When is it time to buy a new guitar?
All change!
Most beginner guitarists wisely opt for an inexpensive model as a first instrument. Made in Spain, nonetheless (all being well). Standards are standards, after all. But at some point it can be time for an upgrade. Perhaps when you’ve been playing for a year or two and you’re progressing so well, you want to be able to do more with your instrument. Or you’ve physically outgrown your 3/4 sized guitar and you want to invest in a full-sized model.
Whatever your reason for wanting to buy a new guitar, we’ve put together a list of instruments we can recommend at GFS, for those of you looking an upgrade, this ‘back-to-school’ season.
Economical
It goes without saying, a guitar made by a luthier will be more responsive and offer greater projection.
And when your guitar sounds good, it motivates you to play. It also stays in tune for longer. The good news is, you can choose from a great range of models and still pay an affordable price. If you are looking for a classical guitar without breaking the bank, for example, Manuel Rodriguez could be your man. Manuel Rodriguez have been building guitars in Spain since 1905 and they offer a truly exceptional price/quality ratio.
Admira Triana Satin
The Manuel Rodriguez Academia 40-S above, or the Manuel Rodriguez 60-C are good choices, in particular. The 40-S has a solid spruce top and the 60-C a solid cedar top. Both come with an incorporated Spanish heel: this method of construction produces an optimal transmission of vibrations, a faster response and a higher sustain. Either of these models is an ideal option for the classical guitar student.
For the flamenco guitar student, you can’t go wrong with an Admira Triana Satin (left). Founded in 1944, the master luthiers at Admira Guitars use a smart blend of traditional guitar-making methods and innovative manufacturing techniques at their workshop in the north of Spain. The result? Affordable instruments with an extraordinary depth and richness.
Mid-range
If you are after an electro-classical guitar made in Spain,
you’ll struggle to find a higher quality model than the
Camps CE100 (above). With electronics from Fishman and a solid wood soundboard, it incorporates a two-way truss rod in the neck of the instrument for greater stability and control of the action of the guitar.
And for greater playing comfort, the Alhambra Iberia Ziricote (right) is another worthy contender of electro-classical guitar. The bracing used for this model was designed in 2015 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Alhambra Guitars. Once installed, the E8 Fishman Flex M Blend is totally integrated into the side and offers superb sound qualities.
In the mid price range without electrification, the Manuel Rodriguez Superior A-S classical guitar is a handmade instrument with very lovely extras: a mahogany neck with ebony inlay for extra stability and a nut and saddle made from vintage oiled bone. Also features an eco-friendly water-based high-gloss lacquer and a built-in armrest for an especially comfortable playing experience. You can listen to this terrific instrument for yourself below.
Mid- to high-range
If you are on the lookout for a new guitar in the mid- to high-range, we can recommend three classical guitars and one flamenco model. All are fine choices: Camps SP6 Nature, Manuel Rodriguez Magistral E-S, Manuel Rodriguez Magistral F-C (top) and Prudencio Saez 1 F-P.
The Camps SP6 Nature is the twin sister of the Camps SP6, but uses 50% less varnish, in a nod to
the environment. It features a natural satin finish that offers an increased response. With optimal
string height and an adjustable truss rod inside the neck, this model produces a quintessentially
warm Spanish sound.
Also proving their green credentials, the all solid-woods Manuel Rodriguez Magistral E-S and Manuel Rodriguez Magistral F-C come with a special matte satin lacquered top and eco-friendly high gloss polyurethane varnish back and sides. Both feature the innovative 12-hole bridge, which improves the sound and offers ergonomic benefits, as well as a pleasing aesthetic.
High range
If you are hoping to find a high range, but affordable upgrade to your classical or flamenco guitar, Amalio Burguet have everything you’re looking for (and more). Masters of their trade, they have been making top quality handcrafted guitars at their small family workshop near Valencia since 1984. They use all solid woods only (dried for a minimum of twenty years in optimal conditions) and the finest components in both their classical and flamenco designs.
The Amalio Burguet Vanessa classical guitar, for example (above), is a sublime model. This lovely instrument produces a unique sound and has mighty basses and defined trebles. Maintains a perfect balance and clarity in all the notes along the fingerboard.
As for the Amalio Burguet 2F flamenco guitar, this is actually what Amalio Burguet denote an ‘entry-level’ model. We are including it here in the ‘high range’ category, nonetheless, because the 2F has everything you would expect of a top-of-the-line flamenco guitar: premium woods, a powerful, raw percussive sound, low action and superb playability.
Last word. If you aren’t sure it’s time to upgrade your instrument, wait a little longer and give it some thought. Unless, of course, physical growth means your instrument is now too small, in which case, you will certainly need one. Or your instrument is irreparably damaged.
But generally speaking, you will know when it’s time for a new instrument: when your ear can distinguish between a ‘beginner’ instrument and a superior quality instrument, you’ve grown passionate about producing a more professional sound or you are ready to explore a new genre. When that moment arrives, we are more than happy to be of help, at GFS.
Guitar From Spain 