- Lâg launches the Swing series, featuring two small-oval-hole gypsy jazz guitars designed for gypsy jazz, swing, and acoustic accompaniment.
- The SL100 (solid cedar / mahogany, satin finish) offers an accessible entry point with a warm, responsive sound.
- The SL200 (solid spruce / rosewood, gloss finish) steps things up with greater projection and harmonic richness.
- Both models feature a dual-action truss rod, sealed tuning machines, a bone nut, and an included dedicated gig bag.
There are a few real gypsy jazz fanatics on the Woodbrass team. So when Lâg showed up with two solid-top small-oval-hole guitars, it naturally got people talking around the office. We took a closer look.
The new Swing series from Lâg arrives with two models: the cedar-and-mahogany SL100 and the spruce-and-rosewood SL200, both supplied with a semi-rigid gig bag. Two distinct sonic approaches, but the same DNA inherited from the guitars that defined the genre in 1930s Paris. Let’s break it all down for you.
The Lâg SL100 is a gypsy jazz guitar with a small oval soundhole, embracing the genre’s hallmarks with a percussive body character and natural projection. Its solid red cedar top delivers warm mids and a fast response.
The mahogany back and sides round out the package with a warm, responsive voice, ideal for la pompe rhythm work as well as fast lines. The metal tailpiece and rosewood bridge ensure direct vibration transfer.
In terms of comfort: dual-action truss rod, sealed tuning machines, bone nut, and a cutaway for access to the upper frets. Satin finish, slotted headstock, supplied with a dedicated gig bag.
Specs — Lâg SL100 Swing Small Oval Hole
| Category | Gypsy jazz · Small oval hole |
|---|---|
| Top | Solid red cedar |
| Back & sides | Mahogany |
| Neck | Mahogany · Black Brankowood fingerboard |
| Scale length | 670 mm / 26,4″ |
| Frets | 21 |
| Nut width | 43 mm / 1,69″ |
| Radius | 350 mm / 13,8″ |
| Nut and saddle | Bone |
| Bridge | Rosewood |
| Tuning machines | Sealed |
| Truss rod | Dual-action truss rod |
| Cutaway | Yes |
| Finish | Satin |
| Headstock | Slotted |
| Factory strings | Argentine 1510MF 11/46 (steel) |
| Gig bag | Dedicated Gypsy-shaped gig bag included |
| Verdict |
Strengths
Things to consider
|
The Lâg SL200 moves upmarket with a combination of premium tonewoods: a solid spruce top for crisp attack and a wide dynamic range, plus rosewood back and sides for greater harmonic density.
The result: tight lows, expressive mids, and clear highs, with remarkable frequency separation. The metal tailpiece and rosewood bridge deliver the snappy attack typical of the gypsy jazz style.
It shares the same technical foundation as the SL100: dual-action truss rod, sealed tuning machines, bone nut, cutaway, and slotted headstock. Gloss finish, supplied with a dedicated gig bag.
Specs — Lâg SL200 Swing Small Oval Hole
| Category | Gypsy jazz · Small oval hole |
|---|---|
| Top | Solid spruce |
| Back & sides | Rosewood |
| Neck | Mahogany · Black Brankowood fingerboard |
| Scale length | 670 mm / 26,38″ |
| Frets | 21 |
| Nut width | 43 mm / 1,69″ |
| Radius | 350 mm / 13,78″ |
| Nut and saddle | Bone |
| Bridge | Rosewood |
| Tuning machines | Sealed |
| Truss rod | Dual-action truss rod |
| Cutaway | Yes |
| Finish | Gloss finish |
| Headstock | Slotted |
| Factory strings | Argentine 1510MF 11/46 (steel) |
| Gig bag | Dedicated Gypsy-shaped gig bag included |
| Verdict |
Strengths
Things to consider
|
Two gypsy jazz guitars, two sonic personalities
The fundamental difference between the two Lâg Swing models lies in their tonewood selection. The SL100 relies on a solid cedar / mahogany pairing. Cedar gets the sound moving quickly: you get present mids, pleasing warmth, and a smooth response. It’s a warm character, perfect for getting started with gypsy jazz or accompanying a jam.
With its SL200, solid spruce top and rosewood, Lâg is playing in a different league. Spruce brings a sharper attack and broader dynamics. Rosewood adds harmonic density, with tight lows and crystalline highs. The result is a gypsy jazz guitar that projects more powerfully and provides better note separation when playing fast.
The small oval hole format (a small-diameter oval soundhole), along with the large oval hole, is one of the two historic gypsy jazz standards. They were specifically developed by luthier Mario Maccaferri to bring acoustic guitars into dance orchestras at a time when amplification was rare. The distinctive format and bracing, paired with the wooden bridge and metal tailpiece, optimize projection and precision, while the cutaway provides upper-fret access for lyrical solos.
Modern playing comfort in a traditional format
Both models share a solid technical foundation. The dual-action truss rod lets you adjust neck relief in both directions. It’s a real benefit for maintaining a comfortable action, whether you’re playing la pompe rhythm or soloing in the upper register. The sealed tuning machines ensure smooth, stable tuning.
The bone nut provides cleaner attack and better sustain than synthetic materials. The cutaway makes it easier to reach beyond the 14th fret. Handy for Stochelo Rosenberg-style choruses or Bireli Lagrène-inspired lines in the upper positions.
Both Lâg Swing models come fitted with Argentine 1510MF 11/46 strings. They’re the gypsy jazz standard: “the most pumped string” is even their slogan. Fitted here with a loop end, they are also available with a ball end (1610MF compatible with SWING LÂG bridges), and if you want a lighter gauge, you can try the 1510 in 10/45 (or the 1610 ball-end version). A spare set in your gig bag is the bare minimum at a jam session.
Who are the Lâg Swing guitars for?
The SL100 is an excellent gateway to discovering gypsy jazz. Its warm character and signature sound make it perfect for a limited budget. It also works very well for swing, French chanson, and acoustic music repertoires when you’re looking for precise rhythm and a sound that naturally cuts through.
The SL200 is aimed at guitarists with a little more budget who want more projection and richness. If you’re already working on la pompe and choruses, the spruce/rosewood pairing will give you more definition and dynamics. Both guitars are relevant choices as second instruments for rehearsals and traveling.
In gypsy jazz, the long scale length (670 mm here) is the standard. It increases string tension and enhances acoustic projection. If you're coming from a standard folk guitar (around 650 mm), you'll notice a slight difference in tension. A few days of adjustment are all it takes, and the added dynamics are well worth the effort.
FAQ — Lâg Swing Gypsy Jazz Guitars
What is the difference between the Lâg SL100 and the SL200?
The main difference lies in the woods. The SL100 pairs a solid cedar top with mahogany back and sides for a warm, rounded sound. The SL200 combines solid spruce and rosewood, offering more projection, harmonic richness, and better separation between registers. The SL100 has a satin finish, while the SL200 features a gloss finish.
Are Lâg Swing guitars suitable for gypsy jazz beginners?
Yes, especially the SL100, which delivers immediate response and a highly approachable warm character. The dual-action truss rod allows you to adjust playing comfort, while the cutaway makes it easier to learn higher-position playing. The SL200 is also a great option, with a livelier temperament that rewards technical progress.
What is a petite bouche gypsy jazz guitar?
A petite bouche gypsy jazz guitar has a small-diameter soundhole (as opposed to a “grande bouche”). This format focuses sound projection and promotes note-by-note articulation. It is the historic choice for gypsy jazz solo playing, inherited from models of the 1930s, though today it is also very commonly used for la pompe rhythm playing.
What strings should you use on a Lâg Swing?
Both models come fitted with Argentine 1510MF strings in 11/46 gauge, the gypsy jazz standard. To maintain the intended tension balance and response, it is recommended to stick with this gauge or an equivalent when replacing them.
Can you play genres other than gypsy jazz on Lâg Swing guitars?
Absolutely. While the petite bouche format is designed for gypsy jazz, Lâg Swing guitars work very well for swing, French chanson, musette, and acoustic music more broadly. Their precise attack and natural projection make them versatile whenever you need defined rhythm playing and a sound that carries.
Lâg Swing: accessible, well-equipped gypsy jazz
With the Swing series, Lâg offers two petite bouche gypsy jazz guitars that check all the right boxes: solid tops, reliable hardware, modern comfort, and an included gig bag. The SL100 stands out for its warmth and accessibility. The SL200 raises the bar with premium woods and greater projection. In both cases, you get the DNA of gypsy jazz — crisp attack, precise articulation, natural projection — in a ready-to-play format.
Whether you're discovering la pompe or looking for a reliable instrument for jams and the stage, the Lâg Swing series is well worth a closer look. Discover both models at Woodbrass and find the one that suits your playing.
