The next step guitar - opinions solicited

Shawn

Jkaz...

I don't know if it would interest you or exactly what you're looking for, but I've just invested in a new Gallato. I've ordered the Black Modele Noire, and can't wait to get it. Luckily for me I got it for $1500 as the guy I have sending it to me purchased it awhile back when the exchange rates were down. The same model now is $1800. I wanted a black Oval Hole guitar with Maple back and sides/Walnut neck, and this was exactly what I was looking for. If your looking for something else there are 3 models to choose from in the RS 1939 model range, and all with varying prices.

I really like what I've heard from them, and I think Gallato gets a bad rap sometimes because he has ONE model made in Asia. The others are made in France/Spain (Toulouse and Montelbone? if I'm correct). The guy I have sending me the guitar visits Serge's shop every year and spends the spring/summer in France, and has assured me that the RS 1939 guitars are strictly built in the France/Spain area.

Anyhow, just my 2 cents since it would be in your price range. I can't wait to get the Gallato...I'm literally foaming at the mouth waiting for it to arrive.

Shawn

Jim Kaznosky

I'd love to be able to go to DIJ. It just doesn't work for me and my budget this year. It would be the perfect opportunity to try some guitars out, but I can't swing it. Next year, if we don't go to Paris...

Re:The Gallato...it's on my list. I'm beginning to think that unless I can find one (or any) for a song, for the kind of money these go for, I should really try before I buy.

Shawn

jkaz wrote:

Re:The Gallato...it's on my list. I'm beginning to think that unless I can find one (or any) for a song, for the kind of money these go for, I should really try before I buy.

I definitely understand...as it's hard to get a good feeling about a guitar without playing it first. I've always been pretty fortunate to get great playing guitars online, but I've heard some horror stories as well. Unfortunately, I don't have the time to travel to France to check out all these great guitars so I just go with what feels right after doing an appropriate amount of research to find out how it's built, where it's built, and how it might sound.

Jim Kaznosky

Shawn wrote:

jkaz wrote:

Re:The Gallato...it's on my list. I'm beginning to think that unless I can find one (or any) for a song, for the kind of money these go for, I should really try before I buy.

I definitely understand...as it's hard to get a good feeling about a guitar without playing it first. I've always been pretty fortunate to get great playing guitars online, but I've heard some horror stories as well. Unfortunately, I don't have the time to travel to France to check out all these great guitars so I just go with what feels right after doing an appropriate amount of research to find out how it's built, where it's built, and how it might sound.

Either do I, brother. This is my dilemma. The longer I wait, the less sure I get about what to buy, how to spend, how to go about purchasing. These fall under the category headings of "First World Problems."

asd123321

In view of the deficiences on your Dell Arte, which seem the same as were on my Cigano, you might try enlarging the soundhole which I have described doing in this forum.

klaatu

jkaz wrote:

Problem is that there isn't much to try in NYC, especially in my price range. I contacted Rodrigo Shopis and I'm going to see what develops from there.

Unfortunately, Rodrigo's guitars are well out of the price range that you've set. However, you can't do much better than a Shopis. I've had one for over a year and will be receiving a new one from him soon. The one I have now is my favorite of all the gypsy guitars I've tried, and that includes some of the best.

jkaz wrote:

Uggh. What a slippery slope this is.

Cheer up. It only gets worse!