Hello from Newfoundland!

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wiking

Posts: 63
Joined: Apr. 11 2014

Hello from Newfoundland!

Hello guys,

I'm a 25 year old engineering student who has decided to take the plunge into learning flamenco. I've been playing guitar since I was about 8 years old or so, and I've always admired flamenco. My first time hearing it, I remember, was when I was about 8 years old and my mum bought the 1996 War Child concert VHS. I remember she had it on while we had some family round for dinner and when Paco De Lucia, Al Di Meola and John McLoughlan started playing "Mediterranean Sundance" I was instantly hooked. It's one of my favourite memories from my childhood, and that sentimentality compounds with my love of the music to the point where I can't hold out any longer, I must learn to play it!

A few years ago, I made my first attempt at starting out with flamenco, but it was a largely misguided exercise in frustration. I purchased a gorgeous Ramirez R1 classical guitar, totally ignorant of the fact that for even a seasoned guitarist, trying to learn flamenco on a classical is like trying to learn Irish fiddle on a cello. I purchased an online video lesson from Adam Del Monte on rasgueado and alzapua, but ended up just giving up on it because it sounded horrible (the classical's long sustain and mellow tone made even little falseta licks sound dreadful) and also because the action and feel of the neck was just not suited to what I was trying to get that guitar to do. I sold it, and forgot about flamenco.

So, here I am now, with my Telecaster up for sale on a bunch of other sites, praying that it sells soon so that I can finally get my hands on a proper flamenco guitar. I've seen a lot of recommendations around the internet that a good way to start is to buy a cheap classical and drill rasgueado exercises to get started. My experience has really shown me otherwise, and now I'm committed to obtaining the right tool for the job! In the meantime I've been practicing rasgueado and alzapua on my steel string Taylor, and hilariously, I'm actually making progress with consistent attack and timing. But it hurts like hell and I really can't wait to get my first flamenco.

Once my Tele sells I'm going to pick up a Francisco Navarro blanca with pegs. There are no flamenco guitars to be had anywhere in the province where I reside, so the instrument will have to be purchased online. I was talking to Ron from Memorial Music, Navarro's USA distributor, and he said that he'll set it up and have it ready to play for me right away when I'm ready to make the purchase. He's even sent me photos of that guitar plus a playing sample, so I'm pretty dead set on that one. Despite there being no flamenco guitars for sale in my province, there is a flamenco teacher here who studied in Spain for 15 years at one of our more respected music schools so I'll be taking personal tutoring from him right away so I can learn properly.

Anyway, long first post, but I'm just excited to be here. Looking forwards to some great music making ahead.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 11 2014 0:39:28

Argaith

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

RE: Hello from Newfoundland! (in reply to wiking)

Welcome to the Foro

quote:

In the meantime I've been practicing rasgueado and alzapua on my steel string Taylor

In my opinion, you'd be better off practicing on a classical guitar than a steel string one as you may damage your fingers badly.

I've never played a Navaro but some folks here have them and are happy; plus Ron has a good reputation as an honest and reliable dealer.

Good luck and have fun in your journey

A

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 11 2014 9:26:54

machopicasso

Posts: 973
Joined: Nov. 27 2010

RE: Hello from Newfoundland! (in reply to wiking)

Welcome to the foro.

quote:

I've been practicing rasgueado and alzapua on my steel string

Be careful. I've heard that's not so great on your fingernails.

Regarding your purchase of a flamenco guitar, there are a number of distributors who sell online and can ship to your location. I'd shop around, even if the one you're currently planning to buy ends up being the best for you in the end.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 11 2014 9:32:54

pink

Posts: 570
Joined: Jan. 8 2013

RE: Hello from Newfoundland! (in reply to wiking)

Welcome to you....and I wish you luck with your search for a new guitar!!

Best

pink

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 11 2014 22:04:23

PeterLC

Posts: 24
Joined: Jan. 18 2014
From: Rotterdam, Netherlands

RE: Hello from Newfoundland! (in reply to wiking)

Welcome! From your nick, I'd perhaps guess you're from the St. Anthony-area...? I did a massive cycling-trip on the island in '98 and also visited the re-built Viking-settlement. I ate moose-stew and drank melted iceberg in a lovely B&B near it.

I have none but good memories from my stay on NFL - the butt-sores from cycling for up to 8 hours a day I've tried to erase from my mind.

Best of luck on getting a nice guitar, seems you are determined which is good. Nylon will indeed be much easier on your nails than your Taylor will ever be.

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4 guitars, the one that matters here: Prudencio Saez mod. 22, blanca - sounding better every day

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 11 2014 22:34:52