Saga Gitane

Saga Gitane

Also known as: Gitane, Gitane Guitars

Unclaimed

Gitane is a line of gypsy jazz guitars distributed by Saga Musical Instruments, the California-based stringed-instrument wholesaler. The brand was created to fill a gap in the market for affordable Selmer-Maccaferri style instruments — the long-scale, slotted-headstock guitars famously associated with Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France tradition. Gitane instruments are built in China t...

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Gitane is a line of gypsy jazz guitars distributed by Saga Musical Instruments, the California-based stringed-instrument wholesaler. The brand was created to fill a gap in the market for affordable Selmer-Maccaferri style instruments — the long-scale, slotted-headstock guitars famously associated with Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France tradition. Gitane instruments are built in China to Saga's specifications and have become a common entry and mid-tier option for players in the Manouche/gypsy jazz scene.

The range covers a span of price points and configurations. The Cigano series (including the GJ-15 grande bouche) sits at the student end, while the Gitane DG-255 and D-500 are professional-tier reproductions of the classic petite-bouche Selmer style. The line has also included the DG-250 and DG-250M, oval-hole models, and John Jorgenson signature instruments such as the "Tuxedo," developed with the American guitarist who has long championed the gypsy jazz idiom. Models like the D-500 and DG-255 are faithfully patterned after the originals designed by Mario Maccaferri for Selmer in the 1930s.

Gitane guitars are sold through Saga's dealer network and through retailers specializing in gypsy jazz, including DjangoBooks. The brand is frequently discussed on community forums dedicated to the style, where the D-500 and DG-255 in particular are common reference points for players moving up from beginner instruments toward more authentic-sounding Selmer-style guitars without the cost of a custom luthier build.

Saga Gitane has 2 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Steel-string Acoustic Guitars and Classical & Nylon-String Guitars. Their gear is featured by 3 artists, with the strongest followings in Rock and Folk, World, & Country. Notable users include Jan Akkerman, Sir Richard Bishop, and John Jorgenson.

Artists Who Use Saga Gitane

Jan Akkerman uses 1 Saga Gitane product

Jan Akkerman

Guitarist · Focus

Sir Richard Bishop uses 1 Saga Gitane product

Sir Richard Bishop

Guitarist, Composer · Sun City Girls

John Jorgenson uses 1 Saga Gitane product

John Jorgenson

Guitarist · Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

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