Not sure which one to get

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ingo

Posts: 2
Joined: Jan. 7 2010

Not sure which one to get

Hi, I am new here and hope that's the right forum to post my question. I played flamenco guitar a long time ago for about 3 years and want to get back into it - starting with buying a decent instrument.

Problem is I won't be able to look at the guitars or even play them as I am living in Hong Kong and choices here are pretty limited. But a friend of mine is coming over from Tokyo soon and is happy to bring along whatever I want.

I've been browsing a little and came across some names:

Loriente Carmen
Jose Ramirez FL2
Conde Hermanos EF-4
Alhambra Luthier Flamenca

I have really no idea what the differences are - other than looks (and price to some extend). I guess they are all entry-level-decent and I am sure there are 10 more guitars out there in the same league that I should consider as well.

Can anybody help with the decision? All I can say is I love flamenco... the bang and the fullness of the sound that came out of these guitars always amazed me. Appreciate all the help and advice I can get! Many thanks, Ingo

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 7 2010 6:47:44

keith

Posts: 1108
Joined: Sep. 29 2009
From: Back in Boston

RE: Not sure which one to get (in reply to ingo)

ingo: Ultimately you have to decide but here are my thoughts--just remember that factory built guitars can vary

Loriente--no experience with this one and have not heard any reviews

Ramirez Fl-2 way over price if you ask me. it is a factory guitar built, most likely, by Alhambra

Conde EF-4 ditto

Alhambra--I have heard a lot of positive reviews about their guitars--the Alhambra 10F is in the same price ballpark as the Ramirez and Conde and is, in my opinion, a far better guitar.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 7 2010 12:18:10

HolyEvil

Posts: 1240
Joined: Nov. 6 2008
From: Sydney, Australia

RE: Not sure which one to get (in reply to ingo)

Hi there, when I was in HongKong last year, I went to a music store in Tsim Sha Tsui, it's called Tom something music I think.. I'll go home and check the bag that came with the strings I bought there. It's near to one of the entrances of the MTR station.
it's a large store with 3 levels. Electric and acoustic guitar on the 1st,
pianos onthe 2nd, classical/flamenco/high end acoustic guitars on the third

They have the Ramirez FL-2
some Amalio Burguet, and even a Yamaha CG171SF..

I can't remember much but I know there was at least 4 flamenco guitars there that were about the same price as the FL-2

hope this helps..

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 8 2010 17:10:13

ingo

Posts: 2
Joined: Jan. 7 2010

RE: Not sure which one to get (in reply to HolyEvil)

Thanks for the tip! I am aware of that shop but what they show on their website doesn't really cut it:
http://www.tomleemusic.com.hk/products_1_1.php?subcatID=19&brandID=191
Maybe they have more in the shop than they show online. I also didn't know Yamaha was making Flamenco guitars - that's new information. Many thanks for that!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 8 2010 18:15:38