Alvarez ARD70 (2013)

The Alvarez ARD70 from the Artist Series uses the same powerful 12-fret slope-shoulder dreadnought construction as the ARDA 1965, but opts for a more purist, earthy wood setup: rosewood instead of acacia, natural gloss instead of shadowburst, subtle bindings instead of abalone opulence. The result is a guitar that sounds even deeper, more powerful, and "bigger" – a veritable wall of sound, ideal for fingerpicking as well as powerful bluegrass strumming and singer-songwriter accompaniment.
The ARD70 has since been discontinued by Alvarez and is rarely found on the European used market – those who own one usually don't give it up. The bridge sits in the absolute center of vibration of the soundboard due to the 12-fret neck joint – this extracts a bass foundation from the large dreadnought body that 14-fret guitars of this size cannot achieve.
Comes in good used condition in a luxury tweed-style case.

Why this guitar sounds so good

• 12-Fret Neck Joint: The bridge sits at the center of the soundboard's vibration.
• Spruce & Rosewood: The solid spruce top delivers dynamics and projection, complemented by the specially layered rosewood body from Alvarez with creamy, deep bass and a long, piano-like sustain.
• Bi-Level Bridge: Alvarez's patented two-level bridge creates maximum string break angle – optimal vibration transfer to the soundboard.

Material and Construction

• Top – Solid A+ Sitka Spruce: Natural-Gloss finish – balanced, dynamic tone with plenty of projection and volume.
• Back & Sides – East Indian Rosewood (laminated): Creamy, deep bass and long, piano-like sustain – rosewood gives the already deep 12-fret dreadnought even more volume and depth.
• Bridge – Bi-Level Rosewood Bridge (patented): Two-level bridge for maximum string break angle over the bone saddle.
• Slope-Shoulder Dreadnought, 12-Fret, Slotted Headstock: Large body shape with sloped shoulders and neck joint at the 12th fret – classic pre-war design.

Specifications

Model: ARD70 (discontinued)
Body Shape: Slope Shoulder Dreadnought, 12-Fret
Top: Solid Sitka Spruce (A+), Natural High Gloss
Back & Sides: East Indian Rosewood (laminated)
Bridge: Bi-Level Rosewood Bridge (patented)
Nut & Saddle: Bone
Headstock: Slotted Headstock
Scale Length: 648 mm
Nut Width: 44.5 mm
Made in: China (2013)

Sales are subject to differential taxation in accordance with § 25a UStG (used goods/special regulation). A separate declaration of sales tax is not permitted.