Thomas Whiteley -> RE: How to choose a flamenco guitar? (Mar. 25 2005 1:29:22)
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Cheston; There are many things to look for when examining a guitar. I use my fingers to feel the entire instrument -–following the seams, top, sides, bottom and neck. Check for bulges along the entire top especially near the bridge and where braces are installed. Also check the area where the neck is attached to the body!!!!! Be sure the fit is tight. Do the machine heads or pegs turn easily? Are they stable? If you are picky use a dental mirror to examine the inside of more expensive guitars. Learn what to look for. Understand bracing patterns and check if the luither did a good or sloppy job inside of the guitar. One check for the neck is to run your index finger and thumb along either side of the top of the guitar neck to check how well the frets were installed. You might find some sharp edges on either or both sides of one or more frets. They can be filed away if necessary. Check the clearance from the 12th fret to the strings. It should be close – about 2mm but is very dependent upon the height of the saddle. A high saddle hinders measurement unless you have an eye for such things. I do not like to see a “bow” from the first fret to the 12th fret. I cannot explain that one well but you can learn what I am inferring very quickly. A good even finish is essential. You should create a checklist and go over an instrument detail by detail. Also, research the luither, ask lots of questions and be very careful. Above all, stay within your budget! Does the guitar play well and sound good? No matter how good it looks, looks mean very little when choosing a guitar. I tend to keep guitars like I keep friends – for ever! I have seen and played good guitars that cost less than $200. Not many but several. You never know what jewel you will find in the disguise of a guitar! Above all remember, labels are cheap! Good guitars are good guitars! Learn to use all your senses to examine a guitar – especially common sense! [:D] Again this is my short list.
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