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Not familiar with Contreras, but I own a 2003 Bernal Buleria model and am quite happy with it. I got a responsive one at the Bernal taller in Algodonales after playing a dozen or so of his various models. I'd never buy a guitar without playing it first - each one is unique, IMO.
Thanks for your advice. The thing is I don't have access to flamenco retailers and will have to order the guitar from the web. Based on my research Bernal seems to have a good reputation. From your experience with the Bernals, is the quality consistent enough for the individual guitars? I just don't want to have the bad luck of getting a lemon in the mail. I'd appreciate your advice.
RE: CONTRERAS or BERNAL? (in reply to CuerdasDulces)
I recommend Bernal. I've owned two and played at least twenty, some are better than others but the standard is high even of the lesser ones. I personally haven't played one that I thought was a 'lemon' but they could exist.
I've been to the 'factory' it is not a factory in the true sense of the word just a very organised large worshop building several guitars at once, there is no outsourcing.
They are good for the money. In the lower end market €1000 to €1500 they are hard to beat.
They are true flamenco guitars, good playability, good flamenco sound and attack that's why many are played in Andalucia. I would also recommend Sanchis Lopez in this price range.
As with ALL guitars they need to be tried first to see if YOU like it!
I have played a Contreras F-something at home (it belonged to a friend), and i have played some at the shop in Madrid. They are perfect for the money - something like 600-900euros. I have also played many Bernals at his shop in Sevilla, and found them also very good, but much more pricey. I played guitars from 1200euros-4500euros. One guitar of 1200 was the best of the bunch. But all were good guitars imo. I would go for Contreras i think.
The YouTube videos are good. The first video 8:00 shows the builder hammering two short nails into the soundboard and straight inside heel. In the finished guitar, this will be covered by the section of fretboard on top the body. I wonder whether any other guitar builders use this construction technique.
RE: CONTRERAS or BERNAL? (in reply to larrygraham)
I think they are taken out later. It's just for keeping the soundboard in place. Benito Huipe does the same thing to where the neck and headstock are joined, but he removes them afterwards.
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