I too am looking for a new classical guitar. You may have read my post on the demise of my classical guitar. I've been looking at a few models - my price range is a bit lower than $1000.
So far I've looked at a used Rodriguez Model B in excellect condition for $499 CDN. An Almansa 403 for $390 CDN, and a La Patrie "Concert" or "presentation" or some such thing. They range around the $500 CDN mark. Oh yeah, and a Hofner HM83 for $699.
The used Rodriguez tops my list so far - very well made sounds great, nice esthitic feel to it. I've read excellent reviews on the La Patries, and being canadian and having owned a Seagull, I would have thought that I'd like them... But there's a lot missing from the La Patrie. The head stock has this sort of mat brown paint covering it instead of rosewood. Looks really cheap. Then the banding is done with plastic instead of wood. The rossette is stencilled on. The mat finish on cedar has no protective property at all. The one in the store was marked down from the scratches on the surface. And the tone didn't do much for me although I was probabaly jaded by the construction.
The Almansa was a good guitar for the money. Solid wood - cedar on mahogany - wood banding and purfling, wood marquetry rossette. Not in the same league as the Rodriguez, though. Maybe their higher models are worth looking at. The store said they could get in a Flamenco model 415 for $645.
The hofner 83 was gorgeous. Spruce top with a flamed exotic wood for the backs and side. Looks liked flame maple. Unfortunately, the angle of the neck and the height of the bridge wouldn't allow for much adjustment and the action was a bit high already.
Still haven't decided yet.
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