markdrm1 - Posted - 03/10/2010:  20:33:01

Hey Guys,

Im looking at buying a used alvarez banjo. The owner said he bought it in 1998 for over $1000. The serial number is 110727. Can anyone tell me how to find out info
and value of the banjo?

Thanks!
Mark

Bill Rogers - Posted - 03/10/2010:  20:45:08

Not on that information. There aren't available records of Alvarez models by serial #s. We'd need to see pictures. Does it have a model name inlaid on the fretboard?

desert rose - Posted - 03/11/2010:  03:16:05

1998 would be Korean banjo

Resale on a twelve year old Korean banjo will be very very low

Scott

tombriarhopper - Posted - 03/11/2010:  07:39:23

Either the fellow who is selling the banjo got ripped off or he is not telling the full story.

5stringpicker2 - Posted - 03/11/2010:  10:13:29

Post some pics and we can be a bit more helpful.

(I )===='----<::)

xplainer - Posted - 03/11/2010:  10:33:23

I have a 70's Alvarez - made in Japan.
It has a great sound and is ample for me.
I've been told they go for $750-900.

For something from the 90's, from Korea, would be worth alot less on todays market.

Bigbike4 - Posted - 03/11/2010:  15:28:05

There is (or was) an Alvarez website that can provide some information on their banjos. alverez.com I think it was-but it has been years since I had one. Alvarez does make some nice instruments and they make some entry level stuff. My upgrade from my Harmony Marquis was an Alvarez 4280 banjo. Had more heft and tone, but still not where I wanted a banjo to be.

Try mugwumps and the alvarez site for more info.

Helix - Posted - 03/11/2010:  20:04:30

Welcome to the hangout. I'm curious why you are looking at a used $1000 when for less money you can get a great new banjo?? Probably nobody offered the information.

There is a great used market right now, and that empowers you. But just a little more research will put you in touch with independent custom builders on the hangout who can help.

I'm glad to confer with you even if you don't buy through me.

What you are looking at is a metric tribute to an American banjo. My opinion is that the rims are 12-ply or something, usually maple veneer with abalone inlay, something like that: high form, low content. Lots of apparent patent dodging in those designs. The rim rods especially show that, the tuners as well. everything is just a little off in the inlays department, low detail.

Good luck

www.helixbanjos.com

Edited by - Helix on 03/11/2010 20:07:23