Comments

• Michael Bauer Chicago, ILProdigy Selmers, Busatos and more…oh my!

  February 2012 edited February 2012 Posts: 1,002

  There are a number of posts on this topic if you search for them, but in a nutshell. A used Gitane or a solid top Cigano would be your best bets in the low range. I have to say the maple Gitanes can be really good. If you can make the price a used Gitane Jorgenson Model DG-300 would be your best bet overall. They are pretty consistently good.

  I've never been a guitar player, but I've played one on stage.
• Jazzaferri Victoria B.C.Moderator Dunn Ultrafox, DuPont MDC20 Gretsch Chet Atkins CG

  February 2012 Posts: 3,707

  +1 on michaels suggestion

  The Magic really starts to happen when you can play it with your eyes closed
• klaatu Nova ScotiaProdigy Rodrigo Shopis D'Artagnan, 1950s Jacques Castelluccia

  February 2012 Posts: 1,665

  Yep, what Michael said. The solid top Cigano os a pretty decent guitar for the price. Stay away from the Aria. Secondhand DG300s would be an excellent option.

  Benny
  
  "It's a great feeling to be dealing with material which is better than yourself, that you know you can never live up to."
  -- Orson Welles
• Passacaglia Madison, WI✭✭✭✭

  February 2012 Posts: 1,471

  I know I lucked out, but +1 on the DG 300 auctions, which can be found. I got mine, shipped, for $500 (as memory serves). The guy had it sitting in his store for a couple years, a store that didn't deal in GJ guitars. With a Dupont bridge and good setup, I'm really pleased with the guitar.

  -Paul
  
  pas encore, j'erre toujours.
• W.B New

  February 2012 Posts: 39

  Thanks for the reply's guys
  
  so got 2 options left then.
  
  1) Buy a new Cigano GJ-10 for € 459,00 (without good setup straight from box)
  2) Buy second hand a Gitane John Jorgenson signature model incl.hard case BIN € 800,00 or best offer.
  
  cant buy the cigano for any cheaper price over here and there are no second hand cigano's over here
  but there are 2 second hand gitane DG-300's for sale
  € 800 each. 1 with hardcase the other without hardcase.
  btw a new dg-300 is €1200 new here.
  
  i will try and bid on these DG300's
  think its the best option for me.
  
  thanks for the help !
• Michael Bauer Chicago, ILProdigy Selmers, Busatos and more…oh my!

  February 2012 Posts: 1,002

  Excellent choice W.B.! Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

  I've never been a guitar player, but I've played one on stage.
• noodlenot ✭✭✭

  February 2012 Posts: 388

  you´ve might already chose another route, but you can get a cigano delivered to europe from Michael cheaper than buying it here.(edit: here in euope:) )
  
  cheers,
  miguel.
• dmin7th ✭✭

  February 2012 Posts: 25

  W.B wrote:

  i will try and bid on these DG300's
  think its the best option for me.

  I think you're right.
  
  I was able to snag a very clean DG300 for $690US a year ago on ebay, and I can't really imagine getting a better gypsy guitar for that price.
• Passacaglia Madison, WI✭✭✭✭

  February 2012 Posts: 1,471

  I'd agree, dmin7th. I was really fortunate to get mine for $500 shipped (e-bay, too), if memory is correct. I know it's not a Dupont, but I do love my guitar, and the people who've played it (Alfonso Ponticelli, my teacher at the time, lots of jam buddies) have been generous in their appraisal of the thing. For the money, my admittedly biased nod would be to the DG-300.

  -Paul
  
  pas encore, j'erre toujours.
• anthon_74 Marin county, CA✭✭✭✭ Alta Mira M 01

  February 2012 Posts: 561

  ABSOLUTELY Get a Cigano GJ 10 OVER a DG 300. I have a DG 300, and my new bandmate just got a cigano GJ10, which sounds AND plays better than the DG 300. It plays better mainly because of the 300's ridiculousness THICK neck. Teh GJ 10 has a nice players neck and It sounds a bit brighter.
  
  If you're considering the DG 300, however, you should ALSO consider the Alta Mira M01. I have one, and it sounds really good for the price.
  
  Cheers !