Important note: These guitars come with higher action for a reason. since they are the higher grade guitars and need to be professionally setup to the individual playing style of the guitarist. so don't be surprised when you first hold this guitar.
I took a trip to Thomann store in Burgebrach to try and choose the guitars in person. you need to be prepared that all Alhambra higher models (7F and even 10F models) have higher action, so the nut and saddle can be adjusted after buying according to the liking and the style of playing of each individual musician. actually most professional and higher grade guitars come with higher action (because you can always go lower, but not so easily higher). this makes sense. some guitarists, specially the ones who have a light touch and play fast runs prefer very low action and a fast neck, while the ones who play primarily accompany lines and chords prefer higher action to be able to hit the strings harder.
I tried various guitars of the same model and chose the one which I liked the most. during the whole process I was consulting with my luthier and took the guitar to him right after I bought her. with the proper nut and saddle setup the action now is simply amazing.
aside from being a very comfortable guitar to play, these guitars pack a punch you'd never expect from such a slim body guitar. the guitar sounds lively, very percussive, has incredible harmonics and has the typical growl we all love in flamenco guitars.
The pickup system has both piezo and built-in microphone which is essential for flamenco.
I also bought an Alhambra SI541-2A thin-body hard case to have her better protected. unfortunately Thomann didn't have them, so with a simple search I found one.
Pros: this guitar is a joy to play. all solid wood... neck reinforced with ebony inlay... good quality machine heads...lovely sound... great intonation... and she is very very percussive and loud.
(not exactly a con): it's not an instrument you'd grab and play immediately. you need to be patient and take your time to setup the instrument to your liking. if you do so, she knowns how to put a smile on your face.
of course as always thanx tons to Thomann for their great service and their customer care. we love you
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