The next step guitar - opinions solicited

Jim Kaznosky

When I started sitting in with my regular band a year and a half ago, I vowed that I was going to see where it took me. I bought myself a Dell'Arte Pigalle from ebay for a very good price (i know, i know) and fit it with a K&K pickup. I basically had decided that gear purchases would stop and that I would concentrate on learning how to play correctly.

The Dell'Arte is decent but kind of thin sounding and doesn't really project all that well. I'm looking to make the jump to the next level guitar. My price range is sort of limited, but I imagine that I could probably afford $1000 in the next few months if I sell some of my electrics and effects. Grand or petit bouche, it doesn't matter to me. I want a player that will project and that I won't feel cranky about leaving my house to play at a gig or my regular sit.

What are good options at this point? I welcome opinions on guitars that are slightly out of this price range too.

Thanks.

MichaelHorowitz

Hi,

There's really nothing except Sagas in the $1k and below price range. If you can save some more you can get a much, much better guitar. These two are the most popular instruments under $2K:

http://shoppingcart.djangobooks.com/eco ... ges-5.html

http://shoppingcart.djangobooks.com/eco ... 0-d-4.html

the Latcho Drom Manouche is a big upgrade from the Sagas....sounds more "French" with a singing high end and tons of volume. None of the setup, fret, or bridge issues that the Sagas have either.

The Nomade is of course a miracle! A Selmer copy made by the best luthier in France for less than $2K....incredible. Sounds like the high end ones...

'm

klaatu

If you can scrape up the extra cash, it's definitely worth it to go to the next level above the Sagas. I've heard one Saga Jorgenson model that sounded quite nice, but that was after a good bit of tweaking.

crookedpinky

Gte yourself a Harmworth and Willis oval hole. They are fabulous guitars for the money, good tone, great projection and really nice to play.

I know what you mean about the Pigalle sound, very thin and weak. The H&W by contrast is meaty and growly and barks when you hit it.

I suppose the thing which will take it to your price limit is the exchange rate, freight and import tax.

You can find them here
http://www.harmsworthandwillis.co.uk/xh ... lhole.html

Alan

Michael Bauer

In your price range, there aren't alot of options other than Gitanes, but if you can save up a bit longer, you should be able to have more choices.

I got to play a Dupont Nomade oval hole last night and was most impressed. It played like a dream, sounded pretty much as good as an average set-neck Dupont, and was plenty loud. The neck is a little thinner than I would like (I like my necks fat and my women skinny...), but not as skinny as, say, a Gitane DG-255. I had a Selmer with me, so I wasn't comparing the Nomade to an entry level guitar. A new one is close to double you budget, but would be worth it. If you can find a used one for under $1,500, grab it and ask questions later. I was skeptical of the bolt-on neck, but it sounded great for less than half the price of a MD-50. I am skeptical no more.

The only luthier built guitar in that range is a Patenotte. I have played a few, and the only one I would really recommend is the 260. Mine is really good. I bought it because it just ate up two 80's Favinos head-to-head. It was louder and sounded better...more vintage in tone. I have played another one that had good tone, but which wasn't overly loud. The necks are a bit narrower than standard, but a deep d-shape. Don't believe what you've heard from some that Patenotte necks are too fat. They have about the same circumference as most necks, just a boxier shape.

The third guitar I would recommend, if you can find one, would be one of the early "Moreno" models from Manouche guitars. I have owned three, and tonally they are a big step up from Gitanes. They have a weird orange finish, but don't be put off. Later Manouches are not as good, but those early ones are really something for the money. I have a friend who just sold a great Busato, and he told me that the Manouche d-hole that he bought from me is actually louder than the Busato. That's saying something! Those early Manouches sell from $1,000 to $1,400 and would do nicely until you could afford a quality luthier-built guitar.

The Dupont would be a really good all-rounder, the Patenotte a hand-built guitar with tons of mojo, and the Manouche "Moreno" also a good all-rounder at a budget price. I haven't played one of the Latcho Droms that Michael sells, but he has told me several times that they are really good for the money, so consider one of those as well.

My two cents...

Jim Kaznosky

Keep on adding your two cents. If I get enough cents saved up, I'll eventually have a hand crafted guitar.

Thanks!

HotTinRoof

There is a new model from Claude Patenotte available at gypsyguitars - 14 Fret D Hole OHSC $1600.00
http://www.gypsyguitars.com/makers.php?id=10&status_id=

A handful of Claude Patenotte models here. To my untrained eye there are quite a few nice prices - Netherland location tho.
http://www.palmguitars.nl/page.php?cat_id=16

Seems like Europe has better prices for hand built guitars, no?

sfishman59

Michael Bauer wrote:

The third guitar I would recommend, if you can find one, would be one of the early "Moreno" models from Manouche guitars. I have owned three, and tonally they are a big step up from Gitanes. They have a weird orange finish, but don't be put off. Later Manouches are not as good, but those early ones are really something for the money. I have a friend who just sold a great Busato, and he told me that the Manouche d-hole that he bought from me is actually louder than the Busato. That's saying something! Those early Manouches sell from $1,000 to $1,400 and would do nicely until you could afford a quality luthier-built guitar.

I've seen Stephane Wrembel gig a bunch with a Manouche guitar (the orange finish) in Brooklyn and I agree that they are one of the best guitars ive seen for the price. Wouldn't be a bad move in that price range.

Sam

Michael Bauer

I played the one at gypsyguitars.com. It's okay, but the Modele 260 Jacques had was much, much better...which was why I bought it.

Europe has better prices for hand built guitars, because most of them are made there, and those prices don't include transatlantic shipping and insurance. By the time Michael or Jacques get a guitar, they've had to pay those things...hence the higher prices.

gitpicker

In my opinion, if you're already playing a DA Pigalle, a Gitane will not be that much of an upgrade, let's be honest about that. Ok a Jorgenson model is better than the Pigalle but it's not a significant jump. If you're going to get another guitar, make it worth it.

I agree with Michael about the Latch Droms. I have one here and it sounds great, very punchy and loud, tight dry bass and not nearly as wet as Gitanes, and the real high end notes (such as first and second strings above 12th fret) are very fat, loud and strong! No weak notes that crap out on you. Overall very balanced. For comparison's sake, the neck is a little smaller than a Gitane Jorgenson model. It's like a smaller, modern D shaped profile and it's very comfortable.

I've had lots of Gitanes so I can say these things on honest comparison. I have had Duponts, still have a Favino, AJL, etc. The Latch Drom holds it's own extremely well next to guitars costing twice as much or more. I think if you're not going to invest a few grand in a high end European, these are absolutely one of the best choices out there.

Stringswinger

At DFNW last year, I stopped by Michael's booth and played some new Duponts. The Nomade was crazy good for the price. If money was an object and I needed a great Gypsy guitar...that would be my direction.