1971 Jacques Favino 14 Fret Oval Hole Guitar #187 (Enrico Macias Modele - Maple Back and Sides) with
This is it! The highly coveted and nearly impossible to find Enrico
Macias model Favino!! Serial #187, built in 1971 (Jacques Favino's
"Golden Period.") I've been looking for a Macias model for years, they
rarely come up for sale, and if they do they are never anywhere near
the extra fine condition of this example.
The Enrico Macias model was named for the famous Algerian/French singer
who gained stardom via a unique style that mixes Algerian al Andalous,
Flamenco, and 70's era pop.
This model features maple back and sides, super cool block MOP
fingerboard inlays, a slimmer 3 1/2" body depth (most Favinos have a 4"
deep body), and shorter 670mm Selmer scale length (most Favinos have a
675mm scale). It also has a very comfortable modern neck. The result is
a much more playable version of the famous Favino Grand Modele which is
known for it's sound but is often harder to play because of its larger
proportions. The Macias has all the projection and tone you'd expect of
a Favino with all the comfort of a smaller guitar.
A number of famous Gypsy guitarists have played maple Favinos over the
years. Bireli Largene played one in his teens and used it recently on
the CD
It's
Alright with Me . Sounds amazing! Moreno and Mondine Garcia have
also used maple bodied Macias style Favinos throughout their careers.
The tone on this guitar is just fabulous...it has a full, rounded high
end. A dark, but warm sound with lots of volume. A very rich and
satisfying tone but not wimpy at all. It's hard to find guitars that
are loud and still warm....usually the loud ones are pretty harsh. One
of the outstanding features of this guitar is the deep low end. It has
really full bass notes but they aren't too muddy or diffuse. The lower
strings have a precise definition to them that makes chordal playing a
joy!
As mentioned earlier, the playability on this guitar is about as good
as it gets. Not only is it easier to play then nearly ever other
Favino, it's even easier to play then new Duponts, Hahls, etc which are
shipped with ultra fine tuned modern setups. The action on this guitar
is currently set at 2.6mm! And it sounds great...can be played rather
hard with little or no buzz. I'm really astounded by this as old
guitars, especially Favinos, usually require much higher setups. This
one is definitely a player...
The hardware is all original by Salvatore Bilardi. This guitar has the
extra special SB tuners with steel tuning buttons...much cooler the
then standard MOT ones found on most SBs.
As mentioned earlier, the Macias features maple back and sides. The
guitar has a three piece maple neck and snazzy ivoroid binding.
The only modifications to the guitar are a strap pin in the heel and a
piezo transducer mounted under the top (wired to an end pin jack).
The condition is very good. It's in the best condition I've ever seen
for a Favino. Most Favinos were owned by Gypsies and subsequently
suffered the proverbial "Gypsy life." This one looks like it was played
very little. The finish has some checking and there is some pick wear
on the top. There are no cracks...really a miracle it's survived this
long such good shape!
The guitar comes with a custom Cedar Creek Alligator skin case made
specifically for this guitar! These cases cost over 0....
This is the CASH price...add 3% if you'd like to pay with a credit
card. Add 4% for international credit card orders.