Help Me Choose My First Flamenco Guitar! Navigating Navarro, Bernal, and Conde Hermanos

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hoomri

Posts: 4
Joined: Aug. 18 2023

Help Me Choose My First Flamenco Gui...

Greetings fellow guitar enthusiasts,

I'm stepping into the world of Flamenco guitars with great enthusiasm, and I'm in need of your invaluable insights to make the best choice. Amidst the myriad of options, I've narrowed it down to three possibilities, each with its unique appeal. Your collective wisdom would be a tremendous help as I embark on this musical journey.

Option 1: Navarro (Marlon) Student Model - $1399

The Navarro Marlon Student model has caught my eye due to its reputation for reliability and quality. Priced at $1399, it seems like a sensible investment for a beginner like me. I'd love to hear from those who have experienced Navarro guitars – your thoughts and impressions would greatly aid my decision-making process.

Option 2: Bernal Second Hand - Around $1399

Another tempting option is to explore the world of second-hand Bernal guitars. These instruments have an air of mystery and history that appeals to me. If any of you have personal experience with second-hand Bernal guitars, I'm eager to learn about the sound, playability, and overall satisfaction you've experienced.

Option 3: Conde Hermanos - Low-Balling Offers Under $2000

Stretching my budget a bit, I'm also considering Conde Hermanos guitars. Specifically, I'm on the lookout for any model from Conde Hermanos, as long as I can secure an offer under $2000. This entails delving into platforms like eBay and Reverb, where low-ball offers might make this dream a reality. If any of you have navigated these waters successfully or have words of caution, your advice would be invaluable.

I can't thank you enough for taking the time to read my post. Your experiences, recommendations, and guidance hold immense weight as I make this pivotal choice. The camaraderie of the Flamenco guitar community is what makes this journey even more exciting. I eagerly await your insights.

Warm regards,

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 26 2023 3:44:49

orsonw

Posts: 1941
Joined: Jul. 4 2009
From: London

RE: Help Me Choose My First Flamenco... (in reply to hoomri)

Hi, try the search function on the foro. Many previous discussions about these guitars can be found. Also search 'buying first guitar', or 'first flamenco guitar' many previous discussions and advice that you might find helpful.

My advice:

Get a second hand Bernal. Prodigio or Maestro in your budget.

Don't bother with Conde at that budget. It seems you don't know about flamenco guitars, you are likely to overpay for the name and get a low level/student/Pozuelo Conde.

But probably best for you is to buy a Yamaha CG182SF Flamenco, play for a year or two, then you will have better idea of what guitar you prefer. If you cannot play flamenco you will have no idea if a flamenco guitar is any good. Imagine trying to assess a car's performance if you are unable to drive. Or imagine someone who can drive, then test driving formula one cars on their weekly town shopping trip - they will have no idea. I've seen new players trying a pro's flamenco guitar, being surprised that it is difficult to play and when they played it didn't sound much better than their cheap guitar.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 26 2023 9:19:17

hoomri

Posts: 4
Joined: Aug. 18 2023

RE: Help Me Choose My First Flamenco... (in reply to hoomri)

Thank you for your valuable advice! I wholeheartedly agree that a professional player can transform any instrument into something extraordinary. While I'm relatively new to the world of flamenco, the passion for it is already resonating in my fingertips.

By the way, I've been immersing myself in the treasure trove of old forum posts, absorbing as much information as I can. The knowledge shared here is truly priceless.

My primary goal is to find a guitar with exceptional playability that carries that distinct warm yet punchy flamenco sound.

Speaking of options, I've been considering a Bernal, particularly this one: the Valeriano Bernal Prodigio Especial from 2014. The catch is that the additional $250 for shipping and subsequent taxes might make it a bit expensive. Here's the link: Valeriano Bernal Prodigio Especial.

https://reverb.com/item/71936744-valeriano-bernal-prodigio-especial-2014

Any thoughts and any further advice - would be much appreciated

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 26 2023 15:26:25

orsonw

Posts: 1941
Joined: Jul. 4 2009
From: London

RE: Help Me Choose My First Flamenco... (in reply to hoomri)

quote:

Speaking of options, I've been considering a Bernal, particularly this one:

In the past I have owned a Bernal Maestro and a Sueno. Both had very good playability and good flamenco sound. In the £1000 price range hard to beat. Hermanos Sanchis 'Solea' or '2F' another good option.

I've been to Algondonales to the Bernal workshop/showroom, played many Bernals there and elsewhere. In my experience some sound 'better'/different than others but playability/right hand response is consistently good. The more expensive ones are not necessarily better.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 26 2023 18:09:53

Suegro

Posts: 5
Joined: Aug. 19 2023

RE: Help Me Choose My First Flamenco... (in reply to hoomri)

I started out with a Cordoba C5 classical and then picked up a Cordoba GK Studio when I became more interested in flamenco. The GK Studio had better playability and lower action but I didn't like the narrower, 50mm nut width.

I then found a mint condition Yamaha CG171SF, which is the older version of the CG172SF currently available in the U.S. and the 182SF in many other countries. It felt better and plays great after I lowered the action. I'll never let it go as it will alway have a place for knocking around, playing outdoors, etc.

I wanted something with better tone and projection recently however, and after picking up a used Esteve 1GR08 classical guitar, I liked it so much I ordered a new Esteve 8F. It is all-solid, cypress back and sides, ebony fretboard, and spruce top, so it met all my requirements in a guitar that retails for under $2K in the U.S. and was available without having to pay import fees or shipping myself. The playability and tone are great, and I feel it will take me far at this stage of my journey as a student of flamenco.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 26 2023 19:56:59

hoomri

Posts: 4
Joined: Aug. 18 2023

RE: Help Me Choose My First Flamenco... (in reply to hoomri)

so, I bought a guitar! ( Finally )

Well - I will probably share an all-new post about it, including pictures and videos, when I get it (currently in FedEx delivery from Spain). Still, I appreciate the reply and the help, as well as the information I found here in the forum history. Long story short, I ordered - Prodigio, made by Valeriano (Rafael). It's very newly just been made, and based on vidoes only ( which I know is a gamble and hard to asses ) it sounds amazing.

I cannot wait to get it, which will take another week or so..

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 13 2023 2:40:30