The Flamenco guitar is available in two basic models, the flamenco Blanca and the flamenco Negra. I use the Santos Hernadez plantilla for these guitars. This plantilla is from the well known 1933 guitar. Both models are available with either pegs or tuners. I prefer not to use the Gilbert tuners with these guitars, just from an aesthetic point of view. The Gilbert tuners are great tuners, they just do not look "right" on flamenco guitars.
Flamenco Blanca
The Flamenco Blanca is styled after the great Spanish master, Santos Hernandez. The cypress used for these guitars is particularly fine quality, and produces a clear crisp sound with great presence and plenty of "bite" in the trebles. Spruce is the main choice of timber for the tops, but they are available in Cedar. The guitars are available with the traditional pegs or with tuners. I prefer not to use the Gilbert tuners for these guitars, just from an aesthetic point of view. I really like the Gilbert tuners but not on these very traditional instruments.
The tap plate is available in a choice of clear, white or timber. The best choice is probably the clear, but this is up to the customer. The plantilla is the same as for my classical guitars, but the body is not generally as deep.
Flamenco Negra
The Flamenco Negra is another fine guitar, and it is also modeled after the 1931 Santos Hernandez. The top is available in either spruce or Cedar, and the most natural choice for back and sides is East Indian Rosewood. There are other timbers that are very suitable for this instrument, and they are Tasmanian Blackwood, Padauk and Peruvian Walnut.
Pegs are an option on these instruments, but the majority of these that I make are fitted with tuners. The guitars are light and very responsive, and just a bit more sustain than the flamenco blanca.
