How to choose a good stringed Instrument

by Gerald Chapman, Luthier and Guitar Adjuster, for Alvarez Guitars.

Every morning I open two cases of brand new Alvarez guitars. One day they might be 12-string guitars, the next day classical or electric. I take out each guitar, restring it, inspect it, adjust it, tune it and play it.

Every instrument that we sell goes through this inspection and shop adjustment.

I look for clues that determine how well the guitar will sound, how easy it will play, and how long it will last.

Last week I found two guitars that didn't meet the standards of St. Louis Music Supply Company, exclusive distributors of Alvarez Instruments. They went to the scrap heap. They weren't good enough to sell, not if we wanted to keep our reputation.

You can't always judge quality by price; just because a guitar costs a bundle doesn't mean it is well built. Knowing what to look for before you buy is the key, so read through this catalog along with me, and I'll show you how I judge a guitar.