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Long story short. I had purchased a Codobra 30f guitar from a Guitar Center. Later, I found out it had mold in it and took it back. I'm now looking for another flamenco guitar and am wondering what I should be looking for in a Flamenco Guitar. For example, what sound qualities, etc.
The two brands I am finiding is the Yamaha and the Codobra. I'd like to get a guitar locally and that's why I'm limited to these to models. Personally, the sound of the Codobra is more fuller to me, and overall sounds better, but it does seem to have a lot of bass.
Now, I'm not sure if that is bad, because comparing it to the yamaha everyone is recommending here, it doesnt seem to have as much bass.
I'm just a little confused, and any thing you can do to help would be appriciated.
Posts: 786
Joined: Jul. 8 2003
From: San Francisco Bay Area
RE: What am I looking for in a Flame... (in reply to bohh)
Mike;
You pay for what you get – sometimes! Be careful with any guitar at any price. I would rather have a Yahama, having played both. In the price range you are suggesting I think playability is more important than sound. Which one is easier to play?
The set up at the 12th fret is very important. If it is too high it makes it harder to play. Too low and it will buzz on the frets. All too often the saddle of a guitar is too high. A good Luthier can take a new saddle (always save the original just in case!) and lower the action. This will make the instrument easier to play.
You can take ten guitars made by any maker and each one will be a bit different. Be sure you check out whatever you want to buy whenever possible.
RE: What am I looking for in a Flame... (in reply to bohh)
Hi Tom,
Thank you for the reply. Personally, the Cordoba was a little easier to play I think. I'd have to try it again, to make sure though. I'll also have to check the action at the 12th fret to check out what you mentioned as well.
I was taken by suprise at how much less bass the Yamaha had however. Is this what you want in a Flamenco guitar? Less bass or does that really matter? The Cordoba sounded excellent with my poor attempts at soem of the Flamenco Techniques I know, but I guess I may have an untrained flamenco ear ;)
Posts: 432
Joined: Jan. 7 2005
From: Iasi, Romania
RE: What am I looking for in a Flame... (in reply to bohh)
if u are gonna buy a cheap one,go for playbility. Which one did u find easier to play...i mean how's the neck(some have a neck that is too...wait i'll show it to you),do u feel more comfortable playing on the yamaha or the cordoba?
I always look for that "width"...I dont like it when it's too big(I played a Cordoba ,and that I didnt like)
As for the action....dont look for that,that can be arranged to your needs ...the lower the better (if posible without string buzz).
Also the neck must be straight ...but I guess it will be ,cause u're buying a new one ...if I would buy second hand ,I would look to see if it's straight.
That's my opinion....and it is based on playing crappy guitars ...maybe someone else can help u more.
Dont go for the sound,I think that's where u got to have real money.
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Posts: 432
Joined: Jan. 7 2005
From: Iasi, Romania
RE: What am I looking for in a Flame... (in reply to bohh)
yeap ...they dont bring the expensive ones at my store....and I played a Cordoba there which I didnt like ...it was 30 smth (30 A ,but I'm not sure.. if that exists).
I just googled now ,I cant find a 30 A .....I can find though the 30F.
I'm sure now I didnt played 30F ,cause it says flamenco model ...rosewood fingerboard. Sorry I cant help u ,maybe this flamenco model of theirs is much better...I tried a classical I think.