There is nothing entry about our entry-point Artist Series 30s when it comes to sound and playability. Their light semi-gloss finish allows them to resonate exceptionally well, and their A-grade solid Sitka top and FST2 bracing deliver a robust voicing with plenty of volume and dynamics. About Artist Series Alvarez Artist Series represents our commitment to quality and care. Our goal is to create an instant bond between you and your guitar through meticulous design in bracing, voicing and overall construction. Every component—from our bi-level bridge to our solid bridge plates and neck blocks—is carefully considered to deliver the best response possible from solid-top construction. Artist Series guitars are responsive with impressive projection and balance that make them both rewarding and inspiring to play. With a huge selection of body shapes and wood configurations, Artist Series has a guitar for everyone. For a more focused, woody tone, choose a Mahogany top. For a broader, more open projection, choose Sitka. For a warm response to a lighter, melodic touch, choose Cedar. Our Approach to the Build All of our solid tops are selected by our team and graded independently of our suppliers. If it isn’t worthy, it isn’t used. Our laminated backs and sides are uniquely constructed with Mahogany as our middle layer, and our inner and outer layers are always matched. Artist guitars strike the right balance between strength and vibration, crafting a voice to both inspire and give players “tools in the tone.” Alongside this approach to development lies our respect for sourcing, preparation and nurturing the wood we use to make our guitars. No matter how considered design may be, it can only be as good as the wood we use to realize them. Our all-solid wood tops, backs and sides, as well as the mahogany used for our necks, go through a curing process developed over years to create stability, strength and tonal benefits. Depending on the wood and its use, this process takes many months or even years for some of our models. After months-long seasoning, we perform an extra drying stage in thermo-kilns to further enhance wood stability and improve resonance. We call this process ATR—Advanced Tonal Response. ATR™ is a form of torrefaction—oxygen controlled, vacuum curing at special temperatures to remove more moisture and volatiles such as saps and sugars from the wood. Top Wood Solid A Sitka Spruce Back and Sides Wood Sapeli Top Color Natural/Semi Gloss Back & Sides Color Natural/Open Pore Bridge Pins ABS Shape OM Neck African Mahogany Bracing FST2 Bridge Bi-Level Indian Laurel Inlays Decal & ABS Fingerboard Indian Laurel Headstock Plate Techwood Nut and Saddle Bone Tuner Chrome Closed Gears Strings D'Addario XTAPB1253 Neck Meets Body 14th Number of Frets 21