This 1998 Gitano oval hole by Stefan Hahl represents the ultimate in
contemporary Selmer guitar design. Most builders today obsessively try
to replicate the design and building techniques of "golden era" guitars
like the original Selmers, Busatos, and later Favinos. Hahl has dared
to be different by using the Selmer design, which he has studied
extensively, as a starting point for something new and unique. His
guitars characteristically combine the complexity, warmth, and
listenability of archtops and flatops with the punch and clarity of
Selmers. The real genius of his work is that he has succeeded in making
a contemporary, sophisticated sounding Gypsy guitar without loosing the
essence of the Selmer sound. Others have tried to make such a guitar,
but the end result is that warmth and complexity are traded for clarity
and punch, which results in a very muted and dull sounding guitar. Not
so with Hahl. His guitars produce notes with a rounded, satisfying tone
but are still springy enough to shoot out of the instrument in volume
challenged situations.
Hahl's work has been well received by the very finest Gypsy guitarists
today. Most notably, by Bireli Lagrene who owns three Hahl guitars and
has used them on most of his recent recordings. check out: Move,
Just
the Way You Are, To
Bi or Not to Bi, and Live
in Paris.
Gypsy legends Dorado Schmitt and Hono Winterstein also play Hahl
guitars.
This fine example of Hahl's work was restored by Hahl himself. Two small cracks were repaired (one under the moustache piece and one close to the tailpiece.) The top was also refinished and the hardware was upgraded. Although this is the entry level Gitano model, it does have the three piece neck and fancy finish that you normally see on the Gitano De Luxe model. The standard Gitano retails for $6500, the De Luxe Gitano for $8500. Priced at only $4500, there's no doubt this guitar is a fantastic deal!
This is the CASH price...add 3% if you'd like to pay with a credit card. 4% for International orders.
Brand | Hahl |
Year | 1998 |
Model Number | Gitano |
Serial Number | None |
Sound Hole | Oval |
Fret Neck | 14 Fret |
Condition | Excellent |
Size | 15 7/8" |
Scale Length | 670mm |
Nut Width | 1 3/4" |
Top | Spruce |
Back and Sides | Indian Rosewood |
Neck | Mahogany with Walnut Spline |
Fingerboard | Ebony |
Binding | Ebony |
Finish | Nitrocellulose |
Tailpiece | DR Gold |
Tuners | Schaller three on a plate (Gold) |
Action | 3mm |
Strings | John Pearse 2810 LM |
Case | DATT Hardshell |
Pickup(s) | None |
Truss Rod | Yes |
Weight | 4.3 lbs |