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Posts: 151
Joined: Jun. 30 2007
From: San Francisco Bay Area
RE: I ordered me a Student 1 Navarro... (in reply to darylcrisp)
Looking forward to hearing your assessments, Daryl. I recall that DonS said that it compared favorably versus the lower-end Condes. Should also be interesting to hear how much of a step-up you think it is from your Yamaha CG171SF.
I haven't seen many favorable reviews of the lower-end Condes to start with. I've read complaints about tone and quality control. I'm surprised at their prices ($3K+). Perhaps it's a Paco de Lucia association effect.
Still, Francisco Navarro's workshop has a rather good reputation and I've yet to hear anything unfavorable about the guitars that he and his people build.
Posts: 232
Joined: Mar. 1 2007
From: Florida and San Francisco Cali
RE: I ordered me a Student 1 Navarro... (in reply to darylcrisp)
Congrats Daryl. I'm sure you'll be happy with that guitar. It's definitely a step up from the Yamaha. It's very similar in feel and pulsation to a good Spanish made IMO. It's responsive, lightweight, nice flat comfortable neck and nut is at around 45mm string spacing (which I prefer). The action is already setup at the shop but you might want to lower the saddle a little if you like it low. I lowered mine to 2.8mm low E & 2.2 at High E 12th fret with plenty of break angle left. It's my favorite guitar at the moment and my primeras are getting a little jealous ;-) Navarro makes excellent flamencos for the money just get better machine heads.
saludos, Don
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DonS, thanks for the advice/pictures... (in reply to darylcrisp)
In talking with Tom at Lafalseta, and after researching and asking a lot of questions all over, I decided on mechanical tuners for this guitar. Tom did mention they of course were not the best due to its "student" level/price, but worked okay. What brand do you recommend-what did you replace yours with-and where do you buy them in the US?
I'll give you guys my opinion of the Navarro vs the Yamaha after I get it. The Yamaha was extremely nice built, everything was very nip and tuck. The neck had the same finish as the guitar and the fretboard had an ebony looking binding edge(probably black plastic), that made the neck very smooth with no edges protruding. I think the Yamaha will be a little heavier and I already know its sound is a little "boxy or compressed", but still, if you simply don't have the funds to drop on anything else, the Yamaha is a fine guitar for the money IMO.
Posts: 232
Joined: Mar. 1 2007
From: Florida and San Francisco Cali
RE: I ordered me a Student 1 Navarro... (in reply to darylcrisp)
Hey Daryl, I just put my old Rubners from my Barba primera. They are not the best looking but very smooth and hold up in tune nicely. I don't know of a place in the US to purchase them but did find one in Spain and Australia:
I'm sure Gotoh and Schaller would be equally great for the same price. I highly recommend Alessi, Sloane, Rubner, Gotoh and Schaller in that particular order. Sloanes are probably the best for money and quality.
RE: DonS, thanks for the advice/pict... (in reply to darylcrisp)
coincidentally...and i'm not sure if you are aware of this yet. tom at la falseta around here is just tom. TANuñez is his foro name.... check the luthiery section, he´s there alot...
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