Alvarez

Alvarez Deluxe 5-String Banjo 1970s – Japanese Mastercraft, Resonator Bluegrass Banjo

Regular Price
$650.00
Sale Price
$650.00
Regular Price
Sold Out
Unit Price
per 

Add some text content to a popup modal

No sales tax for customers outside California.

The Alvarez Deluxe 5-String Banjo from the 1970s is a prime example of the high-quality Japanese craftsmanship that defined this early era of imported acoustic instruments.

Built during a time when Alvarez was producing beautifully detailed bluegrass instruments, this Deluxe model features a maple neck and resonator, ornate mother-of-pearl inlays, a multi-ply tone ring, and intricate binding throughout.

Known for its bright, powerful projection and excellent sustain, this banjo is ideal for traditional bluegrass, old-time, and country players. The fifth string tuner and geared tuners offer modern functionality with vintage appeal, making it a dependable and roadworthy instrument for serious players and collectors alike.

Whether you're a seasoned picker or looking to add a vintage Japanese banjo to your collection, the 1970s Alvarez Deluxe delivers standout tone, craftsmanship, and visual appeal at a fraction of the price of American-made counterparts from the same era.

The banjo is in excellent condition.  It has been played some, but has been very well cared for.  

The frets show very light wear.  There are a couple small dings here and there, and there is surface finish wear on the back of the resonator.  The neck is straight and the truss rod was checked to make sure there is room for future neck relief adjustments.  There are no changes, repairs, or issues.

The original case is included.

  • Weight: 10lbs 3.5oz
  • Body: Rosewood Resonator w Inlay
  • Tone Ring: Heavy Vega copy.
  • Pot: 24 hooks with shoe brackets on a bracket band
  • Neck: Mahogany
  • Fretboard: Rosewood
  • Inlays: Bowtie
  • Frets: Original
  • Fret Count: 22
  • Nut: Original
  • Nut Width: 1-1/4"
  • Scale: 26.25"
  • Neck Thickness at 1st Fret: .89"
  • Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: 1.05"
  • Total Length: 37-3/4"
  • Head Diameter: 11"
  • Resonator Depth: 1-3/4"
  • Hardware: Original
  • Bridge: Original
  • Tuners: Original
  • Case: Original
  • Notes:

Shipping policy:

There are two shipping cost options for purchases made on our site for these states and those to the east of them: Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas.  Select Standard shipping at checkout and your item will be shipped via UPS three-day-air.  Select Economy shipping and your item will ship via UPS ground.  For Reverb purchases, there is one cost option for these Eastern states and shipment will be made by UPS three-day-air.  Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions.  If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com.  Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase. 

Subscribe to our newsletter

Signup for our newsletter to stay up to date on sales and events.

*By completing this form you're signing up to receive our emails and can unsubscribe at any time