DAMMANN Guitars

[guit3457]

I would like to order on of this guitars. Post you opinion Dammann's guitars. Thanks

[jens]

Their sound is from my (and many others') point of view not very nice. They sound rather unbalanced between basses and trebles. The basses are rather strong (but only if you play in the first four frets of the E-, A-, or d-string, otherwise you will be very disappointed by the results) and the trebles are very weak. In the first second after having hit a string you will be surprised how loud the produced tone is. But after this second the tone will be immediately away. These guitars have a very short sustain in all registers. Furthermore they have a very short lifetime, David Russel's first Dammann had broken down after only five years of playing.
These guitars where sensational in the early 90s, for more traditionally built guitars where not that loud at this time and Dammann's guitars at least didn't sound as weird as Smallman's. But today people only buy these guitars for owning the "great brand" Dammann.
I know what I'm speaking of as I had the possibility of playing a friend's instrument made by Matthias Dammann. He was rather disappointed by this instrument and I even know of someone who directly sold his Dammann after having waited ten years for it, as he was very unsatisfied by this guitar.
Don't buy it! It's very expensive, you have to wait at least ten years for it and if you want your guitar to sound beautiful you will be annoyed by your instrument.
There are much better but less expensive guitars, that are as loud as a Dammann but sound really beautiful, for example the guitars by Dominique Field.

[keith]

hey there:
jens, in a roundabout way, makes a point: a given guitar to one set of ears sounds great where as another set of ears it does not; viz., john williams prefers the smallman sound 8) whereas jens refers to the sound as weird :twisted:

if the dammann you are refering to is at the guitar place up the road from g.s.i. and given it is selling for some major bucks, and you are willing to plunk down serious bucks, you better give it a test drive.

you might want to play a jim redgate 8) --they seem to be getting rave reviews and they cost a lot less.

[keith]

dudes and dudettes: sorry for the 4 replies--i received error messages and attempted to correct what i thought might be the error--and unbeknownst to me, all 4 went in. this is a test to see if it happens again.

[jens]

@keith: Even Manuel Barrueco confessed that his Dammann is a very unbalanced instrument and that he only uses it in concerts because of its loudness. For recordings he always preferred his Robert Ruck guitar, as he believes that it sounds more balanced and more beautiful. And if you ask the German guitarist Tilman Hoppstock (whith whom I have become personally acquainted), who also uses a Dammann in concert, he will tell you nearly the same as Barrueco. Hoppstock uses a guitar by Robert Ruck or Christopher Dean for his recordings, because he thinks his Dammann is unsuitable for such an undertaking.

I think the sound of Smallman's guitars is a matter of taste. From my personal point of view I don't like it very much but I'm far from baring you from liking it.

[keith]

several professionals use the dammann so there may be folks on the other side of the fence. the issue is not whether i like a dammann (never heard one except i have heard scott tenant uses one, in that case i have heard one) or a smallman (i actually like the sound--at least the sound the john williams produces) but what does guit3457 think. if i were to plunk down $10,000 or so, i damn well would want to play the guitar (ok, i would take an esteso flamenco without playing, but it is an esteso).

think of like this: i ask you about jane doe and whether or not she would be a good match for me. you tell me horror stories :twisted: . others tell me wonderful stories :D . guess what, it still boils down to jane doe and me and the only way i am going to get to know her is by spending time with her. i guess it holds true if one is going to invest heavily in a guitar.

[tinydirt]

If I have a chance to play this instrument, I will know what had happened . keith is correct, to mate with it then get to know match or not.:rolleyes:

[rdubb]

Dammann is a sandwich top, right? A number of luthiers are doing this now. Basically, one layer, then the dupont fiber Nomex, then another layer. Sometimes the wood layers are the same kind of wood, or sometimes they are different.

The idea is that you get a superior strength to weight ratio vis a vis the thickness. Super quick response and high volume.

I'm biased b/c I have one, but Kenny Hill is doing some ridiculously good stuff with this concept these days. And even adding lattice bracing to sandwich tops to get a super loud guitar that sounds good. I think the key with lattice bracing is getting the the thin bracing strips right, and in my opinion with no filler (ie, _just wood_)

[Y-2-H]

I would like to order on of this guitars. Post you opinion Dammann's guitars. Thanks
I heard David Russell and Mark Blonde play Dammann many many time. I thought the sound is clear but it’s not mellow and rich enough for me. Then I heard others playing it and thought it was the best guitar EVER! So I guess not all his guitars are identical. However I think all his guitars are just wonderful and if I had $50K to spare he’d definitely be my 1st choice!

[ssante]

I heard David Russell and Mark Blonde play Dammann many many time. I think the sound is clear but it’s not mellow and rich enough for me.

I love the sound of David Russell. His Barrios CD is so wonderful. I love the Tone.

[riffmeister]

I have a friend who owns a Dammann. I have heard him play it and I have played it. It is very light in weight and slightly smaller body than a Madrid style traditional guitar. The playability is superb, it can be played very vigoroulsy and the strings will not rattle on the frets. It is strong in volume in all registers. The voice is close, but not exactly like a traditional guitar. I forgot to measure the main air resonance frequency of the body, but I am going to guess that it is low because overall it has a fairly deep voice. The trebles are strong and "fat" but with a very crisp attack. The basses are warmer than the trebles. The sustain is about like a traditional guitar. Overall, it is an exceptional instrument. The owner is a very good player and recently recorded with the guitar in my friend's studio.......a finished product will emerge before too long.

My personal feelings about Dammann guitars from hearing/playing my friend's guitar and hearing recordings and hearing live performances from pros like David Russell is similar to what has already been stated in this thread. What an excellent guitar for live use.......big fat rich deep & loud sound works very well, but for recording, I personally prefer the voicing of a traditional guitar.

[Section10]

cant find old account had to create new one.

Hi folks!

as for Dammann, 2 things id point out,
1. Trebles are NOT weak or unbalanced, every maker ive spoken with said at one point the trebles on the Dammann was what brought interest to them in the first place! You may be considering a few examples where some guitars turned out different like in every makers guitars.

2. Longevity is NOT conclusive. What about the hundreds of double tops, even the oldest of them that are entirely usable to this day? How can we decide how much longer they'll be around if theyre still in fact being used. (this same rumor spread about cedar tops) If in fact a Dammann became unusable after 5 years does that conclude ALL Dammanns will? Of course not, especially with experimental guitars like Double Tops which makers will make thin or thicker, less braces, more. This has nothing to do with the design per say, but just figuring how the fusion of design vs. construction. (again this was rumored about cedar tops considering the weaker characteristics of the wood, but makers quickly learned how to brace)

The tone is the most notable difference. Its not always a love/hate relationship like lattices, because double tops for the most part can sound just like a traditional guitar, some will sound way more modern (Terkys) than others (Hill). The Hill double top you may not even notice to be a 'modern' guitar at first. Gutmeiers didnt sound as nasal as Dammanns, etc.
A few others are making very traditional looking double tops now to the point where they're basically Hauser sounding but louder. You can tweak guitars in a million way so theres no sense typecasting doubletops into one category. Same with lattices, and same with Traditional. Tell a Hauser guy it sounds just like Bernabe, you might get a strange look.

[Y-2-H]

I love the sound of David Russell. His Barrios CD is so wonderful. I love the Tone.
I love his playing too he’s definitely more than a good person!! But I prefer richer and softer tones like those of Daniel Friederich, Dominique Field, Hasuer..etc.
Besides you can’t judge a guitar from listening to David Russell coz you won’t be producing the same tone :D

[Section10]

Barrios CD was his Gilbert, interesting sound though.

I remember my first reaction to a double top guitar was his Aire Latino cd.
When I first heard the recording I was assuming it was a very old cedar top vintage guitar. The way they recorded it was part of the trick, but thats when you can hear the 'nasal' part of the tone of that particular guitar.

Russell was just telling me how he still prefers his 2000 guitar and didnt like the newer one that was built for him. Thats a good 9 years of constant use.

[riffmeister]

I remember my first reaction to a double top guitar was his Aire Latino cd. When I first heard the recording I was assuming it was a very old cedar top vintage guitar. The way they recorded it was part of the trick, but thats when you can hear the 'nasal' part of the tone of that particular guitar.

I really don't care for the sound of his guitar on that recording (a purely subjective call, mind you), but because of his high level of performance my attention quickly shifts to other matters. ;)

[ssante]

I love his playing too he’s definitely more than a good person!! But I prefer richer and softer tones like those of Daniel Friederich, Dominique Field, Hasuer..etc.
Besides you can’t judge a guitar from listening to David Russell coz you won’t be producing the same tone :D

Tone is in the fingers!

[Section10]

I really don't care for the sound of his guitar on that recording (a purely subjective call, mind you), but because of his high level of performance my attention quickly shifts to other matters. ;)


Neither do I, i bet i would looove to play it.
But soundwise i'm pretty sure Norbert Krafts recordings of his Bernabes on his Villa Lobos albums is going to be very hard to beat for me.

[Mister Lovaguitara]

anyone here hear "Guitar Music of Argentina" cd by Victor Villadangos? so much more color and dynamic variation than Russel's Damman, way more musical.
I also recently visited luthier Boaz Elkayan here in Israel, and besides wonderful traditional guitar (of the best I've ever played) he also builds a Kasha style guitar which he calls a "Clarita Negra". thay are incredible, rich, deep, open, very loud with a ton of projection, great dynamic range and color range, and not at all "weird" sounding, thay have only one full wood top. in fact the last one he built sounded very much like a spanish guitar, was really fun to play.

[ssante]

anyone here hear "Guitar Music of Argentina" cd by Victor Villadangos? so much more color and dynamic variation than Russel's Damman, way more musical.


Absolutely one of my favorite Classical CD's in my collection. The tone is wonderful as is the playing.

[johnbguitar]

I just listened to him for the first time and it is very good. (great independence of fingers) He goes for the feel of the composition with a technique that is used only to illuminate the painting. "Victor Villadangos - Pujol suite prelude".

[Section10]

Victor is one of my top guitarists, but its not always the guitar, thats definitely his understanding of the guitar. Ive heard him play different guitars over the years, the latest is Mateo Crespis. He would literally transform the sound of the Dammann and it would sound a lot more like Him than it would Russell. Im sure you could still pick up the Dammann tone though.
But Victors guitars even though usually cedar, can still bring out a very magical sparkly tone that would convince you its spruce. Victors playing requires a large color spectrum and even most modern guitars would accommodate but without that sparkle most likely.

[thnguyen05]

I got both his cd Guitar Music of Argentina, they are great music. I know he published some of his arrangements, anyone know where I can buy them?

thanks.

[Mister Lovaguitara]

I'm glad you said that. I feel that a guitar like a damman lacks the color spectrum that I honestly feel the music deserves. I haven't played one, or heard one life, but I hear only one color over an entire recording. I feel that a nazel tone ruins the natural beauty of the music too, and as victor proves, all that power doesn't add much if you don't have the other qualities at hand. my guitar teacher said to me once when I couldn't get the guitar to do something I wanted (not a exact quote, but I remember his point) "if your guitar can't make that note louder, just make the others softer, it's all about relativity, you use that to create the music. the listener dosn't know what level your playing at as long as you create the right feel with the rang of dynamics and color that you have"
I think a certain level of volume is necessary but many traditional guitar are loud enough IMO, and I have yet to hear any modern guitar as beautiful as the traditional. though I like the flow of a Smalman.

[Tony D'Arco]

I know that Dammann guitars can sound nasal as in David Russell's recordings (I always thought that if a guitar could catch a cold - that's what it would sound like). But, strangely enough I've seen him many times live and I can assure you that it doesn't sound the least bit nasal. I've sat in the front and back in a medium size auditorium and the Dammann sound pretty much like a cedar top traditional guitar - at least to my ears which are accustomed to a spruce Torres/Hauser sound. I don't know why Russell's recordings sound the way they do. Strange.
In the same auditorium I saw Margarita Escarpa with a cedar Dammann - same deal. Great sound, great concert. No nasalness. - Tony

[Mister Lovaguitara]

Interesting, and I hope you are right. somhow it bugs me personaly.

[Tony D'Arco]

Yeah, I know what you mean. That nasal tone on recordings really bugged me at first until I got used to it. Sounded like the producer/engineer went out of control tweeking the midrange frequencies.
From what I've heard on recordings and youtube Jason Vieaux (never seen him live) really gets a nice tone on his double top spruce Wagner. -Tony

[Section10]

I second Tonys observation. All that nasalness that I hear on recordings were not evident when I heard Russell live. This is largely in part to the nature of recording. His technique is the same live and in studio but certain sounds can get picked up through recording and allow it to appear predominant. Its never as bad when you play the guitar live though.
Live, the Dammann had a very strong treble presence, deep basses and clear all round tone.

[oc chuck]

Here's a beautiful performance on a Dammann.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21_boeQz0uo

To me, the trebles are very bright and have almost
an edge to them. I think they could be a little
strident in less skillful hands. I can see the appeal
they have to a Professional, but for most amateurs
the trebles could get tiresome.
But that's just my ears talking to me.

[Tony D'Arco]

Here's a beautiful performance on a Dammann.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21_boeQz0uo

To me, the trebles are very bright and have almost
an edge to them. I think they could be a little
strident in less skillful hands. I can see the appeal
they have to a Professional, but for most amateurs
the trebles could get tiresome.
But that's just my ears talking to me.

I agree. I basically play GC because I love the sound of the instrument and I don't play auditoriums. So in the long run the best way for me to go is a traditional guitar. In this way the guitar is not the problem - it's me. If it's not loud enough for the places I do play, which is not often, a little sound reinforcement could help or it's just too bad for everybody. Such is life. - Tony

[Jubilee Valence]

Here's a beautiful performance on a Dammann.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21_boeQz0uo

To me, the trebles are very bright and have almost
an edge to them. I think they could be a little
strident in less skillful hands. I can see the appeal
they have to a Professional, but for most amateurs
the trebles could get tiresome.
But that's just my ears talking to me.

That's an excellent production all the way around!

Anybody know what kind of case that is in the pics?
__________-
Great find 'chuck! (but then I shouldn't have kept digging...)
odd, but that little "1, 2, 3...1, 2, 3..." number for me just screams "archtop......"

but alas!.....all I could find was *"this" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n6np-2JZW0&feature=related) which went in the opposite way......

sheeeshh!? he might as well had used a 'tele.......
___
* slow minor waltz=zombie tango??!!
warning don't listen to that link I put up...or at least turn down speakers!
___

[Section10]

That case looks exactly like the ones ive had. just handmade wooden ones usually for aussie luthiers like Smallman, Philp, Kneipp, Caldersmith, Kemp. Pretty heavy, but great to have around the house. I've had two flamed maple ones and 1 that was pau ferro looking with sap wood. Easily dinged though I remember buying one, the case was still mint but on the plane back from LA it got tossed and chipped part of the case.

[rdubb]

Tone is in the fingers!

Absolutely! Sho' nuff!

I like what Dr. Suzuki (of the Suzuki method says): "Tone is the living soul."

Deep stuff, but I agree.

[Jubilee Valence]

Absolutely! Sho' nuff!

I like what Dr. Suzuki (of the Suzuki method says): "Tone is the living soul."

Deep stuff, but I agree.

ok brother.....if that was pure axiom than you'n' all the other sound guys would be out of a job!!!???

Sure we can pull it out BUT we gotta have somethin' ta' pull it out of!!!!???
:mrgreen:
___

And not ta' mention killer mics & recorders... :twisted:

But all that hi-tech stuff is for guys like YOU!!!!

YOU are the difference between a Suzuki... or a Masseratti & *Harbor Freight trash pump!!
(*a per unit differential high volume underwater device)

They each got their own unique "voice"..& beauty is in the eyes (ears) of the beholder...right?!

So obviously we can put any machine in yer' studio & you're gonna make it sing!!!
;)
__-

...but 'yer right about the damn fingers....

(pssst!--just sayin' "Hey!!! Where ya'been!!!???")

[Mister Lovaguitara]

Even the best mic in the world is not as sensitive to the subtle sound a guitar can produce as the human ear. you can manipulate it however you want in a studio, but that is "fake tone" so it's not so much the point.

"tone is the living soul" is a spiritual insight, I think you shouldn't take it so physically black and white. I attribute it to the unique feel each player gives to the music and sound, no matter the instrument, that is HIS tone, though maybe tone is not the right word since it describes a physical thing.

[Tom Blackshear]

I would like to order on of this guitars. Post you opinion Dammann's guitars. Thanks

Dammann guitars are not for the faint of heart but if you desire a very different style of voice and operating companionship, then perhaps this is for you.

[Tom Blackshear]

[QUOTE=keith;51071]several professionals use the dammann so there may be folks on the other side of the fence. the issue is not whether i like a dammann (never heard one except i have heard scott tenant uses one, in that case i have heard one) or a smallman (i actually like the sound--at least the sound the john williams produces) but what does guit3457 think. if i were to plunk down $10,000 or so, i damn well would want to play the guitar (ok, i would take an esteso flamenco without playing, but it is an esteso). QUOTE]

Keith,

A little off the cue here but I'm getting ready to build a Nino Ricardo style flamenco for a professional model after Faustino's 1955 Conde model. It would be a slight modification with 655 mm scale and good #2 grade cypress and good spruce top for an acceptable price which is advertised on my website price list page. This style with my fine-tuning will be a knock-out. This is something to address the economy but not to lower the quality; only the wood and some extras like tuning machine cost, etc.

http://tguitars.home.texas.net/index.htm

[Y-2-H]

I just saw a video on YouTube that changed my opinion on Dammann completely!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9bYu9b2bSg&feature=PlayList&p=FE045C381EEE67F6
The sound is just unbelievable! The richness, sweetness and clarity are just unbelievable! Dammann is now my favorite luthier after Daniel Friederich!
If I had the money I would go buy one today :(

[riffmeister]

More of the same guitarist & guitar:

http://www.acousticguitar.com/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=009841

.

[ssante]

More of the same guitarist & guitar:

http://www.acousticguitar.com/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=009841

.

Incredible sound. So rich and subtle with clarity.

[Y-2-H]

Incredible sound. So rich and subtle with clarity.

Exactly how I like it. And it’s really really deep sound too. After hearing my taste in flamenco guitars I’m guessing this may kinda shock you. What I hate in flamenco guitars I actually love in classical guitars and vice versa :D

[Y-2-H]

More of the same guitarist & guitar:

http://www.acousticguitar.com/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=009841

.

Thank you mr. riffmeister

[bacsidoan]

I just saw a video on YouTube that changed my opinion on Dammann completely!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9bYu9b2bSg&feature=PlayList&p=FE045C381EEE67F6
The sound is just unbelievable! The richness, sweetness and clarity are just unbelievable! Dammann is now my favorite luthier after Daniel Friederich!
If I had the money I would go buy one today :(

You must have an incredible hearing faculty to discern all of that from a compressed video clip. I agree that it is good music, but the subtle details are beyond my capabilties. I have to hear it in person or at least via a good audio file.

[ssante]

Exactly how I like it. And it’s really really deep sound too. After hearing my taste in flamenco guitars I’m guessing this may kinda shock you. What I hate in flamenco guitars I actually love in classical guitars and vice versa :D

Very little actually shocks me anymore. ;-)

[Y-2-H]

Very little actually shocks me anymore. ;-)

Can’t blame you with. I mean after reading once that the Gypsy Kings’ music is considered ‘‘flamenco’’ I bet nothing can shock me anymore! :mad:

[riffmeister]

Thank you mr. riffmeister

You are welcome.

Just be careful, though, it might be considered one of those 'overpriced' guitars! ;)

[Y-2-H]

You are welcome.

Just be careful, though, it might be considered one of those 'overpriced' guitars! ;)
http://www.guitarsalon.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif

[riffmeister]

http://www.guitarsalon.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif

As long as we're spending someone else's money, I'll take a Freiderich, please. :D

[Y-2-H]

As long as we're spending someone else's money, I'll take a Freiderich, please. :D

Yeah it breaks my heart that I can’t afford a Friederich nor a Dammann. Actually even if we could afford them their waiting lists are like centuries to come :(

You sometimes I feel I wanna learn how to make guitars and just make my own!! It will be cheaper and I would get the best woods there is and customize it as I desire. Huh well let’s keep dreaming body!! http://www.guitarsalon.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif

[Tom Blackshear]

Yeah it breaks my heart that I can’t afford a Friederich nor a Dammann. Actually even if we could afford them their waiting lists are like centuries to come :(

You sometimes I feel I wanna learn how to make guitars and just make my own!! It will be cheaper and I would get the best woods there is and customize it as I desire. Huh well let’s keep dreaming body!! http://www.guitarsalon.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif

I felt this way in 1957 and built my first flamenco guitar in 1958 and it's been downhill ever since :-)

Actually I got the bug and couldn't stop building for the life of me. It was almost like a disease that totaly engulfed my better judgment about life in general.

I sometimes wonder why the heck I ever got started with this, and then I realize that it was because I loved it. No amount of reasonable conversation would have turned my head toward a more practical lifestyle.

Thank God I married a woman who had her brains in tact and could love me in spite of my obssession. But for those of you that don't have this support, you should give it more thought :-)

[Y-2-H]

I felt this way in 1957 and built my first flamenco guitar in 1958 and it's been downhill ever since :-)

Actually I got the bug and couldn't stop building for the life of me. It was almost like a disease that totaly engulfed my better judgment about life in general.

I sometimes wonder why the heck I ever got started with this, and then I realize that it was because I loved it. No amount of reasonable conversation would have turned my head toward a more practical lifestyle.

Thank God I married a woman who had her brains in tact and could love me in spite of my obssession. But for those of you that don't have this support, you should give it more thought :-)
So where can I learn about the equipment I need to build a guitar? And where do I learn how to build it actually? Because I really thinking of doing it now!

[Pepe Vergara]

I bought a CD with Tarrega's work played by David Rusell years ago. After I finished listening, the first thing I did was to find out what guitar was he playing. It is unbelievable the sound. Even for Tarrega, the sound was perfect. I have to agree that a great of deal is David Rusell's own playing abilities. However, the guitar did get my attention.

[Tom Blackshear]

So where can I learn about the equipment I need to build a guitar? And where do I learn how to build it actually? Because I really thinking of doing it now!

Your public information says you live in Cairo so that might present a problem for me since most of my information sharing has a local US end destination.

But if you care to pick up information that would suit your location, then look around in your neighborhood to see where there might be guitar builders that would train you in their art.

And if by some chance Cairo was your origination point and the US is now your home, then I can give you much information that would help you find a place to train how to build guitars.

Where do you live?

[Y-2-H]

Your public information says you live in Cairo so that might present a problem for me since most of my information sharing has a local US end destination.

But if you care to pick up information that would suit your location, then look around in your neighborhood to see where there might be guitar builders that would train you in their art.

And if by some chance Cairo was your origination point and the US is now your home, then I can give you much information that would help you find a place to train how to build guitars.

Where do you live?
Actually at the moment I am living in Grenoble, France.
Anyway just for the records we don’t have guitar builders in Cairo.

I just want to ask, do I have to learn from someone? I can’t just get a book and teach myself, for example?

[Tom Blackshear]

Actually at the moment I am living in Grenoble, France.
Anyway just for the records we don’t have guitar builders in Cairo.

I just want to ask, do I have to learn from someone? I can’t just get a book and teach myself, for example?


I'm basically self taught but if you want to do it right, then yes, I would recommend that you learn the craft from a teacher; otherwise you will develop some bad habits that might be hard to correct.

If you have some wood working experience, then that would help a little but one thing is very important to consider when starting off to learn this art; you have to be aware that any mistake you might make could cost you wood and motivation to finish your project, and this translates into a bad experience for most people that will get discouraged with their new building venture.

I've seen this happen many times with self taught builders. Teachers will actually make it more interesting and help you guard against these mistakes that might cause you discouragement.

At the time, I'm tutoring an experienced builder in Greece by e-mail but he has a general apptitude and knowledge for building guitars. All I'm doing is giving him the finer points that he was lacking on the Miguel Rodrguez classical guitar plan sold by the GAL; Guild of American Luthiers.

But if you are compelled to try this by yourself, then the GAL www.luth.org can supply the information for you to get started.

I might add that David Schramm had a building course on his website for first time builders. You might try his website for information.

[MWA]

Y-2-H;

I have some recommedations to add to Mr. Blackshear's. There are 3 books you may want to buy if you are serious:

Irving Sloane, Classical Guitar Construction,
John Bogdanovich, Classical Guitar Making, and
Cumpiano & Natelson, Guitarmaking Tradition and Technology.

The last covers both steel string as well as classical. The first by Sloane was the impetus for many of today's luthiers. It represents a very good starting point but does leave out some detail. You may want to start with it just to get an idea of the complexities before you invest further.

As far as the equipment you will need, you can google Luthier's Mercantile. They sell both the tools as well as the woods that are needed. I have always found them good to do business with. Their "kits" are good for the beginner as they do most of the heavy wood working for you but they are not like building a model airplane. I believe they sell all the books referenced above plus some others.

Like Mr. Blackshear, I highly recommend the Guild of American Luthiers. They provide an excellent source for information on building all string instruments. They publish collections of their back issues as "The Big Red Book of American Lutherie" series. I would add that although they call themselves the Guild of American Luthiers, their sources are international.

Good luck with your research.

[gjo]

I bought a CD with Tarrega's work played by David Rusell years ago. After I finished listening, the first thing I did was to find out what guitar was he playing. It is unbelievable the sound. Even for Tarrega, the sound was perfect. I have to agree that a great of deal is David Rusell's own playing abilities. However, the guitar did get my attention.

Hi Pepe,
I totally agree, the guitar that Russell used for "Francisco Tárrega - Integral de Guitarra" sounds wonderful. Like you I was so amazed that I immediately tried to find out what it was. The CDs were published in 1991 by Opera Tres in Madrid before the technique for building sandwich top guitars was developed. I think Russell played a Gilbert, a great guitar played by a great guitarist - a great combination.

[Pepe Vergara]

Hi Pepe,
I totally agree, the guitar that Russell used for "Francisco Tárrega - Integral de Guitarra" sounds wonderful. Like you I was so amazed that I immediately tried to find out what it was. The CDs were published in 1991 by Opera Tres in Madrid before the technique for building sandwich top guitars was developed. I think Russell played a Gilbert, a great guitar played by a great guitarist - a great combination.

gjo:

Thank you. That is a nice surprise for me to know.

I just found this on David Russell's website:
"The John Gilbert guitar on the right is the one I used to record a double CD of the complete works by Tárrega. I also used this guitar for a CD of music by Barrios.
The one on the left I used to record two CDs that are on the GHA label, with baroque music and 19th century music.I played on a guitar by Greg Byers for a time and used it on a recording of music by Tórroba."

[Y-2-H]

How much does a new Dammann cost? :o

[bacsidoan]

How much does a new Dammann cost? :o

The asking price for a new Dammann was about $45,000 a few months ago at CGI.

[Y-2-H]

The asking price for a new Dammann was about $45,000 a few months ago at CGI.
REALLY?! I wonder what Friederich would cost!

[bacsidoan]

REALLY?! I wonder what Friederich would cost!

An old Friederich in good condition will cost between $30,000 to $40,000. Friederich makes one for GSI every year. Out of curiosity, I asked them two years ago, and the price was $46,000. Way out of my league! But even at that price, one still has to wait at least a couple of years to get one. There are a lot of rich guitarists in this world! I had the opportunity to play a 1992 Friederich for a week. It was a heavy, double-lined cedar/indian rosewood but very easy to play. A stupendous, very powerful guitar that would rival a lattice braced or double top! I definitely don't deserve to own one, but would obtain one if I had the money. I still think that it is way overpriced, though.

[Tom Blackshear]

An old Friederich in good condition will cost between $30,000 to $40,000. Friederich makes one for GSI every year. Out of curiosity, I asked them two years ago, and the price was $46,000. Way out of my league! But even at that price, one still has to wait at least a couple of years to get one. There are a lot of rich guitarists in this world! I had the opportunity to play a 1992 Friederich for a week. It was a heavy, double-lined cedar/indian rosewood but very easy to play. A stupendous, very powerful guitar that would rival a lattice braced or double top! I definitely don't deserve to own one, but would obtain one if I had the money. I still think that it is way overpriced, though.

I think the position to take is that art regulates itself for the price that the market will bear. If the Friederich costs $46,000 then the market will pay for it, or it will will find its own level more in tune with the current market value.

For example: I could not afford a Marcelo Barbero flamenco guitar when I was a kid so I decided to build a flamenco guitar to take its place. Well, it took me 25 years to exceed this task but by then I was so into building that I chose to play a little and build a lot :-)

[bacsidoan]

I think the position to take is that art regulates itself for the price that the market will bear. If the Friederich costs $46,000 then the market will pay for it, or it will will find its own level more in tune with the current market value.

For example: I could not afford a Marcelo Barbero flamenco guitar when I was a kid so I decided to build a flamenco guitar to take its place. Well, it took me 25 years to exceed this task but by then I was so into building that I chose to play a little and build a lot :-)


I agree completely. That's the way it is. No complaints here. As I said, I would pay for one if I had the money.

[Y-2-H]

I think anything more than like 20K or something is like soooo overpriced! I mean COME ON! How much does the wood cost? And it’s not like he’s building a rocket!

[Dave Tate]

I think anything more than like 20K or something is like soooo overpriced! I mean COME ON! How much does the wood cost? And it’s not like he’s building a rocket!

If you're going to think like that, you head is going to spin thinking about famous artwork! How much does that paint and canvas cost?

[Tom Blackshear]

If you're going to think like that, you head is going to spin thinking about famous artwork! How much does that paint and canvas cost?

Needless to say this is a chat list that is regulated by the dreams of its members who share their aspirations and good-will. I fully understand about desires for high art, even though I can't afford it. Let us all savor the moment :-)

[bacsidoan]

Needless to say this is a chat list that is regulated by the dreams of its members who share their aspirations and good-will. I fully understand about desires for high art, even though I can't afford it. Let us all savor the moment :-)

Overpriced is a relative term. After all, there is only one Daniel Friderich. Who knows? Some day, your guitars could be elevated to the same status, Maestro Blackshear. :)

[Tom Blackshear]

Overpriced is a relative term. After all, there is only one Daniel Friderich. Who knows? Some day, your guitars could be elevated to the same status, Maestro Blackshear. :)

It truly is anyone's guess as to where the merit of makers instruments will go in the future. Due to the lack of Blackshear guitars on the market, it could be positive or negative depending on which position tells us of the collectable value or perhaps forgotten value due to little exposure :-)

316 guitars to date barely gets me into the league of memories. But there is hope. Also, we must understand that great guitars are first considered great by a living maker. I'm truly humbled by some of the finest makers of our era, or any time since.

[riffmeister]

I think anything more than like 20K or something is like soooo overpriced! I mean COME ON! How much does the wood cost? And it’s not like he’s building a rocket!

Everyone has their "threshold" for what they will pay for certain items (watch, car, shoes, guitar, etc etc). However, what you have to realize is that new Freiderichs and Dammanns are snapped up as soon as they are completed, i.e., the demand is higher than the supply. So one could make the argument that they are actully underpriced!!

Doesn't really matter to me.....at those prices they are just "theoretical" guitars to me! :)

[Y-2-H]

I still am going to buy either a Friederich or a Dammann in a couple of years but that doesn’t mean I don’t find them overpriced.

[Tom Blackshear]

I still am going to buy either a Friederich or a Dammann in a couple of years but that doesn’t mean I don’t find them overpriced.


This could be a GSI offering if they contact Francisco Navarro about the Friederich model. I hear that he does a very nice copy of the Maestro at a fraction of the cost. I have actually built 5 guitars, not slavish copies, after this model but I prefer to wait until the builder is no longer able to take orders before I do copies.

In the Manuel Reyes style, classical or flamenco, my understanding is that he no longer takes orders as his wait list is somewhere next to 22 years........

So, I feel good about building to honor this person and style, since he is no longer taking orders. You can order this guitar through GSI, if they are agreeable to take your order for my work. Also, the Miguel Rodriguez classical model is available under the mentioned above.

[Pepe Vergara]

Tom: I am not sure if you know I am also a collector. I do like your guitars. I do expect to obtain one of your guitars, not sure when, but I want to make sure I heard you correctly. Do I have to go through GSI to buy it?

[Tom Blackshear]

Tom: I am not sure if you know I am also a collector. I do like your guitars. I do expect to obtain one of your guitars, not sure when, but I want to make sure I heard you correctly. Do I have to go through GSI to buy it?

Normally I would respect GSI's position as this is their list I'm posting to.

However, the break I give to personal orders is about 20 percent difference and normally no refunds on orders made to my personal wait list. Most buyers would prefer to try out an instrument before they buy and this is GSI's entry to help the buyer maintain a secure balance between maker and retail outlet.

If you would order a guitar sight unseen from me then rest assured that I would do my best but the bottom line is that GSI has the right of return if the guitar is not to their liking, and sometimes this is just enough to assure the buyer that the guitar is the absolute best I can make.

I think I'll have a great time building Nino Ricardo's Conde, 1955 style flamenco, at a discounted price that will be in line with the middle priced market. If GSI carried this model, you would add 20 percent to the base price, which is listed on my website price list page.

I hear very good things about your guitars but I've never seen one.

[Y-2-H]

Tom: Is there anyway you can maybe post a video or an audio link online about your Reyes copy. I may like to get one. Also, I would like ot ask you if you make any other copies?

[Tom Blackshear]

Tom: Is there anyway you can maybe post a video or an audio link online about your Reyes copy. I may like to get one. Also, I would like ot ask you if you make any other copies?

Out of a long and deep respect for GSI, the best way to view my guitars is on my website http://tguitars.home.texas.net/index.htm

You will see a couple of links on my front page.

[Y-2-H]

Out of a long and deep respect for GSI, the best way to view my guitars is on my website http://tguitars.home.texas.net/index.htm

You will see a couple of links on my front page.
Thanks!