Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi all.

Here is yet another question for all you Flamenco pros out there.

A (potential) customer might order a Flamenco. He mentioned he want the neck to be shaped as a 'flat D', by opposition to a round 'D' or a 'V' shape. I know what he means, but I wanted to know if it is a standard Flamenco request or just him wanting that? He says all flamenco should eb like that, but I thought I'd check with you? I normally use a round 'D' for my necks.

The reason is I might have to make myself a demo before he orders one (or even 4! He's got guitar students...) , and I don't want to make a demo with too mucbh of his personnal requests, but rather something more general.

Thanks!

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Alain Moisan
Former full time builder of Acoustics, Classicals and Flamencos.
(Now building just for fun!)

If he is that particular, you need a better definiton of the shape. I have seen some classicals with a flat "D" that is very thin. I liked it, but that might not be what he means.

Flat D is a profile that has a flat between the two radiuses of the profile. Meaning the D is not a continuous blended arc but has a flat tangent between the radiuses usually near ½” wide. Some classical and Flamenco players like this as road way for the thumb position

Alain,

The neck profile of a flamenco is as varied as the luthiers that build them. I have seen a few with a very rounded profile and others with the flattened D as Michael describes. There really is no "standard" other than what works for you and primarily your customer.

Personally I prefer the flattened D and find it very comfortable to play for an extended time. I usually build for 21 mm thick at the 1st fret and about 23mm at the 9th with at least a 14mm flat down the center. I have taken profiles from a number of flamencos; Ramirez, A. Green, Bellido, GV Rubio and Andres Dominguez and they tend to be more flat than round.

I seem to remember an old cliche' that stated "The customer is always right." Have fun and build a great guitar!

YMMV

Peter

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Peter

Thanks a lot guys!

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Alain Moisan
Former full time builder of Acoustics, Classicals and Flamencos.
(Now building just for fun!)

Alain,

My experience is much like Peter's and I personally prefer the flattend D. Normally I shoot for 21 mm at the 1st fret and 23 mm at the 8th. Fretboard widths are around 53 mm at the nut and 63 mm at the 12th fret.

Regards,
Max

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Max Bishop
Brighton, Michigan

Thanks Max!

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Alain Moisan
Former full time builder of Acoustics, Classicals and Flamencos.
(Now building just for fun!)

Alain;
I HAVE MADE MANY "Flamencos"
I call them "Flammers" because of the way the player wail on them!


I have worked on Flamenco guitars made in the 1930"s to 2008 !
Guitars made by the old makers had very different neck thickness & shape!!!!
WHY-they must have had a to much wine or just had a buyer that needed a different size neck!

I make mine with the "flat -round D-and to the players needs-
I make custome guitars-not copies -and the buyer is a part of the guitarmaking !
Thickness is 21.5mm at the nut to only 22mm at the 9th fret!

I hope this helps ya!
Contact me -I have a 72 Contreas (sp) Negra with pegs here for repair!
I can send ya all the demensions of this guitar if ya want them!

Plus i have all the specs. of guitars made by Barbero &(Hernandez) Other old Spanish makers!
I love those ole guitars!!

Mike

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Mike Collins

Upon recommendation, I came across this Flamenco Forum:

http://www.foroflamenco.com/foroflamenco_home.asp

Might be some useful experience there, too. (Not that there isn't any here!)

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Expectation is the source of all misery; comparison the thief of joy.
http://redrivercanoe.ca/