Almansa Spruce 457

by Doug
(Vancouver, B.C. Canada)

Almansa Spruce 457: You Won't Regret the Investment

I'd like to offer my take on the subject to anyone who may be looking for a classical guitar, and clearly hears the difference between the average guitar that sells new for up to a thousand dollars or so, and the next significant improvement, guitars which sell new, generally, for around 1500 dollars and up.

Read more about Almamsa classical guitars

Obviously, there ain't no rules like that which are hard and fast, exceptions abound, but the general situation seems to be that you will get the largest increase in tone quality and craftsmanship by going from $1000 to $1500, generally speaking, than you will for a $500 increase in investment, at any other price point.

Before you buy, try a spanish-made guitar built on the traditional spanish heel. It seems to sustain better, and the tone is more complex, with more high frequency content. (in other words, more fun to play)

I'm known for going into a guitar store and playing every classical they have. The Almansa 457 cost me $1050 Canadian brand new, and I have found nothing close in terms of "bang for the buck". It sounds wonderful, loud and rich, with plenty of high frequency volume to match the mid and lower range. This seems to be where many classicals fall short; they have a somewhat muted high end response, and that ain't good, when you compare it with one that really rings out in the top end.

This guitar appears to be very solidly built and I am much more than pleased. My only criticism - the neck is too chunky; I slimmed mine down, very carefully, and it plays much better. About a year now since that modification and no ill effects have appeared.

Good luck, and remember that guitars can sound great when you first play them because they sound different than what you are used to, the novelty is interesting, but if you come back the next day it seems much less compelling.

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