My New 'Burswood' Guitar

[Ratishna]

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

[d-avido1]

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>

[Ratishna]

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

[Peter Cree]

 :huh:

For the 25.00 I'd rather buy donuts and coffee.

[d-avido1]

Les Beignes?  Oui.
Now where have I seen that before??? :rolleyes:

[unclrob]

GET THE WOOD!!!!!!! WHO"S GOT THE MATCHES???? Let the flaming begin. :GRN>


Just kidding.

[drathbun]

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.

[ronmac]

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>

[unclrob]

Get the Dogs and the guns we're going wrabbit huntin,Easter wrabbitt that is.......YUM YUM WRABBIT STEW........hahahaha ^_^

[drathbun]

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.

[mazareth]

Dang! Made me look! :TON>

[d-avido1]

Alway's thought "Maleguena" was a "Surf Guitar" song   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  
Seriously...I kinda like ESTEBAN...in a snidely whiplash sorta' way!...decent promoter of his stuff...like the insurance promo!
Long live ESTEBAN....
Dave

[drathbun]

I love the Geiko commercial! It had me ROTFLMAO!

[Randy_R]

I turned my TV off several years ago.  :UND>

[jimmyd]

Thanks for a factual review.

[ducktrapper]

Well crikey I think I'll run right out and buy one!

[Ratishna]

Don't pay any more than $25.


E. Shoaf

[drathbun]

Hmmm... a new Esteban or a new strap.... I think I need a new strap more.

[ducktrapper]

Okay, good advice, I bought a new strap for over 30 dollars. Now for a Zorro hat!