Product: Pavan TP-30-63
Price Paid: USD 1195
Submitted
12/13/2007
at
12:09pm
by
Robin Day
Features
:
10
short scale (630mm) classical guitar, made in 2007 in Spain to Tom Prisloe's specifications. Solid spruce top from Tom Prisloe's tone wood inventory, solid rosewood side and back, and ebony fingerboard. Dots on the neck at 5th, 7th and 9th frets.
Sound
:
10
When I first played this guitar, I almost cried as the guitar sounded like it had a plywood top. After playing it for about 2 hours/day for a week, the top had opened up considerably and I decided to keep the guitar. The top really opened up in the second to fourth week and after 3 months, I believe it continues to improve. The "voice" and tone has developed to a full rich sound and volume and sustain are very good for a shorter scale length student guitar, however, this guitar does not quite have the volume, clarity and sound separation of each string as in a good concert model (This may be mostly due to a design element as the top above the sound hole is not dampened as in some concert models costing $4500 and up-dampening the top above the sound hole improves clarity of sound between strings). Intonation is very good. This is not a concert grade instrument, but for a student model, it gets a 10.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
The guitar was set up perfectly by Tom Prisloe. The finish is flawless to my eye and inspection. The top is bookmatched with the tigher grain in and wider grain out as found in high end and concert classical guitars.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
So far so good. The hardware is also very good. I also ordered a TKL case from Tom and the guitar has already travelled and survived airline baggage handling.
Customer Support
:
10
Tom was very helpful and friendly pre purchase. I explained that I have small hands with only a 7 inch spread between thumb and baby finger and he recommended a shorter scale guitar. I have found I can play for 50-60 minutes now without having to take a break, and that my playing sounds better. I have not had any warranty issues, so I can't comment on customer support after purchase.
Overall Rating
:
10
I have been playing for 30 years. I own a Parker classic, Parker nylon string electric classical, and early 90's Taylor 710 CE. I play my Pavan almost exclusively now. If this guitar was lost or stolen, I would buy another. You would have to buy a concert grade instrument costing $4500 or more to get a better classical guitar. I am not aware of a better student grade guitar at this price or better value for the money.
