gypsyguitars.com - Selmer, Henri Guitars

1932 Selmer, Henri Concert #130

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this guitar has had most of the restoration work done on the top.. several cracks repaired, and the whole top French Polished.. it also had the neck reset, and has been refretted.. that's it for the negative.. for the positive, it remains an extremely rare and highly collectible early Maccaferri, retaining the resonator inside, as well as excellent sound and playability.. as of 2005, only half a dozen of these guitars have been actually found.. NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1932 Selmer, Henri 7 string Hawaiian #152

this is truly an extraordinary instrument, with an extraordinary life.. I will never attempt to upstage Stan Jay when it comes to diatribe..he is the uncontested master of it.. and so I will try to make it short and sweet.. only a handfull of these were ever built, and this one has traveled very well in time.. it surfaced in the hands of an old gypsy in the Swiss Alps... how about that Stan..???!!! when I got it, it was set up Spanish... proving that one does not need a cutaway to play gypsy music... it is now set up Hawaiian.. but with a simple switch of bridge, tailpiece and nut, the guitar becomes a perfectly suitable six string instrument... I will of course provide all the bits necessary.. the tailpiece holes line up perfectly with the original ones, making it a breeze.. the guitar in both settings, sounds like a Church on sunday morning at 11am... NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1932 Selmer, Henri Tenor D Hole #162

With internal resonator. this is the "Grand Modele" which is a guitar body fitted with a tenor neck.. very very few of these early models have survived in their original incarnation, having almost all fallen to the conversion option... rosewood back and sides, walnut neck and ebony fingerboard, this is a perfect example. OHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1932 Selmer, Henri Maccaferri D Hole #163

Provenance.. Provenance..This guitar has quite a past.. it was brought to the US in the 50's,.. bought in Paris from Joseph Reinhardt, who ran an ad in the paper to sell it.. this is oral history.. no reason for me not to believe an elderly person who got it from his friend.. at some point, the top was deemed scratched enough to warrant a "protection"..a sticky paper was applied in the shape of a pickguard.. Now, it has a more recent version of a pickguard.. the top is whole underneath, and perfectly solid..the resonator is intact as well. it's label is uniquely placed on the inside of the reflector... the guitar truly plays and sounds great...with the original case..!!! OHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1932 Selmer, Henri Tenor #226

This is the only example of the "Petit Modèle Tenor" I have ever had complete with resonator in 30 years of dealing vintage guitars. In outstanding original condition, I consider it "the Holy Grail "of Tenor guitars.." entry 226 is blank in the Selmer book, leaving the exact date of manufacture a guess.. most probably late 1932, during a time when "L'Atelier de Mantes la Jolie" is in full swing, with Mario Maccaferri at the helm. Apart from 3 top cracks repaired with splints (to the highest level of quality restoration), the guitar is simply in pristine condition, with excellent sound and playability. NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1932 Selmer, Henri Maccaferri D Hole #85

Where to begin..!!!! indeed the first thing say about this guitar is that it is in fact the first recorded serial # in the Selmer Log Book. does it mean it is the first one...??? possibly not, but then again they began with it..!!! another peculiar thing about it, is that it also bears an addtionnal number on the back of the headstock " 1050" not corresponding to any know other numbering scheme.. during the course of it's life, it was repaired of two top cracks and what looks like 4 tiny holes in a most qualified manner, by a most accomplished Luthier, utilizing the " flipot" method of laying in the cracks a sliver of spruce, thereby rendering the repairs almost invisible and then French polishing over, with the thinnest layer of lacquer. More recently, Maurice Dupont replaced the fingerboard, as it had been previously replaced with a "wrong" one. while doing this he also repaired some scrapes and "eruptions' on the back of the neck, and then sparingly finished it . the intentions have clearly been all along to do the absolute minimum possible, while doing what was needed. the guitar is ultimately in outstanding condition, and a most significant piece. the sound is perfectly balanced and projects quite well. OHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1932 Selmer, Henri Maccaferri 12 Fret D Hole #no serial

This guitar belonged to Francis Alfred Moerman, and began it's life as a 7 string Hawaiian. when he came across the instrument, he fell in love with the outstanding sound of it.. years ago, he asked Maurice Dupont to create a cutaway, so the guitar would be more usable to him.. the work is so extraordinary, that it is simply undetectable.. if I did not know the story, I wouldn't have guessed it a conversion..the fingerboard was replaced and refretted. the resonator had been removed at an earlier time, and it lost it's serial number. this guitar is photographed on the cover of two his albums, and in several publicity shots NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1932 Selmer, Henri Maccaferri 12 Fret D Hole #no serial

without the internal resonator..this guitar is indeed from the earliest production..having the Selmer logo set low on the headstock.one can faintly see where the Maccaferri patent would have been set.. this guitar is in outstanding condition, excellent playability..no big cracks anywhere.. traces of the resonator presence still to be seen.. unfortunately, removing the resonators, was very much in fashion in the past, and thus losing the serial number.. it has been refretted on the original fingerboard, and the original tuners (replaced buttons) are on, as well as the tailpiece. the sound is outstanding NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1933 Selmer, Henri Maccaferri D Hole #254

6 string with internal resonator. formerly owned by english guitarist LOUIS GALLO. this is a superlative instrument, being part of that initial batch of guitars that were send to London. For an instrument nearly 70 years old, it remains in exquisite condition, resting in it's beautiful original case. it has been refretted, and in the process, the fingerboard was thinned down. the dot markers are unoriginal, and there are some side dot makers added. At some point in it's life, the whole guitar was oversprayed. It still has the oversized clear plastic "pick protector" that can be seen on the 1972 cover picture of BMG, as well as the replaced bridge with a bone inset. Although the Selmer log states that this serial number was attributed to a 4 string, there is no definitive sign that this guitar was ever converted.. There have been numerous examples of serial number having been used twice and sometimes three times. This is likely one of those. It is in excellent condition without any cracks, and the sound is what sets this guitar apart.. making obvious why LOUIS GALLO chose to keep this guitar. OHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1933 Selmer, Henri Eddie Freeman #261

Gorgeous example of a guitar that is becoming harder and harder to find in its original condition.. this one even has the original case. the sound is tremendous, the playability, just like it was when it left the "Atelier de Mantes la Jolie" OHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1933 Selmer, Henri Eddie Freeman #282

Beautiful example of a fast becoming rare guitar..in it's original configuration..the fist dot is a replacement, and the bridge as well.. the rest is 100% original down to the case.. excellent playability and sound..no cracks save for a small one at the end of the fingerboard.. excellent playability and sound. OHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1933 Selmer, Henri Eddie Freeman #317

solid spruce top, laminated rosewood back and sides, walnut neck with ebony fingerboard..one of the few that have survived the "conversion".. excellent playability and sound.. NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1934 Selmer, Henri Grande Bouche #284

#284

#284 and #285

Rarely in life is one afforded the opportunity to own any two consecutive items.. I got lucky.. after owning # 285, i had the good fortune of being able to purchase # 284.. the guitar is in remarkable condition..save for a couple of cracks that were repaired and are nearly invisible now. Two small "fissures" were repaired on the back of the neck . the guitar sounds amazing and it is complete with the resonator and the original case. at some point in it's life, the guitar was refretted and got the "English treatment", with additional inlays, as well as the dot on the 9th, instead of the "French 10th".. enjoy.. OHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1934 Selmer, Henri 12 fret D hole with resonator #285

Where else to begin on this one, but to simply state that this is the best Maccaferri guitar I have ever seen, heard, and owned...!!!! if there was a Holy Grail of early gypsy guitars, this one is it... to add to the Lore, it lived most of it's life in Scotland...!! the fresh North Atlantic air did this one a world of good... it simply has the best voice I've ever heard.. the playability is outstanding, and it's gypsy soul radiates... NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1934 Selmer, Henri Maccaferri D hole #350

This guitar belonged to Francis-Alfred Moerman, who, for many years carried the torch of Gadjo players.. a long time accompanist to Sarane Ferret, and his most fervent disciple. the guitar is from the generation of the Maccaferri without resonators.. the label reads model "Orchestre". over the course of it's life, it's had at least 3 different fingerboards, and has had some overspray, as well as several well repaired top cracks.. it is in perfect playing condition and the sound is tremendous.. NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1934 Selmer, Henri Maccaferri D Hole #372

Without internal resonator. Rosewood back and sides, Spruce top, Ebony board. This guitar comes from the transitional period. Mario is gone, and without anybody at the "creative helm", the guitar workshop continues to produce [albeit, at at reduced output] and experiment. this one is likely to be one of the last "Maccaferri" 12 fret D hole, the internal resonator having been abandoned, as too complex and expensive in construction... the guitar shows it's gypsy life.. the top has several repaired cracks, the guitar is original , save for the replaced bridge.. Macs are quite rare in any condition... this one produces a clear even tone and is quite lovely...I am given the green light to lower the price on this great guitar that has been sleeping instead of being played.. from $17.5K it is now reduced to.. NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1934 (Circa) Selmer, Henri Oval Hole

Transition Model. Oval Hole. Erased serial number. This model hinges the Maccaferri period, and the Selmer period.. 12 fret 640 mm scale, it's most probably a guitar that was build when they finally figured out what kind of new top design Selmer would adopt. Rosewood back and sides, walnut neck, oval hole spruce top. This guitar suffered some moisture damage, and needed restoration, the neck was also reset. Today this guitar is a vibrant instrument showing clearly why it was worth the trouble to bring it back to life. The playability is impeccable and the sound is one of the best I've ever heard. Original case with lots of character. OHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1934.(circa) Selmer, Henri 7 string Hawaiian #418

beautiful example of Mario's early design. this guitar was prominently featured in Francois' book on page 111. it has the internal resonator and is in outstanding original condition. the sound transports you to the mellow shores of Hawaii.. NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1938 Selmer, Henri Round Hole #445

13 fret, rosewood back and sides, walnut neck and ebony fingerboard. this guitar is part of the small group of Mac bodies and necks, that were assembled in 1938-1940, the round hole was most probably an idea that would help in completing a series of guitars, made from bodies and necks that had been produced earlier.. only a handful have ever surfaced. the guitar needed restoration..several top cracks were repaired, it was refretted, and the whole thing was French polished.. it is now a vibrant instrument, and quite rare as well. NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1940 Selmer, Henri 14 Fret Oval Hole #529

built at the beginning of the War, only a few numbers away from Django's.. one of the few Solid Mahogany guitars recorded.. traversing all this time without a crack on the top.. and still in it's original case.. this one is a gem.. OHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1941 circa Selmer, Henri 14 Fret Oval #526

This guitar is likely to have been built in december '41 or early january '42.. it has had the fingerboard replaced, the neck reset, and has been refretted.. several top cracks have been closed and repaired.. making it a superbly playing instrument.. it happens to be the oldest oval hole I have had in the last 10 years.. early 40's Selmer guitars are extremely rare..this is a great sounding guitar, and with the work done, is bound to offer years of exciting playing..tall bridge, excellent string angle make for a lively, expressive voice.. NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1942 Selmer, Henri Classique #548

This is one of only 2 known surviving "Classique" model. solid Rosewood back and sides, solid European spruce top, Walnut neck with Ebony fingerboard. several top cracks have been addressed and a super thin "French Polish" applied. the playability is perfect and the sound is so outstanding, that everybody who's played it has been floored. although the likely date of "release" in 1942, the consensus is that this guitar and the other surviving one #550, were in fact built much earlier and simply never sold, until such time, early in WWII, when anything ready and alvailable was finally offered for sale. NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1946 Selmer, Henri 14 Fret Oval Hole #625

in the Selmer log book, this guitar is registered as being completed on 12.12.46, and sold along with #626 to a Mr Deschamps early in '47. Built with laminated mahogany back and sides, this is an example of these limited such guitars. 60 years later, it remains in outstanding condition.. the top has one crack repaired, and the bottom of the center seam reglued as well. with two little added "wings" on both edges of the top, the company showed little concern for this "miser" practice.. the fingerboard is replaced and new frets installed following the Selmer tradition of rounding off the edges. 100% original, this guitar plays and sounds simply outstanding..rating among one the best Selmer guitars I've ever had.. harder and harder and harder to find in any condition... NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1947 Selmer, Henri Oval Hole #645

14 fret, mahogany back and sides, walnut neck and ebony fingerboard. this is one of the few mahogany Selmer's, at some point, someone tastefully inset a black pickguard on the top... it was a professional job..., this guitar sounds and plays excellent, and is a lovely example of Selmer's post war work... period European hard case. Period European Hard Case SOLD (BEST OF)

1947 Selmer, Henri 14 fret oval hole #662

this guitar belonged to Sarane Ferret and was entered in the Selmer log book on the 10th of November 1947. The first impression one gets, is that the guitar spend very little time in a case...it's hard gypsy life shows clearly..many scars and scratches, and at some point, the top wmust have been so worn, that the decision to install a "pickguard" was taken as well as several cleats underneath. For all it's outward signs of hard gypsy life, it retains a total structural integrity, and it's soulfull, vibrant voice, comes through...it's simply a great sounding and playing guitar..if it had been in better cosmetic shape, I would have been willing to pay three times the price for it... one of the best I've ever heard.. NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1947 Selmer, Henri Oval Hole #665

14 fret, brazillian rosewood back and sides,walnut neck and ebony fingerboard, this guitar suffered some terminal damage to it's back, and it was replaced with a beautiful solid brazilian new back.. in the process, several top cracks were also repaired, a pickguard was removed, it was refretted, and finally the back an sides were French polished.. the guitar sounds great and plays as well...it is fitted with a unique set of factory nickel plated tailpiece and tuners. NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1948 Selmer, Henri Oval Hole #698

14 fret. rosewood back and sides, spruce top, walnut neck and ebony fingerboard. this guitar was bought with another one.. this one belonged to Matelo FERRET, the other one # 662 belonged to Sarane FERRET. It shows it's many gypsy lives, with several closed to cracks as well as an area of wear where a pickguard used to be. nothing though, seems to prevent it from playing and sounding great. NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1949 Selmer, Henri 14 fret oval hole #744

Sold to Mr Rodeau on april 2nd 1949.. totally original, with excellent playability and sound.. it has a funky smoky look, leading you to imagine the crowded Gauloise infested cafés where it might have lived..this is an outstanding guitar, crack free and repair free..a true rarity in the Selmer world..save your money and buy this gem..!!! it has a $ 600 reissue case NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1949 Selmer, Henri 14 Fret Oval hole #763

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this guitar was entered in the Selmer logbook on the 5th of september 1949 and was sold to a Mr Boursin. outstanding in every way.. NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1949 Selmer, Henri 14 fret Oval Hole #786

Bernard Desquaires bought this guitar brand new at the Selmer shop Place Dancourt on the 3rd of November 1949, and kept it for over 50 years..!! being unable to play it anymore, he decided it needed a new home, hopefully for the next 50 years..!!! rarely in the gypsy world, does one find an original guitar in the hands of the original owner, this is one such rare case... Bernard played and cared for this guitar... it is almost perfect, save for two small repaired cracks on the top, alongside the fingerboard extension... great playablity.terrific gypsy voice.. NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1949 Selmer, Henri 14 fret Oval Hole #795

on September 22nd 1949, this guitar was entered in the Selmer log book as having been sold to Mr Cotard..nearly 54 years later it appears in outstanding condition.. it's had some top cracks repaired and cleated. the top shows it's beautiful original arch, and the general condition is really exceptional.. there is no sign of this guitar having been played much.. the frets are like they were when they left the factory... the playability is perfect. it even still has the original Selmer bridge. it has a clear and powerful voice, tons of presence and volume, it simply is a superlative instrument., that is 100% original... !!!! NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1949 Selmer, Henri 14 fret oval hole #822

this guitar is entered in the Selmer log book as having been sold on October 15, 1949 to a Mr Levy.. judging by the photo of Mr Duchesne, he must have bought it soon after, as it appears like new in his photograph..today, the guitar is in excellent condition.. a couple of near invisible cracks have been repaired. and some frets have been replaced to match the originals.. playability is excellent, and the sound is dead on..comes with a $600 reissue case.. NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1949 Selmer, Henri 14 fret oval hole #831

Sold to Mr Martinez on the 14th of October 1949...insanely clean.. 100% original.. fabulous sound and playbility.. the "Holy Grail" of Selmer guitars.. NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1950 Selmer, Henri 14 Fret Oval hole #824

This guitar was sold on November 10th 1950 to the retail store of Jean Beuscher.. with no indication as to who the client was.. Beuscher was one of the few "outlets" for Selmer guitars, outside of their own store Place Dancourt. The guitar is in excellent original condition.. a couple a top cracks have been repaired.. the top arch is as it was the day it was born.. the playability is superb, and the sound is everything one might expect.. clarity, volume, and bark.. during it's life, Hubert Leduc wrote his name on the bottom of the top.. NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1950 Selmer, Henri 14 Fret Oval #866

This guitar was shipped to Leon Agel's Paris shop on Sep 20th 1950. In the Selmer log, on can notice several guitars sold through his shop, towards the end of production.. one caracteristic of the late production, is the solid rosewood neck, without the habitual grafted headstock. the "pliure" across the top along the bridge, is as strong as the day it was built..no caving signs anywhere, no cracks anywhere.. just some playing scratches..at some point, the neck was reset, and the guitar refretted, following Selmer's method of rounding off the edges of each fret, and I just replaced the bridge, which will be darkened to match the moustaches..the playability is perfect, and the sound is tremendous.. NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1951 Selmer, Henri 14 fret oval hole #849

FABULOUS...!!! this is how this guitar is... late example with a rosewood neck without the grafted headstock... it belonged to Loulou Gasté, and is entered in the Selmer log book as having left Mantes on 21/9/51 and having been purchased on 13/12/51.. anybody alive in France during the 50's has heard of Loulou.. songwriter, guitarist, and band leader.. he certainly was quite a presence.. his photo appears in Francois' book on page 13 in the Ray Ventura band with an oval hole, then with a round hole non cut on page 84, and again with a round hole cutaway on page115.. must have liked those Selmer guitars..!! at some point the guitar was refretted in Jean Beuscher's shop, and his label was put inside above the original label... it's got NO cracks, no finish work or overspray.. it does have scatches, but remains in extraordinary condition, with a beautiful original arch to the top... excellent playability and sound...a superlative instrument.. VintageHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1951 Selmer, Henri 14 Fret Oval #851

This guitar was built in October of 1951, and sold to a Mr LEGRAND, on january 23rd 1952. it has had the neck reset, it's been refretted, and fitted with a new bridge.. the top shows some pick wear as well as general wear, but apart from the cosmetic side, it does not have any cracks, and it retains the original arch, so with the reset, it now has a perfect angle, with plenty of string angle, as well as miles of adjustment.. the playability is perfect, and the sound is tremendous.. in short, I feel it is a perfect example of what everybody hopes for.. NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1951 Selmer, Henri 14 Fret Oval #859

This is a gorgeous example of a late production instrument. the most noticeable detail being the solid rosewood neck, without the usual "grafted" headstock. showing practically no playing wear, the guitar has nonetheless had the fingerboard replaced and new frets installed..the previous owner applied a light coat of French Polish to "clean it up"..the top, or body, or back, have no cracks, and the geometry is a perfect as the day it was built..most excellent playability and sound.. NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1951 Selmer, Henri Petite Bouche #862

just a dozen numbers away from the last one, it comes with a solid rosewood neck, ebony fingerboard, laminated rosewood back and sides. the top had a three little holes to fasten the Stimer..as well as a couple of "wear spots" which were addressed with little spruce inlays. remarkably, the top has no cracks and the geometry is perfect..the whole guitar has been French polished and apart from the cosmetic work, the guitar is in outstanding structural condition. the playability is perfect, and the sound is superb. NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1952 Selmer, Henri Oval Hole #861

This guitar has an unusual solid rosewood neck, without the "grafted" headstock, as well as laminated rosewood back and sides. no cracks anywhere, but a lot of nicks and scratches, consistent with it's gypsy life. at some point, one of it's previous owners, decided to add a little finish to the top only.. Maurice Dupont refretted it some time ago, and it is now in fine playing condition. it comes with the nearly impossible original Selmer case. beautiful gypsy sound. OHSC SOLD (BEST OF)

1960's Selmer, Henri 'Frankenselmerstein'

No label. No date. This guitar turned up in England. probably the child of an opportunist... made of Selmer parts, it has a Maccaferri body and a Selmer neck.. the neck joins the body at the 13th fret for good luck.. it sports a 680 mm scale.!!!! almost 27 inches..!!! fitted with original Selmer tuners and an original Selmer tenor tailpiece with two additionnal posts..when it surfaced, it had been literally "painted" dark brown with a roller...!!!! Rob Aylward spend hours endeavouring to salvage it.. the back and sides were showing "blisters" or "eruptions" [as in coming apart].. the lower side had also been repaired in the cutaway..the top a couple of cracks... in short it was a big mess... but upon strumming the two rusty strings left holding the bridge, one could hear a cry for help..!!! even in it's condition of "FrankenSelmerstein" it is made of original parts.. therefore worth the salvage... and boy was it worth it...it is now so happy to be alive..!!!! it sings a thunderous tune... [I'm really letting go...] call me for more exhuberant details if you'd like. NHSC SOLD (BEST OF)