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Any suggestions on a classical guitar around $1000?
Jim K
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I've played for many years and own several guitars both acoustic and electric. I am looking to spend around $1000 to purchase a new classical guitar. I have found a couple of models with solid spruce or solid cedar tops, with solid rosewood sides and backs in that range from Manuel Rodriguez and Antonio Aparicio that seem pretty nice. Does anyone have any sugestions? Thanks

Post Date: 11/4/2009 @ 6:22 pm
RE: Any suggestions on a classical guitar around $1000?
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mortatort
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For classical and/or dreadnaught guitars, I always lean toward the Alvarez-Yairi line. Most of them would be beyond your stated budget NEW, but for a used model you have plenty of room to find a fantastic Yairi. Certainly worth a look if there are any available in your area.

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Post Date: 11/4/2009 @ 6:44 pm

RE: Any suggestions on a classical guitar around $1000?
Jim K
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Thank you. One other question I have conerns finding an instrument with solid sides and backs is preferable correct? A solid top is a given.

Post Date: 11/5/2009 @ 7:27 am

RE: Any suggestions on a classical guitar around $1000?
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mortatort
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My take on that is, dollar for dollar there is more improvement going from a laminated top to a solid top than you do when going from laminated sides/back to an all solid guitar. And generally speaking an all solid will be well more than your stated budget even used.

If I was choosing between two guitars, one all solid and one with only a solid top, and the prices were about the same, I would choose the one that sounded/played more to my preference. The solid back/sides may be a little more desirable in a certain sense but it wouldn't be in the top priority for my decision making process.

Are there any particular models that you're interested in at this point or still wide open?

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Post Date: 11/5/2009 @ 3:35 pm

RE: Any suggestions on a classical guitar around $1000?
Jim K
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Yes, there are a couple that look interesting that I'm considering.One is sold by Luthier Music in NYC ( I live about hour from there) is model LU-075 from Antonio Aparicio. Choice of solid cedar or spruce tops, with solid rosewood sides and backs for around $1100. The other one is made by Manuel Rodriguez model E, solid spruce top with solid rosewood sides and back, sold by the Guitar Center Store group, about the same price point. I agree that in the end you have to play the instruments to make the right choice.Any further input would be appreciated.

Post Date: 11/5/2009 @ 9:27 pm

RE: Any suggestions on a classical guitar around $1000?
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BlueMan
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The Rodriguez is a nice guitar. You could also check out the Cordoba guitars in that price range, although they may have had a name change, I can't remember.

I have an Alvarez Yairi C-120. Awesome guitar. Mine is 25 years old now, and it sounds AMAZING. It also happens to be beautiful. I think you could find a used one for less than you're budgeting and you'd have a great guitar.

Post Date: 11/5/2009 @ 9:36 pm

RE: Any suggestions on a classical guitar around $1000?
Jim K
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Thanks for the advice, as you know, buying any instrument is always a process thats takes some time to get something you'll be happy with.

Post Date: 11/6/2009 @ 8:14 am

RE: Any suggestions on a classical guitar around $1000?
Jim K
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I just found a Alvarez Yairi C-120 1976 made in Japan on ebay.The current ask is $450. here is the link,what do you think?
http://cgi.ebay.com/76-vintage-Alvarez-YAIRI-CY-120-classical-guitar-JAPAN_W0QQitemZ250520414289QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item3a542e2851

Post Date: 11/6/2009 @ 8:46 am

RE: Any suggestions on a classical guitar around $1000?
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mortatort
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Looks well kept. It's likely to sell for cheaper than normal due to the tuners being changed out and the lacquer being removed from the top. It's all a judgement thing on your part. But if I were looking for a good deal on an acoustic I'd surely be keeping my eye on that oneSmiley But also I do tend to play them before I buy them which you can't usually do on Ebay.

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Post Date: 11/6/2009 @ 5:28 pm

RE: Any suggestions on a classical guitar around $1000?
Jim K
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I agree about what you said about having to play the instrument first before buying it. There are some tempting deals online but unless I've played that exact same model before I'm not comfortable going ahead.I'm just looking for some more stores in the NYC metro area that inventory different models in my range (new or used) so I can compare.

Post Date: 11/6/2009 @ 9:28 pm

RE: Any suggestions on a classical guitar around $1000?
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BlueMan
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That's a good price. But it's because he has done a refinish on the top. That's not a problem if you're looking for a guitar to play and keep. It will reduce the resale value. At any rate, this might be a great way to get a really good guitar at a great price.

Post Date: 11/7/2009 @ 7:59 am

RE: Any suggestions on a classical guitar around $1000?
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mortatort
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Kyle, I didn't know you were a Yairi owner! I knew there was something I liked about youSmiley

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Post Date: 11/7/2009 @ 9:40 am

RE: Any suggestions on a classical guitar around $1000?
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BlueMan
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mortatort said:

Kyle, I didn't know you were a Yairi owner! I knew there was something I liked about youSmiley

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I've had that guitar longer than any other that I currently own. (Other than a Silvertone that belonged to my grandfather) I am always so pleased with it when I take it out and play it.

What model do you have?

Post Date: 11/7/2009 @ 10:02 pm

RE: Any suggestions on a classical guitar around $1000?
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mortatort
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Mine's a dreadnaught GY-1. I've had it for about a year and a half. And I've owned a DY-45 and a DY-71(if memory serves). All great guitars but I like the GY-1 the best. I haven't picked up a classical yet, all in good time and it will likely be a Yairi. The ones I've played were very sweet sounding and soft to the touch. Very easy to play.

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Post Date: 11/7/2009 @ 10:19 pm

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