nylon guitar advice

**feral guitar** · 11-10-2016, 05:09 PM

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

The Godin's with the "duet ambiance" electronics are outstanding. BEST acoustic pickup system I've ever used.

yeah, listening to clips they do sound great

**feral guitar** · 11-10-2016, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by Woody Sound

Unless I missed it here, you didn't say how loud your gigs might be. Will feedback be an issue? Loud band jobs? Or is amplification just for a little more fullness/support?

anything from quiet to loud. I need to amplify 100% of my gigs

**Cunamara** · 11-10-2016, 10:20 PM

Originally Posted by Jabberwocky

Cunamara, how does the Rick Turner RN6 compare with the made in Korea Michael Kelley-Rick Turner N6?

$575 (with 15% discount coupon) looks like a very attractive price for the Kelley-Turner N6. They have the same Seymour Duncan-made D-Tar.

Since the Turner RN-6 was recommended, I'd put in my tuppence for the Buscarino Starlight.

I have not had a chance to see or hear the Kelley-Turner.

**2bornot2bop** · 11-11-2016, 04:15 AM

Some 5 or so months back I bought an Alhambra 9P. I couldn't be happier with this guitar. They're made in Spain, and very well built - about $2.5k new. The 9p is their middle upper line. But I found a mint used 9p with hard case for $950. Keep an eye on eBay, as I've seen many others listed for sale...unless of course you must have a new guitar. These run with Classical's costing many times more. Worth checking out. Good luck!

**DanielleOM** · 11-11-2016, 09:50 AM

Originally Posted by Cunamara

I have not had a chance to see or hear the Kelley-Turner.

Although I have an MK Rick Turner N6, I don't think I can give a real meaningful comment either.

From a spec point a view, I think you will find the MK Rick Turner N6 is closer to a Rick Turner RN6H than it is to an RN6.

**destinytot** · 11-11-2016, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by Cavalier

This is the current Ovation nylon. Classic Nylon Full classical spacing. I've found the Ovations to be very feedback resistant.

+1

Been trying one out - great for 'jazz' and bossa (I stand, so I use a strap). Pulling the trigger in December.

**Encinitastubes** · 11-11-2016, 10:25 AM

For that price range, I would get something that is concert quality - that can hold its own acoustically. I am partial to Oribe Pro-As, the bodies of which were assembled in Japan and sent to Oribe to finish and carve the top. Most of them are traditional, full-sized classicals. He had a few that were unusual, Picasso guitars. I have one of those with a 660 scale length. Plenty of other luthiers, though, to explore.

**Greentone** · 11-11-2016, 11:18 AM

I think you will be happiest with a traditional classical guitar. I own three nylon-string guitars...two early-60s S. Yairi classical models and an early-80s Ibanez shallow body, cutaway electro-classic with a shorter scale (more of a country-classic, if you will).

I would much rather play one of the Yairi guitars into a condenser mic on jazz gigs, than to play one of the guitars "designed" for that chore. Call me a stickler, but I just don't like the sound of plugged in nylon guitars. Some of the systems that employ a mic inside the body are acceptable.

The deal, for me, is that I prefer the 26" scale, the wide neck, and the full-size body. When I play from a classical position, I have some expectations about what the guitar should FEEL like, as well as what it should sound like.

**destinytot** · 11-11-2016, 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by Greentone

I would much rather play one of the Yairi guitars into a condenser mic on jazz gigs, than to play one of the guitars "designed" for that chore. Call me a stickler, but I just don't like the sound of plugged in nylon guitars. Some of the systems that employ a mic inside the body are acceptable.

I agree - I prefer a mic, too.

However, the Ovation Classic (electro-acoustic) - which I think sounds better when 'processed' - does seem to sound pleasant to certain audiences, and I've found a place for it.

Can't imagine a place for it in 'classical', but it can work great for 'jazz' - and at relatively high volumes, too.

**Cavalier** · 11-11-2016, 01:35 PM

Originally Posted by Greentone

The deal, for me, is that I prefer the 26" scale, the wide neck, and the full-size body. When I play from a classical position, I have some expectations about what the guitar should FEEL like, as well as what it should sound like.

That is why I didn't suggest the Ovation Country Artist 1624 or 6773 Ovation Gallery The narrower 14 fret neck joint with a 25 1/2 scale and spruce top aren't for purists. For people coming from a electric and steel string perspective they are a perfect way to go nylon without having to make big adjustments

**Cavalier** · 11-11-2016, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by destinytot

I agree - I prefer a mic, too.

However, the Ovation Classic (electro-acoustic) - which I think sounds better when 'processed' - does seem to sound pleasant to certain audiences, and I've found a place for it.

Can't imagine a place for it in 'classical', but it can work great for 'jazz' - and at relatively high volumes, too.

This is true, they'll run with a electric band. Really it is what they were made for. Segovia would have had a fit but then he never had to plug in with a loud band.

**Greentone** · 11-11-2016, 01:40 PM

The Ovation is the exception. I almost consider it a different instrument, altogether. It doesn't feedback at high volumes, so you are good to go in a jazz setting. It does sound good as a jazz instrument. I don't think I would ever use an Ovation, though, as a classical instrument.

The ones I have enjoyed most have been the older, deep back, non-cutaway Ovation classics. They do well for covering the Charlie Byrd scene.

**Cavalier** · 11-11-2016, 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by Greentone

The Ovation is the exception. I almost consider it a different instrument, altogether. It doesn't feedback at high volumes, so you are good to go in a jazz setting. It does sound good as a jazz instrument. I don't think I would ever use an Ovation, though, as a classical instrument.

The ones I have enjoyed most have been the older, deep back, non-cutaway Ovation classics. They do well for covering the Charlie Byrd scene.

That would have been the 1613 for the electric or 1113 for the acoustic. Full 26" scale, spanish cedar top 12 fret joint. I agree on the different instrument status, they have their own sound. Interestingly there has been classical music composed to take advantage of the volume and sound of the electric acoustic nylon in orchestral works.

**medblues** · 11-11-2016, 02:20 PM

I owned and compared the Godin Duet Ambience (Grand Concert, full size classical, not crossover, has cutaway) and Takamine TC132SC and liked the Godin better for amplified purposes (much less feedback, better sounding transducer and preamp, ability to blend piezo with mic simulation).

**bohemian46** · 11-11-2016, 07:48 PM

"spanish cedar top"

Curious, often used for neck wood on classical and flamenco guitars and cigar boxes....

Spanish Cedar Lumber - Wholesale Supplier - Spanish Cedar Wood

**yebdox** · 11-12-2016, 01:48 AM

I owned and compared the Godin Duet Ambience (Grand Concert, full size classical, not crossover, has cutaway) and Takamine TC132SC and liked the Godin better for amplified purposes (much less feedback, better sounding transducer and preamp, ability to blend piezo with mic simulation).

I have the older CD132SC, which I'd like to upgrade (the newer preamp is swappable for around $300) and a Godin multiac nylon SA, which I like a lot better for amplified, as well. I'm not a classical player, but the neck on the Godin is pretty jazz friendly and the EQ capabilities give it a lot of versatility.

I still can't quite get the sound that Metheny has on his solo clips on youtube (there's that great one with a medley of his tunes that I think he plays on an Ovation.... nice, low mid voice, slightly compressed, good string sustain.)

**Jabberwocky** · 11-13-2016, 02:42 PM

feral guitar, PSA: Asking $4850. FS 2014 Kirk Sand John Knowles Thinline Nylon (MINT) in Buy and Sell Forum

**jads57** · 11-13-2016, 06:24 PM

**2bornot2bop** · 11-13-2016, 09:03 PM

Originally Posted by bohemian46

"spanish cedar top"

Curious, often used for neck wood on classical and flamenco guitars and cigar boxes....

Spanish Cedar Lumber - Wholesale Supplier - Spanish Cedar Wood

Perhaps that's why some builders add an Ebony reinforcement strip to their Spanish Cedar necks? The article specifies that Cedar when dried properly is stable.

**Cavalier** · 11-13-2016, 09:46 PM

The 1613 and 1113 eventually went to cedar tops, it might have been a supply issue. Ideally instrument wood, like boat building lumber, should be air dried.

**Woody Sound** · 11-13-2016, 10:51 PM

Yeah, working with nylons as a working musician doing different things (classical, jazz...) is a dilemma. I'm currently holding 4 nylon string guitars in da house. Would LOVE to get it down to TWO.

**feral guitar** · 11-14-2016, 11:55 AM

where would you guys feel comfortable buying a Godin Duet Ambience in terms of return policy (USA)?

**rpguitar** · 11-14-2016, 11:58 AM

I bought a B-stock new model from Cream City Music via Reverb, like this:

Godin Multiac Grand Concert Duet Ambiance Nylon Lightburst B | Reverb

Mine has no discernible flaw at all, and I paid a couple hundred less. I kept it, but I am returning a totally unrelated acoustic guitar to them today, and they were nothing but courteous (just to vouch for their return policy).