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Hello, I've been interested in learning guitar for a while now (flamenco in particular). I have a formal music background with piano, and I've recently begun to learn the mandolin as well. Obviously the first step would be to get a guitar. What would you folks recommend in the beginner category? Hopefully something in the sub-1000 range. I'm in Toronto, and close enough to the 12th Fret store here (which some of you may be aware of). I've done a bit of poking around on Ebay, but I'm sure a lot of stuff on there is hit-miss unless you well-informed.
RE: Recommendations for Beginner Guitar? (in reply to Rhombuss)
well for a very beginner, i'm not sure.
formal piano training and flamenco are different animals. but if you want a really serviceable good sounding well built beginner guitar try francisco navarro i'v eheard good things.
Posts: 4530
Joined: Aug. 9 2006
From: Iran (living in Germany)
RE: Recommendations for Beginner Guitar? (in reply to Rhombuss)
For a very beginner: Yamaha CGSF171 ( about 350 $ )
I bought one of these yamaha guitars for one of my friends and it is definately worth the price (even much better that some other more expensive spanish guitars).
And after an year or so, if you should decide to stay in the flamenco world, you can go for semi-pro guitars over 1500 $ (Like Hnos. Sanchis Lopez etc.)
RE: Recommendations for Beginner Guitar? (in reply to HemeolaMan)
I bought a Navarro student flamenco...so far so good, then again as compare to what, CGSF171? Craftmanship was good, better that CGSF171. Sound quality is ok, depending on humidity I guess. I'm pretty happy with this entry level guitar although I'll be purchasing an upper 2k + model in the near future.
RE: Recommendations for Beginner Guitar? (in reply to Rhombuss)
quote:
I'm in Toronto, and close enough to the 12th Fret store
The flamenco guitars they carry are Alhambra (and sometimes the Ramirez student models which are made in the Alhambra and Raimundo factories and overpriced because of the label). You can try the Yamaha at Long & McQuade on Bloor St. They also carry Almansa flamencos.
RE: Recommendations for Beginner Guitar? (in reply to Rhombuss)
Well, I would recommend you my second guitar. A Luis Marin blanca. It has very good settings. Its easy to play on it, especially picado. I would sell it for 999Euro. I play it still often in danceclasses. Shipping costs included. Well.. just think..
RE: Recommendations for Beginner Guitar? (in reply to Rhombuss)
Thanks for the suggestions, guys. The Yamaha definitely looks like something I'd consider, mainly because of the low price. Since it's a mass-produced instrument, how sensitive is it to requiring a proper "setup"? I know bridge/nut/saddle adjustments all affect the tonality and action of the strings, but I'm assuming this isn't really necessary on a $350 guitar.
Posts: 181
Joined: Mar. 17 2005
From: Seattle, Washington, USA
RE: Recommendations for Beginner Guitar? (in reply to Rhombuss)
I'd go for the Cordoba 55fce. It's $1,007 on-line. I've tried it at Guitar Center and I'm impressed. I would've bought it if I don't already have many guitars.
- Playability is great - Has Fishman Pro Blend pickup and sound really great. The pickup itself cost $400 already excluding installation. I wish I have this pickup on one of my guitars. You'll find that it'll become very handy with a pickup (instead of a mic) - Sounds great unplugged.
Go for it Rombuss. This guitar won't grow out of you for 5, 10 years.
RE: Recommendations for Beginner Guitar? (in reply to Rhombuss)
Have a look at Joan Cashimira web site, Alicante region. I had the model 105. In my opinion it is well worth consideration. Don't know how much shipping will be to U.S, but a very nice guitar, which will not need any adjustments.
RE: Recommendations for Beginner Guitar? (in reply to Rhombuss)
quote:
But there's quite a big difference between spending $350 and spending $1500.
True, but their initial range went to $1000. If you gonna go up to $1000, might as well invest another $500 and go for HSL or similar. Just my opinion. I have the Yamaha everyone raves about, but i wasn't that crazy about it. Don't get me wrong, it was ok, but I had no idea how much better/easier to play a guitar like my HSL could be. I wouldn't waste the $350+/- on the Yamaha. Just my 2 cents.
RE: Recommendations for Beginner Guitar? (in reply to Rhombuss)
Thanks for the suggestions, guys. I was out of town for a while so I didn't get a chance to check back earlier.
I've been searching on Ebay for a bit, as well. I'm all for getting used instruments, but I'm unfamiliar with the "good" guitar manufacturers. What would you guys suggest in terms of used (or new) instruments that commonly sell on Ebay? I've seen a couple Lucida models that a new, some of which are comparably priced to the Yamaha.
RE: Recommendations for Beginner Guitar? (in reply to Rhombuss)
Hello Everyone
I just found this thread as I find myself in the same position as the OP - I'm looking for a beginner guitar to learn on. I also note that this is an old post (2007) and I'm wondering if there is anything new to add.
I already own a very good flamenco guitar (Sobrinos de Domingo Esteso - 1969 - you may have seen my post on that) so I already have something to graduate to when I can acquire some skill. So I'm really just interested in something reasonable to learn on.
Like the OP, I also live in Toronto if that helps.
RE: Recommendations for Beginner Guitar? (in reply to Rhombuss)
quote:
Hello Everyone
I just found this thread as I find myself in the same position as the OP - I'm looking for a beginner guitar to learn on.
No one really mentions above what I'd consider important. Beginners guitar in this price are generally laminated and sound wise all much of a muchness. You're not going to get that nice stinging resonance that you would when spending $£1500.
What's more important is a guitar that's comfortable for you to learn on. You'll be learning a load of new techniques and chords and tunes so you need a guitar that's comfortable for YOU to play and as we're all different the only way you'll find out that is to go out and try them. Don't worry too much about brand names at this stage.
The cheap Yamaha or a Manuel Rodriguez C3F will do fine.
Posts: 1025
Joined: Oct. 14 2009
From: New York City
RE: Recommendations for Beginner Guitar? (in reply to Rhombuss)
Well, if you already own a 1969 Conde, I don't see any reason for you to get some low end factory guitar to learn on. You will learn infinitely better by simply playing the Conde, and save some money to boot.
Cheap guitars are harder to play, they don't respond well, and sometimes you might develop poor habits by learning on a cheap guitar, because you might force things to get the necessary sound and response.
I would recommend that you start right now playing and learning on your Conde.
RE: Recommendations for Beginner Guitar? (in reply to Ramon Amira)
quote:
Well, if you already own a 1969 Conde, I don't see any reason for you to get some low end factory guitar to learn on. You will learn infinitely better by simply playing the Conde, and save some money to boot.
I must admit.... after years on this Forum, this is the first time I have ever heard of somebody with a top end guitar looking for a cheap one to learn on.
Yojimbo, I'll do you a deal ...
I have an old "Giorgio" Brazilian made negra from the early 70's (no Indian rosewood on this one...only the gen thing..) It's a Classical guitar, pero Flamencada by yours truly.
RE: Recommendations for Beginner Guitar? (in reply to Rhombuss)
Hmmmm
The reason I'm looking for a cheap guitar is because I'd like to preserve the good one. I'll be dragging it around town and probably bumping into things (like my music stand) and I'd rather damage the cheaper one.
Posts: 1025
Joined: Oct. 14 2009
From: New York City
RE: Recommendations for Beginner Guitar? (in reply to Yojimbo)
quote:
The reason I'm looking for a cheap guitar is because I'd like to preserve the good one. I'll be dragging it around town and probably bumping into things (like my music stand) and I'd rather damage the cheaper one.
That's a good reason. I sure wouldn't go knocking around with a 1969 Conde unless it was for a performance. But that's not what you originally stated as your purpose. You said you wanted it to learn on until you can "graduate" to the Conde. So I would reiterate that you will be a lot better off learning on and playing the Conde at home.
But sure, get a cheaper guitar for traveling, etc. Under $1000 you might look at an Alhambra 3F, a Cordoba F7, or a Cordoba 45FM. If you can get one in Canada, try for a Navarro student model.
RE: Recommendations for Beginner Guitar? (in reply to Yojimbo)
quote:
The reason I'm looking for a cheap guitar is because I'd like to preserve the good one. I'll be dragging it around town and probably bumping into things (like my music stand) and I'd rather damage the cheaper one.
Good reason. Why not by a reasonably priced good guitar to take along? To me its the sound of guitar that amuses me.
It's like a concert pianist playing on a casio keyboard.
Posts: 797
Joined: Jun. 1 2010
From: Halifax, Nova Scotia
RE: Recommendations for Beginner Guitar? (in reply to Rhombuss)
If you want a solid wood guitar, I think it's near impossible to beat Jeff Sigurdson's work in the $1000-1500 range. Lots of positive reviews to be found right here on the Foro.
Posts: 1025
Joined: Oct. 14 2009
From: New York City
RE: Recommendations for Beginner Guitar? (in reply to ralexander)
quote:
If you want a solid wood guitar, I think it's near impossible to beat Jeff Sigurdson's work in the $1000-1500 range. Lots of positive reviews to be found right here on the Foro.
I'll second that. Had a long talk recently with Jeff, and he is very knowledgeable. I haven't had a chance to play one of his guitars yet, but I have heard nothing but great comments on his work, here and on other forums as well.
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I play it still often in danceclasses. Shipping costs included. Well.. just think..
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