Hardcore Gitane Mods

django'spooltalent

Hi everyone,

I was wondering what are some of the major mods people have done to their gitane. I've made a new bridge for my gitane, and it does sound better, but the tailpiece and tuners are fine so I've kept them. I've read some posts about taking off the poly finish and some others have lacquered the inside or shaved the braces.

How does the gitane sound after shaving the braces or lacquering the inside, is it worth the trouble?

-Thanks, Daniel

Josh Hegg

This is my most resent DG-300 mod.

Supper fun to play and it sounds great thru my Schertler and Fender!

Cheers,
Josh

kidtulsa

Hey Josh,

Wanted to contact you offline about BigTone installation -- could you drop me an email? <!-- e --><a href="mailto:kidtulsa@gmail.com">kidtulsa@gmail.com</a><!-- e -->
thanks,
Pete Krebs

badjazz

yikes, I don't know how I feel about drilling holes all over the guitar and attaching a pickup to the top, and a humbucking pickup, at that. I guess I'm not into mods in most cases, but I guess if it works for you...
An the other hand, stripping off factory poly finishes and having it done properly seems like it might be a good idea, but why not just buy a nicer guitar with the better finish in the first place instead of spending a bunch of money on mods to a guitar that is probably cheaper to begin with. It makes me think of the beat down '89 toyota corrolla with the $2000 stereo system in my neighborhood.

Josh Hegg

Well I figure if Romane has Dupont do it I might as well try with a DG-300. Plus is sounds and plays great and I can use any amp I want. I have been thinking about this mod for a long time and it turned out better then I thought it would. The acoustic tone of the guitar still sounds great and the amplified options are amazing now.

Cheers,
Josh

MichaelHorowitz

Wow...nifty guitar Josh! I might have to have you build me one of these. Would you have any problems drilling a few holes in a Favino?? 8)


This sort of set up is gaining popularity. Besides Romane, Neil Andersson has used a Shelley Park with a humbucker for years. Robin Nolan used this guitar at his recent Jazz Alley gigs here in Seattle and really loved it. I think he's getting one for himself.

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Josh Hegg

Ya just send your Favino Parcel Post on down to Tacoma and I'll hook right up!

pmh425

Here's a Dell'Arte Swing 42 with an added pickup.

http://www.elderly.com/vintage/items/40U-3958.htm

Bob Holo

Drilling holes in a Jacques Favino? You can get 10-years-to-life for a crime like that !!

Nice mod, Josh - it looks great!

django'spooltalent

Looks great Josh, if you ever get a chance, could you post some recordings of it.

So far it looks like josh has the illest gitane so far in the category of hardcore gitane mods.


-Daniel

Josh Hegg

Daniel,
If you mean "illest" in the Beastie Boys sense then thanks! I'll try and get a recording up. I know the last gig I used it on there was a recording but I'm not sure how well it came out. I'll track it down and see if there is anything worth posting.

Cheers,
Josh