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Long time (well, a few months) lurker but I was hoping to request some info from your experience.
I've been learning (from books) flamenco guitar for a few months since getting back from Jerez and being inspired. I play acoustic etc etc guitar and have done for a few years. Want to start skype lessons (I can't seem to find a teacher in South London)
I've been practising on a simple classical guitar and I challenged myself that if I was still playing flamenco in 6 months I should invest in a flamenco guitar.
So - I want something quite cheap, £500 or thereabouts. I know this doesn't give me much choice, but again - my challenge is that if I'm still playing in 2 years I will buy a more expensive guitar.
I've done lots of research but I seem to have a million options So, for that money I had a few questions:
Any obvious recommendations of guitar make and model., that would make this very simple? Camps seem to have a good looking range at that price. Should I buy it in London, or buy it in Spain, or buy it on-line? Should I go second hand?
And whilst I'm here, any south London teacher recommendations? Or it's off to skype for me.
RE: Where to start buying a beginner... (in reply to gbramer)
That sucks.......You can usually find one somewhere here for about $300 or less.....I was thinking of getting one to use as my beater guitar....No matter how much I tweak my cordoba it doesn't feel quite as nice as the cheap yamahas......
RE: Where to start buying a beginner... (in reply to Leñador)
Both my Kremona and Alhambra feel really good now.
I believe my playing improvements have done more for the tone and playability of both guitars than the tweaks. After a while the right hand seems to adapt to any piece of crap that you grab and it just knows how to avoid boominess, bring out treble, etc.
Get the nut height/spacing right, saddle height (maybe shape too) and that's pretty much all that you can mechanically tweak. Then you have strings, different tensions and materials that compensate for something that might be missing in sound... but in the end I feel that the hands just learn how to bring out the goods and keep away the shortcomings.
Not saying that my guitars and your Cordoba are crap, just making an observation that might help beginners who feel that the tone is 90% guitar.
RE: Where to start buying a beginner... (in reply to gbramer)
En la Peña Flamenca de Londres , hay tocaores muy buenos. Debes de hablar con ellos; puedes encontrar una guitarra buenecita, o por lo menos algo de información.
RE: Where to start buying a beginner... (in reply to gbramer)
Take a look at all options, but I love my Alhambra guitar. Make sure the guitar you select is perfect for you. it looks like you have some nice options. I have heard a few of the Camps guitars online, they sound beautiful. Have fun shopping and test driving the different guitars and please let us know what you select! Best wishes!
RE: Where to start buying a beginner... (in reply to Joana)
I tried a maple Camps for about 600 euros not so long ago. Although I didn't fall in love (I'm not saying it was bad) with the tone I was pretty impressed by the playability. Would love to try one of their Primeras.
RE: Where to start buying a beginner... (in reply to gbramer)
Hi, as a beginner's guitar I would suggest an Alhambra or a Burguet student model. Buying a used guitar is a good idea but make sure that the neck is true with a good action.
RE: Where to start buying a beginner... (in reply to gbramer)
I am a 76 year old almost beginner. I am deciding between the Yamaha GS172SF and the Cordoba F7. I had to put down a deposit at a Sam Ash so they could order the two for me to try. If I decide against neither of them I'll get my deposit back. It looks like the Yamaha 172SF is favored by many as a reliable entry level flamenco guitar.
RE: Where to start buying a beginner... (in reply to flamencoLVR)
quote:
It looks like the Yamaha 172SF is favored by many as a reliable entry level flamenco guitar.
Whichever you decide to keep, make sure you get it properly set up (saddle AND nut). It will be much easier on your hands and you'll end up playing and sounding better.
Posts: 221
Joined: Mar. 17 2015
From: Virginia USA
RE: Where to start buying a beginner... (in reply to gbramer)
Brendan, I will be vacationing in London on 5/16, 17 and 5/27-5/31 and would like to see a Flamenco show. Will there be any club activity during that time period that non-member can come? It was too bad that I missed the May 10 Sevillanas event. Thanks.
RE: Where to start buying a beginner... (in reply to Brendan)
Thanks Brendan and everyone else for their very helpful suggestions.
I ended up going with the Camps M-7-S guitar, after playing with a few in the El Mundo Flamenco shop. Happy with it so far, and it makes such a difference to the hulking classic beast I was playing on previously.
I've signed up as a member of the Pena but unfortunately couldn't make yesterday, will hopefully be along to future events and look forward to meeting some London based players!
RE: Where to start buying a beginner... (in reply to Goldwinghai)
The Peña meets monthly, but there is some stuff going on:
May 16 and 17 In Memoriam, LOST THEATRE, Wandsworth Road, Wandsworth, London reflection in flamenco and modern dance on the effects of war. Created by Carolina Estevez.
May 16-23 Leo Power (singer), Sevilla Mia Hanway Street.
Sunday 31 May 2015 Flamenco Puro de Corazon with Talia Cohen (dancer), Jasmin Villalobos (singer) and Tito Heredia (guitar). Time: 7pm Cost: free admission Venue: Bar Gansa, 2 Inverness Street, Camden, London NW1 5HJ To reserve a table call 020 7267 8909.
I don't know the others so well but I do know Jasmin, Tito and Talia, and they are the real deal. Bar Gansa is an intimate space, and it's free admission. I'd go to that.
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