Paco Castillo 204

[Philip Caldwell]

Hello,
I'd much appreciate the opinion of any luthiers out there. I've been banging away on my old Yamaha for years but in about a month or two I just might be able to have the money to buy myself a Paco Castillo 204. (pathetic isn't it?)
The question is what do you guitar builders think of them? ( for that price range. obviously) I played one in the local shop the other day and thought it was very nice indeed. Good sound, lovely action and generally very comfortable.
They have solid tops and Laminated back and sides of Indian rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia) on Calabo(Pycnanthus angolense)- Would you say go ahead or forget it? ?
thanks,
phil

[Stephen Eden]

there is a thread on these guitars in the advice thread. I like these guitars and think they are good value for money. I recently played a whole bunch of them and thought the 203 was probably the best value

[Philip Caldwell]

yes I've read that thread but's it's not so informative and I wanted the opinion of luthiers. They, after all, know guitars quite literally, inside out.. I played a 203 and 204 in the shop and I thought the 204 was better, personally.

[simonm]

yes I've read that thread but's it's not so informative and I wanted the opinion of luthiers. They, after all, know guitars quite literally, inside out.. I played a 203 and 204 in the shop and I thought the 204 was better, personally.

So decision made.

You like it. No one here has said a single bad word about this brand so far.

You are the one who is going to play. If it is distinctly better than your old yamaha you can't go wrong.

[chelson]

Hello,
I'd much appreciate the opinion of any luthiers out there. I've been banging away on my old Yamaha for years but in about a month or two I just might be able to have the money to buy myself a Paco Castillo 204. (pathetic isn't it?)
The question is what do you guitar builders think of them? ( for that price range. obviously) I played one in the local shop the other day and thought it was very nice indeed. Good sound, lovely action and generally very comfortable.
They have solid tops and Laminated back and sides of Indian rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia) on Calabo(Pycnanthus angolense)- Would you say go ahead or forget it? ?
thanks,
phil

Hmm...think I can appreciate your concerns.

Just some questions:-
1. What is the condition of your current Yamaha guitar still good?
2. Can this Yamaha guitar fulfill your everyday playing and learning?
3. Do you still like to play your Yamaha guitar?
4. Any specific reason that you are thinking of buying a new guitar/PC204?

If your answers to (1), (2) and (3) are yes, then suggest you just hold on to your saving and FORGET IT for the moment, especially if you are NOT having very strong answer for (4). Save patiently and aim for something even better when you have more cash to spend and thus wider choice of selection.

Hope this helps.
chelson

[Stephen Eden]

I didn't say best, but best Value! Personal taste plays a huge role when choosing a guitar. As a Luthier I gave you my opinion which one I thought was best, not just sound but build too.

I think the Cedar topped guitars are nicer than the spruce as they are a little softer on the fingers both left and right. Also I thought they were a little louder, although this could change with some playing in as I played the guitars only a week out of the factory.

[Tom Hewitt]

Hey,
Would be interested to know if you picked up the 204 and how you feel about it a few months on if you did buy it.
I'm considering getting it myself so I'm looking for people's views. Not sure what else there is for that price range though because paco Castillo is the only brand mentioned to me so far really. (must be good then).

[Jacek A. Rochacki]

I am also in a process of making my mind to purchase one of the Paco Castillo guitars - 204 or 205. With regard to the materials and lamination used for manufacturing the 204 model I emailed Mr. Luis Julia of the Guitarras Paco Castillo and he kindly informed me on materials (rosewood layers on both sides of the calabo wood) and techniqe they use for lamination.
Let me join @Tom Hewitt in looking forward to hear on experiences with the 204 model.

[Prominent Critic]

Luis Julia is the son of Jaime Julia, who founded Castillo guitars. Jaime Julia was in charge of production for Alhambra Guitars for years. He is a fine luthier in his own right, and previously the very top Alhambra model was his own signed model, the Jaime Julia Excellence. I actually still have photos of that model on my website.

So if he started and is running this new company there's every reason to believe they will be producing fine guitars.

Ramon

[Guitar-ded]

You could always contact Miles at Kent Guitar Classics and speak to him about these.
He sells them but has a good reputation generally and I'm sure he'd tell you the truth about these guitars, but as they seem to fly off the shelves as soon as they arrive that may be a clue as to what he'll say.

[John D]

I've made some videos of the Castillo Range here [url] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVeDH-0bDDY/url]

[Jacek A. Rochacki]

All inputs are of great help to me in my decision process. Thank you all ! On 27th or 28th of this month I will finally make a long trip to PC dealer in Poland and I will put my hands on 204 and 205 PC. Then I will buy one. I m not a millionaire but in my case deciding factor will be the sound/tone, artificial harmonics and playability (including flat or almost flat bottom of the neck). According to my numerous enquires on both models I tend now to go rather for the 205 cedar top, but I will see soon. Please, keep your fingers crossed for my try of finding "the guitar of my (sensible/realistic) dreams".

I am just sorry that I do not take foreign trips anymore otherwise I would pay a visit to the Kent Guitars or Gap Guitars; you have larger choice then the dealer at home, and you are so helpful, also with your descriptions and samples of music/sound. Thank you again !

P.S. I wonder what strings are "factory"put at the 205 and 204 models; I usually use the D'Addario EJ45 Pro Arte, but, maybe, the PC guitars sound better with other strings ?

[Bleeth]

Can anyone tell me what are the default strings on the PC 204 ?