Altamira M30D Antique

Pros: Looks great. To my ear the sound is really authentic and beautiful

Cons: I can't focus on work

Looks and sounds beautiful. Djangobooks did a great job moving the 10th fret dots for me - you can hardly see where they were. Guitar came in perfect shape. I went with the black Superior case, which has a really nice green lining - looks amazing with the guitar in it, and the fit is good.

Submitted by: Dave_P on 12/28/2021 12:36:08 PM

Pros: Well priced, looks and sounds beautiful

Cons: You might stop playing your other guitars

It's just arrived and it is my first time playing a gypsy jazz guitar, nonetheless, I am sold on it. It plays well and sounds just as I would expect. Despite having an action and a neck quite different to what I'm used to (and I have several very nice acoustics, which are a dream to play), playing this guitar is easier than I thought it would be. Michael was very helpful, gave good advice and it was delivered promptly and safely, set up to go.

Submitted by: Kevin on 12/08/2020 03:41:31 PM

Pros: GREAT clarity and seperation of notes

Cons: Rough fret ends and a bit out of level.

What a great sound!! I don't play gypsy style guitars for the "gypsy" tone, but rather, for the overall tone and volume of the instruments. This guitar has a great clarity of tone in addition to just being LOUD, which allows me to "stay out of it" during jam sessions. When I first received the guitar, I felt the treble was just a touch thin, so I reworked the string break angle over the bridge(lessened the break angle by about 2/3). This was accomplished by raising the butt block end of the tailpiece by about a quarter of an inch). This not only gives the guitar more volume, but allows for a fatter treble. I use a 11-52 Martin phosphor string set. I'll keep this guitar for many years, and am really enjoying playing it in. I did shim the saddle by about .060" on the bass side and maybe a bit less on the treble side. I had to redress the fret ends as they were a bit sharp...also levelled the frets. All in all a great instrument and will receive years enjoyment.

Submitted by: dave251 on 06/05/2017 03:24:48 PM

I am really enjoying this guitar! It's super loud, crisp and fun to play. The staff at Djangobooks was very helpful. This is my new favorite guitar.

Submitted by: Terry on 09/10/2016 08:39:27 PM

Pros: Great sound

Cons: Finish is very fragile

I had a Gitane DG-300 that I gigged with almost 4-5 times a week for around 8 years. I knew it wasn't getting the sound I wanted but wasn't really trying to spend the money. I'm a musician, so who can pay thousands for an instrument? In anticipation for a gig I had with my quartet at a large concert hall, I decided I need something better. I tried buying the M30D from Michael but unfortunately someone bought the last one minutes before me so I purchased mine from another online source. This guitar really is many levels above the Gitane and the satin antique finish is fantastic. The tone is dry, very loud and the timbre is very sweet with great character. The neck feels great and overall the guitar is fun to play. The one issue I've run into is the finish. If you like for your guitar to remain like new, I don't know if this is for you. My fingernail put a 2 inch scratch on the top and I now have a large natural wood mark below the strings from where the pick has scratched away the stain and finish. The finish is just like a violin; very fragile. I'd put a pickguard on but I don't want a cheap piece of laminate on this beautiful finish. Besides, it definitely looks like an antique now. Overall, I wish I had more money to try out the Nomade or MD50. Unless I get a residency in Vegas, I'll keep playing the M30D. Gets the job done!! FYI- I've only been able to compare this to a DG-300. I've never played anything else.

Submitted by: Yeager on 08/03/2016 12:58:38 PM