https://www.guitarcenter.com/Alva...0449195.gc
This is the exclusively made for Guitar Center equivalent of the Alvarez MD70e.
Only significant differences appear to be an ebony fretboard/bridge instead of rosewood, Gloss Natural vs. Gloss, and no mention of a gig bag on the MD710e but there is on the MD70e.
This is intended to offer something up in the vibe of a Martin D-28 (technically HD-28 given the herringbone appointments). Reviews I've seen say that Alvarez nailed it.
- Body shape: Dreadnought
- Top wood: Solid AAA Sitka spruce
- Back and sides wood: Solid East Indian rosewood
- Bracing: FS6 forward-shifted
- Finish: Gloss natural
- Neck wood: African mahogany
- Fingerboard material: Solid ebony
- Scale length: 25.5"
- Number of frets: 21
- Nut width: 1.75"
- Nut material: Bone
- Inlays: Premium blue abalone
- Bridge: Solid ebony
- Saddle: Bone
- Tuning machines: Open-gear nickel tuners
- Strings: D'Addario XTAPB1253
- Pickup system: LR Baggs Hi-Fi
- Orientation: Right handed
- Case: Sold separately
Video demos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YiUTSBUoxM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saOdkr4Fo7c
https://youtu.be/bIDPwO2KPnc?si=WgeSlCaIV0OvaWfD&t=564 [youtube.com]
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Alva...0449195.gc 
11 Comments
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The Alvarez Masterworks line might be best compared to an Eastman or Epiphone Masterbilt or "Inspired by Gibson" level instrument (also from China, also well-regarded and a lot of hand-crafting, solid woods, etc.).
But I was also very impressed by Alvarez's mid model line like Artist series (China) which all include hand-selected solid tops that I've bought around 8 different models over the years from parlor to baritone. Fantastic quality guitars for a great price point! To my knowledge Alvarez is checking all guitars in the U.S. before they go into retail.
The Regent series (China) is the beginner/student line and most affordable.
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Happy to oblige! An Alvarez arrived two days ago to my office but I've been out of town. Won't be able to open it up until Friday. Once I do though I'll post some initial thoughts. That said guessing it's going to be pretty spot on the same as other MD70 reviews out there. But I love Ebony fretboards even more than rosewood so… score!
I was able to unpack the guitar today and give it a once over. Take with a grain of salt as just had it one day- honeymoon effect, etc.
TL;DR: It's really good.
A few clarifications- it is (hand) Made in China. No gig bag- just the guitar. It was inspected and set up in St. Louis before it shipped out!
It's easy to play. There's a hair more room to lower relief and nut slots if you wanted to but it's great as is IMO. Only thing I saw that might be needed is the fretboard looks a little dry and could use some oil.
I haven't plugged it in so no takeaways on the LR Baggs system.
The fit and finish is excellent. Gorgeous solid woods, binding and inlays are flawless. Fretwork looks/feels like it should. The MD710e looks like an HD-28 with Alvarez headstock and inlay. I used to have a Martin HD-28V. This compares well to that instrument. The guitar also sounds (and smells) like a D-28- at least very much in that wheelhouse. Took a flashlight to the inside and while I couldn't see everywhere, I didn't see any glue squeezeout. I mean, none. The shop definitely paid attention.
It's loud. Slightly more shine to the high-end frequencies than Martins I've experienced but the MD710e is still in the balanced to 'warm' sound profile category. You hear the bright tones but they don't dominate the sound. If you wanted to knock the high end back even more to make it sound more Martin-y than it already does, some darker strings would probably get you really close. While it certainly can be good for fingerstyle (the 1.75" nut helps), IMO this guitar is at it's best when strummed and flatpicked.
The 'V' profile on the Martin HD-28V was much more angular than the Alvarez 'Soft V'. I prefer the Alvarez profile. For those interested it's a medium to thicker feeling neck- I'd say if you have small hands you might not love it but it's super comfortable for my average to slightly large hands.
What professional reviewers have said about the MD70, I would say applies to the MD710e- pretty much the same guitar. The Alvarez MD710e is a well-crafted instrument that is the quality equivalent of new USA or Japanese acoustics in the $2,000 - $3,000 range.
If you can still find one it's impressive and worth a shot- especially as return policy at GC is so good.