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1980 Maccaferri MAC-10
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SN#: 105, on label, signed by Mario Maccaferri, dated 6/1/80. Neck block #: 780411
Body size at lower bout: 16". Scale length: 25 1/2" (650mm) Nut Width: 1 15/16"
Materials: Bookmatched solid spruce top; bookmatched arched Indian rosewood back and sides; solid Honduras mahogany neck; solid ebony fingerboard and bridge; rosewood bound body; marquetry sound hole inlay.
Hardware: All original hardware including solid ebony bridge; Selmer style tailpiece; gold 3 on a plate tuners.
Notes: Pioneering Italian luthier, performer and enterpreneur Mario Maccaferri produced the first of his revolutionary designs in the late 1920's, in an attempt to increase the volume and range of the classical guitar. By 1932 the Selmer company of Paris had begun to produce steel string versions, which became the iconic instrument of gypsy jazz guitar. Breaking with Selmer the following year, Maccaferri went on to produce an innovative line of mass produced instruments in the US, but never produced another gypsy style guitar for almost half a century.
In the late 1970's British retailer and guitar historian Maurice Sommerfield persuaded Maccaferri to collaborate on a recreation of his groundbreaking instrument, and by 1979 had arranged with Ibanez to produce a small batch. The first modern reissue of the 30's original, the Maccaferri CSL MAC-10 was produced only until 1981. Although the run was limited to just 440 instruments, the MAC-10 almost single handedly jump-started the contemporary resurgence of interest in Maccaferri-inspired guitars, now spanning scores of builders and untold thousands of devoted gypsy jazz players worldwide.
The MAC-10 is faithful to Mario's original "Grand Bouche" model with it's signature D-shaped soundhole. This design is renowned for it's increased bass response, and is a versatile instrument for either rhythm or lead work. This example is made with the traditional 650 mm scale, and sports a very generous 1 15/16" nut for easy fingering. In addition, the soundboard is canted between the bridge and tailpiece in the traditional 'pliage' style of the authentic vintage Selmer guitars. With back and sides of handsome arched Indian Rosewood, laminated for strength and stiffness in the traditional Selmer style, the body makes a brilliant platform for the solid bookmatched Sitka spruce top.
This example has been very well cared for, without cracks or repairs, and free of pick, buckle, or thumb wear, showing only a few scattered finish dents and no checking in the all-original natural finish. Hardware is all original as well, with gold engraved tuners and a Selmer style tailpiece, acommodating either ball or loop end strings. Action is smooth and low over freshly leveled original fretwork, and the neck profile is a fine full D shape, nicely tapered. The handsome condition of the instrument belies its years of vigorous play, which has opened the voice to a bell-like clarity, with extraordinary projection and a full, open tone, with volume to burn.
The only gypsy guitar ever signed by the master himself, the MAC-10 is a vibrant piece of contemporary guitar history. We are very pleased to offer this fine example, and the only one of these piondering instruments we have found to date. Call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with light gauge silvered steel strings (.011), and will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference.
Case: Original deluxe plush lined hardshell case.
