I just purchased a used Esteban for $25. Its the earlier 'Burswood' guitar, but it makes for useful analysis since I had looked at one of the more recent American legacy models that was at a local GC. I have the Esteban guitar in my possession. Contrary to what others would have you believe, the construction is typical for Asian-produced laminated instruments with laminated wood and heavy bracing. Its not as dressed out as the later Esteban guitar. I looked at one of those, with the faux-pearl inlay around the perimeter, at GC and checked the bracing and construction. Not really different.
The guitar plays and sounds like any other cheap imported guitar. I lowered the action at the nut which helped it play much better, and I note that the bridge is starting to come up but its bolted on so no worries for now. It plays fine, has a fast neck, intonates well, and doesn't note out when you play up the fretboard. Comparing it to cheap guitars I learned to play on in the 1970s, its no worse, and comparing it to cheap guitars from the 50s and 60s it is considerably better.
In this post, I am contributing my personal observations related to two different models of "Esteban" guitars. I have looked both over carefully, played them, and described what I saw and heard. I have one of the guitars at my house, though I am going to give it to a friend who wants to learn how to play. I would appreciate people not flaming me for these observations, because they are simply that.
E. Shoaf
Any guitar as long as it's setup properly works for a beginner...
An Esteban for $25 sounds like a deal to me...any guitar for $25 that's playable is a deal!
Do you know where I could get a hat and shades like Esteban's? :GRN>
Maybe that info is on the video you get when you buy one on TV. Mine didn't have that, or the case and polishing cloth. I'll see if I can get those off ebay. <- just joking!
E. Shoaf
:huh:
For the 25.00 I'd rather buy donuts and coffee.
Les Beignes? Oui.
Now where have I seen that before??? :rolleyes:
GET THE WOOD!!!!!!! WHO"S GOT THE MATCHES???? Let the flaming begin. :GRN>
Just kidding. :wacko:
Good deal for $25. Any guitar that is playable at $25 is a good deal. I still think if you compare this guitar new at $125 to a say an entry level new Yamaha F325, you're getting a real guitar with the Yamaha.
Is the fretboard dyed or painted black? Some of the Harmony Central comments were about black coming off on your fingers.
Well good for you. Another myth exposed and tender little Forum kiddies now can't blast off on "Zorro".
So, what's next? Are you going to have a run at the Easter Bunny? :WNK>
Get the Dogs and the guns we're going wrabbit huntin,Easter wrabbitt that is.......YUM YUM WRABBIT STEW........hahahaha ^_^
I love this... here is an opportunity to get an actual, official, reproduction of the signature of Esteban on a reproduction of handwritten music for "Malegena" by Esteban!
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ESTEBAN-SIGNED-GUITAR-SONG-SHEET-MUSIC-NOTE-POSTER-ART_W0QQitemZ7383911922QQcategoryZ2385QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
In the description, there is a long biography of Steve which ends like this:
"Esteban left hundreds of messages for Segovia on bright yellow index cards, while Segovia was on his world tours, saying, "My life is meaningless unless I can study with you." Year after year he sent them everywhere Segovia went. .............SHIPPING AND HANDLING IS 7.95 and required insurance is 2.00" ^_^
And everywhere Segovia went, Steve was sure to follow!
Oh.. BTW... ebay has a few brand new Estebans. I think I'll get one.
Dang! Made me look! :TON>
Alway's thought "Maleguena" was a "Surf Guitar" song :SHK> Love knowing how to use the smiley faces! :GRN>
Anybody remember the Trashmen's version of this song? :mellow:
Guess my Minnesota roots are showing through :wacko:
Seriously...I kinda like ESTEBAN...in a snidely whiplash sorta' way!...decent promoter of his stuff...like the insurance promo!
Long live ESTEBAN....
Dave
I love the Geiko commercial! It had me ROTFLMAO!
I turned my TV off several years ago. :UND>
Thanks for a factual review.
Well crikey I think I'll run right out and buy one!
Don't pay any more than $25.
E. Shoaf
Hmmm... a new Esteban or a new strap.... I think I need a new strap more.
Okay, good advice, I bought a new strap for over 30 dollars. Now for a Zorro hat!