Hello. I have been trying to find an all solid flamenco guitar as a begginer, but had some very bad luck with options due to international shipping issues since most are found in Spain and I live in Puerto Rico. Would you still recommend any of these despite being laminate back and sides? These are the only ones that make it to Puerto Rico. Also thought of the normal F7 besides the F7 Paco. Would love to hear youre thoughts.
Hi José, the most important thing is to have a guitar of sufficient quality to improve your playing with - so I wouldn't get too held back with only owning all-solid wood guitars. A guitar with laminate back and sides will still provide a great instrument to improve with. The first 15 years of my guitar playing were with instruments of laminate back and sides! I think both the normal F7 or F7 Paco are great instruments. It just depends on your preferences of the sound produced by the wood. The standard F7 has a spruce top with cypress back and sides, the F7 Paco model has a ceder top with rosewood back and sides. Try to find examples on RU-vid (as you have done with my video here!) and see which sound you prefer. Thomann (a European dealer) has good sound examples and I shall leave you links to sound examples below. I hope this helps and let me know how you get on 😁 Cordoba F7 Flamenco: www.thomann.de/gb/cordoba_f7_flamenco.htm Cordoba F7 Paco Flamenco Guitar: www.thomann.de/gb/cordoba_f7_paco_flamenco_guitar.htm
@@FrancisGrant1 One of the most important aspects on flamenco guitars is the action at bridge. Any flamenco guitar with above 9 mm is absolutely inacceptable to learn with in order to the length of the nail plate for playing the i golpe above the 6th string. At 9 mm you need a minimum nail plate length of 16 mm which only few people have. Nothing about this in mentioned in the video. Why? Playability on flamenco guitars does not mean the action >at fretboard< is low; on flamencas this is a matter of course. The main focus is on the action at bridge. If both - authentical sound & low action at bridge (best is 7 to 8 mm) - is not given, then the guitar is useless. In order to these aspects I prefer one of the cheaper flamenco models by Camps or the Prudencio Saez 22 which are available around 800 € that fulfil both and come with all-solid woods.
AAA+ review, if only every YT guitar comparison could be as clear, concise and thoughtful as this. The playing was top notch as well and the recording too was good, one def hear the differences between the two instruments.
My honest opinion. I can only speak from the experience I have had. I had 2 Cordoba F7's. BOTH never stayed in tune for any period of time no matter what I did. I bought one, sold it. I bought another thinking I may have gotten a bad one. Before I sold that one I bought a cheap Yamaha C40. I didn't want to go without a guitar. It was $158.00. I replaced the nut and saddle with bone and installed a Golpeador. I could throw it at the wall and it will still stay in tune and it sounds just as great as the 600.00 Cordoba with the new nut and saddle. I play a variety of styles and instruments for many years and the one thing I can clearly say without any reserves is that Yamaha ALWAYS made great stuff. If you want one of these guitars featured in the video, buy the Yamaha.
Thanks for sharing your experiences! Shame to hear about that about the Cordoba F7s... I wonder if that was a QC issue or something. You can't go wrong with a Yamaha C40 though!
Great review, thanks! I'm in the market for a budget flamenco guitar and, based on this video, I'm leaning toward the Yamaha. Sounds a bit brighter and punchy. But both sound great! Thanks again.
Great comparison video! The Yamaha has a very Flamenco sound. Bright, loud, snappy, quick response. The Cordoba has a classical sound. I have cedar and spruce top guitars(classical) , depending on the piece I'm playing determines which top I'll use. If I'm going to play Flamenco, the Yamaha is what I'd go for.
Thanks a lot! 😁 interesting to hear your perspectives on this. And yes I agree that the best sounding guitar is related to what musical piece you are playing.
Thanks for sharing. The cordoba sounds much more mellow and pleasant all round. I would advise it for a more versatile player. If you only play flamenco I would go with the Yamaha.
Versatility is in the ear of the, uhhhh beholder ( player ) . Though the negra is better geared toward classical, the blanca is great for Mexican folk music, South American styles, and as a steel string alternative!
Seems to me like the cordoba isn’t designed for the style of playing you were using, the cordoba sounded much better for classical and worse at the various styles of flamenco you were using. Great playing, I just bought the Yamaha recently and I’m very happy with it 😊
I feel that the Cordoba handles flamenco well - it is a flamenco guitar, it just isn't as punchy and aggressive as the Yamaha. Glad to hear you're happy with the Yamaha.... such a beautiful instrument, thanks for checking this video out and happy playing :-D
Thanks for the comparison, very nice playing. Yup- the Yama has that blanca snarl/growl and quicker decay of tones suggestive of my Sanchis Carpio flamenco guitar at 2.5 times less the cost. The Paco has a big sound via the IR back/sides though has longer tone sustain. Was hoping the Paco’s build as a negra would make it versatile for both flamenco/classical but it still leans more for classical. There’s another You Tube vid of the Paco itself by another performer- it really responds well to alzapua and picados, though requires a lot of planting and control to give it that snappy flamenco sound. The Yama responds well to rasgueados, golpe’s, and has that biting personality. It’s amazing how far flamenco guitar has come through brilliant players, but old school-wise it still resembles drumming with the added element of strumming/picking when used behind singers and dancers...
Took me some time to realize that Flamenco is 80% percussion with 20% flavor (scales). That‘s why the right hand is all important and one should concentrate on the percussion first when learning Flamenco.
Thanks so much for this man, now I know exactly what I need. That Cordoba can definitely fill in for the classical I want to learn as well as just being a well rounded flamenco guitar. Thanks again
Really glad to hear this helped you out! Thanks for commenting 😄 yeah this is the exact reason I bought the Cordoba, I wanted something reasonably priced to handle classical and flamenco pieces (and bossa nova!)
Hahaha good answer, this is me too! Glad to hear you are enjoying your Cordoba Fusion 12 Natural, I've never tried this - but hopefully I will soon (once everything opens back up again)
I actually own the Cordoba F7 and I am quite satisfied with this guitar. As a flamenco/classical guitarist I have chosen this model because of the versatility and the playability. The Savarez classical strings (factory strings) are offering a warm and clean tone that fits perfectly with rondeña tuning (used in flamenco). But after months of trial, I would prefer a blanca for the brilliant and « buzzy » sound you have with the Yamaha or other Cypress made guitars... As this guitar is a negra i suggest to put high tension strings but you will not have the typical flamenco sound...
Thanks Benjamin, glad it helped! You should be able to get either guitar quite cheap when buying second hand / used. Try and get yourself one! Happy playing 🎸
Im really interested in the Paco F7 as someone with a classical background that also wants to learn flamenco. My goal is basically to play both, however im not at the point where i would be good enough to go about and buy a full on flamenco guitar. Either way, It seems the Paco F7 is more versatile, Its basically a classical guitar with lowered action and other features that make it possible to play flamenco music. I would think unless a person is going to play with flamenco dancers and other loud percussive instruments, there is no point in getting a Spruce/Cypress flamenco guitar. I guess that's the beauty of classical guitar, its designed to be played solo.
Good video, thanks. I would have expected to prefer the Córdoba, being ‘Spanish’, but having heard them I must say the Yamaha sounds better to me - fuller, richer.
What I've noticed is that to me the very percussion sound on the top sound nicer on the Yamaha and that strumming to me also sounded better on the Yamaha. The Córdoba tends to sound muddy with its dominant basses (despite its thinner body). But that bass really made the Bach prelude at the end of the video sound nicer on the Córdoba.
The Cg182SF is the best classical/flamenco guitar I have ever had, at this price point it is amazing. Very responsive and not too treblish. When you hammer at it it screams "present!" and when you play softly it also is ready for it. Very colourful sound.
I'll be getting the Yamaha because it is a great value instrument. I wish it was accoustic-electric, but since I have a nice mic I can just mic it and boom!!!
Do it!!! Because the price is so good you could always install a custom acoustic-electric pickup system yourself... but yeah, just use a mic - that's my preference!! I always find pickup systems too 'twangy', they don't capture the real sound of the guitar to me. Happy playing!! :-)
I added pick up to my Admira F4, the instrument lost all of it's quality, so I took it out and am now going for a different guitar, but I have chosen the Cordoba CK, as I play a lot of rumba as well as flamenco. I also have an Admira Cordoba which a guy from Heulva played, when I was living in Seville, and he had smoke coming off it, and he said, after bout 6 hours straight playing, 'That's a great guitar'. Unforch, I've never ever got anywhere near like the sounds and literal tenacity out of it.
I have both a Yamaha CG-172SF and a Cordoba F-7 Paco. My go to everyday flamenco guitar is the Yamaha. Both have been refined by lowering the action, adding a more sturdy golpeador, and the Yamaha fitted with a bone saddle. I must admit that the Yamaha has developed an excessive neck bow, which matters little, as I normally use a cejilla. As for construction, the Cordoba wins hands down. I prefer the sound ot the Yamaha blanco!
Thanks a lot for leaving your experiences here, Roy. Very helpful. Kind of disappointing to hear about the neck bow on the Yamaha. The nut fell of my Yamaha once and needed re-fitting.
Yamaha bought out Cordoba. They both sound nice. It comes down to the style and sound you wish to achieve. I have heard some great guitarist that play flamenco make the Cordoba sound incredible.
Based on what I could hear the Yamaha is the more authentic of the two. The Cordoba has a more classical tone, which I expected. Thanks, mate, for the review. It helped a lot in my decision making process.
Great comparison. I think if you are going mainly for flamenco the Yamaha wins but I can see the Cordoba being more versatile. You're right about the Cordoba being quieter. For the price, they're are both good deals.
Thanks for commenting mate, yeah totally agree with that. Both of these are great for the price, I actually bought this Cordoba second hand for £200 here in the UK
@@mohddalibinzali1165 Expensive is a relative term but being as these guitars are right at the lower end of the cost range, I would say they are cheap. If you are looking to buy a classical guitar for $100 to £130, I would recommend looking for either a second hand Alvarez, or a Cordoba C5. You can't go wrong with a new Yamaha C40 either.
Thanks a lot for saying mate! You can definitely do this though, just make a start and enjoy the process. I've made an online course specifically for people like you, check it out: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rg6zNiqZ8Is.html
@@FrancisGrant1 fantastic mate, will do, I’m going to but myself a flamenco guitar and Iv seen the Yamaha cg182sf the in guitar guitar here in the uk, it’s on sale at £479:00p do you think it’s worth it, it was £630 I think
@@jamlatts90 great and just drop me a line on Instagram if you need any tips on playing yeah? instagram.com/the_talent_hacker/ That's about average price. Unfortunately, that model sells out quite quickly so the price has gone up in recent years. I actually got mine for £350 years ago and from time to time, you still see it being sold new for 350 to 400. Sometimes you can get lucky on reverb.co.uk But 479 I would say is about average. Be sure to check out second hand flamenco guitars on Gumtree too, there some nice models being sold around the London area right now
@@FrancisGrant1 hi Francis, thank you for advice, I sure will have a look on gumtree, I’m In Newcastle upon Tyne so I could get one sent if it’s seems a good deal. is the Yamaha I good guitar to learn on?
@@jamlatts90 Yeah they sometimes have good second hand flamenco guitars for sale in Edinburgh too, keep an eye out. The Yamaha is a great guitar to learn on, it's the guitar that I learned to play flamenco guitar on!
Stopped by after a Brandon Acker face off where he guessed the the Yamaha as the more expensive guitar. To the credit of Brandon Acker; the well established seller set up the less expensive Yamaha to the best it could be for regular play-ability; while the more expensive guitar came from a collection and hadn't been used very much. This was the seller trying to pull a fast one on Brandon. I was very impressed with the Yamaha myself.
Thanks for stopping by Will! Yes you really cannot fault Yamaha classical guitars, they punch well above their weight. It doesn't surprise me that someone could mistake them for being worth much more!
I played for years with a fellow andalusian who had a blanca, so I was looking for that. But hearing the two side by side, the negra is what I have in my mind for sound. Thanks! Regards
Hello francis , which guitar is better for flamenco and have loud sound and full tone Cordoba f7 flamenco Or Cordoba f7 Paco Flamenco I hope you answer very soon
Hey Ahmed, both of these guitars are pretty similar in my opinion - so it really depends on personal preference. If you prefer lively and bright tones, go for the 'standard' model. If you prefer more full-bodied and deeper tones, go for the Paco model. Hope this helps!
What is 1000? In Japan, this instrument costs 39000 yen ($ 368/ €325). The sound balance is good, and I think it is enough for beginners. However, I like Cordoba F7 Paco.
Thank you very much for comparison. IMHO Yamaha by far better as a flamenco guitar. Sound is more balanced with a classical flamenco bass, exactly what I am searching in a great nylon guitar. I hate when bass is resonating in a classical guitar, like an A open string in Yamaha c70.
Hi Alexey, really glad this comparison is helpful to you - thanks for checking it out. The Yamaha really does capture that traditional raw flamenco sound, quite incredible given its price!
To me Personally…. I own a Cordoba F7, and a Rodriguez Cedar/Rosewood. And while I adore my Rodriguez Model A-cut, I feel the Yamaha had a much bette rich live sound
Thank you for this, the Yamaha sounds great and probably is what I'm looking for. What is the name of the classical piece you played btw, I know I've heard it before but one of those things I've just never gotten the name of but it sounds very pretty.
Hi Ricardo, sorry for my delayed response. It is Cello Suite no1 Prelude by Bach, you can learn it here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-KoZ0y4PO5BA.html
Among the many guitars i have i own a similar YAMAHA CG 182 SF ;but your has a more voluminous sound than my same YAMAHA , not all sound the same of the same brand , i like your YAMAHA more . It's important to have a luck too on the acquired ...
Hey Giampiero, thanks for commenting your experiences! Interesting that your guitar sounded different, I hadn't really thought about differences within a model before. I guess you just have to try it out and see which ones have the higher build quality. Thanks for watching and take care!
Surprised I haven’t run across this vid before, YT algorithm finally popped it up. Don’t have an F7, have a C7-ce RW/cedar strung w a combo of La Bella 2001 light & med strings for classical & “Spanish style” really like the sound. Been thinking on an F7 Paco, or perhaps a Tak, I’ll keep the D'Addarios Blacks in mind to give a try if/when I hit the buy button.
Glad it did in the end! Thanks for watching and commenting Jesse! Yes have a go with the D'Addario composite and see if you like the sound. Maybe not as sweet sounding as the La Bella but they do have a powerful attack
Amazing video Francis. Im planning on buying the F7 Paco, the only issue I "hear" is that the bulerias and solea might sound a little muddier compared to the yamaha which has that really short attack and higher treble frequency response. Would that be an accurate guesstimation?
Thanks a lot, Kunal 🙏🏻 yes my opinion is in agreement with that. One recommendation to try and resolve this would be to use strings with a bright sound to compensate for the lack of trebles. If you are around the Americas, order the Sonatina Equinox Titanium strings, or if you are in Europe, order the Knobloch Actives Carbon. You should get a great sound using these strings. I recorded this particular video using the D'Addario Pro-Arté Composite and I've since learned that other string options can give substantial changes to the guitar tone!
Have you tried the Yamaha cg172sf? Looking at getting my first Flamenco and not sure if it will be that, Cordoba F7, Cordoba F7 Paco, or Kremona Rosa Morena. Awesome playing
Hey Ryan! Thanks a lot and I am very happy to hear that you're getting your first flamenco guitar! The Yamaha CG172SF is just the previous model of the CG182SF, if I am not mistaken. They are basically the same guitar. I would recommend the Cordoba F7 Paco over the Cordoba F7. I am not too familiar with Kremona but have heard good things about them online. Ultimately, whatever you choose is personal preference... how the guitar sounds and how the guitar feels to you. The best thing you can do it get your hands on them, if possible. You'll know what is best for you when you get the chance to try them in person.
This is slightly off-topic but do you think the Paco would do with with Bossa Nova? I love the idea of lower action, slightly comfier neck and better projection. I'm coming from Steel string and electrics, so I think a Flamenco style guitar will translate better for what I'm interested in. It should still retain the mellow tone of Cedar but have excellent projection imo. I've not tested this theory yet though.
Hey Manfried, good question. I think in terms of playability, the Cordoba would tick all the boxes for bossa. And sound wise, it should sound punchy but well rounded. The only worry is that, I think it would lack the bass and volume a bit. I used to play a lot of bossa and I tend to prefer using my Juan Montes for that, as the larger body really lend a lot to the tone here.
Hi Kiran, thanks for watching and commenting! Yes I used the Blue Microphones Yeti Nano to record this. I actually made a RU-vid video all about this microphone, here it is: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-jaOqNVZCwXA.html
I would say that they are superior, yes! I have never been a huge fan of Admira guitars. I've tried a few of their different models over the years, both classical and flamenco. They are not bad but not great either.
To my taste i like the Yamaha the better. Still i would like to ask you, would you recommend that guitar for playing purely classical and having an enough loud sound at least on small venues? Greetings and thank you for the video.
Hi Javier! I have played a lot of classical music on the Yamaha and it's OK, not amazing, but it does the job. I am usually left slightly dissatisfied with the fullness of the sound for classical pieces. If you leave me your email, I can send you some of my privately recorded classical music using the Yamaha, up to you
The cordoba sounds like a classical but it can handle flamenco techniques and versatility, on the other hand the Yamaha is a flamenco guitar with a bright traditional sound perfect for flamenco guitar
@@dirkjanklijn9949 no they don't. After 3 years of hot summers and cold winters of taking the Yamaha with me everywhere I can say the neck is still straight. I'd get a trusrod for anything over a thousand. A $300 guitar doesn't need that insurance. But if it did have one then it wouldn't be as cheap relatively speaking
Thanks.. I have two Cordoba's, one Gk Studio W/Electric , and one F7... Both are enough for me...But I think that i can hear a more likely tune from the Yamaha.
Hey Roger! Yeah I actually wouldn't mind picking up another Cordoba... I might hit up the stores now they are back open and try a couple of different models. How are you getting on with the GK Studio?
Hey mate, so it depends on what you played jazz on previously? If you're an electric guitar player, crossover style Spanish guitars work well... a lot of electric guitar players seem to prefer crossover guitars because of the general feel and nut width. Cordoba make great crossover guitars, such as the C10 or the Fusion, for example. If your background is playing jazz on acoustic guitars then in my opinion, the F7 Paco modelled here would be great, provided that you are happy with the wood combination and the sound... it's personal preference. Hope this helps!
Does anyone have any experience on the Alhambra 5FP? Having trouble making a decision due to not having a dealers with flamenco guitars in Romania. I am like both the sound of the Blanca and negra. I am a beginner but do not want another boxing sounding guitar like I have now. I want a t least a solid top if not all solid wood. Just wrestling with the idea of a solid wood or only solid top . Is it better to invest in a quality solid wood guitar rather than keep buying and selling as my skills improve. The guitars I have narrowed it down to based on what I have seen or heard reviews on : 1.Alhambra 5FP or 10 FP Negra 2.Alhambra F8 or F10 blanca 3. Cordoba F7 or F7 Paco model 4. Juan Montes Blanca or negra 5. Francisco Navarro student model blanca or negra Any advice or suggestion welcome. Thank you in advance Cheers, Ted
As far as I can tell, there are no differences. The CG172SF was just the first version of this model and then somewhere along the line, Yamaha changed the name. The spec looks exactly the same though
Hi Luca, sorry I can't be of much help here. I've only tried the Alhambra 3F in a guitar store. My opinion was that the CG182SF is better, but obviously, I'm quite biased because I own the CG182SF and I'm used to it. I would recommend trying them both out in a store and seeing which suits your preferences. Some stores offer free delivery and returns too.
I have always used D'Adarrio EJ 45s on my yamaha 182f. How do the composites compare ? I feel I could use a little extra tension on the 650mm scale but don't want to go to heavy gauge strings. Your thoughts please.
I have been a big fan of the D'Adarrio composites for years as I love the feel and sound. You get a great response and attack from striking the strings. Rasgueados and picado feel great. But then recently I tried Equinox Titanium medium-tension nylon strings and they feel way better for me. Also, not that I know enough to conclusively have a say on this, but a number of people who are way more knowledgeable than me have commented that high-tension strings are not so good for your guitar over the years... I think the strain can gradually warp the wood. Anyway, after several years I shall now be trying out the Knobloch medium-tension nylon strings for a while 👍🏻
@@FrancisGrant1 Thanks for your comments. I also would not put heavy gauge strings on the 182f,with its very slim neck, and also the risk of lifting the top over time. may try a set of Knobloch. Also there is a real risk of getting fakes with the EJ45s these days.
Is there a budget guitar similar to the yamaha? I love that raw bright flamenco sound. Im in California but cant seem to find this yamaha model used. Any other popular model with similar sound in a budget ? I think its that blanca sound what i like
That's a shame you can't find any used Yamaha's around your area, as that is my top recommendation. Alternatively, you could look for a used Admira F4 blanca, used Alhambra 3F, or used Cordoba F7 blanca. I reviewed the Cordoba F7 negra in this video but there is a blanca version you could consider and they do tend to have a lot more of those in the US
Both great guitars but the Yamaha has the flamenco snap and ckearer nore definition and is better suited to it. The cordoba has a warmer tone and is more classical sounding.
Hello :) Francis did you have chance to play on these models besides Yamaha ? Alhambra 3f, Admira 4f, Yamaha CG182SF, Cordoba F7, Camps M-5, Trying to chose from these ,but the problem is that in my home town I can get only Cordoba F7. Can any one share their opinion ?
Hi Lukas! Guitar preferences are subjective but I am not such a fan of Alhambra, Admira, or Camps. All the models that I have tried under 1000 have been quite disappointing for me. The Yamaha and Cordoba are better (again, in my opinion). I am welcome to hear other's opinions though so please comment here if you can help.
