#1
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What's the "Martin" of classical guitars?
Is there any classical guitar company with a similar reputation that Martin has for steel string acoustics?
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#2
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In classical guitar world top luthiers considered as top manufacturers like Martin in steel-string world.
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#3
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In general the post 1969 models have longer scales and wider nuts if you prefer that. Others Martins you can look at are the N10, N20 and currently the 000C model. If you want to stick with the more pure classical design...there are a plethora of builders and retailers who specialize in high quality classical instruments. Here is just one of them Savage Guitars |
#4
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#5
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#6
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Ramirez is a company that is around over a century so ....
A guitar from the early years of the Ramirez family, late 19 century,is at Metropolitan museum. |
#7
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Ha, so we're looking for an over-hyped brand that people will pay anything to own? But seriously, I kid. Ramirez, I suppose, given the mass produced stuff now available at the lower end and the absurdly nice stuff still floating around out there.
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#8
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I'm partial to 70s-vintage S. Yairis myself, but would love to try a Ramirez one day.
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Yairi and Son, Clase 300 (1971) / Yairi Guitar/S. Yairi, Clase 650 (1971) Seagull Series-S S6+ Cedar GT (2005) / Alvarez Masterworks MD90 (2002) / S. Yairi YW-40 (1973) Martin 00-15M (2012) / Martin 000-15SM (2011) Nimbus 2000 (2000) Kamaka Gold Label Soprano (c. 1960s) / Nameless "Chicago-style" Soprano (1910s-30s[?]) / Keli'i Gold Series Tenor (2012?) Kamoa E3-T Tenor (2012-13?) |
#9
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I agree. Unless you have the hands of Segovia, a brand new Ramirez is just as difficult to play out of the box as a Martin is.
If you want the Taylor of Classicals (relatively easy to play out of the box), try a Cordoba. |
#10
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+1 to this observation.
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My YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/user/ukejon 2014 Pono N30 DC EIR/Spruce crossover 2009 Pono koa parlor (NAMM prototype) 2018 Maton EBG808TEC 2014 Hatcher Greta 13 fret cutaway in EIR/cedar 2017 Hatcher Josie fan fret mahogany 1973 Sigma GCR7 (OM model) rosewood and spruce 2014 Rainsong OM1000N2 ....and about 5 really nice tenor ukuleles at any given moment |
#11
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Ditto. I love my Cordoba Orchestra Fusion.
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#12
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Hmm, well I own a Ramirez 4E and I never had a problem playing it. It has a slimmer neck than my other guitars but that's not a problem at all for me or any classical guitarist who played it.
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#13
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I owned a R1CWE and playing one was like wrangling with the Lion of Nemea. It had a lovely sound, but not much else going for it. I searched for a FL-CWE for a good while, but eventually gave up as no dealers I could find anywhere in America stocked them. Guitar Center doesn't even seem to represent them these days. If you can find one at a local music shop it's usually from the R series, if not just an R1. |
#14
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#15
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What is the "Martin" of classical guitars?
Most (if not all) classical guitars played by well-know guitarists, are luthier made specifically for that artist. However, there are several brands that are "production" models that would sound very good, providing the strings are high quality, and the right tension for your specific guitar.
Ramirez and Cordoba, if they were made in Spain. But some builders have moved their factories for production guitars to other countries, to save money. Only their best are still made in Spain. There are several other brands that measure up well, depending on the bracing design, and the thickness of the soundboard. I have a 2008 Renato Bellucci Concert 640mm scale length, with fan bracing, that has exceptional tone. It's handmade in a small shop in Paraguay. It has an ultra-thin slightly domed cedar top and a Russian made wood marquetry rosette, with solid rosewood b/s. It requires constant monitoring throughout the winter months for both temperature and humidity, as it has no truss rod, and I prefer a lower action of 3mm or less. I use La Bella 900 Series Golden Elite Light strings. I also own a lattice-braced 650mm classical guitar made by a small production company in China. It has an Engelmann spruce domed soundboard and double-layered domed rosewood b/s. With a sound port, and raised fretboard, and adjustable truss rod, and it's the best sounding classical I own. Go figure! Glen
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