Alvarez: Bluegrass Special

Submitted by Whosepickinthebanjerhere? on 1/3/2010

Where Purchased: Free from Good old Dad

Year Purchased: 2007
Price Paid: Don't Remember (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

Mine is a late 70's and for an entry level instument it sound very good. Nice full tone open or chorded downstream but a bit sharp up the neck. Stays in tune well and fairly sturdy.

Sound Rating: 6

Setup

I took banjo completely apart and cleaned it, put it back together and tightened everything up. Set up was really easy upon reassembly.

Setup Rating: 8

Appearance

Nice looking...bowtie inlay and mine has the snowflake on the headstock with old style spaghetti logo. Rather plain but not cheap looking. Nice looking banjo-finish has taken on a cloudy appearance mostly back of resonator. I believe the wood is mahoghany. No rust but it does have the aforementioned cloudy appearance on resonator back. It has held up well for a 30+ year old instrument

Appearance Rating: 8

Reliability

It is a reliable piece....sturdy and stays in tune. Finish is heavy and durable, but does not impede on the sound. I never would use ANYTHING on a gig without a backup!! LOL

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Customer Service: not rated

Components

Tuning machines are shite....probably tone ring, resonator. neck flange etc. could be upgraded but then you might as well buy a more expensive banjo to begin with. For the money, I think it sounds good. This banjer retailed for around 260.00 in 1979.

Components Rating: 8

Overall Comments

A great beginner banjo and a good backup for playing out. Not a banjo to record with but a good piece for the money.

BTW, some of these banjos came stock with a truss rod cover that said "Custom Made".Nothing on this banjo is custom except for maybe that truss rod cover!! The older ones are a bit more desirable than the newer ones but that's par for the course with any instrument.

Overall Rating: 8