Classical Guitars PLUS

flamenco, contemporary nylon string, jazz & acoustic guitars

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Classical Guitar Answers

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Nicholas Mahoney

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Alhambra 5F CT E2 and Amplifying the Flamenco Sound

Hamed Abolghasemi

9th February 2010 21:05

Dear Hamed

Thanks for your email.

1) The Alhambra 5F CT E2 is the thin body cutaway model. (the 5F CW E2 is cutaway with full size body).
2) Delivery time. We do not have the CT model in stock. I can get it from Alhambra. If you placed your order this week then I would try to get the guitar in my next delivery from Alhambra. This is next week. My next delivery from Alhambra will be in about 4 weeks.
3) Amplifying the flamenco sound. This is a good but difficult question. The pickup on the 5F CT E2 is an under-saddle piezzo pickup. This type of pickup is best at sounds from the vibration of the strings, second best at soundboard sounds, and third best at the percussive sound of nails on the strings. If you want recording quality flamenco sounds I would recommend that you used a microphone - or several microphones - instead. If you want a sound good enough for general stage use, then this guitar is as good as most you could buy.
Feeback is a problem with all pickups and amplification. Another alternative guitar that you coiuld consider for amplified flamenco playing is the Yamaha NCX900FM. This pickup system is slightly better at soundboard sounds and will take higher volumes with less feedback. I have restrung it and lowered the action for a flamenco style player in the UK and he was very happy with the guitar - see what he said here (www.classical-guitars-plus.co.uk/productfamily.php/family__3461)
I have this guitar in stock and so you would not have to wait for Alhambra to deliver.

I hope this helps. Please email or phone if you want to know more.

Yours sincerely,

Nicholas Mahoney

Classical Guitars Plus
nm@classical-guitars-plus.co.uk
01363 881174
www.classical-guitars-plus.co.uk
(PLUS Online Stores Ltd)
Company Number: 3543575
Natson Mill, Bow, Crediton, Devon EX17 6JE, UK

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We think we are now the UK's largest classical guitar shop with more models and more brands - meaning more choice - than any other in the country.

As well as this unbeatable range of classical models, we also have a very large range of electro/cutaway nylon string, flamenco, and steel string acoustic guitars including an unmatched selection of Maccaferri / Django style jazz guitars.

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Our Customers Write

"Dear Nicholas, Just wanted to let you know that the guitar arrived safe and sound first thing this morning! Thank you for the fanstastic service! Kind regards, Alison" 16/12/2011

"I want to thank you, and whoever else there is to thank in your company for the wonderful service you have. Correspondence with you has always been very swift and pleasant, and in a good sense not at all "business-like". Also extra thanks for the special attention to us lefty players, it's amazing that you and Alhambra went with all the trouble just for one guitar. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Yours sincerely, Patrik Nummi" 16/12/2011

"Hi Nicholas thanks for everything ,one does not usually get such caring business relations. I am happy that the guitar sounds nice and I hope that my son will make the most out of it. Best Massimo" 15/12/2011

"I would also like to thank you for your excellent service and will certainly shop with you again. Merry Christmas! Kind regards Anne Parham" 14/12/2012

"I found your service exemplary. Many thanks, enjoy the festive season, and no reply needed. Yours greatfully, ER" 5/12/2012

"Nick Your range of guitars in second to none and your expertise and advice is invaluable in helping customers make the right purchase for them Thank you!" Kyle Davies, 4/7/2011

"I thought I should drop you a line just to say thanks, again, for your excellent service. My new guitar arrived, safe and well, and bang on time. It’s a joy to play and easily matches my expectations. I’ve already recommended you to some of my colleagues. Best wishes," Professor Chris Gane, 23/2/2011

"Hi Nicholas, Just to let you know that the guitar arrived safely and oh I am ever so happy with it ... Last but not least: your customer service is super. All in all, thank you very much" Roberto Cassani, 10/11/2010

"Thanks for your going the extra mile. I will certainly recommend you to all. Best regards" Chris Hayter 19/10/2007

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Delivery throughout the mainland UK is free as usual. If you are not in the mainland UK, please phone (+44 (0)1363 881174) or email for delivery charges to your location - please tell us what you want to buy as well as your full postal address. Alternatively just place your order using our secure checkout and we will email you with delivery costs - we will not take payment until you reply confirming your order. Orders delivered outside Europe and to the Channel Islands are free of VAT.

18 May 2012