Pimentel Guitars...any opinions?

Subject: RE: Pimentel Guitars...any opinions?
From: keberoxu
Date: 04 Sep 20 - 04:54 PM

It is now roughly ten years since the demise of
Lorenzo Pimentel, the 'father' implicit in the business name
Pimentel & Sons.

Eleven surviving children were named in Pimentel Senior's obituary.

Three of his sons --
Rick, Robert, and Victor Pimentel --
are identified at the Pimentel Guitars website.

Their brother Agustín passed away in 2014.

Hector Pimentel has his own webpages
where his father is name-checked
and as little as possible is said about his brothers.

Subject: RE: Pimentel Guitars...any opinions?
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Sep 20 - 02:41 PM

I've had a Pimentel & Sons R6 Custom Indian Rosewood cutaway dreadnought with Engleman spruce top, ebony fretboard and bridge purchased in 2001. 19 years in I have no reason to part with it as it fits me to perfection and plays as well as any other instrument I've ever had the pleasure of holding. Very lightly constructed, resonant, no wolf notes, nice harmonics (to my ear some instruments have too much in the way of harmonic overtones which to me muddy the sound.) Not exceptionally fast on the attack but bloom and and decay seem just right (again, to my ears.)

I've played similarly configured Bourgeois, Collings, high end Martins, Goodall, Santa Cruz, Taylor, Froggy Bottom and others most of which were far more expensive and my ears tell me they're all a little different. Not necessarily better sounding . . . to my ears.

The Pimentel doesn't have the same projection as say a large body, lightly braced adirondack spruce topped instrument w/Brazilian sides and back nor has it the sonorous qualities of a shorter scale small body 12 fret but lies somewhere in between the two extremes.

Tonally and projection-wise it's very well balanced across the entirety of the fretboard, fit and finish are excellent, comparable to any named above but as is always the case each has their own unique character even among similarly constructed instruments of the same model by the same maker. I opted for understated elegance as opposed to opulently appointed. Better tonal bang for the buck was my objective.

Bass is strong and clear even under heavy attack, trebles are bright and clear, mids fit nicely between the bass and trebles and it has very good head room (takes aggressive attack without getting the least bit muddy.) The only instruments I'd say stands out head and shoulders above any of the above would be a Somogyi which is about the only upgrade I'd be inclined to take up but then I don't have $38,000 or 6 years to wait for one. Good luck with your search.

Subject: RE: Pimentel Guitars...any opinions?
From: Long Firm Freddie
Date: 26 Jul 17 - 06:39 AM

Following on from Acme's2006 pondering on Hector possibly being a "black sheep", it appears he set up on his own in 1987 as a luthier and there was a dispute over the use of the name:

PIMENTEL SONS GUITAR MAKERS INC v. PIMENTEL

LFF

Subject: RE: Pimentel Guitars...any opinions?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Jul 17 - 11:18 PM

An anonymous complaint doesn't pack the clout of one signed by the writer.

Subject: RE: Pimentel Guitars...any opinions?
From: GUEST,GUEST
Date: 25 Jul 17 - 09:43 PM

I would like to say they are great guitars...... they just are not. I used to think they were but then I became more educated re: luthier quality guitars. I used to think they were honest business people, but unfortunately they are not.
In the mid 1990's I had 2 guitars made by L. Pimentel. A Grand Concert E. Indian Rosewood guitar and a year later a supposed Brazilian Flamenca Negra that came from some old pre cities Brazilian Rosewood that he had in storage completely forgotten about.
I paid a huge price for the 2nd guitar and it got plenty of playing time. I was very happy with both guitars. I was given samples of the wood they used to hand make both guitars and still have them to this day.
Not too long ago I sold both of the guitars and kept the pieces of wood as souvenirs.
I am getting ready for a well known and respected luthier to build a guitar for me.
I sent him a picture of what was the questionable piece of Brazilian Rosewood from my Pimentel guitar made by Lorenzo Pimentel. Right away he was able to see that it was NOT Brazilian Rosewood, but Zircote wood. I had my suspicions for some time, but it is now verified.
They even wrote inside the guitar Brazilian Rosewood.
If I am to give them the benefit of the doubt I would say they don't know about wood and it was an honest mistake?
If they have been making guitars for that many years, they knew it was Zircote and passed it off as Brazilian Rosewood which is a despicable business practice.
From being in their shop several times, and having met the whole family I must say that Lorenzo was a nice enough guy but the kids were money hungry jerks.
I would not recommend anyone to these guitar makers.
The guitars are average at best compared to what else is out there. One is able to purchase better for far less money. I will make posts elsewhere on the Internet exposing what happened to me so that people can become aware of their business practices.
A difficult but good learning experience for me!

Subject: RE: Pimentel Guitars...any opinions?
From: GUEST,keberoxu
Date: 29 Mar 17 - 05:43 PM

Online, you may search and find Lorenzo Pimentel's obituary. He died in December 2010.

As for relatives, the surviving ones are listed in the obit as follows:

Lorenzo Pimentel is survived by his wife, Josefina Pimentel,
sons Carlos, Hector, Agustín, Rick, Robert, Victor, Lawrence, and Gustavo Pimentel,
daughters Zoyla Pimentel Muñoz, Maricela Pimentel, and Aida Pimentel,

one surviving brother, Agustín Pimentel,

22 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

(Albuquerque Journal, 28 December 2010)

Subject: RE: Pimentel Guitars...any opinions?
From: GUEST,Jon Erickson
Date: 29 Mar 17 - 12:39 AM

My first was a lefty grand concert (Rosewood, spruce, ebony fretboard). I've had it about 25 yrs now and it has been the best money I ever spent on anything. The tone is exceptional. Amazingly clear, balanced, defined, whole with enormous sustain. Your notes will sustain, blend and harmonize into amazingly beautiful tone. Such a wonderful instrument. Every time I get going, I have trouble putting it down. And it is also amazingly loud for nylon string. Louder than many steel strings. Amazing volume. Clearly, care goes into every second of its being made. I then bought a six string from Rick and a one of a kind tenor from Lorenzo. Same story, over and over. Beautiful clear, loud, sustaining tone. I love playing each of them. I also own a Martin D-25? Nice guitar, but no where near the clarity volume and sustain of these instruments.

I am currently working with Rick to make a 19 1/2" scale four steel string, ebony body, spruce top, ebony board guitar, with turquoise, abalone and ebony trim in a New Mexico Hopi Indian (Sun God) theme. all inlays are designed and produced by Rick and include the Hopi Sun God and New Mexico Zia. Made specifically to my specifications (string spacing, fretboard radius, type of frets) no questions asked. how's that for custom?

yea, you'll have to wait, but think of it as a once in a lifetime event. Get it how you want it. It will be your lifelong friend. I guarantee it will pay you back over and over. Well worth the wait.

Subject: RE: Pimentel Guitars...any opinions?
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 11 Feb 14 - 05:13 AM

So, Ernie, did you get one all those years ago?

RtS

Subject: RE: Pimentel Guitars...any opinions?
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Feb 14 - 01:32 PM

A friend gave me one 30 years ago. I play electric guitar so it sat in the corner for many years. Recently I put new strings on it and am amazed at what a sweet classical guitar this is. This one was made in 1975 and was signed L. Pimentel along with the date behind the headstock.
This is a little gem I've had for many years and recently realized that it was actually a little diamond. :)

Subject: RE: Pimentel Guitars...any opinions?
From: GUEST,Steve
Date: 08 Jun 13 - 04:45 PM

I had one made for my wife And she just loves it.

Subject: RE: Pimentel Guitars...any opinions?
From: GUEST,Simon Way
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 03:11 AM

I have a custom cutaway classical/flamenco hybrid that Rick designed & Robert made for me in 2009. It is developing wonderfully over almost 4 years of owning it and playing every day. He put in a Fishman pickup (No preamp in the guitar at my request) and I run it through a "Tonebone PZ Pre" preamp and into my Yamaha PA or Peavey E-coustic amp. The pickup is amazing and hardly feeds back. I think that Savarez Alliance Extra Hard Tension or Hannabach are the best strings for it. I had visited Kenny Hill and Kirk Sand also who make absolutely incredible guitars, but the personal service and interest in me and my needs shown by Rick and Robert at a very reasonable price convinced me to go with Pimentel for the best guitar I have ever owned.   Simon Way Spokane Wa         www.simonway.net

Subject: RE: Pimentel Guitars...any opinions?
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Nov 11 - 03:49 PM

mike mensh([e-mail])
I have owned a grand concert for about 5 years, and I love the sound and the action. I have had the fretboard re-done to lower the the strings a little, and I had to replace the machines (Pimentel's shop did it and did it well) My teacher is head of guitar studies and the Univ. of Arizona, and he thinks it is a fine instrument. it was made by Lorenzo in 1986.

Subject: RE: Pimentel Guitars...any opinions?
From: freightdawg
Date: 10 Jan 06 - 08:30 PM

OOOOOOOOhhhhhhhhhh baby, you pitched one right down my sweet spot on this one!!!

I am a very satisfied Pimentel customer. I can tell you from experience that there is nothing that compares to having your own personal, one of a kind guitar. You tell Rick or whoever it is that will be building your guitar exactly what you want and they can work it for you. Rick worked with me on a special little southwestern style inset for the headstock, and once he designs something he will not put it on another guitar - you may modify an existing design if you wish, but each design is unique to the owner.

Obviously I am partial to the family and the guitars, (and I have heard of unhappy customers) but they really have treated me well. I was in checking on my "baby" and Robert offered to let me hold a guitar he was putting the finishing touches on. I strummed it (it was a classical model) and he says, "yea, that's a $10,000 dollar guitar." YIKES! I almost wet my britches. They make really, really, really nice guitars, and put just as much care into the lower priced models (Mine was NOT a $10,000 I assure you!.

The eight month time lag is mainly for steel stringed models, as Rick is primarily the only one who builds those models. If you want a classical model or a jazz fusion model the construction time is quite a bit quicker (about 3-6 months).

Pimentels have been used as award guitars for national playing championships (the fingerpicking one for sure, I'm not sure about the flat picking contest) and have received rave reviews from all who play them. In a recent Acoustic Guitar magazine I noticed that a Brazilian virtuoso by the name of Badi Assad lists a Pimentel Grand Concert model as one of the guitars she plays.

There are actually two sons who perform, the above mentioned Hector and the youngest, Gustavo. Gustavo also teaches at the family business. And, SRS, there has been some difficulty in the family. Hector was seriously injured last year, but has recovered and is performing again.

I could go on (probably have gone on too long anyway), but if anyone wants any more info you can PM me. I really love these guitars!

Freightdawg

Subject: RE: Pimentel Guitars...any opinions?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Jan 06 - 04:53 PM

Pimentel and Sons Guitars (I don't see Hector listed or linked to from this site, but we met through a mutual friend who introduced him as one of the sons. Perhaps a black sheep?)

Subject: RE: Pimentel Guitars...any opinions?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Jan 06 - 04:42 PM

Yes--they're lovely, and highly regarded in New Mexico, where they are made. I've heard one of the sons (Hector) perform on one, and it was marvelous. I bought a CD and it is one of my favorites.

Hector Pimentel.

Subject: Pimentel Guitars...any opinions?
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 10 Jan 06 - 03:49 PM

I have been in the market for a new six string, and have been looking at guitars in the 1000-1200 dollar range. I have played lots of mass produced instruments, and had narrowed the decision down to the Taylor 410 or Martin D-16. I was in New Mexico last week and happened to drive by a custom guitar maker called Pimentel and Sons in Albuquerque. I toured the shop, met the family, and got to play one of their guitars. I was impressed by the sound and appearance of the instrument, as well as the friendliness and helpfulness of the Pimentel folks. BUT, these guitars start at $1800, and it takes 8 months to have one made!
Is anyone familiar with Pimentel guitars? Does anyone own one?