Short Scale models?

Garth Moore

Hi all,

I'm getting back into Gypsy Jazz again, but really need a short scale model (I just played a bass guitar for two hours the other day and my shoulder is killing me!). I know the Gitane D-500 has a shorter scale, which is great because I like playing rhythm more anyway with the occasional fingerpicking. But the Gitanes don't sound crisp enough. Are their other shorter scale models worth investigating?

Thanks.

Stringswinger

Years ago, I owned a Dunn Stardust which is a short scale 14 fret oval hole.

It was as crisp sounding as any long scale guitar that I have ever played. It did have a very square, classical type neck with a wide nut.

Dunn guitars will cost a lot more than a Gitane, but are way better...

I also owned a Dupont MC-50 which was a short scale 12 fret guitar. Crisp tone and as good a Gypsy guitar as it gets. I only sold that because I prefer a 14 fret guitar.

The Dupont will also set you back a bit more than the Gitane though. ;-)

MichaelHorowitz

Your best bet for a short scale guitar (other than the Transitional Model Selmer that @stuart mentioned ) would be this wonderful Dupont:

http://www.djangobooks.com/Item/dupont-md50-short-scale

This is not a typical model so you don't see them very often. Maurice did a great job of preserving a lot of the power and punch of the longer scale guitars in a short scale model.

kimmo

AJL Guitars had a 14 fret short scale oval hole model in Samois this year, similar to the transitional model that Django played in the J'attendrai film clip. Specs and pics on AJL website:
http://ajl-guitars.com/ajlguitars/index.php?id=135#.VcrRxPlgiPA

Here's a picture of Yourgui Loeffler playing the guitar at the AJL booth:

Jazzaferri

I love my DuPont short scale maple D Hole.

Scoredog

I have a vintage Cuesnon short scale....really great vintage instrument, since it was built over 50 yrs ago you could go the vintage route too.

jonpowl

@Scoredog Were you playing the Cuesnon at Djangofest Mill Valley? If so, it sounded quite nice and looked great.

Scoredog

Yes Jon, I was going to bring a Holo D (loud guitar) but it had issues at the time (since fixed) so I grabbed the Cuesnon....thanks!

bohemewarbler

AJL guitars also makes a short scale 12-fret to the body D-hole. And here is a video of Kevin Nolan performing on a Leo Eimers 12 fret D-hole.

jonpowl

Oh yeah, great playing, too.

Scoredog

BTW I have been corrected, my short scale model is spelled...Couesnon.