How to choose a good flamenco guitar…RCM Toronto (part 3)

[rubendiaz]

Here is the third part of the workshop at the Royal Conservatory of Toronto, in which the subject of the
characteristics & qualities that a good flamenco guitar
should have were explained.


http://www.rdiaz.org/rdvideo150.html




To summarize some essential factors:

1) QUALITY OF SOUND (concepts of female & male, etc.)


a) “timbre” and tone of every string
b) Balance
(between trebles and basses etc.)
c) Quality & age of the soundboard or top, and wood.
d) Intonation & harmonics, sustain etc.
e) Projection & response.
f) Diverse bracing patterns and the “golpe” or taping
g) different kinds of bridges, thickness & symmetric, etc.

2) PLAYABILITY



a) Bridge measurements (even distance between holes, bridge proper height etc)
b) Action (millimetres between 6th and 12 fret, etc)
c) Tension of the guitar while playing.



3) BEAUTY

a) Kind of varnish (how it affects the sound etc)
b) Colors of wood & kinds of woods traditional and beyond.



Be creative and have fun!



Ruben Diaz
http://www.rdiaz.org/rdfoto4.html

[kiramdear]

Ruben,

I notice in the closing moments of this video that the action of this guitar seems very high by rock 'n' roll electric or steel string standards of comparison. Could you say a few more words about the proper height or action of a good flamenco guitar - for example, why you wouldn't want the strings lower to the frets and ( seems to me) easier to fret?

[rubendiaz]

Dear Kira

In flamenco guitar we use generaly like 3 to 4 mm.from the 12 fret to the string,and in nylon strings is different than metal,in nylon is easy to press so you dont need much of a short distance,but generally some classical guitar action is hight.


all the best

happy new year!

Ruben