r/classicalguitar • u/Tasty-Muffin3759 • 1d ago
Looking for Advice Anyone know a good classical guitar luthier who does set ups within an hour or two of Leeds?
I have a Juan Hernandez concierto 2014. Bought it second hand on eBay about a year ago. Was over the moon with it, playing beautifully, then after 6 months decided to change the strings. After this string change I have noticed real lack of sustain on 2nd and 8th frets on the top E string. Weirdly only these notes. They sound half muted almost. I thought it must be a string problem - have since tried 2 more sets, currently have Knobloch EDC 34s on (which are the strings juan Hernandez sell the guitar with). Problem is the same. Have taken to 2 different guitar techs in my area who said everything looks good with the guitar and they don’t know what the problem is. I’m wondering if the problem has arisen as I removed all the strings at once and then the bridge or nut have moved a bit? Otherwise I’m at a loss. But for sure, something happened when I changed the strings that has resulted in this. And ultimately it’s just less enjoyable to play. I’m looking for a classical guitar specialist who can help me diagnose and fix the problem. Any help much appreciated
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u/Winter_Stomach_5540 1d ago
Not techs/luthiers, but this group may be worth contacting to see if they can recommend anyone https://wycgs.wordpress.com
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u/Upbeat-Opportunity83 1d ago
There's Jim Fleeting in Stockport. He's just set up my Eastman OO Steel string. He builds guitars so should be able to sort.
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u/Invisible_Mikey 1d ago
I know this fellow John Marlow in Dewsbury. He's not limited to building and repairing classical guitars though. He also works on violins and a variety of instruments of high quality:
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u/SyntaxLost 1d ago
So, all guitars have resonances and a couple of notes that seem more dead than others. It's usually the A# and D# on the first string but I've found them on other notes on various guitars. (I have a guitar that's very strong on the open B and quite dead on the octave).
Now, I can't diagnose your guitar, but you may be on a wild goose chase with this one. It's possible that you simply didn't notice the issue prior to the string change and there is nothing that can be done to fix your instrument because it's just dealing with physics. Maybe a luthier can find something that's gone awry, but be prepared for a clean bill of health. If those notes are prominent in the music you'd like to play, you can always try adjusting your tuning up or down.