The Chetboard

This guitar has a familiar look. Has anyone tried out one of these?

http://www.alvarezgtr.com/prod_page.php?SeriesID=2&ItemID=224

Bill B.

Bill, thanks for posting this! I did a quick search and found this review:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/alvarez-fcc7103-fusion-chambered-classical-acoustic-electric-guitar-with-fishman-aura-ic?content=reviews

Sounds like the body is built like a Gibson CE/CEC, chambered instead of like the fan braced hollow Gibson Studio.

I've played a steel string Martin with the Fishman Aura preamp system and I was really impressed with it. I haven't played or heard the Fishman Aura nylon version though.

This new Alvarez list price is $1599, but I've found them brand new as cheap as $660 without a case. This might be a guitar worth checking into!

Chuck,
I hadn't seen the review, though I tried to find some specs, such as the nut width, without any luck even after going to the Alvarez website. Alvarez tends to make a good guitar, so this one is a bit intriguing. However, from the review, it sounds like it might be a bit heavy like a Gibson CE. Maybe someone will show up at CAAS with one.

Bill B.

Bill, there's an ad for one on Ebay that says the nut is 1.75".

guitarchuck wrote:Bill, there's an ad for one on Ebay that says the nut is 1.75".

I know it's just my opinion based on the pictures, but it sure doesn't look like a 1.75 nut... There is also one on amazon that lists the weight at 9.2 lbs. I have a very heavy Gibson CE and it feel an lot heavier than 9 lbs... The Gibson CE's nut is slightly wider than 1.75. I wouldn't what it any narrower. Godin made some slim neck multiacs and I don't think they were that popular.

I agree Ron, the photos look like the neck is short and wide. I owned a Godin with the "Slim" neck. I don't remember the exact specs on it, but it was a little too narrow for a nylon string I thought. Who knows if the Ebay guy even measured the neck. It may be slightly narrower than 2" and he just guessed that it was 1.75". If I ever get the chance I would like to try one.

Well Chuck, I found these specs and they point out that the neck is narrower than a regular classical, so my eyes have deceived me... again
https://geargottago.com/onsale/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=44_124_112_55_113&products_id=400&osCsid=8c457c60ce1b6c2f4d10f978cdd026c0
It would probably be too narrow for most classical players.

I've seen them as low as $419.00 New and as High as $1,500.00. People on ebay are asking $600.00 . You can get the Gibson chambered from $800.00 to $1,500.00 all day long. CAAS is right around the corner. I'll be there, last year they had a couple Gibson CE's there for sale.

Saw this review on Amazon:
"Alvarez FCF7103 Fusion Series Chambered Folk Acoustic-Electric Guitar (Electronics)
The guitar itself is great as far as fit and finish, but the Aura system is too limited. It has such a boomy sound and strummed chords are over saturated. There is no clear distinction of strings, so the sound is too washed out. The Aura has no tone controls and you don't have a bypass option to just use the Matrix pickup alone. I returned it. "