Advice for choosing a flamenco guitar

[Ouassim]

Hello guys,

I would like to buy a flamenco guitar which could be used as classical one as well for intermediate level (electro-acoustic) and I need advice to choose between the following (which match my budget*) as I could not try them live:

- Angel lopez CF1246TCFI-S
- Cordoba GK studio (apparently made in china)
- Camps MC-5-S (made in spain)

any one has an idea ?

thank you in advance.

[Jägernaut]

I've not tried any of those personally, but in my experience a negra gives the closest sound to classical and flamenco. So I'd go with the Cordoba if I were able to try before buying.

[sirwhale]

Personally, I love Camps guitars and would choose them over a Cordoba guitar from experience playing models of both.

[Dogsnax]

Originally Posted by sirwhale

Personally, I love Camps guitars and would choose them over a Cordoba guitar from experience playing models of both.

I'm a big fan of Cordoba guitars in general, but I agree with Sirwhale when it comes to a flamenco - Camps is most like head a more "flamenco" choice compared to the GK. I've played both the GK studio and pro, and although they are nice instruments, the shorter scale and narrower nut width don't fit a flamenco style build. Didn't have much flamenco bite and sizzle. Both I played where cypress.

[Ouassim]

thank you four your feedback.
Actually Ilistened to different videos for the guitars:

It looks like the Cordoba GK studio is easier to play and the sound is softer (which could be suitable to play in an appartment ) than the CAMPS-MC5S which has brighter/stronger and raw sound.

gk studio -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BcVlpuAmCQ

CAMPS M5S -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdr3zWNKzTQ

[dkstott]

If you were looking for strictly a flamenco sound, I'd agree with others that the "Camps" would be the right fit.

BUT since you posted that you are looking at flamenco sound with the ability to also play some classical, the Cordoba GK is a good choice.

My Cordoba GK Pro Negra is capable of doing some flamenco, classical and I also play some jazz finger style on mine.

Dave

[Ouassim]

I like very much the sound of cordoba gk pro Negra that I find it polyvalent but it's much more expensive than the gk studio one.

[dkstott]

My 1st nylon string guitar was the Cordoba GK Studio with cypress sides and back. Very nice guitar, but the cypress provided too much flamenco sound for my personal preference. I wanted a bit warmer sound out of the guitar

If you can find a GK Studio with laminate rosewood sides and back), I highly recommend checking one out.

My only other minor objection to the Cordoba Studio models was that I didn't like the electronics & built in tuner that come with them.

I upgraded to the Pro for the better electronics and solid wood sides and backs

Hope this helps

Dave

[SBalderrama]

I own a couple GK Studios, cypress versions got them both for $350 used. They are decent guitars..... not spectacular sound wise, but play really well. Keep in mind that these are "crossover" guitars, with a bit narrower neck than a standard classical. Judging from specs, the Camps has a standard neck width of 52mm. If you are really going to do classical pieces you may prefer the wider neck, increased string spacing is useful with the thicker nylon strings.

I would prefer the Camps just because of the neck width.