Andy Culpepper Andaman Padauk Negra

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MikeC

Posts: 79
Joined: Mar. 19 2015
From: Panama (living in South Florida)

Andy Culpepper Andaman Padauk Negra

Hi,

I recently became a member of the Foro but I've lurking for a while. As I mention in my intro I got my first flamenco guitar made by Andy Culpepper. My guitar is #58 and is a flamenco negra with Andaman Padauk sides and back and LR Baggs Lyric pickup.

The first thing that I noticed when I pick it up is how light it is. The guitar is beautifully finished. It has a custom made rosette inspired in Panamanian pottery designs. Working on the design with Andy was fun and smooth. The Padauk is gorgeous.

One of the things that I was looking for is a guitar that was easier to play than my classical. I have a Ramirez classical that has a very thick neck typical classical action. The neck on this guitar is very comfortable. The action is low without unintentional buzzing. Bar chords are almost effortless.

The sound is crisp and very balanced. The other surprise for me is the dynamic range of this guitar. When played softly it sounds sweet and mellow but you do a rasgueado and it becomes aggressive and very percussive. Very cool!

I checked notes up and down the neck and they are very balanced with no unpleasant resonant frequencies. Intonation is perfect (checked with a tuner).

The LR Baggs Lyric is great since it does NOT require a cut out on the side or an under the saddle piezo. I haven't played with it too much. I just tried briefly and it seems fine.

Overall, I'm very impressed with Andy's work and very satisfied with the guitar. He kept me informed of his progress and sent pictures during the build- which I enjoyed a lot.

Here are some pics:

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 22 2015 21:45:14

MikeC

Posts: 79
Joined: Mar. 19 2015
From: Panama (living in South Florida)

RE: Andy Culpepper Andaman Padauk Negra (in reply to MikeC)

More pics

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Attachment (1)

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 22 2015 21:56:35

tijeretamiel

Posts: 441
Joined: Jan. 6 2012

RE: Andy Culpepper Andaman Padauk Negra (in reply to MikeC)

Great work Mike!

I love Andy's guitars, his new Padauk negra looks as exceptional as his others.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 22 2015 22:20:44

minorthang

Posts: 222
Joined: Dec. 25 2014

RE: Andy Culpepper Andaman Padauk Negra (in reply to MikeC)

looks great so many great guitars makers on the forum and like anders great players as well- miles of admiration and respect for andy

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 23 2015 1:23:19

beno

Posts: 881
Joined: Nov. 3 2006
From: Hungary

RE: Andy Culpepper Andaman Padauk Negra (in reply to MikeC)

This guitar looks gorgeous! And sure it sounds fine as well. Have fun, and play the sh*t out of it!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 23 2015 20:11:27

Cervantes

Posts: 503
Joined: Jun. 14 2014
From: Encinitas, CA USA

RE: Andy Culpepper Andaman Padauk Negra (in reply to MikeC)

That bridge is really dark, is it Ebony?

_____________________________

Ah well, there was a fantastic passion there, in my case anyway. I discovered flamenco
very early on. It grips you in a way that you can't get away - Paco Pena

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 30 2015 23:12:48

MikeC

Posts: 79
Joined: Mar. 19 2015
From: Panama (living in South Florida)

RE: Andy Culpepper Andaman Padauk Negra (in reply to Cervantes)

Thanks for all the comments! The guitar has been opening up during this first week and sounding even better!

Cervantes: The bridge is rosewood. It looks almost black in that picture because of the angle and indirect light.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 31 2015 13:37:51