Cort vs Alvarez vs Alvarez

Nitebob

So I ascertained (after obtaining a bone nut, saddle, and bridge pins and after about a month of designing a working bridge truss) that my longtime companion, my Cort MR-F, is in need of a neck reset, which obviously means it's time to replace it...

So I have a couple of options that I would like opinions on:

1) Cort Luce L450CL. I like the body shape, size, solid top and the rustic look of the Mahogany. What bothers me is I read somewhere it's of light construction, so one has to stick to light gauge or Silk and Steel.
2) Alvarez AD66CESB. Alway liked dreadnoughts, like the Mahogany body, like the wide necks, would've preferred one without the cutaway (personal preference) Price is more or less in line with my budget.
3)Alvarez AD70ESB. I like the fact that it doesn't have a cutaway. Solid top (albeit Spruce) Like the rustic Sunburst Finish. Cheaper than the AD66CESB.
4) Couple of Tanglewood solid tops doing the rounds, including the Nashville edition at Gearjunkie for under R3k....huge saving, good guitars, but kinda...meh....

I know a lot of people will say, go and play them, and I will. Just want some guidelines as to your experience, and longevity...

Oh...and I play mostly fingerstyle with some light strumming...if that matters...

Shibbibilybob

I'd not be thrown off by light construction at all, particularly if you play finger style. I would actually say that'd be preferred.
I generally play 12 gauge strings, and find they are generally a perfect fit for lightly-built guitars.

keep in mind that all factory-built guitars are built with a bit of a buffer and tend to be a lot sturdier than they need to. Most factories favour sturdiness and a guitar that is built to last, over a guitar that is built to sound amazing. There is a definite trade off between ruggedness and sound.

I also really like spruce topped guitars, and am not a giant dread fan (particularly for fingerstyle), so I guess that just goes to show that different folks like different things.

If it were me, I'd be looking at the Alvarez line very closely,
As you seem to really prefer a wider neck, that would be a non-negotiable for me. If it's something you know you really want, then I would pretty much ignore any guitar with a narrow nut.

singemonkey

I prefer the looks of the Cort and the AD70 (big fan of slope-shoulder dreadnoughts) over the AD66. Of these, the only one I've played is the AD70 and it was a great sounding guitar and nicely playing guitar, even brand new. It was actually a toss-up for me between that and the parlour I ended up getting. Both sounded really good.

Nitebob

Okay....so going into the shop I was already fancying the AD70. The guys at Music experience gave me a selection of guitars to try out, AD66, AD70 and the Cort NDX (they didn't have the Luce). Now I know I haven't had the honour or luck to play Larrivee's and Seagulls and Martins and Sigmas but I have played Taks, Corts, Crafters, Fenders and Some entry level Taylors (can't remember the model number)

Right off the bat the AD66 was the sweetest thing I've ever played. The low's and mids feel like they penetrate your ribcage while you play. I know everybody said Mahogany is sweet sounding but good Lord, it was an experience and at R4500 it won't break the bank either...

Waiting for the shop to open so I can order...Thanks for the input guys.

singemonkey

These Alvarez's are really something for the money, eh?

Nitebob

singemonkey wrote: These Alvarez's are really something for the money, eh?

AMAZING! ?

Shibbibilybob

So? Did you get it man? I know Music Experience deliver!

Nitebob

Shibbibilybob wrote: So? Did you get it man? I know Music Experience deliver!

?

NGD!

I bought my TC Helicon Play Acoustic from them before. The buying experience was awesome. Time spent in giving me (a budget buyer) various options to play etc. I didn't haggle the price at all (could've probably gotten an extra R300 off) I sent my driver to collect and the guitar arrived wrapped in bubble paper (no box?) and not even a battery in it...no extra mile "here's a guitar pick" or anything like that...a wee bit disappointing, but will use them again, not ticked off at all.

As far as the guit goes...It's awesome! Love it! Looks rustic, but nice. Great tone....FINALLY!

Squonk

Brilliant and a good price

I love that burst!

singemonkey

Music Experience is really the most fun music store I've been to in SA. And the prices are pretty damn good too. Congrats and enjoy.