Flamenco Guitars
The Flamenco guitars that I make are available in the two basic models, the flamenco Blanca and the flamenco Negra. I generally use the Santos Hernadez plantilla for these guitars unless asked otherwise . This plantilla is from the well known 1933 guitar that is well documented in many publications. Both of these models are available with either pegs or tuners. I prefer not to use the Gilbert tuners with these guitars, just from an aesthetic point of view, they really do not belong on a truly traditional instrument, even though I regard them highly. Pegs are also only really for the truly traditional player. Even with the techniques of today's makers, pegs are not that easy to use, but they do have a wonderful balance as they are much lighter than tuners generally.
Flamenco Blanca
The
Flamenco Blanca is styled after the guitar built
by the great Spanish master, Santos Hernandez in
1833. The cypress used for these guitars is particularly
fine quality, and produces a clear crisp sound with
great presence and plenty of "bite" in the trebles.
Spruce is the main choice of timber for the tops.
European or Engelmann spruce is available for these
instruments. Either of these timbers is excellent,
with the Engelmann perhaps a little earlier to mature
than the European. Cedar is also available, even
though it was not originally an option. I offer both
Chocolate Cedar or the normal paler red cedar. The
chocolate Cedar with cypress back and sides creates
a unique looking instrument that sounds fantastic.
The guitars are available with the traditional pegs
or with tuners. I prefer not to use the Gilbert tuners
for these guitars, just from an aesthetic point of
view. I really like the Gilbert tuners but not on
these very traditional instruments.
The tap plate is available in a choice of clear, white or timber. The best choice is probably the clear, but this is up to the customer. The Santos plantilla is the same that I use for my classical guitars, but the body is not generally as deep on the flamenco guitars.
Flamenco Negra
The Flamenco Negra is another great guitar, and it is also modeled after the 1931 Santos Hernandez. The top is available in either of Euopean Spruce/ENgelmann Spruce or Cedar. The most natural choice for back and sides is East Indian Rosewood as this is the timber originally used for these instruments. There are other timbers that are very suitable for this instrument, and they are Tasmanian Blackwood, Padauk and Peruvian Walnut. All of these timbers work very well for the flamenco negra, please contact me if you require more details about the use of these other timbers.
Pegs are an option on these instruments, but the majority of these that I make are fitted with tuners. These guitars are light and very responsive, with just the right amount of crackle and bite. They usually have just a bit more sustain than the traditional flamenco blanca, but this is why they were originally designed and built.
