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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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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
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.