|
Ricardo -> RE: Advice for Buying Concert Flamenco Guitar (Jan. 29 2008 7:55:43)
|
I concur with mr Padre. Lots of bad mouthing of Condes, but they have always served me too, and after other intruments, back I return. But the problem of prices is real.
IMO, your best bet is to try out some guitars but save your Euros to be sure. You can find a good Conde Used in the USA (our dollar is sucking compared to Euro) and save a lot of $. IMO your best bet is to save for a used one, older as possible, with an option to try out. I know that is not always possible.
If in Madrid, I have played some guitars comparable to A26(felipe V address) at the Atocha address, not Gravina 7, (understand there are 3 conde shops), with prices generally a little more than half the price of Felipe V. I say comparable, but they don't necessarily BEAT an A26. Wish I could have spent a lot of time in that department, but I suggest you atleast check out the Atocha shop and ask to try the best instrument they have (4k E range?). Just two years ago I played one that they wanted 3.5KE for that was not bad at all. But not sure of the market now.
I was lucky that I purchesed my favorite Conde's in Spain when they had Pesetas and US Dollar was very strong. That is why I suggest looking for used US priced instruments.
Manzanero is very good guitar with the old world feel and sound like the old Sobrinos more than modern Conde. BUT like Padre mentioned about the neck and feel of the conde, Manzanero is kind of skinny for my taste, not so comfy for me. Good sound though. Contreras, in my experience, are often very loud guitars. So if you want volume go for it. For me personally, that is not something that impresses or convinces me of superior sound.
Anyway good luck. Also, I second Padre's recommendation of H. Sanchis Lopez, obviously lower end instruments, but great for their price range.
Ricardo
|
|
|
|
