Topic: Is this the one?

I acquired an Alvarez Masterworks MD95 last week. I didn't want glossy. I didn't want electronics. I didn't want fancy inlays. But, this thing sounds great.
I realize when it comes to guitars I tend to be fickle but just maybe...
dj

Re: Is this the one?

I shall not comment until I get pics smile

[b][color=#FF0000]If your brain is part of the process, you're missing it. You should play like a drowning man, struggling to reach shore. If you can trap that feeling, then you have something.
[/color][/b]         [b]Peace of mind. That's my piece of mind...[/b]

Re: Is this the one?

No.  You're an addict.  This is the latest high.  There's nothing wrong with fancy.  Fancy is actually kind of nice.  It's just secondary.  First you need tone and playability.  I guess that's first and second, making fancy third.  You get the drift. 

Now go play a song.

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude

4 (edited by zguitar 2011-08-27 17:00:00)

Re: Is this the one?

I agree with Zurf. You're bending your own rules to feed your addiction. When will this stop DJ? Next thing you know you'll something like this:

http://www.yorkshire-divers.com/forums/ … sting.html

There are worse things than having a fancy guitar.

Keep Rockin!!!!!!!!!!!

5 (edited by naolslager 2011-08-27 17:03:39)

Re: Is this the one?

Per your request (and forum rules) Photos here: https://picasaweb.google.com/david.john … lvarezMD95

Re: Is this the one?

looks nice,how many guitars do you have nao? must be alot,thats good if you can afford it.

my papy said son your going too drive me too drinking if you dont stop driving that   Hot  Rod  Lincoln!! Cmdr cody and his lost planet airman

Re: Is this the one?

You owed yourself this guitar for all the hard work and good things you do.  Let there be no remorse.

You can see all my video covers on [url]http://www.youtube.com/bensonp1000[/url]
I have finally found happiness in my life.  Guitars, singing, beer and camping.  And they all intertwine wonderfully.

8 (edited by naolslager 2011-08-27 18:35:46)

Re: Is this the one?

Pete, you are too kind.

Dino48, I'm holding at five - my theoretical maximum. But I do not have much money invested. In fact, if I sold them all I might be able to purchase a new 15 series Martin. Sometimes I consider being a one-guitar guy but I can never seem to decide on the one guitar. So I have a variety of shapes, sizes, tone woods, and finishes. This way none of them get worn out:)

This is my habit, good or bad, there are worse ones.

Re: Is this the one?

If you end up getting the Martin someday, that might make you a one guitar owner.  I promise you, it will be all you need.  You will love the sound. Well worth the expense IMO.

You can see all my video covers on [url]http://www.youtube.com/bensonp1000[/url]
I have finally found happiness in my life.  Guitars, singing, beer and camping.  And they all intertwine wonderfully.

Re: Is this the one?

Wow fancy schmancy!!! That's a lot of electronics on that thing. Can you launch a space shuttle with it? Looks really don't matter. Every time you pick it up and strum it you forget how it looks. Besides, you don't look at the front of the guitar when playing. So as long as you like how the shoulder looks you're good.

Keep Rockin!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Is this the one?

I used to be that way with girls when I was really young,and later seems I had a different car or motercycle every few months. (sometimes out of necessity I have been in many car/motercycle accidents,I have lost count).

my papy said son your going too drive me too drinking if you dont stop driving that   Hot  Rod  Lincoln!! Cmdr cody and his lost planet airman

Re: Is this the one?

It's pretty all right.  If it sounds like the other Alvarez's I've heard the looks are only half the story. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude

Re: Is this the one?

Zurf,
Yes this one sounds nice. I looked at an MD90 which is the same guitar without the fingerboard inlay, and really more my style. But this one was in much better condition and almost $100 less! I've since done some research and I now think I got a better deal than I originally thought.

I don't see much difference between this guitar and a Yairi. In fact many Yairi's have laminate back and sides, not that there's anything wrong with that.
DJ

p.s. I played for about 3 hours last night. My fingers hurt. Such sweet pain.

14 (edited by Guitarpix 2011-08-28 14:26:06)

Re: Is this the one?

Big diffrence in alvarez and yairi.... Not even the same makers.  Alvarez is simply an importer for Yairi and has no other connections/resemblances.  Totally different guitars.   Still it's a fine guitar and I'm not saying one is better than the other just making sure you're aware of their relationship. The usa is the only place were you find Alvarez/yairi guitars. In other places it's simply K. Yairi guitars....

Well there are some slight resemblances in some models... Yairi has shared his new bridge design with them allowing more transfrence to the top but that's about it. Build quality and tone are different.

[b][color=#FF0000]If your brain is part of the process, you're missing it. You should play like a drowning man, struggling to reach shore. If you can trap that feeling, then you have something.
[/color][/b]         [b]Peace of mind. That's my piece of mind...[/b]

Re: Is this the one?

Thanks Guiarpix for describing the relationship. I thought they were "closer" than that.

16 (edited by Guitarpix 2011-08-28 17:10:39)

Re: Is this the one?

Not really... They look closer here in the US because all Yairi's are set up by St. Louis Music (Alvarez distributor) Yairi's usually come with a more rounded/tradional styled pickguard with K. Yairi's logo on them... Here in the US they often get an Alvarez style pickguard stuck on them along with the alvarez name association and their version of the logo on the headstock making it seem they are closer than they really are.  It's a common misconception smile  Completely different guitars though.

[b][color=#FF0000]If your brain is part of the process, you're missing it. You should play like a drowning man, struggling to reach shore. If you can trap that feeling, then you have something.
[/color][/b]         [b]Peace of mind. That's my piece of mind...[/b]

Re: Is this the one?

Guitarpix,
You seem to have a wealth of knowledge regarding the Yairi/Alvarez? Any idea where I can get a replacement saddle for this axe? It's got a six-piece saddle, that is one tiny saddle for each string. They are all mounted in what appears to be a base which fits into a slot in the bridge. The guitar is fine the way it is but I may want to replace the saddle at some point. I've seen pictures of this model with a traditional one-piece saddle so I suppose I could convert it if need be.
dj

18 (edited by Guitarpix 2011-08-29 11:58:59)

Re: Is this the one?

Almost all I play is Yairi's smile They are by far my guitars of choice..... Actually I do have a link for you to get those replacement individual saddles somewhere. I'll go through my bookmarks on my home pc this evening after work and pass it on to you. Now that Im thinking about it, I'm pretty sure Bob Colosi makes them and I'd highly recommend his work and products! All top notch stuff and he's excellent to work with. A quick search will turn him up. If you can't find them on his page just give him a call @ nine one two - Eight eight two - one three two one and he'll take good care of ya.

[b][color=#FF0000]If your brain is part of the process, you're missing it. You should play like a drowning man, struggling to reach shore. If you can trap that feeling, then you have something.
[/color][/b]         [b]Peace of mind. That's my piece of mind...[/b]

Re: Is this the one?

Yes, I'm aware of Bob. I might just place an order with him. I've heard nothing but good things and I believe he and I are in the same State: Georgia.

Someday I'd like to get my hands on a Yairi "FY" guitar - the folk aka 000 size body but they look pricey even used...if you can find one.

Can you point to the secret decoder wheel for all their models? I'd like to get smarter on their product line.

Re: Is this the one?

I've got all the info somewhere man... I'll see if I can find the links and such when I have time (just got home from pulling a 11hr day and have 1 hr to rest before I head out to work tonight till around 4am and then back tomorrow morning at 8 for 12 more hrs...ugh) I will say that if you want to try a Yairi go for one made in the early 80's or before...  There's just something special about the older ones IMO. I've got 4 pre 80 models, if you're ever in the area feel free to stop in and pick one (or all) for awhile smile I'll try to get the links to ya tomorrow evening though... -Pix

[b][color=#FF0000]If your brain is part of the process, you're missing it. You should play like a drowning man, struggling to reach shore. If you can trap that feeling, then you have something.
[/color][/b]         [b]Peace of mind. That's my piece of mind...[/b]

Re: Is this the one?

The only thing better than the last one is the next one.

Someday we'll win this thing...

[url=http://www.aclosesecond.com]www.aclosesecond.com[/url]

Re: Is this the one?

Sadly and predictably: no.