Choosing a fine Flamenco guitar can be as difficult as choosing a mate; all of the best ones are all exquisite in both looks and temperament. Just as in human relationships, it comes down to personal preference and taste. Your relationship with your instrument becomes very personal, particularly if you are passionate about your playing. In a guitar, however, you must be able to feel like you are in control, not the instrument. Differences which allow better mastery include variations of scale length (some players prefer a scale which is shorter than sixty-six centimeters, while others are quite comfortable at that length or longer), fingerboard width, and overall action. Often, professional players will ask for a custom-built guitar. If you are looking for this quality of an instrument, do not be discouraged by the long wait time. Building a custom guitar takes time. Generally, if the guitarrero (guitar-maker) has any instruments available immediately, they would likely be lower-quality instruments.
The Cheaper Guitar
Often, you will find so-called ‘Flamenco’ guitars at what seem like bargain prices. Be aware, though, that the cheapest guitars that are Flamenco in name only are rarely worth even the low asking price. More likely, you will have to select a guitar in the middle price range in order for it to have the true Flamenco tone and action. Paying a hefty sum for a Flamenco guitar, however, will not guarantee your obtaining those elusive tonal qualities that characterize Flamenco music. In general, it may be best at the beginning to buy a cheaper classical guitar from Valencia or Japan, as long as the instrument has reasonable playing facility. Fit the guitar with golpeadores, then save your money until you can afford a fine new or secondhand Flamenco instrument. On the other hand, you may find some excellent medium-priced instruments. Some of the Japanese guitars may prove adequate for your needs at the beginning. Keep in mind the good news that guitars themselves are relatively inexpensive, compared to many musical instruments. New players often buy a pricey instrument at the outset, only to be disgruntled customers when they compare it with first-class, and often only slightly more expensive, guitars made by the top guitarreros. A well-made guitar will be a better value in the long run. You may, therefore, make a better choice by buying a top-quality guitar second hand, as opposed to a mediocre-quality new instrument.
