Classical vs. Flamenco

[KovachianOne]

Here's the deal: currently I'm in the market for a 7 string acoustic, and I've been looking into different makers, but some are listed as classical whereas others are listed as flamenco. I know the differences between the genres and playing, but I'm curious if there's any real difference between the instruments themselves?

[Phlat Phive]

There are differences in construction and wood types, but since i know very little about instrument construction, i won't attempt to go into any details (leave that to the experts).

Tonally, there are very clear differences. Classical guitars generally have a more bass-heavy sound and more sustain, whereas flamenco guitars are louder, sound sharper and have a much sharper attack. Flamenco guitars have less sustain. Also, flamenco guitars tend to have lesser neck angles, which can cause the strings to rattle against the fretboard more (but that's part of the flamenco sound, so it doesn't matter ).

Finally, flamenco guitars generally have golpeadors, clear "pickguards" (for lack of a better word) that prevent the guitarist from ruining the guitar's top when playing percussive effects (golpes).

Hope this helps.

[Robman2]

Flamenco uses sycamore and cypress wood, as I recall, brighter.

Classical, rosewood and or mahogany.

Top woods, that I'm not sure of but spruce or cedar as I recall.

My info is repeated and as best, recollective.

[KovachianOne]

Appreciate the input. One last question; as far as seven strings are concerned, I'm trying to keep my budget pretty cheap here as this'll be my first nylon string and I hate to make huge financial commitments on first forays like this. I've found only one company so far that makes 7 strings well under $1000 and that's Giannini. Anyone have experience with this company? They seem to me like they're Brazil's version of Fender as far as quantity goes, but my concern is on quality.