Ventura V-1588

Transparent finish on a extremely light flaminco guitar with all spruce body and top. Has the transparent tap plates to protect the body. Standard fat classical guitar neck. Doesn't have the ultra-thin (top to bottom) thickness of some of the best ones, but notes are very reachable.

This flamenco style guitar has a very bright style which is why I bought it years ago. Is not the guitar for someone who wants the full rich sounds, is definitely first a flamenco guitar with bright rhythms, but also has the bright tones for the upper trebles.

I've never had to take it to the shop to get it worked on. I've never had any buzz from the strings - but easy to work the pressure. After damaging my hand 10 years ago it is almost my exclusive guitar because it plays easy.

Have used it in musicals, "Man of La Mancha" "Jesus Christ Superstar" and had no problems. The finish has stood up for 37 years and still looks great.

Never needed customer support, never needed shop time

I have been playing for 39 years -- all amateur. I have a guild dreadnought as my 6-string acoustical - love that one too. (Great deep, loud sound.) If it were lost or stolen I would probably try to upgrade -- then realize that the more expensive guitars aren't any better and go try to find another one.

The finish is transparent gloss with maple top, rosewood sides and back, mahogany neck with a rosewood laminated headstock, bone nut,
rosewood bridge. This is dreadnought style classical.
The tuners are new but I have the originals.(Did this to play it and have them referbished)The headstock and the body has hand crafted inlay.

Great classical playing or country and some backup ballads with great deep, rich, clean carrying sound. Slight bends are
capable (It's a classical stringed instrument). I've played guitars in the $5k range that doesn't compare to this.

The action is perfict with no frets too high or too low.

Tough as nails. Will take a beating while playing hard.

I am a guitar tech. and I do all repairs but this guitar required nothin but a good cleaning and a good case.

I've been playing for a good 6 years straight but off and on for many more.
Ifthis guitar was lost or stolen I would definently seek another but this one is irreplaceable!
I like this one so much I sold all my other guitars!

i have a 72 ventura, it is solid and stunning.
rose wood and spruce are so complimentary, it gleams.
there is a nice wid neck, very easy to ply with big fingers!
finish is still shiny, but a bit dry on the back, where it would be rubbing, and i beleave the previus owner wore a large belt buckle, because it is scratched pretty deap right wehere it would go.

all 6 strings ring beautifully
down buth the 12th fret it gets tight.
good beat guitar

action is great, bridge is strong. wood is very durable, and the tuning pegs are nice and tight... and original ivory!

hard ware all original after this many years... no strap button, or pick up.. but you can play her loud!

company went out a while back but i found a site that is a sister company and they were very helpfull in dating my peice.

i have been playing for 7 years, and have tried many different guitars....
NOTHING Compairs!

It has a number 73012157 inside the body (on the upper side of "foot"), therefore I assume it was made in 1974.
The label inside says: "Ventura Bruno Model: V1588 Serial C936628"
It has 19 frets. A classical guitar.
Laminated back and sides. But it's hard to tell whether the top is solid. I have heard some people said that the model has solid top, but I am not sure.
According to an old catalogue of Ventura, V-1588 has "selected Spruce top, matched rosewood back and sides, and inlaid double stripe in back." However, comparing the picture and specification in the catalogue, my guitar is more like V-1605 which has "selected spruce top, Jacaranda sides and book leafed Jacaranda back, and exiquitic marquetry."
The fingerboard and bridge are of rosewood.
The finish is thin.

The sound is very good, especially on the base strings. The trebles are very good, except on the frets higher than the 12th.
No buzzing and the sound is warm but solid.

Action is low (3/16 inch on the 12th fret).
The building of the guitar is perfect, although the guitar is 31 years old.

After 31 years, the structure is still solid and the finish is like new. Thus I should say the reliability/durability is excellent!

The factory does not exist now. I don't think there is any customer support.

I learned to play guitar 20 years ago. I have other concert level guitars but I like this guitar because I can take it anywhere I go. It is so strong!
If it were stolen or lost, I would try to find a higher level Ventura classical. I really feel that Ventura guitars are highly collectable because of Ventura's excellent craftsmanship.