Flamenco guitars are at the heart of flamenco music. They produce the lively sound that we associate with flamenco. It can be hard to find great flamenco guitars online so we put together a guide for finding the best ones available. Read on to learn more about the flamenco guitar and our recommendations for the best flamenco guitars.
Best Flamenco Guitars
What to Look for in a Flamenco Guitar
The best flamenco guitar will have qualities that differ somewhat from the best conventional guitar.
Sound
One notable difference is that the notes should fade away quickly rather than having the full-bodied sustained sound of a traditional guitar. This quality is what helps make the feel of flamenco music clean and rhythmic. The tone quality of these guitars is much sharper and livelier than that of the classical guitar, lending to its characteristically twangy sound.
Frets
Discerning instrument buyers will often meticulously check each fret width at the top and bottom to ensure that it was constructed with the highest possible quality. The tiniest deviations can lead to an out-of-tune performance that will just never sound quite right. Another quick check to assess an instrument’s quality is done by looking at the headstock of the guitar to ensure that the strings aren’t making contact, which impairs tone quality and can damage the strings.
Playing style
The ability to use tap style and expressive techniques is a core quality of the flamenco style. Without the freedom of expression and range in tone and dynamics, an instrument simply isn’t able to capture the true essence of what flamenco is supposed to sound like. Seeing and hearing the full breadth of an instrument’s parameters is necessary to make an accurate assessment of its quality.
All Flamenco Guitars
1. Yamaha CG172SF Nylon String Flamenco Guitar
This is a beautiful example of the knowledge and techniques of the masters coming together in one instrument. With top-quality sound and playability, the CG172SF enables next-level performances through a seamless connection between player and instrument. This model features a Cedar top with Cypress for the sides and back.
2. Cordoba Gk Studio Negra Flamenco Guitar
This is a guitar that’s perfect for the gigging musician. The solid European spruce top and Indian rosewood sides and back give the instrument its gorgeous appearance and true, clear sound. With nylon strings, a soft cutaway, and Fishman Presys Blend pickup, the Cordoba GK has everything a flamenco virtuoso could possibly need.
3. Kremona Rosa Morena Flamenco Series Nylon String Guitar
For those who want the best of both worlds between classical and flamenco, look no further than the Rosa Morena. Built from Indian rosewood and European spruce, this instrument offers the range of tones and dynamics that musicians expect from a classical guitar without sacrificing the subtle elements that define the flamenco style. The craftsmanship of the Honduras cedar neck is unbeatable, and the solid top with ultra-thin gloss finish gives it a gorgeous look.
4. Cordoba F10 Acoustic Nylon String Flamenco Guitar
This gem of the Luthier series is backed and sided with cypress and topped with solid European spruce. The rich mahogany neck houses a fully adjustable two-way truss rod, ensuring stability in the long term. A hand-inlaid Mother-of-Pearl “esteso” Rosette ebony fingerboard provides maximum comfort and smooth playability, while at the same time making this instrument a true beauty.
5. Cordoba C5-CE CD Flamenco Guitar
What sets the C5-SE apart from other guitars is the influence from traditional Spanish classical guitars in the design of the Canadian cedar top and mahogany back and sides. The only exception is the soft cutaway and a neck that is slightly thinner for comfort. This pride of the Iberia series also sports a Fishman Isys+ 2band pickup to give you that full and beautiful sound that works perfectly both onstage and in the studio.
6. Cordoba GK Studio Negra Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Flamenco Guitar, Iberia Series
This European spruce topped, rosewood backed and sided instrument features a Fishman Presys blend preamp and soft cutaway. Perfect for gigging guitarists, this instrument sounds great at shows and in recording and practice sessions alike, making it one of the Cordoba line’s bestsellers. Not only does it sound great but it also feels great to play, with a thinner body and neck than traditional Spanish guitars. Players who love a bassy, robust sound to their strumming will be extremely satisfied with this pick.
7. Cordoba GK Pro Negra Cutaway Flamenco
Cordoba has done it again with their Luthier series, time and time again exhibiting the very best in traditionally inspired guitars. A solid European spruce top, Indian rosewood for the back and sides as well as the bridge and binding, and an ebony fingerboard, this instrument is a beauteous sight to behold. Any serious musician needs a guitar like this if they want to be able to gig, practice, and record to their maximum potential. The GK Pro Negra puts that potential in your hands. With the Fishman PreFix ProBlend pickup, your sound will be transmitted fully and accurately to whatever sound system you hook up to.
Where to Find the Best Flamenco Guitars
A musician can only play as well as their instrument allows. It’s critically important for any guitarist to know what type of guitar they need for the style they want to play, and then they must know which manufacturers are the best. Once you know the main criteria to have in mind when shopping for your instrument, much of the mystery is removed and you can select the best flamenco guitar for you with confidence.
Flamenco Versus Classical – What’s The Difference?
There are several key distinctions between the various styles of guitar designs, so it’s essential to make sure you have the right kind for the genre of music you’ll be playing. The three defining characteristics that differ between these instrument types are the materials that the guitar is constructed from, the method of assembly, and the overall sound of the finished product.This type of guitar generally has a shallower body than a standard classical model and is constructed from thinner wood. In addition, the neck relief of these guitars is flat or negative before string tension is applied. This serves the purpose of giving the instrument faster action, although it does cause a slight buzz to the sound. With strings closer to the body of the guitar, it’s easier for players to tap, a signature element of flamenco music.
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