Alvarez mandolins?

[c.brenton]

I've been looking for a new mandolin. My decision has come down to either Michael Kelly Elegante (or Dragonfly) or the Alvarez A900. Does anybody have a A900 and how is it? Any suggestions to what kind of mandolin I should get, considering I would prefer a none sunburst finish.

[John Flynn]

I have played both and owned an Alvarez A800 for 10 years. The 800 is just a "no-frills" version of the 900. I think the early 90's ones are better than the current day. Both the MK and the Alvarez are just OK, IMHO. If you are looking for the best mando value in that price range get a used Flatiron A or an Eastman A. If you just want an F to have an F, buy the one that looks the best and know your giving up something to get the look.

[Celtic Saguaro]

The Alvarez A800 I tried, fit about where it should in terms of price vs tone compared to other similar imports. #Not outstanding, but not bad either. I don't know how different the A900 may be.

[fatt-dad]

You can get a real nice used Flatiron A model for a similar price and it'll be a much better mandolin IMHO. I have played good and bad Alvarez mandolins and it's the quality control that makes them problematic on resale.

f-d

[OlderThanWillie]

There's been a great amount of talk on this site about the Eastman line. I don't recall anyone making a bad comment about them. The prices range from about $500 to about $2300 so there is a lot to choose from. Check them out at a local dealer or see an eBay listing -- The Mandolin Store seems to be a regular eBay lister and they have received favorable comments on this forum.

[hellindc]

I've got an A 900, and its great. But it's from the 1980s and was imported from Japan. I bought it used 7 years ago. If you can find one from that era (and I think the 800s are quite good too), I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. I notice that the later ones lack the detailed craftmaship of these early imports.

[gnelson651]

In our mandolin ensemble, there is a player with an older Alvarez 800. It is very nice sounding and well balanced. I can't say how the new ones sound but have not heard too many good things about them.

I have an Eastman A model(805) and have to say it is a very good sounding mandolin for the money. It is well balanced, has a deep throaty sound and plenty of loud chop. It also is made with some very fine wood, the fit and finsh is good and it was well set up.

I also have a MK F model (Legacy Deluxe) and have to say it doesn't have the sound of the Eastman, the fit and finish was marginal and it needed s major setup (nut lowered, neck straigthened).

If you go new, I recommend the Eastman, if you go used, the suggestions previously made are good.

[steve in tampa]

You might want to spend some time surfing the classifeds here for things in your price range.

[fatt-dad]

Yeah, like that Flatiron Performer A that is listed for $800.00 (nothing in it for me). If I was in the market, I'd seriously consider that mandolin. . . .

f-d

[guitardad]

I actually just played a brand new Alvarez A900 earlier this week and a Washburn Jethro Burns model last week. Very close in price, but the Washburn was heads n shoulders ahead of the Alvarez, especially in fit, finish, and ornamentation. I did like the satin finish on the Alvarez, however, the Washburn was just altogether a better made instrument. Louder, better tone, action was much better, although I'm sure that could be taking care of quickly with a decent setup. Also, as I'm learning, I might play an A900 tomar that blows the Washburn away. I'd say the Johnson ma370 I played the other day beats them both though, and I still haven't found anything that beats my lil Fender plywood box!! Amazing but true. Can't wait to play an Eastman!!

[Lane Pryce]

You would be doing yourself an injustice by not trying/playing an Eastman before you plop down your hard earned cash for an Alverez. If you would consider a used instrument then Fattdad is right on with his recomendation re the Flatty in the ads. BTW no $$ intrest here. Lp