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"What’s best" is always a personal decision, but if I had to describe it ... I’d say that the best flamenco guitar, whether it’s a traditional "blanca" or a modern "negra", would need to possess a sound that’s clearly evocative of Southern Spain. It would also need to be finely handcrafted from master-grade woods and perfectly set-up for the demanding techniques of the flamenco guitarist.
As a guitarmaker who is dedicated to the design and construction of custom-made "concert-quality" flamenco guitars, I create a limited number of instruments each year and the photographs in this online collection represent some of what I consider to be my "best flamenco guitars".
If you are interested in having a special guitar custom-made to suit your requirements, I'm always pleased to discuss your preferences and make recommendations that will result in the creation of an instrument of the highest quality ... that is uniquely yours.
Saludos!
Daniel Turner
Flamenco Guitarmaker
www.flamencoguitarmaker.com
A limited-edition pair of concert-quality flamenco guitars has been designed by guitarmaker, Daniel Turner, to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the birth of flamenco.
Each pair includes an acoustically powerful "negra" guitar (Super Negra) built with exotic Macassar ebony and a Port Orford cedar soundboard, and a beautiful "blanca" guitar constructed with premium Spanish cypress and a master-grade European spruce soundboard. Both guitars have custom-made Alessi tuning machines, guitar-matched cejillas (capos), and hand-inlaid purflings that compliment the luthier's signature rosette.
As with all of the guitarmaker's instruments, these guitars are "made-to-order", which ensures that the scale length, neck width, depth, and shape are built to suit the requirements of the player.
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Listen while you browse ... Flamenco Guitar Radio features some of today's best flamenco guitar players, including Paco de Lucia, Vicente Amigo, Gerardo Núñez, Pepe Habichuela, Tomatito, and Paco Peña.
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Click on the animated icon to view a short presentation of four special custom-made flamenco guitars. |
Daniel Turner
The Guitarmaker's Workshop,
212 - 909 Pembroke Street,
Victoria, BC, Canada.
V8T 4Z5
Tel. : +1 (250) 382 - 3681
info@flamencoguitarmaker.com
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Sixteen photographs from the gallery of images (above) have been combined into a Screensaver that can be installed on any computer running Windows XP or Vista. The process of downloading and installing a screensaver is relatively quick and easy,
but if you are not familiar with it, you may find the "Download and Installation Guide" helpful.
[ See Screensaver ][ Start Download ][ Read Download and Installation Guide ]
A cellular telephone ring tone, created especially for flamenco guitar enthusiasts, can be downloaded from this website. The ring tone, which will work on any mobile telephone that supports MP3 sound files (most new ones do), can also be sent directly to your mobile phone (or to your computer) by e-Mail. If you would prefer to receive the ring tone by e-Mail, you can request it by using the e-Mail form above.
[ Listen to Ringtone ] [ Start Download ]
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Have you ever thought of having a very unique flamenco guitar made to your own specifications ? Click here to start designing your own "best flamenco guitar". Once you have defined your requirements you will be able to view the exact price of the instrument and, if you wish, request further details about having it custom-made for you by a world-class luthier.
Interested in the exotic woods that are used by the guitarmaker to create his custom-made flamenco guitars ? Click here to see images of some of the back and side woods he currently has in his workshop, including Hawaiian koa, ziricote, Mexican cocobolo, Brazilian rosewood, Monterey cypress, quilted maple, bubinga, and Tasmanian tigerwood.
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As a luthier, Daniel Turner is known internationally for his custom-designed and exquisitely handmade flamenco guitars. The instruments he creates are frequently constructed from beautiful exotic woods, which he also utilizes to make handcrafted capos (cejillas). Each capo is "custom-made" and is based on a traditional Spanish design that has its origins in the 1700’s.
The “tightening peg” and the center part of each capo (capodastro) are shaped from Madagascar ebony and the sides, depending on the requirements of the “guitarrista”, can be made from a wide selection of exotic woods, including :
 Macassar Ebony
Siam Rosewood
Quilted Sepele
Ziricote
Black Acacia
Asian Ebony
African Paduak
Tasmanian Tigerwood
Snakewood
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Lignum Vitae
Ancient Kauri
Brazilian Rosewood
Zebrawood
African Blackwood
Quilted Bubinga
Cocobolo Rosewood
Hawaiian Koa
Wild Olive
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Bloodwood
African Ebony
Madagascar Rosewood
Mexican Mango
Bastogne Walnut
Bocote
Tanzanian Wenge
East Indian Rosewood
Mun Ebony
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For more information, visit : www.spanishguitarcapos.com or www.cejillas.es |
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 1 The golden sides of the Oro model, made from high-flaming Hawaiian koa, are combined with a bear-clawed sitka spruce soundboard trimmed with Brazilian rosewood bindings.
 2 The Oro model and the Ébano model both have tap-plates that are an integral part of a flamenco guitar and protect the soundboard during the tapping technique called "golpe".
 3 A hand-sculptured Brazilian rosewood bridge, with a unique black horn-white bone saddle, sits atop a "master-grade" French polished sitka spruce soundboard.
 4 The luthier's "signature" Spanish bull horn-style head design is highlighted with a Brazilian rosewood veneer and a set of gold-plated Fustero tuning machines.
 5 The beautifully marbled Macassar ebony sides of the Ébano model are matched with a Port Orford cedar soundboard and trimmed with African ebony bindings.
 6 An image of the guitarmaker's "signature" rosette, which is constructed from small strips of colored veneer and inlayed by hand, in this case, into a Port Orford cedar soundboard.
 7 Three exotic side woods that each have unique acoustic characteristics; a marbled ebony from Papua New Guinea, a flaming koa from Hawaii, and a rosewood from Madagascar.
 8 A Brazilian rosewood bridge upon a sitka spruce soundboard. The "bear-claw", that looks somewhat like scratches on the surface of the soundboard, is caused by runout in the grain.
 9 The back and sides of this Cacao model are made from a rare set of Madagascar rosewood that supports a soundboard built of "master-grade" Western red cedar.
 10 The Oro model featuring flaming Hawaiian koa sides and back, which are French polished with a special shellac that helps produce the instrument's golden hue.
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 11 A close-up and unique image of high-tension clear nylon and wound silver strings over the guitarmaker's "signature" hand-made rosette.
 12 A rare ebony from South East Asia gives this "negra" guitar a stunning appearance. The Macassar ebony is matched with a Port Orford cedar top and trimmed with African ebony bindings.
 13 The traditional Spanish-style Fustero tuning machines with "faux" ivory knobs are gold-plated. The neck and head are carved from the best Spanish cedar.
 14 A guitar made with vintage black Brazilian rosewood (in the foreground), together with a "super negra" Ébano between twin-guitars created from flaming Hawaiian koa.
 15 A bear-clawed sitka spruce soundboard with the luthier's "signature" hand-inlayed rosette adjoining a premium-grade African ebony fingerboard.
 16 Rare and highly-figured Madagascar and Cocobolo rosewoods were used in the construction of the back and sides on these beautiful "Cacao" guitars.
 17 A traditional "blanca" guitar made from premium Spanish cypress combined with a European spruce top protected by upper and lower tap-plates above a Brazilian rosewood bridge.
 18 French-polished Macassar ebony sides, with African ebony bindings, support a "master-grade" Port Orford cedar soundboard.
 19 The Oro model featuring sides and back made from high-flaming Hawaiian koa, a Spanish cedar neck, a bear-clawed sitka spruce soundboard, and Brazilian rosewood trim.
 20 A premium-grade Madagascar ebony fingerboard that has been constructed with ebony bindings along its edges. The instrument's sides are made from the best Hawaiian koa.
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 This is the luthier’s personal "concert-quality" version of a traditional "blanca" Flamenco guitar. The back and sides of this model are constructed with Spanish cypress, curly maple, or quilted maple (as shown here), and the soundboard is made from master-grade European or Engelmann spruce.
Although it has the visual stylings of a traditional "blanca", this guitar includes all the luthier’s structural innovations that are an important and universal part of these fine instruments, including a unique method of lining, doming, and bracing the soundboard. After each "Blanca" is constructed, the complete guitar is French polished to maximize its acoustic qualities and preserve its long-term value.
more information & images
 The flaming Hawaiian koa that is used to build this guitar gives the instrument a stunning appearance and a acoustic profile that lies between that of a "blanca" and a "negra" flamenco guitar. By modifying the set-up and strings, this instrument can be used to project a clean, well-sustained, balanced tone that works well when playing a classical repertoire ... or it can be easily re-configured for a "Southern Spanish" sound and feel for the "traditional" flamenco guitarist.
To complement the Hawaiian koa ... Brazilian, Madagascar, or Cocobolo rosewood is used for the bindings along the edges of the guitar. The soundboard is usually made from bear-clawed Sitka or creamy-white alpine spruce. The Oro is a versatile instrument that works equally well in an acoustic setting or when amplified with its optional internal wireless pickup system.
more information & images
 The seductive acoustical characteristics of this instrument can be attributed primarily to its beautiful rosewood back and sides. The Cacao model is constructed with Brazilian, Siam, Cocobolo (as shown here), East Indian, or Madagascar rosewood ... usually matched with a "master-grade" European or Engelmann spruce soundboard. As an alternative, the top can be made with a "chocolate" cedar for a more mellow, lyrical, percussive sound.
The bridge, bindings, and head veneer often match the rosewood of the back and sides. As with all of the luthier's models, the Cacao is finished completely by a traditional technique called "French polishing" ... and in the case of this particular model, the finishing is often done with a dark shellac to bring out the contrast in the naturally attractive grain of the rosewood.
more information & images
 The Ébano model (a "super negra") was designed for maximum acoustic projection with a dynamic tonal range that allows the instrument to be used in a broad spectrum of musical styles ... from Flamenco and Jazz, to Classical and Latin. Its acoustic strength comes, in part, from the use of the finest Port Orford cedar on the soundboard and a selection of dense woods for the back and sides.
Although the Ébano’s back and sides are most frequently constructed with Macassar ebony, this model is also available with back and sides of African blackwood, ziricote (as shown here), snakewood, or Asian ebony. As an alternative to the Port Orford cedar top, the soundboard can be made from European spruce, which gives the instrument a slightly more sophisticated (although less bright) sound that may be an attractive option if it is to be used primarily for recording.
more information & images
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The Spanish Guitar Seminar in Córdoba, Spain is held once every two years and is hosted by guitarmaker, Daniel Turner. It is a very unique and informative two-day program for flamenco, Latin jazz, and classical guitarists, aficionados, and collectors. The seminar focuses primarily on the acoustic and physical evaluation and appraisal of fine Spanish guitars. It also covers the challenges and rewards of ordering a custom-made guitar, as well as the various options available for modifying or restoring a "collectable" instrument.
The next seminar begins July 2nd, 2010, just prior to the Festival de la Guitarra de Córdoba (an international gathering of flamenco, classical, and jazz guitarists with performances by some of the world's great "guitarristas"). All Seminar activities are held at the Maciá Alfaros, an elegant and charming hotel and conference center in the heart of Córdoba that offers a relaxing environment with all the amenities necessary for the Seminar. For more information or to pre-register, visit the seminar's official Web site at : www.spanishguitarseminar.com |
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| www.flamencoguitarmaker.com |
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Throughout the "flamencoguitarmaker" website you will find detailed information about the individually handcrafted guitars Daniel Turner builds for players, fine instrument collectors, and flamenco aficionados around the world. If you are interested in having a very unique flamenco guitar made to your own specifications, the "Custom" page will help you evaluate all the available options.
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www.guitarrero.es |
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... in Spanish
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www.guitareflamenco.fr |
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... in French
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www.chitarraflamenco.it |
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... in Italian
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www.flamencogitarrenbauer.de |
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... in German
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www.guitarmaker.jp |
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... in Japanese
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www.guitarmaker.cn |
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... in Chinese
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| www.d-t.mobi |
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Cellular version of the "flamencoguitarmaker" website for mobile telephones.
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| www.guitarrero.mobi |
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... in Spanish
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| www.guitares.mobi |
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... in French
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| www.guitarmaker.mobi |
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... in Japanese
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www.supernegra.com |
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The Super Negra is a “next generation” flamenco guitar born with power, brilliance, clarity, and an exceptional dynamic range.
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www.guitarranegra.es |
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... in Spanish
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www.guitareflamenca.fr |
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... in French
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www.flamencoguitarist.net |
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The "Guitarras Flamencas" Screensaver
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www.spanishguitarseminar.com |
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The Spanish Guitar Seminar, which is held in Cordoba, Spain once every two years, is a very unique and informative two-day program for Flamenco and Classical guitar enthusiasts and collectors. The next Seminar begins July 2nd, 2010, just prior to the Festival de la Guitarra de Cordoba (an international gathering of classical, flamenco, and jazz guitar enthusiasts and performers).
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www.finespanishguitars.com |
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Online Photographic Gallery featuring high-quality prints of some of the best Spanish-style guitars created by luthier, Daniel Turner.
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www.guitarcalendar.net |
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The Spanish Guitar Calendar based on a photographic collection of finely custom-made Spanish-style guitars that were individually created by the luthier, including versions of his "Oro", "Ébano", "Cacao", "Rojo", and "Blanco" models.
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www.fineflamencoguitars.com |
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For Sale : Handcrafted flamenco guitars. Although most of the instruments that the guitarmaker creates are custom-made based on individual orders, he does build a few special flamenco guitars every year that are available for sale through this website.
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www.guitarrasflamencas.es |
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... in Spanish
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www.guitaresflamencas.com |
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... in French
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www.fineguitars.mobi |
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... for mobile/cellular telephones
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www.spanishguitarcapos.com |
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Handcrafted custom-made Spanish guitar capos (cejillas) by guitarmaker, Daniel Turner. These unique capos are based on a design that dates from the 18th century and can be made from any one of 27 different exotic woods.
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www.cejillas.es |
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... in Spanish
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www.bestflamencoguitar.com |
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What's the Best Flamenco Guitar ?
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www.mejorguitarra.es |
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... in Spanish
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www.meilleureguitare.com |
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... in French
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www.bestegitarre.de |
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... in German
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www.migliorechitarra.com |
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... in Italian
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www.flamencogitarr.se |
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... in Swedish
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www.bestegitaar.nl |
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... in Dutch
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www.violaoflamenco.com |
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... in Brazilian Portuguese
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www.kitharaflamenca.gr |
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... in Greek
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www.customflamencoguitars.com |
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... in Russian
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www.bestflamencoguitars.com |
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... in Japanese
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www.bestspanishguitar.com |
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What's the best Spanish guitar? The best Spanish guitar, whether it is used to create Classical, Flamenco, Jazz, Latin, Pop, or any other form of music, would need to possess a refined sound that is clearly evocative of Southern Spain.
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www.bestclassicalguitar.com |
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What's the best classical guitar? This site features an online collection of photographs of Spanish-style guitars created by international-known guitarmaker, Daniel Turner. Although he specializes in designing and constructing instruments primarily for flamenco guitarists, aficionados, and fine instrument collectors, he often customizes the design and acoustic characteristics of his unique guitars to enhance their suitability for guitarists who play classical music.
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www.bestjazzguitar.com |
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What's the best Latin jazz guitar? Take the percussive nature, dynamic range and power of a fine ‘Super Negra’ flamenco guitar,
add an advanced on-board amplification system, premium nylon strings, a cutaway that extends its playability, and a custom-designed set-up that maximizes its acoustic range ... and you may arguably have one of the best six-stringed instruments for creating, improvising, and interpreting Latin jazz.
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www.daniel-turner.com |
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Gallery of Custom-made Spanish Guitars (with soundtrack)
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www.guitarrasexoticas.com |
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... in Spanish
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This unique high-quality publication, created especially for the guitar aficionado, features a collection of exotic custom-made instruments handcrafted by guitarmaker, Daniel Turner. Click here to see how it looks on your wall. The Spanish Guitar Calendar is 8½ inches X 11 inches (21.5 cm X 28 cm) and all pages are printed on heavy 80-lb. stock and bound with a black wire coil.
To order your copy, or to send the calendar as a gift, visit : www.guitarcalendar.net |
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