I'm torn between two guitars.

[Myfirstclassical]

Hi everyone. Thanks for all the recommendation on the Alvarez Yairi post I had submitted. I have narrowed my search down to 2 models and would like to ask for your opinion to see if I am evaluating these right and your opinion on which you would buy.

I tried out 4 brand new Alvarez guitars and I am torn between the CY-116 Yairi and the MC90 which is a plain Alvarez. My observances are as follow in trying to decide:

CY-116 Yairi
Pros: Handmade Yairi, beautiful sound and looks, comes with Yairi hardshell case included, ebony finger board, Burled Mahogany is nice, solid cedar top.

Cons: Sides and back are not solid

Total cost with Yairi case: $760.00

MC-90
Pros: Solid Cedar top, solid Indian Rosewood sides and back, beautiful sound and looks.

Cons: Rosewood fingerboard (wanted ebony), not a handmade Yairi.

Total cost: $485.00 + $85.00 for hardshell case = $570.00

The biggest consideration I'm looking at is the Yairi not having the solid Indian Rosewood. I don't have the experience to know how important that is.

Thanks for your input.

[keith]

which guitar to buy? which one sounds better? which one is easier to play? which one is in the better shape (e.g., will one need new frets?--). answer these questions and then choose.
as to solid vs laminate: greg smallman uses a laminate on his $20,000+guitars. jose ramirez 1a are laminates (cypress and rosewood). there as some really nice sounding laminates out there.

BIG BIG CAVEAT HERE: are you sure a rosewood fret board is on a solid indian rosewood guitar? traditionally rosewood fret boards would NOT be found on a guitar with solid sides and back. personally i would investigate as to whether the alledged solid sides and back are indeed solid.

all things being equal, go in this order: ears/ fingers; wallet; and lastly, ego.

[Myfirstclassical]

Keith,

Thanks for the reply. I'm sure it is a rosewood fingerboard.

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As far as sound, they both sound great. The Yairi appears to be more crisp and plays great at all frets from what little I know how to play. I'm thinking the Yairi would have a better resale if I decide to upgrade later. I just don't know. :?

[edwardcav]

Forget resale - how the guitar plays and sounds better will be the deciding factor in the resale value of ANY instrument.

What about string separation? IE: can you hear every string resonate when a chord is struck? Which guitar is louder? The potential to vary dynamics on the guitar needs to be seriously considered, because its no lie that a lot of guitars out there struggle with softs/louds.

Which guitar is prettier? It doesn't matter THAT much but it will provide a longer inspiration to play guitar if your guitar is visually stunning.

Just some more things to think about.

[Sia]

If it was me, I would go with the Yairi. Years ago, I looked at regular Alavarez and Yairi guitars, and I think the Yairi's are much better made instruments.

[RDS]

No question, get the Yairi!!!! Rick