Busato (1930s) Jazz Modèle, Bouche Oblong (Django, Gypsy, Manouche, Gipsy, Gitane)

This early 1930s model was produced at Busato's workshop Rue d'Orgemont (1934 – 1943) and once was Samson Schmitt’s private guitar. 

Often built anonymously, early Busato instruments, including this one, were commonly sold through various dealers and music store ateliers without any form of proper identification, in order to be rebranded with the resellers etiquette for resale. 

Although sound hole shapes differ from instrument to instrument, the model's outline you see here was almost used exclusively for Busato's early 1930s guitars. It was based on Burgassi-Papiri's design, which in turn was influenced by Maccaferri's late 20's classical guitar designs. Both Burgassi and Papiri worked independently for Chevin & Busato Banjo's and later as foremen for Busato after he had started his workshop at Rue d'Orgemont.

The distinct mandolin-styled, oblong sound hole and the round lower bout proves how the Selmer guitar originated in the mandolin design even more. Since there was no electric amplification in the 1930s, the sizeable lower bout and larger soundhole were used to create extra volume to be heard over an accordion and other big band instruments. A similar principle, by using a wider lower bout, can still be found in Busato's later Grand Model 44-46.

Apart from scratches and wear, the guitar is, considering its age, in very good condition. The gorgeous, flamed maple back and sides and the beautifully aged cedar top are completely crack-free. Besides the hardware, the guitar is completely original. It has a straight neck and superb frets; it needs no setup at only feather-light 3.5 lbs. 

In general, the short scale design produces arguably the best tone for a guitar, and this one is no exception. As an instrument, it sounds terrific, with a vintage, woody tone, something you will have zero chance of getting from a modern instrument. The Cedar top, together with a long period of ageing, certainly brought out the best of qualities one could want for a vintage gypsy jazz instrument in terms of sound.   

The short scale and the large oblong soundhole help to produce a lush, thick midrange that is complex, full of character and has a complete bass response. Chords sound immense and pianistic, ranging from deep lows to crisp trebles. As a result, it's a glorious rhythm guitar with huge-sounding chords that are focused and clear. However, I'd be selling it short by calling this just a rhythm guitar, since the midrange produces the typical nasal but rich single notes that project very well, with dryness and loads of character. In other words this guitar is also great for soloing.

Considering its age, it’s in wonderful condition: apart from some wear, the guitar still has the original varnish and is in excellent shape. The guitar has been played, but also clearly cared for over all this time. It has a straight neck and superb frets. It needs no setup, at only feather light 3.5 lbs. It features beautifully figured flamed Maple on (bent) back and sides and a fat but comfortable Mahogany neck. After 80 to 90 years, all is still immaculate and in crack-free condition. The hardware was replaced with a set of modern, but wonderfully aged tuners and a Killy Nonis tailpiece, also aged. The traditional moustache pieces plus classy pickguard were both installed by Leo Eimers. 

Besides its spectacular sound, the 1930s design of body and sound hole  is a perfect example of an essential guitar in Busato's history. This model is distinct and unique in its design and, given its age, is extremely difficult to find in a good condition like this one. A monumental and fantastic instrument, well worth the investment. 

Specifications
Luthier Bortolo Busato (1902 - 1960)
Workshop Rue d’Orgement
Year 1934 – 1943
Sound Hole Oblong
Frets 23 (12 Frets to the body)
Body Size 48cm; 15 5/8"
Scale Length 645mm; 26 3/4”
Nut Width 43mm; 1 11/16”
Body Depth 9cm; 4”
Lower Bout Width 41 cm
Waist Width 24 cm
Upper Bout Width 29 cm
Top Cedar
Back and Sides Flamed Maple
Neck Maple
Fingerboard Rosewood
Bridge Ebony (Eimers)
Finish Nitrocellulose (Orginal, in excellent condition)
Tailpiece HSC Killy Nonis (Aged)
Tuners Serge Gallato closed tuners (Aged)
Weight 3.5 lbs
Strings Savarez Argentines 1510MF