How good of a guitar is this and what is the specific type?

Question

It's Alvarez

Answer 1

It's an Alvarez solid-body electric guitar, styled after the Fender Stratocaster, and imported. Alvarez made some solid, payable guitars of this type, the quality of the one you have then to be determined by an experienced hand and ear, as they varied a bit from instrument to instrument.



Mine's a MIK Alvarez Classic II, virtually the same design as yours except it has the 6 in a row tuners, like a Fender. I hand-picked it from a shipment of eight to a local shop, and it was the best of the bunch. Only things I changed were going with a NOS Switchcraft phone jack and Graphtech bridge saddles. Made me a pile of money, first as a back-up, then later as my main guitar, perfect neck, solid tuners, fine tonal response, etc., but, with hard/surfboard case, probably not "worth" more than around $150 to sell.



Sold the last of my "good stuff" (a couple of vintage USA 'electrics), and am perfectly happy to keep this fine player around until my relatives have to deal with it. So, it was my "entry" (into retirement) guitar. If I had to replace it, I'd guess it would take around $500-700 to match the one I have.



So, if you play or are thinking about learning, maybe get it checked out and keep it. It's got good "bones", and the rest is mostly details.

Answer 2

In contrast to JCR Alvarez makes some very world class Classical guitars, In fact very sought after and very expensive with there Yairi models, So you may want to forget that entry level statement, They actually build very nice guitars in every level, Just not so much electric guitars, Although most likely made in China if it has the Alvarez logo it passed muster and will be a good guitar, As to type its a Stratocaster copy with a, What I'd call a Godin XT style headstock design

Answer 3

Alvarez is a reputable entry level import brand. They are better known for their acoustics, most of their electrics having been built under the Westone label. Vintage Guitar Price Guide lists a Classic I, II, and III (often such numerals refer to number of pickups, so you might have a Classic III). Value is listed as $200-250 in excellent condition. Scuffs, dings, etc will decrease the value. I have the 2013 edition, but the market has been soft and anyway VGPG tends to run high, so that's probably not far off.



P.S. according to http://www.guitar-list.com/alvarez/electric-guitars/alvarez-classic-series there were additional Classic models. Might be an AE40SB "Classic Deluxe" since it appears to be tobacco sunburst. You can probably find out more if you google around.



P.P.S. Nasty Troll is correct that "Alvarez Yairi" makes some very fine acoustics. But the "Alvarez" (no "Yairi") branding is mainly used for their entry level line. It's a reputable label, though - they are good, well built guitars for their price.

Answer 4

Looks like your basic 21-fret strat copy with a humbucker at the bridge position. Nothing particularly exceptional stands out so I wouldn't value it all that much.

Answer 5

its body is based on a fender stratocaster and the headstock looks like a prs. theres loads of Asian copies of Strats, prs's and les pauls out there that aren't worth much and some(mainly Japanese) that are. if you think its good that's all that matters.