Alvarez AMP660ESHB Parlor Acoustic-Electric Guitar Shadow Burst

Most Liked Negative Review

Gorgeous and Disappointing

I attempted to buy this guitar a couple of times at two different Guitar Center locations. Both times an employee had to retrieve the guitar from the back, and I got to tune it up. Both times, playing the guitar was an amazing experience until I found a flaw—direct from the manufacture. Unfortunately, Guitar Center employees were unable or unwilling to resolve the issue in a satisfactory fashion. First, I tried the model in Pittsburgh, only to discover that the discrete sound hole EQ had become detached from the guitar and was rattling around inside. The Guitar Center employee made an impromptu fix, but the fix was shoddy enough that it seemed likely to be a recurring problem. Second, I tried the guitar in Cincinnati. If there had been no glaring issues, I would have happily plopped down my money and been a very happy camper. Indeed, as I played the guitar, I was certain I was about to take the guitar home. As in Pittsburgh, the guitar was not on display, and an employee had to fetch one from the back. Although he said they had two guitars in stock, he returned with only one, and when I asked to see the other one, he claimed he could not find it. The guitar played magnificently and was beautiful to look at. Unfortunately, the 13th fret on the high E was dead. I'm not saying it was uncomfortable or that there was a tiny bit of fret buzz or that playability could have been better. The note would not ring out at all. To make matters worse, the employees "solution" to this particular flaw was to attempt to upsell a set up to me. Worse, I think this particular employee may be the manager of that store. Although it's possible that he simply did not understand the severity of the issue or that he simply felt too busy to be bothered, I found his suggestion that I pay $80 for a setup shocking. Indeed, I was flabbergasted that he would make such a suggestion while Guitar Center still owned the guitar because this was not a question of personal taste or comfort but of the instrument working as an instrument should. Bottom line: The guitar looks like a well made, quality instrument that is absolutely gorgeous to look at and play. But BEWARE: my limited experience with this guitar model led me to flaws each time I played one and suggests there may be significant quality control issues. And apparently, Guitar Center employees may not be empowered enough or capable of making it right. If, like the other reviewers, you're not as unlucky as I seem to have been, you'll find a great guitar. I think…