Classical Guitars PLUS

flamenco, contemporary nylon string, jazz & acoustic guitars
Prices include mainland UK delivery and VAT

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Gropp "Artist" Model Classical Guitar - Some First Impressions

Stephen Yates spent a couple of hours in our "studio" (a mid-sized room with a quite firm acoustic) playing a Gropp "Artist" model - serial number 855 with a cocobolo back, mahogany sides and a cedar soundboard. We recorded some of his comments as he played.

  • The upper register is excellent
  • The strings do not feel like high tension
  • It is forgiving on the left hand - but not too forgiving
  • A refined sound
  • The marquetry is wonderful.
  • The guitar looks plain from the front - plain bindings and a small rosette.
  • It keeps all its good looks for the back and sides
  • Exquisite grain on the back
  • Really lovely to play
  • Trebles have a lovely response
  • The bass has an almost cello like quality
  • The bass can dominate if not careful
  • Very easy action. Is the action slightly too light in the E1 string?
  • Slighly higher action would mean you could play louder without fear of fret noise
  • The saddle is special - but could you easily change it or would you have to get the makers to change it?
  • Would want the saddle very slightly raised to improve the playabilty of the E1 string.
  • The tone can be very delicate
  • The plain looks belie the robustness of the tone
  • It has an immediacy of response
  • Would now like to try a [Gropp] model with Indian Rosewood back and sides and a spruce top.

Stephen Yates, Guitarist Composer, 22nd February 2007.

Stephen has won several awards including Guitarist Magazine's 'Guitarist of the Year' and the Vicente Sanchis Guitar Challenge. As a classical player he performs a wide ranging repertoire from Baroque through Romantic to Contemporary works. Stephen's web site can be found at www.Stephenyatesguitaristcomposer.co.uk

(c) 2007 Stephen Yates and Classical Guitars PLUS.

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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

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"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

"The guitar arrived safe and well. Looks great sounds great. Thanks for all your help." Ian Harding, Suffolk, 25/9/2006.

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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.

5 February 2012