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About a year ago I traded a banjo I was not using for an older used classical guitar with the label: "Gil de Avalle - Plaza del Realejo, Granada" . There is no serial # or date inside the guitar. The face appears to be close-grained cedar, 650mm scale, 12-hole bridge, rosewood B&S.
The only reference I can find on Google is for a Daniel Gil de Avalle, also in Granada, who appears to make fairly high-end instruments. Is this the same person, or is it just a company name?
The guitar plays very nicely; warm, well-rounded sound. I'd like to know a little more about the instrument and/or the maker?
RE: Who is Gil de Avalle; luthier? (in reply to britguy)
Daniel Gil De Avalle is a pretty well know luthier here in Granada. He has a big workshop in the Realejo and he also makes violins, cello and double bass too. He has a very established business and appeals much more to the classical market. I think he works with one apprentice but its mainly a one man business. Personally I think there are much better flamenco instruments to be had by other luthiers in Granada but his classical guitars are nice.
RE: Who is Gil de Avalle; luthier? (in reply to britguy)
I agree totally with Pimientos post. I only want to add that he´s married with Manuel Bellidos Daughter and that they often sell/sold Bellido flamenco guitars in their shop.
RE: Who is Gil de Avalle; luthier? (in reply to britguy)
Hi, I write from Spain, and all I have to say is that Daniel is not just a guitar constructor who learned directly from a descendant of Ferrer, "the pater familia" of the Granada School and then worked together for 16 years. Gil de Avalle has been working for 20 years and making high standard Spanish Guitars: Classical and Flamenco ones. He does not make classical instruments, he restores and repairs them because he also was trained as a luthier, but basically he constructs Guitars. His guitars are brilliant: he recently was appointed Master Handcraftman by the Regional Government of Andalucia, he was finalist "best product" in the Handcraftship National Awards, organised by the Ministry, and is one of the guitarmakers of Granada which are joining tradition, and new technologies. Just visit his web page: www.gildeavalle.com.
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RE: Who is Gil de Avalle; luthier? (in reply to britguy)
Daniel Gil de Avalle is not merry to any Bellido and sold those guitars some 15 years ago together with his guitars. By the way he has no apprentice at all, he works on his own in his workplace. Please, before given any confusing information call directly to the person you talk about to be sure. Thank you so much everybody
RE: Who is Gil de Avalle; luthier? (in reply to britguy)
quote:
Daniel Gil de Avalle is not merry to any Bellido
When I lived in Granada he was married to Manuel Bellidos daughter. Besides, I dont think there´s any misinformation in this thread. Gil de Avalle is a master craftsman building guitars at highest level. Specializing mostly in classical guitars besides he repair and restore and sell bowed instruments in his workshop. He also works Spanish instruments like Bandurria, I´ve never seen any apprentice in his workshop. Only Daniel himself.
Is there anything wrong with this? then correct me.
RE: Who is Gil de Avalle; luthier? (in reply to britguy)
quote:
Any idea why the label in my guitar just says: " Gil De Avalle" and not the full name. And there's no serial number, or signature?
I think maybe mine is a lower price version of his better guitars?
No responses yet on these questions.
But I'm still wondering if this guitar was actually built by the Daniel Gil de Avalle you guys know in Granada.???
When I get back from the farm this weekend, I'll take a few pics and post them in here. Maybe someone can tell me if it looks like one of his instruments or not?
I`m wondering if there`s another`Gil de Avalle` in Granada.
RE: Who is Gil de Avalle; luthier? (in reply to britguy)
There are two sections because he has a great number of clients who cannot afford paying one of his hand-made guitars:
- The guitar-shop with guitars not 100% handmade, (beginners up to concert depending on the quality) and
- The work-place with guitars 100% made by Gil de Avalle from 3,500 euro.
Those with no serial number and full name are partially hand made and on those handcrafted by Gil de Avalle there appears his full name, year of contruction and serial number. He has a really good web page explaining his full business www.gildevalle.com
Hope this was usufull to you. I attach one of his 100% guitars.
RE: Who is Gil de Avalle; luthier? (in reply to Gildeavalle)
quote:
Those with no serial number and full name are partially hand made and on those handcrafted by Gil de Avalle there appears his full name, year of contruction and serial number.
O.K. Here's a few pics of the guitar, trying to illustrate some of the details. I think it's more than ten years old. But no date?
I really like the traditional-style detailing on this instrument. And it plays very nicely, too.
I got it on a trade-in deal for an equivalent price of about $850 (Cdn). When I bought it , it was a 'classical' guitar. I lowered the saddle height and added golpeadores, and high-tension Savarez strings. And it sounds not bad. Not as raspy as a real flamenco guitar, but not as sweet as a classical either.
RE: Who is Gil de Avalle; luthier? (in reply to britguy)
I have a similar guitar (flamenca, cypres back and sides, spruce top, golpeador) with the same label, but different headstock and rosette; when I was in Granada, I showed it to Gil de Avalle, who confirmed that it is from his shop, but not made by himself. When I bought it (second hand) I paid a similar price and he also confirmed that this is the correct range.
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