Buying my first guitar

[maestro77]

Hey all,

Im new here and just started getting involved with the classical/flamenco guitar world. This forum seems great!

I am looking for my first instrument and found an Alhambra on eBay - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2385&item=7304706708&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

Can anyone tell me about these guitars? Are they worth over $800? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all!

[MWA]

Alhambra makes many models. Check their web site to see which one you are looking at. Determine if it is solid woods or laminated. Check dealers to see what they retail for. I have a Ramirez student guitar from the 80's made by Alhambra and it is a very good guitar especially for the money. However, it is all solid wood, I have no experience with the laminated wood models. The one you are looking at appears to be a flamenco and I didn't see a model number. You don't say if you are interested in classical or flamenco.

[maestro77]

Hey MWA,

Thanks for the reply. I checked a few online stores and found this deal to be considerably less. According to the Alhambra website the 7F-C is solid as opposed to laminated. I do like to play Flamenco guitars because I find the action to be more playable and enjoy the overall sound more.

Anyone else own an Alhambra, Classical or Flamenco? If so can you tell me bout it? Any other suggestions for $800?

[Shroomy726]

If it helps at all, I bought my flamenco guitar about 4 months ago. I was looking at Alhambra, Yamaha and Cordoba. I was leaning towards the alhambra models of about 600$, but after some suggestions in this site and after VERY careful consideration I decided to buy the Yamaha CG171SF (flamenco model). I went to every possble site possible and all the reviews for it are great. So i decided to buy it, and it's flawless. Plays great and sounds amazing. Just thought I'd throw that in there.
One thing, be careful when you buy through Ebay, they sometimes change parts of the guitar and put cheaper ones instead just to make a profit.

[Riggs]

May I recommend http://instrumentexchange.com/ for a source of purchasing and instrument. I bought a cordoba 30-f through this site and was very pleased with the process. It's just like eBay in how you bid on the item. However, instrumentexchange hangs on to your money for a trial period to make sure that your are satisfied with the instrument before paying the seller. I was very comfortable with the process. Good luck on your purchase!

[maestro77]

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I'll be sure to let you know which way I go...

[Pepe Vergara]

I would speak first with Adrian from GSI via email or phone. I am sure you can be accomodated with a good quality guitar from GSI.

[adrian]

maestro 77,

Welcome to the Forum. Feel free to call or email us if you have any questions.