I’ve played classical guitar for four years. I have two classicals and a flamenco. For a beginner in classical, I honestly would recommend a flamenco with low tension strings, I use LaBella 820s with red trebles. The action is lower on a flamenco and the strings will be easier to fret. That will really help a player starting out on or transitioning to nylon strings. And the sound of cypress is joyfully resonant. The higher action of the traditional classical guitar is much less forgiving, yet that’s where I began, and there are some advantages, but flamenco is what I would choose were I to start all over. Cordoba and Yamaha are well respected brands. I’d also suggest looking at the used market, especially vintage models from Japan, there are quite a few reasonably priced flamenco gems to be found which were made in the late 60s through the 70s by some of Japan’s most respected luthiers.
Great advice. Can you explain why low tension and not medium or high please? I have just bought an all solid Takamine Japan and I don’t know what to string it with. Also, why are La Bella red nylon and not black or clear? What’s the difference? Thank you :)
@@voltagevillain7342I just think red strings look cool. These are the strings that were used long ago by an artist, Mario Escudero who used to play at a local Mexican restaurant across from the San Gabriel Mission, no longer there. Low tension and action alleviate the difficulties inherent in playing a high tension and action classical guitar. I have both, but a guitar that is easier to fret helps keep focus on the music, not fretting technique. The sound is sweeter and lighter finger strokes are also an advantage. Every guitar I own has different strings, as I feel variations help keep one out of a rut. I also prefer Pepe Romero high tension Pepe Seniors and Ramirez high tension strings. I don’t favor the sound of polycarbon treble strings, but many do. Those are thinner and a great choice for many. It’s best to play different sets and look for the one that plays well and suits your guitar and your ears.
@@voltagevillain7342Those 820 red strings are the best sounding and are the most playable (due to the low tension) strings have I have have ever played, and I have played most all of them.
Awesome video! I definitely want to hear a comparison between the C10 and the F10. As a predominantly fingerstyle player, I am looking at those two options.
Great video! Thanks! I will appreciate including nylon string guitars more often, although I have enjoyed your steel string and electric guitar videos for years. Cordoba - Yamaha - Alvarez comparisons will be exciting to watch. Very much looking forward to some. Cheers!
Great video, and good demonstration of a different type of nylon string guitar and the possibilities it opens up. I am a classical player, and I own a flamenco, but I use it for baroque pieces, as I think the tonal quality of a flamenco suits that period better than a traditional classical.
I've heard great things about Alhambra guitars....have yet to try one..Cordobas are great...Yamahas are great...Taylor makes a nice nylon string as well.
I’ve been playing nylon for most of my 60 years. The problem has always been amplification of the beautiful tones produced in live shows. I recently resorted to a Godin Multiac Grand Concert Deluxe with an LR Baggs pickup system and I use a Shure instrument mic set up for specific gigs where I can get away with it. The Godin is great compromise though with the right EQ. Maybe you guys could review the Godin nylon series?
Love classical guitars though I preferred listening only to classic by Barrios y bossa players y Mediterranean Brazilian mixed; serenade type from the Philippines 🇵🇭 y Mexican classic tunes
First I enjoyed the video, a lot. However, I'm not sure that you ever answered the question that is asked in the title line, what makes a flamenco guitar different from a classical? Or at leas if you did, I missed the differences. I'd love to learn more on this topic.
Big things will be the body depth, the tonewood selections, and the setup/neck angle. On this specific guitar, its a slightly thinner body, European Spruce/Cypress, and low action. To make it loud and fast!
They pretty much covered most of it. Flamenco has low action at the bridge and near the neck, but reasonably high at the soundhole end of the fretboard because the neck is set with a slight angle. Classical has a high action everywhere to eliminate fret buzz. Flamenco will always be spruce top. Classical may be cedar top (or spruce). Flamenco is going to have a golpeador -- a protective plate for tapping with the fingers -- and a classical won't.
Loved this. When I was a boy, I listened to flamingo guitar and that's what persuaded me to play guitar. I haven't tried it and don't think I will now but I am interested in getting a nylon string guitar and learn classical. I liked this demo and look forward to more.
I have been doing pit work more and more. I'm surprised at how often a nylon string guitar is used for all kinds of music in musicals. The score actually calls for it. So I'm looking for a good working nylon guitar with a pickup.
