Is Alfred reliable?

[chopincat]

Do people generally think Alfred is a reliable/credible publisher? I've been buying Alfred Masterwork editions for most of my life because they're inexpensive and they're not Schirmer. Should I be splurging on the nicer editions? (I'm just a high school student)

[j_menz]

They're about my last choice. I generally find the print quality poor, though there are happy exceptions to that. They tend to be better for more commonplace repertoire than more obscure stuff.

[chopinlover01]

I have some alfred masterwork books that are decent, but IMO the ever so controversial Schirmer editions tend to be better. My main volume of theirs is the Chopin Preludes, and I have a copy of the Chopin Nocturnes in Alfred as well (though I also have a Schirmer edition of those, which is more reliable).
As far as more expensive editions are concerned, I've found that they're great gifts from many elderly relatives; those that don't want to just give money or a gift card. Especially if they're musically inclined. My grandmother, for instance (who was my piano teacher until a few years ago and who still teaches) for the last two years has given me a Henle Urtext each birthday and holiday season.