Alvarez A800 1978 Mahogany walnut

TITLE: Vintage 1978 Alvarez A800 F-Style Mandolin "Hand Made" Japan - Ornate Abalone (w/ Pickup & OHSC)

Up for sale from Dalen's Gear Locker is a gorgeous, highly collectible vintage 1978 Alvarez A-800 F-Style mandolin. Built during the absolute golden "lawsuit era" of Japanese acoustic luthiery, this deluxe model features a formal "Hand Made" factory stamp inside the soundhole and delivers that classic, vintage woody chop and tone that bluegrass players chase [Query-relevant Context].

ORNATE COLLECTOR DETAILS:

This instrument showcases jaw-dropping, master-level craftsmanship that is virtually impossible to find nowadays. It features beautiful, intricate, and deeply colorful abalone fingerboard inlays, framed by a highly detailed matching abalone tree-of-life vine inlay split across the traditional scroll headstock. This is a true collector's piece at an amazing price point.

ELECTRONICS & PICKGUARD NOTES:

This instrument comes equipped with an aftermarket pickup installed, making it completely stage-ready.

Full transparency: The original celluloid pickguard is currently falling apart/disintegrating (this is common for 70s celluloid and exactly how I received it). My original intention was to use the original hardware to craft a beautiful new custom pickguard out of Hawaiian wood, but I have to sell the mandolin as-is due to my upcoming relocation. You can easily choose to remove the existing hardware and play it with no pickguard at all. However, I will include the original pickguard in the case if you would like to complete the simple, enjoyable job of using it as a template to recreate a new one and fasten it in place.

Condition Notes: Overall excellent vintage structural condition. The wood is solid, the neck alignment is straight, and it plays beautifully with that signature aged resonance. Shows standard light cosmetic play scuffs consistent with a well-loved 1970s instrument. Includes its original hard shell case.

Either way, you absolutely cannot beat the vintage handmade sound and high-end pre-war styling from the Japanese lawsuit era for this price.

Full transparency: Relocating out of the country and downsizing. Because of the international move, this item is sold strictly As-Described with no returns. Serious offers welcome!

Condition: Excellent

SELLER SHIPPING METRICS

Box Weight: 10 lbs

Box Dimensions: 32" x 15" x 6"

Carrier Services: UPS / FedEx (Fully Insured with Reverb Safe Shipping)