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Posts: 26
Joined: Aug. 2 2016
From: Huntington Beach, CA
Valeriano Bernal Gitano Model
Hello everyone,
I found a classified listing for a Valeriano Bernal Gitano model from 2003 that looks promising. I know Bernal has a good reputation here, but this particular model hasn't really been discussed too much. How does this model rate among the other Bernal offerings? What is a good offer if in good condition?
RE: Valeriano Bernal Gitano Model (in reply to Ghodaddyyo)
Hello
Bernal is a factory in Cadiz. A friend of mine bought a high model. There was an excess of laquer (polyester apparently) the wood was not dry, and finally because of that, the interior foot of the heel has splitted with a quite big crack, over all the wood was noy cut the right way. It was impossible to see the junction of the neck heel to the body, the excess of laquer (opaque) was hidding it.
Posts: 21
Joined: Jan. 10 2016
From: Vina del Mar, Chile via San Francisco, CA
RE: Valeriano Bernal Gitano Model (in reply to Ghodaddyyo)
There are two Bernal guitar makers in Cadiz: Valeriano Bernal and Antonio Bernal. As I understand it, they are not related. My experience with both is that the guitars made in the family-run factory in Algodonales (Valeriano) are superior to those produced for and by Antonio Bernal. Just my observations.
RE: Valeriano Bernal Gitano Model (in reply to Ghodaddyyo)
I have had many Bernal (Algodonales) guitars in my hands. In general its an ok flamenco guitar and in general better than the typical Valencia factory guitar (Alhambra, Esteve etc.), but they do have this factory thing about them.. Consistancy is poor. This also means that a high priced model can be inferior to a low priced model and visa versa. Buying a factory guitar on the internet is a bit of a hit or miss thing. The good ones can be nice though Good luck.
RE: Valeriano Bernal Gitano Model (in reply to otirroz)
quote:
There are two Bernal guitar makers in Cadiz: Valeriano Bernal and Antonio Bernal. As I understand it, they are not related.
This is not so. Valeriano has retired. His workshop has been taken over by his son, Rafa, whose personal guitars are among the best and might cost 800,000 euros. Keko Baldomero plays one. The factory guitars continue and a good one can be very good.
The other good luthier in Algodonales is Jerónimo Perez.
Antonio has family relations but is not from this lineage. The guitars he sells are mediocre. He has a shop in Cádiz, which is seldom open.
RE: Valeriano Bernal Gitano Model (in reply to Ghodaddyyo)
I had a chance to visit the "herederos de valeriano bernal" shop in Algodonales this season, went with a couple of friends to check out guitars and see what they had available. Chari, who takes care of the front of the house is very nice, let us try all the guitars that we wished and had a good laugh doing it, she has a wicked sense of humor. When we ran out of models, Rafael was nice enough to bring more guitars from the shop.
My friends ended up buying 2 models, Al Alba and Gitano both 50th anniversary. Below are some pics of the Gitano model. Made with Rosewood and Cedar. There was a gitano cypress model that was just a step above the rest in comfort and ease if play, but my friends were set on rosewood guitars since they already own cypress ones.
Cheers all! below are some pics
Images are resized automatically to a maximum width of 800px
RE: Valeriano Bernal Gitano Model (in reply to joselito_fletan)
Thankfully it is 110 kilometers from my house. I mean thanks Joselito for sharing the fotos but please don't post such temptations. I note you resisted!!! If I went I know I'd spend a fortune that I can't afford.
But this morning I've been playing my 20 year old Bernal and it is so easy and lovely to play Cheers
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nigel (el raton de Watford - now Puerto de Santa Maria, Cadiz)
RE: Valeriano Bernal Gitano Model (in reply to joselito_fletan)
quote:
Thanks flyogh, damn!! I did not know you are in El Puerto!!! next time we should meet! I am hoping to come back for next winter.
Joselito I'll look forward to it. Hopefully the boats (I'm a sucker for boats) will be running again by then and hopping over to Rota, having a beer, and chatting guitars sounds just about perfect. In the meantime good luck with your travels.
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nigel (el raton de Watford - now Puerto de Santa Maria, Cadiz)
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