Luthier in Northampton MA - Don Waite - anyone ever played one

constantine

Ran across one of these online, looks spectacular, hand ,made and nice build (though that may mean little). Just wondering if anyone has ever played one of these "Don Waite" gypsy guitars? Thanks - Dean

AndrewUlle

Is that the Gadjo Modele Francais your talking about?

https://reverb.com/item/6393981-gadjo-modele-francais

The sound hole looks to be a little too far north - almost an inch. He also makes a Gypsy look-alike flattop using the same pattern.

https://reverb.com/item/6610298-gadjo-handmade-guitars-modele-americain-grande-bouche-gypsy-jazz-guitar-110-w-guardian-hard-case

They are tempting... but never heard of him and can't find any references to him on the web a.n.y.w.h.e.r.e.

alton

I live near Northampton and have played two models at Birdhouse Music. The Americain didn't really do much for me - sounded and played like a flat top. The Francais was much better. More suited for GJ. It has a cool mojo to it. It has way more of an authentic gypsy jazz tone and vibe than my Gitane does, at a price that is not too far off.

To be honest, his workmanship is a bit rough - the guitar played fine but I found the finishing touches to be a little rough around the edges. The frets were a tad rough and I bet that if you poked around inside that you could find more imperfections. But for the price, why not? I was thinking about treating myself after the holidays and maybe buying the Francais. The rough frets? No prob, I got a guy for that.

I have also looked around for any sign of him on the ol' interwebs and I can't find anything.

constantine

Thanks