Looking for information / reviews on the Altamira T-D Ziricote model

Julian1964

Hi everyone

I am considering expanding my Gypsy Jazz guitar collection (I currently own an Altamira M01 Grande Bouche and an M30 Petite Bouche). I am highly interested in the Altamira T-D Ziricote model, but I haven't been able to find many detailed reviews or direct user experiences regarding this specific model online. Since I am planning to use it for both rhythm ("la pompe") and soloing, I would love to hear from anyone who has played or owned one: * How does the tone of the laminated Ziricote back and sides compare to the standard laminated Rosewood models (like the M01) or the all-solid models (like the M30)? * How does the French polish (shellac) top affect its overall volume, projection, and dynamic response in a jam situation? * For those who play solos on it, does it retain enough warmth and note separation, or does it lean too much towards a percussive, dry sound? Any insights, pros/cons, or setup advice on the Altamira T-D Ziricote series would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much in advance!

voutoreenie

No experience with this model in particular but if you already love Altamira guitars, it's hard to see why you'd regret purchasing one. I personally feel like French polish makes any GJ guitar sound a bit more "open" compared to the polyurethane on inexpensive models but I have no proof of that other than personal vibes; that said, I really like the way French polish feels in comparison to a thick poly finish. Personally, I do think Altamira does a decent job with their standard finish not being too heavy, which is a great quality to find in any factory guitar imo (I have a M10 that's nowhere near my best guitar but is really fun to play, great neck).

Only other factor worth considering is once you're around $2,000+ for a GJ guitar, you're getting into luthier guitar territory and for me personally, I'd wait for something in the $2,500-$3,500 range because you can find some really nice deals on high quality instruments if you have enough patience to wait for one to appear, especially on Reverb or even on here - Michael will occasionally have a killer deal on a great axe, although those guitars tend to sell pretty quickly because those who know, know. But then again, if you already love Altamira guitars, I'd guess you wouldn't go wrong buying this one either...either way, just some food for thought on pricing.

billyshakes

I'll go a different direction with my comment. Its great you already have 2 Altamiras. (I used to own one too.) Why not try something different? Another forum member just posted this great looking Castellucia that is a vintage guitar at an Altamira price. I have no dog in this fight, other than I considered purchasing it myself. :-)

https://djangobooks.com/forum/discussion/22033/1950-castelluccia-parisian-14-fret-d-hole-gypsy-manouche-guitar

paulmcevoy75

My opinion: on a production guitar the variations between each individual guitar are going to overshadow any of the differences in model you're talking about. You're better off playing a bunch of guitars and seeing which one you like vs having expectations about a certain model sounding a very specific way.

Any thinly applied finish should sound roughly the same. Back and side woods are of minimal importance species wise in production instruments (maybe mahogany vs rosewood is quantifiable but in general, nah).

I'd agree though you get a lot of used guitar for the money these days.

Julian1964

Thank you all for your valuable insights and advice!

Regarding the price point and the used market options, the main reason I am leaning towards the Altamira **** Ziricote is that I found a store in Belgium selling it completely brand new for just €1,490 (hard case included).

At this price, it feels like an incredible deal for a new premium model with a French polish finish, full warranty, and no structural risks, which makes it hard to pass up compared to the usual €1,800+ market price or going the vintage route.

I am highly interested in any further advice or tips you might have regarding this specific model, its setup, or maintenance. I would love to read your suggestions!

lorenzop

This on reverb:

https://reverb.com/item/103286876-custom-made-gaffiero-gypsy-jazz-guitar?bk=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJqdGkiOiJkYTk4ZDU4YS0wMDE2LTQzZjQtYjMwMS04ZmMwYThiYjA3YWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTM0ODc0OTcsInVzZXJfaWQiOiIiLCJzZXNzaW9uX2lkIjoiZjY2ZDIyNWItNDljMS00ZmNmLTlhYjMtYmNmNmNiYWUyYjkzIiwiY29va2llX2lkIjoiNjQwMWY0ZGMtY2Y1OC00NzJmLWI1MGUtYzIxMDQyNjgxZGIyIiwicHJvZHVjdF9pZCI6IjEwMzI4Njg3NiIsInNvdXJjZSI6Ik5PTkUifQ.oT8SnJuAv3zIpiLBTt4F2eU-vUk5nlC3dAEVnn1WMfE

He will sell for $1900 if you are a member of Robin Nolan's Club - where you can get a free 14 day trial. I'm tempted to buy it but I already have a guitar and still can only play one at a time.

paulmcevoy75

Personally I would not pay any attention to the idea that a production guitar is French polished.

A) whatever thin finish you use makes no difference

B) French Polish is not magic

C) French Polish is very laborious. If they are producing an inexpensive guitar that's French polished, I dunno...they may be skipping other steps or in some other way making up the difference.

Not saying it is or isnt a bad guitar but this seems like marketing more than anything.