It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that (Paris) Swing...

New from Paris Swing Mandolins, a whole line of instruments dedicated to the Gypsy Jazz mandolinist. We had a brief encounter with these at the winter NAMM show, not enough to get much play-testing, but the looks, feel, and marketing sensiblities open up a whole new experience for players wanting to experiment with this genre.

Designer Greg Rich has ingeniously captured a French, Django-esque vibe, a look and presentation that's ready to exploit an increasingly rabid interest in a fantastic string jazz world incubated east of the Atlantic in the 1920s and '30s. Three different models, from the wide mouth "Samois," to the Petite Bouche oval "Nuages," and a traditional "Parisian" F-hole. List Priced at $799.00 (with a street price even under that), these models will be a no-brainer acquisition to the serious player seeking an affordable "auxiliary" instrument.

Greg has also enlisted the assistance of Django wiz, John Jorgenson in this venture. Soon to be official, a proprietary Jorgenson signature model. (More on this later.)

Click for JazzMando exclusive picture: Greg Rich and the Jorgenson prototype

We're looking forward to working with the Paris Swing A & R folks to bring you an up close, hands-on review of this line very soon.

We're excited. We're "Pomped!"

Visit the new website: Paris Swing Mandolins

See an amazing video of John Jorgenson and the "Samois" in action: video

Posted by Ted at February 11, 2006 10:39 AM