The Lâg Swing SL200 Petite Bouche is a refined instrument built for those looking to immerse themselves in the authentic sound of Gypsy Jazz.
Inspired by the 1930s era of Django Reinhardt and the French manouche tradition, this guitar captures the specific tonal characteristics and responsive nature that this unique musical style demands. By blending period-accurate construction with modern build reliability, it provides an accessible entry point for players who need the classic, punchy projection required to cut through in an acoustic ensemble.
Tonewoods for Articulation and Depth
At the core of the SL200 is a solid spruce top, which provides the bright, articulate high-end and immediate note definition essential for fast lead lines. Spruce is renowned for its headroom, allowing players to dig in for rhythmic "pompe" playing without the top compressing or muddying. This soundboard is paired with rosewood back and sides, a combination that adds a deep, complex low end and a characteristic clarity that balances the brightness of the spruce.
The instrument is finished in a high-gloss coat. This finish protects the woods while highlighting the natural depth of the grain, providing a tactile, premium feel in the hand. The choice of materials and finish creates a responsive instrument that feels lively and resonant, helping to achieve the dynamic range required for both intimate solo work and lively jam sessions.
Traditional Construction and Playability
Faithful to the heritage of the genre, the SL200 adopts the classic petite bouche oval-hole configuration. This design is fundamental to the Gypsy Jazz sound, focusing the projection and providing the tight, percussive attack needed for the genre. The traditional wooden bridge and metal tailpiece assembly ensures optimal string vibration transfer, directly contributing to the snappy, articulate voice the style is famous for.
The neck geometry and fretboard are designed to support fluid technical playing. A zero fret is included as standard, helping to maintain consistent action and intonation across the board. With 21 frets and a comfortable mahogany neck, the instrument handles rapid chordal transitions and intricate single-note runs with ease. Every SL200 is supplied with a custom-fitted semi-rigid gigbag, specifically shaped to accommodate the unique dimensions of this gypsy-style body, ensuring reliable protection for transport.
Lâg Swing SL200 Specifications
- Body Shape - petite bouche (oval hole).
- Top Material - solid spruce.
- Back and Sides - rosewood.
- Bridge - rosewood with traditional metal tailpiece.
- Neck - mahogany.
- Fingerboard - rosewood.
- Radius - 13.8" (35.0 cm).
- Scale Length - 26.4" (67.0 cm).
- Nut Width - 45 mm.
- Nut Material - bone.
- Fret Count - 21.
- Tuning Machines - die-cast.
- Included Accessories - semi-rigid padded gigbag.
- Strings Supplied - Argentine 1510MF (11/46 gauge).
The Lâg Swing SL200 Petite Bouche is a practical choice for guitarists seeking to explore Gypsy Jazz with a reliable, well-voiced instrument. It balances historical design cues with modern build quality, making it a capable tool for players dedicated to mastering the nuances of the manouche style.