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Alright Ethan, gonna put you on the spot here and share my worthless opinion... So here's how it seems to me... I have watched every video that you have posted and have always admired the consistent tone you build into your instruments. It for sure seems to me that you build a consistent sound, which is great!
Now here's where I put you on the spot... Is it my imagination or is this possibly the loudest guitar that you have recorded on video. It sure seems that way. Great job man! The guitar has a great "old school" kind of sound, almost close to cedar in some ways... I'm guessing this is your normal materials, (Port Orford back and sides?) And your normal specks, (656, 51 MM nut and so on? Share some info with us!
Hey Kudo, are you going to get to play this one when it arrives in Canada?
Posts: 1708
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA
RE: Just shipped this guitar (in reply to Shawn Brock)
Thanks for your kind words, you guys, and Shawn for putting me on the spot. I have been happy about the consistency I have been able to achieve. I keep thinking that each guitar seems louder than the last, but it's hard to judge. I don't think you can really tell from a recording, though. Yes, I am still using Port Orford cedar and Engelmann spruce. I am using 656-mm scale and now (since the poll here) 52 mm nut (43 mm center of 1st string to center of 6th) and 57.5 mm string spread on the bridge. (Some customers ask for a 650-mm scale and I do it but it makes me a little uncomfortable because I think 656 is better. But playing styles are different.)
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KM... I knew Diego and I heard him play various guitars. In fact, when I knew him he didn't have a good guitar and sometimes borrowed mine--a Contreras which I never liked much. Diego had very strong hands and could play the hardest guitar without even noticing that it was hard to play. He could get a great sound out of practically any guitar. So I don't think his sound had much to do with any particular guitar, only with his touch. I sometimes wistfully try to imagine what it would have been like to present him with one of mine, though.
I was thinking more about recordings of Paco del Gastor that i have.
quote:
He could get a great sound out of practically any guitar. So I don't think his sound had much to do with any particular guitar, only with his touch.
Still there is only so much anyone can get out of a guitar. A guitar either enables certain sounds to be produced or it doesn't. I'm impressed by how percussive your guitar is. The response seems very fast and easy to control.
I was thinking about my response and how you didn't mention Diego specifically. Yeah, I think Paco del Gastor selects a particular kind of guitar and that what I have been aiming for is something like that. Responsiveness is what my Contreras lacked and something I think is very important for most players. By the way, my blancas are very light--under 3 pounds--and I think that has something to do with it.
By the way, my blancas are very light--under 3 pounds--and I think that has something to do with it.
Have you had the opportunity to play some really nice blancas form famous makers? Were they as light as yours? How durable is a guitar when it's so light and thin? I imagine that when this guitar gets to about 5- 10 years old it will attain that added warmth to the sound.
I have played a few. I was particularly struck by a Santos Hernandez I played in Madrid in 1970. They are more delicate than more heavily constructed guitars. It's a balancing act getting enough support in the right places. Somehow they seem to always improve with age if cared for properly.
This is great and its the first thing that everyone will notice listening to the video , is the sound of that guitar has that good sort of dry sound that really makes a flamenco guitar stand out ... Its the kind of sound I would want from my guitar ( if I had the money ) and well played as well nice piece of playing to illustrate a good guitar , and after all,, this is what every one wants from any guitar is that good sound that you can play with ...well done ..... Just checking your site out now as well...
Posts: 1708
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA
RE: Just shipped this guitar (in reply to Argaith)
Thanks for your interest, Argaith.
There is apparently no excape from Canadian import taxes. To ship to Canada I have to include in triplicate a detailed, signed Commercial Invoice. I'll have to find out from my customer how much the tax is after he receives the guitar, which is in Customs right now. UPS will collect the tax from him COD.
My current price for my standard blanca (this guitar--the rosette and (clearly) the grain of the wood vary but everything else the same) is $3000. An otherwise same negra of Indian rosewood is currently $3300. A cutaway costs an additional $1500. Small changes like nut width are free. Others cost additional. Prices will rise eventually and gradually.
Posts: 1708
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA
RE: Just shipped this guitar (in reply to machopicasso)
Hi, Machopicasso. Proper care means not banging it around too much or leaving it to dry out in an overheated room (or in direct sunlight), basically keeping it in a good case when not in use. And most assuredly, don't let United Airlines handle it:
The Siguiriyas is a mixture of my falsetas and Diego del Gastor's, as is the Soleares. Cheers!
I didn't make a video--and this was my favorite guitar! I built it to have one on hand to show people at my home/shop but then one of my guitar-playing students fell in love with it, and I needed cash, so out it went.
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Ethan you've done it again! Great looking and sounding guitar.
Every time you post a new guitar I feel so tempted to break my rule of not buying a guitar from a maker whose guitars I've never actually tried myself!
i am itching for your guitar , but i just spent $$$$$$$$ on my new home and renovation yet to start, so until my house ready and cabinet for all my guitars made then i will contact you.
Yes. Diego got me into the apartment across the hall from where he lived with is nephew Fernando's widow and her three girls, two of whom are pictured below, Mari Carmen dancing for me and on the right with friend Conchi, and Paqui on the left in the courtyard through which I could listen to Diego and his other nephews (Paco and Juan del Gastor) practicing, and there's me at the bottom:
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Ethan, I also really love the sound of your guitars. Those photos are like taking a step back in time-what a cool experience that must have been for you! I think you should go to Sevilla and let Juan and Paco and Paco's grandson, Gastor de Paco play these guitars. I bet they'd flip. Best to you. Dennis
Posts: 1708
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA
RE: Just shipped this guitar (in reply to Don Dionisio)
What a great idea, Dennis. I hope I can afford to make the trip before too long. It's looking good, as guitar orders have picked up a lot this year. I'm a single parent and my son is almost 16. Maybe when he graduates from high school. Best to you, too.
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) and well played as well nice piece of playing to illustrate a good guitar , and after all,, this is what every one wants from any guitar is that good sound that you can play with ...well done ..... 
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