Admira Capricho

The Admira Capricho is a full size solid top guitar with a satin finish. My model was made in Spain and has a solid spruce top, bubinga back and sides, rosewood fingerboard and bridge. There are no electronics. Tuners are nu-named but are firm and the guitar has hardly ever needed re-tuning. The fingerboard, as you would expect, is flat. The neck profile is a very comfortable 'flattened D and is extremely pleasant to use. The satin finish is a real bonus here. I'm guessing that the guitar was made in 2008.

Some people, I know, don't like the satin (almost matt) style of finishes but this, combined with the relative palness of the woods, was what originally made the guitar stand out from others on the racks in the Hobgoblin store where I bought it. I tried several guitars before the Admira and it was clearly the best in the sub ??200 price bracket. Indeed, after playing it, I assumed it would be closer to ??300 but at the time I bought it, the price was ??179. As of now (April 2009) the price is closer to ??230.

In some areas, the guitar's features are deceptive. The soundhole 'inlay' is actually a transfer, but it is tasteful and matches the overall look of the instrument.

I tend to play alot of folk music, with some blues and a bit of jazz. The Capricho's sound can't be described as especially bright, although different makes of string would affect this. I'd categorise the sound as warm and smooth with extremely good volume when needed. Treble response is excellent and bass notes really can boom. Natural sustain is good which makes this guitar very plesant to use when playing slowish jazz or blues.

As I've said, I really like the pale wood and satin finish appearance. Set-up when bought was very good (which is what you'd expect when buying from Hobgoblin) but I've since been able to lower the action slightly by shaving the underside of the saddle. The guitar has no hint of fret buzz and plays beautifully.

There were no flaws at all that I could finds on the exterior but there was sign of some excess glue inside on some of the back-bracing. This wasn't serious, but was noticeable.

One thing to definitely note is that because of the satin finish, the guitar can be prone to scratching if handled carelessly or if played and held against clothing with anything sharp such as a zip fastener.

One thing I really like on the Capricho is the profile of the heel beneath the 10th, 11th and 12th frets. This is sculpted in such a way that your hand can seem to fit inside it without coming up against a sudden solid lump of wood. This is even more comfortable when playing on the 3rd, 2nd and 1st strings beyond the 12th fret.

Apart from the proviso of the guitar finish having a tendency to be easily scratched, I'd rate this guitar as exceptional value for money. It has a lovely playing action and very good sound. Although its main apparent markey would be amongst classical guitarists, I find that it is just as good for folk, blues and jazz. (I can't actually comment on its value as a CLASSICAL guitar because that's a style of music that I don't play).

I see no reason why this guitar shouldn't stand a lot of playing for a very long time ... but do be prepared for it to attract some scratches and marks unless you want to wrap it in cotton wool.

No comment other than to be very positive about the shop from where I bought it. (Hobgoblin, Leeds, UK)

I've played guitar for 40+ years but this is the first really good quality classical style guitar I've ever bought. I've been VERY pleased with it and were it to be lost, damaged of stolen, I would definitely look for another.