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Hello everyone I will be starting the process of ordering a new luthier made Blanca with a just a couple custom measurements somewhat soon. I have narrowed it down to these three makers I think. Salvador Castillo Ethan Deutsch Anders Eliasson
I do not want this to be a which is better thread because that is very subjective and also don't want anyone to be offended. Rather I was hoping for someone to share their first hand knowledge, and experiences with these luthier's guitars and some defining characteristics of their sound and feel. I don't really have the opportunity to play their guitars which is why I am asking. Also I am aware these guitars have been discussed a lot and I have read all those threads , just looking for any additional and more recent information. Thanks all!
RE: Characteristics of these guitars (in reply to crooksj5)
I don't think you could go wrong with any you listed, tho I have no personal experience with the last two on your list. I recently picked up a used [2010] Castillo blanc, under 2000.00. Great bass with clear tone and even sweet trebles. Couldn't ask for a better blanc for the money. IMHO. You might ck out John Shelton, I believe he makes a no frills blanc in the 2000 price range. Good Luck.
RE: Characteristics of these guitars (in reply to crooksj5)
really if u can try try try - i recently got a guitar without playing first its so hard to play in my left hand i find myself playing my old guitar more-- thats sad as wife bought for me - so ill have too learn .
so cant stress enough try if u can and really know what ur after not so much another person or what someone says
RE: Characteristics of these guitars (in reply to crooksj5)
There´s something about Anders Eliasson guitars that makes them very special. I think you cant go wrong with one of these, apart from sounding amazing and being extremely comfortable to play with a perfect setup, They look absolutely beatifull. I can highly recomend them!
RE: Characteristics of these guitars (in reply to crooksj5)
Thanks for all the info so far! Through this thread and PMs I'm getting some good advice. I think that I have got it down to wanting the guitar to be from Spain. That being said I am now attempting to decide between an Anders, or a graciliano Perez. I should have mentioned perez because he has been on my radar and I have contacted him. So anyone with experience on a Graciliano Perez' and any more comments on Anders guitars would be appreciated! Castillo may still be in the mix however if $ is an issue
RE: Characteristics of these guitars (in reply to crooksj5)
Let me throw a monkey wrench and suggest Andy Culpepper. He made a blanca for me 2 years ago that was exactly what I wanted. The basses are really strong, but do not overpower the trebs. Also, to my ears the mids sounds very old school. Give him a buzz and maybe discuss bracing patterns with him.
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Joined: Oct. 20 2003
From: Phoenix, AZ
RE: Characteristics of these guitars (in reply to crooksj5)
Never had the chance to play any of those guitars.
My only custom experience has been with John Shelton. It was fun having a guitar made for me and participating in the process. And it's a great instrument! I like that John was a guitarist as well.
Posts: 1942
Joined: Dec. 2 2006
From: Budapest, now in Southampton
RE: Characteristics of these guitars (in reply to crooksj5)
what is the type of tone you're going for? where are you located? (do you prefer a maker overseas or in europe?) what is your budget? these are all important - but these luthiers all have a very good reputation and you will surely get a great instrument...
RE: Characteristics of these guitars (in reply to crooksj5)
Hey everyone thanks for all the great advice thus far. I got put on Graciliano Perez's wait list for a new Blanca in February of next year. I decided I would like my new guitar to be made in Spain and I also like my flamenco guitars slightly bigger than the normal thin Blanca and his look like they fit the bill. That combined with the lots of sound clips I have listened to the guitars seem to have an explosive old school but still unique sound. Thanks and since there is an 8-9 month wait I am definitely still open to other opinions and advice. I really can't go past $4000 for the new guitar with freight and import costs included.
Posts: 1942
Joined: Dec. 2 2006
From: Budapest, now in Southampton
RE: Characteristics of these guitars (in reply to crooksj5)
in that case I strongly recommend Pena Vargas (1800 euros) and Jerónimo Pérez (2500) - both young makers who are making great guitars at a good price - the current wait is about 2 months I think...
RE: Characteristics of these guitars (in reply to crooksj5)
Thanks everyone, I have a question... Is it better to find a maker that your trust a lot and then attempt to work with them on changing some specs and part of there design or would this be considered disrespectful and not smart. Or should I go with someone who is building a guitar closer to what I want with his normal specs. The reason I ask is like I said I would like a Blanca with a slightly deeper body and slightly bigger upper bout than a normal traditional Blanca would have. I think (and I may be dead wrong) that I am looking for something more in the Rodriguez style body. This is a big reason I went towards graciliano'a guitars.
RE: Characteristics of these guitars (in reply to crooksj5)
quote:
The reason I ask is like I said I would like a Blanca with a slightly deeper body and slightly bigger upper bout than a normal traditional Blanca would have.
Just out of curiosity, what is your reason for wanting those things?
RE: Characteristics of these guitars (in reply to crooksj5)
Hey Andy, I think it is mostly a comfort thing and I also like the slightly deeper tone it can produce. I had a nice Blanca that I recently sold because the body just felt too thin as well as the neck feeling too thin, part of it may have to do with my longer limbs and fingers. I could not find a comfortable way to hold the guitar without having to arch my right wrist quite a bit. Some of this could be me being used to classical guitars and just liking a slightly larger guitar. (Not totally sure though my brain is a tough nut to crack haha)
RE: Characteristics of these guitars (in reply to crooksj5)
quote:
Hey Andy, I think it is mostly a comfort thing and I also like the slightly deeper tone it can produce.
Fair enough. Just speaking for myself, I have no problem customizing lots of things on a guitar, including body depth (within reason of course) and neck thickness. I also have plantillas with slightly "fuller" upper bouts, but probably wouldn't want to change the proportions too much in that regard.
RE: Characteristics of these guitars (in reply to crooksj5)
I couldn't recommend Andy Culpepper enough. The Blanca he built for me is outrageous, especially for the $. He gives great attention to what you're looking for. I stopped offering it to other flamenco players to try because they just get embarrassed that their Conde cost $10,000.
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