What's the shipping process of a Bernal Prodigy from Spain to US? (OLD)

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Artorias

Posts: 8
Joined: Oct. 22 2022

What's the shipping process of a Ber...

Hello;

This is my second post, I was orginally looking to buy a "proper" flamenco guitar that would be very good for it's worth and within my budget. I was going to buy Alhambra F7 or F8 but was told that a Bernal Prodigy would be better for its pricetag and it's made by a respected and amazing luthier in Spain. I then thought of how exactly is the process of shipping a instrument from Spain to the US? Has anybody else bought a Spanish Guitar from any EU country that was shipped to the US? What's the process? How much will I be spending on the shipping fees/tax/etc? I luckily live on the east coast of the US so I guess it isnt that bad. But I just don't want to spend a grand+ just for custom's to destroy or hold my instrument (if they can do that.)

Another question I have is there are so many different websites I found to get a Bernal but I am unsure if this is a good website or official website to buy the guitar.
It has very nice options that come with it but before I put my information I want to make sure if anybody on here has bought from this website or knows if it's legit or not.

Thank you

https://www.valerianobernalguitars.com/guitarras-flamencas/38-valeriano-bernal-prodigio.html#/clavijero-palillos_wittner_finetune/color-naranja_orange/tapa_armonica-cedro_canadiense

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 24 2022 20:59:13

estebanana

Posts: 9351
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: What's the shipping process of a... (in reply to Artorias)

Buy one that’s already imported by a commercial dealer in the US. There’s a a few who probably have something you want. Ask around as to who they are, Foro members will be familiar.

Also try Paracho guitars, a few main contacts in the US who stock them and will send via USPS etc.

It’s too much work to order from Spain by yourself.

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https://www.stephenfaulkguitars.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 24 2022 22:09:47

tri7/5

Posts: 570
Joined: May 5 2012

RE: What's the shipping process of a... (in reply to Artorias)

Why don't you contact them with your questions? Better to hear it direct so you know exactly what the process is and what you should expect.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 24 2022 22:22:27

Artorias

Posts: 8
Joined: Oct. 22 2022

RE: What's the shipping process of a... (in reply to estebanana)

Where can I find a "good" commercial dealers in the US? Any you recommend? I'm looking for a flamenco guitar made in Spain not a factory made one. Around my local area it's really impossible most sell Banjo's, Electrics, Bass etc. So online is really the only way to go for me

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 24 2022 23:16:53

Artorias

Posts: 8
Joined: Oct. 22 2022

RE: What's the shipping process of a... (in reply to tri7/5)

I wanted to see if anyone had experience with this specific Luthier and if the website is legit. I've heard people here have bought a Bernal on here so I wanted to know some more information about it.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 24 2022 23:18:36

devilhand

Posts: 1598
Joined: Oct. 15 2019

RE: What's the shipping process of a... (in reply to Artorias)

quote:

Where can I find a "good" commercial dealers in the US? Any you recommend?

As estebanana wrote try Paracho guitars. I read they are hand made in Paracho, Mexico by Francisco Navarro. Distributor information on their website here.

https://francisconavarro.com/about-us/

quote:

I'm looking for a flamenco guitar made in Spain not a factory made one.

As far as I know Alhambra guitars are factory made in Valencia, Spain.

We're talking about student model for beginners. The discussion about factory or hand made guitar is secondary. Instead, you should look at low string height at 12th fret and bridge.

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Say No to Fuera de Compás!!!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 24 2022 23:36:20

estebanana

Posts: 9351
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: What's the shipping process of a... (in reply to Artorias)

If you tell us where you are perhaps someone can recommend a shop. And well, Spanish guitars are almost all factory made until you get into the $4000.00 to $5000.00 dollar range
There is more knowledge about how to buy a good guitar here than you could ever know, but be in by hasty won’t get others throwing you good tips

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https://www.stephenfaulkguitars.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 25 2022 2:01:18

johnguitar

Posts: 208
Joined: Jan. 10 2006

RE: What's the shipping process of a... (in reply to estebanana)

Hi Stephen, I would much rather argue the finer points of spanish wine or Santos' contribution to guitar-making with you but I can't let this go unchallenged. It is not at all difficult for the customer to order a guitar from Spain. When I sell a guitar to the U.S. I arrange shipping and insurance, I fill out the Lacey Act information and I inform the customer about the trade restrictions on wood species. U.S. customs charges the client Duty directly (or through the courier) on the guitar and I have never had a delay or any sort of problem. Furthermore, right now the dollar is strong so buying from Spain is a good financial choice.

_____________________________

John Ray
https://www.johnguitar.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 25 2022 7:03:56

johnguitar

Posts: 208
Joined: Jan. 10 2006

RE: What's the shipping process of a... (in reply to Artorias)

In response to Artorias: It usually costs me between 300 and 350 Euros to insure and send a guitar to the U.S. I pass that cost on to the client. There is a Duty fee charged by U.S. Customs which the customer must pay. I think it is 8 or 9 percent of the cost of the guitar. I have done this many times both with guitar retailers and private customers.

Having said all that, it is true that luthier-made guitars start at a much higher price and that is what I am talking about. If you are buying a lower cost item you are strongly encouraged to find a place where you can choose from among a few samples. I have often encouraged guitarists to buy locally-made instruments if they can and there are many other reasons for that.

_____________________________

John Ray
https://www.johnguitar.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 25 2022 7:05:03

estebanana

Posts: 9351
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: What's the shipping process of a... (in reply to johnguitar)

Dear John,

I’m not disputing the international shipping of guitars made by such august and knowledgeable figures as yourself. I was perhaps hasty myself in not relating my point with more nuance. I was stressing the most likely better selection of lower tier price guitars that US side dealers import en masse’ and have already taken care of tariffs and papers.

I fully agree that buying a one off luthier constructed guitar from Spanish hands, or the manos of Americans in Spain is a viable option for any guitar buyers looking in your price tier.

After all I do the same on my side of the woods, but for anything under a few thousand dollars I tell people to look locally.

Rioja is on me next time and I’ll take any insights on Santos you’re willing to drop.

S.

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https://www.stephenfaulkguitars.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 25 2022 7:31:20

Piwin

Posts: 3559
Joined: Feb. 9 2016

RE: What's the shipping process of a... (in reply to Artorias)

I think that's the right site. The other one is more for their workshop in Algodoñales it seems.

If you go down to the "Envíos" tab at the very bottom there's some info there:
Guitar is fully insured and you need to report any damage within 24h after receipt.
Shipping costs to the US are 100 euros. Shipping time 7-10 days. Can't help you on the rest, since I don't live in the US.

Pimientito is the guy on here who worked closely with Bernal. He hasn't posted in years but you could always try sending him a PM or whatever. Alternatively you could look for some of his posts on the subject, for instance in this thread. Note that Valeriano himself no longer makes guitar, since he passed away a few years ago.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 25 2022 15:37:25

tri7/5

Posts: 570
Joined: May 5 2012

RE: What's the shipping process of a... (in reply to Piwin)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Piwin
Note that Valeriano himself no longer makes guitar, since he passed away a few years ago.

His son Rafa who is also a master luthier runs the shop now and also has his own line.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 25 2022 16:44:19

Artorias

Posts: 8
Joined: Oct. 22 2022

RE: What's the shipping process of a... (in reply to johnguitar)

I already bought a Guitar from Bernal and currently have it in my hands, probably one of the best decisions I've made Guitar wise. Where I'm from the majority of Instruments are standard Acoustics, Banjo's, various Electric guitars and Drums and etc. I live in a town so it wouldnt be possible for me to go into a Guitar Shop because "Spanish" Guitars don't exist here. Nevertheless, I appreciate everyone here.

(edit x2) {I also did end up spending more but it's for Flamenco so I give it a pass lul}

Since their are a lack of conversations of buying a Bernal from the US (today) I'll most likely write my experiences/process so everyone else with a similar position such as myself can get their questions answered.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 13 2023 20:58:39

Joan Maher

Posts: 213
Joined: Dec. 3 2013

RE: What's the shipping process of a... (in reply to Artorias)

I have bought guitars from US to Europe and there´s about a 21% duty to pay - my advice is to look for something secondhand locally or a local builder who does a student model.

Most of the guitars you have mentioned are manufactured not hand-built (apart from assembly) so most will not hold their value.

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Gracias!

Joan Josep Maher

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 15 2023 13:42:49