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Posts: 482
Joined: May 6 2009
From: Iran (living in London)
Classical guitar > Flamenco guitar?!
Hi folks,
I know that this might have been discussed before one way or the other but I really would like to know your opinion on this.
I have a fairly decent Classical guitar which I started learning Flamenco on. I have recently bought a very good Flamenco guitar. I am trying to avoid possible damages to my Flamenco guitar taking it and bringing it to and from lessons (travelling on the tube, buses, under the rain, etc). So I thought I might be able to lower down the action on my Classical one and use that during lessons and use my Flamenco one when I am practicing at home.
I am not expecting a very Flamenco sound, something Flamencoish would do the trick.
Do you think this is achievable at all or trying to lower down the action, etc is a total waste of time and I should sell the Classical and buy an inexpensive, playable Flamenco guitar?
RE: Classical guitar > Flamenco g... (in reply to Argaith)
Argaith
Its very difficult to answer a question like this one without having had the guitar in your hand. The answer will be that some classicals adapt well, because they are light build and have string setup that will adjust. Other guitars adapt poorly because they are heavy and with a high bridge setup. Have you asked your flamenco teacher about what he thinks.
RE: Classical guitar > Flamenco g... (in reply to Argaith)
In my opinion you should just play your flamenco guitar all the time. Invest in a kick-ass case if you can. I mean, you bought it to play it, right? Why play something else that isn't as good?
RE: Classical guitar > Flamenco g... (in reply to Argaith)
listen, I'm going to be honest guys....
90% of the newer flamenco guitars I have played are only different from classicals because the have a tap plate and slightly lower action.
It's not like the older guitars (the ones that everyone outside of spain seem to like) like the barberos and de chica's that have the low low action, thin bodies super light builds and buzz alot.
modern flamenco guitars are getting more and more difficult to distinguish.
So, if you have a classical, lower the bone and throw a tap plate on. can't hurt!
if you have the dough, buy a flamenco. Yeah it's nice to have a guitar that's built for the style... but listen to ciudad de las ideas and you can play most of the same stuff on a classical pretty spot on.
Posts: 482
Joined: May 6 2009
From: Iran (living in London)
RE: Classical guitar > Flamenco g... (in reply to Argaith)
Ron - Thanks for the links, they gave me some knowledge.
Anders - You are right, the best person who could judge whether it's worth trying to tamper with my Classical guitar or not is my teacher.
Kubase - What you said makes absolute sense especially the fact that I have realised that the more I play my new guitar, the more I am bonding with it. My new guitar came with a fairly sturdy case.
HemeolaMan - Thank you too. What you said about modern Flamenco guitars is correct because I did a lot of research before I bought mine. However, the difference between the sound of my Classical and Flamenco guitars are beyound comparison. So, perhaps to avoid confusion, I should take Kubase's advice on board and stick to the nice, genuine sound.
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