Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $890

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Alvarez Masterworks Series MD60 Acoustic Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Alvarez Masterworks Series MD60 Acoustic Guitar is a modern nod to the classic dreadnoughts of Bluegrass tradition, designed with both tone and aesthetics in mind. This guitar delivers a compelling blend of rich, resonant sound and timeless style, perfect for flatpickers and strummers alike. With a solid AAA Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides, the MD60 offers a powerful bass response coupled with clear, sparkling trebles, making it a versatile choice for various musical genres.

Its design pays homage to vintage guitars with features like vintage-style open-gear tuners, a tortoiseshell pickguard, and a single 12th-fret mother-of-pearl inlay that adds a touch of elegance. The guitar's mahogany neck transitions from a soft “V” to “C” shape, providing comfortable chording and playability for all styles. The FS6 spruce bracing pattern enhances the guitar’s low-end tonality, offering a robust and balanced sound.

The Alvarez MD60 also stands out visually with its traditional herringbone purfling and ABS binding, making it as much a pleasure to look at as it is to play. Whether on stage or in your living room, this guitar is crafted to cater to the needs of creative musicians, promising a lifetime of musical enjoyment.

Key Features:

  • Solid AAA Sitka spruce top with mahogany back and sides
  • FS6 spruce bracing for enhanced low-end tonality
  • Comfortable mahogany neck with a soft “V” to “C” profile
  • Indian laurel fingerboard with ivory ABS binding
  • Vintage-style open-gear tuners
  • Traditional herringbone purfling and rosette
  • Natural bone nut and saddle for reduced buzz and natural response

Product specs

String Type Steel
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape Dreadnought
Back & Sides Wood African Mahogany
Top Wood Solid AAA Sitka Spruce
Top Finish Gloss
Body Bracing FS6 Forward Shifted
Binding Herringbone
Neck Wood Mahogany
Neck Shape Soft V to a C shape
Radius 14.96"
Fingerboard Inlay Abaline and Mother of Pearl
Number of Frets 21, Nickel Silver
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Width 1.75"
Nut/Saddle Material Bone/Bone
Bridge Material Indian Rosewood
Tuning Machines Alvarez, 20:1
Strings D'Addario XTAPB1253, .012-.053
Case/Gig Bag Gig Bag

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the construction of the Alvarez Masterworks Series MD60?

The Alvarez Masterworks Series MD60 features a solid AAA Sitka spruce top and African mahogany back and sides, providing a rich and balanced tone with excellent projection.

What is the neck profile of the Alvarez MD60, and how does it affect playability?

The neck of the Alvarez MD60 transitions from a soft V to a C shape, offering a comfortable grip for both chord playing and fingerstyle techniques, making it versatile for various playing styles.

How does the FS6 Forward Shifted bracing affect the sound of the MD60?

The FS6 Forward Shifted bracing enhances the guitar's resonance and projection, delivering a robust and full-bodied sound ideal for both strumming and fingerpicking.

Is the Alvarez MD60 suitable for live performances?

The Alvarez MD60, with its dreadnought body shape and quality tonewoods, provides excellent volume and clarity, making it suitable for live performances and recording sessions.

Does the Alvarez MD60 come with a case or gig bag?

Yes, the Alvarez MD60 comes with a gig bag, offering protection and easy transport for the guitar.

World Music Supply

World Music Supply

Alvarez MD60 & MD60C Acoustic Guitar Demo

Video thumbnail for Alvarez MD60 & MD60C Acoustic Guitar Demo by World Music Supply

Alvarez MD60 & MD60C Acoustic Guitar Demo

World Music Supply

World Music Supply

Reviews

PROS

  • Superb sound quality, rivaling more expensive models like Martin D18.

  • Excellent craftsmanship with attention to detail.

  • All-solid wood construction provides rich tone and resonance.

  • Neck is comfortable and easy to play, ideal for extended sessions.

  • Holds tuning extremely well, even after intense playing.

  • Loud projection with deep bass, great for bluegrass and strumming.

  • Beautiful aesthetics, making it visually appealing.

  • Affordable price for the quality offered.

CONS

  • Requires setup out of the box; may arrive with buzzing strings.

  • Misleading origin information; made in China despite expectations of Japanese craftsmanship.

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Alvarez Masterworks Series MD60 Acoustic Guitar.

Build quality

  • The Alvarez MD60 is noted for having subpar tuning machines, which some owners find inadequate for heavier string gauges like .013-.056.

    Source
  • Some owners report sharp fret edges, requiring self-filing for smoother playability.

    Source
  • Some owners have reported bridge plate and bracing issues, leading to excessive bellying and neck warping over time.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend switching to phosphor bronze strings for a warmer tone, with specific mention of D'Addario XS phosphor bronze as an option.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The MD60 features a 1.75-inch nut width, which some fingerstyle players find suitable, despite the guitar being marketed primarily for flat-picking.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The MD60 is compared to a "poor man's D-18," highlighting its value and versatility despite being designed with a bluegrass focus.

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  • The MD60BG is noted as a "canon" for bass notes, contrasting with other models like the MFA66shb for different tonal preferences.

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  • The MF60OM is noted for its shorter scale and wider fretboard, making it potentially more suitable for fingerstyle compared to the dreadnought models.

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  • The Yamaha FG/FS 3 models and LL/LS 16 models are suggested as better quality alternatives at a similar price point to the Alvarez MD60.

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Value and pricing

  • Purchased new for around $700 two years ago, the MD60 now retails at approximately $800, indicating a slight price increase over time.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A full setup before purchase can result in low action with no string buzz, enhancing playability.

    Source
  • Filing the saddle and using Ernie Ball strings can significantly improve sound and maintain low action.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • While primarily a dreadnought, this guitar is praised for its versatility in both fingerstyle and flat-picking.

    Source
  • Despite being designed for bluegrass, the dreadnought models are versatile enough for both strumming and fingerpicking, though the MF60OM might be preferable for the latter.

    Source

User experience

  • It's advised to thoroughly inspect the guitar for quality control issues within the return window to avoid potential long-term problems.

    Source

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