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Luthier: ALD
Neck: Walnut
Year: 2011
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Condition: Mint
Binding: Ebony
Serial: 268
Finish: Nitrocellulose
Soundhole: Oval
Tailpiece: RM Gold
Model: Original
Tuners: Schaller Gold
Body Size: 15 3/4 inch
Truss Rod: Yes
Body Depth: 3 15/16"
Action: 3mm
Scale Length: 670mm
Strings: Argentine 1510MF
Nut Width: 1 3/4"
Case: Stagg Softshell Black
Neck: 14 Fret
Pickup: None
Top: European Spruce
Weight: 4.35 lbs
Back and Sides: Indian Rosewood
Untitled Document
A superior Gypsy guitar built by Gerald Alonso and Fabian Le Dosseur in Rouen, France. ALD guitars are all the rage in Europe now, and are currently endorsed by Angelo Debarre. The distinct and beautiful tone of ALD guitars can be heard on Debarre's recent recordings such as Gipsy Unity, Live in Paris, and Trio Tout A Cordes.
ALD's have a unique and easily distinguishable tonal palette that is open, complex, and bold. This instrument is well suited to the needs of the contemporary Gypsy jazz guitarist as it has a well balanced frequency response, plentiful volume, and a modern neck profile. The precision fretwork and neck geometry allow for an easy-playing low action setup that is critical for today's highly technical style of playing. The workmanship is phenomenal, with every little detail done to perfection, making this instrument a treat both for the eye and the ear.
This Original model is ALD's standard Selmer copy. It features standard Selmer body proportions and wood choices and is one of the best options for a Gypsy jazz guitar in this price range. Most other European built Selmer copies are over $1000 more, making this is an excellent value. As an added bonus the interior of the guitar is lacquered, a feature normally only found on flagship guitars that are twice the price.
Soundwise this instrument has a wonderfully "live," open tone that really fills the room. Very loud, very snappy. It has the elusive "wow" factor that makes you love it after the very first note. In addition to the prodigious volume, there is a throatiness to the midrange that I just love. Adds so much character to the chords and lower string soloing.
If you're looking for a guitar that has it all for less, than this it!
This is the CASH price...add 3% (4% for International orders) if you'd like to pay with a credit card.
I was lucky enough to pick-up an ALD Original from 2007 at a more than decent price from Michael. I have play since 1974 when vintage guitars from the fifties were called ‘old’ or ‘used’ but never ‘collectable.’ While I have played hundreds of guitars my experience with GJ guitars is limited to four, two Dell Artes a Gitane and my ALD. To say the ALD is head and shoulders above the other three is to do it an injustice. From craftsmanship to playability to tone, the ALD is in a class of its own. I own a Dell Arte D hole, and while a very nice guitar it rarely leaves the case.
The sound of the ALD is loud, punchy, and surprisingly versatile. The lows with 11-46 are open and weighty, the mids speak well and the highs (up to the 14th fret) feel part of the instrument. It sounds great played finger style and responds to subtle changes in picking and even pick choice. It is in a word a - -joy.
The quality of the workmanship of my ALD is breathtaking. Walnut, Spruce and Rosewood are seamlessly molded together to create a guitar that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. The top is finished in a wonderful orange that reminds me of Constant Comet tea –warm and spicy. The fretwork is superb and the action low. My wife an artist compared the ALD with my 60’s Martin D18. Her conclusion, “The D18 feels like a well made guitar, the ALD feels alive,” enough said.
While I have not had the opportunity to play Michael's current offering I can unequivocally vouch for the sound and build quality of any ALD.
