The New Eastman DM4 Gypsy-Jazz Guitar

[Rob MacKillop]

This arrived 30 minutes ago, as I'm not making demo videos these days I'll jump right in with first impressions.

I wondered how it differed from the DM3 model, so wrote to Eastman, getting this reply: "Thank you for reaching out to EASTMAN! The difference with the Dm4 is the varnish, neck woods, hardshell case, and sound hole design. The DM4 is higher end model." They didn't go into detail on how the design for the sound hole differs.

The model is so new, it does not yet appear on their website, and the one I bought from Mak's Guitars in London seemed to be the first to go on sale anywhere. I could't get down to London, so Mak kindly played both the DM3 and DM4 over the phone. Both my wife and I preferred the DM4.

Forum member Doug Martin informed me that the neck on the DM3 model is slightly slimmer than on the DM1 and 2. Doug no longer works with them, but his eye for detail remains from the earlier models.

The neck appears to be walnut, and is very comfortable under the hand.

The guitar overall is very light to hold, and is both dry and reverberant (not mutually exclusive).

I changed the strings to Argentine 1510MF, and jumped into strumming Minor Swing. The chords sounded nice and tight. There's a lot of volume to play with, but for la Pompe to work at a lower volume - as is sometimes required - I'm glad to report all the clarity remained. There was no problem using the thumb on the 6th string, as the edges are nicely rounded, and of course the Eastman quality is in place re frets.

I played a few solo licks, and was pleased that this - my first Grande Bouche - will have no problem for soloists.

The thing can bark with the best of them, but can be beautifully mellow when called for.

I'm very happy with it. In the room, the body colour does not look so "in your face" than on some photos I've seen. I actually prefer the natural look of the DM3, but the DM4 has a number of good upgrades - including an excellent pro case - that the extra cash (£400 or $400) is worth shelling out if you can afford it. I sold two banjos last week, so had the dosh and some to spare.

OK, here it is:

[Rob MacKillop]

I never thought I would buy one red guitar, let alone two!

[olejason]

That looks great Rob! I'm looking forward to trying out these new models and glad to see Eastman sticking with producing GJ guitars. I like the Eastman antique finishes, as you say I think they look a little less 'loud' in person than they usually photograph.

[nyc chaz]

Congrats Rob.Enjoy my friend. I would love to get one but the longer scale length on gypsy guitars doesn't play well with my aging hands.

[Rob MacKillop]

Cheers, gentlemen.

To clarify for those who need it:

DM1 and DM2 are both Petite Bouches, the 2 being the “higher end” version.

DM3 and DM4 are both Grande Bouches, the 4 being the “higher end” version.

I think the upgrades are similar.

[Stringswinger]

Congrats Rob and may the new Gypsy guitar inspire your playing for many years to come.

Like Chaz, I find the 26.25 scale a bit tough on my aging hands and while I have two excellent Gypsy jazz guitars, both petit Bouche, I rarely play them these days. I find a 24.75 to 25 scale the best, but a 25.5 works if the neck has a C profile, and a 1 5/8 nut helps with the 25.5 scale as well. Like they say, getting old is a bitch....but still, nothing sounds like those 26.25 scale guitars for the Gypsy jazz sound. So, I keep mine for the occasional foray into that world. Rest stroke picking is essential to getting those guitars to sound their best, but as an accomplished classical player, you likely know that and have the skill set to get out of these guitars what it is that you want.

Enjoy that Eastman and Doug (who I have known for many years) is the cat to talk to about those guitars for sure. He had a hand in their development. (The DM in the model stands for Doug Martin).

[GuyBoden]

A very nice guitar, may you both have lots of enjoyment together.

[Rob MacKillop]

Thanks, guys. Yes, reststrokes are the way to go. I can do them of course, but certainly need to get better at it. I think it’s more of a feel thing, giving syncopated accents here and there. I won’t be flying at post 300 BPM, but I’m a sucker for ballads, waltzes, etc, and enjoy being the rhythm guy, playing along with Django. I must be good, as I haven’t put him off yet!

[nyc chaz]

Congrats Rob and may the new Gypsy guitar inspire your playing for many years to come.

Like Chaz, I find the 26.25 scale a bit tough on my aging hands and while I have two excellent Gypsy jazz guitars, both petit Bouche, I rarely play them these days. I find a 24.75 to 25 scale the best, but a 25.5 works if the neck has a C profile, and a 1 5/8 nut helps with the 25.5 scale as well. Like they say, getting old is a bitch....but still, nothing sounds like those 26.25 scale guitars for the Gypsy jazz sound. So, I keep mine for the occasional foray into that world. Rest stroke picking is essential to getting those guitars to sound their best, but as an accomplished classical player, you likely know that and have the skill set to get out of these guitars what it is that you want.

Enjoy that Eastman and Doug (who I have known for many years) is the cat to talk to about those guitars for sure. He had a hand in their development. (The DM in the model stands for Doug Martin).

I had a chance to get a Guild Benedetto 2 years ago mint for less than 5K but i didn't because scale length was already becoming a problem for me.These days with the amount of hand issues i have had,i'm just grateful every time i still get to play.

[Stringswinger]

I had a chance to get a Guild Benedetto 2 years ago mint for less than 5K but i didn't because scale length was already becoming a problem for me.These days with the amount of hand issues i have had,i'm just grateful every time i still get to play.

My first good guitar back in 1969 was a Guild and I have always had a soft spot for that brand, but their 25 5/8 scale doesn't work for me whereas the 25 1/2 scale found on Fenders and Gibsons does. For some guys, that small difference does not matter. Lucky them.

At 68, I have hand issues that I need to be aware of and I cannot overdo it. My days of playing 4 hour gigs or doing double headers are now behind me.

[Rob MacKillop]

After playing a theorbo (sl 80cms) playing a 25.58 scale is like playing a mandolin

But I understand what you are going through, for sure.

[nyc chaz]

My first good guitar back in 1969 was a Guild and I have always had a soft spot for that brand, but their 25 5/8 scale doesn't work for me whereas the 25 1/2 scale found on Fenders and Gibsons does. For some guys, that small difference does not matter. Lucky them.

At 68, I have hand issues that I need to be aware of and I cannot overdo it. My days of playing 4 hour gigs or doing double headers are now behind me.

To quote Clint Eastwood from 50 years ago,"a man's got to know his limitations".

[Gitterbug]

Congrats... on getting the banjos sold. There must be a revolving door in your guitar closet. Fantastic acquisitions!

[Rob MacKillop]

Thanks, GBug. There have been a lot of changes in my life over the last two years, but things are beginning to settle, thankfully.

[marcut]

Congratulations on your new Eastman, Rob and I’m glad to hear that things are finally settling after a couple of challenging years. I’ve been contemplating buying a DM3 but haven’t been able to find out much about them other than their basic specs. You mentioned that the DM4 is basically an upgrade on the DM3 and that you went with the newer model after hearing them compared . I know it was over the phone and it might be hard to articulate the differences but I’m curious about why you chose the newer model over the DM3. I know you also had a DM1 or 2 which I believe you ended up selling and I’m curious how the two models compare.
Thanks, Mark

[Rob MacKillop]

Hi Mark. Good questions.

Over the phone the 4 sounded warmer than the 3, but still very much a GJ sound, more focused, less strident.

I had a DM1 when it first came out, and as it was my first GJ guitar I loved exploring the repertoire and techniques with it. It’s not a bad guitar at all. But this time round I wanted to try a D-hole, so considered the DM3, but when I saw the 4 in stock, and having a good relationship with Mak, I asked him for his views. I’m sure I would have been happy with the 3, but I’m over the moon with the 4. Just a couple of days later, and with the strings settling in, it sounds better already.

[garybaldy]

Congrats Rob and may the new Gypsy guitar inspire your playing for many years to come.

Like Chaz, I find the 26.25 scale a bit tough on my aging hands and while I have two excellent Gypsy jazz guitars, both petit Bouche, I rarely play them these days. I find a 24.75 to 25 scale the best, but a 25.5 works if the neck has a C profile, and a 1 5/8 nut helps with the 25.5 scale as well. Like they say, getting old is a bitch....but still, nothing sounds like those 26.25 scale guitars for the Gypsy jazz sound. So, I keep mine for the occasional foray into that world. Rest stroke picking is essential to getting those guitars to sound their best, but as an accomplished classical player, you likely know that and have the skill set to get out of these guitars what it is that you want.

Enjoy that Eastman and Doug (who I have known for many years) is the cat to talk to about those guitars for sure. He had a hand in their development. (The DM in the model stands for Doug Martin).

It seems crazy that I've had 3 26.25" GJ guitars from the early 90s and never knew the scale length was that much (actually my Favino is only 26") and especially since I've suffered with rheumatoid arthritis since the early 80s.

[garybaldy]

This arrived 30 minutes ago, as I'm not making demo videos these days I'll jump right in with first impressions.

I wondered how it differed from the DM3 model, so wrote to Eastman, getting this reply: "Thank you for reaching out to EASTMAN! The difference with the Dm4 is the varnish, neck woods, hardshell case, and sound hole design. The DM4 is higher end model." They didn't go into detail on how the design for the sound hole differs.

The model is so new, it does not yet appear on their website, and the one I bought from Mak's Guitars in London seemed to be the first to go on sale anywhere. I could't get down to London, so Mak kindly played both the DM3 and DM4 over the phone. Both my wife and I preferred the DM4.

Forum member Doug Martin informed me that the neck on the DM3 model is slightly slimmer than on the DM1 and 2. Doug no longer works with them, but his eye for detail remains from the earlier models.

The neck appears to be walnut, and is very comfortable under the hand.

The guitar overall is very light to hold, and is both dry and reverberant (not mutually exclusive).

I changed the strings to Argentine 1510MF, and jumped into strumming Minor Swing. The chords sounded nice and tight. There's a lot of volume to play with, but for la Pompe to work at a lower volume - as is sometimes required - I'm glad to report all the clarity remained. There was no problem using the thumb on the 6th string, as the edges are nicely rounded, and of course the Eastman quality is in place re frets.

I played a few solo licks, and was pleased that this - my first Grande Bouche - will have no problem for soloists.

The thing can bark with the best of them, but can be beautifully mellow when called for.

I'm very happy with it. In the room, the body colour does not look so "in your face" than on some photos I've seen. I actually prefer the natural look of the DM3, but the DM4 has a number of good upgrades - including an excellent pro case - that the extra cash (£400 or $400) is worth shelling out if you can afford it. I sold two banjos last week, so had the dosh and some to spare.

OK, here it is:

Lovely looking guitar. Is it pre - aged?

[Rob MacKillop]

A little. Not enough to be overly noticeable.

[jazzshrink]

Lovely looking guitar. Is it pre - aged?

Eastman sez:
Vintage Gets A New Varnish

[garybaldy]

A little. Not enough to be overly noticeable.

I like it.

[garybaldy]

Eastman sez:
Vintage Gets A New Varnish

I was particularly referring to the obvious two areas of 'wear' on the top, not the varnishing technique in general. It's not something I dislike. It's very nicely done.