Hi everyone! My name is Kike, and I'm from Castelló, a little city near Barcelona and Valencia.
First of all,i must apologize about my english...it's very bad! so...sorry...
Second, I'd like to thanks to Mike and other people to make this web and forum and give us the possibility of talk, discuss and advise other people about this great world called "gypsy jazz".
The question: i'm looking for a new guitar and i have some doubts: i've selectioned 2 tipes: Gitane D500 and Dell'Arte Hommeage. Both of them have a D-hole, but one has 12 frets and the other 14 frets (I supose you know it). Actually, i play with a few friends in a quartet of gypsy jazz and i am the rhythm guitarist. I'd like to start learning easy solos (to play in a party with friends or anything informal), but i prefer continue exploring the rhythm world.
My question is: which guitar do you prefer? you think that D500 is enough (it have 12 frets,but the scale arrive to the 24/25, and i have enough for starting with solos)? or you'd buy the Dell Arte with 14 frets?
Finally, i think that i prefer the color of D500, it's like more...original...i don't know.
Can you help me? If you know the comparation of this 2 guitars (or if you prefer anyone else) tell me please.
Thanks you very much!!
Kike
Comments
I'm in the same situation as you. I primarily play rhythm and am working on some lead playing. I will be upgrading my guitar to a grand bouche at some point.
Take a look at the classified section here. I've been told here that the guitar in the following link is really nice.
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=8969
That being said, I've played the D500 and found it to be really nice.
Good luck,
Jim
http://www.jillmartinisoiree.com
He builds some beautiful handmade guitars at pretty reasonable prices. They cost a good bit more than the Gitanes, but it would be well worth your while to check them out.
"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
I sent a mail to Gerónimo Mateos about prices.
Everyone knows any luthier in Spain? and what do you think about the Gitane DG320??
Thank you very much, friends!!
Kike
http://www.oliviermarin.com/sp/contact(sp).html
You didn't mention if you can get to these guitars in person. When you do you need to feel the neck in your hand; if it feels right, your hand will tell you. Let your thumb hang over the edge and see if it doesn't cause too much discomfort as well, since you will need to able to do this. There are many guitars but not that many different neck shapes so find one that's feels right and familiar to YOU.
I think i can't go to the guitar shop, so i must buy by internet.
If there is any shop in Spain, i could go,but isn't the case, i think...
I have a spanish guitar with a neck of 5 cm. Must I search a manouche guitar with a neck of 4,5 or 5 cm?
Thank you!
Kike
"at pretty reasonable prices"
Funny how neither of you mention any numbers. If you have the info post it. Let the OP decide if your suggestion is expensive or reasonable. Help the guy out. I'm sure there are a few of us who'd like to know as well.