Best Flamenco Guitar Costing Under 1000 ?! Juan Montes vs Navarro

[@juijitsu01]

I have a 99 navarro and man it still sounds amazing and plays like a dream! In this video, both good guitars but the navarro sounds much more refined!

[@FrancisGrant1]

That's awesome! Navarro makes stunning guitars!

[@blaneweaver8921]

Your videos have been very helpful to me in choosing my first flamenco. Thanks

[@FrancisGrant1]

That's awesome, really glad to hear that! All the best for your flamenco journey 😁 thank you for watching and commenting

[@luisaceo00]

I bought a juan montes straight from their workshop in Valencia and got them to add fret markers. They're wonderful guitars and hard to beat in terms of quality for their price but that navarro does sound very good as well, has a nice flamenco punchy sound. I think it'd be nice to hear both being played with a capo.

[@FrancisGrant1]

Hey mate, thanks for commenting this! Really appreciate you sharing your experiences with Juan Montes guitars.... there is this absurd myth on the internet that Juan Montes guitars do not make good quality guitars, sometimes people comment this on my videos 🤦‍♂️. And that is total nonsense; for their price, you cannot get a better quality guitar. But yes I will probably have some fret markers added now, I just wanted to mention in the video so that people know what to expect if they buy the same guitar 😁

[@rmcaudio7041]

No contest really, soundwise the Navarro wins hands down.

[@FrancisGrant1]

Great to hear, thanks for leaving your opinion!

[@jeffarab4947]

I prefer the Navarro nice attack wow amazing performance as well love it

[@FrancisGrant1]

Really appreciated my friend, thanks for looking and commenting. Great videos from you too! 😁

[@jeffarab4947]

@@FrancisGrant1 yes thnx keep it comin

[@TheJaguarMex]

Waited for this video! Thank you so much!!!!! You did not disappoint and that pinned comment, fantastic! I still love the Navarro cypress guitar better! It has that special sound kick I don’t know.

[@FrancisGrant1]

Thanks a lot for your comment, really appreciate this 🙏 and super happy that you got something from the video!

[@Nizaammosesguitarist]

What a beautiful review my friend, in depth and precise, it is hard to choose since you play both these guitars so beautifully :-)

[@FrancisGrant1]

Hi Nizaam, really appreciate your comment - thank you so much, that means a lot! I hope the video was useful and entertaining 😁

[@RonH_music]

Excellent video!! Are both 650mm scale length? I'm sure the double strings holes on Juan Montes help a lot in bringing the action very low due to a better breaking angle. Best wishes!

[@FrancisGrant1]

Hi Ronny! Yes indeed, both are 650 mm scale length. The double string holes are a really nice touch on the Juan Montes. It also keeps the strings really secure and fixed to the bridge, it makes re-stringing the guitar very easy. All guitars should have this! Take care 😁

[@DonSoledadGroup]

I've owned 2 of the Navarros and one Montes in the past. I prefer the Montes. Another guitar that would be in the same price range would be Valeriano Bernal segunda models in Barrio Santa Cruz. Good video cheers from Florida

[@FrancisGrant1]

Thanks for commenting your personal experiences!! This is super helpful for people to read when deciding for themselves. Great points about the other luthiers too, solid recommendations here. Thanks and take care!

[@davidtomlinson6432]

Hi Francis, I thought the Montes RG Model had laminate not( solid) redgum back and sides? Great video thanks. Dave

[@FrancisGrant1]

Hi Dave, thanks a lot for watching and commenting! Michele from FL Waves told me that this model was all solid wood... I have to agree that visually it does look laminate though. But Michele is an expert and I trust him, they don't come more experienced than him

[@davidtomlinson6432]

@@FrancisGrant1 Hi Francis, I must agree with your comments, I am new to redgum,I have this model in my collection and have been very impressed with it for the price.............regards Dave

[@marcottavi2655]

Hi, What is this Navarro Model ? , I can’t find any Navarro under 1000 online

[@FrancisGrant1]

It's the student model, all details in the description. I put some info in another comment to yo. Prices can vary but if you keep an eye out, you should be able to find options at a decent price

[@eberlopez9825]

I have the Navarro student negra and I really enjoy it. At the time it was one of the better sounding instruments I could find

[@FrancisGrant1]

That's awesome, thanks for letting me know. I really want to try the negra version of the Navarro Student model.

[@JohnHowlett-bq6xo]

As great as the Navarro is in sound, I would take the Juan Montes Rodriguez guitar, any day. You have the real traditional tuning pegs, that give it that real flamenco look, red gum wood is more beautiful looking than cypress. If your playing chord is skilled. Even a less guitar will pass the sound test sound. The Juan Montes Rodriguez is from Seville, that alone makes it more Superior Superior. A great guitar player will own at least 10 guitars and rotate each guitar and will practice playing all. Each guitar has its own personality. The Navarro and Montes are two exceptional Real flamenco sounding guitars. However the sound differential, I prefer your Juan Montes Rodriguez over all other Flamenco Guitars.

[@FrancisGrant1]

Hi John! I agree with your comments! Thank you for leaving your opinion and I am happy to hear that you liked the Juan Montes. This luthier makes some inspiring guitar models. Check out the performances with these guitars by Michele at FL waves, they will make your jaw drop!

[@Materva-hv6sz]

Marlon Navarro used to base his guitars on Condes. Im not sure if he still does

[@kreso1754]

What about Esteve and Paco Castillo

[@ottomatic2634]

Nice video but comparing 600 bucks guitar woods against 900 is a bit different. I dont know what model you tried, but should compare with the andevalo from juan montes, you can find one for nine hundred and something euros. I tried it Yesterday in his workshop, i guess you would like it in ciprés. I have a maple one with abeto (tabla) and it sounds pretty good.

[@FrancisGrant1]

Yes you have a point and thank you for your suggestions. At the time the video was recorded (two years ago) I had spent several years trying different guitars between 500 to 1000. At that time, the andevalo model wasn't readily accessible over here in the UK. For the video, I just wanted to feature two of the guitars that I thought represented the 500 to 1000 price range best. It wasn't exactly intended to compare 'like-for-like' in terms of the price... it was just the two best models, roughly within the same price range, that I had found and could talk about from personal experience after searching for several years

[@michaelwaseely6449]

I need to know which full box model in Alhambra or paco Castillo has the same quality as Yamaha G245Sii ?

[@joesullivan8795]

Hi! How would you compare Altimira’s flamenco guitars to these two?

[@FrancisGrant1]

Hello! Sorry but I have never had the chance to try an Altimira guitar

[@roybrewer7865]

I'm still looking for a V. Bernal.

[@FrancisGrant1]

Checkout Reverb.com and eBay. If all else fails, are you located in Europe? Can you get to the workshop?

[@payopedro1188]

I think you may have done a slight injustice to the Navarro, as I believe it would sound much better after a few hours warming up. Obviously, the Monte's sounds phenomenal, but I believe the Navarro would've been nearer it's capacity when warmed. Great review none the less, just my thought.

[@FrancisGrant1]

Hi Payo, thanks a lot for the advice - I'll bear in mind for the future. I am trying to think back to when I made this video but I usually do play the guitars for a few hours warming up and preparing for recording. That being said though, perhaps my ears aren't well trained enough to tell a difference but I can't hear much sound difference after a few hours of playing.

[@EM-km8em]

Anything in the $100-200 for a beginner? I love the sound of the cg182sf. Looking for that blanca flamenco raw sound.

[@FrancisGrant1]

That's a shame you can't find any used Yamaha's around your area, as that is my top recommendation. Alternatively, you could look for a used Admira F4 blanca, used Alhambra 3F or used Cordoba F7 blanca. I reviewed the Cordoba F7 negra in my other video but there is a blanca version you could consider and they do tend to have a lot more of those in the US

[@ivancespedes4624]

How come the prices are nowhere near 600 pounds?

[@FrancisGrant1]

You mean for the Juan Montes? For this model, it still should be around £600

[@quintescentsapp1219]

Thanks for the recommendation. I went to memorial music and looked for the Fransico Navaroo student model and the cheapest guitar that came up on search was 1400 dollars excluding shipping. Maybe they don't sell that specific model anymore?

[@FrancisGrant1]

Hmmm yes the prices seem to have risen in recent years. It was cheaper when I bought mine. 1400 dollar comes to just under 1200 GBP. And being that the Ortega you are interested in is about 1000, I don't think the price different is that substantial. Navarro is undoubtedly a higher quality guitar but like you said in your other comment, if you are going mainly for versatility, then perhaps Ortega is your best bet. Some of the Cordoba models around 1000 are very versatile too.

[@quintescentsapp1219]

@@FrancisGrant1 sorry I forgot to mention I was looking at second hand ortega guitar which was 800£. I ended up ordering it from thomann I will update you when I get it 🙂

[@quintescentsapp1219]

@@FrancisGrant1 sorry for mumbling on but when you say Navaroo is better quality is it because of the laminate woods and gloss finish?

[@FrancisGrant1]

@@quintescentsapp1219 It's a lot of things but Navarro isn't made with laminate woods and high gloss finishes. Their guitars are all solid wood. The workshop produces everything on a small scale and the luthiers hand craft. Their guitars are worth several times their price. I have literally picked up guitars worth £4K that don't have the quality of Navarro. The only downside for me is their small scale... guitars that are 650 scale for me are simply too small

[@quintescentsapp1219]

@@FrancisGrant1 ahh I see. Ortega says this model is handcrafted in Spain and this is going to be my first handmade guitar so I am excited to see what the quality is like. I was a bit concerned about gloss finish and laminate sides but I talked to a couple of people and they made a really good point which was basically If you love the tone of a guitar then it should not matter how much it cost or the woods used because the idea is to buy something you want to play. I am excited to see how it will go!

[@kevinkuziw6801]

I had an Alhambra 8FC on order which is just under 1000 euros, I ended up cancelling and stretching my budget to the Camps Primera Blanca. The thing is I couldn't find anything on the 8FC as far as KZbin videos or reviews for that matter.

[@FrancisGrant1]

Yeah sounds like the Camps was a more sensible choice. I am not huge on Alhambra in general

[@kevinkuziw6801]

@@FrancisGrant1 what didn’t you like about Alhambra? I absolutely love the camps and cannot recommend it enough.

[@ottomatic2634]

8fc is not a Bad guitar for study semi pro guitar, they also have 9 and 10 but pricier

[@elbib2446]

the montes looks great,the navarro sounds more flamenco,all my flamenco guitars were bought used a esteve/a vicente sanchis/manuel rodriguez.the esteve has the best bass,loudest output,vicente sanchis has the sweetest top end.the manuel rodriguez has lowest output and sounds a bit boxy,so will probably sell,overall the esteve is the best

[@FrancisGrant1]

Interesting to know! Thanks for commenting your experiences!

[@celestialsynchronization8394]

any opinion on the cordoba gk studio and negra version trying to make a decision on my first guitar around this price range in the flamenco style thank u for this vid

[@FrancisGrant1]

Hey thanks for checking out my video. So it would depend on your background? I feel like the Cordoba GK Studio model is more of a hybrid 'jack-of-all-trades' type of Spanish guitar. I think it suits people who are used to the feel of steel string acoustics or electric guitars and it suits people who want to play a variety of different musical styles with the instrument. So if that is your background and that is what you want, go for it. If you are a more advanced flamenco guitarist who just wants an instrument for only flamenco styles, I would probably not recommend the Cordoba GK Studio model.

[@PluckinNylon]

Check out the Alhambra 4 or 5f both great sounding student guitars

[@Materva-hv6sz]

@@PluckinNylon Ive noticed the Spaniards like using Sycamore for student models. It sounds super dry, but not very resonant. I have a Cordoba f7 and I think it's probably a bit more resonant, but less flamenco sounding. It has a flamenco build, but it sounds exactly like the student classicals in it's price category

[@marcottavi2655]

It seems like these Navarro’s cost much more now am I wrong ? :(

[@FrancisGrant1]

For me, it depends on the currency conversion rates! I have noticed the prices can fluctuate depending on that. And the prices just vary in general, they are up a bit right now but keep an eye and check out the used guitar market... I can find some at decent prices

[@marcottavi2655]

@@FrancisGrant1 thanks a lot. The price of a student model are around 1600 ahah ! i'll check again

[@FrancisGrant1]

@@marcottavi2655 I had a quick browse and for me, I can find new models at £1200 from the same supplier that I used: reverb.com/uk/item/75192606-brand-new-marlon-francisco-navarro-flamenco-blanca-guitar Depending on currency conversions I could imagine the price of this dropping later this year. Also a used model at £620 reverb.com/uk/item/78743398-used-marlon-francisco-navarro-acoustic-electric-flamenco-blanca-guitar

[@darioshguitar]

I am interested in Juan Montes where can I go to test this guitar? and how much is that ?

[@FrancisGrant1]

Hi Mohammad, all the details you have asked for are either in the video or in the description - please check there. You will have to contact the Juan Montes workshop to check where your nearest dealer is, good luck and let me know how you get on!

[@liranr8699]

Great video 👍 thanks

[@FrancisGrant1]

Appreciate you checking it out and thanks for your comment 🙏

[@cchavez248]

Another vote for the Navarro, they both sound great but I prefer the cypress fundamental. The Montes almost sounded like a negra.

[@FrancisGrant1]

Thanks for commenting your thoughts 😁 Yeah I have to admit that the cypress sound just hits the mark for me

[@nikosz66]

The Navarro sounds miles better !

[@FrancisGrant1]

It has a fantastic sound ❤️ glad to hear you were vibing with it

[@muhemmedabdalmejid7577]

My friend you flamenco Yamaha guitar made in China or Japanese???

[@FrancisGrant1]

A lot of cheaper guitars are constructed in China, regardless of the brand. As for Yamaha, they are a Japanese brand and do have factories in Japan.... but they also have factories in China, Indonesia, and Taiwan.

[@muhemmedabdalmejid7577]

@@FrancisGrant1 but your Yamaha guitar from china or Japan???

[@FrancisGrant1]

@@muhemmedabdalmejid7577 England

[@Rick-fs9wc]

These days we have a ton of choices of great guitars to buy for under 1k

[@FrancisGrant1]

Absolutely! We're spoilt for choice!

[@zenzen461]

Incredible - Thank U 👍✌️🙏

[@FrancisGrant1]

Thanks a lot my friend 🙏😁 really appreciate you checking out the video and commenting!

[@ventanasdelalma7623]

@@FrancisGrant1 I guess you bought it from Memorial, how much did it cost shipping to the UK? I live in Germany so I guess it might be similar priced. thanks for the great video and Greetings

[@FrancisGrant1]

@@ventanasdelalma7623 Thanks for watching! Hope you found it useful! Yes so I bought from Memorial Music and the total shipping plus customs came to £150. I would expect it to be roughly the same for Germany. Take care!

[@kayeserrano1183]

Hi Uncle! It is All very Nice👌

[@FrancisGrant1]

Hey Nephew! 😁 Thanks for watching, give your mum a hug for me xx

[@bonitabromeliads]

Is it me or is the Navarro better

[@FrancisGrant1]

Depends on what you're into! Some people prefer that traditional blanca crispy sound.... others like the versatility and depth that other woods have to offer. I play lots of bossa nova and for that, you need a dark wood

[@tyowahyukharisma3422]

How about alhambra 7fc?

[@FrancisGrant1]

Honestly, I am not a big fan of Alhambra guitars in general. The various Alhambra models I have tried do not compare to those I have featured in this video.

[@FedeFlamenco]

Where in the UK are you based?

[@FrancisGrant1]

I'm in Cambridge 🇬🇧 Not much flamenco to be found here, I'm afraid!

[@FedeFlamenco]

@@FrancisGrant1 I´m near Oxford!

[@rombsix]

Eso!

[@FrancisGrant1]

Prof Ramziiiiiiiii !! 🙌 hope you keeping well mate 😁

[@siamakaghtae7829]

High-Usage definition . 👌😍 ( SiaMaX)

[@FrancisGrant1]

Got to give people those details that comes with playing TOO MUCH guitar 😂😂 appreciate you brother 🙏🙏

[@elingles3708]

It's a real shame about the current £/$ exchange rate

[@FrancisGrant1]

It is!! But it always varies, just check again in a couple of months and see where it's at....

[@FrancisGrant1]

Hi guys, I'll keep this comment pinned and updated with frequently asked questions: Which do you prefer out of these guitars? It varies depending on the day! I go through phases of preferring each one a bit more. I tend to use the Navarro to play buleria, tangos and solea, I tend to use the Juan Montes for rumba, fandangos, and bossa nova. If you had to choose one, it depends on your budget and preferences... The Juan Montes is slightly cheaper and maybe more versatile, the Navarro is great for capturing that traditional flamenco tone. Where can I find out more details about these guitars and where to buy them? Check the description box Where can I find out more about Wittner pegs? I made a video about them kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaLXp3SlicxghtU Can you recommend a flamenco guitar that is good for playing classical music? Yes, I recommend the Cordoba F7 Paco kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZ-siHpjpNysj9k I do not recommend the Juan Montes Redgum or the Navarro student for performing classical pieces. Where can I find out more about the Yamaha CG182SF? Please see here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZ-siHpjpNysj9k How do I start my Spanish guitar learning journey? Check out my online course! 😁 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZ25eoRnoNV2pbs Where can I learn these falsetas? The rumba and buleria are both written by me but unfortunately I haven't tabbed them out. The fandangos and solea are from this book: www.amazon.co.uk/Flamenco-Guitar-Technique-Theory-Etudes/dp/0876392125 Any opinion on the cordoba gk studio? It depends on your guitar playing background? I feel like the Cordoba GK Studio model is more of a hybrid 'jack-of-all-trades' type of Spanish guitar. I think it suits people who are used to the feel of steel string acoustics or electric guitars and it suits people who want to play a variety of different musical styles with the instrument. So if that is your background and that is what you want, go for it. If you are a more advanced flamenco guitarist who just wants an instrument for only flamenco styles, I would probably not recommend the Cordoba GK Studio model. Take care guys ❤️

[@osman2k]

Both guitars sound nice! I liked the navarro better.

[@FrancisGrant1]

Thanks a lot! Yeah the Navarro is a fantastic guitar

[@stevehammond8393]

Navarro!

[@FrancisGrant1]

🤘🤘

[@roybrewer7865]

I have owned 2 Juan Montes guitars. . .neither would play in tune. I've owned several Navarro. . .both had weird D strings. . .so. . ..

[@FrancisGrant1]

Well this Juan Montes stays in tune and the D string for this Navarro is just fine... so ...

[@roybrewer7865]

@@FrancisGrant1 no, I mean the frets were off. . .my Montes would not play in tune with itself. . .My first F. Navarro (2001) was a great guitar for flamenco accompaniment but the one by his son had a weird D string.

[@FrancisGrant1]

@@roybrewer7865 Oh that's crazy... yeah I've never heard that before. The one I have has a really good build quality. The other guys I've spoke to online who own Juan Montes guitars seem pretty happy too. But I guess these things sometimes happen ...

[@gloverguitar]

👌👍

[@FrancisGrant1]

🙏🙏😁

[@nebovas9432]

Navarro.

[@mikefinley4367]

Thanks for posting but don't like the sound of either.

[@FrancisGrant1]

That's fair enough! 😁 That's how it is with instruments... some you like... some you don't... and that's why it's good to have videos like this, at least it helps you to know what options there are ahead of buying

[@mikefinley4367]

@@FrancisGrant1 Very well said and my exact thoughts.

[@renato113]

Stick to the original Flamenco sound. Cypress back sides with European spruce.. Period.❤

[@FrancisGrant1]

You can't beat that iconic cypress sound 🔥 that being said.... if you play multiple styles, cypress isn't as versatile

[@exanidre]

Montes is better. Strong sound, the first beat of the so - called "klang" is strong, Navarro has a typical but somewhat school flamenco sound more like all guitars made on a large production line (cheaper alhambra, etc.)

[@FrancisGrant1]

Interesting to hear your thoughts on this, thanks for watching and commenting! When you mean the beat, are you referring to the golpe? i.e. the tap with the ring finger

[@exanidre]

@@FrancisGrant1 Thank you Francis !! No ,"klang"(beat >more "punch) is not gople. The first "punch in " is the ability of a superbly made guitar to mimic the high tension of a string even though the string is not taut but normally tuned .Then the guitar strings have a very strong touch with nails and somewhat little shorter sustain. When you play normally over the hole ,that it's like some kind of hitting ,like near the keel ,guitar carrier.Hard and resounding.Then all 6 strings are as one which is very important in rhythm. the distance of the wire from the fretboard on the 12th field is very important. I see that in Navarro and Montes it is about 0.4 mm.By top-maister guitars for example Felipe Conde is O, 23 - 0.25mm which is extremely important ."Feel" the diferent here ; .kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJrYooKeicyseJI

[@FrancisGrant1]

@@exanidre I see, thanks a lot for explaining!!

[@exanidre]

Thank you for the presentation of these guitars. But the so-called "klang" is not the only important one. Wood, volume and something that everyone forgets; ergonomic approach. Montes guitars are the great ultimate choice for that money.

[@frang2023]

I waited a better sound :S

[@FrancisGrant1]

let me know when you find it :S

[@kanker5256]

the strings are tied incorrectly...

[@FrancisGrant1]

nah I like it this way

[@kanker5256]

@@FrancisGrant1 the point was made

[@jackckleung]

There is not a one and only correct way in winding guitar strings.

[@kanker5256]

@@jackckleung only idiots say that