Gypsy Jazz Guitars

Most of the gypsy-jazz style guitars I have built have been based on the designs of the Selmer instruments built in the 1930s. The dimensions, bracing patterns and materials used are very true to the original specifications and seem to provide the tone people want in this style of guitar. I usually install adjustable truss rods in the necks, and often build thumbwheel-adjustable bridges as these features seem to be practical improvements on the original design.

The back and sides of these guitars can be made of either solid or laminated woods. The soundboards are solid wood, usually European or Engelmann spruce.

To hear a Zimnicki gypsy jazz guitar, check out the link below (courtesy of Rob Bourassa):

#1 |  #2 |  #3

(Click on any of the guitars below to see the full-size photos.)

  • 2 piece solid Birdseye maple back and sides
  • Engelmann spruce soundboard
  • Birdseye maple neck, 46mm (about 1 27⁄32") wide at the nut, with 2-way adjustable truss rod
  • Ebony fretboard, 67cm scale
  • Snakewood bindings
  • Schaller tuning machines
  • Lower bout width:   15 3⁄4"
  • Depth at the tail block:   4 3⁄16"

         

  • Solid flamed Bigleaf maple back and sides
  • Engelmann spruce soundboard
  • Walnut neck, 46mm (about 1 27⁄32") wide at the nut, with 2-way adjustable truss rod
  • Ebony fretboard, 67cm scale
  • Ebony bindings
  • Schaller tuning machines
  • Lower bout width:   15 3⁄4"
  • Depth at the tail block:   4 3⁄16"

   

This is a 7 string, nylon guitar which was originally inspired by the gypsy guitar designs then modified during construction to fit the aesthetic tastes and performance needs of my customer.

  • Solid sycamore back and sides
  • Engelmann spruce soundboard
  • Flamed maple neck, 58mm wide at the nut, with 2-way adjustable truss rod
  • Ebony fretboard, 66cm scale, 24 frets
  • Ebony tailpiece
  • Walnut bindings
  • Abalone and red, white and blue wood purfling lines
  • Gilbert tuning machines
  • RMC pickup system
  • Lower bout width:   15 3⁄4"
  • Depth at the tail block:   4 5⁄8"

         

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