Welcome to one of the most active flamenco sites on the Internet. Guests can read most posts but if you want to participate click here to register.
This site is dedicated to the memory of Paco de Lucía, Ron Mitchell, Guy Williams, Linda Elvira, Philip John Lee, Craig Eros, Ben Woods, David Serva and Tom Blackshear who went ahead of us.
We receive 12,200 visitors a month from 200 countries and 1.7 million page impressions a year. To advertise on this site please contact us.
Hi, I'm looking for a flamenco guitar. Now this has probably been talked about a lot but it's hard to find many posts. I'm looking for something that I can play both solo flamenco and some classical pieces. Any advice on a good guitar under 1200 euro (£1000)? It can be much cheaper. I'm not bothered where it's made or by who but I would prefer to buy new over used. I did try the Cordoba GK Studio Negra and liked it but the shop decided to put the action high because people complained about it buzzing. I did buy a Cordoba F7 Paco yesterday and today I got a message saying it's damaged and they're cancelling the order. So, any advice? I should also add, I play fingerpicking guitar, but I will only start playing nylon string guitar now. I know I know, best idea is to try it, the problem there is not a shop that's close that sells them. In fact a lot are not even sold in England (and the ones that are have high prices). I've mostly looked at Thomann and Guitar From Spain. So if anyone has any experience dealing with them let me know. I looked at brands like Raimundo, Camps, Alhambra etc but feel free to suggest anything. Thanks for any recommendations.
en talked about a lot but it's hard to find many posts. I'm looking for something that I can play both solo flamenco and some classical pieces. Any advice on a good guitar under 1200 euro (£1000)? It can be much cheaper. I'm not bothered where it's made or by who but I would prefer to buy new over used. I did try the Cordoba GK Studio Negra and liked it but the shop decided to put the action high because people complained about it buzzing. I did buy a Cordoba F7 Paco yesterday and today I got a message saying it's damaged and they're cancelling t
Blanca (bright) or closer to classical (Negra)?
Generic advice - a Bernal La Serrania , and save the spare cash.
RE: Guitar Reccomendation (in reply to mrstwinkle)
I was thinking Negra because I will play solo most of the time anyway. But honestly, I have no idea haha. I'm new to flamenco so if you think that a Blanca works for solo just as well then by all means let me know.
I searched for it online and can't find anything, I'm not sure I can get that in England, thanks for the suggestion though.
Playability and sound is all I care about :) I am considering the Alhambra 4F as well which is sycamore back and sides. In England the market seems to be 90% Cordoba and Admira so it's hard to pick haha.
I did try the Cordoba GK Studio Negra and liked it but the shop decided to put the action high because people complained about it buzzing.
Take it to a local luthier and tell them to set the guitar up for proper flamenco measurements (saddle, nut, etc.) and basically just tune-up (like a car) the instrument. I do that with every single guitar I get whether it's $50 or $5,000 and my guitars all play like butter. I partner with Andy Culpepper in New York, USA.
I'm looking for something that I can play both solo flamenco and some classical pieces.
Perhaps you could say that there are some tips with regards to this, but in my humble opinion the best thing is to try as many guitars as you can until you find the one that you love.
When I was buying my first flamenco guitar in Ramirez store in Madrid, I had to choose between a traditional blanca and a cedar top blanca. They told me back then that the spruce one is good for flamenco, and the cedar one is better if I also want to play other stuff. Then there is Cañizares with his guitar explaining how it has both flamenco attack and classical sound (video below), and it looks like a spruce negra. In Ronda I've listen to Jose Guerrero, he has a negra in Indian rosewood and cedar, it's a wonderful guitar that perhaps I liked the most and sounded very flamenco.
Thanks for the replies. I can't try most of the Negras. I have to order from Europe, and flying to Spain or somewhere to try them out seems a little crazy haha.
One of the shops I buy from, sets up the guitars included in the price. But they only have the Cordoba Studio Negra (and the pro but is too expensive). So, in UK, I can only try about 2 Negras in that price range, both being Cordoba guitars. As for blancas. I could try a few, problem is, they are in various shops, all which are over 100 miles away. Driving for 400 miles would just cut my budget by a lot lol.
As somebody said, perfect guitar doesn't exist, but a suitable - does. My advice would be to get something that feels OK, and maybe not on the high end of your budget. If you are just starting on flamenco track, and unsure if you actually stick to the path to become real jedi, why spend the money. Cheaper instruments are much easier to resell down the road. Also. If you are to spend countless hours practicing, I guarantee you it wont be your last instrument. Most of the guys here have quite a few, including myself.
My former teacher has 9 guitars, most high end including Esteso and Reyes, but at some point he acquired Yamaha CG172SF. I tried it blind, and he asked me how much I think its worth, and I thought 1k. It turned out $300 guitar. He was using it for many of his gigs, he amplifies it and it sounds just find after the amp. So smth to think about.
If you are anywhere near Oxford you are welcome to come and try my ancient Ricardo Sanchis Carpio blanca. It isn't for sale, but a new Sanchis is probably just within your budget. Normally I'd say go to Spain, but with politicians locking down on a whim on both sides, probably not the best time.
You are new to flamenco, so you need to learn some tunes so you can play them on various guitars and see how they do it for you on these instruments.
If you want to play a lot flamenco, just get a blanca.
If you want diversity, just get a classical guitar for a few bucks, lower the bridge (swap it for bone) try different strings, and of you are. Should last you 2-3 years.
One of the shops I buy from, sets up the guitars included in the price. But they only have the Cordoba Studio Negra (and the pro but is too expensive).
Cordoba GK Studio Negra or Cordoba GK Studio (the blanca version) are both good. I've played both. You do not need the Pro versions of these guitars. Get any of the non-Pro versions and have your local shop perform a good flamenco set up process, then you'll be golden!
Printable Version
New Messages
No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages
Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages
Locked w/o New Messages
Post New Thread