Some of you may already know that Mr Looney is a classical guitarist. He passed grade 8 in his teens. Following a 15-20 year hiatus, he's finally started playing regularly again (I like to think that I had a hand in this with my own musical madness ).

For his 40th, which is this coming Sunday, I'd like to get him a new guitar - his old trusty is a good quality student model that has been patched several times (which I will inherit - I dabble with chords! ). I dragged him into town yesterday to try some out, and he's really taken by a Flamenco guitar - Alhambra 7F to be precise.

Not knowing the difference between the two types of guitar, does it matter if I get him a Flamenco rather than a Classical guitar? At the end of the day presumably it's what 'feels' right underhand that matters. Or should I carry on hunting? Mr Looney, true to form, isn't too bothered and says I should get 'whatever' . For the sort of money I will be spending I'd obviously like to get it right!

Advice gratefully received!

I don't know what the difference between the two types of guitar is, but my mum has a flamenco guitar and it sounds really nice.

I was really struck by the sound of the Flamenco yesterday as well - clear crisp notes, resonant - and according to Mr Looney effortless under hand as well.

I think I've had my one and only shot at getting him to a guitar shop and I've less than a week to get a guitar.....

just a thought: couldn't it be a not-suprise birthday present. Then he can choose what he wants. Good luck anyway:)

He already knows he's getting a guitar. As I forgot his 30th birthday , I thought it might be a good idea to have a present ready to give him for his 40th.......I suppose I could always get something else at worst and get the guitar later - for his 50th maybe?!