I initially intended to buy a 3F, but A. it was out of stock + I didn't want to wait, and B. The 3F cost ~$140 to ship, the 4F ~$100 to ship. And so, given the lower shipment price & the relatively small marginal difference in the cost between 3F and 4F... I bought the 4F. And, even though it's basically the same materials as the 3F, except the more ornate aspects (gold plated nuts, beautiful red stain) ... I really like that I am playing a piece of art. I am very happy with the guitar-- it sounds fantastic. It looks fantastic. The gig bag is comfortable and good quality.
Now-- here's my favorite part: This truly feels like a handmade guitar (Which it is). Why do I say that? Because in my 4F, as wood does, the ebony has some subtle light colored inclusions-- including one circular one the 7th fret! Perfect! I feel like the luthiers at Alhambra intentionally cut the ebony fretboard such that they set the inclusion into the 7th fret, to help the guitarist. And so, I feel like I got a really good deal and I am grateful to Thomann for sending me my particular 4F, I feel like they selected a really good one and I lucked out when they sent it to me.
It's beautiful, the 7th fret has a nice circular inclusion (color "imperfection" in the wood-- where, on the dark black ebony, there are some subtle streaks and wood veins which are of lighter color-- a black-tan color-- including the imperfection, which may be a small knot in the wood), and most importantly-- it sounds phenomenal. I've been picking up "Tamacun" by Rodrigo y Gabriela. This guitar's percussive drum sounds great & loud, it feels great in the hands-- light, sturdy, yet loud. And when I play certain little harmonies I can hear the different resonances build up and shift around, and pour out of the guitar like an invisible fairy strumming a magical background violin.
