Gitane D-500

[SierraTango]

After several years of wanting one, some circumstances presented themselves and I decided to part with my beloved Dupont MC-30-14. Fortunately it went to the very good home of a forum member.
I moped around missing it and decided to look for something to keep my hand in the GJ style after the countless hours of trying to get good at it. Still not really good but it's fun to try. I looked at some less expensive alternatives and a pre-owned Gitane D-500 came up. I started out with a Gitane DG-250, the maple one, it had a rather harsh sound and a skinny neck. I went to a Latcho Drom Djanology which was great and preferred the D soundhole anyway.
I know the purists consider these Gitanes Chinese Firewood, however it's a pretty nice GJG. It lacks the dry snap of the Dupont but it's close enough for practice and occasional campfire jam. It did arrive with some of the most fossilized strings I've ever seen, but a new set of Argies and hey presto back in biz.
Also easy to sneak these GJG's in the house because they all look about the same!

[Woody Sound]

Also easy to sneak these GJG's in the house because they all look about the same!

[diamondjazzy]

Looks beautiful and I like the finish. Big congrats.

[Stringswinger]

Congrats and may she inspire your playing for many years to come.

I have owned a few Gitanes, including one like yours over the years. They are fine guitars for the money. Compared to your Dupont, they fall short, but on their own, they are solid guitars. I played quite a few paid gigs with a Gitane and nobody on the bandstand or in the audience had any issues. My friend, John Jorgensen owns two Selmers and at least one Dupont. John has played a Gitane on many concerts and he always sounds great, but John is one of the best guitar players in the world and would probably sound great on anything with strings.

Enjoy!

[Jx30510]

Isn't there a Jon Jorgensen Gitane signature model?
A friend has one of them, if I'm not mistaken on the name labelled on the headstock.
It's a very nice guitar by the way. Pretty versatile, not just for Gypsy style. I find it to sound a bit like an archtop.

[SierraTango]

Isn't there a Jon Jorgensen Gitane signature model?
A friend has one of them, if I'm not mistaken on the name labelled on the headstock.
It's a very nice guitar by the way. Pretty versatile, not just for Gypsy style. I find it to sound a bit like an archtop.

Yes, correct IIRC the DG300 is the Jon Jorgensen model. They made a few other signature models-Dorado Schmitt, Steven Wremble however Gitane doesn't seem to be offering these any more.