Choosing a Spanish made classical guitar

[Marcia]

How do I know which brands of Spanish guitars are really made in Spain? I read that the Rodriguez A series is made in Spain. Guitar Center has them for around $500.00. That seems like a good deal but I really know very little about how to determine the differences. I play by ear and have never studied the guitar formally. I have used the same cheap classical for more than 40 years, so I want to upgrade and start to actually take lessons. How do I go about choosing?

[riffmeister]

What's your budget?

[ZippyChip]

Alhambra is a very good guitar maker from Spain. They have several models, are very well made--and they sound great.
A few members here play Alhambra. I have one and a member that posts videos here (Daria) also has one.

[Dave T]

I second the recommendation for Alhambra. They are all made in Spain, are of consistent quality in my experience and sound and play quite well. I have a 7P with a Spruce top and EIR back and sides. It's a good looking guitar and has held up well to my hard attack (others might call it clumsiness - lol).

Dave

[dosland]

Alhambra and Admira are made in Spain and both have the full range of instruments, from bargain basement all the way up through professional grade. I had the best experience with Alhambra instruments from the 5 series upwards, below that they were a bit inconsistent in some of the finish details. I'm sure there are other similarly-sized companies making quality instruments all through Andalucía, those are just the ones with which I have some experience. If Made in Spain isn't a deal breaker, there are other companies also making quality instruments, depending on the price point. I think the Spanish-made brands are all a bit overpriced in the US, but with the dollar crushing the euro right now (or at least regaining a bit of lost ground), maybe that will change?

[twbranch]

The PAVAN TP-10 is a good budget classical. Has solid cedar top but laminated sides. I have played one and it sounds nice. I think they list for 500USD.

[spanish Dylan]

I own an Alhambra 7fc. Superb quality for the money. If you prefer classical over flamenco guitar, then the Alhambra 5p should be a good starting point.

[menamestom]

Raimindo, Ramierez, Camps, Alhambra

Have a look at this website:-

http://www.guitarfromspain.com/en/

[sausgirl]

Hey there,
If looking into buying a good Spanish made guitar,I would try a Lucida LG-777. Handbuilt in Spain,most of classical players I have read that have posted in the the classical guitar forums really like them.Here is one link I found.. I think you may have to get it used.
Regards,
Jan


http://www.instrumentalsavings.com/L...ida-lg-777.htm

http://www.lucidaguitars.com/products.html

[Marcia]

Originally Posted by riffmeister

What's your budget?

My budget unfortunately is around $500.00. I realize that I can't get a lot for that kind of money, but it is a start. I'm not professional. I have played by ear for 45 years, but that is limiting. I would like to get a nice Spanish guitar and really take lessons. I have tried lessons before but I learn the song by ear before I learn the notes and I have lacked the self-discipline to focus on learning the notes. I hope that I can overcome my inability to focus.

[Marcia]

Originally Posted by dosland

Alhambra and Admira are made in Spain and both have the full range of instruments, from bargain basement all the way up through professional grade. I had the best experience with Alhambra instruments from the 5 series upwards, below that they were a bit inconsistent in some of the finish details. I'm sure there are other similarly-sized companies making quality instruments all through Andalucía, those are just the ones with which I have some experience. If Made in Spain isn't a deal breaker, there are other companies also making quality instruments, depending on the price point. I think the Spanish-made brands are all a bit overpriced in the US, but with the dollar crushing the euro right now (or at least regaining a bit of lost ground), maybe that will change?

I have thought about the Alhambra. They sound great on YouTube but I haven't seen one in person. I think I could find one of those in my price range.
Thank you for your response.