Alvarez B1 Reviews

Alvarez B1 submitted 12/7/2007 Submitter southernnewgrass (see all reviews from this person) Where Purchased Krazyals, Commerce, Ga Year Purchased 2007 Price Paid 1025.00 ($US) Sound AWESOME bluegrass sound and needs no help (amp) getting attention in a large group. Other than the setup that was done locally, the B1 plays super out of the box. The comment from our local Luthier was, "you have a cannon here". Very bright,full ring playing snuggled up to the bridge or close to the neck. Sound Rating 10 Setup As with ANY new (or used) banjo, I always recommend taking it to your local, trusted, Luthier for the setup YOU prefer. The B1 is no exception, added new strings, action was too high, arm rest too close to body, etc. Setup Rating 10 Appearance Alvarez pulled all the stops on thier new B1. From the bright gold finish to the tree of life on the ebony fret board and Flame maple resonator, this is the most gorgeous Banjo I have ever played, much less owned. You may not see the Bell brass tone ring, but you can sure hear (feel) it when you play. Appearance Rating 10 Reliability I haven't had it long enough to tell how well it will hold up under the pressure of daily use but if it is anything like my old Alvarez 4280, it will not be a concern. Besides, this is the best high end workhorse that Alvarez has produced to date. Reliability Rating not rated Customer Service I have never had to deal with the Alvarez company but the B1 does come with a lifetime warrenty. Customer Service not rated Components The standard features that come with this Banjo: 3-ply maple rim, Bell brass tone ring, maple neck, Flame maple resonator, Ebony fingerboard, Gold hardware, and of course, the AWESOME Tree of Life inlay, Planetary tuning pegs. Includes hardshell case and Lifetime warranty When I picked this Banjo up at the store, I tried my best to find some flaw but alas, none was to be found. (hey,that might make a song) :-) Components Rating 10 Overall Comments Alvarez has a real "bluegrass winner" with this new Alvarez B1 Banjo. Even at the full retail price of $1,799, I would highly recomment it. The B1 holds its own with Gibson, deering, and other "professional" models that cost upward of $3,500.00. Be prepared though, you might want to go to the gym for a while before playing this golden nugget, VERY heavy.... Overall Rating 10