Thanks for looking folks here we have a better than average beauty,  A rare 2 pointer I love the birdseye maple burst on the back very nice over all example here vintage golden era highly crafted in Japan mandolin..

The Alvarez stamped into wood inside says HAND MADE not so ez to picture and see its faint but is clearly legable. This gem is another one of our vintage Japanese made instruments I’ve collected over the past 30 years . Its like a time capsule in a good way.


This is a vintage 45ish years old Alvarez mandolin with the "A over A" (or large "A") abalone/vine motif on the headstock originates from the mid-to-late 1970s to early 1980s. These instruments were handcrafted in Japan during a "golden era" for Alvarez-Yairi instruments. details regarding this era and model: I also have the A over A Alvarez with vine motif in a J200 it is a late 70’s so im guessing its age by it’s constructio and experience collecting these instruments I believe its a premium build most likely in the Terada factory. Known as Japans custom shop.

Here is some more info

  • Era: Mid-1970s (approx. 1975–1978) to early 1980s.
  • Models: Frequently associated with high-quality, solid-wood models like the A-800 (F-style) or A-700 (A-style), often featuring intricate abalone "vine" or "fern" headstock inlays.
  • Origins: Handmade in Japan (MIJ) for St. Louis Music, often stamped "Hand Made" inside.
  • Features: These often have solid spruce tops, maple back and sides, gold plating, and a "The Alvarez" script on the headstock designed to resemble vintage Gibson mandolins. Facebook +6

Some later, less decorative models (like the A-100) were produced in the early 90s, but the ornate vine-motif "A" models are characteristic of the 1970s Japanese production

This example:
Super nice original condition not repaired or touched up just as she was Hardly a nick or scratch to be seen anywhere with a beautiful sunburst great  playing action nice frets excellent neck set no separations , excellent bindings its in JVG rated better than average vintage beautiful! Comes with as seen gig bagExcellent chop! Too much fun
Thank you for looking Joe Joe's Vintage Guitars