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I'm going to Spain soon and am considering getting a new guitar. I play a Hnos Sanchis 2F-05 right now. It's a good guitar but my taste in regards to sound has also changed a bit in the past years. At this point all I know is that I'd like a negra that is suitable for smaller hands.
I've heard some horror stories about Spanish luthiers jacking up prices for payos/foreigners. But can anyone recommend any around Granada or Malaga? Ideally I'd just want to play a few guitars before I decide. Of course I'd also consider a guitar from Anders or whoever else might be an option, or a second hand guitar. In any case, is 2000 euros enough for a decent negra or do I need more? I can go up to 2.5 if really needed, beyond that it'd be getting a bit painful.
If you can go for a guitar by Anders I can only highly recommend it.
I was a little trip in Almuñécar to meet some friends that where staying there and I met a luthier there while we were out drinking. His name is Antonio Mingorance 'El Salao' , here is a blog wich seems to not have been active for a while: http://guitarraselsalao.blogspot.no/p/about-antonio-el-salao.html Just in case you were interested to go and have a look, I don't know the prices on his instruments or anything.
I don't think it should be the toughest task to find shops/luthiers while you are there either, but I don't know since I am not hunting for a guitar ever since I got my Anders
If you buy a guitar from an unknown luthier, you do not know how he has cared for the wood. Nor do you know if the wood is old, new, good, bad etc. Nor do you know if he knows how to make a good guitar. I could name famous luthiers in Granada from whom I would not buy a cejilla.
You should not have any problem in finding a negra around your price, but one which will not split or twist is something else.
You need to come informed, with plans to visit prechosen luthiers (you should call before visiting).
I'm not sure if "lone" makers will have any ready-made guitars for sale, since they will probably be working on client's orders. I know you will get a reliable guitar from Anders in Huelva, but he'll probably be in the same position. The bigger places in Madrid will probably have one or two, with student models and maybe a trade-in for sale. Try to get a feel for the makers/models/prices and second-hand values on the Internet first. Also have a look at local private small ads (on the Internet) in Madrid, Sevilla or wherever you intend going, as there will be a price shown by the seller.
If you like Granada guitars check out Bellido in Calle Navas. They will make you a reasonable offer and I'd say they're not the kind of guys who would ever try to cheat on you. Consider buying one of their blancas, they sound better to me.