Need a recommendation? (Full Version)

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Quarkcharmer -> Need a recommendation? (Jun. 5 2011 6:33:42)

Hi everyone!

I am new to these forums, but I have read through some of the conversations so far and I like the fact that everyone here seems to know what they are talking about for the most part. It's hard to find a discussion group on the internet that has any understanding on non-shred metal guitar.

Anyway, I have played guitar for around 17 years now, mostly fingerstyle, but some classical and a few flamenco pieces. I have been focusing mainly on flamenco for the past year or so, and still have much to learn. I have either been playing on my classicals or on a Solista Flamenco (cordoba) that I picked up used a while back. I have been trying to find a decent flamenco blanca for around 1500 usd. Nothing too fancy, but a real flamenco guitar none the less. There is just so much out there, and it is hard for me to tell what is a decent guitar and what is not. There are virtually no guitar shops that sell non yamaha/cordoba/taylor in my area (Orlando Florida)! What should I do? Where should I be looking?

I appreciate any insight you can provide,
QC



Doitsujin -> RE: Need a recommendation? (Jun. 5 2011 11:45:03)

Hmm.. I think you can have a brilliant guitar for around 1000Euros already if you are lucky. I can only give you the advise, if you plan to spend several 1000Euros for a high class guitar, you should get your hands on the instrument and test it before you buy. And take your actual guitar for comparison with you. Never try guitars without control. Best is your actual instrument.
I would only go for a guitar without testing if it would be a known serious maker and the guitars are accepted here in the foro. We have some decent luthiers here in the foro.

Back to the topic. If you want to pay very much.. I would also invest in a transcontinental plane ticked and a room for 2-3 days in spain. Go to the shops, if possible meet somebody who knows the shops and... spanish, and take your time.

Don´t buy the first one you like. Wait a little and recheck at least 1 time.



Morante -> RE: Need a recommendation? (Jun. 5 2011 15:36:33)

Hola Quark

Recomiendo que compra una guitarra de fábrica. Por este precio sería difícil encontrar una guitarra de artesano. Incluso, no se puede fiar en un guitarrero si no sabe donde él compra su madera, como lo cuida, como trabaja, etc. He conocido a guitarreros capaces de romper una tapa, pegarla y vender la guitarra como de primera.

Una guitarra hecha con madera joven puede mover o rajarse. Es impresindible conocer al guitarrero.

La guitarras de fábrica de Valencia, de Alhambra, Almansa etc. son fiables y buenas.

Una guitarra de "artesanía" se compra cuando tiene mucho conocimiento.



Quarkcharmer -> RE: Need a recommendation? (Jun. 5 2011 17:06:36)

Doitsujin,
I understand the value of trying a guitar before making a purchase. Each one sounds a little different, and it is entirely possible to get a dud! I never really considered a ticket to Spain. I do speak communicable spanish (need to learn Vosotros I guess), so it wouldn't be too bad. How would customs work when bringing it back? I know that wood is a material enforced by customs right?

Hola Morante,
No tengo ningún problema con la compra de una guitarra de una pequeña fábrica. Sólo estoy familiarizado con grandes guitarras de fábrica común en Estados Unidos. No quise dar a entender que debe ser hecho a mano.



Quarkcharmer -> RE: Need a recommendation? (Jun. 5 2011 17:20:48)

Nevermind, I checked the cost of flight several months from now and it would still cost well over 2,000 usd for the flight alone. I simply can't afford that and the cost of a guitar. I'm just a student, so money is scarce for now, but I have around 2500 usd (1700 euro or so) saved.



Doitsujin -> RE: Need a recommendation? (Jun. 5 2011 22:37:50)

One important rule: Don´t trust people who write completely in Spanish an an English forum. They usually lie left and center. ;P

I don´t understand the 2 sentences cited below:
quote:

How would customs work when bringing it back? I know that wood is a material enforced by customs right?


Its not only how a guitar sounds, but also how playable it is. Or if there are problems... for example the classic: serious cracks under white golpeadores. And.. Spanish guitar makers tend to put awful mechanics on their guitars.. And tons of other things you would get badly surprised if you dont get your hands on the guitar you would buy.



Quarkcharmer -> RE: Need a recommendation? (Jun. 5 2011 22:57:02)

I don't know the ins and outs of purchasing a flamenco guitar. That is why I am here asking for advice!

What are some good used/new models that I could pick up in the United States or Abroad for around 2500 usd?

I read that Jeff Sigurdson is quite recommended. He doesn't seem to have a product line anywhere. So I suppose I should simply email him?



BarkellWH -> RE: Need a recommendation? (Jun. 5 2011 23:23:50)

quote:

What are some good used/new models that I could pick up in the United States or Abroad for around 2500 usd?


I recommend you contact Zavaleta's Guitars, located in Tucson, Arizona. The website is www.zavaletas-guitarras.com. The gentleman's name is James Greenberg, and he imports mid- to high-end flamenco and classical guitars from Spain. Check out the website and look carefully at the Manuel Adalid flamencos for US$2,500. Two years ago, I visited Zavaleta's, had dinner with James Greenberg, and looked over his guitars. I bought a Manuel Adalid flamenca blanca for $2,500. It is a first-rate instrument with a sound that is muy flamenco! Mr. Greenberg is a pleasure to do business with, and he, of course, ships guitars to his customers. Highly recommended!

Cheers,

Bill



rodrigovalt -> RE: Need a recommendation? (Jun. 6 2011 0:31:00)

Hello QC! a friend of mine is selling a flamenco guitar from Hermanos Sanchis Lopez. I think he is selling it for 1600 USD. I'have played the guitar and it sounds and feels really good.

Here are some details:
Back and Sides: Cipres
Top: German Spruce
Year:2006
Model: 2F-05

If you are interested I can send you his phone number. I also own a Hermanos Sanchis Lopez, which I bought some time after trying mi friend's guitar, and I really love it's flamenco sound [:D]...

Cheers



Pgh_flamenco -> RE: Need a recommendation? (Jun. 6 2011 0:44:35)

LoPrinzi has a shop in Florida. He might have a used Flamenco guitar at a good price.

http://www.augustinoloprinzi.com/prod01.htm

I have an Alhambra 7FC that I'd be willing to sell for a lot less (less than half of what it costs new) than you plan on spending. You can look this model up on the net. http://www.buy-classical-guitars.com/alhambra-guitar-models/flamenco/alhambra-7fc/

Andy Culpepper might be able to help you find something. Here's his website: http://www.andyculpepper.com/Contact.html

Just wondering QC--are you a physicist? Welcome to FF...



Quarkcharmer -> RE: Need a recommendation? (Jun. 6 2011 1:43:27)

rodrigovalt,
Could you pm me your friends email address?

Pgh_flamenco,
That would definitely be something that I am interested in. Do you have any pictures of it, and what are you asking?

quote:

Just wondering QC--are you a physicist?

Somewhat, I am a physics student currently.

Thanks for all the help. I sent Zavaleta's, Jeff S. and some others a request for a quote.



rodrigovalt -> RE: Need a recommendation? (Jun. 6 2011 2:05:49)

I just sent you a pm with mi friend's email...



Quarkcharmer -> RE: Need a recommendation? (Jun. 6 2011 4:57:15)

Thank you rodrigovalt,
I responded to your message.

Thanks to everyone who pm'd me with guitars for sale, and thank you to the few makers who responded. I am still interested in hearing my options, so please feel free.

From the information I currently have, I really like the idea of getting myself an Andy Culpepper 2a Blanca, but I might have to struggle a bit to hit the price range. I like the looks of his shop and guitars. Does anyone own one of his guitars?

I am also considering Francisco Navarros Concert Flamenco. It's a bit closer to my range. Any information on those? Better yet, quality audio of Andy's or Franciscos?

Thanks



Stephen Eden -> RE: Need a recommendation? (Jun. 6 2011 15:27:14)

hmm there are a few American Luthiers on this site hopefully they will Get in touch! Andy Culpepper has some links to you tube on his site and this site. There is also Stephen Faulk. You can see he has a banner at the top of the page sometimes!

John Shelton is another frequent poster and guitar maker. I'm not sure on the prices though so you will have to check them out. There are others but I think they are out of your price range.

I wouldnt Bother with a trip to Spain to be Honest. There are plenty of guitar makers in the US that make a great flamenco guitar. Some of the American Guys on this forum will be able to you more than I can.



birussell -> RE: Need a recommendation? (Jun. 8 2011 20:06:17)

I don't know if this would be out of place to say but I've recently completed my 4th guitar, it's a flamenco blanca with spruce top and cypress back and sides. I was about to try to sell it if you are interested... since it's one of my first guitars I'd give you a real bargain.



Quarkcharmer -> RE: Need a recommendation? (Jun. 9 2011 3:23:55)

birussell,
Do you have any video/photo of it's construction and sound afterwords?

-QC



Pgh_flamenco -> RE: Need a recommendation? (Jun. 9 2011 22:49:05)

QC, I have some pics I can email if you PM your email addy to me.



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