Action and General Setup Question

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seanm

Posts: 169
Joined: Apr. 5 2005
From: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Action and General Setup Question

Hey everyone,

I was wondering if anyone has ever found a resource for learning proper flamenco guitar setup. Something covering nut and saddle hieghts, neck angle, string to soundbaord distances, etc. Basically, elements that are used to fine tune and instrument to get a proper flamenco feel and sound.

I have an intrument I built, but have no guidance on this aspect. For instance, in playing with the saddle hieght, I have gotten closer to the 'growl' you often hear from the strings on the frets (not buzzing, but kind of a rattle). It seems to me that making the strings flatter (or more parallel) to the neck seems to create this. Any advice (books, videos, websites, etc) you can refer me to would be great. Thanks.

Sean

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 6 2006 17:45:43

Gecko

Posts: 218
Joined: Jan. 2 2006
From: New Mexico

RE: Action and General Setup Question (in reply to seanm)

I have been doing lots of research into this myself, as I'm refurbishing an old nega. So far I have not found anything that is flamenco guitar specific. However, as you probably know there is a boatload of setup information out there for acoustics in general and classical as well.

I suspect that most people who work on flamencos use the general setup guidance and from there tweak the nut, saddle, fret height, neck relief (if possible) and string type and tension until they get the sound that they want. I would think that lots of experience is the primal factor in doing this. In other words this maybe more of and Art than a Science, which is not easily related from one person to another.

I just ordered a whole cow's worth of bone blanks in order to tweak the negra.

It will be interesting to see any responses to you're question.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 7 2006 10:20:16

seanm

Posts: 169
Joined: Apr. 5 2005
From: Halifax, Nova Scotia

RE: Action and General Setup Question (in reply to seanm)

Yes. Definitely a great opportunity (hint, hint) for someone to produce a booklet or site detailing these elements step by step (Cumpiano-style).

For instance, does anyone know if this video is any good for flamenco specifics?

http://www.fernandezmusic.com/Guitarmaking%20Video.html

Sean

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 7 2006 14:56:11