>Now isn't the world a small place - you play flamenco and I would like to! I actually play mainly Bluegrass nowadays but I have dabbled in several of the more arcane guitar arts. I was thinking of taking an acoustic guitar making course (we have some very fine guitar makers here in Vancouver), make a flamenco style guitar and then learn to play it. Have you got any thoughts on what makes a good flamenco guitar? I have made several electric guitars - but they are pretty much no-brainers compared to acoustic ones.
>Maybe one day you can come and play in Vancouver - the scene is quite vibrant. I tried to get tickets for a show a couple of weeks ago but no luck. We also have Centro Flamenco a full time academy for dancers etc.

Sam;

A flamenco guitar is a bit like a clasical instrument but lighter and different woods are used. I have several instruments and enjoy the differences of each one. Also the action (distance from strings to frets and sound board) is closer than a classical instrument. That allows faster fingering for both hands.

I played professionally many years ago, before being married, toured the United States and still play for professionals that appear in the San Francisco Bay Area. Good to hear there is a flamenco scene in your area. That would be a great reason to visit.

When I retire I want to play and teach flamenco in a place where there is interest and it is affordable to live. As a Foruth Generation San Franciscan, I am sure I will not be able to retire in the Silicon Valley area. So my wife and I are looking for an affordable place, and recently visited The Dalles, Oregon. Had to visit Condon, where I was stationed in the Air force at a Radar Site, and Pendleton - Pilot Rock - Ukiah, where my father grew up. My grandfather was World Champion All Around Cowboy so I had to check that out while I was in Pendleton.

Tom