Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $620

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$200

$1001+

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Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Alvarez Artist Series AC65HCE Classical Hybrid Acoustic-Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Experience the best of both worlds with the Alvarez Artist Series AC65HCE Classical Hybrid Acoustic-Electric Guitar. This instrument is perfect for musicians who crave the classic warmth of nylon strings but appreciate the playability of a steel-string guitar. Its solid Western red cedar top paired with mahogany back and sides delivers a rich, resonant sound that is both warm and focused, making it ideal for fingerstyle playing. The AC65HCE is designed to bridge the gap between classical and acoustic guitars, offering a narrower nut width and a radiused fingerboard for easy chording and single-note runs, especially for those transitioning from steel-string guitars.

The guitar's design includes a 14-fret neck joint and a deep cutaway, providing full access to the upper frets, perfect for intricate solos and complex chord voicings. Amplified performances are a breeze with the LR Baggs StagePro Bronze Preamp and Element pickup, ensuring your sound remains true and natural, whether on stage or in the studio. Constructed with attention to detail, this guitar features a genuine bone nut and saddle, enhancing sustain, while the mother-of-pearl rosette and inlays add a touch of elegance.

Whether you're performing at a coffee shop or practicing at home, the AC65HCE is your versatile companion, offering both acoustic resonance and amplified clarity.

Key Features:

  • Solid Western red cedar top for warm, resonant tones
  • Mahogany back and sides for a rich tonal foundation
  • 14-fret neck joint and cutaway for upper fret access
  • Narrower nut width and radiused fingerboard for comfortable playability
  • LR Baggs StagePro Bronze Preamp and Element pickup for natural amplified sound
  • Genuine bone nut and saddle for improved sustain

Product specs

String Type Nylon
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape Classical
Back & Sides Wood African Mahogany
Top Wood Solid A+ Western Red Cedar
Top Finish Gloss
Body Bracing Traditional Spanish Fan
Binding Black Walnut
Neck Wood Mahogany
Neck Shape D
Radius 14.96"
Number of Frets 22, Nickel Silver
Scale Length 25.593"
Nut Width 1.875"
Nut/Saddle Material Bone/Bone
Bridge Material Indian Laurel
Tuning Machines Alvarez, 15:1
Electronics LR Baggs Stagepro Bronze (preamp), LR Baggs Element (pickup)
Strings D'Addario Pro Arte EXP46, .029-.046
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What makes the Alvarez Artist Series AC65HCE a "hybrid" classical guitar?

The Alvarez AC65HCE is considered a hybrid because it combines a classical guitar body with a cutaway design and a narrower, radiused neck, making it more comfortable for players used to steel-string acoustics. It also features built-in electronics for amplified performance.

How does the Alvarez AC65HCE perform for fingerstyle playing?

The AC65HCE is well-suited for fingerstyle playing, thanks to its solid A+ Western Red Cedar top and traditional Spanish fan bracing, which provide a warm, responsive tone with clear projection.

What electronics are included in the Alvarez AC65HCE?

The Alvarez AC65HCE is equipped with an LR Baggs Stagepro Bronze preamp and an LR Baggs Element pickup, allowing for high-quality amplified sound suitable for live performances.

Is the Alvarez AC65HCE suitable for beginners?

The Alvarez AC65HCE can be suitable for beginners who are comfortable with a slightly larger body and want a guitar that offers both acoustic and electric capabilities, though its features may also appeal to more experienced players.

What type of strings does the Alvarez AC65HCE use?

The Alvarez AC65HCE comes with D'Addario Pro Arte EXP46 nylon strings, which are known for their warm tone and durability, enhancing the guitar's overall sound quality.

Classical Guitar

Classical Guitar

Review: The Alvarez AC65HCE Blends Elements of Classical and Steel-String Guitars

Video thumbnail for Review: The Alvarez AC65HCE Blends Elements of Classical and Steel-String Guitars by Classical Guitar

Review: The Alvarez AC65HCE Blends Elements of Classical and Steel-String Guitars

Classical Guitar

Classical Guitar

Video thumbnail for Alvarez  AC65HCE  Nylon String Guitar Demonstration by Paul Capps

Alvarez AC65HCE Nylon String Guitar Demonstration

Paul Capps

Paul Capps

Video thumbnail for Alvarez AC65HCE Plugged In by Capps Times

Alvarez AC65HCE Plugged In

Capps Times

Capps Times

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Alvarez Artist Series AC65HCE Classical Hybrid Acoustic-Electric Guitar.

User experience

  • The AC65HCE hybrid classical electric is praised for its playability and sound, and valued as a sentimental favorite alongside high-end guitars like the Gibson Southern Jumbo.

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  • Users appreciate the wider neck spacing for fingerstyle, facilitating intricate arrangements not easily achievable on narrower fretboards.

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  • Despite initial reluctance towards cutaways, some owners find the AC65HCE's design grows on them due to its overall spec and versatility.

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  • The built-in LR Baggs electronics are a standout feature, praised for their reliable performance in live settings, enhancing the guitar's suitability for stage use.

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  • Several players appreciate the guitar's playability, likening it to 'playing like butter,' indicating a smooth and comfortable playing experience.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners appreciate the AC65HCE for its versatility, offering a pleasant switch from steel-string acoustics to classical nylon strings.

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  • Owners find nylon strings to be gentler on fingertips, allowing extended practice sessions without discomfort, particularly beneficial for developing fingerpicking skills.

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  • Owners frequently use the guitar for DADGAD tuning, highlighting its versatility in alternative tunings beyond standard classical applications.

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Build quality

  • Alvarez guitars are noted for their solid construction, with anecdotal evidence suggesting that models improve in sound after months of regular play.

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Comparisons

  • The AC65HCE is seen as a unique alternative to more common steel-string guitars, offering a distinctive tonal palette that complements various musical styles.

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  • The AC65HCE is likened to Willie Nelson’s classical Martin guitar, known for its use in country and blues, underscoring its versatility beyond classical music.

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  • The AC65HCE is often compared to the Córdoba GK Studio Negra, with some users preferring the Alvarez for its neck shape and electronic setup.

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Features and functionality

  • The Alvarez AC65HCE features a bone nut and saddle, which are rare at this price point, enhancing tone and sustain.

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  • Equipped with LR Baggs electronics, the AC65HCE offers high-quality amplification, making it stand out among similarly priced guitars.

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  • The AC65HCE features a narrow neck, beneficial for players transitioning from steel-string guitars, offering easier adjustment to the classical style.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Users note the importance of trying different models in person, as hybrid guitars like the AC65HCE can feel vastly different from both steel-string and traditional classical guitars.

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Critic Reviews

New Gear: The Alvarez AC65HCE Blends Elements of Classical and Steel-String Guitars | Classical Guitar

classicalguitarmagazine.com

Straddling the line between classical and steel-string guitars, the Alvarez AC65HCE offers a unique blend of features that may appeal to both camps. With a warm, sweet sound and low action, it's a comfortable play for those transitioning from steel to nylon strings. However, the abrupt stop of side-dot markers and a plastic preamp feel less than premium. At under $500, it’s an attractive choice, especially for players seeking versatility in sound for recording or performance. While it lacks the projection of high-end models, its craftsmanship and tonal quality make it a worthy entry point for curious guitarists.

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