ARCHIVED TOPIC: Alvarez history |
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quote:Originally posted by saltcreek
/ I have a older Silver Belle from the seventies that is a pretty high quality banjo for the time, much nicer than the Alverez banjos made today in my opinion.
Tony
quote:Originally posted by desert rose
I did not mean for the comment to be taken as a CARVED IN STONE subject.
Others as well made some banjos BUT the Asian banjo world was in what you could call its infantile stages at that point.
I bought my first mandolin, an Ibanez in 1974/5 just when quality became the serious focdus of all these makers, Bluebell and Ibanez banjos were in existance but the export PUSH was just gaining steam
I think here in Japan most consider the 'Golden Years' beginning about 1975 for their era and the export in full swing starting then. Those in the 73 and even before are like the 'seed planting time' for the Japanese makers attempting to offer something the American market would buy, buying instruments and getting their chops down in copying them
Nothing happens over night , black and white of course
Scott
quote:Originally posted by RacingStudeBut you DID say it like it was CARVED IN STONE! You said, 'Somebody may have got their years wrong, by about twenty. Before 73 there was no such thing as a Japanese banjo.
Alvarez, Aria Iida Goldstar et al were products of the mid to late seventys until the early ninetys....'
Anybody can buy a NEW Alvarez! You're wrong again! You've been wrong all along when you continue to unceasingly put down any Asian banjo that's not an RK or Goldstar. No doubt, RK and Goldstar are pretty good instruments. But also no doubt, there's a number of Asian made banjos that are easily comparable and an even better deal. I don't need to have a Japanese address to know that, I have eyes and ears too.
I couldn't care less about why you have such a vested interest in hustling RK and Goldstar banjos, I'm just sick & tired of totally biased 'expert' opinions....
Sonny
Fast cars, Ford diesels, food, women or pickin' --> ALL good!
quote:Originally posted by xplainer
I currently have an Alvarez. From the catalog, it appears to be a 4285. The inlay is the same. But the resonator is like the Silver Belle. No serial number or identification other than 'Made in Japan'.
Here is the link to the catalog page:
http://webpages.charter.net/tlsmee/...z_Banjos.pdf
-Jimmy
quote:Originally posted by jamie_t123
I just bought a Bluegrass Special. It's a pretty nice 'jo...serial number leads me think that maybe it is a 1984...it's pretty close to the pictures of the 1982, but with different tuning pegs. You know, I really like it...looks like it sat under a bed for most of it's life. Plays nice, I love the neck, quality seems to be top notch..and I like the finish...may be nitro?? I've had/have other imports...ie: GT/RK etc...and the quality of the Alvarez is certainly right up there..
Never get between a Woman and her Banjo!
If you have photo's of the banjo, I can probably narrow down what year it was made~
You can e-mail them to [email protected] if you wish.
Regards,
yl
quote:Originally posted by jamie_t123
Thanks YL....I'll be back in town later this week and will take some shots...thanks!!
Never get between a Woman and her Banjo!
quote:Originally posted by jantcho
Hi Y'all
I have an Alvarez 4285 Bluegrass banjo.
It sounds great; crisp and clear - this is a loud instrument.
I'll post some pictures of it too.
I really enjoy playing it, although I think I'm ready to trade up.
I have it posted for $550. Is this a reasonable price?
> This is a really open ended question, but I'm going to ask it anyway.
>
> What are some general comments on Alvarez banjos? Quality of workmanship?
> Playability (I'm a newbie, playing less than a year, looking to upgrade
from
> a Goodtime)? Tone? Value? Resale? Does the year of manuf. matter? Any
> particular questions I should be asking the seller?
>
> I've seen some very reasonably priced ones around.
>
> Thanks!
>
>