|
avimuno -> RE: Guitar identification - Gerardo Nunez (Encuentro DVD) (Aug. 8 2011 6:11:51)
|
quote:
I have played a Marvi negra it sounded very good in direct comparison to several well respected makers. It was loud, rich and powerful but not classical sounding. Basses were profound, deep but not muffled, trebles were full, clear, expressive; the balance between was very good.
It had real character it was a strong, macho sound and had that kind of built in 'reverb' resonance, overall a very musical guitar. I would say it sounded beautiful. It was one of those guitars that sounded flamenco very easily- didn't need much right hand.
I found the Marvi was comfortable to play for left and right hand, moderately stiff pulsation. The construction and wood was obviously top quality. The Marvi was double lined and the neck construction is special so there's more wood upto the soundhole; it wasn't a light guitar but not remarkably heavy. I didn't find the weight was a problem at all but having played guitars considerably varying in weight I don't find that weight makes any difference in playability to me personally.
Although an exceptional guitar it would not be my first choice. I imagine it would be good for recording, playing solo or playing at home but I prefer uglier, more dynamic sounding blancas, I personally prefer flat Condes which don't sound flamenco unless you make them!
Still the Marvi was great I don't know why they're not used more, maybe the price? Too full and not rough/cutting enough for accompaniment? (Or because as Doit suggests, the headstock is reminisent of the male genitalia?)
Maybe they are used for recording and we just don't know it? There are players that always perform with the same guitar but record with other makers too.
Nice review orsonw!
I almost bought a Marvi from Johannes from Mundo Flamenco a few months ago. The deal fell out because I couldn't gather the money at the time... but a Marvi negra is still very much in my books and I'll probably get one when I have some guitar money to spend.
I have not tried one yet but it was one of those guitars I always thought I'd buy without trying because Andy has such a good reputation. My opinion has changed now... I'll definitely try one before buying but to come back to Andy's pricing, considering the current prices on the market, I don't think that Andy's prices are overwhelmingly high when you consider the quality of the woods used and the overall quality of the instrument. I think that they represent a good investment as they should not loose too much value over the years. I have also been surprised that not many pros play them, especially since Gerardo has both recorded and played live with them... the Vicente Amigo/Reyes price ratio has not happened with Marvi yet! lol
That said I must also admit that every videos or audio tracks of Marvi I've heard apart from Gerardo's Encuentro video has been a disappointment. Of course it's all down to recording quality so before I try one I cannot judge.
Concerning the weight of the guitar, Johannes told me that Marvi builds his guitars with a double back/sides so that the risk of cracking is limited. The downside is that the guitar is heavy... but apparently he can build a guitar with single back/sides although Andy does not recommend it for the reason mentioned above.
I find that reason weird since most guitars are not built with double back/sides and most of them do not crack unless you leave it in a dry weather without any humidification.
Something else I find very interesting in orsonw's review is his comparing a Marvi to a Conde... Marvi does not require a lot of right hand to sound good whilst Conde really needs a strong right hand to start sounding good!
Personally, I must admit that I tend to appreciate guitars where you have to work... I like it when a guitar fights back and does not let itself be tamed so easily. I find that a guitar like that tends to improve your technique and also tends to give a better playing experience... of course it's a question of taste but this is one of the reason why I always come back to my Conde.
But here again, I do not know... so it seems that trying a Marvi is on the list of things to do before the end of the world!!!
Thanks for the review again!
|
|
|
|
