Carlos -> RE: Madrid Guitar Buying Trip Review & Videos (Dec. 14 2010 0:52:36)
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D, I went to the Felipe V location and it was closed. Apparently the brothers split up and opened two shops a block from each other. I walked around the block and found one of them downstairs from street level. Not sure which one. It was small. All the luthiers were friendly, but definitely try to get a local fluent in Spanish to help you. You can get by, but negotiating is challenging since very few speak English. Everyone was willing to negotiate, but I made a mistake by not bringing enough cash. I thought I could get by with my credit card, but if you want to get a lower price and not pay the Vat, then bring cash. If you pay by card at a place like Conde or Ramirez, they will charge you Vat. You will need to get in the Vat refund line at the airport and get your refund. I would get their at least an hour or two earlier, because that Vat line was really long. I didn't go to any re-sellers. Finding the right guitar for you is hit or miss. They don't have too many flamenco guitars available, mostly classical. Be prepared to go home empty handed. I was prepared to buy the best instrument for me regardless of size, or material. It was more about the experience. In the end I am very happy with my purchase. If I had more time, I wish I could have gone down to Cordoba or Seville, but 5 days is not a lot of time. I stayed in the Plaza Santa Anna area and most luthiers were in walking distance. The Ramirez main shop was a short metro ride away. Hope this helps, I would do it again tomorrow.
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