Classical Guitars PLUS

flamenco, contemporary nylon string, jazz & acoustic guitars

Prices include mainland UK delivery and VAT

Phone 01363 881174
Open Monday-Friday 9-5:30

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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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.

Please phone before visiting - you will get uninterrupted time in our (admittedly small) studio to try out as many guitars as you like and you will be certain that we have the guitars you want to try in stock.

Our Brands

Acoustic France Authorised Dealer

Alhambra Authorised Dealer

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Armin & Mario Gropp Authorised Dealer

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Yamaha Authorised Dealer

Water Mill - Our own Guitars

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See our no-quibble returns policy.

Classical Guitars PLUS is a part of a family-run company which has been doing business on the internet since the 1990s. If there is more you want to know or more you think we could do, please don't hesitate to contact us.

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

"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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Articles and tips

Have a look at our growing Articles section. Strings and stringing tips. Humidity. Tone Woods. Luthiers. And more...

Delivery Charges and Orders Outside the Mainland UK

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