[alrod]

Hello,
I have been playing guitar (Blues, Rock), for about 20 years. I have always loved the sound of nylon string guitars and finally decided to buy one. I think eventually I will get into Flamenco, but first I will use my new guitar for jazz type music similar to how Dominic miller from Sting, or Shahin & Sepehr use their guitars.

What I bought was a 1998 Manuel Raimund 646e. It is a very nice sounding guitar. The problem is that the person who sold it to me put a coat of clear coat on the back of the neck. He did a really bad job of it.. My question is this. I love the feel of satin necks. Would it be advisable to take steel wool to the neck in order to remove the clear coat and leave it with a satin finish? The neck is made of cypress.

Also, is this guitar OK? I found a little bit of info on the web but not much. New the guitar retails around $2,300. I paid $500 for it. other than the bad clear coat job on the back of the neck, it is in great shape.

One more question. What is the ideal string height at the 12th fret for a Flamenco guitar?

Thanks.

[Payul]

Hi Alrod,

Welcome to falseta!

I cannot answer the questions about the neck of the guitar, also I have no experiance with Raimund guitars.( allthoug, 2300 new and paying 500 is a good deal in my eyes)

An ideal flamenco setup is 3,0 mm from the 12 fret to the underside of the 6th string
and 2.5 mm from the 12 fret till the underside of the 1th string.

( It can vary a bit, but more than 3.5 at the 6th string is a bit high)

Payul

[alrod]

Thanks.

I noticed that I misspelled the guitar name. It is a Raimundo 646E

[alrod]

Can someone please recommend a site they may be better for answering my questions? Thanks.

[Payul]

Hi Alrod,

Maybe talk to a guitar constructor about this.......
Andy Culpepper who is also a member here have his own website.

Andy Culpepper Guitar Maker

Payul

[at_leo_87]

andy is a very knowledgeable guy.

however, your best option might be to take it to a local lutheir or repairman and see what's a good idea and maybe even have him do it for you properly.

btw, not many necks are made out of cypress. it might be either mahogany or cedar.

the old owner may have put that coat on for a reason. be careful.