Maurice Dupont has long been known as the premier maker of Gypsy jazz guitars in France. However, his talents by no means end there, as he also produces a line of archtops which rival some of the best makers of jazz guitars. This ATTM 17 features an X braced spruce top, gorgeous flamed maple back and sides, flamed maple neck, ebony headstock veneer, bridge, and heel cap, and maple binding. Hardware includes Schaller tuners, an ebony cello style tailpiece, and a mounted humbucker. Aesthetically this instrument is inspired by the modern, clean look that Jimmy D'Aquisto made famous in the 1980s (i.e. stylized f hole and pickguard shapes, cello style tailpiece, dotless fingerboard, etc.)

Built of entirely solid woods, this 17" instrument produces a rich tone that translates beautifully through the humbucking pickup. Warm, woody, and clear, the natural acoustic resonance of this guitar blends seamlessly with the power and sustain of it's amplified sound. It's a very versatile guitar that would work well for anything from swing, bebop, and even electric Gypsy jazz.

This instrument is in excellent condition with just a few small dings on the body and some mild fretwear. At some point it had a floating pickup so there are some screw holes still visible in the side of the fingerboard.

Finely crafted archtops like this one routinely sell at prices approaching that of a new automobile! If this instrument bore the name of one of the better known American makers, it could easily be 10 times the price. Here's a great opportunity to get a world class archtop at a price that seems too good to be true! 

For more info or to buy see: https://www.djangobooks.com/Item/2005-dupont-attm-17-custom

2005 Dupont ATTM 17 Custom

This beautiful guitar was built by the renowned French luthier Jean Barault. Biréli Lagrène, Tchavolo Schmitt, Dorado Schmitt, Angelo Debarre, and Stochelo Rosenberg currently play and endorse Barault guitars. With an All-Star list of endorsements, there's no doubt Barault is building the sort ofhttps://soundcloud.com/upload guitar that meets the criteria of the world's most discerning players.

This guitar includes:

    Mahogany back and sides
    A real pliage (the top is heat bent just like the older Selmers!)
    European spruce top
    670mm scale
    14 fret neck
    Walnut neck
    Body specs (15 13/16" body, 3 13/16" deep)
    Lacquered interior (just like the vintage Selmers)
    Barault covered replica tuners
    Barault tailpiece

The sound of this instrument is among the best Selmer copies being made today. It's no wonder Biréli and Stochelo chose to endorse Barault guitars as his instruments produce a very traditional Selmer sound but have the playability of an ultra smooth archtop.

Barault's specialty is building instruments which sound very close to the early, pre-war Selmers like Django's Selmer #503. The tops were somewhat flatter on these guitars and the result is a warmer tone with a rich bass and a lush, satisfying midrange. This instrument possess those qualities in abundance, making it the perfect instrument for someone trying to emulate Django's classic tone. Furthermore, it produces this full bodied sound without sacrificing projection, which is so often the tradeoff with lesser guitars.

Barault is one of the very few luthiers today actually making Selmer copies with a real pliage. He uses the method that Selmer did...the top is bent with a hot iron which creates a fold, or "pliage," in the top just under the bridge. 99% of Selmer copies being made today have forced tops which generally don't have the punch, volume, and quick attack that the pliage tops have.

Barault certainly wins the award for weight...this guitar is feather weight at only 3.6 pounds! Hard to find anyone making guitars that lightweight today. The lower weight allows the guitar to resonate freely....no wonder it sounds so good!

This model features Barault's expert antiquing skills, resulting in a relic'd look that made him the go to choice for Django era prop guitars (see: 2017 Selmer Maccaferri Replica.)

As one of the, if not the top luthier in Gypsy jazz, Jean's guitars have usually been priced in the upper range of Gypsy jazz guitars. With these new Studio Models, Jean has made exceptional sound and craftsmanship of his instruments available to students and pros alike!

For more info or to buy see: https://www.djangobooks.com/Item/jean-barault-vintage-relic

2022 Jean Barault Vintage Relic

Shelley Park needs no introduction. Over the past decade she has earned a reputation as one of the top makers of Selmer style guitars. Her guitars are known for their impeccable workmanship, aesthetic beauty, and warm satisfying tone. This guitar is no exception.

The Modèle Montmarte features Favino dimensions: 670mm scale, 16 1/2" lower bout, and a 4" body depth. The top is Sitka spruce and the back and sides are made of solid Indian rosewood. The neck is walnut.

The guitar is outfitted with a set of Schaller Deluxe tuners and a DR tailpiece. Incredibly, this instrument is in mint condition!

Tonally, this instrument replicates much of the magic of the classic Favino guitars. It has a robust bass register which produces big sounding chords and deep bass runs. More importantly, it has that classic Favino "honk" in the upper midrange that is such a key tonal element of legendary Favino players like Matelo Ferret, Han'sche Weiss, early Bireli Lagrene, Tchan Tchou Vidal, etc.

With vintage Favinos becoming more and more collectable, this Park Favino style guitar offers great Favino tone at an affordable price!

For more info or to buy see: https://www.djangobooks.com/Item/2012-shelley-park-montmartre-2

2012 Park Montmartre

This 2002 Gitano de Luxe hole by Stefan Hahl represents the ultimate in contemporary Selmer guitar design. Most builders today obsessively try to replicate the design and building techniques of "golden era" guitars like the original Selmers, Busatos, and later Favinos. Hahl has dared to be different by using the Selmer design, which he has studied extensively, as a starting point for something new and unique. His guitars characteristically combine the complexity, warmth, and listenability of archtops and flatops with the punch and clarity of Selmers. The real genius of his work is that he has succeeded in making a contemporary, sophisticated sounding Gypsy guitar without loosing the essence of the Selmer sound. Others have tried to make such a guitar, but the end result is that warmth and complexity are traded for clarity and punch, which results in a very muted and dull sounding guitar. Not so with Hahl. His guitars produce notes with a rounded, satisfying tone that still retain enough cutting power to be easily heard in even the most challenging acoustic environments.

Hahl's work has been well received by the very finest Gypsy guitarists today. Most notably, by Bireli Lagrene who owns three Hahl guitars and has used them on most of his recent recordings. check out: Move, Just the Way You Are, To Bi or Not to Bi, and Live in Paris.

Gypsy legends Stochelo Rosenberg, Dorado Schmitt and Hono Winterstein also play Hahl guitars.

As with any Hahl, playability is closer to the super smooth feel of an archtop than the more cumbersome action you'd expect from a Selmer style guitar. At only 2.8mm action, this guitar will allow you to play things that can rarely be executed on a Gypsy guitar.

This instrument features some of the very best woods available: stunning flamed maple back and sides, a five piece flamed maple neck with walnut splines, ebony binding, and a 70 year aged spruce top. This guitar has been fitted with a Hahl brass tailpiece and a set of Schaller three on a plate tuners. A Gullansky pickup is wired to the endpin jack.

Few luthiers can build a D hole guitar that achieves the proper balance between treble and bass. So often, D holes are too dark and bass heavy. Hahl is the rare luthier who can build a guitar that has the rich, full sound of the D soundhole while still retaining enough bite for leads. This example is exceptional in it's ability to produce HUGE sounding chords one minute and crisp leads the next. The leads truly sing which makes it so easy when playing in a group setting. Just touch the pick to the string and the notes fly out almost effortlessly.

One aspect I find particularly intriguing about Hahl's guitars is that they have a somewhat "open" tone in that there is a touch of natural reverb to the sound. Many guitars have this, but usually it is too much and creates the overtone ringing and muddiness that is the sign of a poorly made guitar. But when you have just enough it adds a lot of complexity and interest to the tone. Hahl's guitars have this "open" character in just the right amount. If you are turned off by some of the more traditional, "dry" sounding guitars then you'll be pleasantly surprised by this guitar which is definitely something different.

This instrument is in very good condition with just a number of dings and scratches on the body and one area in the pickguard area which has some finish discoloration. The frets were recently dressed so they are free of any ruts or snags.

It's only once in a blue moon I have a Hahl in stock, grab it while it's still here! 

For more info or to buy see: https://www.djangobooks.com/Item/stefan-hahl-de-luxe-2002

2002 Hahl De Luxe Gitano

16" Archtop with Florentine Cutaway and Classic Finish

For us, the Eastman line of archtop guitars represents the very definition of 'best value' for instruments of this type. When one considers how splendidly crafted they are and the high quality of the materials used, then it is easy to appreciate the superior performance characteristics of these instruments. One is tempted to say that they are without peer.

On this guitar the top, back, and sides are crafted from laminated maple. This guitar also features a dual mounted P90 pickups with volume and tone controls, vintage style tuning machines, and a vintage style tailpiece.

This guitar includes a hardshell case.

For more info or to buy see: https://www.djangobooks.com/Item/eastman-ar372ce-p90

Eastman AR372CE-P90 Electric Archtop

Altamira guitars are crafted by a highly skilled team luthiers, led by owner/luthier Hanson Yao who was an apprentice of the famed Rodriguez workshop in Spain. Altamira's Gypsy models are built using old world methods by just two luthiers who have been specially assigned to the task. Altamiras have become some of our best selling instruments over the years, finding their way into the hands of numerous professionals who have found them up to the task of high level performing and recording. The tone and projection of these instruments rivals some of the best handmade instruments, making them a wonderful deal at this price.

This guitar features solid birdseye maple back and sides, spruce top, and a mahogany neck. A set of AG vintage tuners is included. The higher quality materials of this solid wood model produce a richer and drier tone similar to many handmade European guitars. 

For more info or to buy see: https://www.djangobooks.com/Item/altamira-tb

Altamira TB

Dell Arte's Hommage model has long been considered one of the best Favino copies available. Handmade in San Diego by John Kinnard, this model features a European spruce top, a three piece highly flamed maple neck, and an ebony fingerboard. It has been fitted with a set of three on a plate Schaller tuners and a nickel DR tailpiece. A strap button was installed in the heel.

The Hommage model is nearly identical to Dell'Arte's Jimmy Rosenberg model, which Jimmy Rosenberg used on numerous recordings including: Rose Room, Djangos Tiger, and Trio.

The tone is pure Favino! Strong nasal upper mids, deep low end, and loads of BARK! Setup is perfect with action at a very slinky 2.8mm. It is strung with 10 gauge Argentine strings.

The condition is excellent, with just a few dings on the top, some very light pickwear, and a few scratches on the body. The frets have some wear, but still have plenty of life left in them.

This is a rare opportunity to purchase a handmade instrument for less than $4K. The perfect guitar for the serious player on a budget!

For more info or to buy see: https://www.djangobooks.com/Item/2004-dell-arte-hommage-2

2004 Dell’Arte Hommage

The Dell'Arte Hommage has long been one of the best selling Gypsy jazz guitars of all time. Made in San Diego by John Kinnard, this model has proven itself in the hands of so many of the greats including Jimmy Rosenberg, Boulou Ferre, Angelo Debarre, Robin Nolan, etc.

This special one-of-a-kind Homage model features a beautiful pearl inlay and on the rope style rosette,  rope binding, and gold Schaller deluxe tuners. A Carlos pickup is included.
The Hommage is a tribute to the large bodied guitars built by Jacques Favino in the 1960s-70s. The larger body and scale length improves the bass response and volume of the guitar. The tone is fairly open with a warm yet penetrating high end that is conducive to lead playing. It has a springy, fast attack that allows you to play clearly with minimum force. Most importantly, this instrument has the volume and "bark" you'd expect of a classic Favino guitar.

The top is spruce, the back and sides are koa, and the neck is walnut. All of this adds up to a guitar that is both visually and sonically nothing short of spectacular!

This guitar is in very good condition with several dings and scratches on the body, some light fretwear, and some significant pickwear which exposed some of the top wood but was later repaired with additional finish. The setup is particularly noteworthy as it plays very, very easily with super low 2.6mm action.

Dell'Arte stopped producing guitars over a decade ago. Here's a rare chance to get one in great condition!

For more info or to buy see: https://www.djangobooks.com/Item/dell-arte-hommage-special

2010 Dell'Arte Hommage Special

Shelley Park needs no introduction. Over the past two decades she has earned a reputation as one of the top makers of Selmer style guitars. Her guitars are known for their impeccable workmanship, aesthetic beauty, and warm satisfying tone. This guitar is no exception.

The Elan model features a  640mm scale, 15 3/4 " lower bout, and a 4" body depth.  The top is spruce, the back and sides are made of solid Australian blackwood and the binding is walnut. The neck is constructed of walnut. The ebony fingerboard has a modern, sleek look which is free of fingerboard markers, but does have side dots for positioning. Hardware includes a set of Schaller three on a plate tuners and a DR tailpiece.

This instrument is in very good condition. The frets just some very light wear and the body just has a couple of dings on the side near the bass bout. There is a long crack running from the treble side of the soundhole to the rim. It has been repaired and is stable. The action is set low at 3mm which, along with the short scale, make it a breeze to play. Chording requires very little hand strength making it a great choice for those in need of an easy player.

This guitar has a full bodied, balanced tone with much more bass and mids than is typical of a Gypsy guitar. These qualities make it very versatile and generally more modern in sound, allowing to be used in many styles but always has that Gypsy sound when you want it.

This instrument is a nice deal as it would be over $5300 new. Why not give this modern Gypsy masterpiece a whirl? You wont be disappointed!

For more info or to buy see: https://www.djangobooks.com/Item/shelley-park-2004-elan-12-fret-2

2004 Park Elan 12 Fret

This is one of the very rare model #45 Busatos which was the the fancier, more ornate model in Busato's catalog. The rhinestone studded headstock is one-of-a-kind.

A guitar of this stature needs no introduction. Next to Selmers, Busatos are the most sought after guitars by today's top players. So many contemporary Gypsy jazz guitarists play these exquisite guitars:

Romane (he plays a Busato on most of his recordings over the last 5 years)

Stochelo Rosenberg (performs with his Selmer but is an avid collector and player of Busatos)

Yayo and Fanto Reinhardt (Romane's rhythm section get an amazing dry rhythm sound with their Busatos!)

Moreno and of course, Django himself! (see Django's Busato here: Django's Busato).

Django is rumored to have written the ballad Anoumanon his Busato.

So what makes a Busato so great? Generally speaking, it simply out performs other guitars in almost every way. First off, they are positively the loudest guitars ever made! I've compared Busatos to numerous classic Gypsy guitars such as Jacques Favinos and Selmers as well as new guitars by J.P. Favino, Dupont, ALD, and Dell Arte. A good Favino is pretty loud...but the Busato is just a cannon. A vintage Selmer is actually quite timid by comparison. The Busato has three tonal elements which really make it cut in acoustic settings. 1) It is extremely dry. It has little or no natural wetness (reverb.) This makes the guitar much more focused and is therefore much easier to hear in a loud jam setting. 2) The tone is very pure with very simple overtones. The fundamental pitch of single notes are very strong while the overtones are extremely clean and even. Very flute like in character. A Selmer sounds more complex, but is also somewhat "messier" sounding which dampens projection. 3) It responds to the slightest touch. Just barely strike the strings and you get a lightening fast bolt of sound. I really like this because you don't have to play these guitars hard to be loud. Busatos yield an exceedingly wide frequency response. They have a crisp, bright high end which gives your leads some sparkle and adds ambiance and clarity to rhythm work. There's not much mids, except for a slight upper midrange nasalness. But nothing like a Favino in that regard. Like a Favino, there is far more low end than a Selmer, and it's an incredibly tight, clear low end. Not mushy or ill defined in anyway. The tight low end of a Busato mixed with it's dry character really make it excel for rhythm playing. It's just so clear. The high end cracks like a whip and the bass notes are like a kick in the gut. The dimensions of this Busato is smaller than usual, close to that of a Selmer: Body is 15 3/4" across the lower bout and the scale length is 670mm. Busatos are also the curviest Gypsy guitars out there. The bombé (top arch) is the most pronounced I've ever seen on a Selmer type guitar. It's like a huge bubble under the bridge. The back is also beautifully arched.

This guitar has Brazilian rosewood back and sides, a spruce top, and mahogany neck. This guitar has the original clover tuners and tailpiece. The hardware is in excellent condition. The tuners are perfectly functional and turn very smoothly. There are at least 5 top cracks, all of which have been professionally cleated and are stable. the fingerboard looks to have been replaced (although the fingerboard dots look original?) and a truss rod was installed. The frets are new.

This guitar is currently strung with Argentine 10s and is incredibly easy to play. It plays like butter with no buzzes or other sonic problems. Action is very low at 2.8mm.

This instrument just has the sort of wear you'd expect of an instrument of this age (i.e. small scratches, dings, pickwear, etc.) It's extremely rare to find a Busato that is so well preserved, and even rarer to find the elusive Modele #45 in such good condition!

For more info or to buy see: https://www.djangobooks.com/Item/busato-grand-modele-deluxe-4

1940s Busato Modele #45

DjangoBooks.com

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