Alvarez
Since 1965
Alvarez was established in 1965 by St. Louis Music in Missouri, USA. In the late 1960s, founder Gene Kornblum partnered with Japanese master luthier Kazuo Yairi to create the legendary Alvarez-Yairi series—handcrafted guitars still produced in Kani, Japan. This collaboration between American design and Japanese craftsmanship has made Alvarez a trusted name for acoustic guitars, endorsed by artists from Jerry Garcia to Carlos Santana. Today, Alvarez offers instruments from entry-level Regent series to handmade Yairi masterpieces, providing exceptional value at every price point.
61
Years in Business
2M+
Guitars Sold
$35M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Alvarez Guitar Guide
Comprehensive buying guide, price analysis, model comparisons, and expert insights to help you understand everything about Alvarez guitars.
Alvarez Price Overview
Alvarez covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$650
+3% vs last year
eBay Listings
1,600
Active listings
Sold This Month
520
+4% vs last month
Price Range
$150-$5,500
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Alvarez Timeline
Brand Established
St. Louis Music founded the Alvarez brand in Missouri, initially importing guitars for the American market.
Yairi Partnership Begins
Gene Kornblum partnered with Japanese master luthier Kazuo Yairi to design and produce premium acoustic guitars.
Alvarez-Yairi Launch
The first Alvarez-Yairi handcrafted guitars reached the US market, establishing the brand's premium tier.
Grateful Dead Partnership
Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir began endorsing Alvarez-Yairi guitars, creating signature models with Modulus graphite necks.
Artist Series Introduction
Launched the Artist series to bridge the gap between entry-level and handmade Yairi instruments.
LOUD Technologies Acquisition
LOUD Technologies acquired St. Louis Music and the Alvarez brand for $38.4 million.
Grateful Dead 50th Anniversary
Released limited edition Grateful Dead commemorative guitars featuring official artwork and premium construction.
Kazuo Yairi Passes
Master luthier Kazuo Yairi passed away; his legacy continues through the Yairi factory team he trained.
Masterworks Expansion
Expanded the Masterworks series with all-solid wood construction and LR Baggs electronics.
Cádiz Classical Series
Introduced the Cádiz series of classical and flamenco guitars with solid tops and LR Baggs pickup systems.
Complete Alvarez Product Lineup
Alvarez: American design meets Japanese craftsmanship—exceptional acoustics since 1965
Yairi Series (Japan Handmade)
Master-crafted guitars from Kani, Japan
Premium dreadnoughts at $4,499-$5,099
Folk/OM body handmade at $4,799-$5,099
Handcrafted excellence at $2,500-$3,500
Artist collaborations including Jerry Garcia tribute
Masterworks Series
All-solid wood professional instruments
Spruce/Rosewood with LR Baggs at ~$1,299
All-solid folk body at ~$1,299
All-solid parlor with LR Baggs HiFi at ~$1,199
Walnut back/sides with armrest at ~$999
Artist Series
Professional-grade at accessible prices
Solid top dreadnoughts at $449-$599
Solid top folk/OM body at $449-$599
Cutaway acoustic-electric at ~$379
8-string baritone at ~$817
Regent Series
Quality entry-level instruments
Dreadnought with gig bag at $199-$269
Folk/OM with gig bag at $199-$269
Classical hybrid at ~$269
Cádiz Classical Series
Classical and flamenco guitars
Solid spruce top at ~$479
Solid spruce/cypress at ~$489
Classical hybrid with armrest at ~$699
Cutaway with LR Baggs at ~$599
"Alvarez: American design meets Japanese craftsmanship—exceptional acoustics since 1965"
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
Yairi Series Buying Guide
Handmade Excellence
Each Yairi guitar is hand-built in Kani, Japan using techniques developed by Kazuo Yairi; expect exceptional resonance and playability
Investment Value
Vintage Yairi guitars (1970s-1990s) hold value well; DY series from this era: $1,000-$2,500 depending on model and condition
Modern vs Vintage
Current production maintains Yairi quality; vintage models may have graphite necks (Modulus collaboration) adding collector interest
Masterworks Series Buying Guide
All-Solid Construction
Solid AAA Sitka spruce tops with solid rosewood, mahogany, or walnut back/sides—no laminate construction
LR Baggs Electronics
Premium LR Baggs VTC Element or HiFi systems; stage-ready with natural amplified tone
Value Proposition
All-solid construction with premium electronics at $999-$1,299—comparable to $1,500+ guitars from other brands
Artist & Regent Buying Guide
Artist Series Sweet Spot
Solid top with quality laminate back/sides at $379-$599; excellent for intermediate players and gigging musicians
Regent for Beginners
Best-in-class entry-level at $199-$269; includes gig bag and setup—ready to play out of box
Electronics Quality
Both series offer acoustic-electric options with quality preamps; Artist series uses better pickup systems