Hi Guys,
I am after a parlor guitar (always wanted one), and have narrowed it down to these two. The are both all solid bodies;
Yamaha CSF3M --
Sitka spruce top and mahogany body. Neck joins at 14th fret. Comes in tobacco as well.
Alvarez MPA66SHB -- Solid African Mahogany top, back, and sides, this has real bone nut and sadle too, and I love the vintage slotted headstock. Neck joins at 12th fret.
I can have them new for around the same money £450 give or take, and I am leaning towards the Alvarez at the moment.
Does anyone have experience with any of these two, or should I be considering any others? I cant really see any more solid guitars in the price range. Or does it really make a difference having an all solid body in a guitar this size?
Appreciate your time and help.
Thanks
Simon
Comments
Fender Paramount PM-2
It is going up a bit in price but the Blueridge historic parlour series are worth a look. The base all-sold spruce / mahogany BR-341 which I've had performed as well as any Martin I've played. It has a wider 1 7/8" nut width (630mm scale).
Have you tried these or going off spec?
There is a big difference in tone from a hog and spruce top,
That Yamaha appears to have a very short scale and very narrow nut width
What sounds or vibes are you after?
I own a lot of mod budget 0-00 size guitars and in my experience the difference between solid and laminate body’s at this price is not as important as other factors.
Assuming you won’t be doing much strumming on a small guitar think carefully about the neck width
Eastman, we bang on about these a lot on here but they are superb.
Sigma, again great and they copy all the classics from Gibson and Martin
Gretsch Roots series are surprisingly good and look awesome. The style 1, 2 and 3
Recording king do solid body stuff and are good. I have a Nick Lucas 00 and it’s a favourite
Faith. Again, well thought of here. I have one and for me it sounds a bit generic, uninspiring but cannot deny the build quality
@GTC - Yes I looked at the Blueridge, but I think it's too expensive right now for me.
@Andy79 - thanks for all the help. I will check those out. Eastman intrigues me.... Just seen the prices
Thanks
Simon
I'll be selling my shortly but that is only because I was expecting the normal Lowden nut width of 45mm when I ordered of spec. I liked the shape, size and feel so much though that I splashed out on a one-year old Wee Lowden - hence the impending sale of the Sheeran. It does have laminated back and sides - and, I should add, mine is converted to left-handed. I would rate overall tone and playability better than that of the Alvarez. - with that characteristic, complex Lowden sound.
Worth mentioning also that from my own experience of playing nice looking Alvarez/Fender guitars that looked good on paper, the Taylor build quality and playability is considerably ahead at a similar price point.
what do you like/dislike about the Alvarez, apart from the daft bridge? Good tone for picking and the odd strum. Don’t think I’ve every had an all mahogany guitar.
Edit P.S. Cort made Tanglewood & many other brands for years
Clearly, it wasn't a one off from what you are saying.