Another thread asking for advice

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carlcockatoo

Posts: 3
Joined: Feb. 20 2012

Another thread asking for advice

Hello, I'm new here. Hopefully I will one day be able to contribute rather than just ask silly questions that I'm sure you see all the time.

Anyway, I'm looking to buy a flamenco guitar. I've been studying and playing flamenco for over a year now, but I've been playing on a generic steel-string acoustic guitar, and even though I know about the music, I'm terrible with knowledge of the guitars themselves. That obviously needs to change.

I have a price range of around $700. I've been looking on the internet, and based solely on what I've read and listened to, Amalio Burguets are my preferred choice, but you'd have to be lucky to find those in my price range. I've decided my best bet is a Francisco Navarro student flamenco guitar. My question is, are those reputable guitars?

Another issue: There seems to be nowhere in my state (Utah) where you can by flamenco guitars, so I have no choice but to order on-line without playing the guitar. I know that's a terrible idea, but my other option is to buy a cheap Yamaha or Corboda from my local guitar centre. I have enough experience with those to know that I'd like something nicer more authentic sounding (even though I'm obviously not going to be able to buy a hand-crafted, top-tier guitar). I've regularly checked my local classifieds for nine months and nobody has any. Flamenco isn't a popular style here at all; most people have barely even heard of it in my experience. These all further limit my options. I'm going to check every guitar store in my area one last time.

The closest thing I can get to authentic is the Manuel Rodriguez C3F. I considered buying that, lowering the action, and buying a golpeador. Would that be better?

In short: Does anybody know of a place in Utah where I can try out quality flamenco guitars?

If not, should I just order the Francisco Navarro? Or is modifying the C3F a better idea?

Thanks in advance.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 20 2012 4:10:00

marduk

Posts: 600
Joined: Feb. 3 2010

RE: Another thread asking for advice (in reply to carlcockatoo)

I just sold an alhambra 3F entry level flamenco guitar for 700 (austalian).. there are probably things around, but your going to find it hard to find a nice guitar on that budget

I dont know a lot about whats good and whats not, But I was very happy with alhambra (i upgraded to the next model)

I only ever played one navarro, it was a nice guitar but that particular model (that my friend had) did still have a rather high action (kind of in between a flamenco action and classical

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 20 2012 11:26:22

Argaith

Posts: 481
Joined: May 6 2009
From: Iran (living in London)

RE: Another thread asking for advice (in reply to carlcockatoo)

carlcockatoo,

Welcome to the Foro.

Why don't you put a 'wanted' post here and see what the members will respond.
Folks here often have 2nd hand decent guitars that may be within your budget!

Good luck,
A

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 20 2012 13:01:06

gbv1158

Posts: 410
Joined: May 29 2009
From: Italy

RE: Another thread asking for advice (in reply to carlcockatoo)

quote:

I know that's a terrible idea, but my other option is to buy a cheap Yamaha or Corboda from my local guitar centre. I have enough experience with those to know that I'd like something nicer more authentic sounding (even though I'm obviously not going to be able to buy a hand-crafted, top-tier guitar).

truly for the ammount you have to spend now, I dont't think will find any flamenco guitar having what you call "authentic sounding"...... fot that, do not have any doubt, there is ONLY a guitar made by a good Luthier!

I wolud think, instead, to buy a cheap Yamaha CG172SF ( I tried it and found it very goog for the price!) working on it even for another coupple of years.....and THAN would try to buy a good flamenco guitar (wich will mean, I think, at list $ 3000) .

good luck! and wellcome to the foro.
ciao,
giambattista

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 20 2012 13:30:41

Guest

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 20 2012 15:05:48

Sean

Posts: 672
Joined: Jan. 20 2011
From: Canada

RE: Another thread asking for advice (in reply to carlcockatoo)

Best option for you is the used market you will get a better guitar or at least find one that is already setup well.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 20 2012 15:50:31

elroby

Posts: 142
Joined: Mar. 25 2007

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Post has been moved to the Recycle Bin at May 5 2012 4:09:56

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 20 2012 17:11:48

carlcockatoo

Posts: 3
Joined: Feb. 20 2012

RE: Another thread asking for advice (in reply to carlcockatoo)

Thanks everybody, your advice has helped.

I like the idea of buying a cheaper guitar, than putting down a deposit for a luthier made guitar. I know what I'm going to get isn't going to sound authentic, I just meant not completely fake sounding. I did see an Alhambra 4F used for about $450. I do occasionally see Amalio Burguets go really low on the internet, so I will look out for one of those. I was also recommended a Corboda guitar, which I usually dismiss, but apparently there are better ones, and as elroby said, I could make modifications if I do like the guitar (which is what I was going to do with the Manuel Rodriguez).

I will be posting a thread in the classifieds section shortly.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 20 2012 21:59:32

keith

Posts: 1108
Joined: Sep. 29 2009
From: Back in Boston

RE: Another thread asking for advice (in reply to carlcockatoo)

carlcockatoo--welcome to the forum. for your price range (around $700) you are dealing with factory built guitars that are often times a hit or miss--one might be good, the next not so good--of course this holds true with any guitar but more so with factory guitars. that said, used guitars are a good way to go as are navarro guitars--i have read several comments about the good quality of these guitars. yamaha guitars consistently receive good comments as well. e-bay is another option but do your homework.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 23 2012 11:01:26