Alvarez Guitars: RD16 Regent

by Guitar Guru
(play-acoustic-guitar.com)

“Affordable Guitar for Beginners”

The Alvarez RD16 Regent Series Dreadnought Acoustic guitar may have a small price tag, but its quality redefines the idea of a cheap guitar and makes it a great choice for those beginning guitarists who are on a limited budget.

While the RD16 does not have a solid top, the laminated top is made out of spruce and it also has mahogany back and sides which give it a nicely rounded tone that you will find to be very pleasant. In fact, it sounds like you would expect a classic guitar to sound.

Even though it does tend to go out of tune quite easily, the RD16 sounds better than many guitars in its price range. Part of this is due to the Alvarez bi-level bridge which really does make a difference in this guitar because even though the tone is not as rich as in those guitars that have solid tops, its ability to carry more of the vibrations to the top of the instrument make it a great beginner’s guitar.

In fact, this is a good acoustic guitar not just for beginners, but for anyone who is on a tight budget, especially since, at only ~$165, it is a decidedly affordable guitar. Unlike many cheap acoustic guitars, the Alvarez RD16 also looks great. Not only does it have nicely finished edges, it also uses a special kind of electrostatic painting process that gives the coating an even finish using less paint than most guitars require. This allows the wood to resonate, making for a much better sound.

With just a few adjustments, like replacing the plastic pins and bridge with bone and choosing higher quality strings, you will find that the Alvarez RD16 Regent Series guitar will provide you with perfectly good tone and playability for a fraction of the price of other guitars.

See more great guitar reviews at Alvarez Guitars.

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