gj Michelob -> RE: Rose Rosette on Primera/A-1 Models (Jan. 2 2009 7:13:55)
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This thread’s departed for its original intents, but in doing so has brought about two interesting issues concerning guitar building, one of art-theory and one of marketing strategy: (i) Anders has undoubtedly marked a fine point by insisting that he derives immense artistic pleasure and pride by making his own rosette; yet Tom Blackshear has articulated perhaps an even finer and more ascetic paradigm, that the art of a lutheir lays exclusively in the “sound” of his instruments, rather than in any other visible part. A bit the spiritual concept that “beauty isn’t in what you eyes can see, but what your soul perceives” [St. Augustine]. While both points of view have merit, both must face certain marketing consequences: (ii) I quote Ricardo’s statement, also because I know we all respect his views as expressed by a knowledgeable and gifted musician and fair critic, after all. quote:
I have never picked a guitar for it's looks, and certainly not the rosette. I do not believe that Ricardo may truly declare himself as immune to cosmetic characteristics of a guitar, as he did above. While none of us will probably ever buy a guitar solely and exclusively on “looks”, we all are attracted by certain makers (brands)’ notoriety and expected quality of which we are assured by their distinctive marks. In Ricardo’s case particularly, I had noticed when I first watched his promotional video for Madera Sonora [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VH3n1gm9Sc4&feature=channel_page ] how he cherishes the beauty of his instruments; it seems so obvious to me that he enjoys the color, fashion and garb of each instrument, Sanchis Carpio or Conde, the orange guitar handsomely matched with the most exquisite cejilla, displayed with pride and true admiration. Since I am a great fan of his music, I am in turn greatly influenced by his choices, and while promoting his CD –which I love- he also promoted Conde and Sanchis, along with a peculiar perspective in viewing guitars, that they be “also” aesthetically gratifying. [believe it or not I bought my Conde based on Ricardo’s videos, and am quite attracted by an orange/red Sanchis Carpio for the same reason. In my humble opinion, Ricardo is hands-down the most talented flamenco composer and musician in the United States, and perhaps –at least on ipod playlist- up there with Amigo, Tomatito and Nunez. May be you should adopt Jim Opfer’s habit to subtitle your video with a description of the guitar you are playing, Ricardo, and get endorsements value (?)].
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