Alvarez ARDA 1965 (2015)

The Alvarez ARDA 1965 is a 50th-Anniversary special edition model from the Alvarez Guitars Artist Series – launched in 2015 to celebrate the brand's 50th anniversary. As a slope-shoulder dreadnought with a 12-fret neck joint and slotted headstock, it is modeled after the great American pre-war flattops. Visually, Alvarez has opted for true splendor on this anniversary model: 1.5mm wide Paua abalone purfling around the top, matching abalone soundhole rosette, and a high-gloss Shadowburst finish on the spruce top. Comes in collector's condition in a luxury tweed-style case.

Why this guitar sounds so good

• 12-Fret Neck Joint: Because the neck joins at the 12th fret, the bridge is automatically positioned lower in the widest, most flexible part of the top – this extracts a tremendous, woody bass foundation from the large dreadnought body that 14-fret guitars of this size cannot achieve.
• Spruce & Formosan Koa: The solid spruce top provides dynamics, while the extremely hard Taiwanese Koa on the body keeps the bass tight and lends shimmering overtones to the sound. Nothing gets muddy, everything remains defined.
• Bi-Level Bridge: The stepped Alvarez bridge creates a particularly steep string break angle – maximum pressure on the top, maximum vibration transfer.

Material and Construction

• Top – Solid A+ Sitka Spruce: High-gloss Shadowburst finish – balanced, dynamic tone with plenty of projection and volume.
• Back & Sides – Formosan Koa (Taiwanese Acacia): Botanically closely related to Hawaiian Koa – tonally between mahogany and true koa: warmer fundamental tone, lively, shimmering highs. The three-ply laminate construction utilizes the stiffness of the wood for a stable, resonant body frame.
• Bridge – Bi-Level Rosewood Bridge (patented): Two-level bridge for maximum string break angle over the bone saddle – optimal vibration transfer to the top.
• Slope-Shoulder Dreadnought, 12-Fret, Slotted Headstock: Large body shape with sloped shoulders – the bridge is located at the center of vibration of the top for maximum bass foundation.
• Optics – Paua Abalone Purfling & Abalone Rosette: 1.5mm wide Paua abalone binding and abalone soundhole rosette – exceptionally elaborate for this price range.

Specifications

Model: ARDA 1965 (50th Anniversary)
Body Shape: Slope Shoulder Dreadnought, 12-Fret
Top: Solid Sitka Spruce (A+), Shadowburst High Gloss
Back & Sides: Formosan Koa / Taiwanese Acacia (laminated)
Bridge: Bi-Level Rosewood Bridge (patented)
Nut & Saddle: Bone
Headstock: Slotted Headstock
Purfling: Paua Abalone (1.5 mm)
Rosette: Abalone
Case: Tweed-Style Hardshell-Case
Manufactured in: (2015)

The sale is subject to differential taxation in accordance with § 25a UStG (Used Goods/Special Regulation). A separate statement of VAT is not permitted.