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How to choose a flamenco guitar?   You are logged in as Guest
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Skai

 

Posts: 317
Joined: Sep. 12 2004
 

How to choose a flamenco guitar? 
I've started this thread so that everyone here can view a list of tips on how to choose a flamenco guitar. Hopefully everyone who knows something can contribute. How about a list of good brands and makers too? While certain things such as playability and tone are subjective, I'm pretty sure there are other important factors that go into choosing a good guitar.

As for me, I can't help much but just let me start off with a few questions.

1. Anders has stated that the cypress used in Alhambra 7Fc is of poor quality. Is there a way to tell the quality of wood by looking at it?

2. Any other visual tips to look out for when choosing a guitar?

3. I've also heard that closer grained tops have a tighter sound while loose grain tops have a more bassy tone to it. Is this true? What about tops with both close and loose grains?

Cheers,
Cheston

_____________________________

Try some Enrique Iglesias for some great cante.
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Mar. 24 2005 9:58:35
 
Thomas Whiteley

 

Posts: 786
Joined: Jul. 8 2003
From: San Francisco Bay Area

RE: How to choose a flamenco guitar? (in reply to Skai) 
Cheston;

There are many things to look for when examining a guitar. I use my fingers to feel the entire instrument -–following the seams, top, sides, bottom and neck. Check for bulges along the entire top especially near the bridge and where braces are installed. Also check the area where the neck is attached to the body!!!!! Be sure the fit is tight.

Do the machine heads or pegs turn easily? Are they stable?

If you are picky use a dental mirror to examine the inside of more expensive guitars. Learn what to look for. Understand bracing patterns and check if the luither did a good or sloppy job inside of the guitar.

One check for the neck is to run your index finger and thumb along either side of the top of the guitar neck to check how well the frets were installed. You might find some sharp edges on either or both sides of one or more frets. They can be filed away if necessary.

Check the clearance from the 12th fret to the strings. It should be close – about 2mm but is very dependent upon the height of the saddle. A high saddle hinders measurement unless you have an eye for such things. I do not like to see a “bow” from the first fret to the 12th fret. I cannot explain that one well but you can learn what I am inferring very quickly.

A good even finish is essential. You should create a checklist and go over an instrument detail by detail. Also, research the luither, ask lots of questions and be very careful. Above all, stay within your budget!

Does the guitar play well and sound good? No matter how good it looks, looks mean very little when choosing a guitar. I tend to keep guitars like I keep friends – for ever! I have seen and played good guitars that cost less than $200. Not many but several. You never know what jewel you will find in the disguise of a guitar! Above all remember, labels are cheap! Good guitars are good guitars!

Learn to use all your senses to examine a guitar – especially common sense!

Again this is my short list.

_____________________________

Tom
http://home.comcast.net/~flamencoguitar/flamenco.html
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Mar. 25 2005 1:29:22
 
Ricardo

Posts: 14864
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: How to choose a flamenco guitar? (in reply to Skai) 
Here's my short list:

Ricardo Sanchis Carpio/Hermanos Sanchis Lopez
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Mar. 25 2005 21:33:19
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