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2004 Gallato Modele Tchavolo Schmitt

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SN: 548

Body size at lower bout: 15 3/4" (400mm). Scale length: 26 3/8" (670mm) Nut Width: 1 11/16" (43mm) Neck depth: .82/ 1.04, 1st/10th frets

Materials: Bookmatched solid Alpine bearclaw spruce top; Indian rosewood laminate back and sides; solid walnut neck; solid ebony fingerboard; rosewood bound body.

Hardware: All original hardware includes aged gold replica Selmer style tailpiece and tuners; solid ebony bridge; adjustable truss rod.

Notes: Spanish master luthier Geronimo Mateo found his way to building guitars in the Manouche tradition through decades of experience crafting classical and flamenco instruments. After restoring an original prewar Selmer classic, Mateo began working with a number of top gypsy jazz virtuosos to create modern instruments in the classic Selmer style in his Paris workshop. Now relocated to Madrid, he offers an exceptional range of instruments, in a wide variety of traditional and exotic tonewoods, working together with his son Federico.

The Tchavolo Schmitt Model was built in collaboration with the distinguished French recording artist, and is inspired by Selmer Modele Jazz #452, from 1938. This 'petit bouche' oval hole model is of the type played by Django himself, with the 14 fret neck and 670mm scale for enhanced punch, projection and fretboard access. At just 3lb 14oz (1.82kg), the instrument is happily lightweight and well balanced. With its soundboard of fine grained solid Alpine bearclaw spruce, and a handsome French walnut neck, the guitar has smooth low action over an elegant, slightly flattened D profile, with a solid ebony fingerboard.

The vintage look is completed with aged replica Selmer style tailpiece and tuners, while the adjustable truss rod offers precise adjustability for the contemporary player. This fine example is in all original condition, without pick, buckle or thumb or fingerboard wear. Apart from a few incidental lacquer nicks, the instrument shows few signs of wear, and bears its maker's Paris label inside.

The voice is bright and forward, with excellent clarity and focus, ideal for biting leads and aggressive comping. Truly a best buy in a genuine handbuilt Parisian gypsy jazz guitar. One only: call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with light gauge silvered steel strings, and will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference.

Case: Original arched black plush lined hardshell case, with shoulder strap.