Post by oldbones on Feb 7, 2011 13:07:32 GMT
Manufacturer & Model *: Admira Capricho (classical)
Where Purchased: Hobgoblin (Leeds)
Year Purchased: 2005
Sound *: The Capricho has a very warm, well balanced range of tones. Its non-gloss finish means that it isn't as bright as many classical guitars, but this also means that it has a very pleasant and distinctive sound. An unmusical word to describe it would be 'gentle'. This might not suit everyone, but as an instrument for accompanying a singer, the Capricho has a lot to offer.
Sound projects and carries well and the guitar would sound especially good in a duo with a more conventional 'bright' sounding classical. There would be anoticeable difference in tones.
Sound Rating *: 8
Setup *: In the 5½ years since I bought the guitar, it has been fautless as regards action, stability and sound. When bought, the action was quite low but I have successfully shaved the bottom of the saddle and lowered it by a fraction more without any problems.
Setup Rating *: 10
Appearance *: It is in the area of appearance that the Capricho will either attract your attention or cause you to look elsewhere.
The finish is best described as matt/silk. There is no gloss at all and to a great degree this helps explain the warmth of the instrument and also why a guitar of such quality can be bought for such a reasonable price.
When I went looking for a classical guitar, I chose Hobgoblin in Leeds. They had ranks of classicals but after trying several, the Capricho caught my attention because of both its unusual finish and its lovely honey-coloured wood. Once I tried it, that was it.
The guitar looks gorgeous (I'll upload photos later on) and there are some lovely little details (eg: the base of the heel).
There is however one problem with the finish. I'll cover this in the next section.
As this review which reflects my own opinions and responses, I will award 10, simply because I love it. I appreciate that others might dislike the finish and would consequently award a much lower rating.
Appearance Rating *: 10
Reliability *: Tuning has been superb. I can't ever recall having to make the tiniest adjustment and when checked acoustically with an electronic tuner, it hasn't moved one iota out of tune. It has shown to have remarkable tuning stability even when moved from room to room where temperatures are different.
Construction is excellent and again there have been no problems.
BUT - there IS one specific problem and it comes back to the type of finish that I love so much ... Because there is no protective gloss lacquer or varnish and because the matt/silk finish is ultra thin, the guitar is exceptionally prone to dings, scratches and marks. The latter will wipe off with a dry or damp cloth, but dings and scratches can be acquired with frightening ease. That's no problem for me as I don't gig and I take very good care of my guitars as well as keeping them in hard cases - but I'd be wary of recommending the Capricho unless the prospective buyer took full account of those comments. Unless really cared for, the guitar could look tatty, unloved and unlovable in a very short amount of time.
For that reason, I have to award a low score for reliability - purely on the basis of its susceptibility to damage.
Reliability Rating *: 6
Components *: Wood and tuners are all first class. The wood is especially attractive.
Components Rating *: 10
Pre-sale Customer Service: Anyone who knows Hobgoblin will know that the only possible score is 10. Their levels of advice and service are always excellent.
Pre-sale Customer Service Rating: 10
Post-sale Customer Service: I have had no cause to follow up on anything to do with the guitar after purchase, but when I bought the guitar I also bought a John Pearse acoustic pickup which attaches to guitars via either small pieces of double-sided tape or small sticky pads. After awhile (because I move the unit from guitar to guitar) I needed some spare pads. Hobgoblin don't stock these as standard but they acquired some for me and sent it to me free of charge.
Post-sale Customer Service Rating: 10
Any Other Information: As with my other reviews, I'll post some pics as a reply to this review.
Where Purchased: Hobgoblin (Leeds)
Year Purchased: 2005
Sound *: The Capricho has a very warm, well balanced range of tones. Its non-gloss finish means that it isn't as bright as many classical guitars, but this also means that it has a very pleasant and distinctive sound. An unmusical word to describe it would be 'gentle'. This might not suit everyone, but as an instrument for accompanying a singer, the Capricho has a lot to offer.
Sound projects and carries well and the guitar would sound especially good in a duo with a more conventional 'bright' sounding classical. There would be anoticeable difference in tones.
Sound Rating *: 8
Setup *: In the 5½ years since I bought the guitar, it has been fautless as regards action, stability and sound. When bought, the action was quite low but I have successfully shaved the bottom of the saddle and lowered it by a fraction more without any problems.
Setup Rating *: 10
Appearance *: It is in the area of appearance that the Capricho will either attract your attention or cause you to look elsewhere.
The finish is best described as matt/silk. There is no gloss at all and to a great degree this helps explain the warmth of the instrument and also why a guitar of such quality can be bought for such a reasonable price.
When I went looking for a classical guitar, I chose Hobgoblin in Leeds. They had ranks of classicals but after trying several, the Capricho caught my attention because of both its unusual finish and its lovely honey-coloured wood. Once I tried it, that was it.
The guitar looks gorgeous (I'll upload photos later on) and there are some lovely little details (eg: the base of the heel).
There is however one problem with the finish. I'll cover this in the next section.
As this review which reflects my own opinions and responses, I will award 10, simply because I love it. I appreciate that others might dislike the finish and would consequently award a much lower rating.
Appearance Rating *: 10
Reliability *: Tuning has been superb. I can't ever recall having to make the tiniest adjustment and when checked acoustically with an electronic tuner, it hasn't moved one iota out of tune. It has shown to have remarkable tuning stability even when moved from room to room where temperatures are different.
Construction is excellent and again there have been no problems.
BUT - there IS one specific problem and it comes back to the type of finish that I love so much ... Because there is no protective gloss lacquer or varnish and because the matt/silk finish is ultra thin, the guitar is exceptionally prone to dings, scratches and marks. The latter will wipe off with a dry or damp cloth, but dings and scratches can be acquired with frightening ease. That's no problem for me as I don't gig and I take very good care of my guitars as well as keeping them in hard cases - but I'd be wary of recommending the Capricho unless the prospective buyer took full account of those comments. Unless really cared for, the guitar could look tatty, unloved and unlovable in a very short amount of time.
For that reason, I have to award a low score for reliability - purely on the basis of its susceptibility to damage.
Reliability Rating *: 6
Components *: Wood and tuners are all first class. The wood is especially attractive.
Components Rating *: 10
Pre-sale Customer Service: Anyone who knows Hobgoblin will know that the only possible score is 10. Their levels of advice and service are always excellent.
Pre-sale Customer Service Rating: 10
Post-sale Customer Service: I have had no cause to follow up on anything to do with the guitar after purchase, but when I bought the guitar I also bought a John Pearse acoustic pickup which attaches to guitars via either small pieces of double-sided tape or small sticky pads. After awhile (because I move the unit from guitar to guitar) I needed some spare pads. Hobgoblin don't stock these as standard but they acquired some for me and sent it to me free of charge.
Post-sale Customer Service Rating: 10
Any Other Information: As with my other reviews, I'll post some pics as a reply to this review.
