Garcia Model No. 1A Gold Medal Series Classical Guitar

[Heritage150]

Hey Guys,

I have a question, this friend of my dad is selling a Garcia Model No. 1A Gold Medal Series Classical guitar made in February 1973 and I have no clue what it's worth or if it's a good guitar. It sounds nice and the guitar is in mint condition. There's one on ebay right now for $1500 buy it now, but none have sold. Some of the specs:

 

Sound Board: Spanish Pine (spain)

Back & Sides: Indian Rosewood (India)

Fingerboard: Grandillo (Africa)

Neck: Cedar (Africa)

Rosette (inlaid wood): It says the woods from Persia

Final Assembly of all parts and finishing: Japan

 

Any input would be great, thanks very much.

 

Here's the link to the ebay item:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2385&item=7301221039&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

[Xmetal]

I'd like to know too. Anyone have a clue?

[Heritage150]

Thanks for the reply..it's kind of scary that not one person seems to know about the guitar on this forum, might be a sign....but if anyone does please respond.

[acoustiholic]

This information is readily available on the Ramierz site under history.

 

The Garcia line was Jose III's first venture into production-line guitars to compete with the Japanese who were taking huge market share then with low pricepoint instruments.

 

Jose contracted a few of the local "assembly-line" shops in Madrid to churn out something with the Ramirez name - the real factory only produces about 100 1A's and 1AF's per year.

 

Alhambra was - and is- the main manufacturer of all models other than the 1A and 1AF (Flamenco) including the Garcia line back then and now the current student models.

 

I still think $1500 is a little steep for that instrument but for a guitar with Indian Rosewood sides and back, although it won't be solid wood it's still fair quality. Do not compare this guitar with the real 1A's though- they list around $8,000.00 new. Totaly different guitars.

[Xmetal]

 

Originally posted by acoustiholic This information is readily available on the Ramierz site under history. The Garcia line was Jose III's first venture into production-line guitars to compete with the Japanese who were taking huge market share then with low pricepoint instruments. Jose contracted a few of the local "assembly-line" shops in Madrid to churn out something with the Ramirez name - the real factory only produces about 100 1A's and 1AF's per year. Alhambra was - and is- the main manufacturer of all models other than the 1A and 1AF (Flamenco) including the Garcia line back then and now the current student models. I still think $1500 is a little steep for that instrument but for a guitar with Indian Rosewood sides and back, although it won't be solid wood it's still fair quality. Do not compare this guitar with the real 1A's though- they list around $8,000.00 new. Totaly different guitars.

 

 

Thank you very much for the info.

 

Now I'm on the lookout for a new acoustic in the ~$1500 range. I'm not sure I'd buy one through eBay, but I've been looking and come across these two as well. Any opinions?

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7303797827&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7303096755&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT

 

One thing that has got me thinking is that the Esteve 1GR11 can be got new here in Sweden for ~$2000, a price which includes 25% tax. Now this is a whole lot cheaper than what it costs in the USA, so maybe I'm better off wathcing the local used market anyway?

[Heritage150]

Xmetal would you want to buy that Garcia guitar my Dads friend has, she wants to sell it. So if you're interested let me know. I could get pics for you, the guitar is absolutely mint. Thanks to everyone for all the information.