looking for advice on purchasing a better Maccaferri copy

harrye

Hi all,

I currently play a cheap Aria Maccaferri copy (retails for around $400 australian).
I am looking to purchase a better guitar in roughly 3 months time. I will have a budget of roughly $2000 australian (i can probably scrounge another hundred or two if necessary). I live in Tasmania, Australia, and thus do not have the opportunity to 'try out' a large range of gypsy guitars (I am playing the john jorgenson, and dorado schmitt gitane models next week, though), however, i do know that i prefer the d-hole's over the ovals.

I am looking for advice on what guitar i should purchase, any replies greatly appreciated.

cheers

Harry

pinkgary

Wim's brother has an incredible Australian handmade guitar, all Aussi tone woods, a weird looking beast when you're used to spruce, ebony & rosewood, but absolutely lovely. 'Cos i don't know what it's like there at the moment, but here, anything that can avoid an exchange rate will give you a lot more guitar for you money!!

I can't remember the name of the luthier (only that he lived next door!!). But i'm sure i could find out, if Wim doesn't chime in with an answer first.....

harrye

hey gary,

thanks for the speedy reply, i really appreciate it.

An australian luthiered guitar would be ideal. Was there much difference in tone with the alternate woods?
If you could please find out the name of that luthier that wiould be fantastic, if Wim doesnt see this post.

thanks and all the best for the new year

Harry

Jeff Moore

Could be:

http://www.scottwise.net/index.html

He has the Aussie woods and makes a lot of guitars, but I don't know if he'll do Mac-copy.
I've wanted a Walloo topped guitar just because it'd be different, but I've got stuff I love and will sit tight and practice for now.

frater

I know it's a bit pricey, but did you check this ad?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Levoi-Selmer-Macc ... 2304df0282

Judging from the video, this Levoi sounds like hell!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sc8gS3oZMs

scot

I always heard that Piers Crocker in Sydney makes extraordinary Selmer style guitars. I've never played one but the one on Stephan Lalor's website sounds quite good. He has a very good worldwide reputation so I think one of these might be expensive. Website http://www.sydneyguitarsetups.com/

pinkgary

His name is Roland Stefan, from Wollongong so Wim says. I really liked it. Really rich sounding...

jimi_t

i have two guitars made by roland stefen, a long scale d hole with resonator and an oval hole both are extremely loud and tone rich instruments.
i have played these alongside selmer style guitars in aus and europe and rolands guitars are up there(in my opinion) with some of the best.
check out
http://www.rolandstefenviolinmaker.com/Guitars.html

Jeff Moore

At the risk of stating the obvious, there's the Dell Arte Homage that Charlie Ayers is selling in the classified section of Djangobooks, for something less than $1800. I haven't seen a bad review but lots of very pos about these. After shipping, your still within your budget.

MontereyJacques

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Roland Stefen

Hello there Harry
Did you manage to find a gypsy jazz guitar to your liking? I was just reading one of the posts to your original query and notice that someone had recommended a Favino. I have a couple of Favinos for sale now, having already sold two to a couple of guys in the Oz Manouche crowd in Brisbane. I could give you their email addresses if you are interested.