Gypsy Guitar Selmer Style Oval Hole, now with sound!

Post a few pictures of your "completed" project
Herman
Posts: 1674
Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2012 1:20 pm
Location: Arnhem area, the Netherlands
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Gypsy Guitar Selmer Style Oval Hole, now with sound!

Post by Herman » Mon Jun 03, 2019 11:36 am

This is my first gypsy style guitar. Made excactly like the original Maccaferri/Selmer from the '30s. The important differences to a "normal" steel string were posted in the Log-section. I did not post things of the later stages of the build, because they were not that different from other builds.

My challenges were
-The very thin folded top and glueing it
-The very tight bending of the cutaway
-The oval rosette.
But all went right, so I am very pleased with the outcome.
The owner did not want a "new look" on his guitar. For that reason I left the coloring of the top a bit blotchy. Also I did not sand away little scraches and dings. "Road worn" is fancy now, this one fits in. Ha!

Top- German spruce
B/S- EI Rosewood
Neck-Walnut
Fingerboard- Wengé
Bridge-Wengé
Tuners-Schaller 25021 Gold
Binding-Walnut
Finish-Danish Oil

Before I struggled with Tru-oil, but this Danish oil was a relief. 4 layers, one week rest and a little fine sanding. That was all. Sooo much less effort than laquer. But hey...one must like it.

About the sound: To be honest, I'm not that a fan of the gypsy tone. But this one does what it is supposed to do. Very loud and agressive. But still a warm tone, compared to the ones I played (also 50 years old ones).

The new owner made us a clip, here it is:
Gypsy Sound

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Last edited by Herman on Wed Jun 12, 2019 1:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Dave Bagwill
Posts: 5951
Joined: Tue Dec 13, 2011 7:44 pm

Re: Gypsy Guitar Selmer Style Oval Hole

Post by Dave Bagwill » Mon Jun 03, 2019 12:23 pm

Very nice as usual, Herman! I hope a sound clip can be made.
How difficult was the bridge-making?
-Under permanent construction

Herman
Posts: 1674
Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2012 1:20 pm
Location: Arnhem area, the Netherlands
Contact:

Re: Gypsy Guitar Selmer Style Oval Hole

Post by Herman » Mon Jun 03, 2019 12:44 pm

The outside was easy as another bridge. But the inside is hollowed out. I have no chisel in the right shape, so I routed the bulk out and sanded it to its final shape. difficult, but no one ever sees the flaws. Lucky me.

At first I ordered a bridge from China for 4 dollar, but it was too low. If anyone wants it, He/she van have it.
Dave, come by and leave with a gypsy bridge for free!
Herman

Dave Bagwill
Posts: 5951
Joined: Tue Dec 13, 2011 7:44 pm

Re: Gypsy Guitar Selmer Style Oval Hole

Post by Dave Bagwill » Mon Jun 03, 2019 2:11 pm

You big tease....but who knows? Maybe I'll drop over after church on Sunday. :-)
-Under permanent construction

Kevin in California
Posts: 2799
Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2011 4:19 pm

Re: Gypsy Guitar Selmer Style Oval Hole

Post by Kevin in California » Tue Jun 04, 2019 11:40 am

Herman have the coffee and stroopwaffles ready and I'll join you and Dave Sunday. He can have the bridge!

Herman
Posts: 1674
Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2012 1:20 pm
Location: Arnhem area, the Netherlands
Contact:

Re: Gypsy Guitar Selmer Style Oval Hole

Post by Herman » Tue Jun 04, 2019 11:54 am

Cannot wait to meet the two of you. :P

Kevin in California
Posts: 2799
Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2011 4:19 pm

Re: Gypsy Guitar Selmer Style Oval Hole

Post by Kevin in California » Tue Jun 04, 2019 2:06 pm

Dave can I catch a ride with you to Hermans?

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