The second Gitane guitar arrived today and this guitar was obviously NOS (New Old Stock), which is not necessarily a bad thing in this situation. The serial number revealed that it was manufactured in July 2005, and the case was covered in dust from sitting around in a warehouse. Even the strings were slightly oxidized from age but I had a proper set of French-made Gypsy Jazz strings ready to be put on right away.
This DG-300 Modele John Jorgenson guitar sounds substantially better than the one they sent two weeks ago (which had been recently manufactured). There is a problem though, this guitar has a couple of minor cosmetic blemishes which I could live with, but the hardshell case is broken in several places and it is worthless. Unfortunately, the case and guitar come as a package so to exchange the case I have to send back the guitar too. [heavy sigh]
I do have 45 days to return the instrument, and they will pay the shipping this time, but I need to use it for a job next week. This guitar will make some money for me before have I go through the exchange process again.
Yes, this is the down side of internet shopping. Historically I have been lucky with online purchases but there is a lot to be said for examining and trying out the product before you buy it.