Last Updated on August 9, 2024 by Chris
Table of Contents
Does Alvarez Make Left Handed Guitars?
Yes! There are left handed Alvarez guitars available!
They offer a few lefty models that suit various playing styles and preferences. Their left-handed options include the RD26L, AD60LCE, and AG60LCE, ensuring left handed players have at least some quality Alvarez instruments to play.
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Who Are Alvarez?
Alvarez is a well-respected guitar manufacturer known for producing high-quality acoustic guitars. They have built a reputation for innovation and craftsmanship, offering a diverse range of guitars, from entry-level models to professional-grade instruments, catering to musicians of all skill levels.
In the 1960s, St. Louis Music, a major distributor of musical instruments in the United States, sought to create a line of acoustic guitars that could compete with the best in the market.
In 1965, they partnered with Kazuo Yairi, whose family had a long tradition of guitar making in Japan. This collaboration resulted in the Alvarez-Yairi series, known for its handmade quality and superior sound.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Alvarez continued to innovate and expand its product line. The brand became well-known for its consistent quality and the unique sound of its guitars. The Yairi series, in particular, gained a reputation for excellence, with each guitar meticulously handcrafted in Japan.
In recent years, Alvarez has continued to grow, maintaining its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The company offers a wide range of guitars, from affordable beginner models to high-end instruments for professional musicians. Alvarez guitars are celebrated for their tone, playability, and innovative design features.
Artists who’ve played Alvarez guitars include Ani DiFranco, Carlos Santana, David Crosby (Crosby, Stills & Nash, The Byrds), Devin Townsend, Joe Bonamassa, and Richard Fortus (Guns N’ Roses).
What Do I Think of Alvarez?
I think Alvarez, as a whole, is a great choice for both beginners and seasoned players. The attention to detail, solid construction, and excellent sound quality make them stand out.
If you’re looking for a reliable practice guitar or a performance-ready instrument, Alvarez provides options that deliver value and versatility.
There are, however, only three lefty models at the time of writing
Pros and Cons of Buying an Alvarez Guitar
Pros:
- High-quality craftsmanship
- Excellent sound projection and clarity
- Variety of models to suit different needs
- Affordable options available
Cons:
- No left handed Artist Elite, Masterworks, Laureate, or Yairi Series.
- Limited availability in certain regions
Different Types of Alvarez Guitars
Alvarez offers a wide range of guitars, including:
- Regent Series: Entry-level guitars perfect for beginners.
- Artist Series: Award-winning guitars with solid tops, known for their superior sound and build quality.
- Artist Elite Series: Premium guitars with custom-style designs, featuring unique tonewoods and advanced construction techniques for superior sound and aesthetics. Crafted to provide players with a high-end, visually stunning instrument that performs exceptionally well.
- Masterworks Series: Professional-grade instruments with premium materials and craftsmanship.
- Laureate Series: Premium guitar line combining meticulous craftsmanship, hand-selected tonewoods, and modern enhancements for exceptional sound and aesthetics.
- Yairi Series: Handcrafted guitars that combine traditional techniques with modern innovation.
Left Handed Alvarez Guitars
Alvarez RD26L – Regent Series
$359.00 MSRP
The RD26L is an entry-level, left-handed acoustic guitar from Alvarez’s Regent Series, designed for beginners.
This dreadnought-shaped guitar features a spruce top, and African mahogany back and sides.
Key elements include a bi-level bridge, scalloped bracing, and PPS synthetic bone nut and saddle, all contributing to a dynamic tonal range. It has a slim neck profile for easier playing and is finished in high-gloss. The guitar also includes a deluxe gig bag.
- STRINGS: 6
- SCALE: 25.5″ (648 mm)
- BODY SHAPE: Dreadnought
- TOP: Spruce
- BACK & SIDES: African Mahogany
- BODY FINISH: Natural Gloss
- BRACING: Standard Scalloped X
- NECK: Mahogany, Satin finish
- NECK JOINT: Dovetail
- FINGERBOARD: Techwood, MOP & Acrylic inlays
- NUT: PPS Synthetic Bone
- NUT WIDTH: 1 11/16″ (43 mm)
- FRETS: 20
- NECK MEETS BODY: 14th Fret
- TUNERS: Chrome Die Cast
- BRIDGE: Techwood
- SADDLE: PPS Synthetic Bone
- PICKUP/EQ: None
Check price/availability at:
Alvarez AD60Lce – Artist Series
$809.00 MSRP
The Alvarez AD60Lce is a left-handed, acoustic-electric guitar from the Artist Series, featuring a dreadnought body with a cutaway.
It has a solid A+ Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides, offering a robust and dynamic sound.
Key features include the FS6 bracing system for enhanced vibration and an LR Baggs StagePro EQ and Element Pick Up for excellent amplified sound. It’s designed for powerful projection and clarity, making it suitable for various playing styles.
Specs:
- STRINGS: 6
- SCALE: 25.5″ (648 mm)
- BODY SHAPE: Dreadnought
- TOP: Solid A+ Sitka Spruce
- BACK & SIDES: African Mahogany
- BODY FINISH: Natural Gloss (Top), Natural Semi-Gloss (Back & Sides)
- HEADSTOCK FACIA: Indian Laurel
- BRACING: FS6
- NECK: African Mahogany
- FINGERBOARD: Indian Laurel, MOP & Acrylic inlays
- NUT: Bone
- NUT WIDTH: 1 3/4″ (44.45 mm)
- FRETS: 21
- NECK MEETS BODY: 14th Fret
- TUNERS: Chrome Closed Gears
- BRIDGE: Bi-Level Indian Laurel
- SADDLE: Bone
- PICKUP/EQ: LR Baggs StagePro Bronze
Check price/availability at:
Alvarez AG60Lce Shadowburst – Artist Series
$839.00 MSRP
The Alvarez AG60Lce Shadowburst is a left-handed, acoustic-electric guitar from the Artist Series.
It features a Grand Auditorium body with a cutaway, a solid A+ Sitka spruce top, and mahogany back and sides.
The AG60Lce is known for its responsive and balanced sound, suitable for both strumming and fingerstyle and is equipped with an LR Baggs StagePro EQ and Element Pickup for excellent amplified performance.
It combines elegant design with practical features, making it a versatile choice for various playing styles.
Specs:
- STRINGS: 6
- SCALE: 25.5″ (648 mm)
- BODY SHAPE: Grand Auditorium
- TOP: Solid A+ Sitka Spruce
- BACK & SIDES: African Mahogany
- BODY FINISH: Shadowburst Gloss (Top), Natural Semi-Gloss (Back & Sides)
- HEADSTOCK FACIA: Indian Laurel
- BRACING: FS6
- NECK: African Mahogany
- FINGERBOARD: Indian Laurel, MOP & Acrylic inlays
- NUT: Bone
- NUT WIDTH: 1 3/4″ (44.45 mm)
- FRETS: 21
- NECK MEETS BODY: 14th Fret
- TUNERS: Chrome Closed Gears
- BRIDGE: Bi-Level Indian Laurel
- SADDLE: Bone
- PICKUP/EQ: LR Baggs StagePro Bronze
Check price/availability at:
Final Thoughts
Alvarez guitars are a solid investment for any guitarist. With their commitment to quality and innovation, they provide instruments that not only sound great, but are also built to last.
With three left-handed acoustics available at the time of writing, you should be able to find an Alvarez model that suits your needs.
Of course, it’d be much better if there were even more lefty models (as with just about every guitar company out there). Where are the lefty Artist Elite, Masterworks, Laureate, or Yairi Series models?
For now, we’ll have to settle for these three models.
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.
Image credits: alvarezguitars.com