Announcing Pavan Classical Guitars

how to select good sounding inexpensive Spanish classical guitar The initial and continuing response to the April newsletter has been excellent. I am now directly importing high quality Spanish made student guitars at very resonable prices. My line of guitars, Pavan, are only available through me. The guitars are now being shipped from Spain on a regular basis.The Pavan website will be up soon. Meanwhile, call 1-866-827-7342 or e-mail me at pavan@classicalguitarbuilder.com for information, pricing and photos. I will make an announcement when the website is up and running.

Read what players are saying about their Pavan Guitars

 Tom,

You are my first Internet experience and I was a bit nervous at first. You have shown yourself to be exactly as you are presented on the website and I appreciate that. My TP-30 sounds great for the cost and I will ask my instructor to critique my purchase. The cost of the guitar case and shipping was more than fair. All in all, thanks for the good experience.

A few days later...

 I just got back from my guitar lesson and my instructor was ecstatic! He picked it up, played a few bars and told me it was solid wood, naming the wood as he played. He sang softly into the sound hole and told me to listen to the resonance. He said the tone was great and compared it to his "second" guitar that he uses at lessons, a $1500 Takamine he got as an endorsement. He pointed out my guitar sounded much better than his.

My instructor, also named Tom, said the trebles would mellow as it broke in and the tone was equivalent to a $2000-$3000 guitar. I got a great deal with exceptional tone. He played a few beautiful pieces all over the neck and I missed half of my lesson because he would not give it back. I told Tom this was my first Internet experience and referred him to your website.

If you ever hear from me again, I hope it is to order one of you handmade guitars.

Sincerely,
Mark

Tom,

I have taken safe delivery of my TP-30, what a stunning instrument it is. I had my lesson on Monday. My teacher is classically trained and has played professionaly for 30 years played a few pieces on it describing all the components and woods that made the guitar as he was playing. Needless to say he gave it a five star rating. Superb does not begin to describe the quality of build and sound that it produces. I will not hesitate to reccomend you and your guitars in the future. If this e-mail helps someone make the decision to purchase then that will be fantastic.

May I wish you all the success you desire in the future
very best wishes
ken pearson


Tom,

The guitar finally arrived last night in perfect condition. It's a beauty! When I opened the case, I fell in love with it. It looks, and smells, like a new Ramirez 1E I have, but even before I played it, I noticed a difference.

The Pavan's resonance was remarkable. Because I live in a small condo, I can't play guitar late in the evening, so I just played "Alhambra" very quietly. As I tuned the guitar, and played, it was obvious, it is far superior to the 1E in every respect. The tuner moves far smoother, and your setting is perfect. It's the most playable guitar I've ever played in the past 28 years, including my 1a Ramirez (marked TM). And the sound... so clear, so warm... It is the sound I expect from an extremely well-built Spanish guitar. As you said, it can compare with a 4E or maybe SP Ramirez, with the price so incredible. The Ramirez family raised the prices of the guitars in Japan a month or so ago, and a 4E now costs about, in retail price, $4,000; I did not need to pay $1,000 for this magnificient instrument. I'd love to hear my instructor's comment when I bring it to him
in the next lesson.

I don't know how to thank you, Tom. If a Pavan-20 is this nice, what can I expect from your custom built guitar? I'd like to see it in, hopefully in a few years. Is the waiting line long?

Thanks again.
Akira Sato

A few days later...

Yesterday, I had my first lesson with my Pavan. My teacher liked it very much. He wants one for himself and another for his student. He may want to order some more if other students of his want to obtain a Pavan.....Because they don't understand English, I'll be his contact.

Thanks for your assistance.
Akira


Hi Tom,

Once again I want to thank you for selling me the Pavan TP-30 guitar. I have enjoyed playing it so much this past week. The acoustic sound this guitar produces is unbelievable. The craftsmanship is top notch. Everyone who has seen it are amazed at its beauty. Well, the true test can Saturday when I brought it to the one person in town who knows guitars and has owned a guitar shop in Baton Rouge for 30 years. He also happens to be the best fingerstyle guitar player around and he knows a great guitar when he sees one. He has always been brutally honest with me when I brought him my latest guitar. To make a long story short when he looked at it, he immediately could tell this was a well built guitar but when he played it a funny smile came over his face and he looked at me and said "David this guitar sounds better than a $10,000 Ramirez Guitar I owned in the past and better than a $5000 classical guitar I have previously owned. He was in shock at how I got a guitar of this quality for only $1000. It told me to look no farther for a better sounding classical guitar because I would be very hard pressed to find one even if I spent 1000's of dollars. To say the least he was more impressed with this guitar and more so than any guitar I have ever brought to him in the past and he told me so. The list of guitars I have brought to him is very long so this is a great complement.

Thanks again Tom for the great guitar I will pass this secret along to my guitar buddies.

David Brignac

Tom,

I just wanted to let you know that my first concert back home was a success. I played 23 songs ranging from Tarrega, Barrios, Bach and Handel to name a few. I had many compliments on my playing and also on the guitar. I added your name in the program notes so that people would know who to contact if they liked the guitar. After having so much feedback and time playing the instrument (TP-20), I can give you a review of the instrument:

The beauty of the guitar is very desirable. I have had many people comment on the beauty and aesthetics of the instrument . Along with sound, it is of high quality. Being in a guitar studio with ten other people, I have found that my guitar has a wider spectrum of dynamic abilities than the rest of the guitars. My professor, George Lindquist, asked me if I paid 2000 dollars for the instrument. I happily told him the price knowing that I had made a wise investment. And the initial guessed price came from a man that scrutinizes everything. To make a long story short, the instrument gives myself alot of confidence in what I play.

I hope to keep in touch,
Matt Miller
Univeristy of Wisconsin Whitewater

Tom,

What a beautiful guitar! I catch the wonderful aroma of cedar every time I open the case and bring the instrument up to my knee. I find it very easy to play.

I took the guitar to my teacher to look at and evaluate. He loved it. He was very pleased with the construction, the tone, the action, and the value. In fact, he seemed just as excited about the instrument as I.

I'm so glad that I found you through the internet. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to visit with you on the phone. And I look forward to growing in my music skills playing this wonderful new guitar.

Again, Thanks!
Peace to you, to your family, and to our world.
Jason McSpadden

Hello!

The guitar is beautiful! My instructor, W. Redman immediately noticed it when he walked into the class. By his recommendation, I am taking the guitar on Monday to show a friend of his, who needs a new guitar, and giving him your web address.

Sharon Fitzpatrick

Hi Tom.

I got my guitar (TP-20) on Wed. and my lesson was on Friday. My teacher played and examined the guitar throughly. This is a woman that has played for almost thirty years. She is classically trained ofcourse and has a masters degree in music. She said that my choice was excellent and if I was to buy this guitar in a store it would cost me $1400. I couldn"t believe she said that because that was the same thing you stated in your description of this guitar! She also liked the case. She couldn't believe that I bought it on the net. I told her I trusted you because of the time you took to answer all of my questions and explain everything to me. I had called other places and you wouldn't believe some of the attitudes of people when I asked them questions. I am very happy with my guitar and will keep you posted on my progress. Thanks again.

Sincerely.
Valerie


Hi Tom,

I wanted to let you know that Carl LOVED the guitar when I gave it to him at Christmas. I've been meaning to write to tell you that, and it's taken longer than I thought it would. In any case, it is definitely one of the best purchases I think I've ever made. Thank you again for all your help.

Sincerely,
Renee

Hi Tom,

Sorry I haven't gotten back to you sooner. I received the TP-20 on Dec.15, just before we left for several days over Christmas. I have not had a lot of time to play as yet, but the guitar is beautiful, has a very good sound and is easy to play. It sounds as good as a lot of more expensive guitars and it is everything you said it would be. I am so glad I found you on the internet because you saved me a lot of money. I was dreading buying a guitar over the internet but you made the experience much better. To have a luthier and classical guitarist recommend a guitar set my mind at ease and after talking to you on the phone, it was settled. Thanks so much and I will gladly recommend you to anyone looking for a classical guitar. I look forward to many years of enjoyment with this guitar. Feel free to use this as a testimonial.

Best regards,
Joe Hopkins

Tom,

I received my new guitar and I am VERY pleased with it!!! It honestly makes a HUGE difference in the sound of my playing - I am really enjoying it!!! Thanks for offering such a wonderful guitar!!!

Kristi Bridge

Tom,

I received my TP-20 yesterday. Played until my wife threatened to leave me...just kidding.

The guitar is wonderful and all you claimed it would be. Beautiful tone and playability. Its a pleasure to "get to know". Beautiful hardwoods and perfect finish ( I visually checked every inch). The case too, is of exceptional quality.

I just retired and this is probably my last guitar purchase. I'm so glad to have purchased this beautiful instrument from you. The price was fair, especially compared to not even equivalent guitars at the music stores here in Southern California. Most had solid tops, but veneered sides and backs.

Regards,
Tom Barber

Dear Tom,

Just to say that the TP 30 arrived and that I definitely WON'T be sending it back!

First of all, I think it's a lovely instrument to look at and hold. I'm no expert but the workmanship seems of very good quality. Second, I am very, very pleased with the playability, and the size is just fine. In fact, it seems effectively smaller than my Martin because it takes less "work" for the hand to produce good sound. (If I recall, that's one of your key objectives in making your concert guitars.)

Of course, I like the sound and projection--the most important things. More volume and brightness than my old guitar, which combined with quality mentioned above, immediately improves my guitar playing.

Anyway, can't wait to get home from work and play it. And I thank you for making such an instrument available at this price. Will spread the word.


Best to you and yours for the holidays.
Jeremy Williams

Tom:

Well, I'm halfway through my trial period and I am sorry to say that you can not have the guitar back. I really had no idea what I have been missing until I received the Pavan. Playing 'Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring' on it literally choked me up when I heard the wonderful tone resonate from all the strings and not just the upper register. I was delighted to find out that I have been limited not just by technical ability but by the physical inadequacies of my old guitar and was immediately able to play chords and fingering that had been nearly or completely impossible before and had limited my ability to progress. Your guitar is a beautiful piece of art, easy action, and phenomenal sound. Thank you for making me aware of it and for expediting my purchase.

By-the-way, I'm also very impressed with the case. Thanks, again, Tom.

Lar Tilford

Hi Tom--

I purchased one of your Pavan guitars this past spring and I just want to let you know that I am LOVING it!!

Everyone comments on how nice sounding it is, and it is indeed a pleasure to learn on a quality instrument.

I would like to say too that it stays in tune very well, even with the temperature extremes here in Utah.

Thanks for going out of your way to provide us with good instruments (especially for us beginning students) at affordable prices.

Thanks again...
Sara Hussong

Hi,

Thanks so much for the quality instrument. I haven't touched a steel string since it arrived. My instructor was incredibly impressed and I think you will have some more Olympia orders at some point. A guy named Brian is a likely candidate.

Thanks again, Tom. It's a true pleasure to have such a good experience despite
the distance and anonymity of the Web.

Marc

Hi Tom,

For the past several days, i have been waiting anxiously for the guitar to arrive and have been tracking on the UPS. I finally received it yesterday afternoon.

The guitar is beautiful and had the color that i prefered, on the front, sides and back. When i picked it up, it felt very smooth and i have to be careful not to let it slip off my hands. I tuned it up and play a little last night and the sound is what i have been looking for.

I am still learning the guitar and am not an expert nor have played many good guitars out there to be able to judge this one but this guitar has exceeded my expectations on looks and sound quality at this price and higher. Most things in life you get what you pay for and very few things you get more than what you pay for and i believe the Pavan TP-20 is one of those very few.

Thanks for selecting this guitar for me and making this purchase so easy.

Best regards,
Tan


Tom,

I bought a TP-30 early this spring and I just love it. Every time I have a lesson my teacher finds some new detail to point out to me. He loves the sound and the feel.

Thanks.
Pat Lucido

Tom,

I received my guitar a couple of days ago. As soon as I opened the beautiful case, and saw the even more beautiful guitar I knew it was a keeper. a great deal, a great sound, thank you so much. Maybe we'll talk a little down the road about pick'n up one of your custom guitars.

thanks a bunch,
adam waterreus

Hi Mr. Prisloe,

She's a beauty; she's a keeper. I'm very surprised to see that the back is arched; that's very nice! Now that I have played it for an hour or so, I can understand how, with its wide dynamic and 'colour' ranges, it is a revelation to the folks who make the choice to get one. It's clear to me that just the refinement in articulation alone is going to make me a much better guitarist. I shall have to play up to this instrument; it is very nice indeed to be able to hear the music as it really should sound, when I'm lucky and make it sound that way!

I am also mindful that unless you do what you do, I cannot have this experience: guitars like this are just plain extremely hard for someone like me to find, and money alone doesn't do it. Thank you for doing it!

Now, I must not bore by talking about how much better my Recuerdos ... sounds. (Funny how no one talks about how addictive playing an excellent instrument can be....)

regards and good thoughts,
tim woodbridge
Lowell, MA

Tom,

I just got my new TP-20 guitar. My initial reaction: gorgeous in tone and looks, trebles are crystal clear, great dynamics, it even smells nice, playing action is excellent, the finish is very nice, also I like the case very much too. Can't wait to show it off to my friends!

Thank you for the great service you provided me!

Please feel free to quote me in whole or in part in your news letters. I find you made no exaggeration in your descriptions of these guitars.

Sincerely,
Robin Norris

Tom,

I've had a few days to play my new guitar, and so far, I absolutely love it. The tone is exactly what I was looking for. It's the best sounding guitar I've ever played and I'm very impressed with the craftsmanship, especially for the price. It's definitely a keeper.

Thanks again for all your help with choosing this instrument, I'm glad I found your site on the Web.

You may use my e-mail for future quotes. I'd be happy If my quote helps someone make the decision to get an instrument of this quality.

Roddie

P.S. My wife has also complimented the great sound of this guitar, thanks again.

Hello Tom,

Just wanted to drop you a note of thanks. The guitar is all I expected and more....it sounds great!...and looks beautiful....and the case is awesome, too. Maybe in a couple of years I'll be getting back to you for a concert model. Thanks again.

Very satisfied customer
Tom Baker

Tom,

After spending considerable time with the TP-30, I agree with you that these are the best guitars on the market for the money.....or even twice the money.

My instructor played it for about a half hour. He could not believe that it had such an open and clear tone, especially for under $1,000. He has taught for over ten years and he searched long and hard during his college years before he bought his $4,000+ custom-made concert guitar, so he has been exposed to literally hundreds if not thousands of guitars.

Both of us looked at a guitar priced at $2,000. We agreed that the TP-30 has better workmanship, it looks better and most importantly it sounds better.

Thank you for providing such a quality instrument at an affordable price.

Thanks again,
Mike

Tom,

Thanks so much. I received the guitar 3 days ago. The guitar sound is beautiful and so is the look. I am going to recommend to any one I know to contact you.

Best Regards,
Luan


Tom,

I received the guitar. Thank you! It is a good instrument. Just wanted to say thank you for your great service. It has been a pleasure to deal with you.

Thanks
Igor

Tom,

I received my guitar this morning. It's beautiful. It's everything you said it would be and more. I am very satisfied with it, and I'm just thankful that I found you on the net! Can you tell me what is the best method to care for the guitar? Thanks for all of your help and advice.

Russell

Tom,

I just wanted to write and say I recieved the guitar in perfect shape and I love it. My guitar teacher was very impressed and said it was an awesome deal. When I opened the case the first thing he said was how beautiful the top was. He was impressed with the sound and playability. He asked were I got it and said he would recomend you to his other students. Thank you for your time on the phone.

Ryan Tinsley

Tom,

Thought I'd drop you a line about the guitar I bought from you a few weeks ago. I love it tremendously. What a beautiful sounding instrument! If this is any indication of the quality of your own custom-made guitars, I'm going to need to talk to you maybe middle of next year about one for me.

All I know is that my Muse is certainly singing these days! I'm already writing some music with it.
Take care.

Rod (Garcia)


I got it, I got it, I got it!!! It's beeyootiful!!! Thanks a million! I will definitely send others your way.

Kathryn

Good Evening!

The guitar arrived this afternoon. It is everything I expected . . . and more. Have been playing for the last couple hours, getting the strings "stretched" in. Thanks again for your help and a truly beautiful instrument.

Mike

Hi Tom,

The TP-10 arrived in Montana safely, and I am so pleased with it! Even though I decided to purchase the "economy" model of the Pavans, the guitar's sound is still much richer than other guitars I was considering. Plus, the guitar itself is beautiful and sturdily built, and others in my guitar class have written down the URL of your website to find out more.

Thanks for all your help,
Megan Glasscock


Hi Tom,

The guitar arrived & I love it. Can't put it down. In fact last night I got up at 2:30 a.m. & played for an hour.

I performed for a friend's kindergarten class this morning & the kids were as thrilled with the sound as I am. I let each of them strum the strings while I held a chord. Even the shyest girl in class who never participates in group activities took a turn (and smiled). Life doesn't get any better than that.

Thanks for making this experience possible for me. I won't forget your kindness.

Best wishes,
Jim Richardson

Dear Tom,

Thanks for the guitar, I am very impressed with its sound and its playability. It is a beautiful instrument. I'm very happy with it.

Thanks for getting the guitar out to me so quickly. It has been a pleasure doing business with you.

Best Regards,
David Carroll


Tom,

I just received the guitar last night. It is a great guitar (looks, sounds and plays great).  You did a terrific job setting it up. It feels great to play and is much superior to my more expensive Washburn. I’m glad I called to talk to you about my options. In just my first hour playing the guitar I can already notice the ease of play compared to my Washburn (which is not a bad guitar). The set-up combined with the smaller scale really makes a difference. I’m confident I could not have purchased a better guitar for the money and the service was excellent. Your expertise in adjusting the guitar really shows as I feel like I’m playing a very expensive instrument.  I can only imagine the sound of your $1000 Pavane and more expensive hand-made guitars you offer. When I decide to upgrade to the next level I will definitely call you again.

Thanks again,
Paul


I recieved my guitar yesterday and man did I fall in love with it. I proudly displayed my guitar to my instructors and both of them agreed it was an exceptional guitar for the price. They said the tone and projection that it has is superb.

Thank you so much Tom for your help on getting my first, and probably one of the best, classical guitar.

best wishes,
Adrian Monroy

Tom,

Yesterday I received my Pavan TP-10 guitar. It exceeded my expectations, and they were high to begin with! The appearance, from the design and materials used, to the finish, is beautiful. And the playablitiy and sound are exceptional. Thank you very much for the opportunity to acquire this wonderful guitar and for the great service.

Regards...Rich.

Tom,

The imported Spanish guitar I bought from you a few months ago has pleased me far beyond my initial high hopes and expectations. It has quickly become my favorite and sits right next to my sofa so that I can pick it up at any moment during the evening and enjoy the rich sound and playing quality.

Thanks for taking the time and making the effort to make such a high quality instrument available to non-professional players like myself at such a reasonable price. I hope that it has been a commercial success for you so that you can continue to offer these great instruments to other player with modest budgets and good ears like myself.

Best regards,
Tom Decoster



Past Issues

To view Issue 1
    Relative Humidity and The Exploding Guitar
    Accurate Guitar Tuning Made Simple  

To view Issue 2
    Classical Guitars for Sale
        You don't have to spend a lot of money for a good sounding student guitar

To view Issue 3
    How to have a Great Classical Guitar Technique

To view Issue 4
    How to select the best classical guitar strings for your nylon string guitar 

    

Tom Prisloe builds fine custom nylon string guitars. You can visit his web site at http://www.classicalguitarbuilder.com

e-mail tom@classicalguitarbuilder.com

or call Tom directly at 1-866-Tarrega (1-866-827-7342)

Prisloe Guitars, PO Box 308, Trumansburg, NY 14886 USA