Martin Tremblay Petite Bouche (Selmer Gyspy Jazz Guitar) 2008

Bought this Selmer-style petite bouche guitar in 2022 on Djangobooks (original listing still up) but I had Martin Tremblay personally refurbish it, reset the neck, add a new double-action truss rod, new bridge, add Schaller Deluxe closed tuners (discontinued!), and refret with Jescar EVO Gold frets (also discontinued, sadly.)

Made in Montréal, Canada.

Condition notes: There is a small cleated crack on the top, possibly another (hard to tell) next to the neck, and a small one on the back, which Martin verified were stable (the back is possibly just finish) and present no problem to the structural integrity or sound. Some other dings and nicks from use as a player’s instrument. Does not affect sound I am told and my ears certainly agree (loud!) Please see photos for condition detail.

I have maple bridge shims to raise the action to 3mm (my pref), but it's a little lower without it.

What Michael of DjangoBooks wrote about the sound in 2022: "This instrument has a wonderful balance, with a robust midrange characteristic of some of the best vintage Selmers. The bass register is prominent, yet tight and controlled while the highs are crisp, yet not harsh. These characteristics yield large, full bodied chords and smooth, singing lead lines which are reminiscent of Django's Rome sessions recordings.”

What Michael of DjangoBooks wrote about the condition: “The condition of this instrument is good, with a treble side top crack that has been cleated, a small streak of finish damage on the back, and an engraved name on the back of the headstock. There are numerous dings and scratches, and some moderate fret wear.” [N.B.: Martin removed the engraving and refretted.]

Some specs:

• Euro spruce top

• Indian Rosewood back and sides

• Walnut neck with thin spline

• Ebony fretboard with very cool purfling between neck

• Thin neck heel with ebony detail

• Ebony front and back headstock veneers

• Double-action truss rod

• Unique multi-color rosette

• New bridge (made by Martin)

• 670 mm scale

• Ebony fretboard

• Jescar EVO Gold frets

• DR tailpiece

• Neck feels medium-sized neck, not thin, not chunky