which one PARIS SWING GG42 or GITANE DG-350 Jan Akkerman?

MichaelHorowitz

tonflores wrote:

Is there many difference between the Paris Swing and the M30D, for example? Does the M30D need also a deep set up (including changing the bridge and the fret level adjust, like Michael suggest in the previous post) or it’s possible to buy it without set up (and then to save 200$...).

All the same setup issues exist with the Altamiras so having all those things done will help as well. Although, the Altamira is such a loud and powerful guitar, people seem to care less about the setup details so you can more easily get away with ignoring the bridge and setup options.

Of course I see the best way to avoid feedback and noise is a pickup. In fact, at the beginning I was comparing the Schattens and the K&K Pure Mcaferri (because they are the ones that Djangobooks install).

generally your best bet for a piezo pickup is the bigtone. The Shcatten and the K&K are top mounted which makes them inexpensive, but they suffer from feedback and tonal problems as the sensors are too far away from the bridge.

The K&K seems to be good, but I think it’s a great difference between the price of the pickup (75$) and the price at djangobooks for the K&K installed (280$!!).

The K&K is quite difficult to install so the tech requires additional time to do it.

By the other hand AmmonB, you recommend me the Krivo, which also seems to be great. Why you finally decided for a magnetic pickup instead to a Piezo? I thought with the piezo you achieve a more natural acoustic sound than with the magnetic pickup.

The magnetic pickups are the most practical for general use. They are the most feedback resistant and always have a warm, full tone. They don't sound acoustic, but as we have discussed in the past, that doesn't really matter much for noisy bar gigs.

So by your experience if I’m going to play rhythmic guitar, I’m not going to have feedback/noise problems? And If I play solos I’m going to have for sure these problems, or I only going to have problems if I want to play very loud?

Players with a very strong right hand attack (like Jon in the previous post: he plays loud, I've heard him!) have more luck with lavalier mics as they don't need to turn them up as much. Players with a more subtle approach often have feedback issues.

Thanks,

'm

tonflores

Hi guys!

Thanks again for all your comments.

Now I've decided to take a mic (Audio Technica Pro 70/AT 813b) to amplify my future gyspsy guitar.

Now I have to decide between:
The Paris swing GG42 with a good setup, so I will spend 829 $.
The Altamira M30D wothout setup, for that I will need 1199$.

Should I spend 350$ more and pass up the setup, or should I choose the Paris Swing with a good setup instead, saving also 350 $ ?? :roll:

I know this is a difficult decision to take even having the opportunity to prove the guitars, but is more difficult without having the oportunity indeed.

Could you help me to take the decission with some comments?

Thanks again!
Cheers,
Tony.

MichaelHorowitz

tonflores wrote:

Now I have to decide between:
The Paris swing GG42 with a good setup, so I will spend 829 $.
The Altamira M30D wothout setup, for that I will need 1199$.

Should I spend 350$ more and pass up the setup, or should I choose the Paris Swing with a good setup instead, saving also 350 $ ?? :roll:

I would recommend getting the Altamira as it's overall a much better guitar. It's nice to have the setup work done but you can do it later if need be. This way you're getting a better guitar which will serve you better over the long run.

'm

tonflores

Thanks Michael for your reply and your opinion!

I was almost decided for the Altamira, but your opinion definitely helps me to take the decision.

I’m going to buy it through gypsyguitar.de, they are selling the M30D including case for 800€, free shipping. As I’m not going to order set up right now it’s much more interesting for me this option, sorry!!

Anyway I need they reply my e-mail with the confirmation of the order, because now the Altamiras are no available till spring as it is indicated in his web and also in your site.

I’m counting the days to have my first gypsy in my hands…

Cheers,
Tony

mike340

I have a very nice DG310 but I can't comment on the Gitane DG-350 but I bought a Paris Swing GG=42 that had a problem.
The neck was tilted up a bit so they put the bridge @ 1/4" off center to compensate. So when you eyeballed the strings from the tailpiece, they didn't fan out evenly. The best set up in the world can't fix that. Luckily I dealt with an honest vendor that took it back, so my advice is to deal with a reputable dealer that will stand behind the stuff he sells. I can't say that it was a big deal regarding the sound and playability but I didn't want to take on another starter guitar.
The Paris Swing had a fairly hefty D shaped neck while my Gitane 310 is like an electric guitar neck. Don't forget to consider the neck profile. Many of the Gitanes vary quite a bit.

Hope this helps
apologies for any redundancy in this post

Mike