Kevin Richards Blanca No15 - first impressions

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Louis_B

Posts: 71
Joined: Mar. 22 2009

Kevin Richards Blanca No15 - first i...

Now I’ve been playing my new guitar for the past week or so (I missed a week away doing karate training) I thought I’d share my first impressions.

The Buying Experience
Kevin was very hospitable and showed me and my dad his workshop and explained the process very clearly as he is building No 17, which I think will be a peghead. I was impressed by the quality of his craftsmanship and the care he takes at every stage.

He allowed me plenty of time to play the guitar, which immediately impressed me, and to come to a decision whether to buy.

Build Quality
This is visually a very well finished and attractive guitar.
The set up is spot on for me but Kevin also thoughtfully provided shims for the nut and saddle.

Compared to my C3F my new guitar is much, much lighter.
The C3F weighs 1.65kg, the Kevin Richards weighs 1.4kg - done scientifically on my mum’s electronic food scales.

Kevin gave me a card detailing all the materials used to construct the guitar which I thought was a nice touch.

First Playing Impressions
It has a slightly longer scale length than my C3F but I’m getting used to it very quickly.

I don’t know the technical terms but the words that describe my new guitar are loud, crisp, clear, responsive.

Although I usually play a C3F I have played a Blacksheer blanca, a Manuel Reyes blanca and a Conde Hermanos negra a little so I have a bit of experience playing better quality guitars.

I think my Kevin Richards compares very well with more famous builders’ guitars and it is everything I could want in a flamenco blanca.

I’m currently practicing the beginners’ tangos so you will hear this guitar very soon

I hope that you found the above interesting.

Louis_B

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 12 2009 2:47:32

Ailsa

Posts: 2277
Joined: Apr. 17 2007
From: South East England

RE: Kevin Richards Blanca No15 - fir... (in reply to Louis_B)

Looking forward to hearing it Louis!

_____________________________

http://www.flamencojourney.com
http://www.myspace.com/flamencojourney

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 12 2009 3:24:38

Stephen Eden

Posts: 914
Joined: Apr. 12 2008
From: UK

RE: Kevin Richards Blanca No15 - fir... (in reply to Louis_B)

Great stuff and Great work Mr Richards I look forward to hearing your guitar! I also look forward to seeing pictures of your peg head. I'm building two identical peg heads atm and will post my pictures also

_____________________________

Classical and Flamenco Guitars www.EdenGuitars.co.uk

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 12 2009 8:42:16

Mike_Kinny

Posts: 689
Joined: Feb. 12 2009

RE: Kevin Richards Blanca No15 - fir... (in reply to Louis_B)

And you got it almost for free. £600 right?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 13 2009 6:47:35

Louis_B

Posts: 71
Joined: Mar. 22 2009

RE: Kevin Richards Blanca No15 - fir... (in reply to Mike_Kinny)

quote]ORIGINAL: Mike_Kinny

And you got it almost for free. £600 right?
[/quote]

A very, very good price.

I didn't haggle

Louis_B

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 13 2009 9:11:29

krichards

Posts: 597
Joined: Jan. 14 2007
From: York, England

RE: Kevin Richards Blanca No15 - fir... (in reply to Louis_B)

quote:

I hope that you found the above interesting.

I certainly did Louis., and thanks for the review.

_____________________________

Kevin Richards

http://www.facebook.com/#!/kevin.richards.1048554

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 13 2009 23:51:27

krichards

Posts: 597
Joined: Jan. 14 2007
From: York, England

RE: Kevin Richards Blanca No15 - fir... (in reply to Louis_B)

quote:

And you got it almost for free. £600 right?

What is a guitar worth?
It depends on 4 things I think, in no particular order

1 Looks; its got to look pretty
2 Sound; is it the sound you want?
3 Playability: action neck profile etc

4 and most important of all (I'm a cynic I know) is the name inside on the label.

To charge a proper commercial price you need to be known and endorsed by well known players. It takes time I guess

But most important for me is that my guitars go to people who really want them and who play them.
I'm retired through ill health so I can only make about three each year. I'll never have a big output and I'm not running a business.
I just try make a guitar better each time.

_____________________________

Kevin Richards

http://www.facebook.com/#!/kevin.richards.1048554

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 14 2009 0:01:39