Product: Admira Avila
Price Paid: 200 with hardcase (#) used
Submitted
03/13/2006
at
09:11am
by
Ollie
Features
:
9
Spanish solid Spruce top, bookmatched Rosewood back and sides, Samanguila neck, Ebony fingerboard, gold plated tuners.
I previously owned a Yahama C40 classical which had quite a thin neck in comparison to the Admira. Yet I familiarised myself with this thickness and now it isn't a problem.
What is striking about the features on this guitar is the Ebony fingerboard. Ebony is usually used on higher end guitars, so I was happily surprised when I found out about this feature.
Sound
:
9
Overall a well balanced sound: deep, crisp 'romantic' bass, clear mids and crystal trebles. High E string seems need some attacking in some songs I play to really get a full sound out of it...however this is not a flaw in the guitar.
Sustain is long enough for notes to melt into each other. What is surprising is the resonance of the high fret trebles...I only can describe it as that sound you get when you flick crystal glass. It has that quality, especially on vibrato.
Much can be done with this guitar. Even though it is a classical, I sometimes play blues on it. Very dynamic.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
8
String action is quite high, but this was expected. I would need to lower it soon, yet it's not MAJOR problem. Luthiery is excellent - seams and fit are all tight, had a look inside the soundhole and everything is professionally done. The wood grain on the back and sounds is simply awesome.
Reliability/Durability
:
8
I play for my own pleasure + do a few recordings. I haven't played live but may in the future.
As with all classicals, you'll need to buy a hardcase if you are going to travel around with it. As this is not a laminate top it is susceptible to damage/knicks. I treat it like it is made out of glass.
If you look after it, it is a lifetime guitar.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Haven't dealt with them.
Overall Rating
:
10
I've been playing mainly classical for a couple of years on and off. I'm still a begginer and this is the perfect begginers guitar, though it is for those who want to play seriously.
I have no qualms about it. I compared it to my old Yahama and it beats it on all fronts. If it was stolen, i'd definitely buy it again, though it retails at #300, and I bought it for #200 in perfect condition.
Definitely a lifetime guitar, currently my only one until I get a breedlove!
