This is the MC50, from Guitares Maurice Dupont, famed builder of some of the
world's best Selmer/Maccaferri-style "Gypsy Jazz" instruments. The
MC50 features a D-soundhole, solid Spruce Top, laminate East Indian Rosewood
back and sides, and a one-piece Walnut neck. Walnut binding on the body is
accented by multi-layered purfling in black and wood on the top, back, and
sides. The fingerboard and bridge are of Ebony.
If you're looking for a superb guitar for Gypsy Jazz, this particular Dupont
would be an excellent choice. The craftsmanship is impeccable, and the vibe
is spot-on. This instrument is set up perfectly and is very easy to play.
If you wanted even more volume, a second bridge is included, and can literally
be slipped in place under completely slack strings, to give you more height
and volume (don't forget to adjust carefully for proper intonation.) But I
like it where it is right now - very easy to fret and strum, but with a snappy
tone and good projection for comping and for lead playing.
I took this instrument in on trade from the original owner. I've hung onto
it for a while, as it's a treat to play. But chances are I am not going to
be joining a Django revival band any time soon, and I need to be disciplined
about what I am keeping (the 'collection' can get out of hand rather quickly
here at Imagine Guitars.) And so, off this wonderful Dupont MC50 goes, to
another soon-to-be-happy owner.
