Best Asian Grande Bouche?

andre · May 2013

I have a Gitane D500
I can't issue comparisons, as it's the only Asian one I own. I do have an Ozark - not bad for the money but I think they're discontinued - and I tried an Aria in a shop - wouldn't bother if I were you.

Now what I can tell you about my Gitane is that the action on it is a dream... So much so that I have had offers for it from several acoustic (but not manouche - or even jazz) players.
It sounds pretty good to me too. Now obviously it doesn't sound like a European high end model... you wouldn't expect it to. The tone is less complex... more shrill...
BUT...
It is loud... The intonation is nigh-on perfect... For an Asian factory instrument, it's got it's own Mojo...
As you can tell, I like my Gitane... Even thinking of going for the nylon string model!

Edit;Just watched the clip - Stochelo is mainly playing a 'petite bouche'.

Final thought... I doubt if the guitar Django used on the first Hot Club recordings was a very high end guitar... How much difference can you hear when listening to his later recordings? Be honest!...

jlander9 · May 2013

Altamira M10...hands down. affordable, feels and sounds great. I've had mine for a year with no regrets. Took it to my local guitar shop. The owner sells John Jorgenson's model's they are nice but the action and "bark" on my M10 wins hands down . The shop owner asked where i got my Altamira and now wants to try and get them in stock. Check out the specks here on DjangoBooks. It may take a little while to get it shipped since it's imported from china but at least you can be assured its worth the wait. here is little history on themhttp://www.altamiraguitar.com/Workshop.html#top >>>>

MichaelHorowitz · May 2013

jlander9 wrote:

It may take a little while to get it shipped since it's imported from china but at least you can be assured its worth the wait. here is little history on themhttp://www.altamiraguitar.com/Workshop.html#top >>>>

No need to wait, I have all their models right here and ready to go:

http://shoppingcart.djangobooks.com/Category/Altamira

jlander9 · May 2013

RIght on Michael! That's great! Just to let you know I love this guitar.LOVE IT. :P

In that case Djangoisgod, i would jump on it! If you can spend a bit more, i would look at the M30. It's sweet lookin' >>>as always let me know what you end up getting.