2004 Gitane D500 Professional Gypsy Jazz Guitar

Gitane D-500 Grand Bouche 2004 full front view

Comments	The original Maccafferri guitar, built by Selmer, was produced from about 1932 to 1952, in a quantity of about a thousand; most were sold in France. The earliest instruments, made while Mario Maccafferri was still involved, used an internal resonator to increase volume and projection, and have the large D-shaped sound hole – the ‘Grand Bouche’. Later models removed the resonator, and some models have a smaller, oval soundhole. Most famously used by Django Reinhardt, the Selmer design lends itself completely to the Gypsy Jazz style. Rhythm players often favour the ‘Grand Bouche’ while lead players tend towards the oval hole. The Saga company has been producing an excellent version of the Selmer concept under the ‘Gitane’ name for some time. This fine 2004 Gitane D-500 Professional Gypsy Jazz Guitar is a wonderful example of the Grand Bouche design, is in great shape and is really entertaining to play.
Serial Number	2491, built during 2004 under the supervision of Saga.
Pricing	$600.00 CADC with case. SOLD
Neck	Mahogany neck with ebony-bound ebony fingerboard, zero fret, mother of pearl dot position markers. Slotted peghead. 25.25 inch scale length, 1 7/8 inch nut width.
Frets	Minimal wear.
Body	This instrument uses the classic Selmer / Maccafferri body shape and cutaway, with the large ‘Grand Bouche’ soundhole. Solid spruce top, Rosewood back and sides, Ebony ‘Moustache’ bridge. Spruce braces.
Finish	Original gloss finish in excellent condition.
Hardware/electronics	All original, gold coloured 14:1 tuners with creme buttons, gold coloured ‘Selmer’ type tailpiece.
Playability/Action	Plays very nicely! These instruments are meant to be played vigorously, and as with Flamenco guitars, an amount of rattle is part of the sound.
Case	Original hardshell case included, in 9/10 condition.