2013 ALD La Brune

A superior Gypsy guitar built by Gerald Alonso and Fabian Le Dosseur in Rouen, France. ALD guitars are all the rage in Europe now, and are currently endorsed by Angelo Debarre. The distinct and beautiful tone of ALD guitars can be heard on Debarre's recent recordings such as Gipsy Unity, Live in Paris, and Trio Tout A Cordes.

ALD's have a unique and easily distinguishable tonal palette that is open, complex, and bold. This instrument is well suited to the needs of the contemporary Gypsy jazz guitarist as it has a well balanced frequency response, plentiful volume, and a modern neck profile. The precision fretwork and neck geometry allow for an easy-playing low action setup that is critical for today's highly technical style of playing. The workmanship is phenomenal, with every little detail done to perfection, making this instrument a treat both for the eye and the ear.

The Brune model is ALD's flagship Selmer copy. It features standard Selmer body proportions with deluxe wood choices: cedar top, maple neck, and stunning Macassar ebony back and sides. The beauty of this instrument is accentuated by the ebony headstock veneer which appears on both the front and back of the headstock, a unique and attractive feature! Additionally, the guitar is outfitted with Schaller Classic Deluxe tuners and a lacquered interior.

Cedar is known to provide new guitars with the character and maturity of old seasoned instruments. This is certainly the case with this exceptional guitar. The shimmery high end this instrument produces is rarely found in guitars built after the 1960s. Most newer guitars would sound somewhat muted and dull by comparison. Additionally, the active high end makes the guitar sound very big and open, as there is a lot of sonic activity from the very highest limit of human hearing all the way down to the bass register. When you play chords on this guitar they sound like huge five octave piano voicings....that's the magic of cedar at work!

I'm also very fond of the mids in this guitar. They really growl with character and attitude.

If you're looking for a guitar that has a unique, highly identifiable voice then this instrument should suite you nicely.

This is the CASH price...add 3% (4% for International orders) if you'd like to pay with a credit card.