Classical vs. Flamenco-Differences?

[randuro]

I have always wanted to purchase a nylon string acoustic. The last couple weeks I have been trying to educate myself on the differences, since I know very little about them. For example, body types (woods), neck size, body styles (cutaway/classic). I have come across a couple of guitars defined as flamenco, yet, they seem the same as classical. Is there a difference?

[riffmeister]

flamencos are generally more lightly constructed for a faster response and less sustain than a classical. the action is usually set lower on a flamenco......a little bit of buzzing is not as offensive in flamenco music as it is in classical music. flamencos usually have a 'tap plate' to protect the top since a lot of percussive tapping with the right hand fingers is part of the technique.

tops are usually spruce or cedar, sides & back are usually rosewood (classical) or cypress (flamenco), neck is usually mahogany or cedar, fretboard is usually ebony. typical nut width is 52 mm, typical string spacing at the saddle is 57 mm, fretboard has little or no radius.

[stillworkinonit]

If you don't mind an opinion as to a great classical for a very reasonable price you might want to see if you can find a used Alvarez Yairi CY118 or CY140. I bought one for $500 and it sounds very much like my $3,800 classical. You may want to concider resale value as well, flamencos don't have the market appeal that classicals do.

[gpro34]

Flamencos are much brighter, as they are supposed to be. A flamenco traditionally involves the elements of the dancer and other participants hand clapping etc. It needs to be loud to be heard. A classical is much warmer/mellower sounding. I say if you will be playing some classical, bossa nova, pop etc. then buy a nice classical. If latin rhythms are pulling at your heart-strings then by all means go flamenco!

[alanbass1]

Flamenco's have a harder snappier sound, less sustain, but should have a longer 'decay' once the string stops resonating. Due to differences in construction and typical wood choices (Cypress and Maple being most commonly used). Classical guitars tend to be more mellow with greater sustain.

I have always been intrigued by Flamenco Negro's which follow the construction techniques of a traditional Flamenco but using the woods normally associated with Classicals (Rosewood being the most common). I have not tried one but have always wondered whether this type of guitar successfully bridges the gap.

[randuro]

Flamencos are much brighter, as they are supposed to be. A flamenco traditionally involves the elements of the dancer and other participants hand clapping etc. It needs to be loud to be heard. A classical is much warmer/mellower sounding. I say if you will be playing some classical, bossa nova, pop etc. then buy a nice classical. If latin rhythms are pulling at your heart-strings then by all means go flamenco!

Thanks for the input. The main reason that I have been looking into nylon string acoustics, is that I am getting bored with my main gig in a classic rock/blues oriented band. I was hoping to introduce some alternative styles into the format and have been looking at doing some solo stuff. I have been taking traditional electric classic rock/blues music and rearranging it into acoustic type formats (i.e. Clapton's rearrangement of Layla). I would love to use its distinct sound in some arrangements. Based on that, any suggestions?