Posted by Debra on August 22, 2005 at 13:07:54:
In Reply to: Re: Alvarez Dove -70's model posted by Bill Phillip on August 18, 2005 at 14:10:13:
Thank you so much for your input. That verifies a great deal for me! Sure wish I could find some photos of the originals......
I'm considering selling this --- but haven't made up my mind yet! It is in VERY, VERY good condition with original parts.
So anyway, thank you for taking the time to respond.
: Debra, I hope that you get this response and my info might be of use. The story about Gibson sueing Alvarez over this model is true as far as I can tell. I, also have a Alvarez Dove (model 5024) that I purchased new in 1970. I think that I paid somewhere around $250 for it at that time. I have three other acoustics - a '72 Martin D18, a '76 Martin D35 and a '69 Gibson Humming Bird. I love them all but I have to say that my favorite is the Dove. I bought it to save my Hummingbird from the destruction of the road so to speak. Although the guitar is not "mint" any more, I have kept it in really nice condition. Just a couple of minor dings but in great shape considering the use that it has seen. Anyhow, I have had the guitar appraised numberous times through the years for insurance updates and just had it reappraised two months ago and now have it insured for $1,500. I did have the tuners replaced in '72 or '73 with Grover Imperials. It just wouldn't stay tuned when playing in humid conditions and we played in a lot of outdoor venues during the summer months. I just loved the way that it sounds so changing the tuners was my only option if I wanted to keep playing the guitar. Today I wish that I would have kept the guitar "origional" as I was told that it would be worth an additional $400 to $500. Who would have thought that any guitar made in Japan in those days would be worth that kind of money? Oh! there was one on ebay a month or so ago with several pictures - mid '70s, average condition, asking $1000 with a then current bid of $850. - for what it is worth - - -
: I hope that you love and enjoy playing your Dove as much as I do mine.
: BillP157@aol.com
: P.S. I believe that when you were told that your guitar has a solid back, what was meant was that it has a 1 piece back (no joints between boards). As quality wood has gotten harder and harder to find and afford, many, if not most, guitars are being constructed with multi piece backs. Nothing wrong with that but I think that a 1 piece back is unsurpassed both for beauty and sound. Don't you just love how dark and rich looking the spruce top has gotten? Looks so nice with the deep red stain on the sides. Sorry, sometimes I get carried away when talking about my baby.
: Gotta run - good luck