Felipe Conde Authenticity Question

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Sophshoe

Posts: 2
Joined: Jul. 2 2023

Felipe Conde Authenticity Question

I have never owned a flamenco guitar, but I have always wanted to buy one so I don't know much about them. Recently I stumbled upon someone selling a Felipe Conde that was very cheap. When I looked up the name I saw how expensive they are and their reputation. It seems too good to be true, but I don't know how to tell if it is fake or not.

I have done a ton of research, but I am still not sure because I haven't seen a label similar to what the seller posted. It has no signature or date. I know there are factory models so it could be that, but since it doesn't have a date either I was unsure.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 2 2023 2:43:49

machopicasso

Posts: 973
Joined: Nov. 27 2010

RE: Felipe Conde Authenticity Question (in reply to Sophshoe)

quote:

It has no signature or date.

That sounds like a huge red flag, but I'm not one of the experts here on this stuff.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 2 2023 3:40:32

Ricardo

Posts: 14854
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: Felipe Conde Authenticity Question (in reply to Sophshoe)

First of all “FelipeV” is the ADDRESS of the old shop in the 90s, and it is only coincidental that one of the Luthiers was named “Felipe” at the same time (the other hermano was Mariano). Back then, they admitted that only the A model guitars were built by their own hands (and even that was in question at the time because of the high volume of output), with the “estudio” guitars being contracted out, mostly built in factories in Valencia. Even those low end models were decent quality and the prices reflected the “higher end” instruments from Valencia such as Sanchis ($1500+). Obviously with a nice ‘Conde” label on them they could squeeze a bit more out of people.

But this guitar does not resemble any estudio model from their catalogue during those years. I was going to up load a photo, but I think it is simpler to admit this is NOT a legit Conde, and I have never seen this exact type of label so it is probably fake. The guitar only has 18 frets, rather than standard 19, but if it actually makes sound, it is probably worth $100 or so.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 2 2023 15:41:10

Sophshoe

Posts: 2
Joined: Jul. 2 2023

RE: Felipe Conde Authenticity Question (in reply to Ricardo)

Thank you so much that was very helpful and makes a lot of sense. I think it is probably not worth buying.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 2 2023 18:13:53

mark indigo

Posts: 3625
Joined: Dec. 5 2007

RE: Felipe Conde Authenticity Question (in reply to Sophshoe)

were the "estudio" guitars ever signed?

the headstock i don't even recognise, I don't think they ever used that headstock.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 3 2023 18:38:03