Cutaway Classical Guitars

[JohnW400]

I'm starting to look around for a new Classical. I want a cutaway with a pickup. It should be full size and not a flamenco version.

I currently own a Yamaha CG-171 and it has served me well, but I'm getting better at classical and I think it's time to upgrade.

So I 'm looking for opinions. The price range is between say $1000 and $2400.

I've done some research and have found the following:

Ramirez 2CWE
Rodriguez D
Cordoba 55RCE
Aparicio
Alhambra 5p
Giambattista
Loprinzi cremona cutaway.

Unfortunatley I have only located 3 of these at Guitar Center. The rest wiould have to be shipped to me for approval.

I know this is a very subjective issue but can anybody offer some insight about any of the above models. Especially negative comments. I've read plenty of positvies about all of the above. It would be nice to get some non-rose colored glasses opinions

Thanks

[fep]

Hi John,

If I was about to purchase a guitar as you describe, I would definately try this one:

Acoustic Electric Classical Guitars and Classical Cutaway Guitars

Pavan guitars are very highly regarded at the classical forum I participate in. The price is considered very reasonable for a high quality guitar.

[JohnW400]

Thanks fep, I saw that guitar. Which sites are they mentioned on? I scanned the guitar salon forum and the delcamp (?). I even posted on one of them (nobody responded).

My main concern is that I would like to try it before I plunk down 2 large ones on a classical axe. And I don't want to get hammered with shipping charges. I should e-mail them and see if they have any in my area so I cantest drive it.

[kingweck]

I recommend Pavan Guitar too. All guitar are built in Spain. TP-20 and TP-30 are all solid woods. You can choose the option with pickup. At the price range of TP-20, Lucida LG-777 may be another good choice. But I don't think they come with pickups.

I just bought a used TP-20. It sounds and plays good!

[fep]

Hi John,

The forum I was referring to was the Delcamp forum.

That is a definate negative that it's hard to get your hands on a Pavan before you buy. Good price because they're essentially wholesale but with that negative. So I'm with you on that. If it was me I know I'd want to compare a cedar top to a spruce - although I guess that comparison could be made with some other guitar.

Only hope would be if you know someone. Maybe if you post on Delcamp someone might let you come and try theirs... NJ is a big place, it might just work.

[Sailor]

Hi Guys - I play an Ibanez AEG10ne cutaway classical only right now. Not expensive or great , (great electrics), but I can play jazz, classical, Bossa, even a little reggae/Ska. Sounds pretty good but I think you're looking a little more upscale.

I must say it's hard to go back to steel strings and small necks again........

Sailor

[gremboul]

La Patrie Hybrid (intgrated pickup amd mic)...Takamine EC132SC

700-1200$

Harmony Central®: Godin Introduces The LaPatrie Hybrid CW Nylon String Guitar

Welcome to Takamine

[trtjazz]

I have a Ramirez CW2E and it's excellent.

[derek]

Of all the guitars I have bought and sold thru the years, the one that I still regret selling to this day was a Takamine Harade. Standard size, cutaway, onboard electronics, Brazilian back and sides, cedar top, ebony board. Just a gorgeous guitar, and dripping with tone. A joy to play.

I was playing a lunch set at a local hippy eatery for a while, then joined a working cover band. Needed the $ for some new equipment, so I traded it in. BIG mistake.

No relavent information on the above instruments, just thought I would take the time to whine. Thanks.

[joseph vocht]

Well, I recently purchased a Ramirez 2ncwe for 1750...was made 1999, so hopefully is a real Ramirez. Anticipating the UPS delivery tomorrow. I already have a Cordoba Gypsy King electro-acoustic, but it is shallow bodied so doesn't resonate that well acoustically. Anyone own one?? is the tone good for Latin, Bossa,classical, flamenco and Jazz??

[gremboul]

Originally Posted by joseph vocht

Well, I recently purchased a Ramirez 2ncwe for 1750...was made 1999, so hopefully is a real Ramirez. Anticipating the UPS delivery tomorrow. I already have a Cordoba Gypsy King electro-acoustic, but it is shallow bodied so doesn't resonate that well acoustically. Anyone own one?? is the tone good for Latin, Bossa,classical, flamenco and Jazz??

Your feedback on the Ramirez would be appreciated...thanks!

[cosmic gumbo]

A real classical guitar doesn't have a cutaway. Did Segovia need a cutaway?

[joseph vocht]

Well Cosmic, I'm sure if Segovia had had the experience of playing a classical guitar with a cutaway he would have appreciated the ability to more easily negotiate the upper frets. Marcel Dadi influenced Jose Ramirez use of the cutaway on this particular model. It plays very well...I have been playing nylon stringed guitars for over 60 years now and like very much both the Cordoba and the Ramirez. My Jazz guitar, a Godin Kingston, has no cutaway but plays and sounds so good that I got rid of my Byrdland elitist in favor of it. Anyhow, the tones on the Ramirez are incredible even though it is a high end student model made in the late 90's. The fishman electronics are, of course, very well suited to it. The neck is somewhat brutish but easy to use.

[Dad3353]

Originally Posted by cosmic gumbo

A real classical guitar doesn't have a cutaway. Did Segovia need a cutaway?

I'm sure the answer is in here somewhere...
Other Styles - The Jazz Guitar Forum
...What does Paco think..?

[Archtop Bill]

Another recommendation for the Ramirez. They really are nice: sound great with or without the amp.

The Rodriguez are pretty good as well, but a bit harder to find.

Another poster suggested the Ibanez AEG10NE. I had one that sounded better than okay through an amp, but was pathetic played acoustically.

[fumblefingers]

Originally Posted by joseph vocht

Well Cosmic, I'm sure if Segovia had had the experience of playing a classical guitar with a cutaway he would have appreciated the ability to more easily negotiate the upper frets. Marcel Dadi influenced Jose Ramirez use of the cutaway on this particular model. It plays very well...I have been playing nylon stringed guitars for over 60 years now and like very much both the Cordoba and the Ramirez. My Jazz guitar, a Godin Kingston, has no cutaway but plays and sounds so good that I got rid of my Byrdland elitist in favor of it. Anyhow, the tones on the Ramirez are incredible even though it is a high end student model made in the late 90's. The fishman electronics are, of course, very well suited to it. The neck is somewhat brutish but easy to use.

been playing 60 years eh? wow, that's great!

you are probably aware that a number of today's fine classical guitar luthiers are making elevated fretboards, so that cutaways are not needed. another trend is "double tops" and fan bracing. in other words they are making them more playable and louder. cutaway classicala are generally quieter from my experience. just not enough guitar there.

[JohnW400]

Originally Posted by cosmic gumbo

A real classical guitar doesn't have a cutaway. Did Segovia need a cutaway?

And quite a few makers feel that way as well so they don't offer one in their line.

[ronjazz]

The part of the guitar that is "cut away" plays little role in the sound production. And, while many makers don't offer one as a standard part of their line, most will happily make one if asked. The elevated fingerboard models help, but a real cutaway is very useful for those who need to play piano transcriptions, etc.

In answer to the original question, I have played several Aparicio models, own one, and find them very good values.

As a full-time pro player for almost 50 years, I have recently decided that the standard guitar is too small, and I am currently switching over to 7-string nylon with cutaway. With such an instrument, I can play jazz, classical and flamenco styles and utilize the entire fingerboard. Especially useful for duo or small ensemble work.

[Aristotle]

Originally Posted by cosmic gumbo

A real classical guitar doesn't have a cutaway. Did Segovia need a cutaway?

Did Segovia have to play Blue Bossa in the original key? I don't know if you have noticed, but classical guitar arrangements are often NOT in the original key to make them "fit?"

IMO, if you are not worried about a traditional classical sound, the Godin's are worth a look.

[Alzo]

I recently got one of the new Yamaha classical's with a cutaway, NCX900FM (FM for flame maple). This one is not their top line and is actually quite cheap for what it is, but it plays fantastically and has a decent acoustic sound with good electronics. I compared it to La Petrie and there was no comparison, Yamaha was much better in every way. They do make more expensive ones but I haven't seen one, I would however recommend that they be checked out, I was really very surprised at the quality of these new Yamaha's (obviously, cos I bought one..)

The only other thing is the Godin Multiacs, they're not for everyone as they aren't "truly" acoustic, but they gig very well and the pickup sound is the best I've found for a classical.

[Flat]

I'd suggest checking out the Kenny Hill New World La Curva Crossover cutaway. (Scroll down to the bottom of the linked page for info). These guitars are at the high end of your price range when new, but I've seen some great deals on the used market.

Just one more option to consider. Good luck in your quest!

New World Guitar Company



Specs:
Sound board: Englemann spruce
Back & sides: Indian rosewood
Neck: Spanish cedar
Fingerboard: ebony
String length: 650mm
Tuners: Schaller
Finish: French polish
Optional: Schatten pick up installed ($159)
Base Price: $2349

[JohnW400]

Originally Posted by Flat

I'd suggest checking out the Kenny Hill New World La Curva Crossover cutaway. (Scroll down to the bottom of the linked page for info). These guitars are at the high end of your price range when new, but I've seen some great deals on the used market.

Just one more option to consider. Good luck in your quest!

New World Guitar Company



Specs:
Sound board: Englemann spruce
Back & sides: Indian rosewood
Neck: Spanish cedar
Fingerboard: ebony
String length: 650mm
Tuners: Schaller
Finish: French polish
Optional: Schatten pick up installed ($159)
Base Price: $2349

Yes , I looked at that. Until I saw they were made in China. For $2500 I could buy a Ramirez CE2 made in Spain. So I saw no advantage to buying the Hill guitar

What I did buy was an Alhambra 7CPE with a Humicase Metro for about $1700 and change. I was interested in a Picado but he didn't list any cutaways on his site. For $2500 I might have asked him if he would build me one.

[ronjazz]

The pickup system in the Godin is made by RMC in Berkley, CA. Expensive to buy and install, but really the best, and drives a synth as well. I've had my RMC system in 4 consecutive guitars, currently in an Aparicio flamenco, and it's truly awesome; going to convert the Aparicio to a 7-string and add another pickup to the RMC rig. Should be very interesting! In any case, it almost never feeds back, is very easy to EQ for classical, flamenco, jazz or bossanova sounds. Very highly recommended; buy the guitar you like and have the RMC installed, can't be beat.

[eddy b.]

I have a Rodriguez Mod A Cutaway made in Spain from '08 and I love it it is a beautiful instrument very well made, loud, resonant, pretty to look at. I recommend highly if you can find one of the spanish made ones.