Laureate Series
Beyond Dedication
In 2025 we launched 16 new models and introduce Mahogany backs and sides, Herringbone purfling on some models, a new color we call Sunset, and a brand-new shape, we call the “LT’s”, our take on the beautiful 000 12th fret of the early 1900’s.
Every part that goes into our Laureate guitars is carefully considered, and each component is hand-selected for its quality to help achieve optimal tonal, aesthetic and build quality excellence.
Laureate is a traditional guitar line in the sense that its body shapes and styling are influenced by vintage acoustic guitars. They are also fitted with a single level bridge, different to all other Alvarez guitars. They are constructed and voiced to be instantly responsive and articulate, with superb soundboards and premium black ebony bridges and fingerboards. They are fitted with the groundbreaking LR Baggs HiFi transducer pick up system.
Laureate Series is made with fearless dedication and attention to detail in a hope we deliver unwavering reliability, performance and heartwarming value.
Introducing our LT Models. Based upon 000-12th fret body shapes of the early 1900’s, our LT’s offer a medium sized instrument with a full scale length and optimal air volume for great projection.
Sunset is our new color. A deep and rich, three shade burst with a wider edging that blends perfectly from yellow, through red to brown. Rosewood Sunset models also feature Herringbone purfling.
Mahogany back and sides are now available in several shapes and sizes, and a an all Mahogany LT model is also available, with the lightest of Daybreak finishes.
The quality of every component is so important in the overall performance of an acoustic guitar. For Laureate Series we hand select every bridge plate, brace, side brace and piece of kerfing from thousands, to make sure they are the best quality possible for structure and appearance. This dedication can be seen, heard and felt and brings a rare level of detailing to the build process.
FS6 is based on a traditional forward shifted bracing pattern with particular attention paid to the weight and placement of the struts themselves. For Laureate we take a couple of extra steps and hand sand the braces which are cut from quartersawn Sitka spruce and chosen for their straight, finely grained quality to enhance overall response and vibration.
Only our finest, wonderfully quartersawn and silked Sitka, as well as hand selected African Mahogany is used in Laureate Series. The stiffness and quality of the tops allow us to thickness sand them just a tad thinner to help heighten response. Backs and sides are cut from the best East Indian Rosewood and African Mahogany that comes into our possession; bookmatched with perfect coloring.
The systems required to achieve the quality we aimed for made us once again improve upon our sanding and painting process to deliver a flawless, deep shine with the thinnest clearcoat we have ever achieved in Alvarez. We’ve also introduced a new color called Daybreak, a super light burst adding an aesthetic depth to the top and creating a vintage style vibe at the same time.
Bridges, fingerboards and headstock plates are cut from the finest African ebony we can find. The ebony components impact articulation, clarity and separation of notes and frequencies and work with other premium comments to deliver a clear and powerful voicing. This quality of ebony works beautifully with rare Blue Abalone inlays to create a very luxurious but understated vibe.
Aesthetically, Laureate is a traditional guitar series in the sense its body shapes are based on guitars from the late 1800’s to the 1930’s. With this in mind, we made the decision not to use our Bi-Level bridge and to stay closer in keeping with a traditional approach, and a full, single level bridge style. The Laureate bridge has its own unique styling and is cut from the finest black ebony.
