Tom Blackshear -> Francisco Navarro Guitars (Sep. 12 2010 19:38:20)
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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I just had the pleasure to critique one of Poncho Navarro's new flamenco blanca guitars a few days ago. This particular model had a spruce top and mediteranian cypress sides and back, with the new flamenco style tuning pegs that Brian Burns sells. Poncho's french polish was excellent and the color match for top, sides and back was perfect. The guitar was made from the Manuel Reyes style flamenco plan that I drew up and donated to the Guild of American Luthiers. I have to say that this new guitar was so good that I would have to work hard to do better. This may sound suspicious but it's true. Poncho has arrived at being a luthier who knows how a guitar works; truly propio cello. I believe that Manuel Reyes is the best flamenco builder in the world and I will always admit that he has the edge, but Poncho has nailed this design perfectly and should rise to the top as a builder that has more work than he can handle. Everything was in place with perfect articulation and a voice that compels you to play it. I was humbled. This guitar model, along with his Miguel Rodriguez classical model, is a must for any serious student or professional player. The cost is what I find hard to compete with and I imagine that Poncho will be very busy building these two instruments. He is now building these models personally while his family handles the student line of guitars. Also, I saw a guitar case that looked very interesting, that his brother or cousin builds. I'm sure that his low prices will go up, as time permits, and he will have a good life from his work with these models. Richard Brune told me recently that Poncho's Miguel Rodriguez classical model is hard to beat at any price. I believe this is a current phenomena coming out of the Navarro shop, so I can't speak for his earlier models. But this is to notify all flamenco players that Poncho has got it down real close, if not better than the Maestro, surely in that league of builders. Tom Blackshear guitar maker __________________
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