I have long enjoyed listening to Django and those influenced by him. But I have never gotten around to buying a Sel-Mac style guitar. I have a number of guitars that get me into the neighborhood, if not on the same street, including a Martin 000C12-16E nylon string that has the requisite long scale at 26.44”. I’m also lucky enough to have a few vintage Gibson archtops (nothing top of the line, two L-50s, an L Jr., and an L-75).
But I finally decided to take the plunge. This morning, I ordered myself a Christmas present from Michael in the way of a new Cigano GJ-10.
I’m looking forward to this. I freely admit that my playing is a stylistic mashup, and that I will never get Jazz Manouche down perfectly. But it is definitely a big influence on my playing. Having direct access to THAT sound will definitely help me get better at it.
Comments
That Martin 000C12-16E nylon string is a really great guitar for playing nylon-string gypsy jazz. That extra-long scale is really unique among nylon-string guitars (except for maybe a few flamenco guitars).
Definitely! I have a couple of roughly equivalent Harmony guitars as well. Being altogether fascinated by unorthodox sounds, I currently have them strung with ball end nylon strings:
The one with the white pick-guard is probably my favorite of the three. The string attack between a classical and Selmer style is much closer than a dreadnought and a Selmer. I didn't know Martin makes a long scale nylon string, pretty cool. Then it'll be easy to switch over to the Cigano.
I can attest to the fact that that Martin guitar has the "bounce" feel of gypsy jazz guitars.
Mission accomplished: It arrived 20 minutes ago.
Big thanks to Michael and to Saga. The guitar was well packaged, already in its gig bag, and the setup is flawless. Tuned right up (uniformly half step flat when I took it out) without issue. Fit, finish, and playability are superb.
And the sound! Glorious. Dry but not at all harsh. This is a far more versatile design than stereotyping has it. The volume is absolutely stunning, approaching that of my banjos. In fact, the instrument is an amalgamation of plectrum banjo, flamenco guitar, and archtop guitar.
Wow!
Glad I finally took the plunge! Pics and video shortly.
Happy New Guitar Day!
Congratulations. I’m a big fan of the Cigano, a very underrated guitar - you get a lot for your money.
I’m a big fan of the Cigano
Same. As good or better than many a Gitane when set up properly.
Nice! Congratulations on your guitar!