Description

The late Gerard Melancon spent decades building beautiful guitars that commanded attention and captivated players alike. His endearing personality and penchant for using high quality materials to match his craftsmanship made him a household name in the boutique guitar world.

We recently received this absolutely gorgeous used Cajun Gentleman, built specifically to announce this model at the 2008 NAMM Show. Those familiar with a standard Cajun Gentleman will recognize some of the specs- dual TV Jones filtertron pickups and a Bigsby vibrato with a figured top and a chambered body. Where this NAMM model excels and exceeds the norm is in its mahogany body, bound brazilian rosewood fingerboard with ivory-rimmed orange pearl inlays, and stunning 5A quilted maple top. This could very well be considered the best version of this model made to date.

How does it sound? Well thanks for asking! 

The TV Jones Filteron/Filtertron+ set combined with the chambered mahogany body definitely yields some of the classic Gretsch Duo Jet tones, with a refined level of playability one would expect from Melancon. Sweet, warm midrange with a little bit of top end sparkle in the neck position will get you into Chet territory, while the bridge position handles everything from rockabilly and blues to pop and rock and roll with ease.

Overall condition is excellent, with some minor playing/handling wear on the body and very slight tarnishing on the gold hardware. Virtually no fret wear on the stainless steel frets, and nice low action makes it a player's dream!

Killer tone with some flash to match, this Cajun Gentleman flat out delivers!

Price includes hardshell case.

Specs

• Body: Chambered Mahogany w/ 5A Quilted Maple Top
• Finish: Transparent Orange / Natural Bound top
• Neck: Mahogany w/ Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard & matching quilted maple headstock veneer
• Neck Profile: 1 5/8" nut, 10" Radius, 60s carve (.855 @ 1st, .980 @ 12th), stainless steel frets
• Bridge: TonePros (inset)
• Tailpiece: Bigsby B5
• Pickups: TV Jones Filteron (Neck) / Filtertron+ (Bridge)
• Electronics: Volume, Tone, 3-way switch
• Quilted Maple rear control plate
• Serial # 1391
• Weight: 7lb 4oz