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Apologies if this has already been addressed but as a new player, what is the consensus on performing golpes on a guitar that is not yours (either a new item in a store or one owned by someone else)?
I am assuming the guitar would have golpeadors installed (would never do this to a guitar without them if I didn't own it).
Reason I ask is because obviously it is a technique that does wear the guitar but a) the golpe tone is important (especially if you are looking to buy) and b) it is sometimes hard to not play them if you are really used to doing it.
I did once get quite into playing soleares in a store on an unprotected lower end classical guitar. When I realised I'd put a few dents in the thing a rapid exit was called for - definitely not cool on my behalf
That said, if a store is selling a flamenco guitar and the sales guy tells you to stop doing golpes then you should go look for a guitar in another store because they clearly don't know what they are dealing with.
If it's a really high end instrument and ESPECIALLY if I have no intention of buying it, I take it easy. Doesn't mean I don't do it I just take it kind of easy.
I carry a 5lb ball peen hammer and a set of steel auto body working cauls. Work the guitar over with the equipment for about ten minutes and if is survives it might be tough enough to withstand pissed off dancers throwing a nail tipped Gallardi.
I did the math...it takes over 11 million hits to require a change of plate. If you don't intend to buy the guitar at all, don't bother (high end instruments) as it's not really fair to the dealer. If you are trying several models with intent to buy have at it. Not sure which brands but some new guitars have a clear plastic film that protects the golpeador before sale (like an IPod screen). I think I have seen students forget to take that off later.
I asked Richard Brune to appraise a guitar before I bought it. The dealer said it had belonged to a collector for 18 years. Brune went over it with a magnifying glass and said he could see no sign it had ever been handled, much less played. He mentioned the absence of any microscopic marks on the golpeador. I'm sure that with his eagle eye he could find some now, since I have been playing the guitar for several years now, but I don't notice any with the naked eye.