2015 Rino Van Hooijdonk

It's rare that a skilled luthier is also an accomplished player, but Rino Van Hooijdonk is just that: a veteran of the Dutch Gypsy Jazz scene who cut his teeth playing with some of the top Gypsy players who also has taken an interest in the art of lutherie.

This is Rino's take on the traditional Selmer design, with many of the features you'd expect from a fairly strict interpretation including a spruce top, an ebony fingerboard, a walnut neck with a grafted headstock, and even a Selmer logo! Rino used some highly figured satinwood for the back and sides and fitted a set of Schaller Deluxe tuners with ebony buttons. His own RVH tailpiece is also included.

Rino did a great job of capturing the unique midrange quality that you hear in the best vintage Selmers. The tone is somewhat dark, with lots of lowmid thickness and a prominent bass that isn't muddy or overly diffuse. If you're chasing that prewar Django tone, this instrument will get you awfully close. It's also quite dry, without any annoying overtone ringing or wetness.

A very traditional Selmer look and sound is rarely found in the sub $5K price range. This attractively priced instrument has lots to offer at a very affordable price!