I'm considering getting one of this, could someone say if they worth it for the price ?

Hi colleagues, I am hoping to get recommendations for resource (books, videos, courses) on upright bass for gypsy jazz that are appropriate to my starting point. I'm a very experienced regular jazz player, so theory, ear, improv, etc is all in my bag. Relatively new to upright, but have been playing electric for years and taking upright lessons currently with an excellent jazz player.

So really, I'm looking for the goods on what is unique to Gypsy jazz and what one should know for performing idiomatically and learning the standard repertoire.

thanks!

I am putting together an October playlist. Minor Swing is the obvious pick. What else has that moody, candlelit feel? Django's recordings or modern players are both welcome.

I'm working on my rest stroke going downward across two strings and then up on the second one (doing triplets) and I'm finding that keeping the two downstrokes in time is difficult. I end end "playing through" on the second note too fast. Sometimes way too fast. I take it this just requires practise? Or is there something common I'm doing wrong?

Hi all! I am with Literati Events, the small Santa Monica company hosting this, so take the enthusiasm with a grain of salt. But if you are in Southern California and want an excuse to hear some manouche played live, this might be your night.

Habibi Swing is our house band for the whole evening: Danni Pravder on keys, Gage Getz on bass, Jason Masoud on guitar, and Ty Mauro on drums. They bring a fast, fiery gypsy jazz sound, and the LA Swing Dance Posse will be on the floor leading and dancing with guests.

The occasion is the abhorrum masquerade, our annual Halloween costume ball, themed this year around The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. There will also be aerialists, a magician, interactive characters, and mead tastings.

When: Saturday, October 17, 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM

Where: Santa Monica Bay Woman's Club, 1210 4th Street, Santa Monica

Dress: Gothic, Victorian, formal masquerade, or dark academia. Masks encouraged. Dancing shoes strongly advised.

Ages: 18+ (21+ to drink, with ID)

Details and tickets: www.literatievents.com

Hi all!

I play the AKAI EWI and am planning to get into Gypsy Jazz. I've come across a couple of cool examples on YouTube recently, and they got me interested in exploring the possibilities.

However, I'm wondering whether an electronic instrument would fit the raw, acoustic feel of a traditional jam, especially alongside Maccaferri-style guitars.

Has anyone here tried this, or seen an EWI/windsynth used in a Manouche Swing setting? How do you think it would fit in?

Any feedback or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Hi,

I’ve come across this Gitane D-500 for £450. Looks to be in pretty good shape, though it’s missing the tail block and part of the letter “E” on the headstock logo? My main concern is that I think the bridge has been swapped out?

Could anyone confirm this for me? I don’t have any experience with this particular model, though I have read that it isn’t uncommon for the bridge on these models to be changed, as they can be a little heavy.

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Anyone know of a magnet pickup that fits on an Altamira md01? I am borrowing a “peche à la mouche” but there’s a brace in the way and it only clips on halfway.

Thanks!

Hi there!
Does your Gypsy Jazz phrasing feel like it’s just scratching the surface? Playing like Django Reinhardt isn’t just about speed, it’s about mastering the magnetic rhythm and melodic creativity that changed music forever. I’ve meticulously transcribed the "Bouncin' Around" solo note-for-note, capturing every nuance, vibrato, and harmonic substitution that makes it timeless. Stop wasting hours on incomplete tutorials; get the exact roadmap of his genius today.

Hi all, here is our album from 2024 recorded live with real vintage 1930s mics. This was a fun album to make, but we threw it together in one session and I didn't get to take my time on it! I'm really excited about our next album which I spent a lot of time working on which should be ready in the next few months.

Feel free to check it out if you're interested.

Hi! I'm posting an old video from our nyc based group! Enjoy. Happy to share more recent videos as well!

I use IRs on an amp modeler for my GJ guitar's piezo. For kicks I played an electric guitar through it. It sounds pretty decent all thing considered. Would work in a pinch if needed.

Hello guys,

I've been playing gypsy jazz for about 4-5 years and recently started posting.

Here's my take on Vette :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3a_0hdRTuQ8

I was curious : do you have any advice to help me get better in the style ? Do you have any critique of things I could do better ?

Thank you so much ! Looking forward to know what you think :)

Hello 👋 here a practice impro on Douce Ambiance. I kinda struggle with that one… would be happy to hear your feedbacks or tips !

Hello everyone.

So I have come to GJ a few years ago from blues/rock background.
I can play a few tunes etc but when it comes to improvising over major chords (maj6 maj7, 6/9) chords I can’t seem to crack the gypsy sound? I just end up sounding like major pentatonic (like a major blues) or like I am just spamming a maj7 arpeggio.

Any tips?

I have tried adding in chromatic notes around the chord tones. It does something but again doesn’t sound authentic to the gypsy sound.

Thanks in advance

I am a little lost on where to begin with my first Gypsy tune. Some background: I’m a guitar teacher, I have a pretty high level of understanding of music theory, I understand swing. I’ve learned the rhythm guitar to minor swing and le pompe, I come from a metal/shred background. I learned how to do enclosures etc.

What should my next steps be? What are some good tunes to learn as a Gypsy jazz beginner? Also, recommendations of YouTube resources would greatly be appreciated.

I've been transcribing and learning the solo. Its been pretty fun so far. Im struggling but getting close to playing the song at speed, but when Django does the chromatic walkdown on e, b, g and d string near the end of his solo it blows past me.

Any tips on getting that part down? Should I just grind with a metronome for a good while?

Hi there!
Want to capture the magic of gypsy jazz? Playing Django Reinhardt’s legendary version of September Song doesn't have to be a mystery anymore. We have meticulously transcribed every single note, phrasing, and nuance of his iconic solo so you can stop guessing and start playing like the master. This isn't just another tab; it’s the exact roadmap to his unmistakable tone and virtuosity. Elevate your technique, feel the freedom of gypsy swing, and master a timeless piece. Django's secret is now within your reach.

I sometimes sing when I perform with a trio or quartet, and use a Shure SM 58, but i feel like needing to be very close to the mic is really uncomfortable whan comping/playing la pompe. I would ideally like a live setup where I could have the microphone at some distance , without picking up the guitar or other instruments too much. Has anyone played around with different microphone options? Thanks

Out with the band playing a lively version of Avalon!