Description
Altamira Model M Selmer-Maccaferri Gypsy Jazz Guitar
The Altamira Model M is a Selmer Maccaferri style guitar especially suitable for gypsy jazz music.
Best known as the favored instrument of jazz legend, Django Reinhard, the Selmer-Maccaferri boasts a unique design. Selmer, a French manufacturer, produced the instrument from 1932 to about 1952.
Selmer partnered with the Italian guitarist and luthier, Mario Maccaferri, to produce a line of acoustic guitars based on Maccaferri’s unorthodox design. Although Maccaferri’s association with Selmer ended in 1934, the company continued to make several models of this guitar until 1952. This iconic guitar design is strongly associated with gypsy jazz guitar virtuoso, Django Reinhardt.
With its squarish bouts and either a “D”-shaped or longitudinal oval sound hole, the Selmer is distinguished by a fairly large body. Plus, you also find a cutaway in the upper right bout. Like a mandolin, the strings pass over a movable bridge and are gathered at the tail. The positioning of this movable bridge is aided two “moustache” markers, which are affixed to the soundboard.
The top of this guitar design is gently arched or domed. But rather than the violin-style carving used in archtop guitars, this is achieved by bending a flat piece of wood.
The Altamira Model M Gypsy-Jazz guitar is available with either an oval or D shaped sound hole. With flamed maple back and sides and matte finish, this guitar encapsulates the traditional design.
Capturing the quintessential punchy and growling manouche tone, the Model M is exceptional value for money.
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