Intermediate level flamenco guitars

[coreman]

I was wondering if any of you guys might be able to recommend some flamenco guitars in the under $1500 price range. I'm an intermediate flamenco player and am currently playing a cheap Martin Sigma classical guitar. I really really want a true flamenco guitar because that's what I love but just don't know where to start. It's definitely time to upgrade though.

I've been looking at the Cordoba 30F but can't really find anything else reputable in my price range. Any help would be appreciated.

[M. Stephenson]

The Antonio Loriente "Carmen" guitar from GSI is a nice instrument. I have played one and I really liked it.

http://www.guitarsalon.com/store.php?it=GUFLLOR-03290&template_id=gsi_site_a.tpl&render_it=SPEC&searched=YES&spot=img_1&product_cat=FL&product_subcat=all&search_string=&render_type=&order_by=description_short

[keith]

if you are looking to spend less than $1500, i personally would recommend the alhambra. i played the cheapie laminated sycamore one last week for a few minutes and was very very impressed with the tone. i can only imagine the cypress one would be even better. the 7fc and 10fc sell for less than $1500.

as to the loriente carmen: i have yet to hear this guitar. last summer g.s.i. said they were going to have, by late autumn, sound samples for many of the guitars. so far nothing for the carmen which one could interpret as g.s.i. not being heavily vested in selling-- otherwise some sound sample would be available. but that is my take on things. g.s.i. may have another spin on this and if they do they should respond to this thread

as to the cordoba flamenco line: muddy basses and wishy-washy trebles. i have never been impressed with the cordoba flamencos although i think the cordoba 30F makes a decent classical guitar in the inexpensive classical guitar price range.

again, the above are my opinions--by the way i play an upper level conde flamenco so that is my point of reference in making comparisons.

[ykabban]

I have yet to find a flamenco in the $1500 range that is better than a Ricardo Sanchis. I have three, 2 blancas and 1 negra(2300 euro). Only drawback- they're all 660 scale, but if you have man hands they're great for the price.

[keith]

man hands?? what next: tops and stumps? the moops? sponge worthy?

although flamencos often are 660-664, most folks frequently use a cejilla/capo which greatly reduces the scale length and having a little extra length can be a good thing. besides, for a 660 scale, the difference is 5mm for the fretboard from 1-12. not much when you divide it out.

[ykabban]

That was an allusion to a Seinfeld episode. Play for a few hours on a 660 then pick up one of your 650's and you'll know what I'm talking about (unless you're a poor player).

[coreman]

Thanks for the options so far guys. I'm interested in the Alhambra models but now just need to figure out where I can play one. Any idea on where to try out one of the Sanchis guitars? I'll wait and see if GSI might demonstrate the Loriente guitar before considering it.

[selma600]

Thanks for the options so far guys. I'm interested in the Alhambra models but now just need to figure out where I can play one. Any idea on where to try out one of the Sanchis guitars? I'll wait and see if GSI might demonstrate the Loriente guitar before considering it.

they do have a 30-day return policy if you absolutely loathe it.

[keith]

coreman: here is a link to alhambra distributors in america. call them and i am sure you can find one in texas--click the distributors icon then the outlet icon

http://www.alhambrasl.com/fremp_i.htm

[Jubilee Valence]

That was an allusion to a Seinfeld episode. Play for a few hours on a 660 then pick up one of your 650's and you'll know what I'm talking about (unless you're a poor player).....another "cliffhanger"?---so out with it!--what happened(I need to "relate!)---all of the spanish ones I've played are great--I'm no longer interested in the Yam cf171-"toy"-after playing a bunch of 'em, here in the Phx area---I'm working on a hand built job right now, but might have to start selling stuff!!....if that "bombs"( not likely)--the "loriente" is my next serious consideration...

[racer_x]

I dont think this link will work so I will paste some of the specs underneath.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=guitar/s=acoustic/search/detail/base_pid/511105/



Yamaha
CG171SF Flamenco Guitar
Designed for today's flamenco guitarist.

It has the lower action that contemporary nylon-string players prefer and superb craftsmanship throughout. Solid spruce top, cypress back and sides, nato neck, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, wood back and side inlays, transparent pickguard, and natural gloss finish. Limited lifetime warranty.

Features:

The lower action that contemporary players prefer
Superb craftsmanship throughout
Solid spruce top
Cypress back and sides
Nato neck
Rosewood fingerboard and bridge
Wood back and side inlays
Transparent pickguard
Natural gloss finish
Limited lifetime warranty

[Evilgun]

I just got my Cordoba Pro-F, you can get them for around $1200, definitely a good guitar, but not great!! Tuning machines are bunk. I've only had it for a couple of weeks and just broke my thumb last week, so i realy haven't been able to "get on it". I ordered some strings for it Labella Luthier and hannach?? once my thumb is better i plan to start experimenting with the strings to see if it will up the sound at all, my guess is no, but i remain optimistic. A guitar you absolutely must try is Burguet 2a they have a sound that is seriously shocking, given the price.

[Armando]

Hello

I think there are a couple of brands and models that offer quite good guitars in this pricerange. I have made a very good experience with a Valeriano Bernal Flamenco Guitar. I bougt the maestro palosanto model with cedar top from Antonio Bernals shop in Sevilla for about 1500US$ That's about three years ago. The same model might cost more now. This guitar sounds very nice and very flamenco. The woods are all solid and of very good quality. I visited the workshop from Valieriano in Algodonales and his jurneyman told me that all woods were cured for at least 20 years before they are used on any guitar. I think the guitars of Valeriano are one of the best choices for the money you'd like to pay. They are produced in small batches but still with quite a lot of handwork involved.

[Ted G]

Hey Coreman,
Check out this Ricardo Sanchis. Can't beat the price:
http://www.craigslist.com/nby/msg/71976546.html

Plus, you should also contact Tom Nunez at La Falseta:
www.lafalseta.com

I think he's located close to you. He may have something you can try.