TEST: Alvarez MD 3500

 Preface:

I still remember the time when acoustic guitars were generally delivered without pickups and recording an acoustic instrument live turned out to be a real challenge for sound engineers and musicians. Most of the time all that was left was a highly disciplined body control on the part of the artist, as the only recording was a microphone that was as sensitive as possible and every slight turn of the body completely changed the sound. A relaxed style of playing or even an entertaining stage show was completely unthinkable.

Nowadays, acoustic guitars without pickups are clearly in the minority and can usually only be found at high prices or at extra low prices. Almost the entire middle class has factory-installed acceptance systems that follow various transmission principles. What is even more unusual is the fact that the Alvarez company is releasing the MD 350, a mid-range model in a classic style, i.e. without any acceptance systems. However, the instrument can also be purchased with an integrated acceptance system as an option. The instrument comes from the ambitious Masterworks series and, to my surprise, is not manufactured in Europe or North America, but in China.




Construction:

While unpacking the plain cardboard transport box, a top-class transport case emerges from the foam beads. It has a built-in hydrometer (!) to keep an eye on the room's humidity, which is extremely important for acoustic guitars. While electric guitars are comparatively resistant to dry air, acoustic instruments are very susceptible to low humidity due to their more delicate construction and higher unpainted surfaces. The wood shrinks and is accompanied by cracks in the paint and even complete deformation of the components. To prevent this situation, Alvarez has integrated the measuring instrument into the lid of the case, a very useful and commendable device!

In terms of size, the actual instrument can be assigned to a dreadnaught, a size that is only surpassed in size by a jumbo. Even though some musicians complain about the lack of handling with a dreadnaught, this size has now become established as the standard measurement for this type of instrument. Their advantages in terms of volume, loudness and sound development are too great compared to their smaller relatives.

When it comes to choosing wood, Alvarez takes a traditional approach. The back and sides are made of solid Indian rosewood, which belongs to the black rosewood genus. By the way, the wood known as “Rosewood” in English has nothing to do with the German term rosewood due to a translation error. The double-locked 5-piece neck of the guitar appears to be made of mahogany, but unfortunately no further details could be found. However, the grain and sound support the assumption mentioned above. Deep black ebony was used as the fingerboard. A narrow but relatively high version was chosen as the fret wire.

Six gold-plated Grover tuners perform impeccable service on the headstock, which is also veneered with rosewood. The peg ends are made of a black, very non-slip plastic, which blends in beautifully with the black color of the fingerboard. An inlay made of 2 opposite A's made of mother-of-pearl completes the overall impression.

The top of the instrument is of particular importance. It is solid Engelmann spruce, a pine tree that comes from western North America. The top is optically traversed by an even grain, which gives the instrument a homogeneous look. The sound hole is surrounded by a narrow rosette and two thin lines, all very simple and tasteful. The overall simplicity of the instrument is further rounded off by a combination of tortoise and a so-called herringbone binding. In fact, all of the visual decorations on the instrument are kept very discreet. For example, the instrument only has a small oval fingerboard inlay on the twelfth fret; the usual orientation aids on the third, fifth, seventh and ninth frets are completely omitted. So if you are used to orienting yourself on the fingerboard, you should change your habits to focus on the edge of the neck, where the usual dot inlays are available.

Fortunately, the MD 350 has also addressed the issue of octave purity. The patented direct-coupled bridge, also made of ebony, has an offset at the transition from the G to the B string, which equalizes the vibration behavior of the non-wound strings in relation to the wounded strings.


Playability:

When you hold the neck of the MD 350 for the first time, the first thing you notice is the very pronounced C profile. The middle of the neck protrudes from the shaping like a small spike, a fact that some people have to get used to. Interestingly, there are no disadvantages to this form, on the contrary. This shaping was particularly effective in the picking style, as it opens up a favorable angle for the transfer of force to the fretboard, depending on the shape and size of the hand. The fretboard radius is moderate and the neck width can be described as strong but not overly fat. In combination with the neck profile, the result is an almost triangular shape, which at first glance seems unusual, but nevertheless functional. Thanks to the compensated bridge, the detuning is kept within pleasant limits even at higher registers. This means that full chords can be intoned relatively easily up to the eighth fret; only from the tenth fret onwards does a clear interference become audible.


Sound:
Mid-open! ;-) What do you mean by such a catchphrase? First of all, you have to take into account that a brand new instrument still sounds a bit brittle and awkward. Especially with a purely acoustic instrument, the woods have not yet settled in and ensure a slightly stiff attack and a relatively hard finish. However, with an experienced ear and practiced estimation skills, you can roughly estimate how the instrument has found its tonal personality after around 300-500 hours of playing time.

After the break-in period mentioned above, the MD 350 has a good chance of offering a warm and voluminous sound within the wood parameters. The aforementioned choice of wood already gives a rough direction, which is then supported without exception in the sound test. The rosewood sides and back provide a high midrange content, which is slightly above the resonance frequencies of mahogany due to the harder nature of the wood. The ebony fingerboard and bridge slightly increase the degree of hardness, only to be somewhat relativized by the mahogany neck.

What I really like is the solid spruce top, which in my opinion is yet to find its true potential. Detached from this, the instrument already has enormous volume and will have no problems asserting itself in an acoustic setting.



Conclusion:
It is becoming more and more common to notice that China is developing from a pure “cheap wage equals cheap instrument” manufacturing country into an ambitious upper middle class manufacturer, a development that Japan also went through bit by bit at the time. The import of Western knowledge, implemented through cheap Eastern wages, has in recent years taken on forms that no one would have ever dared to predict. We will probably find out relatively soon how long the almost complete abandonment of environmental protection measures and the political situation will allow this economic upgrade.

Separately from this, the bottom line is that the MD 350 is a sonically remarkable instrument built of high craftsmanship, which offers good sound quality at a low price. Visually tasteful, I think it will find its customers very quickly.

——————

Additional Informations:

Alvarez Guitars, a distinguished name in the world of acoustic and acoustic-electric guitars, stands as a paragon of craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation. With a history dating back to 1965, the company has earned its place among the most respected and coveted guitar manufacturers globally. This comprehensive article delves into the rich heritage, meticulous craftsmanship, diverse product range, technological innovations, and enduring influence of Alvarez Guitars within the realm of acoustic instruments.

### **A Legacy of Excellence**

Founded in 1965 by Kazuo Yairi in Nagoya, Japan, Alvarez Guitars embarked on a journey rooted in a commitment to delivering exceptional acoustic instruments. From its inception, the company has adhered to the principles of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a deep respect for tradition. These qualities have been the cornerstone of Alvarez's legacy of excellence in the guitar manufacturing industry.

### **Craftsmanship and Tradition**

At the heart of Alvarez Guitars' enduring appeal is its unwavering dedication to traditional craftsmanship. The company's skilled luthiers draw upon decades of experience and a profound understanding of wood selection, design, and construction techniques to create instruments of unparalleled quality.

Alvarez's commitment to tradition extends to its choice of tonewoods, including premium spruce, cedar, mahogany, and rosewood, among others. The meticulous selection and treatment of tonewoods contribute to the rich, resonant tones and impeccable playability that define Alvarez guitars.

### **Diverse Product Range**

Alvarez Guitars offers a comprehensive and diverse product portfolio to cater to the needs and preferences of musicians across various genres and skill levels. Key product categories within the Alvarez lineup include:

#### 1. **Acoustic Guitars**

Alvarez's acoustic guitars encompass a wide range of body styles, including dreadnoughts, jumbos, grand auditoriums, and more. These instruments are celebrated for their warm, balanced tones and exceptional projection, making them suitable for solo performance, studio recording, and live settings.

#### 2. **Acoustic-Electric Guitars**

The company's acoustic-electric guitars seamlessly blend traditional craftsmanship with modern electronics. Alvarez incorporates industry-leading pickup systems, such as those from LR Baggs and Fishman, to ensure the acoustic integrity of the instrument is faithfully captured and amplified. These guitars are prized by performers for their versatility and stage-ready capabilities.

#### 3. **Classical Guitars**

Alvarez's classical guitars pay homage to the timeless artistry of nylon-string instruments. These guitars feature impeccable construction, traditional fan bracing, and exquisite tonewoods, delivering the rich, warm tones synonymous with classical guitar music.

#### 4. **Artists Series**

The Artists Series by Alvarez represents a pinnacle of craftsmanship, with models crafted in collaboration with world-renowned artists and luthiers. These guitars showcase Alvarez's commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and tonal possibilities.

#### 5. **Masterworks Series**

The Masterworks Series exemplifies Alvarez's dedication to uncompromising quality. These guitars are handcrafted with the utmost precision, featuring the finest tonewoods and meticulous attention to detail. They are favored by discerning musicians and collectors alike.

### **Technological Innovations**

While Alvarez Guitars remains deeply rooted in tradition, it is not averse to embracing technological innovations that enhance the playing experience. The incorporation of advanced bracing patterns, such as the FST2M forward-shifted, scalloped X-bracing, and the Bi-Level bridge system, have elevated the resonance, sustain, and intonation of Alvarez instruments. These innovations represent a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.

### **Global Influence and Presence**

Alvarez Guitars' global influence extends across continents, earning it the trust of musicians, educators, and enthusiasts worldwide. The brand has established a strong presence in North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond, supported by an extensive network of authorized dealers and distributors.

### **Educational Initiatives and Support**

Alvarez Guitars is not only dedicated to crafting exceptional instruments but also to nurturing the musical journey of players at all levels. The company offers educational resources, including tutorials, guides, and instructional materials, to assist beginners and experienced players in mastering their craft. This commitment to education underscores Alvarez's role as a supportive partner in the musical community.

### **Conclusion: A Resonant Tradition**

In conclusion, Alvarez Guitars stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of acoustic and acoustic-electric guitars. With a rich heritage, an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and tradition, a diverse product portfolio, a willingness to embrace technological innovation, a global presence, and a dedication to musical education and support, Alvarez has earned its place as a venerable name in the world of guitar manufacturing. Its instruments continue to inspire and resonate with musicians, reflecting the company's enduring legacy of crafting instruments that transcend mere wood and strings to become vessels of artistic expression and musical excellence.