Eastman DM1

I already own this guitar, the antique version...they're phenomenal! I use it for solo gigs, like in a coffee shop or a wine bar, where I don't wanna use my Mateos. 20-22 years I've been buying from Michael. Everything: guitars, amps, pickups, strings, picks, books...I own all the Horowitz books. This Eastman DM1 is light, loud and professional quality right out of the box! SECRET: u gotta leave the guitar in the box, unpacked for 24 hours. It ain't easy, but six guitars now shipped from Seattle to New York have played perfectly out of the box!

Submitted by: Chef Jeff on 06/01/2022 08:34:16 AM

Pros: THE SOUND - THE POWER - the explosiveness - the quality tailpiece - a decent neck (not thin like the Gitane) - a thick ebony fretboard

Cons: Some little issues due to the long overseas transport to France or bad handling: a bracing has cracked bracing and I had to to lower the bridge

This is the real deal people. I've seen so many luthier guitars that didn't match the volume and response of this Eastman DM1... It is simply amazing. I tried one at Django in June 2019 and was shocked by the value so I decided to get one with Michael's help. Soundwise, this worth some 2000 euros european luthier guitars, no doubt about it. The cheap-looking (but very efficient) tuners is the only thing that betrays it's origins. The maple neck gives a nasty bite to this instrument, very much focused on the high and mid frequencies but mine is still new! Kind of modern and clear color but still with the oldschool crunch and attack. It could remind an ALD for instance. I have tried maybe hundreds of gypsy guitars and owned many. I host a jam in a noisy pub which is the best place to test the abilities of an acoustic guitar with no mercy. This one passed it with no discussion. My friends were shocked by its power! It is so loud and vibrating. And not the plain, cold power of some other guitars but with the gypsy tone! I still need to have a last adjustment on it (it didn't like the overseas trip or some bad handling, see "cons") but the neck is a real neck. Not square like the Selmer but consistent and not paper-thin like the Gitane. The ebony fretboard is thick. The top and back are slightly arched which for that price is very rare. The finish must be cheaper to do for the maker (they don't fill the "holes" in the wood) but it looks good and lets the wood breathe. The Eastman gigbag is neat, you can tell the design has been well conceived on every detail. It comes with a nice cleaning cloth, certificate, manual for Truss-Rod (in Chinese ha ha) and the truss rod key. If you want better than this guitar, you'll have to spend at least 2000 euros. I'm talking about the details, heat-bent top, finish, tuners... because regarding the projection, you will sound louder than 80% of other guitars including luthier guitars. I don't know how they did (I saw a video where Estman say it took them 5 years to develop) but they really understood how to make a guitar vibrate and sound gypsy. Only the Stringphonic japanese guitars or a good cigano (if you are lucky) can match this feeling to me, as far as asian production is concerned. I have tried all the asian brands. Bravo Eastman!

Submitted by: Mitch on 11/05/2019 06:17:38 AM