Editorial

It seems incredible that 2015 has sped by and that Christmas is here again.  With this in mind Santa has just delivered a new shipment.

Now is a good time to check out that new guitar for Christmas you’ve been promising yourself “soon”.  At Guitarsonline.com.au we have just received a shipment of classical and flamenco guitars direct from Spain. Featuring some of the latest and greatest guitars with some new Alhambra 50th Anniversary models.  New models from Paulino Bernabe, Contreras, Conde Hermanos, as well as new arrivals from Australian luthiers Graham Caldersmith, Alan Bull and Rob Clarke.  The showroom is stacked full of goodies.

We have also received a number of excellent vintage and second-hand guitars which we are reselling on behalf of their owners.  These are available to view online or try at our showroom and include a double top Contreras, a Paulino Bernabe (Senior), George Ziata Spruce, Rob Clarke Cedar,  Yamaha Air amplified Steel String, a James Keith Steel String, a James Keith 10 String, DeJong Flamenco Peg Head guitar, a David Argent Lattice, Jose Ramirez 1969 as well as several excellent student models.

Jump online Guitarsonline.com.au and see all the top makers and the widest range guitars in Australia from entry level student guitars to concert guitars featuring double tops, lattice and more.  See and listen to the online demos or even better come and play them back-to-back and compare the best guitars from all over the world in one place at our Point Cook showroom.
 

New Shipment

Last Thursday arrived our long awaited guitar shipment just in time for Christmas.  So, if you are looking for that very special present for yourself or the guitarist in your life, now is the time before the January price rises.  A classical guitar is a great gift to give, it is thoughtful, unique and a lifelong gift that keeps on giving.  For someone who already plays and has an acoustic or electric guitar, a classical makes a great addition to their collection.
 

Launch of New 50th Anniversary models

New to Australia - we pre-ordered on the latest buying trip some of the new Alhambra 50th Anniversary models. There are four entirely new models which have been highly praised by teachers and professional during our evaluation shootout.

The purpose of the commemorative models is to share with players the joy of this special year, the 50th anniversary 1965-2015.  For this reason, we wanted to bring in some of the new Alhambra models featuring breakthrough comfort as well as bracing patterns that make this range louder, more resonant and deliver greater tonal depth and range. We also wanted to make them affordable to ensure that as many players as possible are able to enjoy their unique sound and comfort.

They all feature a newly designed asymmetrical neck making left hand fingering very comfortable, especially selected harmonic tops with matched Ziricote back and sides.  This results in enhanced volume and projection, greater detail in the note and richer tonal range and beauty.  Have a look.
 

2016 Concert Programme and Events

At the close of 2015 both the Victorian Classical Guitar Society and the Melbourne Guitar Foundation are finalising the 2016 programs.  But the highlights we have had confirmed are:
 

CGSV

Calling Guitar players and aficionados!  At the recent annual meeting a new management team was elected with Paul Nash being nominated President, Susan Ellis Vice president and Pierre Herrero working to develop events for members and players.

As a team we want to share our love of the guitar music so we want to build a more vibrant and active guitar society. We would love to hear from you and any ideas to make the society better for you.

Now is the time to get involved in the many activities, concerts, orchestra events and playing opportunities. Join the society and bring music into your life.

CGSV 2016 Concert Programme

Dates are being finalised for 2016 and there will continue to be monthly playing opportunities for members and a concert programme is will begin in the New Year. There will be two major concerts featuring the society’s GO (Guitar orchestra) under the leadership of Ben Dix (auditions for the GO will shortly be underway) as well as the midyear Ensemble Extravaganza as well as offering workshops for guitar teachers and schools wanting to establish or enhance the performance of their ensembles. As well as playing opportunities, technique workshops.
 

Sydney Summer School

Guitarsonline will again we sponsoring the Sydney Classical Guitar Society Summer school and as part of that will be there exhibiting guitars.

Tuesday 5th – Saturday 9th  January, 2016
Ascham School Music Department
188 New South Head Road,  Edgecliff, Sydney.

Adelaide Ensemble

Guitarsonline will be we sponsoring the Adelaide Eisteddfod and the Summer school June and as part of that will be there to allow players the opportunity to test drive guitars.
 

Melbourne Guitar Foundation

Melbourne Guitar Quartet - Mid-April
Dan and Marla Nistico - July
Adelaide Guitar Festival  11 - 14 August
MGF Festival - September 23, 24 and 25

• Fri evening concert - Tim Kain and Virginia Taylor
• Sat lunch concert - Chrystian Dozza
• Sat evening concert - Slava and Lenny
• Sun evening concert - Adriano Del Sal

Competition/Scholarship Winner concert - Early December
 

Featured Teacher: Ron Payne

Classical guitar teacher Ron Payne Hon FNMSM commenced his guitar studies at an early age after hearing the great Spanish guitarist, Andres Segovia. Learning the basics from the eminent Brazilian guitarist, Laurindo Almeida, Ron began formal studies with John Mills and Peter Calvo, (a disciple of Len Williams [father of John]) at the Sydney Spanish Guitar Centre.
 
Ron Payne currently teaches at his private studio in Lower Templestowe in Victoria, where he specialises in performance practice, theory, music history, form and analysis. Preparations for examinations, competitions and concerts can also be arranged.
 
A broad taste in music has encouraged Ron to embrace a wide repertoire in his programs – these ranging from the lute music of the Renaissance to the great masters Bach and Britten.
 
"I studied with Ron Payne for a year when I was about 13 years-old. He was inspirational in many ways. Most importantly he introduced me to the wider and greater world of the classical guitar. I highly recommend Ron as a teacher for guitarists of all ages and experience." - Slava Grigoryan
 
Contact Ron at www.guitarteacher.com.au or Tel: 9850 3317 or 0419 345 088
 
Regards,
 
Pierre Herrero
 
Managing Director
Spanish Guitar Imports
Eureka Management Pty Ltd
Alhambra Guitars