Rafael De Cordoba Guitars

[latigays]

Dear Tim Miklaucic:
Re: Cordoba guitars.
I just purchased a 1A India Spruce top "Rafael De Cordoba," and I am very happy with it. After having read the thread concerning Cordoba guitars and your comments, I must ask, who is 'Raphael De Cordoba?' Based on your thread, I would assume this is a fictitious name, and the sigature on the label is also, a 'ghost' signature.
If this is true, I am a bit dissappointed (even if this is a standard marketing thing).
I hope I am wrong, but please edify us.
Again, the 1A is very lovely, and I can only rave about its quality, and the 'bang for the buck' value.
Thanks.

[adrian]

The name Rafael de Córdoba pays respect to one of the greatest classical guitar luthiers of the 20th century: Rafael Rodriguez. From the age of twelve, Rafael trained with his father, master craftsman Miguel Rodriguez of Córdoba. Rafael grew to become a master builder as well, respected for the fine guitars he produced under his father’s name. No guitar ever appeared with his own name on the label; thus, at Córdoba, it is their goal and inspiration to pay tribute to the quality and craftsmanship of Rafael’s life’s efforts. In the spirit of this great maker, the Córdoba line of guitars is finely handcrafted in Spain and Portugal in the hundred and fifty year old tradition of the original Spanish classical guitar. Córdoba guitars are entirely handmade from start to finish by gifted luthiers, many of whom are second-generation builders who learned the art of guitar making from their own families. Each Córdoba guitar is built with exquisite materials and extreme attention to detail from fretwork to finish. Tonewoods are chosen with great care, using hand selected Canadian red cedar and European Alpine spruce. And every guitar is screened for tone quality, intonation, and playability in order to ensure the best possible musical experience for the player.

Adrián,
GSI

[et041053]

To Adrian

why do the models on Rafael de Cordoba and some other brands named India and Rio , is there a legend for it?

[jens]

The name affix India or Rio is a reference to the used back and sides wood.
India = East Indian rosewood
Rio = Brazilian rosewood (Rio rosewood)

[adrian]

Jens is correct. "India" refers to Indian rosewood, and "Rio" to Brazilian.

[latigays]

Adrian:
Thanks for your response, and I'm sure the guitars are well made, but it is misleading for you to sell high priced guitars with a hand signiture "Rafael" when he is mearly the' inspiration' behind your CEO's design.

[strumbum]

I would appreciate it if anyone could furnish their opinion of this guitar (the Cordoba C5)? I recently purchased one and initially was unimpressed.

However, after playing the instrument awhile my appreciation of its tone and the exquisite workmanship has definitely made me a Cordoba convert.

The guitar cost was only $200 and I am beginning to feel I got a great deal - The next model up the Studio is now priced at $400.

I am a beginning classicla guitar student and believe that the deficiencies I noted in the guitar were really deficiencies in my playing style and inexperience. It does seem like the action is a bit high.

Could anyone compare these two instruments (the C5 and the model 20) :D for me and inform me of the meaningful differences in construction and expected tonal quality?

I do plan to purchase a higher end Cordoba if my playing improves enough to justify this. I am studying with the Fredrick Noad course on PBS.

Thank you!

Regards,

strumbum