my friend doesnt like them

I build and repair guitars, and had never heard of this brand until your question, so I did a quick search. I see one on e-bay going for around $80. This seems to be one of the many import "knock off" type of guitar that was prevalant in the 80's. Likely not very good quality. When it comes to guitars, you get what you pay for.

They are Asian copies of American made (ie Gibson) guitars. I have a Les Paul Custom with a set neck. the back of the body is solid wood but the top is curved plywood of poor quality. Good for making a wall clock or smashing on stage.

I've played for 40 yrs. and have never heard of it, so it's probably a cheap knock off. No good. Go with a top-of-mind brand for top quality! Ovation,Fender,Martin,Etc.

Hello Alpha investors, As an inhabitant of the Netherlands I do agree with Wade Hampton Miller: The Alpha brand was ment to be distributed in Europe and the Vega brand was exported to the USA. But beware! There are also Far eastern made Vega's and Alpha's! I don't know the quality of these instruments. I have to confirm the neck to body problems allready notified by others. Most of the Alpha guitars, both steel and nylonstring, that keep popping up have a body made out of mahogany. So I was surprised to find an example that is a copy of a D 28 even in the interior bracing that had a solid rosewood body. It was unplayable as well due to a very high playing action. I repaired it by taking off some material off the heel where it meets the body and made a construction where I bolted the neck / heel from the inside. Though the quality of the woods used is not comparable to Martin guitars, the sound is! I owe two Martin guitars (D28 and D35 end seventies)that were my standard to compare with. Of course it can be a one of a kind example which I tend to believe but anyway I like it a lot and I won't part with it anymore. It has the nicely shaped tone qualities of a Martin but when I strum it harder she has an extra gear! This instrument has plenty of sustain, good balance and just keeps on giving volume when strummed harder. Fingerpicking is not my cup of tea on Dreadnought guitars but this one speaks that easily it is a delight to do so! At the time the Alpha (also Alfesta!)brand was introduced I was giving guitar lessons so many of the nylonstringed instruments (also with a mahogany body passed through my hands. Those instruments looked decently built but they didn't appeal to pupils for cosmetic reasons: a matt varnish and a too white soundboard though the sound wasn't bad at all. Hope this sheds some more light on the Alpha story. And yes, the Martin company was involved. Some Alpha labels bear the name Martin. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------