Bernabe 30

[Scott]

I'm looking for a Spanish built cedar top and am seriously considering a Bernabe 30 w/ Cedar top - how does it compare to other cedar tops in the 3500-4500 price range? Any feedback would be very helpful.

[Miguel]

Hi Scott,

I'll start by saying that choosing a guitar is ultimately a very subjective matter. While it is obviously good to listen to other people's opinions and advise, you should ultimately let your own ears, hands and eyes be the judge.

That being said, the guitars by Paulino Bernabé are indeed phenomenal. Even his 'student' models, such as the "Bernabé 30" that you are considering, are very high quality instruments. I have had the chance to play several of them, and they all had a very beautiful and crisp tone, with great balance and definition, and plenty of volume. He is also renowned for choosing the materials very carefully, so his guitars are beautiful to look at. Overall, a great bet, especially if you like a Spanish style guitar.

Like said before, ultimately you should let your own ears, hands and eyes guide you. Have you had a chance to play the guitar you are thinking of buying? What guitar are you playing on right now? Feel free to give us a call at GSI and we will be happy to answer any other questions you may have.

Hope this helps
Miguel
GSI

[Scott]

Miguel,
Thanks for the feedback - pretty much what I thought but wanted to sound out some folks. I currently have a Contreras C-4. I haven't had a chance to play the Bernabe 30 (or any Bernabe's for that matter) but understood them to great instruments and good value for the $ but wanted to see what was comparable in that range with similar characteristics: spanish made, cedar top with the sound of a big Madrid. I know ultimately at the end of the day it is how a particular guitar feels and sounds, but I would hate to miss out on trying a particular guitar. Also, where I live there isn't tremendous access to guitars in this (or above) price range so it makes it difficult.
- Scott

[Miguel]

No problem Scott,

It sounds like you're pretty much right on target. Contreras also makes great guitars, but his have very different personalities than the ones made by Bernabe. A little trivia: Paulino Bernabe is not only a great guitar maker, but also a great guitar player. As a matter of fact he studied guitar with Daniel Fortea, who in turn was a disciple of Francisco Tárrega! And both Bernabe and Contreras at some point in their lives worked at the Ramirez workshop!

I would recommend you to take advantage of GSI's 48 hr. approval period: when you purchase a guitar over the phone or the internet you have 2 days from the day you receive it to try it out, inspect it, and if you are not completely happy with it you can return it for a full refund (minus cost of shipping) (the only exception to this are guitars on the "specials" page). This may solve the problem of not having shops close to you where you can get your hands on an instrument. At the moment we are out of stock on Bernabe 30 guitars, but give us a call at 310-399-2181, and I can put your info in our system so we can keep you updated when we receive them.

[NOTE FROM ADMIN: Learn more about our 48-hour approval period here:
GSI Purchase Policies (http://www.guitarsalon.com/index.php?site_url=6)]

Good luck on your search!
Miguel
GSI

[sseow]

scott,
are you interested to sell your C-4...? I'm looking for one used contreras... if so please give me your e mail I will write to you.

seow

[nikpearson]

*** This message has been edited by the forum administrator ***

Please Note: The purpose of this private forum is for the classical and flamenco guitar community to share ideas and receive expert opinions for the enjoyment and education of its members. It is not a public commercial venue. Therefore, postings which include instruments or any other merchandise for sale or trade may be deleted or edited, entirely or in part, at our discretion.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

[edwardcav]

:shock: oh no that post is gonna be removed!!!

[keith]

hey scott, having been cyberspanked a few times for trying to sell a ramirez 2e and fl-2, i think the best way to handle this would be to get each other's e-mail address. hey sseow--you might do the same.

[keith]

oops, for got nikperson. hey you all, avoid a cyber spanking and post your e-mail address.

[Scott]

I no longer have the C-4 but it is an instrument worthy of pursuing and highly recommend it or the C-5. One of the better made factory models out there in my opinion.
Regards,
- Scott

[koos]

Hi scott.

I play a bernabe myself, not a 30 but a estudio model. I have played it for 3 yrs now and i am very happy with it. Lots of times people come to ask me what guitar I play. I know the 30 model and I like it too. It is very easy to play and has very beautifull trebles. My personal taste nowadays has changed somewhat to clearer trebles and more evenness across the scale. But if you like the sound of your contreras you will probably like the bernabe too.
That said: I've come to the conclusion its better to go to a Luthier and tell him exactly what you want . You will probably get a better price-quality rate in the pricerange you are looking for. Plus its more personal.

[classicalmark]

Grettings folks,
I'll just add that the '30' is a wonderful guitar.
I've always wanted to add a Bernabe to my stable and I came very close to purchasing a Bernabe 50 model a few years back, but I hesitated and it got away :evil:
I still regret it to this day.
But as previously stated guitars are very subjetive and it's not always easy to quantify the things we may like or dislike.
Happy hunting :) ,
Mark