View Full Version : Anyone played the new Alvarez A900?
mando-rando
Mar-17-2005, 9:50pm
Anyone played the new Alvarez A900. Looks great in the few pictures I've seen, just wondering what the sound is like with just that handrubbed oil finish.
Randy
Brad Weiss
Jun-04-2005, 8:57pm
I just played one today at Harry's in Raleigh. #I liked it quite a bit. #The flat finish is quite attractive, and the inlay is pretty too, if you like that stuff (I can take it or leave it- but it was pretty). #It sounded really good! #I would say it was clearly a better sound than any of the Michael Kelly's, and the fit and finish are at least as good. #It is comparable to the Eastman's at more or less the same price- the Eastman a bit louder, and woodier, the Alvarez more complex, which I prefer, but other's might not. #I would say it's a solid choice if you're looking for #a high-end Pac Rim under a grand.
Another plug for Harry's which has a nice selection of mandos on hand always, and lets me sit and play them all without hassle or hard-sell- thanks!!
Is this Harry West's shop?A few years ago he had an ORIGINAL A900 for sale.Think at the time he was asking about $1600 for it.Are you SURE the one you played was a REISSUE?
Don.
Brad Weiss
Jun-05-2005, 3:36pm
Are you SURE the one you played was a REISSUE?
Don.
Pretty sure. It listed for $1200 + and was going for $900+
John Flynn
Jun-06-2005, 4:14pm
I checked on Alvarez' site and they don't even list the A900, although I have seen manufacturer's sites not keep pace with thier offerings before. The old A900's were nice, so it would be great if they reissued it.
Big Joe
Jun-06-2005, 5:05pm
My first F model was an Alvarez F with a vine of life on the fingerboard. It was a real joy. I thought it sounded pretty good till I found a good Flatiron a few years later and traded for it. I would still like to have that Alvarez today, but just for nostalgic reasons. While it was a good mandolin for the money, it is not in the same league as most of the American or Australian mandolins I've played.