ngiorgio -> RE: Loriente Carmen? (Apr. 11 2015 20:09:50)
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The Carmens can be very good intermediate guitars. There are a couple of very important things to be aware of. The Carmens went through a pretty substantial redesign a few years back. Even though they are marketed by the Cordoba Group, these guitars appear to be built by a smaller factory or workshop. They could be built by the Antonio Picado workshop. They way to tell if they are the new design is the color of the label. The early ones had a yellow label. The newer versions have a blue label. As mentioned by Bernd, two respected luthiers were very involved with the improvements to the later models and also a negra version was created. Interesting thing regarding the negras is that it has the same shallow body depth as the blanca. To me, these newer versions are way more flamenco than the early one. They are much lighter in weight. The blanca is also a bit lighter than the negra. The whole build is much lighter with thinner tops, back and sides and it appears to be braced lighter as well. They have two way adjustable truss rods which I think is big plus. They also have a true low profile bridge and their neck angle allows for a very comfortable low action. Easy on the right hand. Not too stiff, medium to light pulsation. I find the necks to be very comfortable, not like the heavy thick necks of the made in Spain Cordobas (most likely coming out of the Alhambra factory) Also, and this is a big reason why they can be very responsive, as a decent flamenco should be, the polyurethane finish is very, very thinly applied. I currently have one blanca and 2 negras. The blanca is way to bright for my style of playing and the 2 negras are very similar to each other. (I am more of a negra guy anyway) My blanca is currently for sale and very soon, I need to part with one of the negras. I have had these guitars between 6 to 9 months and have had enough time to experience all of their characteristics. Now for the other side of the coin. Their street price new, is around $2000. I didn't pay anywhere near that for any of the 3 that I have. Not that they are not worth 2 grand, I'm sure some of them may be, but at that price point there are quite a few other brands to pick from. New or used is another variable. There's a nice Castillo negra on Ebay for $2000. 2 grand for a known luthier made instrument, is for me, a pretty nice choice. There's also a Camps primera blanca on Ebay for $1700. I could go on but I am sure you get my drift. In my humble opinion, a blue label Carmen can be a pretty nice guitar at a price of 1200 dollars. All solid, made in Spain, lightly built and very flamenco. Just do your homework and be aware of the options. Another thing which I like very much about these Carmens that I have, is that they seem to resemble instruments of the Granada school than that of the Madrid style of construction, sound and feel. Slightly smaller bodies, light in weight, very responsive and easy to play. Anyway to sum this all up, IMHO if someone is able to spend $2000 on a guitar, look for a used luthier made instrument. If your budget is a$1000. or so, a nice used Carmen can be a good choice. Good luck in your search.
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