Entry level GJ guitar? Newbie Q.

kevorkazito

I was just wondering if there is such a thing as an entry level GJ guitar.

The ones that I can find seem to carry some hefty price tags.

As a beginner I'm not ready to spend big $$, yet I would like to have a guitar that will embody the spirit of the GJ tone and style.

Currently, I am using a Joe Pass Emperor II.

Also, could I just put GJ strings on my acoustic guitar and get the proper vibe and timbre?

hanear21

There's a lot of talk about the Cigano GJ-10 guitar being an excellent value for the price. You can get it from this website for $330. Do a forum search for that and you'll find a lot of information about them.

Here's one positive review: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=6764&p=35102&hilit=Cigano#p35102

It seems like they are great as long as you have a little work done on them, which you can do right when you order from this website

kevorkazito

I read that post right after I placed my query.

What kind of work does it need? Like new tuning pegs?

hanear21

I don't know exactly everything that is done but I think the major work includes leveling the frets and replacing the bridge since they often ship with really high/low actions and have some buzzing problems, this would cost between $100 - 200.

That said, I've heard people say it was great right out of the box.

klaatu

If you can afford a little more, the Altamira M01 is a great starting guitar, with very authentic sound.

Tele295

Our Cigano GJ-15 was good right out of the box. Just need to replace those lousy stock strings with some Argentines, and get a proper gypsy pick.

kevorkazito wrote:

Currently, I am using a Joe Pass Emperor II.

Also, could I just put GJ strings on my acoustic guitar and get the proper vibe and timbre?

No - it's more than just the strings. The whole instrument behaves differently than American guitars. As Django himself once said about American guitars "Don't talk to me about their pots!"

Passacaglia

Tele295 wrote:

No - it's more than just the strings. The whole instrument behaves differently than American guitars. As Django himself once said about American guitars "Don't talk to me about their pots!"

Wow, too funny....timing! Been re-reading Michael Dregni's book (Gypsy Jazz: In Search of Django Reinhardt and the Soul of Gypsy Swing), and literally just closed the chapter on "Les Guitares à Moustaches...." no kidding, about 2 minutes ago. From page 119, when Charles Delaunay rejoined Django's Selmer to the Master's hands, in NY:

Django wrote:

"Mon frère, all the Americans will wish they could play on this guitar! At least it's got tone, you can hear the chords like you can on the piano. Don't talk to me anymore about their casseroles - their tinpot guitars."

Vive les Guitares à Moustaches!

kevorkazito

klaatu wrote:

If you can afford a little more, the Altamira M01 is a great starting guitar, with very authentic sound.

That's a nice one. I can afford a bit more... not $7k like my research was leading me too. I'll try to find a demo on youtube of it.

I have had many entry level guitars. I'm definitely a proponent of having a great instrument so I will make a sacrifice to get the best one I can get.

It sure is pretty... I luv the look of it! thanks K!

kevorkazito

hanear21 wrote:

I don't know exactly everything that is done but I think the major work includes leveling the frets and replacing the bridge since they often ship with really high/low actions and have some buzzing problems, this would cost between $100 - 200.

That said, I've heard people say it was great right out of the box.

Good to know, thank you!

kevorkazito

kevorkazito wrote:

No - it's more than just the strings. The whole instrument behaves differently than American guitars. As Django himself once said about American guitars "Don't talk to me about their pots!"

I figured that would be the case. Just hoping (and grasping a bit).

kevorkazito

Passacaglia wrote:

Wow, too funny....timing! Been re-reading Michael Dregni's book (Gypsy Jazz: In Search of Django Reinhardt and the Soul of Gypsy Swing), and literally just closed the chapter on "Les Guitares à Moustaches...." no kidding, about 2 minutes ago. From page 119, when Charles Delaunay rejoined Django's Selmer to the Master's hands, in NY:


Vive les Guitares à Moustaches!

I just ordered that book from Amazon... look forward to reading it.