Conde Hermanos EF5

Conde Hermanos EF5 (Full Version)

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Kalo -> Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 7 2012 22:34:14)
Hi All, Where I live their is a Conde Hermanos EF5 on Craigslist...It is a 2002 and the person is selling it for $1200 I am just curious about this guitar and I am told I can check it out... Any advise on whether this would be a good learning guitar....Again, I am just checking it out.... Thanks, Kalo

Leñador -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 7 2012 23:45:00)
I've HEARD that low end(factory) conde's are not great. I've never played one and the only conde I've touched was more expensive then my life is worth and it was fantastic but I've heard with the low end models they live off their name. If I were you I'd go play it anyways just cus [:D]

Pgh_flamenco -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 7 2012 23:54:22)
I owned an EF5 a few years ago. It was an average guitar and from what I understand it wasn't even made by Conde. Also, I only paid $500 USD, but I think the usual used price is between $800--$1,000 USD.

Kalo -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 8 2012 0:10:00)
Thanks guys! I did some research on the internet and you are both right about it being low end... Guess what else I found out?? I was told by the Seller that there is a crack that runs down the middle of the body. This crack occurred about three years ago! The Seller claims that he had it looked at by a local luthier who put some cleats inside. He concluded that the crack is a surface fissure and does not pose a future risk and it is a Cosmetic faults! In reality I think $1200.00 is way too high for this guitar. I haven't played it yet, but, low end, and a crack in the middle??? Thanks, Kalo

Ricardo -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 8 2012 15:27:00)
quote: ORIGINAL: Kalo Thanks guys! I did some research on the internet and you are both right about it being low end... Guess what else I found out?? I was told by the Seller that there is a crack that runs down the middle of the body. This crack occurred about three years ago! The Seller claims that he had it looked at by a local luthier who put some cleats inside. He concluded that the crack is a surface fissure and does not pose a future risk and it is a Cosmetic faults! In reality I think $1200.00 is way too high for this guitar. I haven't played it yet, but, low end, and a crack in the middle??? Thanks, Kalo If the crack goes under the bridge the guitar is pretty much done for and should be free. But if it avoids the bridge, it probably is just cosmetic. Price should be more like $800 IMO if the crack is bad. Conde student guitars tend to be made by Sanchis and others that are actually very good builds for the price range. At that point it's about label and looks to go for student conde vs the actual valencia maker. Perhaps bracing different I don't know but feel and sound is the same deal.

Kalo -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 8 2012 15:38:35)
quote: If the crack goes under the bridge the guitar is pretty much done for and should be free. But if it avoids the bridge, it probably is just cosmetic. Price should be more like $800 IMO if the crack is bad. Conde student guitars tend to be made by Sanchis and others that are actually very good builds for the price range. At that point it's about label and looks to go for student conde vs the actual valencia maker. Perhaps bracing different I don't know but feel and sound is the same deal. Thank you Ricardo!!!! Very imformative stuff regarding the "crack" I will look to see if it is under the bridge of the guitar....If the crack is just a comestic defect, and if it feels comfortable, this might be a GREAT guitar to further my studies... Kalo

keith -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 8 2012 15:57:24)
Kalo, as I recall from posts a few months ago was not scale length and neck width an issue? something to consider with this guitar as i believe the student conde's are longer than 650mm. as ricardo and others have said or implied, $1200 seems like a lot for a conde that is used and has a crack. if the crack is due to lack of hydration i wonder what other problems may be going on? neck angle? fret ends sticking out? wood woofing? for the same money i would think there are a bunch of alternatives that would be much better with respect to your hands and/or the quality of life expectancy of the guitar.

Kalo -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 8 2012 16:24:18)
quote: Kalo, as I recall from posts a few months ago was not scale length and neck width an issue? something to consider with this guitar as i believe the student conde's are longer than 650mm. as ricardo and others have said or implied, $1200 seems like a lot for a conde that is used and has a crack. if the crack is due to lack of hydration i wonder what other problems may be going on? neck angle? fret ends sticking out? wood woofing? for the same money i would think there are a bunch of alternatives that would be much better with respect to your hands and/or the quality of life expectancy of the guitar. Hey Keith, I totally understand what you're saying and I agree with what you said about the guitar having more problems then the crack! To be honest, I don't like the crack even if it might be a cosmetic flaw... $1200.00 is a lot to spend...I would totally offer lower than $1200 if the guitar ended up playing nice and the crack is just a flaw... I doubt, I will go this weekend, and probably will still keep saving for something else... Kalo

Leñador -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 8 2012 16:26:24)
Yeah, I'd be really weary. There's a lot of options in that price range to fool around with a potential lemon........ I was on craigslist daily for 3 months and looked at 7 different guitars before I bought mine, I was antsy as all hell........

sig -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 8 2012 16:46:57)
Kalo, I have a suggestion, look in the classifieds section and look up the following guitar: Cogger, blanca. I've played this instrument and while its a bit rough looking, there is nothing wrong with it. It sounds very similar to a Culpepper guitar as he is Andy's mentor and it used to belong to Andy Culpepper. I know the guy selling it and he is switching away from flamenco and that's only reason he is selling it. I think he is asking $850 usd but you could probably get it for a bit less. Its really a nice sounding instrument with good action and for that kind of money, a solid instrument you could live with for a while. Sig--

Kalo -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 8 2012 17:58:57)
quote: Kalo, I have a suggestion, look in the classifieds section and look up the following guitar: Cogger, blanca. I've played this instrument and while its a bit rough looking, there is nothing wrong with it. It sounds very similar to a Culpepper guitar as he is Andy's mentor and it used to belong to Andy Culpepper. I know the guy selling it and he is switching away from flamenco and that's only reason he is selling it. I think he is asking $850 usd but you could probably get it for a bit less. Its really a nice sounding instrument with good action and for that kind of money, a solid instrument you could live with for a while. Sig-- Actually, I just checked it out and saw that the "Nut Width" 54mm is to wide for my little hands....UGH!!!!! Kalo

sig -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 8 2012 19:42:16)
I fully understand your concern, however I don't think you would have a problem with a 54mm nut. 2mm over the standard shouldn't cause you any hardships as the difference is quite small. The action is nice and low and it takes very little pressure to fret a chord, even a barre chord down on the neck... Sig--

BarkellWH -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 8 2012 20:07:43)
Kalo, My advice is do not buy the Conde EF5. For the cost of $800 to $1200 you can obtain a good new guitar with no flaws or cracks, and with a 52 mm nut, which is what you want. These EF5s are not really made by Conde in the first place. As Ricardo wrote, it most likely was made by Sanchis or someone else in Valencia for Conde. They can be good guitars, but in this case you would be putting out a lot of money for a guitar that is already flawed. And who knows what other flaws it may have besides the crack. Keep your money and wait for a guitar you really feel confident is in great shape and that you feel comfortable buying, including nut size, scale length, and the shape of the neck. When you finally find the guitar you really want, you will be glad you waited. Patience, my friend, patience. It will pay off in the long run. Cheers, Bill

Kalo -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 8 2012 21:47:00)
quote: fully understand your concern, however I don't think you would have a problem with a 54mm nut. 2mm over the standard shouldn't cause you any hardships as the difference is quite small. The action is nice and low and it takes very little pressure to fret a chord, even a barre chord down on the neck... Sig-- As of right now I am playing on a Takamine Classical CP132SC electric/accoustic and I have to say the the 2 inch nut which converts to 50.8 mm is feeling very comfortable to my hands... The only way I would be willing to try this guitar that you mention is if I lived in the same state and could go over and play... quote: My advice is do not buy the Conde EF5. For the cost of $800 to $1200 you can obtain a good new guitar with no flaws or cracks, and with a 52 mm nut, which is what you want. These EF5s are not really made by Conde in the first place. As Ricardo wrote, it most likely was made by Sanchis or someone else in Valencia for Conde. They can be good guitars, but in this case you would be putting out a lot of money for a guitar that is already flawed. And who knows what other flaws it may have besides the crack. Keep your money and wait for a guitar you really feel confident is in great shape and that you feel comfortable buying, including nut size, scale length, and the shape of the neck. When you finally find the guitar you really want, you will be glad you waited. Patience, my friend, patience. It will pay off in the long run. Hi Bill, Thanks for your reply....Again, I am happy I posted on the forum and asked for advice on this guitar...My friend who plays flamenco and lives in the same State told me to "go over and check it out and so what if it has a crack, it is a CONDE" Well, that is why I posted because to me any kind of crack even a flaw is something I don't want..... I really think an "oval D shape" neck and 51 mm nut with a 650 scale would be a good guitar for me! Most flamenco are flat C shape neck...No good for me... Kalo

HolyEvil -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 8 2012 23:24:29)
Just lettin you know that the ef5 are 664 in scale length. I saw that on a Conde catalogue, but that was from a few years back. Cheers.

Kalo -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 8 2012 23:31:49)
quote: Just lettin you know that the ef5 are 664 in scale length. I saw that on a Conde catalogue, but that was from a few years back. Cheers Yeah, Holy Evil, I checked out the specs online when researching it....664 is no good for me that is for sure [:o] Kalo

HolyEvil -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 8 2012 23:38:25)
You should check out delcamp, they have a Johnny walker 640/50 scale negra for sale.

Kalo -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 9 2012 0:50:49)
quote: You should check out delcamp, they have a Johnny walker 640/50 scale negra for sale. Delcamp?? What is that?? I think I could be cool with 650 scale...I was told neck profile means alot...Like an oval profile instead of a C type profile.. Kalo

sig -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 9 2012 20:32:12)
Kalo, Yes, if you could try it, you might like it but since that isn't going to work I agree with Bill's advice. Don't rush into a purchase, take your time and find something that fits and you can live and grow with; there are lots of guitars out there, eventually you will find the right instrument... Sig--

Leñador -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 9 2012 20:49:16)
If you live near any place that has a big inventory of classical and flamenco guitars you can go and pretend your a serious buyer just to try many different things out to see what suits your needs. When you feel something you like, ask "whats the nut width on this? What scale? Whats the neck shape?" etc.. I did this, luckily I live near Guitar Salon, I felt a little bad but the experience was invaluable. It actually dispelled some things for me, things I thought were important I found were not and vice versa.

Kalo -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 9 2012 21:14:05)
quote: Kalo, Yes, if you could try it, you might like it but since that isn't going to work I agree with Bill's advice. Don't rush into a purchase, take your time and find something that fits and you can live and grow with; there are lots of guitars out there, eventually you will find the right instrument... Sig-- Thanks Sig, great advice!!! I wish they made flamenco guitars with a little smaller body as well...I was told that the flamenco guitar looks hugh on me [:o]

Kalo -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 9 2012 21:15:34)
quote: If you live near any place that has a big inventory of classical and flamenco guitars you can go and pretend your a serious buyer just to try many different things out to see what suits your needs. When you feel something you like, ask "whats the nut width on this? What scale? Whats the neck shape?" etc.. I did this, luckily I live near Guitar Salon, I felt a little bad but the experience was invaluable. It actually dispelled some things for me, things I thought were important I found were not and vice versa. Hi Leander, Unforunately we only have a GC and a place called Accoustic Vibes and both just carry Cordoba's and Yamaha's! They are the standard 52mm nut and flat C shape neck... Kalo

HolyEvil -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 9 2012 22:01:36)
it's delcamp.us it's a classical guitar website but they have flamenco guitars in their 'for sale' page sometimes. it's good that you are in the USA, you can test the guitar out and then return it if you don't like it. you can search johnny walker on this foro and read about the luthier here as well.. hope you will be successful in your search soon!

Kalo -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 10 2012 1:10:15)
quote: it's delcamp.us it's a classical guitar website but they have flamenco guitars in their 'for sale' page sometimes. it's good that you are in the USA, you can test the guitar out and then return it if you don't like it. you can search johnny walker on this foro and read about the luthier here as well.. hope you will be successful in your search soon! Thanks Holy Evil!!! I wish I could buy a mid range flamenco guitar and then just save up for a custom/built one! At least I still have guitar to practice with. I've called up the Seller and cancelled my Saturday appointment with him. Kalo

rombsix -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 10 2012 10:24:19)
Kalo - just stick to your Takamine. I am visiting back home now and got to play my Hohner HC-06 $80 classical guitar. It sounds AMAZING! [8D][:D] No really, I still absolutely enjoy playing it. Just hold onto your Takamine and work on your flamenco skills. Once you get to the next level in your playing, you'll find the most appropriate flamenco guitar will magically appear near you for you to buy and enjoy it. [:)] (Maybe I'm living in flamenco fantasy world now. [8D])

Kalo -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 10 2012 15:51:47)
quote: Kalo - just stick to your Takamine. I am visiting back home now and got to play my Hohner HC-06 $80 classical guitar. It sounds AMAZING! No really, I still absolutely enjoy playing it. Just hold onto your Takamine and work on your flamenco skills. Once you get to the next level in your playing, you'll find the most appropriate flamenco guitar will magically appear near you for you to buy and enjoy it. (Maybe I'm living in flamenco fantasy world now. ) quote: I was told by many luthier that the neck profile Takamine is not correct to lower the bridge! I didn't listen and being that the preamp is ruined and can not be repaired, I removed the "bone" and the pick up a slim plastic part out of the bridge slot which actually lowered the bridge! After removing the pick up part inside the bridge the slot was deep so I didn't have to shave anything off the bone.. However, I find out now that to my ears the Takamine doesn't sound great with the strings that lower to the body of the guitar... Strings do buzz a little, plus sound a tad bit muted. I could shim the bridge up a little... I am too lazy and I actually like the bridge low as it makes playing flamenco way easier!!! I think your Hohner HC-06 neck profile was good enough to lower the bridge and make flamenco better to learn on.. The takamine isn't made that way.. However, I get what you are saying and ALWAYS appreciate advice... I appreciate ALL advice on this forum... Kalo

Miguel de Maria -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 10 2012 17:02:36)
That's not true, Acoustic Vibes carries other brands, at least they did a year ago. I played a negra there for about $1500, if I recall.

keith -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 10 2012 18:07:29)
kalo, there is a rafael de cordoba flamenco at the guitar center store in new mexico. below is the link. one thing about guitar center is that you can have the guitar shipped to you or the closet guitar center store and you have a 30 day trial period--at least that is my impression. the rafael de cordoba is the top of the line in the cordoba line. the guitar is very inexpensive, has lived in your neck of the woods and i believe only has a superficial crack. a few months ago i sent the store an e-mail about the guitar. the other thing you might want to do is to get a 52mm nut with a 41.5 spread between high and low e strings. you can get a pre-cut tusq nut off the bay for about $10. http://www.guitarcenter.com/In-Store-Used-USED-RAFAEL-DE-CORDOBA-CLASSICAL-041611-410-106474559-i1926223.gc

Kalo -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 10 2012 19:01:04)
Keith, Thanks for the link! I will call and get more information...What "superficial crack" are you talking about?? Miguel, Accoustic Vibe has little selection in Flamenco Guitars. Went down their a week ago and all they had in stock was Alhambra 10FC!...Maybe they'll get more...What "negra" did you play?? Kalo

keith -> RE: Conde Hermanos EF5 (Nov. 11 2012 0:18:09)
as i recall it had a very inperceptive small crack on the top--probably a humidity issue that with proper hydration will close. i cannot remember the specifics but it was small. use the crack as a bargaining chip. by the way, i believe if you return a guitar that was shipped one does not have to pay for return shipping--the new store is stuck with the guitar. a definite plus if you do not like it. since it is coming from new mexico to arizona the shipping cost will be very low (i think from new mexico to massachusetts was around $25 as i recall).

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