Alvarez v Takamine

[miken]

First time posting on here. Been playing for a while, although I'm not that great, haha. I was just wondering, I was looking through old posts, and a few were about figured dao (the Alvarez ad60ck). I'm looking to get an acoustic/electric and I'm not sure what to do. I dont have tons of money, and at first I was looking at a Takamine (the ef508kc). Thats more money than the alvarez, but would it be worth it to save up a few extra bucks and get that instead? (I heard mixed reviews about the Alvarez and I havent been able to get out to place to try it myself yet).
Or if you know of a better acoustic/electric and youd like to point me in the right direction, any help would be appriciated, thanks,
Mike

[Klondog]

I own an AD60K, and I absolutely love it. I haven't played the Tak model you're referring to, so I suppose I can't make a fair comparison, but for less than $400 I don't think you'll find a better sounding guitar (although I may be biased). I've had this one for about 4 years, and I've had nothing but good luck. The action and fretboard make for smooth playing. It has great tone and volume, plus a really nice overall finish. I would buy this guitar again for sure. If you have any more specific questions I'd be glad to answer them on here or PM me. Good luck with your purchase!

[littlefriend]

Yeah, I'm in total agreement with Matt here (big surprise). I've got the AD60CK (the cutaway version) and I absolutely love it for all the reasons Matt stated. Plus, it looks beautiful.

[Humvee]

I own a Alvarez AD70SC and a Martin D-35 (1977). Both are amazing guitars. The Alvarez will never be forgotten, there are a ton of good things about it. But a Martin is a Martin and well... there's nothing better. My opinion- the Alvarez kills the Martin in looks (if you took off the Martin headstock). In playability both about the same, in their own unique way. Martin wins in sound if your going for the bassy feel. If money is important, which is probably is atm in our economy, i would go with a Alvarez.

[cmarti10]

i have an alvarez acoustic, which i got for around 300 bucks and that baby plays like its worth double that. i also have a beautiful alvarez acoustic electric violin, which is very nice (the electric sound isnt as nice as my yamaha violin, but nonetheless its a beaut). i have played takamine and they are very nice as well.. but i would go w/ alvarez! their tone is great. lots more bang for the buck there.