Maurice Dupont 2002 Vieille Reserve Oval Hole Guitar with Hardshell Case ***SOLD!!

This is Maurice Dupont's top of the line Selmer copy. No detail is overlooked with both the materials and workmanship being of the highest caliber. The track record of this instrument speaks for itself, as so many of todays top players use the Vieille Reserve model. Bireli Lagrene recorded the first two Gypsy Project CDs with this model. Patrick Saussois, of Alma Sinti fame, also plays a Dupont VRB.

This guitar includes:

-A 40 year old aged Spruce top (only one I've seen with Bear Claw!)
-40 year aged Indian Rosewood back and sides
-Deluxe, encased DM tuners
-The top has a real pliage (i.e. the wood was bent over a hot iron like the old Selmers. Almost all other Selmer copies have forced tops which aren't as punchy).

This particular Vieille Reserve was custom ordered with a slightly wider string spacing. The nut width is 1 7/8" (the conventional nut width is 1 3/4"). So the neck feels more like the short scale Maccaferri guitars.

The sound and playability of this instrument are the best I've ever seen for a new guitar. The only thing better is an actual vintage Selmer or Busato in good condition which is impossible to find and would cost twice as much or more. The Dupont VR is a guitar that plays and feels like a new guitar, but has the clarity, punch, and tone of an old seasoned instrument. I know of no other luthier that builds a guitar with these qualities.

This guitar is best for those who like the Selmer sound. Favino lovers should look elsewhere as this instrument doesn't have the low end or honky upper mids that are characteristic of Favinos. Like the old Selmers, the Dupont VR is extremely bright with much of the sound concentrated in the extreme high frequencies. The low end has the traditional "hollow" sound to it. In the wrong hands a guitar like this can be very harsh...but when played with the Gypsy Picking technique, the guitar will yield single note lines that sing like no other. Each note is rounded and bell like with a smoky complexity only found in the best of instruments. This guitar also cuts like a knife and requires very little force to do so. Players with a light touch will be surprised at the volume this guitar can generate. All in all, this is the most traditional Gypsy sound you can get in a new guitar. If you like a more modern Gypsy tone then you should consider a Hahl or a JP Favino.

Like Selmers, this is not the best rhythm guitar because it is so explosive. It is first and foremost a lead guitar. However, chord punches, tremolos, and other comping techniques sound great on this guitar because they cut so well. But when playing straight la pompe you'll probably miss the lows that a Favino or Maccaferri have.

This guitar is setup perfectly with medium low action and 10 gauge strings.There are no buzzes and every note is clear as a bell. If you like to play fast, this guitar is for you. It is among the easiest playing Gypsy guitars out there....

This guitar is in very good condition. There are some scratches on the back and some places were the finish on the binding has chipped off. There is also some mild fret wear. One of the tuning buttons was replaced. There is actually a whole new set buttons included in the case. So the existing ones can easily be swapped out if so desired. Also, there in an extra bridge included.

This is the CASH price...add 3% (4% for International orders) if you'd like to pay with a credit card.

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Reviews and Ratings

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Overall Rating: 5 Quality Rating: 5 Value Rating: 5

Dupont VRB

By: Jeff on 04/06/2011 03:07:56 PM

Pros: Beautiful

Cons: expensive

I bought this 4-5 years ago. It is now the standard I use when evaluating any guitar. It is both refined and gnarly and responds like a voice when I'm playing well. Kind of addictive - Excellent

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