's a beautiful guitar, the Bubinga back and sides are unique. the craftmanship is very good perhaps not to Taylor standards, a very close inspection will reveal that but the price compensates for that. This guitar is no longer made if you like it snatch one up. I've been playing for 30 years and also own a 1971 Martin D-18, a 1973 Guild Bluegrass and a Martin 00M, so I can appreciate a fine guitar. What's amazing is this great find is made in China! I would have never imagined! I've never taken it to be set up I just played it out of the box with no string buzz anywhere on the fretboard. Highly recommended.

A great Guitarist I am not. I've always had short fat stubby fingers and play well enough to accompany my Folk/Crooner Voice. Started learning to play in 1966, and still Have my 1970 Maestro 12 String Hollow Body Electric and my 1973 Morris 12 String Dreadnaught. As the Kids Grew up the Morris became a Campfire instrument and I found many excuses including Arthritis to not spend much time with the Guitar. Since Retirement I Started playing it more often, and now Solo Regularly in Church. The Old Morris was showing her Age and miles so I started surfing the web for a new instrument. As a Wood worker by trade, and having worked with Bubbinga, This Guitar called out to me, the natural reddish color of the wood and the swirls of the grain make for a unique appearance, and the sound? I think it's great right out of the box. Not too bassy, nice and clear. I have left the Original strings on for now as they are helping me gain the strength back in my arthritic left hand that is needed to hold down the extra pressure of a 12 string, my preference always has been to use Martin Extra Light Phosphor Bronz, and I can't wait to here how it sounds when I finally change it over. This 12 String holds its tune very well, I bought a Gator Hard Shell case for it, I can tune it up at home on Saturday night, put it in the case to take to church and it doesn't lose it's tune along the way. I've never been able to play Barr Chords, but right out of the box this Guitar has played nice crisp notes at every fret, For the money it is Nicely Crafted and I'm really happy I made this Purchase.