|
|
|
|
GUITARS
|
|
|
|
Gypsy Jazz
Jazz Archtop
Flamenco
Acoustic
Vintage & Used
MANDOLINS
SPECIALS
CASES
STRINGS
PICKS
|
|
|
|
gypsyjazzguitars.com
10091 Unitia Road
Friendsville, TN 37737
866 884 6546 toll free
mail@gypsyjazzguitars.com
Tues. - Fri.
10 - 5:30 eastern time
Our FAQ includes buying
information, history,
maintenance, setup, and
links
|
| |
More Information About Gitane Guitars
Gitane guitars do an excellent job of copying original
Maccaferri/Selmer design features. The outline, dimensions,
slotted headstock, and moustache bridge all spring from this
design. Even the three ply back and sides duplicate the
originals. The solid top on the upper level Gitane guitars is just a
bit arched by gluing to radiused braces, prestressing it and giving
that nice pop when a pick crosses the string. Another approach
to getting a nice punch is to carve an arch in the top, a much
more expensive proposition that gives a different tone.
The original Maccaferri design was more inspired by the classical
guitar, with a wider neck and 12 frets to the body. The D-500 with
the large hole copies this model well. The later Selmer guitars
used the longer and narrower neck found on the oval hole
models. An interesting mix introduced by Gitane is the D hole
body with the long neck, the DG-320.
Gitane doesn’t have the original style resonator inside the body.
But they do have adjustable truss rods, a feature sadly lacking in
the originals, which only had non-adjustable neck reinforcement.
Something that may trip up US players is the French style
placement of dots at the 5th, 7th, 10th (French style) 12th and
15th frets.
A really nice feature is the stamped brass Selmer style tailpiece,
which will accept either ball or loop end strings. This is really
handy.
The Waverly-style open tuners are pretty good. Sometimes they
need adjustment, and a little lubrication goes a long way.
The guitars all sound very good, even without considering the
price. And the Gitane certainly provides the proper dry sound
when set up with good Gypsy strings. Bronze strings are too
harsh. The guitars come with Gitane strings from Saga, but do
very well with other brands such as Argentines (e.g., 0.010"
-0.046" silver plated copper), Guadalope Manouche Tone,
Pearse Nuages, and the like. Light strings are generally in order,
with a high action. With the right strings and action height, the
bottom end is quite full with a great punch, the mid ranges are
clear, and treble emphatic, but not harsh.
Some interesting reviews:
Gitaar Plus (Holland) - Jan Akkerman Reviews the DG-300
"Modele Jorgenson" - Oct. 2005
Guitar Player Magazine - Art Thompson Reviews The Gitane DG-
300 "Modele Jorgenson" - Aug. 2005
Akustik Gitarre (Germany) - Selmer-Style Jazz Guitar - DG-255 -
May/June 2005
Vintage Guitar Magazine - One Loud Blonde! A Review of the
Gitane DG-250M - April 2005
And be sure to check out these guitars on harmony central
|
|
Visit our other sites:
Gianna Violins
Violins, fiddles, fine bows
and a wide range of
accessories
mandovoodoo.com
Advanced acoustic
enhancement for
mandolins, violins, and
guitars
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
gypsyjazzguitars.comtm is a division of Gianna Violins,
Friendsville, Tennessee, a family business. Entire contents
copyright Stephen K. Perry 2006 et seq. unless otherwise noted.
By viewing you agree to all elements listed under ordering and
site use.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
