Holo, Mazaud, Park, Dupont, etc. best of today?

gambit · June 2020

Greets,

Wondering who you lot cite as being the best working luthiers today? Of course I'm referring specifically to those offering a Maccaferri, Favino, etc. style guitar as typically used in gypsy jazz over the years.

Looking to get my first such guitar, and wondering what the best options are.

Thus far, I am very intrigued by the work of Bob Holo, Alain Mazaud (not a fan of the aged hardware), Shelley Park, Dupont, etc. Even Beardsell does an interesting take on the style- bit more abstract. Who else should I be looking at, and have any of you had experience with these builders? Would mostly like to know how Holo compares to Mazaud and Dupont.

Super!

Passacaglia · June 2020

I'm going to have to throw in my lot for Rodrigo Shopis. I'm no one to rely on, but I treasured it and am bummed I sold it. Many here can and perhaps will attest to his work - Ted Gottsegen, Klaatu here, Ben, for a couple high level players.

I have this picture up in my bathroom, though, and it's been there for years. This, plus what I've heard from players who own or have played on them, makes the Mazaud very tempting. Yes, his marketing killed it with me with this poster.

Lango-Django · June 2020

Holos, nw and used, come up for sale at this site a few times a year, and youve gotta get out the old charge card pretty damn quick...

From where i’m sitting Holo would be my top choice....but it’s like, which is better: red wine or white wine?

JSanta · June 2020

I think you have to add Gaffiero to that list as well. I would also humbly add Craig Bumgarner to the list of really great GJ builders.

We are certainly fortunate to have so many great builders available to us today.

h24015 · June 2020

I will add Jean Barault. There are so many factors that make this decision specific to the player. The instant I played my Selmer copy, it just felt like the perfect guitar for me.

KlausUS · June 2020

There are many other great luthier with high quality products. Just a matter of taste

Different Brands are discussed in those videos:

https://youtu.be/VU3joLInop4

https://youtu.be/gzBpIEb8FYo

I love my Dupont but would be happy with a different brand as well.

@h24015: I never saw a Barault live, but the sound is really amazing, you can hear it , even when played on YouTube. I heard they have a fat neck and a very thin top and are played only with 10´s - is that true ?

MichaelHorowitz · June 2020

I heard they have a fat neck and a very thin top and are played only with 10´s - is that true ?

Jean’s guitars are very traditional, and most find them to be the closest in sound and feel to the pre-war Selmers like Django’s 503. The necks are fairly traditional, with more depth and a flat back. His guitars can be setup with 10s or 11s.

https://youtu.be/VU3joLInop4

https://youtu.be/gzBpIEb8FYo

Curious videos, they don’t actually mention any of the most coveted and respected makers: Dupont, Barault, Hahl, Holo, Favino, etc.