Jacobacci

Jacobacci is a French manufacturer of Banjo S and Guitare S.

History

It is Vincent Jacobacci (1895-1975), Italian immigrant born with Catane which founds the family company with beginning of the year 20 in the popular quarters of Ménilmontant with Paris and launches out in the semi-industrial manufacture of banjos and, in less proportions, guitars.

One of its sons, Roger (born in 1931), decides with the beginning of the year fifty to launch out in the manufacture of electric guitars by initially amplifying the acoustic guitars of the mark.

Under the impulse of the Parisian store Major Conn, who will ensure the exclusive distribution of the guitars, begins in 1956 an association with company RV (Radio operator Video) directed by Steve Brammer (1910-1983). The guitars are equipped with micro RV Tonemaster and carry the only mark “Major”. The models of the range are the Royal one, Solist and the Super one of luxury.

Collaboration between Roger Jacobacci and Steve Brammer leads to the creation of two new models: Texas (of which the body, of reduced proportions, is still partly hollow) in 1959 followed by Ohio (it acts this time of a guitar solid-body, " extra plate") in 1960.

The advent of Johnny Hallyday and the Black Socks (playing on of Ohio) and of the Wildcats (playing on of Texas) propels these guitars on the front of the scene, increasing in a significant way the number of guitars produced as from 1961.

A second wire of Vincent, Andre (Dédé, born in 1934) joined the workshop meanwhile.

The range comprises in addition low electric Ohio, an electric low guitar with six Solist cords and a fourth acoustic semi model, the Star.

After an attempt at introduction of a new model to full case, Stevens, and following a different financier, collaboration with Major Conn stops in 1965.

The Jacobacci brothers, who ensure maintenance in parallel and the adjustment of the instruments of many Parisian professional guitarists decide to reduce the number of produced guitars and to stress quality. The first model of the new range is the R 2, guitar half case with double cutting.

Two models of guitars of Jazz appear then, the Raymond Gimenes, created for the guitarist of Guitars Unlimited, followed by Sacha Distel. The first guitars do not comprise any mention of mark, following the mark “Rogands”, anglicized contraction of the first names of Roger and André. It will have to be waited until 1966 so that, with the request express of their famous customers, the two brothers sign finally their instruments “Jacobacci” on the head.

The model Studio, marketed in 1968 at the request of musicians of studio, meets, thanks to its versatility, an immediate success near the professional guitarists. From this date, the guitars are equipped with micro Goldens delicious Sound then Benedetti manufactured by Michel Benedetti (1931-2005). If the Studio still comprises cavities dug inside the body, the JSB (for Jacobacci Solid Body) much lighter east creates for submission to the musicians for the scene and the rounds.

In parallel, the Jacobacci brothers produce guitars western (in particular of the twelve cords), instruments for left-handed person, of the guitars with doubles handles and or not produce certain single instruments at the request of customers, famous.

If a model R 2 low exists, they are the JB 200 (solid-body), then its version altered in 1977, the JB 280 which will ensure the solid reputation of the mark among the bass players

The last two models created are the JD80, a guitar `solid-body' left in 1979 followed in 1982 the JJ, a guitar jazz presenting of the original characteristics.

The workshop moves in 1982 of the street Duris to the Street Delaitre, always in the district of Ménilmontant. André Jacobacci is deceased in 1991. Roger Jacobacci takes his retirement in 1994.

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