Frequently Asked Questions

We offer many of the same exceptional Spanish guitar brands and models found at traditional retailers, often at more competitive prices. By operating primarily online, we keep our overhead low without the expense of maintaining a large showroom or retail staff.

Those savings are passed directly to our customers. The result is outstanding value on authentic, handcrafted classical and flamenco guitars, often saving buyers hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of dollars compared to traditional retail pricing.

Our focus is simple. Offer exceptional instruments, honest guidance, and fair prices without compromising on quality or service.

While classical and flamenco guitars share the same basic design, they are built for different styles of music and playing techniques.

Flamenco guitars are traditionally made with spruce tops and cypress back and sides, producing a bright, crisp, and highly responsive sound. A variation known as the flamenca negra uses rosewood back and sides while retaining the lighter construction and quick response of a flamenco guitar.

Classical guitars are most often built with rosewood back and sides, paired with either a spruce or cedar top. They are designed to produce a richer, warmer tone with greater sustain and a wider dynamic range.

Flamenco guitars are generally built lighter than classical guitars, with thinner tops, different internal bracing, and lower string action. These features create the characteristic percussive attack and expressive growl prized by flamenco players. Many flamenco guitars also include transparent tap plates, known as golpeadores, to protect the soundboard during rhythmic playing.

Classical guitars typically have slightly higher string action and are optimized for tonal depth, sustain, and projection.

Both spruce and cedar can produce exceptional guitars when paired with premium tonewoods and the craftsmanship of a skilled luthier. Neither is inherently better. The right choice depends on the sound and playing experience you prefer.

Spruce tops are known for their bright, articulate tone, excellent note separation, and wide dynamic range. They continue to mature over time, developing greater warmth and complexity with regular playing.

Cedar tops offer a warmer, richer, and more rounded voice from the beginning. They respond easily to a lighter touch and deliver a mature sound without requiring years of playing.

German and Engelmann spruce are known for rich overtones and responsiveness, while Sitka spruce offers a balanced, versatile voice. Western Red Cedar is valued for its warmth and fullness.

Brazilian rosewood and Indian rosewood are two of the world's most respected guitar tonewoods.

Brazilian rosewood is admired for its striking figure, rich overtones, and dynamic response. Because it is protected under CITES Appendix I, guitars made with Brazilian rosewood are rare, highly collectible, and generally more expensive.

Indian rosewood is the premium standard used by many modern luthiers. It offers excellent stability, beautiful appearance, and a warm, balanced tone with deep bass and rich sustain.

Other premium alternatives, including Madagascar rosewood and cocobolo, also produce beautiful instruments with distinctive tonal characteristics.

Ultimately, the skill of the luthier has a greater impact on the finished instrument than the species of rosewood alone.

French polish and lacquer are both excellent finishes for fine classical and flamenco guitars. The quality of the finish depends more on the craftsmanship and thickness of the application than on the finish itself.

French polish is prized for its traditional appearance and the extremely thin finish that allows the guitar to resonate freely. It develops character over time but is more susceptible to scratches, heat, and perspiration.

Modern lacquer finishes provide excellent tonal performance while offering greater resistance to everyday wear.

One advantage of French polish is that it can be restored relatively easily by an experienced repair technician without removing the original finish.

The Madrid and Granada schools represent two of Spain's most respected guitar-making traditions.

Granada guitars are typically built with a slightly smaller body inspired by Antonio de Torres. They are known for their quick response, bright voice, clear articulation, and lively character. Despite their compact size, modern Granada guitars offer excellent projection.

Madrid guitars generally feature a larger and deeper body, producing a fuller, warmer sound with greater sustain, rich bass response, and exceptional tonal balance.

Neither tradition is superior. The choice depends on your personal preference and playing style.