How many GJ guitar players in the US?

EmmettRay

In North/South America and Canada I'd say there are between 500-600 actual players of this style, based on Craig's definition, give or take 50. Basically anyone that takes it serious enough to be able to sit in on a jam and knows the basic Django tunes. I base this on FB friends lists and traveling/jamming across the country. (I think Denis and I have about 500 mutual friends on FB) We are a very small community and because of this we are almost all aware of each other. There is probably twice that number of non serious gypsy guitarists/fans here in the US.

It really surprises me how small this club is, when you think of all the guitarists out there! At NAMM each year I'm surrounded by mostly rock/metal/blues shredders and it kills me to be only one of a handful of guys that play gypsy style. I think there is huge potential for growth, I see more people getting into it every year. I'm trying my best to spread it to more players here in the Pacific!

Scoredog

If the number is only 500 it surprises me how accomplished the percentage of fine players in this genre are compared to other genres.

Jazzaferri

My SWAG is in the US there are about 5,000 who own a GJ guitar and play it once a week in something approximating this style.

EmmettRay

5K gypsy guitar players in the US? There aren't even that many worldwide. I think Michael would have the best guess out of any of us...

dennis

There s a search function on the backend of my websitr. The only problem is my site isnt hundred percent gj though it s a significant percentage.. Once i have access to a computer next week i can look into things. Having free products on the site can help gauge the number of players interested in the style... Like i said 11000 unique accounts on the site from over 60 countries.

Jazzaferri

Well, either Dennis has better market penetration than Microsoft or there's way more than some people seem to think. I know of 11 people in our small town personally and I don't get out much and certainly don't go to jams any more. There are 4 GJ bands Brishen, Cold Cut Combo Red Hot Swing Set and the one I am in Swingsation. This in out of way Victoria BC.

roch@rochlockyer.com

I want to chime in here...I think those who travel nationally and internationally and do "get out" are going to have a pretty good idea of active participants...of course those most active on forums probably number in the millions and will have a much different perspective
See you tomorrow Emmett...Looking forward to landing in some sunshine.

Stringswinger

My guess is that there are 10,000 players in the US who either own a Gypsy guitar or can play in the style to some degree. I would also posit that about 1000 of these players play this music to some extent in public. IMO, half of those should probably stay home, but in this age of non discerning venue owners and players who play in public for no pay, this music will be heard, played by less than capable players. Hopefully the music will survive....

nomadgtr

Colorado seems to have a decent GJ following with pockets in Boulder, Denver and Colorado Springs. I'm relatively new to the genre but I've already met several players from all of these locations and attend a weekly jam in the Springs. I would hesitate to put numbers around it though and some of these players aren't pure GJ but a mix of that and other styles. Makes for interesting and diverse jamming sessions though. Big fun.

anthon_74

It's growing by the minute ! When I first learned about Manouche, there was about 3 Gypsy Jazz bands in the bay area - Hot club SF, Gaucho gypsy, and Avatar ensemble. By my last count, there is upwards of 10 plus now. If you count all the newbies, I think there are well over 10,000 gypsy Jazzers.
Good player ? obviously not as many, but outside of rock and roll, what style can boast massive quantities of good players ?