Classical guitar advice

[Bass Barrister]

I'm sure that a few of you play classical guitar. Do you have any suggestions for a decnt solid-wood standard classical guitar?

My price range is around $1,000. I've read that, in this price range, cedar tops may be a better value as it is hard to find good spruce at this price point.

I had a 70s ers Japsnese Epiphone (purchased for $130 in 1977). It actually had a fairly decent sound. I loaned this to a friend's young son and will most liely let him keep it.

I've received recommendations to try some models by Cordoba/Loriente, Alhambra, and am somewhat intrigued by the Spanish-made Pavan guitars that are imported into the US and sold by a luthier in California. Thie first two can be fund in Chicago shops but the Pavans are only availabe from the luthier, Tom Prisloe.

Does nayone have advice to offer ?

Thanks.

[philip sirois]

i have a Raimundo 148 all solid , cedar top in new york
if you have any interest. About ten years old, excellent condition. Would let it go at a very reasonable price if you have any interest (well below your 1k limit= they retail for around 1600 new. Speaks surprisingly well.

[ChuckCorbisiero]

The Raimundo 148 is a steal if it's well under $1,000, speaks well and in good shape. The neck joint system on them is the key to their durability. As classical guitars age, this is where problems most often arise with production models and even premium hand made instruments. A few years ago, I played several at McCabes Guitar Shop in Santa Monica, Ca. and the workmanship and sound were consistently good on all three I tried. The flamenco model was also really nice. Whether the top is cedar or spruce at that price is not a big deal with guitars. I know this may be off topic but in the jazz guitar world several heavies actually prefered laminated maple tops to solid spruce (Tal Farlow for one). You normally (generally) should play a guitar first before you buy it, so maybe a trip to New York is in order. Or you could roll the dice and trust Phil and grab it.

[Bass Barrister]

Thanks for the info and for the offer to sell. I think I'll stick to a local sale. That way, I can try several shops and models. Chicago is lucky to have a number of smaller shops and luthiers. You just have find them and , just like with other strings, many often work only by appointment.

[LaklandBass]

La Patrie makes some excellent guitars for cheap. Check em out... part of the Godin line.
I own one and its great. My friend went to spain for a couple months to study classical guitar and he has a pretty firm belief that if you arent spending $2500 or more you really dont need to go past $700.
Not sure if he's right but from what Ive played I'd say he's pretty close.

[philip sirois]

Originally Posted by LaklandBass

My friend went to spain for a couple months to study classical guitar and he has a pretty firm belief that if you arent spending $2500 or more you really dont need to go past $700.
Not sure if he's right but from what Ive played I'd say he's pretty close.

Doesn't sound right to me. I understand what he trying to say, that that middle ground can be a bit treacherous, but I don't think that's a good rule of thumb at all. There are certainly decent things for the money in that 700- 2500 range.

[wysiwyg248]

Bass Barrister,
Check out this site, is a luthier from Argentina.
http://guitarristas.com/estrada/index.htm
His guitars are the best as far as intonation and value.
If you happen to run into one, you will see what I am talking about.