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Hello, First post on the forum! So I am looking to get a new guitar and am having trouble deciding between a Cordoba GK pro (negra) or a Francisco Navarro Student (with electronics put in). I have never played the FN but have heard great things. I play more than just flamenco and like the versatility of a negra, however there is a lot of my set that is traditional flamenco. Thoughts on either of these guitars? (negra or blanca) I have been able to play the GK pro and recently ordered a blanca from guitar center (settled instead of the negra bc it was used and much cheaper) however when it arrived there was significant buzzing and some worrisome cracks that made me return it.) I'm a little nervous about getting the FN without playing it and would like some thoughts from perhaps someone who has played both. Note: I would get a 50mm nut as I find that more comfortable
RE: Francisco Navarro vs Cordoba GK Pro (in reply to papajoo)
I own & like the Cordoba GK Studio Negra. I've played a Navarro some years ago & found its pulsation to be stiff & it was somewhat hard to play. I really like the Cordoba GK Studio Negra for the price. I don't know if the Pro offers a huge upgrade to the Cordoba GK Studio Negra.
Posts: 3532
Joined: Oct. 20 2003
From: Phoenix, AZ
RE: Francisco Navarro vs Cordoba GK Pro (in reply to papajoo)
This is rambly, hope it helps. I owned a Navarro negra and play a Cordoba GK FCWE (which isn't really that much like the GK Studio/Pro) as my gig axe. The Navarro was sweet and I wish I hadn't sold it. That being said, I never really could get the strings balanced on the installed Fishman Matrix. The A string always popped out--annoyed the heck out of me. The Cordoba has always had excellent balance, and the trebles might even be a little hot. These are good things to me. I use it for classical, bossas, flamenco, rumbas. The FCWE is a thin body, thinner than the GK Studio, I believe. Good for standing up, but a minus for sitting. The thing is built like a tank and doesn't feed back--it's half glue, I think.
The Navarro will probably sound better than the GK Studio and certainly the FCWE (it has a soft, very midrangey and non-resonant tone). But long story short, if you're plugging in, I think the Cordoba is your ticket. You might even check out the FCWE. It sounds pretty good for plucking, not so much for strumming. You can get an idea from this clip where I'm plugged in
RE: Francisco Navarro vs Cordoba GK Pro (in reply to papajoo)
I've played a Gk studio before and have heard two other people playing them. The one i played seemed terrible. Something about the lack of response, made it really hard to play. The one i played seemed to have no sustain at all...you do want less sustain on a flamenco guitar but this thing was flat out dead to the hands...making it hard to play IMO. But not all guitars, even factory made are equal...you probably could find one that's slightly better than the others. It also could be that the one in the shop had way old/ dead strings.
If you can afford it, i would get a Salvador Castillo. If you contact him directly you can get a blanca with Mexican cypress for $2,200 + $90(bank wires). I just recently purchased a blanca with spanish cypress(+$500) from him and this thing is insane....the sound of this guitar inspires me, everyday. Or maybe you can ask him about the student model? idk how much that goes for directly from him or if that's only through the US run website.
If not, then i would definitely get more opinions on the Navarro, i personally have never heard one but his guitars receive quite the praise on this forum, along with Castillo. My personal preference as per youtube videos is to Castillo but if i couldn't afford the Castillo...then i'd either save up for one or buy a navarro student model.
Wow I think the dude in the video above successfully created his very own non confronting genre...elevator-menco. Perfect for when your on hold to a multi national corporations speech gateway.
RE: Francisco Navarro vs Cordoba GK Pro (in reply to papajoo)
Just to clarify, I am talking about the GK pro, it has solid wood, ebony fretboard, and upgraded electronics compared to the GK studio (laminate, RW board, etc.). The Pro is 1500 negra and 1400 blanca compared to the 700/600 of the studio.
Posts: 141
Joined: Nov. 29 2012
From: San Francisco
RE: Francisco Navarro vs Cordoba GK Pro (in reply to papajoo)
Cordoba's are ideal for gigging and using pickups. Cutaway, thick finish, good electronics. Can't go wrong.
I use a Cordoba GK studio for live performances and dont' have to worry about dings and dents. I use my Bernal at home because it is inspiring and much better acoustically.
RE: Francisco Navarro vs Cordoba GK Pro (in reply to papajoo)
I've played the GK Pro Negra. Actually much better then the lower end models. Good for what it is for sure. BUT, if you plan to be playing proper flamenco, kinda sucks. Good for Gypsy Kings stuff, bad for Paco stuff. It's just not comfortable on the right hand compared to an actual flamenco, and the acoustic sound doesn't compare. You're gunna need to spend a lot more then that to get a cut away that sounds muy flamenco.
RE: Francisco Navarro vs Cordoba GK Pro (in reply to papajoo)
Raimundo do/did a cutaway all solid with electrics....fishman blend system. I think its called the 646e if still available? I played one last year and it was a nice guitar. May be worth a look unless anyone here knows better through spending some prelonged time with one.
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