Table of Contents
The Alvarez AD60 12 Artist 60 is an award-winning remarkable 12-string dreadnought acoustic guitar, a finely grained premium instrument that combines superb craftsmanship at an affordable price.
What sets the AD6012 apart is its careful selection of tonewoods, impeccable construction, and thoughtful features. Alvarez has poured their dedication into creating an exceptional playing experience with this guitar.
Let’s dive into the details of the guitar.
If you are looking for an affordable 12-string guitar, please check out our list of budget 12-string guitars. You might find your desired one here.
| Fingerboard | Japan |
| Model | Alvarez AD60 12 Artist series |
| Body | Dreadnought |
| Top | Solid Sitka Spruce |
| Neck | Mahogany |
| Scale | 25.5″ |
| Nut Width | 1.875″ |
| Weight | 4.7 pounds |
| Fingureboard | Indian Laurel |
| Frets | 21 |
| Bracing | FST2 Forward Shifted |
| Electronics | N/A |
| Bridge | Alvarez bi-level rosewood |
| Inlays | Mother-of-pearl Design at 12th fret |
| Truss Rod | Adjustable |
| Case | Sold Separately |
| Design | Non-cutaway |
| Colors | Natural |
African Mahogany Body: A Foundation of Richness and Warmth
At the heart of the Alvarez AD60 12 lies an African mahogany body.
Body Wood
African mahogany, renowned for its sonorous qualities, infuses the guitar with a distinct warmth. This choice of solid wood imparts a rich depth with lush tonal complexity.
Shape
The dreadnought body shape contributes to the guitar’s commanding presence. The African mahogany body of the AD6012 provides a balanced response.
Back and Sides
The AD6012 features an African mahogany back and sides, which harmonize beautifully with the solid top Sitka spruce. With the punch and projection of Sitka spruce complementing the warmth of mahogany, this pairing simply rocks!
A+ Grade Sitka Spruce Top: Adding Punch and Volume
The A+ grade Sitka spruce top of the Alvarez AD60 12 takes center stage.
Top wood
Sitka spruce, renowned for its balance of strength and resonance, is a staple in high-quality acoustic guitar construction. The “A+” grade designation signifies the top-tier quality of the wood chosen for this guitar.
Image from Alvarez Guitars
Bracing
Alvarez has carefully considered the bracing pattern used in the AD60, which they call FST2. They’ve made a notable adjustment to the traditional X-brace design by moving it forward, bringing the intersection point of the X closer to the soundhole.
The idea behind this design change is to expand the portion of the soundboard that sits behind the bracing, allowing it to vibrate more freely. This increased movement results in greater volume and responsiveness from the guitar.
Mahogany Neck & Bridge: Sturdy, Stable, and Shaped for Comfort
Complementing the body is the mahogany neck of the Alvarez AD60 12. It’s got this unique C-shaped design that feels great in your hand. On the top part of the guitar, you’ll spot this cool scoop-shaped black pickguard
Neck wood
Mahogany is a good choice for guitar necks if you are looking for a wood that produces a warm, round tone and is comfortable to play. It is a strong and durable wood that is also resistant to warping and cracking. It’s relatively easy to work with, making it a good choice for both experienced and beginner luthiers.
Bridge
It has a special Alvarez bridge that looks like it has two levels. It has a fancy two-ring soundhole decoration, and one of the rings is made of pearloid.
Some folks like to call it a ‘stepped’ design because the part where the bridge pins go is scooped out and set a bit lower, about four or five millimeters below where the bone saddle is. This setup gives the strings a sharper angle, and it’s pretty cool.
Indian Laurel Fingerboard: Perfect for Fast-playing
The Alvarez AD60 12 enhances playability, and the Indian laurel fingerboard is a testament to this. Known for its sleek and smooth texture, the Indian laurel fingerboard offers a glass-like surface. It’s famous for its smooth and slightly porous surface, which allows for comfortable playing.
It’s also a durable wood, which means it can withstand the wear and tear of frequent finger movement and string contact. The grain pattern of Indian laurel is often visually appealing, adding an attractive aesthetic element to the guitar.
Players who favor fast and fluid techniques will find the Indian laurel fingerboard useful. The responsive nature of the wood allows for quick note articulation and a comfortable feel under the fingers.
Here is a guide for you to help you choose the perfect 12-string guitar pick.
Sound
I’m pleasantly surprised by how great this guitar sounds, even though it’s not without its flaws. The warmth in its sound quality makes me feel like it’s priced lower than it should be! Its unique tone remains consistent across different frequencies, thanks to its lovely tonewoods.
While the tuner isn’t top-notch, it’s a minor issue that can be easily replaced.
All in all, this guitar has a powerful sound and would be a fantastic choice for someone looking to begin their journey with a 12-string guitar.
Genuine Bone Nut and Saddle: Elevating Sustain and Tone
The Alvarez AD60 12 features a real bone nut and saddle. And, I like that the guitar’s nut and saddle are crafted from real bone. I have a preference for natural components in guitars, and bone is among the superior materials for making the nut and saddle.
Bone is revered for its ability to transfer energy efficiently, resulting in improved sustain and tonal clarity. The nut and saddle’s bone construction ensures that the strings are in direct contact with a material that maximizes vibration transfer. It adds a lovely harmony to the guitar’s sound, imparting a subtle warming touch to it.
Furthermore, bone offers excellent durability, making it an ideal choice for these critical components. Its resistance to wear and tear ensures that the nut and saddle maintain their integrity over time.
Why Should I Choose This Guitar?
choosing a guitar is a personal decision, and it’s important to consider your playing style, preferences, and budget.
However, the Alvarez AD60-12 guitar stands out as a solid option for those seeking a well-crafted, distinctive, and reasonably priced 12-string guitar with a warm and harmonious sound.
Pros and Cons Of The Alvarez AD60 12
Pros:
Exceptional Value:
The Alvarez AD60 12 offers a premium 12-string acoustic guitar experience at an accessible price point, making high-quality craftsmanship and captivating tones more accessible to a wider range of musicians.
Rich Tonal Foundation:
The combination of the African mahogany body and the A+ grade Sitka spruce top creates a warm, full-sounding tonal foundation that boasts considerable punch and volume. This makes the guitar versatile for various musical styles and playing techniques.
Playability and Comfort:
With a sturdy mahogany neck featuring a soft “V” to “C” shape, along with an Indian laurel fingerboard that’s perfect for fast playing, the AD6012 offers a comfortable and responsive playing experience that accommodates a range of playing styles.
Cons:
Case Sold Separately:
While the guitar itself offers remarkable features and value, it’s important to note that the case or gig bag is not included, which could require an additional investment for proper protection during transport.
Conclusion
The Alvarez AD60 12 Artist 60 is quite exceptional due to its blend of premium craftsmanship, top-notch tonewoods, and well-thought-out features, all offered at an affordable price.
Playing this guitar is a breeze thanks to its comfortable neck profile and smooth Indian laurel fingerboard. It’s an instrument that truly encourages exploration of its sonic potential and makes playing a joy.
All of these elements come together to produce a tonal character that’s rich, warm, and expressive, making it a great choice.
FAQs of Alvarez AD60
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