A classical guitar made by Antonio de Torres in Seville in 1860.
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The guitar is the main instrument that is used to accompany flamenco singing. Its manufacturing process using traditional craft techniques is complex, and requires the know-how and experience of specialised craftsmen. Treating it well is the further element that is needed in order to draw a clear and characteristic flamenco sound from the guitar.
By and large, the flamenco guitar and the classical, or Spanish, one
are different instruments because each of them is conceived to produce a different kind of sound. The classical one has a deeper and more far-reaching sound, whereas flamenco guitar sounds rougher, more archaic and cleaner.
The flamenco guitar is lighter and smaller. Thus, its sound-box -without counting the neck- has an approximate size of 50 cm (length) by 40 cm (width) by 10 cm (depth).
As for the strings, in flamenco guitars they are closer to the top than in classical guitars, and the sides are narrower in flamenco guitars than is the case for classical guitars.
As for the kinds of wood that are used, traditionally, flamenco guitars have been made using high-density woods like cypress, maple, sycamore, or spruce. However, already some time ago, other materials like rosewood and jacaranda were introduced. At present, each guitarist is guided by his/her own ear and preferences when it comes to choosing the material for their guitar.
Other differences between these types of guitar have to do with the 'trasteo' (when a squeaking sound is produced by pressing certain frets) and 'ceceo' (a slight sound distortion), which are normal, and sometimes sought, in flamenco whereas they are absolutely undesirable in classical guitar playing. Moreover, the flamenco guitar includes a piece which is known as 'golpeador' (a plastic protection for the guitar similar to a pick guard), which does not exist in classical guitars. It is a piece that protects the wood from the blows that the tocaor (flamenco guitarist) gives it in order to follow the meter.
A good guitar is like fine wine, because its sound improves with age, when the wood and the glue that have been used have dried up completely. However, the wood remains alive, so it requires a minimum amount of care in order to preserve its best sound qualities.
Both excessive moisture and a very dry environment can be very harmful. Wood reacts to environmental conditions by absorbing humidity or becoming excessively dry. When the atmosphere in the place where it is kept is too dry, it is sufficient to add moisture to the atmosphere or to introduce a moist cloth or sponge into the guitar case.
The guitar must also be kept out of the way of direct heat, whether it comes from heaters, light sources or direct sunlight. And, of course, you must avoid banging or dropping it.
Glossary of terms:
Sides (Aros): The curved sides of the guitar. The smaller the width of the side is, the more resonance the guitar's sound will have, because it will bounce against the back of the guitar with greater strength.
Sound-box (Caja): The main part of the guitar, which is composed by the top, bottom and sides of the sound-box, as well as by the bridge.
Machine heads (Clavijero): The final part of the neck, where the guitar's tuning pegs are found. This is where manufacturers tend to sign their guitars.
Fretboard (Diapasón): The part of the neck where the frets are found, and on which the fingers exert pressure.
Pick guard (Golpeador): A piece of plastic that is placed on both the inside and outside of the top of the guitar, in order to protect the wood from the blows it receives from the flamenco guitarist as s/he seeks to follow the meter. It is similar to a plastic pick guard.
Bridge (Puente): The part of the sound-box at the end of the guitar strings, which are fastened to the bridge by a simple and extended knot that prevents any single point on a string from having to withstand all the pressure that is produced.
Top (Tapa): The front wooden part of the sound-box, which is where the bridge and hole are found. It must be made of a material that has a high vibration index in order for the sound to be released as clearly as possible, and a type of cedar wood that is especially valued for its construction, is the one which comes from Central America.
Mahogany (Palosanto): A kind of wood that is used by manufacturers to make different parts of a guitar. It is one of the materials that is most highly valued for manufacturing guitars.
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