The realm of Gypsy Jazz guitar, popularized by the legendary Django Reinhardt, holds a unique and captivating sound. Often associated with Selmer Maccaferri guitars, the story of these instruments is as fascinating as their sound. Canadian luthier Michael Dunn, for example, crafts guitars that evoke the Selmer Maccaferri aesthetic but incorporate different bracing techniques, offering a fresh dimension to the traditional “Gypsy Jazz” guitar. For enthusiasts eager to delve deeper into these nuances, a dedicated Jazz Guitar Forum becomes an invaluable resource to exchange knowledge and perspectives.
The iconic Selmer Maccaferri guitars were born from a collaboration between Mario Maccaferri and the Selmer company. Initially conceived as affordable, mass-produced guitars for general playing, their destiny shifted when Django Reinhardt embraced the Selmer Maccaferri, and subsequently the SELMER (503). This marked their ascent as the quintessential “Gypsy Jazz” guitars. It’s a story often discussed and debated within any active jazz guitar forum, highlighting the historical significance of these instruments.
Interestingly, Django later transitioned to American-made archtop guitars, showcasing his evolving tastes. Mario Maccaferri, in a remarkable career shift, ventured into designing and patenting plastic reeds for clarinets and saxophones, alongside everyday items like plastic clothespins, and even plastic ukuleles, violins, and guitars. Decades later, in his 80s, he returned to his roots, once again crafting guitars in the Selmer/Maccaferri style. These lesser-known details about Maccaferri’s diverse inventions are often shared amongst passionate members of a jazz guitar forum, enriching the collective understanding.
The pursuit of the “purest” Selmer/Maccaferri replica in contemporary guitars often leads to instruments that are less versatile than desired. While Asian-made instruments are sometimes criticized for lacking the authentic “French tone” and suffering from playability issues due to setup and bridge quality, there are notable exceptions. Altamira guitars, priced around a thousand dollars, and the more budget-friendly SAGA Cigano, under $500, are recognized for possessing the correct neck angle found in superior European-made instruments. Furthermore, these can be significantly improved with a professional bridge setup. Experiences and modifications of such guitars are regularly discussed on a jazz guitar forum, providing practical advice to fellow players.
For players seeking enhanced versatility in a Selmer/Maccaferri style “gypsy jazz” guitar, the 12-fret large D-hole model is often recommended. Some players also consider the large D-hole combined with the longer scale length typically found in small oval hole models. However, the longer scale and 14 frets notably alter both the tone and playability. Personal preferences and tonal nuances of different configurations are frequently explored in depth within a jazz guitar forum, reflecting the diverse opinions among players.
Personally, the short scale 12-fret large D-hole models are favored, not necessarily for their versatility, but primarily for their distinct tone and comfortable playability. For those wanting to explore these preferences further or share their own experiences with different Gypsy Jazz guitar models, joining a jazz guitar forum dedicated to the instrument is highly recommended. It’s the ideal space to connect with other enthusiasts, ask questions, and deepen your appreciation for all things Gypsy Jazz guitar.
