Jean Barault (2010) Selmer 503 Replica, OHSC || Gypsy Jazz, Manouche, Django, Gipsy Guitar

For sale on consignment is an exceptional Jean Barault Selmer 503 replica, built in 2010 and widely regarded as one of the most faithful recreations of an original Selmer-Maccaferri guitar ever made.

The hardware, label, headstock logo, and overall aesthetics are virtually indistinguishable from an original Selmer. Even the top features a genuine mandoline-style pliage, a hallmark of vintage Selmers that is rarely reproduced by other luthiers. The guitar features a spruce top, Indian rosewood back and sides, a walnut neck, ebony fingerboard, and high-quality HSC reproduction hardware.

The model is based on Django Reinhardt’s original Selmer #503, which is preserved in the Musée de la Musique in Paris. Since the original is part of a museum collection and not a privately traded instrument, this Barault 503 replica is a faithful but harmless homage to one of the most iconic Selmers ever made. Note, that by request of the original owner, this particular copy does not have the “DJANGO REINHARDT” name engraved on the headstock and is missing the Stimer holes around the rosette.

There are three cosmetic modifications worth mentioning: a transparent pickguard is installed on the side of the guitar; two jack sockets were installed by a previous owner, though no pickup system is currently present; and there is cosmetic wear and residue beneath the bridge from an older pickup installation, including traces of glue and tape. None of these issues affect the playability, structural integrity, or acoustic performance of the instrument.

The guitar is in very good overall condition and has developed an attractive played-in appearance over the years. It delivers the dry, responsive, and powerful voice associated with the finest Selmer-style instruments, with excellent projection and clarity across the entire fretboard. It is structurally sound, ready to perform, and comes in its original hardshell case.

Since Jean Barault has officially stopped building his Selmer replicas, examples like this have become even more desirable and increasingly hard to find. This is an opportunity to acquire one of the most accurate Selmer recreations ever built, without the six-figure price tag of an original.

Specifications
Luthier Jean Barault
Year 2010
Model Selmer 503 Replica
Soundhole Oval, Petite Bouche
Condition Very good (Relic'd)
Frets to body 14 Fret
Scale 670mm
Nut Width 1 3/4"
Size 15 3/4"
Body Depth 3 13/16"
Top Spruce
Neck Walnut
Fingerboard Ebony
Back and Sides Rosewood
Finish Nitrocellulose
Tailpiece HSC (replica)
Tuners HSC (replica)
Action 3mm
Strings Argentine 1510
Case OHSC, Superior Deluxe Black, Model 503
Pickup None
Weight 4.2 lbs