Thanks for watching! Here's a link to the full review with photos, specs, prices, and more info: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/saers-guitar-a90-review/
Based on your review for the A50, I decided to buy it. I cannot be more satisfied. I thought going for the A90 but I decided to get it when I am more advanced as guitarist (I’m a novice). Thank you so much for all your videos! You are definitely a maestro in your art.
For those wondering about what sound board (top) wood to choose. Cedar wood = softer and warmer sound. Spruce wood = brighter/sharper and louder sound. What to get? Depends on what you seek, there is no answer to which wood is better. As for the rest of the guitar, it doesn't really mater what materials were used for the back and sides. The same goes for the neck and fretboard.
This guitar just sings on Lagrima. It weeps. With your beautiful interpretation, of course. I love my spruce top Cordoba C10 parlor, but oh my this is lovely.
I for one am thrilled companies like Saers and Altamira exist. I see no reason why professional guitarists absolutely must spend 10k+ to be taken seriously (especially when many of these instruments may not even play well or sound good). Compare us to other string players and yes, we spend less on our instruments, but compare us to brass players, steel string guitarists or woodwinds and we spend way more. Companies like Bach, Taylor, and Buffet make pro grade instruments at around 2-4 grand. Why not for us?
I think it sounds great and helped by excellent playing as well. :) A very good review. When you were doing your scale exercises and tests of the higher notes, I was thinking how nice the Prelude part of La Catedral would sound on it. I thought the guitar has a nice tone, especially in the higher notes.
The tone is great, lots of bell-like sounds, big and open sounding rather than tight and woody (both are good in their own right). Depends on what you're looking for but certainly the value is there.
I think the workmanship is great on this guitar. It all comes down to the quality control of the company rather than where it's made. If a good company has standards it can be made anywhere.
Ok so I'm between this guitar and a Ramirez Del Tiempo model in cedar. I will go ahead and just admit that I love Ramirez guitars. I went to school with a Ramirez and played it for years. Fantastic. I love the romance of the sound of their instruments. I am NOT usually all that excited about lattice braced guitars. Most of them have a kind of nasal quality to them, that I'm not a fan of however, this guitar really sounds quite nice and seems to have a lot of projection. (As lattice guitars are said to have.) BUT, the Saers does not have that dramatic romantic tone that the Ramirez does. This guitar runs about 2700 the Ramirez Del Tiempo model runs about 3000. So really, they're about the same price. Having said all of that, do you have any pearls to help make my decision easier? If it were you (and I know this really isn't much of a fair question but I'm gonna ask it anyway) which would you buy?
Sounds like you want a Ramirez, if you have already heard or played one why not go for the one you want? I would need to compare the two to make an informed decision as to which I'd get. You're likely right that the Ramirez probably has the traditional Spanish sound you are after whereas the Saers is more likely to have the 'open' sound I mention. Again, so many variables though. The playability of the Saers is high, it's easy to play and bring out lines so I might lean in that direction but I like guitars of all sorts and it's more personal preference.
I have a Saer 4-PS (aka 1963) bought directly from Spain which is similar in all respects except for the finish, matt, and no raised fretboard. I have another, as expensive guitar, and the Saer 4-PS blows it away in every way sonically: the bell like highs, the general louder volume and responsiveness. I think this company is under represented in N. America and it’s a shame. It’s a great handmade/shop guitar that is an alternative to the Chinese instruments.
Are you sure? Is there more than one Saer? This is a Chinese made guitar (not that I care what country it comes from) and fairly new company I thought. Check out their website: www.saersguitars.com/
That really depends on the player. With a smaller nut width I have found that for certain repertoire my left hand fingers can buzz on adjacent strings due to the lack of room. Or when playing descending slurs next to an open string. So it might be more comfortable for some chords etc but then there is a lack of space and clearance.
@@Thisisclassicalguitarthat is a great point. When I do decide to purchase another instrument, it is important to have great playability. My Alvarez-Yari feels like I am grabbing a 4x4, much too thick for a tastes.
Maybe I'm missing something, but a very wood responsive guitar means that it plays loud at a lighter touch, which implies that it is a lot more difficult to have a wide dynamic range and play pianissimo. It also means much more audible unwanted vibrations. The ambition to make the guitar, which is an instrument for an intimate environment (small rooms, no big orchestra, etc), sound loud comes at a price. I currently play on a guitar that is player responsive. Wood responsive = it comes from the wood and construction. Beginners like this because it sounds (always) great the moment you touch it. Player responsive = it obeys proportionate the amount of energy you give with your fingers. The beauty, richness and clearness of the tone color is usually also much better in this case. I'm a bit puzzled because when you say that it's easy to accentuate one note with a specific finger, this would mean it is not responsive, and earlier in the video it seems that you use the term in the sense of wood responsive.
Have you ever played an overbuilt factory guitar with a heavy polish and durable but unresponsive top? One that is simply hard to get sound from in the first place? That is more what I'm referring to. It's easy to get a pianissimo from this one and therefore, also somewhat easier to get a forte (compared to an overbuilt guitar). I'm not implying it has a small dynamic range.
this is definiittely an interesting guitar for the price range, seems much better than the higher end models of the cordobas especially with all the features. im surprised it didnt come with an armrest though.
I feel people are 50/50 on armrests, some love it some don't. I generally like mine but it does make it feel like my right arm extends yet further out so I could take it or leave it.
For the price point, a very nice sounding guitar, has all the warmth and tone an advanced could ask for. Does it come in different scale lengths or smaller nut widths?
@@Thisisclassicalguitarthanks Bradford for your response, very helpful. I did want to ask, how does the playability compare to your main instrument (neck width, string height, fatigue on left hand, etc.)?
Great question, I don't always like comparing guitars but I know these ones are close in price and features. The Saers definitely wins for features. The raised fingerboard is much better and french polish top opens the sound up quite a bit in terms of sound production. The 12 hole bridge is nice to have and it has a high C. These are all in the Saers favour. Also, I think the Saers is a bit cheaper. Playability in terms of effort to sound the Saers pops a bit more, maybe. That said, the Cordoba C12 does have a nice balance across the strings a maybe a bit tighter sound which I like. Although I've played the C12 lots I don't have a C12 on hand to compare so I'm saying all this in a very loose way.
Looks and sounds lovely , I like the decoration on the outer rim , it catches the eye , Was the action to your liking ? I find the action on new guitars a tiny bit too high , I wonder too how does it compare to ease of playing to your own high end guitar , is it as easy to play ? The neck shape would affect this for me , Super review though , well done!
The action was setup perfectly! I don't know if some companies put extra work into when sending for a review but both the A50 and A90 came to me all setup nicely. The action on higher end guitars tends to be higher because advanced players tend to dig in more so to avoid buzzing the action gets raised. On my Scott guitar it's way higher than this one.
The lattice bracing should not have anything to do with neck's warping should it? Or do you mean the bridge is lifting up causing action issues? Plus, a lattice brace is actually stronger structurally because of the crossing isn't it? If a luthier is way under-building the guitar tops by making them too thin then maybe, but that can be done with any bracing.
@@Thisisclassicalguitar Well actually the neck where the top connects . The neck angle changed and caused high action . The bracing supports the top and evidently not well enough on the two I had . These were well known guitar's and while probably not considered concert grade at about $ 3000. each it's too much for me to try again because repair is not feasible . I feel much safer since my five traditional fan braced guitar's which all are over twenty year's old are fine , two are concert grade . Maybe it's just the maker since they were of the same .
Thanks for watching! Here's a link to the full review with photos, specs, prices, and more info: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/saers-guitar-a90-review/
Based on your review for the A50, I decided to buy it. I cannot be more satisfied. I thought going for the A90 but I decided to get it when I am more advanced as guitarist (I’m a novice). Thank you so much for all your videos! You are definitely a maestro in your art.
Glad you like the A50! I think it's a very good guitar for the price.
For those wondering about what sound board (top) wood to choose. Cedar wood = softer and warmer sound. Spruce wood = brighter/sharper and louder sound. What to get? Depends on what you seek, there is no answer to which wood is better. As for the rest of the guitar, it doesn't really mater what materials were used for the back and sides. The same goes for the neck and fretboard.
This guitar just sings on Lagrima. It weeps. With your beautiful interpretation, of course. I love my spruce top Cordoba C10 parlor, but oh my this is lovely.
Both are very nice!
I for one am thrilled companies like Saers and Altamira exist. I see no reason why professional guitarists absolutely must spend 10k+ to be taken seriously (especially when many of these instruments may not even play well or sound good). Compare us to other string players and yes, we spend less on our instruments, but compare us to brass players, steel string guitarists or woodwinds and we spend way more. Companies like Bach, Taylor, and Buffet make pro grade instruments at around 2-4 grand. Why not for us?
snobbery. very few people need a luthier made guitar
Great review, I had their AH80 spruce model, gorgeous in all ways. Might get one of these next
Truly amazing sound. Even through tiny phone speaker. It must sound like an orchestra in person.
I think it sounds great and helped by excellent playing as well. :) A very good review. When you were doing your scale exercises and tests of the higher notes, I was thinking how nice the Prelude part of La Catedral would sound on it. I thought the guitar has a nice tone, especially in the higher notes.
The tone is great, lots of bell-like sounds, big and open sounding rather than tight and woody (both are good in their own right). Depends on what you're looking for but certainly the value is there.
Nice to see an instrument made in China that is well-made. I agree this is a fantastic value.
I think the workmanship is great on this guitar. It all comes down to the quality control of the company rather than where it's made. If a good company has standards it can be made anywhere.
Lagrima melted my heart!
Ok so I'm between this guitar and a Ramirez Del Tiempo model in cedar. I will go ahead and just admit that I love Ramirez guitars. I went to school with a Ramirez and played it for years. Fantastic. I love the romance of the sound of their instruments. I am NOT usually all that excited about lattice braced guitars. Most of them have a kind of nasal quality to them, that I'm not a fan of however, this guitar really sounds quite nice and seems to have a lot of projection. (As lattice guitars are said to have.) BUT, the Saers does not have that dramatic romantic tone that the Ramirez does. This guitar runs about 2700 the Ramirez Del Tiempo model runs about 3000. So really, they're about the same price. Having said all of that, do you have any pearls to help make my decision easier? If it were you (and I know this really isn't much of a fair question but I'm gonna ask it anyway) which would you buy?
Sounds like you want a Ramirez, if you have already heard or played one why not go for the one you want? I would need to compare the two to make an informed decision as to which I'd get. You're likely right that the Ramirez probably has the traditional Spanish sound you are after whereas the Saers is more likely to have the 'open' sound I mention. Again, so many variables though. The playability of the Saers is high, it's easy to play and bring out lines so I might lean in that direction but I like guitars of all sorts and it's more personal preference.
I have a Saer 4-PS (aka 1963) bought directly from Spain which is similar in all respects except for the finish, matt, and no raised fretboard. I have another, as expensive guitar, and the Saer 4-PS blows it away in every way sonically: the bell like highs, the general louder volume and responsiveness. I think this company is under represented in N. America and it’s a shame. It’s a great handmade/shop guitar that is an alternative to the Chinese instruments.
Are you sure? Is there more than one Saer? This is a Chinese made guitar (not that I care what country it comes from) and fairly new company I thought. Check out their website: www.saersguitars.com/
The only thing I would prefer is a smaller nut width, playability is really important.
That really depends on the player. With a smaller nut width I have found that for certain repertoire my left hand fingers can buzz on adjacent strings due to the lack of room. Or when playing descending slurs next to an open string. So it might be more comfortable for some chords etc but then there is a lack of space and clearance.
@@Thisisclassicalguitarthat is a great point. When I do decide to purchase another instrument, it is important to have great playability. My Alvarez-Yari feels like I am grabbing a 4x4, much too thick for a tastes.
Maybe I'm missing something, but a very wood responsive guitar means that it plays loud at a lighter touch, which implies that it is a lot more difficult to have a wide dynamic range and play pianissimo. It also means much more audible unwanted vibrations. The ambition to make the guitar, which is an instrument for an intimate environment (small rooms, no big orchestra, etc), sound loud comes at a price. I currently play on a guitar that is player responsive. Wood responsive = it comes from the wood and construction. Beginners like this because it sounds (always) great the moment you touch it. Player responsive = it obeys proportionate the amount of energy you give with your fingers. The beauty, richness and clearness of the tone color is usually also much better in this case. I'm a bit puzzled because when you say that it's easy to accentuate one note with a specific finger, this would mean it is not responsive, and earlier in the video it seems that you use the term in the sense of wood responsive.
Have you ever played an overbuilt factory guitar with a heavy polish and durable but unresponsive top? One that is simply hard to get sound from in the first place? That is more what I'm referring to. It's easy to get a pianissimo from this one and therefore, also somewhat easier to get a forte (compared to an overbuilt guitar). I'm not implying it has a small dynamic range.
I am working on your grade 4 repertoire and am looking to upgrade my current guitar. Would you recommend an A50 or A90 for my level?
this is definiittely an interesting guitar for the price range, seems much better than the higher end models of the cordobas especially with all the features. im surprised it didnt come with an armrest though.
I feel people are 50/50 on armrests, some love it some don't. I generally like mine but it does make it feel like my right arm extends yet further out so I could take it or leave it.
I own this guitar. I really like it
Oh nice, great to hear!
For the price point, a very nice sounding guitar, has all the warmth and tone an advanced could ask for.
Does it come in different scale lengths or smaller nut widths?
I think the A90 is just the full scale. I do have some leads on short scale guitars that I might review, stay tuned!
@@Thisisclassicalguitarthanks Bradford for your response, very helpful. I did want to ask, how does the playability compare to your main instrument (neck width, string height, fatigue on left hand, etc.)?
Another good Chinese guitar. You should review Yulong Guo and Altamira as well. They are all great value for money.
Yes, I would love review those but have not come across them in person yet.
@@Thisisclassicalguitar Looking forward to it.
This is made in Spain
@@jorisArt How do you know?
if I buy this guitar is saers provide good case ? or just guitar ? How many accessories they give with it ? would u tell please ?
I would ask the dealer you purchase it from. You can't buy directly from Saers but I think they all come with a case of some kind.
How would you compare this guitar to the Cordoba C12 in terms of playability and sound? They are at a similar price point.
Great question, I don't always like comparing guitars but I know these ones are close in price and features. The Saers definitely wins for features. The raised fingerboard is much better and french polish top opens the sound up quite a bit in terms of sound production. The 12 hole bridge is nice to have and it has a high C. These are all in the Saers favour. Also, I think the Saers is a bit cheaper. Playability in terms of effort to sound the Saers pops a bit more, maybe. That said, the Cordoba C12 does have a nice balance across the strings a maybe a bit tighter sound which I like. Although I've played the C12 lots I don't have a C12 on hand to compare so I'm saying all this in a very loose way.
Welp, guess I found my next guitar ❤
Looks and sounds lovely , I like the decoration on the outer rim , it catches the eye ,
Was the action to your liking ? I find the action on new guitars a tiny bit too high ,
I wonder too how does it compare to ease of playing to your own high end guitar , is it as easy to play ? The neck shape would affect this for me ,
Super review though , well done!
The action was setup perfectly! I don't know if some companies put extra work into when sending for a review but both the A50 and A90 came to me all setup nicely. The action on higher end guitars tends to be higher because advanced players tend to dig in more so to avoid buzzing the action gets raised. On my Scott guitar it's way higher than this one.
Not sure this one has a truss rod
Is there a Canadian dealer yet?
They are looking into Canadian dealers I'm told.
I've experienced two bad experiences with lattice braced guitars neck warping .
The lattice bracing should not have anything to do with neck's warping should it? Or do you mean the bridge is lifting up causing action issues? Plus, a lattice brace is actually stronger structurally because of the crossing isn't it? If a luthier is way under-building the guitar tops by making them too thin then maybe, but that can be done with any bracing.
@@Thisisclassicalguitar Well actually the neck where the top connects . The neck angle changed and caused high action . The bracing supports the top and evidently not well enough on the two I had . These were well known guitar's and while probably not considered concert grade at about $ 3000. each it's too much for me to try again because repair is not feasible . I feel much safer since my five traditional fan braced guitar's which all are over twenty year's old are fine , two are concert grade . Maybe it's just the maker since they were of the same .
Can I know what's the string you used on this video?
I put on Savarez New Cristal Cantiga Basses Creations (has a carbon 3rd string only).
even a $1 guitar will sound great with your amazing fingers ;-)
Ha, thanks so much! Next review is the $1 guitar!
Maybe 0.99. @@Thisisclassicalguitar
The usual nasality of a parallel lattice.