The Classic Guitarist

See the Guitarra magazine article below

A New Luthier's Achievements

Now here's a guitar with a big sound!

classical or flamenco?

What's the difference between classical and flamenco guitars? Tthough both guitars are in the nylon string class (as opposed to the steel-string class of plectrum and electric guitars) and are extrememly similar in outline, they have several basic differences. For example, assuming both instruments are standard models, the classical is the larger and heavier of the two. The back and sides of its body are made of rosewood (among others), whereas the flamenco uses the lighter cypress. Although there is some difference in the internal structure concerning the arrangement of the harmonic bars it is primarily the size and weight differences that account for the contrast in timbre--the "grave" mellowness of the classical and the tense metallic pitch of the flamenco. Another difference and the most physically discernable lies in the tuning head. The head of the classical guitar houses metal tuning mechanisms and rollers; the flamenco head, at least the traditional type, contains tuning pegs made of wood, similar to those on a lute (however, this difference is fast disappearing--most modern flamenco guitars also now have machine tuning heads). Another diffference is the pick guard--unlike the flamenco guitar the classical does not have or need a pick guard or tapping plate. This is because the percussive effects (rapping) so frequently employed on the flamenco are only rarely used on the classical and even then are not so harshly executed. But again not all flamnenco guitars having rapping plates.

Traditional flamenco guitar head




Flamenco guitar with rapping plate

Interesting interview with guitar teacher Aaron Shearer Here

Ebay has over twenty pages of lists relating to classical guitar. There are some great buys in guitars. I almost placed a bid on item 7406314744

Check guitarist Ana Vidovic's web site:  Ana Vidovic You can also catch an interview in Guitarra online Magazine see in links section).

Parkening Guitar Comp

"The Parkening International Guitar Competition honors Christopher Parkening’s lifetime commitment to fostering musical excellence in young artists as demonstrated by his mentor, the great Spanish guitarist Andrés Segovia. The Parkening International Guitar Competition will be the most prestigious and preeminent classical guitar competition in the world. Cash prizes in excess of $50,000 U.S. will be awarded, representing the largest prize purse of any classical guitar competition worldwide. In addition to the Stotsenberg Prize of $25,000 U.S., the Gold Medalist will receive a professionally managed performance tour of recitals and concerts with orchestra."--

Parkening Guitar Competition

Here's what the classic guitar world needs--an instrument that projects sound like a violin. A guitar gets lost in an orchestra setting.

If you've ever seen Laurindo Almeida play you'd notice that he includes the fouth finger of his plucking hand. In normal classic playing the fourth finger is not used (except in rasqueado playing in flamenco--where the faces of the nails are utilized). I've tried using it and have given up. It's too weak; it's like finding yourself suddenly with a third wheel on you bike. You don't know what to do with it.

Wow, I'm afraid to find out the price of this one.

Go to Chris Carrington