Alvarez Implements ATR™ (Advanced Tonal Response) System

March 3rd 2017

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI – Alvarez Guitars is excited to reveal an upgrade to its wood preparation process, the Advanced Tonal Response System. ATR™ is an extra step in the production workflow that enhances an instrument’s stability, strength and tonal attributes.

“Our focus on continuous improvement and R&D has led us to some fantastic discoveries,” says Chris Meikle, Head of Development at Alvarez and Senior Vice President of St. Louis Music. “ATR not only brings clarity and better response to our instruments, but hugely enhances their stability, especially in dryer climates and areas of extreme weather.”

ATR™ begins after months of air and traditional kiln drying is applied to Alvarez tone woods. The wood is cured and processed further in an oxygen controlled vacuum environment at specific temperatures to remove even more moisture and volatiles such as saps and sugars.

The result is a more stable wood that is less vulnerable to overly dry and humid climates. ATR™ also advances the natural, post-build drying process so the wood behaves as if it were more mature. This gives the finalized instrument the “vintage” tone that many players covet in their older guitars, but instead of taking years to mature, the ATR™ treated guitars are stable and resonant from the day it is brought home.

To learn more about Alvarez go to www.alvarezguitars.com or call +1 314-727-1191.

[Pictured: ATR Logo]

St. Louis Music/U.S. Band & Orchestra is one of the largest general distributors of musical instruments and accessories in North America. SLM is the owner of Alvarez Guitars, Austin Guitars, Knilling String Instruments, E.K. Blessing, & Sigma Guitars. The company is also the exclusive USA distributor of Dixon Drums & Hardware, Antigua, and P. Mauriat Brass and Woodwinds.  SLM also distributes over 250 brands of accessories to music stores across the USA.