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I would like to build a flamenco guitar and am trying to sort out the major contributors to the sound, other than materials. advice on thickness of tops etc , strutting patterns treblebar or not. anything you think may be helpful in achieving that distinctive dry treble sound.

Hi Richard, and welcome to the forum. Below is a link to a youtube in which Brian Burns discusses some of the differences. Thought you might find it useful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLzSYXlLBnI

Edit: Sorry, I misread your question.

I use the barbero flamenco plan from GAL and it/s a good starting point for a flamenco model .Theres lots of other models and builders with their own ideas.I believe there is also a Reyes flamenco plan on GAL. .The neck has a smaller forward tilt ., bridge is lower and smaller . FL gtrs traditionally use lighter woods e.g. sp cypress. Strings are closer ,light action and buzzing . less, and smaller fan braces, maple linings ,plus a number of other variables. Some use a golpeador or tapping plate .Traditionalists use ebony pegs etc etc etc,

Go with the Barbero plan.
It's great.
Mike

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Mike Collins

Last one I built was of the Barbero plan too. Only difference for me was the wood used. If I understand it correctly think of a Flamenco guitar as a percussive instrument not just with the golpe (tapping) but the strings as well. The classic guitar is more resonant with sustain and overtones while the Flamenco guitar you want the notes to project and just get out of the box. So everything on the flamenco is built very light to enhance that principle.

A Flamenco guitar is a culmination of a whole bunch of little details. You'll get in the right neighbourhood on the first, expect to build more to get good at it.

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Expectation is the source of all misery; comparison the thief of joy.
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For inspiration, A 1922 Domingo Esteso:






Converted to machnes at some point long ago