Orpheus Valley Guitars ARTIST SERIES FIESTA FC Classical Guitar Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The main reasons I bought this guitar are because it sounds great, and it is affordable. I compared this guitar at local music shops directly against several other classical guitars in the same price range, including guitars made by La Patrie, Alvarez, Takamine and Ibanez. All of these guitars were in a similar price range (up to $1,000.00) but it was clear that the Fiesta FC was the only truly excellent guitar among the bunch (I tried out literally dozens of guitars). I also compared it to several guitars that were much more expensive, including Yairi, Ramirez, Conde Hermanos, and Antonio Loriente. In my opinion, the Fiesta FC sounded better than every Yairi model in the store and the Ramirez (R1). It sounded basically on par with both Loriente models in the store, but had a slightly higher action (and a significantly lower price). The Conde Hermanos was superior to the Fiesta FC, but at 10x the price, it had darn well better be.
Needless to say, I bought the Fiesta FC because it sounded as good as guitars that were several times more expensive, and VASTLY superior to any other guitar in the same price range. I've now owned the guitar for three years, and I have never regretted it.
I have been studying classical guitar for almost 15 years. I've taken master classes with Ricardo Iznaola, Ernesto Tamayo, and the late James Smith.
Tone: Excellent. Brilliant, responsive to dynamic playing.
Action: Very Good. A bit higher than a Conde Hermanos, about equal to a La Patrie Collection or the Ramirez R1.
Feel: Excellent. Comfortable standard design, and the nitrocellulose finish is smooth, not sticky like my old Takamine.
Quality: Excellent. Flawless craftsmanship, excellent design.
Value: Excellent. You simply cannot buy any other guitar of this quality at this price. Perhaps you are looking for a guitar to take through college? This IS it. Don't buy a student model Ramirez or any La Patrie. They just don't compare.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Orpheus Valley Guitars ARTIST SERIES FIESTA FC Classical Guitar

Get 16% OFF

Click here for more information about Orpheus Valley Guitars ARTIST SERIES FIESTA FC Classical Guitar

Read More...

Ramirez R2 Classical Guitar Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I recently shopped for a new classical guitar (checked out about 30 different models) and almost eliminated the R2 before even playing one. After all, Jose Ramirez is a "big name" and I presumed I would be getting less guitar for my money than I could find elsewhere. I'm glad I tried one anyway.
There are two things you should know, before buying a lower-end model Ramirez like the R2. First, these are factory guitars. They are not actually made in the Ramirez shop, like the higher-end Ramirez models. They are made "to Ramirez specifications" elsewhere--probably by a company like Alhambra--then "finished" in the Ramirez shop. Also, the back and sides are laminated, not solid, Indian rosewood. Doesn't sound very promising at this price, right?
But--play one. The R2 has a tone, from the Canadian red cedar top, that is just wonderfully sweet. But more than just that, this guitar has a sensitivity and resonance that makes it stand out from other classical guitars. It's a bright tone, too: clear, and bold when it needs to be. Distinctly superior to many guitars in this price range, and a joy to hear while playing. I swear, this guitar works: someone just got the design and manufacture right, on this one. It's better than any other guitar I tried under 2K.
The action is low, easy and quick--again distinctly better than most or all other guitars I investigated. It plays fast and smooth--it's a joy to play. A great playing guitar.
I've had my R2 for almost exactly one year now. I've read other reviews and heard other guitarists remark how the sound of this particular model improves with time. Mine has, after just a year. After 3-4 years many say that the sound becomes comparable to the higher-end Ramirez models.
Bottom line: would I buy this guitar again? In a New York minute.Final note: If you're considering Ramirez and looking at the R1 because it's a little cheaper, buy the R2 instead. Much, much nicer guitar, for just a little more $$. Much better tone, much better action.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Ramirez R2 Classical Guitar

Get 20% OFF

Click here for more information about Ramirez R2 Classical Guitar

Read More...