Expert: D. Hughes - 12/16/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have a guitar that my wife bought me in 1982.  It is the Alverez Model # 5017.  The serial Number is 41511 and there is a date inside of 22-6-81.  Could you tell me a little about it and what I might ask for it if I decide to sell it.  It is in very good condition with no cracks, dents, etc.  There are a couple of rubbed areas on the back, I think from the case.  I have enclosed some pictures.  I hope they are good enough to see what you need.

Thanks, Don

ANSWER: Hello Don,

Only one photo shows up, so if you can send them directly to me at yairi_luvr@comcast.net I'll see if I can get some info for you.  I am leaning towards it being one of the Resonant Wood series.

I'll check my e-mail later on today to see if you've sent them and get back to you.

Regards,
D.Hughes

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I sent more pictures to your e-mail address.  Let me know if you got them.

Don

Answer
Thanks for sending the additional photo's.  I responded by e-mail, but for others will post reply here too.

Okay, it took me some searching to find some info on this model, but it is from the Resonant Wood series from the early 1980's.  Called the Forest Brook Dreadnought, the 5017 is an all laminate model, top is spruce, back and sides are Mahogany.  Rosewood fingerboard and bridge. Tortoiseshell pickguard.

New MSRP would have been $250.  It was the low end model of this series.

None of these are listed in the Acoustic Bluebook, so value would have to be an approximate going by what I know these (vintage Alvarez all laminate models) sell for on EBay.

IF in excellent condition (which it appears to be) it would bring between $125 and $175.  If it were one of the models with a solid top, you could add another $100 to that.

Regards,
D.Hughes