Top Flamenco Guitars from Entry level to Concert
Top Flamenco Guitars from Entry Level to Concert
What’s the Difference Between Classical Guitars and Flamenco Guitars
Classical guitars and flamenco guitars are different instruments both in terms of construction and materials. This leads to differences in sound quality and playing characteristics of the 2 types of instruments.
The main differences are:
Different bracing patterns under the soundboard.
Flamenco guitars tend to behave a narrower body to deliver the percussive flamenco sound.
String action is set much lower in flamenco models. This is done by lowering the bridge, nut and the saddle, and also by using a different angle to join the neck to the body. This makes the strings run more parallel to the neck and soundboard than they do in a typical classical guitar.
Because the action is lower on a flamenco guitar, string buzzing is normal to a certain extent. This would be totally unwanted with a classical model.
In a flamenco guitar, Spanish solid cypress is traditionally used for back and sides and German spruce for the soundboard. In a classical guitar, Indian rosewood is the wood of choice for back and sides and German spruce or cedar for the soundboard.
The Flamenco guitar has a large "tap plate" or "golpeador" to protect the soundboard from the characteristic percussive hitting (tapping) of the soundboard with the player's nails.
In recent years, the "flamenco Negra" (with its Indian rosewood back and sides) has become increasingly popular. This type of flamenco guitar has been adopted by a number of famous Spanish flamenco players. There is also the practical reason that that cypress wood has become more difficult to obtain and consequently more expensive.
Some guitarists still prefer these pegs to the classical style modern tuning gears. It is widely accepted that more weight in the headstock can improve sustain; while less weight can result in quicker attack, a desirable quality in a flamenco guitar. This could explain why many flamenco players still favor the traditional pegs. The action or the height of the strings above the fingerboard is generally lower (<3mm at the 12th fret) than that of a classical guitar. also, aids faster playing, especially during fast picado passages, but can lead to some fret buzz this is also a frequent feature of the traditional 'flamenco' sound. Also, the lower string height greatly helps reduce fatigue of the left hand over lengthy performances.
In short, flamenco guitars are better suited for flamenco music than classical guitars. Some modern flamenco guitars (flamenco negra) however, use similar materials to high-end classical guitars. These guitars hope to capture some of the sustain achieved by concert calibre classical guitars while retaining the volume and attack associated with flamenco.
I speak from experience. I began learning flamenco with a Japanese-made classical guitar instead of a proper flamenco. In those first 18 months, I was frustrated because I could not get it to sound right no matter how hard I practiced! One day I picked up my teacher’s guitar and it all worked and came together beautifully! So I asked him and he said “You are playing an ‘orange box’” meaning a cheap imitation of an authentic guitar. That was the impetus for my first step in my guitar guest and guitar buying career. I realised that I could not just “make do”, and I needed a good guitar to make progress.
And it’s not a question of budget as I have found good flamenco guitars at every budget level. So don’t suffer like I did! It is true that guitars get better as you invest more into your playing. But your flamenco guitar should enable you to execute all the classical guitar techniques as well as golpe, picado, rasgueado, alzapua and tremolo easily and with that flamenco growl, snap and percussive aggression and will be capable of clarity and lyricism.
Flamenco Guitars
All models listed below are currently in stock and listed in order of $ value/performance.
Each guitar has been hand-picked, tested and evaluated – only the best made it into our 2023 line-up.
For more details on each model, click on the link to go to detailed specifications, description, and video demos.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Pierre on 0410 708 338.
Good entry level Spanish Flamenco guitars – up to RRP $1100
Antonio Pinto Carvallo 1F $599
A natural finish at an affordable price this is a great introduction into the world of Flamenco. A crisp sound and fantastic resonance. Easy to play and very low action.
Better: RRP up to $2500
The action is very low and easy to play. Very suitable for moving quickly up and down the neck. The finish and craftsmanship are top-notch.
The 4F is a major upgrade of the 3F model. Its attractive orange colour brings some extra warmth to the instrument that makes it very unique.
Antonio Pinto Carvallo 5F $1650
Quality spruce pine top, bottom and sides Spanish Maple. This guitar has a very good flamenco sound - a pleasure to play.
Alhambra 5Fp (Pinana) Cedar Top $1990
Designed in conjunction with Spanish flamenco player Pinana. This is the new flamenco sound of Spain.
All solid with a professional flamenco sound. Flamenco action and rich sound, with plenty of attack and is very well balanced.
Solid Spruce top/ Rosewood all solid. A professional flamenco guitar with rich sound and extra bite and projection.
Best: RRP up to $5000
Felipe Conde Flamenco Blanca FN 14 $4200
It has real flamenco attack power, tonal palette, and playability to perform in the concert hall or recording studio
Felipe Conde Flamenco NegraFP14 $4400
This is a spruce Negra, which in addition to the qualities of its Blanca counterpart, will have extra power which even experienced players find helpful in concert.
Felipe Conde Flamenco CW Fishman Pro FCW14 $5000
This guitar reveals a fascinating flamenco tone with a haunting darkness to it.
How Can I Help?
If You Have Questions?
Please give me a call at any time if you have questions about any of our guitars, or if you would like me to offer you some suggestions.
Pierre Herrero
m: 0410 708 338
e: pierre@guitarsonline.com.au
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