This 2011 Gitano D hole by Stefan Hahl represents the ultimate in contemporary Selmer guitar design. Most builders today obsessively try to replicate the design and building techniques of "golden era" guitars like the original Selmers, Busatos, and later Favinos. Hahl has dared to be different by using the Selmer design, which he has studied extensively, as a starting point for something new and unique. His guitars characteristically combine the complexity, warmth, and listenability of archtops and flatops with the punch and clarity of Selmers. The real genius of his work is that he has succeeded in making a contemporary, sophisticated sounding Gypsy guitar without loosing the essence of the Selmer sound. Others have tried to make such a guitar, but the end result is that warmth and complexity are traded for clarity and punch, which results in a very muted and dull sounding guitar. Not so with Hahl. His guitars produce notes with a rounded, satisfying tone but are still springy enough to shoot out of the instrument in volume challenged situations.

Hahl's work has been well received by the very finest Gypsy guitarists today. Most notably, by Bireli Lagrene who owns three Hahl guitars and has used them on most of his recent recordings. check out: Move, Just the Way You Are, To Bi or Not to Bi, and Live in Paris.

Gypsy legends Dorado Schmitt and Hono Winterstein also play Hahl guitars.

This Gitano model features Indian rosewood back and sides, a spruce top, and a mahogany neck. It is outfitted with a set of open Schaller three on a plate tuners with ebony buttons and a DR tailpiece. The ebony bridge includes two removable bone saddle pieces which can be replaced to adjust the action. Two sets of saddle pieces are included with the guitar.

As with any Hahl, playability is closer to the super smooth feel of an archtop than the more cumbersome action you'd expect from a Selmer style guitar. At only 3.2mm action, this guitar will allow you to play things that can rarely be executed on a Gypsy guitar.


Few luthiers can build a D hole guitar that achieves the proper balance between treble and bass. So often, D holes are too dark and bass heavy. Hahl is the rare luthier who can build a guitar that has the rich, full sound of the D soundhole while still retaining enough bite for leads. This example is exceptional in it's ability to produce HUGE sounding chords one minute and crisp leads the next. The leads truly sing which makes it so easy when playing in a group setting. Just touch the pick to the string and the notes fly out almost effortlessly.

One aspect I find particularly intriguing about Hahl's guitars is that they have a somewhat "open" tone in that there is a touch of natural reverb to the sound. Many guitars have this, but usually it is too much and creates the overtone ringing and muddiness that is the sign of a poorly made guitar. But when you have just enough it adds a lot of complexity and interest to the tone. Hahl's guitars have this "open" character in just the right amount. If you are turned off by some of the more traditional, "dry" sounding guitars then you'll be pleasantly surprised by this guitar which is definitely something different.

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

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