*Updated/Opinions wanted on work guitar choice.

[Andrew Sak]

My awkward to play travel guitar isn't cutting it for my work break axe. I was going to get a Yamaha apx600 in white until I came across this Alvarez. I'm considering it over the Yamaha. It seems a lot nicer for $110 more. It has a 1.75 nut which is 1/16 th more than I'm used to. The Yamaha is 1.69. I might enjoy the extra space? It also has a beveled arm rest. I'm not sure about the neck on the Alvarez. It's a soft V to a C. Both guitars are steel string. The Yamaha comes in a few other finishes too.
What do you guys think?

 

[baimun]

ARM REST!!!... my new mantra for all guitars.... ARM REST or GTFO.

 

[Flamencology]

ARM REST!!!... my new mantra for all guitars.... ARM REST or GTFO.

Oh man, just you wait until you try a guitar with a Manzer wedge.

 

[baimun]

Oh man, just you wait until you try a guitar with a Manzer wedge.

I'm trying to do something like that with one of the Flying V's on my bench. I'm tapering the thickness of the upper leg from the lower, and plan on using a measured wedge for the routing template so I can insert the center section containing neck, pickups, and bridge at slight rotation.

 

[Tralfaz]

The Yamaha looks happy. The Alvarez looks sad. Make of that what you will.

 

[Denverdave]

Both companies make solid guitars that play way better than their price point. If it's just a work practice guitar you won't go wrong with either choice.

 

[Flamencology]

The Yamaha looks happy. The Alvarez looks sad. Make of that what you will.

Yeah, the Alvarez’s bridge design is hideous.

But the Yamaha’s rosette design is hideous.

 

[Andrew Sak]

ARM REST!!!... my new mantra for all guitars.... ARM REST or GTFO.

Choosing a guitar because of a beveled armrest doesn't sound too rock and roll. It looks nice though. Not that I spend much time down there, but a beveled cutaway would be sweet too. That would improve access.

 

[Andrew Sak]

The Alvarez does have more bells and whistles. A bone nut and saddle with mahogany bridge pins. I'm not sure about the neck though. A soft 'V' transitioning to a C.
Neither comes with a case.
At the end if the day, this is just a work guitar. I might take the Yamaha and get a Gator case with the difference in price. I'll think about it for another day

 

[Aahzz]

I'd probably split the difference price wise and do an Eastman PCH-GACE for $399, or an Eastman PCH-OM for $349. You'll get a nice gig bag with it as well.

https://www.theacousticshoppe.com/s...stra-Model-Acoustic-Guitar-4622-x64384380.htm
https://www.theacousticshoppe.com/s...ay-Guitar-w-Fishman-Pickup-2996-x65311295.htm

 

[Aahzz]

Also, if you'd like and are ordering, The Acoustic Shoppe will do a zoom consult and play them for you. No affiliation, just a happy customer.

 

[Gorgon90]

Never played a bad Yamaha. Never seen an Alvarez in real life so can't comment. My suggestion is to find a guitar store and try everything in budget in the style you're looking for and if one works for you, go for that.

 

[Andrew Sak]

I'd probably split the difference price wise and do an Eastman PCH-GACE for $399, or an Eastman PCH-OM for $349. You'll get a nice gig bag with it as well.

https://www.theacousticshoppe.com/s...stra-Model-Acoustic-Guitar-4622-x64384380.htm
https://www.theacousticshoppe.com/s...ay-Guitar-w-Fishman-Pickup-2996-x65311295.htm

Thanks for this recommendation. I think you sold me. I like both the natural finish, and the classic that you posted.
I'm also a huge fan of the PCH highway. I wrote a song about memories off highway 1.

 

[Denverdave]

Thanks for this recommendation. I think you sold me. I like both the natural finish, and the classic that you posted.
I'm also a huge fan of the PCH highway. I wrote a song about memories off highway 1.
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Eastmans are really nice guitars. That would be a great pick. I had a cheap Eastman as my only acoustic for years and really liked it.

 

[tiger roach]

I suggest you get the Morgan OM that is in today's GPOTD.

 

[Andrew Sak]

Also, if you'd like and are ordering, The Acoustic Shoppe will do a zoom consult and play them for you. No affiliation, just a happy customer.

Is shipping free from The Acoustic Shop? It's not jumping out at me if it is.

*it says free shipping on most orders.
*uh oh. I added it and it said free curbside or in store pickup.

I may have to Chicago Music Exchange it.

 

[Aahzz]

Is shipping free from The Acoustic Shop? It's not jumping out at me if it is.

*it says free shipping on most orders.
*uh oh. I added it and it said free curbside or in store pickup.

I may have to Chicago Music Exchange it.

Shipping was free on both of my orders, and they also don't charge tax for out of state.

 

[Gary Blanchard]

I'd probably split the difference price wise and do an Eastman PCH-GACE for $399, or an Eastman PCH-OM for $349. You'll get a nice gig bag with it as well.

https://www.theacousticshoppe.com/s...stra-Model-Acoustic-Guitar-4622-x64384380.htm
https://www.theacousticshoppe.com/s...ay-Guitar-w-Fishman-Pickup-2996-x65311295.htm

That looks real nice. It tempts me and I am looking to downsize.

 

[sunvalleylaw]

That looks real nice. It tempts me and I am looking to downsize.

downsize, shmownsize!

 

[Andrew Sak]

Thanks for the opinions guys. The guitar I chose shipped yesterday. I'll post a pic when I get it. I bought it from the Chicago Music exchange. I live chatted a few questions. Kyle from CME gave me an unsolicited 10% discount. I also changed my mind 2 hours after my purchase and bought a different guitar. Kyle said this was no problem at all. He still gave me the 10% off without me asking. I will buy from them again.