Gitane D-500 Gloss Natural Gypsy Jazz Acoustic Guitar

Here for sale we have a Gitane D-500 in Gloss Natural finish. Made in China, this guitar pays homage to the original 12 fret Selmer Maccafferi guitars, popularised by Gypsy Jazz players like Django Reinhardt. This instrument features a Dovetail construction comprising a Solid Spruce top with 'D' shaped sound hole, Laminated Rosewood back and sides, Mahogany neck and 24 fret Rosewood fingerboard with matching bridge. This instrument is fitted with Matte Gold Schaller ‘Three on a Plate’ tuning machines and a Gold Schaller tailpiece.

The Mahogany neck sits comfortably in the hand and offers a smooth and responsive playing experience across the register. Features such as the rather wide 1.909" nut width add a sense of authenticity to the playing experience whilst also providing ample string spacing for accurate fretting. The neck profile feels slender in the hand and ensures ergonomic thumb positioning and easy reach across the fingerboard. The 25.2" scale length delivers a nice balance between string tension and comfort for the player, and is a notable difference from many 'western' acoustics. The Ebony fingerboard is pleasant under the fingers, and with its 14" radius is well suited to both chordal and melodic playing styles, and is highly practical for gypsy jazz. 

The voice of this instrument is unique and unmistakable. It delivers the crisp and clear tone associated with gypsy jazz. Certainly, the tone is notably different from the western guitar, with an unpronounced low end, punchy mid range and bright, almost metallic top end. The relatively small body size produces an impressive level of volume, especially when played with a pick. The Spruce top provides a wide dynamic range that feels nice and sensitive. Playing softly is rewarded with warm mellow tones, gradually ramping up to a snappy and bright sound as you increase the power of your right hand. A unique instrument which is perfect for experienced gypsy jazz players or those looking to expand their musical horizons. 

Brand- Gitane

Model- D-500

Finish- Gloss Natural

Made In- China

Back/Sides - Laminated Rosewood

Top - Spruce

Neck- Mahogany

Fingerboard- Ebony

Fingerboard Radius- 14" (Measured)

Frets- 12 Clear, 20 Full, 24 Total

Scale Length- 25.2"

Nut Width- 1.909"

Luthier Report

Our ID: 127072439130

Weight: 4.25lbs  

Serial: 2162

Aesthetic Condition:

Headstock: Overall very good condition. The top edge demonstrates light indentation and scuffing. All aspects of the headstock show light scratching under direct light, as is common with high gloss finishes. 

Neck: Overall very good condition. The rear of the neck shows very light indentation behind the 3rd fret. Any other markings to the neck and fingerboard are difficult to discern. 

Body: Overall very good condition. The binding at the bass side rear of the upper bout shows a mild indentation which lightly cracks the finish. The treble side waist of the front face demonstrates mild scratching consistent with light playwear. All aspects of the body show very light scratching when viewed under direct light, as is common with high gloss finishes. This is most notable to the rear face, where some light indentations are also present. 

Condition of Frets:

The frets demonstrate very light signs of use, not affecting playability. There is considerable material remaining for any fret work the new owner may wish to perform.

Current Set Up:

Truss Rod: Fully functional. Truss rod tool (4mm hex) not included.

Hardware: Fully functional with light signs of wear. The bridge has previously been lowered by removing material from the bottom.

Structural: No concerns or issues to note.

Height of the string from the 12th Fret-2mm - Bass 2.5mm

Please be aware that the action on a guitar may move slightly in transit and this measurement is the current height.

Strings on Guitar - D'addario Gypsy Jazz Light Gauge 11-50

Electrics:

N/A

Case & Accessories:

No case is provided with this guitar. 

Truss rod tool not included. 

Please be aware that for international buyers import fees are not included in our postage and packaging cost, this only covers the cost of the guitar being sent to you. Import fees will be charged by Customs upon the guitar's arrival in the recipient country. Due to Brexit, this also applies to EU buyers. We advise checking the total import cost with Customs as this is not information we are able to accurately provide.