Manouche Guitar: Aria, Gallato or Richwood?

FerCa

Hi, I recently started to learn to play Gypsy Jazz style, now I'm looking for a entry level guitar. I'm lefthanded by the way. I searched a lot and I found this three models of manouche guitar for left handed:

- Aria MM-20.
- Gallato Django.
- Richwood RM-70.

I need some help: Which one you think its a better option? Anyone know of another left-handed guitar at this level?

Thanks a lot!

klaatu

I'm pretty sure Altamira offers a left-handed model, which I would pick over all the ones you mention in that price range.

FerCa

@klatu Thanks for your answer! I know about the Altamira, the problem is that the Altamira M01 Lefty is priced at 1000€ while the models I mention are priced about 300 - 400€. Also, I'm from Barcelona and I could not find any dealer near (And by near I mean me for about 600 km radius...).

crookedpinky

Hi there, my advice would be to stay away from the Richwood they are bad gypsy guitars, the Aria's are better but not as good as the Gallato. The Alatamiras are very good but can be expensive here in the UK. Altamiras are from £700 - £1000 but here on this German site they cost much less - 600 euros.
http://www.gypsyguitar.de/index.php?opt ... =4&lang=en

I would also recommend Saga Cigano guitars they can be found for about 400/500 euros.

I also own two guitars from Harmsworth and Willis and would recommend them - their website shows that do left handed versions as well but you'd need to speak to them about availability.

http://www.harmsworthandwillis.co.uk/xh ... lhole.html

Good luck

MichaelHorowitz

I have a lefty Altamira coming in next month:

http://shoppingcart.djangobooks.com/gui ... lefty.html

it's pretty tough to beat the Altamiras in the sub $2000 price range. Best Asian made guitars I've seen.

This one was ordered with a more modern C shape neck so it should be easier to play than their other models which have the larger U shape neck.

Shipping to Spain is no problem.

Thanks,

Michael

FerCa

@crookedpinky Thanks for all your advice! I searched in the german website you mention but have not found any guitar for lefthanded.

@michael Thanks, I saw the Altamira, but 1000 € is more than I can afford right now.

crookedpinky

It's worth asking Norman Ort at Gypsy Guitars in Germany if he can get a left handed Altamira.

I would just say again that the Harmsowrth and Willis guitars are very, very good.

klaatu

1000 € seems high for an Altamira M01, even with VAT added in. Michael sells them for US$875, the lefty for US$999.

In the price range you mention, I would second the suggestion for the Saga Cigano GJ-10 or GJ-15 (the other two Cigano models have laminated tops). Definitely the best you will find in that price range. Stay away from Aria. I have no direct knowledge of the others.

frater

I'd pick the Aria, after all it doesn't sound that bad in the right hands :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyq0oMZskn8

klaatu

frater wrote:

I'd pick the Aria, after all it doesn't sound that bad in the right hands :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyq0oMZskn8

Oh, I can make it sound way worse that that!

FerCa

Ok, I just send a message to Gypsygitar.de and to Harmsowrth and Willis. Thanks for all your advice!