hello Allan
about 100 years ago (in Sydney, via the Sydney School of Guitar), I purchased a Dynasty (by Xu Fu) , 1983) Model 40 from you. It’s still my favourite instrument, but it has a cracked top now. I am wondering how the Alhambra 7C might compare with that old Dynasty? In the same league or lesser?

Hi Roderic, yes the Xu Fu guitars were an interesting development. I played on one for a couple of years. They had volume but I think not the same tone as the more tradition Spanish guitars. The Alhambra 7C I consider to be a top student guitar; a great instrument for playing at a 6th grade plus standard where you need a great dynamic range and tonal variation. Compared to other guitars I feel you would have to spend a lot more money to find anything else near it. It all comes down to price when you talk about this next level, concert classical guitars. I would be looking at:
Angel Benito Aguado_Marizapalos $4600 (or Maneta $4600)
Alhambra Professional $4500
Then:
Jose Maria Villaplana – India $8400
Juan Hernadez Luthier (Nomex) $8800
Angel Benito Aguado – Gran Concierto $17500
Then there’s a lot exciting and innovative Australian makers:
Kim Lissarague $6900
Lance Litchfield $7,500