Alvarez Guitars was born of the convergence of artistic craftsmanship and intuitive marketing ability. In the late 1960s, St. Louis Music Company (SLM) began collaboration with the brilliant Japanese luthier, Kazuo Yairi. Previously, Yairi had been manufacturing ornate, handcrafted acoustic guitars in Japan at the well-known Yairi factory that has been in operation since 1935. As a result of the collaboration of SLM and Kazuo Yairi, the first acoustic guitar introduced in 1968 under the name “Alvarez, by Kazuo Yairi” was a true symbol of Kairi’s intrinsic knowledge of brilliant guitar design.
 
The partnership between Yairi and St. Louis Music quickly turned into a huge success. When renowned artists such as Roy Clark and Waylon Jennings endorsed Alvarez guitars, word of the Alvarez name and quality quickly created a buzz throughout circles of musical performers. Over the years, other iconic musicians such as Johnny Cash, Bob Weir and Carlos Santana have also chosen Alvarez guitars for performances, paying further tribute to the trusted merit of Alvarez instruments.
 
Paul McCartney used a black Alvarez acoustic, which was given to him by Carl Perkins. When Alvarez caught word of McCartney’s affinity for his black acoustic, they custom built two more. The specially crafted Alvarez acoustic was specifically designed and tuned down two notches for the performance of the classic song, “Yesterday”. The Alvarez name still remains tantamount with venerated quality.
 
Today, all top-of-the line Alvarez-Yairi guitars are still hand-made at the Yairi factory, by a team of carefully chosen master luthiers. Always striving to maintain superior quality of their stringed instruments, Alvarez continuously strives to fine-tune production techniques in order to produce only the finest guitars, crafted from the highest quality wood from trusted sources.
 
Now, for over 45 years Alvarez has been a leading manufacturer of acoustic guitars. Alvarez continues to produce impressive lines of guitars including the Alvarez-Yairi and Artist Series. Ideal for beginners, the Artist Series includes acoustic bass, dreadnought and baritone models, acoustic electric and stunning classical pieces. The impressive selection of top-notch, steel stringed instruments include the perfect guitar for beginners and veteran performers. Every musician, from rockers to jazz performers can find the perfect guitar.
 
Most recently in 2012, Alvarez introduced a new line, the all-new Masterworks Series. This new line of guitars took over two years of fine tuning and perfecting before being released. Each Masterworks guitar has an open-pore finish on the back and side. This allows the wood to breathe and the sound to flow more smoothly through the guitar, creating a more intense musical experience.
 
Keep Rockin’!!!
Alvarez guitar by photo.anger taken on October 3, 2009
Waylon Jennings by majunznk taken on July 17, 2011
Paul McCartney by darioferrini taken on June 13, 2010
Johnny Cash by Heinrich Klaffs taken on March 2, 2010