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Posts: 98
Joined: Aug. 20 2008
From: Los Angeles, California
Fransisco Navarro or Salvador Castillo
Greetings All, I have great opportunity on two guitars, however, can only afford one =O( What is the opinion of the two builders from paracho Salvadore Castillo or Fransisco Navarro. both are blancas 52/650. Any info would GREATLY be appreciated.
Posts: 1531
Joined: Nov. 7 2008
From: New York City/San Francisco
RE: Fransisco Navarro or Salvador Ca... (in reply to daffey)
Which F. Navarro are you considering, among the various models, Student or Top of the line (Reyes model)?
I had a great experience with his guitars and would certainly recommend them. However, i never played a Castillo and cannot offer a comparative evaluation.
RE: Fransisco Navarro or Salvador Ca... (in reply to daffey)
There are few videos on Castillo on Youtube worth checking out. Also Guitarsalon has two of his flamenco guitars for sale for reference. Personally I would go with Castillo even though I've had played one. Navarros I've played are basic models which are good value for the money.
If you decide on the Navarro, please send me the Castillo guitar info. I might be interested. Good luck.
Posts: 667
Joined: Aug. 20 2008
From: DFW Area, Texas
RE: Fransisco Navarro or Salvador Ca... (in reply to daffey)
I had the same dilema several months ago. I spoke with both, Franscisco and Salvador, several times and I decided to go with Salvador's Blanca with Spanish Cypres. I love it. Both builders are very passinate and care about each instrument they create and stand behind their work. You can not go wrong with either of them. Good luck.
Posts: 1531
Joined: Nov. 7 2008
From: New York City/San Francisco
RE: Fransisco Navarro or Salvador Ca... (in reply to RTC)
Fair views from all posts. What is the respective asking price, Daffey?
GSI's prices are proverbially inflated and should scarcely serve as sound reference for the guitar's value. Thier mark ups drive the price a bit over the edge of reasons. The two Castillo GSI offers are priced at $2,500 (apparently discounted from $3,500).
I know of Navarro thorugh our Tom Nunez (lafalseta); on his site the basic Navarro Reyes has been listed at $2,200 for a while. Having dealt with him both as seller and buyer, I believe his margins are more humane. Hence, a closer relation between first cost- and retail price, the intrinsic commercial value of the guitar.
If you are buying second hand, I suppose both appear to be good instruments for the money. Each may require some adjustments to meet your specifications (such as action and tuners).
Ultimately, however, you should somehow follow your instinct.
RE: Fransisco Navarro or Salvador Ca... (in reply to daffey)
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND CASTILLO. I own one and I want more. I have never in my life been happier with a guitar, so much so that I walk into Bruné's shop and don't even want any of the others.
Salvador is a great guy, builds the most amazing guitars with great feel and I'm sure you will be incredibly happy with him.
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