Look at getting an Altamira now and I'm just wondering if in the last 5 years there have been any changes to production or design? Whether I should get new or used?
I have an Altamira M01F and I love it. It is a couple of years old and loud "like a cannon". I bought it used at a very reasonable price, in great condition. I've owned Gitane, Paris Swing and a Cigano and the Altamira is a much better guitar than the others. Remember that Gypsy Jazz players practice a lot and things get worn on their guitars, like frets, tuners, etc. I wouldn't buy a used GJ guitar unless I had a look at it in advance, and was sure I could return it.
@tnhughes Yes, Altamira has continued to improve there Gypsy models over the last ten years, with a number of big improvements over the last few years. The coolest thing they've done is upgrade the tuners on the solid wood models from three on a plate to these really nice Selmer replica style closed tuners. I don't have any photos up yet but will soon. The finish work is better than ever and the frets are close to perfect which wasn't the case years back.
WillieHamburgNewOld french mystery, Altamira M01 f
edited March 2022Posts: 634
@vanmalmsteen I have only poor personal experience with selmer-style guitars. I played two no names (so-so), an Aria MM-20 (good playability, nice sound, 250 € used, sold it for the same price), a Dupont (don't know the model, would have preferred the Aria even if the Dupont would have been cheaper), and stumbled over my old french piece of wood which I immediately loved.
My approach to musical instruments in general and guitars in particular is more emotional than based on specifications, brands, questions of building techniques and such. But I am fascinated by the amount of knowledge and deep interest here in the forum, and from time to time I can't resist commenting even though I'm sure that I'm not the brightest candle on the candlestick.
Comments
Everywhere I look new ones are kind of slim pickings
used, can be an real bang for your buck . My cheapest Altamira is phenomenal
I have an Altamira M01F and I love it. It is a couple of years old and loud "like a cannon". I bought it used at a very reasonable price, in great condition. I've owned Gitane, Paris Swing and a Cigano and the Altamira is a much better guitar than the others. Remember that Gypsy Jazz players practice a lot and things get worn on their guitars, like frets, tuners, etc. I wouldn't buy a used GJ guitar unless I had a look at it in advance, and was sure I could return it.
@tnhughes Yes, Altamira has continued to improve there Gypsy models over the last ten years, with a number of big improvements over the last few years. The coolest thing they've done is upgrade the tuners on the solid wood models from three on a plate to these really nice Selmer replica style closed tuners. I don't have any photos up yet but will soon. The finish work is better than ever and the frets are close to perfect which wasn't the case years back.
AltamiraT — Birdseye
I would love to hear your opinion on that particular Birdseye model. The specs are intriguing
@vanmalmsteen I have only poor personal experience with selmer-style guitars. I played two no names (so-so), an Aria MM-20 (good playability, nice sound, 250 € used, sold it for the same price), a Dupont (don't know the model, would have preferred the Aria even if the Dupont would have been cheaper), and stumbled over my old french piece of wood which I immediately loved.
My approach to musical instruments in general and guitars in particular is more emotional than based on specifications, brands, questions of building techniques and such. But I am fascinated by the amount of knowledge and deep interest here in the forum, and from time to time I can't resist commenting even though I'm sure that I'm not the brightest candle on the candlestick.
Michaels's post aroused my curiosity, so I opened several websites starting here https://www.altamiraguitars.com/us-shop/p/t-birdseye and finally found pictures of the tuners here https://www.hansmusic.com.au/Altamira-Gypsy-Jazz-****-Birdseye-Maple. Or, as my wife might say with that certain smile on her face: "Wanted to play the fast and smart guy again?" 😉