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skatalite

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  1. Yes, I hope nothing goes wrong! And of course, a big thanks for all of you for your help, especially skatalite and Florida_Gator! I'll definitely be hanging around these forums more often and hopefully be able to share my experiences with my new MD80. No problem! Glad to help. And hey, if you don't like it or if there's something wrong, send it back and try something else But I'm sure you'll like it. And another welcome to the forums This place is pretty cool, so I hope you stick around.
  2. Okay, I ordered the Alvarez MD80 and I hope it arrives soon. It was so tempting to add the MD60 to the cart as well... Hehehe. Hope you like it!
  3. I meant my strumming hand, but it's not a big deal. The Yamaha LS6 is way over my price range, so that is not an option. Is the sound of the FS720S really that inferior to the FG730S? I wouldn't call it inferior. It's just different. The 720 isn't meant to be a heavy strummer. It's good enough for some people, but the 720 is built for the fingerpicker inside all of us. When strummed, it won't have as much response across the wide range of tones as a dreadnought will have. I fingerpick on all my guitars, and it's nice and comfortable. For what it's worth, here's a song me and a buddy recorded. I'm the first guitar to begin playing. It's fingerstyle with the MD60, with the fleshy part of my fingers, not fingernails: http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7877097
  4. Oh jeez. I've been mistyping it the whole time and didn't even realize it. I meant to type FS720S. Do you have any experience with them? I know stackabones does, and he might have linked you to some clips he has earlier in the thread. I've played one, and it's nice. It's comfortable, cause of its body size, but the depth is as deep as an FG730S. The depth provides more volume, but the overall volume is still smaller than a dreadnought, simply because of the body style. It's a trade-off. The neck is the same as on an FG730S, as far as size goes, if I recall correctly. So, it was comfortable for me to play, and like I said, I have small, fat hands. But that's just from a short time with it. stackabones would be better equipped to give you a rundown. As for the case, I can't comment on that with positivity. I'd assume it would fit in a standard dreadnought case, but I've never tried. Here's an image I found of an FS720S (middle) next to an FG730S (right):
  5. Yeah. I'm still debating between the Yamaha FG720S and FG730S and Alvarez M60 and M60. :poke: The Alvarezs' prices are definitely a steal, but the wait is difficult. I prefer the shape/size of the FG720S over the 3 other guitars. However, its build is slightly inferior to the other 3. It's such a difficult decision. As for the case for the Yamaha FG720S, because of its shape, do you think it will fit into standard dreadnought hard case comfortably without moving around too much? An example: http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Musicians-Gear-Deluxe-Dreadnought-Case?sku=540945 Are you sure you're not meaning the FS720S instead of the FG720S? FG720S: FS720S:
  6. When I changed the stock plastic saddle for bone in my FG730S, I got an increase in both volume and sustain. It was not as noticable as when I changed to bone in my LS6, but it was still very noticable. Cool. So, mzx, you can get the Yamaha and a bone saddle for still around that $350 limit. But if you don't know how to install and possibly trim a new saddle, it'll be an additional charge at your local shop/luthier.
  7. Tusq is actually much better than plastic. Many even argue that Tusq is better than bone. I think this contributes to the greater volume / sustain MD60 has over 730 ( stock). It likely does. So, I guess that makes the Alvarez an even greater value at the price point, eh?
  8. Just wondering if your MD60 has bone saddle and the 730 plastic saddle... that may contribute to the difference in volume. From all information I can find, the MD60 has a tusk saddle. So, basically plastic. Everything on both of my guitars is stock.
  9. Great comparison, skatalite. When did you order your MD80 to be getting it today? I ordered it last Friday.
  10. I'm interested in the Yamaha FG720S and FG730S as well. I understand they're bodies are laminate, but how do they hold up against each other and against the Alvarez MD60 and MD80? I can only compare FG730S to Alvarez MD60, since those are the two I have at the moment. My MD80 will be arriving today, but not until this evening. I can give another comparison later tonight if you'd like. But, both the 730 and MD60 are awesome guitars. I string the guitars with the same strings (D'addario EXP16). Sound: The 730 is brighter and slightly thinner in sound than the MD60. This is the be expected, though: the laminated back and sides of the Yammie won't give as full, rounded of a sound as the Alvarez. And the Yammie's sitka spruce top is inherently brighter than cedar, it's just the nature of the wood. Volume: The Alvarez is quite a bit louder than my Yamaha, with more note definition. I'm going to purchase John Pearse Armrests to allow all my guitars to open up more, but at the current state, the Yamaha isn't as loud. Still, it's plenty loud for when I've used it in jamming or practice situations. Construction/durability: Cedar is a sensitive wood. It's easy to ding, scuff, etc. Because of this, I'd say, overall, the Yamaha is more durable. Both guitars have superb construction, the Yamaha especially so considering it's a $300 guitar, and the Alvarez used to sell for close to $800. Yamaha's quality control has always been awesome. However, the Alvarez has better attention to details on binding, neck work, etc. Now, if you were to get the MD80 with Englemann Spruce top, it'd be much less susceptible to dings than the MD60's cedar top. The cedar top provides a different tone and sound, and it's just a trade off that it's easier to ding. Playability: This is somewhat subjective, since everyone likes different things. But I've got smallish hands, with chubby fingers, and both are easy and painless to play. The Yamaha has a chunkier neck, and I do prefer the neck on the Alvarez, but both are still winners in the playability category. And although I haven't measured it, the Yamaha seems deeper at the body than the Alvarez. The Yamaha is a slightly larger guitar, in terms of body width. Conclusion: Both are fine, fine guitars. I'm glad I own both. They have their own characteristics that play in heavily with the music I create. If I want a certain sound, I pick up the Yamaha. If I want a smooth, warm sound, I get the Alvarez out. Two very different guitars, they are. But both are extremely good values. If someone gave me $300 and said, "Go buy either another Yamaha or Alvarez" I'd pick the Alvarez, simply because I think it is an extremely good value that won't last long, and because it comes with a case! In a month, you might not be able to find one for $299 delivered. But you'll be able to find a 730S. Hope that helped!
  11. Does anyone know about how many guitars will be coming in to AMS? Not sure, but give them a call and see what they say. Maybe they stop pre-orders once inventory is claimed?
  12. Both the MD60 and MD80 are coming in shortly? I wonder how many people already pre-ordered and my chances of getting one. I don't think my chances are very good now as many people probably already pre-ordered. What are the MD60 and MD80 being replaced with? Not too sure what they're being replaced with. And as for the pre-order: Worth a shot, ain't it?
  13. Yeah, for that price, it's a great deal. However, they are still out of stock. I don't know why, are they being discontinued? Also, is the only difference between the MD60 and M80 the cedar top vs spruce top, respectively? What's the difference in terms of tone, resonance, etc between the two? Yeah, being discontinued. Just new models coming in. And pretty much, the top woods are the only difference. Cedar is more warm, mellow, but well-balanced. Engelmann Spruce is a bit brighter, but once the wood is broken in, it becomes warmer. Both sound great when played softly, though I think Engelmann has the tendency to be louder. I think AMS has the guitars for pre-order, and from what another forumite said earlier, an AMS rep told them they should be there any minute.
  14. Wow, there has been so many recommendations for the Alvarez MD60 and MD80. I never had any experience with American Musical, are they reliable? Also, I can get about 15% off my purchase from MF, so I'm really trying to select a guitar from them. They just added a bunch of new Alvarez's: RF010 RD010 RD110 RD2104VP RD210 RD410 Unfortunately, no MD60 or MD80. There is still a large selection of Yamaha's. I've been most interested in either the FG720S or FG730S. However, I do prefer the body of the FG720S over the FG730S, but have heard that the tone does resonate better in the 730S due to its rosewood back/side vs Nato in the 720S. Both Yamahas are great guitars, so if you decide to go that route, then you won't be disappointed. As for AMS, it's like stackabones said: They are reliable, as good as any other online merchant. I've ordered from them several times, and I've used their 3-payment plan to see how it worked. It's painless and their communication is great. On my recent MD80 order, they called me to let me know it was shipped. That's pretty cool. So, have confidence if and when you order from AMS.
  15. Does anyone know the difference between the Yamaha FG720S and FG730S and whether or not the $20 price difference is justified? The difference is in the back and sides material. The 720 uses laminated nato back and sides, which is eastern mahogony. It's very reliable and strong. The 730 has laminated rosewood back and sides. As we all know, rosewood is like the bread and butter of guitar manufacturers, kind like sitka for tops. Rosewood is reliable and has great resonance. I've played both and could hear a bit more bass response from the 730, as well as a bit more clarity across all notes I played. Of course, this was in a Guitar Center, so take what I say with a grain of salt. Who knew how long the strings had been on either, who knew if either had been setup, etc. But, to me, the price was justified. I ordered the FG730S because I found it on eBay new with a nice Yamaha gig bag for $240 delivered. The same seller doesn't have anymore, but this was nearly two years ago. Still, if you're comfortable with the eBay route, you might find some less expensive deals on there for either instrument. Good luck!
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