[lionheart5294]

Being new to flamenco and having no acquired skills as yet, I would like to know if the present guitar I own will suffice to learn with. It is an Alvarez acoustic guitar. What type strings would be best playing Flamenco? Thank-you for any tips and advise.

[Payul]

If I am informed correctly, the guitar you are referring to is an steelstring guitar.
It is not very suitable for flamenco guitar, because you play flamenco with your fingers/nails, not with a pick.

Flamenco is played with a nylon stringed guitar, you can use classical strings, or , if you prefere special flamenco strings, it depends on the sound you like on your guitar.

[lionheart5294]

Thank-you for getting back to me; much appreciated! Yes, the strings are steel (they're killing my fingers!) I have ordered Labella nylon flamenco strings so I hope this will help me achieve the correct sound. It is frustrating to practice and not have the flamenco sound. Maybe, one day, I'll be able to afford a decent flamenco guitar!

[Payul]

Labello are lot used,
but I think it will not work proper on a steel stringed guitar, the tension of a steelsring is much higher than a classical/flamenco guitar.
So, the top soundboard will not vibrate much to produce a lot of sound.
Maybe it is wise to start saving for a flamenco guitar, it should not have to be that expensive.

[lionheart5294]

Thank-you, Payul.

I will keep my eyes open on eBay or Amazon tio see what's there. I appreciate your advice!

[Payul]

Hi Lionheart,

It would be a huge motivation to have a flamenco guitar!

Payul

[Liam]

I am also prety muich a beginner and I would recommend the Yamaha CG171SF. You will be very surprised by how well its made and sounds. I started with this guitar and my teacher made a few modifications to it. He made a new Bone Nut and Saddle and raised the action. I also put on Hannabach strings. It sounds really good and Whan i compare it to my new Flamenco guitar, I am always surprised by how it sounds.
For $350 you cant go wrong.
BTW mine is for sale if you are interested but I know you live far away.
Best of luck.

[Chiste de Gales]

Pawn shops are a good place to find guitars. Also- they'll have lots
of cheap low-end stuff. Not matter how cheap the guitar is, for the
sake of correct practicing you need a nylon string guitar.

[Daniela]

I started with a Raimundo student guitar and was very with it.

[lionheart5294]

Thanks for the replies; been out of the loop, as it were. I definitely will have to save for a flamenco guitar. I've learned the Alverez doesn't have the bridge for tying the strings. The steel strings are kept tight by a ball at the end of the string. The ball is inserted into a hole and a peg then fits over the string. These balls aren't on nylon strings. Trying to tie to the pegs isn't working.