Vintage 1970 ' S Alvarez 5011 Classical Guitar Solid Cedar Top Exc Cond With HSC
Item History & Price
Beautiful Alvarez 5011 Classical Guitar. Serial number indicates this guitar was made in either 1976 or 1978, depending on how you read the stamped last number. It has survived in exceptional condition with a few very minor marks in the finish. It has some very light scratching on the back of the guitar which is not through the finish. The top is solid cedar with gorgeous tight grain. Very light finger marks can be seen on the top. No deep pick marks. It appears to have been only playe...d with the fingertips. It's as fine a top as I have seen on very expensive guitars and speaks to the fact that this instrument was made in Japan in the 1970's when they had a fine stock of excellent wood from which to choose. A wood mosaic rosette decorates the soundhole. The top is edged with three-layer purfling and the top and bottom bindings are black. Overall it's a very handsome guitar. I would guess that this guitar was made in the Yairi shop from the fine details of its construction and the quality of the woods used. However, I can not prove that. In any event, it was built in one of the fine Japanese shops of the day.
The fingerboard and frets show no significant wear. The fingerboard is ebonized rosewood. A new compensated Tusq saddle has been fitted to the bridge (Rosewood) and has been sanded down to provide a low playing action for a classical guitar. The bridge is tight and shows no lifting of any kind. New strings of medium tension are on the guitar. The neck, back and sides are mahogany with a dark stain as was applied in Japan in the 70's. The high-gloss finish on the guitar is intact on the top, back, sides and neck and still looks fantastic. There are no cracks, chips or repairs to be seen anywhere on this guitar. The back and sides of this model are probably made of several layers of mahogany which gives the guitar great strength yet still yields a pleasing, warm tone. However, the back gives off such a great tone when lightly thumped that I have often wondered if it's solid. The great tone probably comes from the complete curing of the woods and glues over the years. It also comes from the light five-brace fan that supports the top and allows it to vibrate fully. The tuners are original and in good working order. Some light tarnish has taken place over the years, as one would expect for a vintage guitar such as this. Even the original Japanese tuning buttons are all intact. The moulded hard-shell case is made by Guitar Research and is in very good condition. It is a bit over-sized for this guitar but a few small towels take up the extra space around the body of the guitar. One can purchase pads that stay in place with velcro if you want a more finished look. The tone of this guitar is warm and pleasing. The basses are deep and the trebles clear and ringing. The playability is excellent. The neck contour is comfortable and has a rather slim feeling. Nut=51mm. Height of Low E at 12th fret: approx 3.6mm. High E at 12th fret: approx 2.7mm. Depth of body at neck joint: 3 3/4". Depth at end of body: 3 7/8". Width of treble bout: 11 1/4", width of bass bout: 14 1/2". All measurements done by hand to the best of my ability. This fine vintage guitar is ready to play!
I will pack the guitar carefully to make sure it comes to you without damage but will also insure it "just in case." I use the US Postal Service and will ship it Parcel Select. I only ship to a PayPal verified address and require an adult signature for delivery. I sell and ship to the United States and Canada only. If you live in Alaska, Hawaii or Canada, shipping cost will be determined by your delivery address and added to the invoice price. Anywhere in the lower 48 states, shipping cost will be a flat $49.00. I maintain 100% customer satisfaction so you can buy from me with confidence. There is no return of this guitar upon purchase unless it arrives in a condition other than as described in my listing and that is very unlikely to happen. You will be proud to own and play this instrument and will love the tone you get from a guitar that has aged for over 40 years. If you have any other questions about this guitar, just ask. Thanks for taking the time to read all about this guitar.
The fingerboard and frets show no significant wear. The fingerboard is ebonized rosewood. A new compensated Tusq saddle has been fitted to the bridge (Rosewood) and has been sanded down to provide a low playing action for a classical guitar. The bridge is tight and shows no lifting of any kind. New strings of medium tension are on the guitar. The neck, back and sides are mahogany with a dark stain as was applied in Japan in the 70's. The high-gloss finish on the guitar is intact on the top, back, sides and neck and still looks fantastic. There are no cracks, chips or repairs to be seen anywhere on this guitar. The back and sides of this model are probably made of several layers of mahogany which gives the guitar great strength yet still yields a pleasing, warm tone. However, the back gives off such a great tone when lightly thumped that I have often wondered if it's solid. The great tone probably comes from the complete curing of the woods and glues over the years. It also comes from the light five-brace fan that supports the top and allows it to vibrate fully. The tuners are original and in good working order. Some light tarnish has taken place over the years, as one would expect for a vintage guitar such as this. Even the original Japanese tuning buttons are all intact. The moulded hard-shell case is made by Guitar Research and is in very good condition. It is a bit over-sized for this guitar but a few small towels take up the extra space around the body of the guitar. One can purchase pads that stay in place with velcro if you want a more finished look. The tone of this guitar is warm and pleasing. The basses are deep and the trebles clear and ringing. The playability is excellent. The neck contour is comfortable and has a rather slim feeling. Nut=51mm. Height of Low E at 12th fret: approx 3.6mm. High E at 12th fret: approx 2.7mm. Depth of body at neck joint: 3 3/4". Depth at end of body: 3 7/8". Width of treble bout: 11 1/4", width of bass bout: 14 1/2". All measurements done by hand to the best of my ability. This fine vintage guitar is ready to play!
I will pack the guitar carefully to make sure it comes to you without damage but will also insure it "just in case." I use the US Postal Service and will ship it Parcel Select. I only ship to a PayPal verified address and require an adult signature for delivery. I sell and ship to the United States and Canada only. If you live in Alaska, Hawaii or Canada, shipping cost will be determined by your delivery address and added to the invoice price. Anywhere in the lower 48 states, shipping cost will be a flat $49.00. I maintain 100% customer satisfaction so you can buy from me with confidence. There is no return of this guitar upon purchase unless it arrives in a condition other than as described in my listing and that is very unlikely to happen. You will be proud to own and play this instrument and will love the tone you get from a guitar that has aged for over 40 years. If you have any other questions about this guitar, just ask. Thanks for taking the time to read all about this guitar.
