1976 Alvarez 5055 Jumbo Guitar (J-200 Clone)

Overview: We've had a lot of old Alvarez 5055s in the shop but this is the first one in a long while that has the cool "checker" binding and the fully-adjustable, ABR-style bridge. I prefer the sound of these with this style bridge in the same way I sort-of like them on old proper J-200s that have them. It mellows-out the sound a bit and the chords gel a bit more compared to the version with a normal, drop-in, plastic saddle that punch a bit more on the high-end. You do lose a touch of volume, but since these are so loud in the first place, you're not missing much.

What else...? The scale is long and the neck, while on the medium-fuller side, is comfy. These hold-up extremely well as gigging or take-anywhere boxes because the bodies are all thin, 3-ply construction throughout (some will tell you they have solid tops -- they don't and never have). So, if you're looking for a guitar with a lot of visual appeal but the durability of an old Yamaha red label FG-series instrument, these are great choices. The pearlescent underlay for the pickguard highlights catches the light really well, too.

Repairs included: Max gave this a level/dress of the frets, cleaning, and setup work. It's playing bang-on and ready to go.

• Weight: 4 lbs 13 oz
• Scale length: 25 1/2"
• Nut width: 1 11/16"
• Neck shape: medium C/V
• Board radius: 12"
• Depth at first fret: 57/64"
• Depth at seventh fret: 61/64"
• Body width: 17"
• Body depth: 4 7/8"
• Top wood: solid spruce
• Back & sides wood: ply mahogany
• Bracing type: X braced
• Bridge: rosewood
• Fretboard: rosewood
• Neck wood: mahogany
• Action height at 12th fret: 3/32” bass 1/16” treble (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 54w-12 lights
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: medium

Condition notes: While there are small scratches, nicks, and whatnot throughout the finish, it looks great overall. The original tuners are not in place anymore and there are same-period replacements on it. The saddles, at least, are likely not original and appear to be GraphTech ones (an upgrade).

It comes with: Unfortunately, it doesn't have a case. I may have a gigbag on hand to fit it but I can't promise it will come with anything.

Consignor tag: MULK