Quick comparison between the Eastman DM2 and Stringphonic Django 503 Advanced guitars. New setup test. Shot with on 7.7.20 with sony a6100 and Rode video mic (w/ -10db pad)
My first gypsy jazz guitar was a Dupont in the early '90's. I have since owned two outstanding Favinos, as well as had a Selmer loaned to me for two years. I currently only have an Eastman DM2 for a gypsy jazz guitar and I will tell you.....they did a phenomenal job nailing what these guitars are all about. If this ends up being the last gypsy jazz guitar that I end up owning I will be as happy as can be. Had not heard of Stringphonic. Will have to check them out. The Eastmans in my humble opinion are great, ESPECIALLY for the price!!!
The difference in the choking when digging in may be the higher action; that makes a huge difference. The “easy to play” setup of the Eastman results in less bass, more choking out and less volume. That said, I imagine the Stringphonic is a better guitar as well.
Best comparison video I've seen here. Have you ever tried a Stringphonic 503 "Basic"? Curious how it compares volume-wise to the Advanced models. Thanks!
Very similar volume wise. They're pretty average - neither quite nor cannons. Honestly though, I wouldn't worry too much about volume as you'll be amplifying yourself for pretty much every gig.
Hey Chris - this helps me, great explanation. I've been playing for 50 plus years and play mainly electrics (Les Pauls and Strats) I also have a Martin HD 28 and a Guild 12 string. I am a late comer to Django's gypsy jazz but absolutely love it. I've been considering getting one of these types of guitars and have been considering an Eastman or a Gitgano or an ADM which is on the cheap end. My concern that even the DM1 is for me sort of expensive, do you think that that would be the way to go instead of getting a cheaper model?
Hey - I think the best budget guitar for the price is the Altamira M01. The Eastman is much easier to play, but the Altamira is a steal for $700 new. However, you will need to get it setup before using.
Fabulous review although I find the beginner guitar not right it’s a beautiful hand made guitar years of development.it’s down to the player to create the feel sound ,I find there is a lot of snobbery in this guitar world .Eastman is new and needs to be played in and get that top loosed up .
do you know what year the Stringphonic was built in? I heard you say it had a fret job so it is obviously older than the two years your friend has been playing it, unless the original frets were poorly done and needed to be improved? I doubt that as these guitars are supposed to be immaculate.
He was the first owner - but it was the only guitar he played at the time. Couple that with the fact he plays 4+ hours a day (full time musician who practices everyday) and the fact that Jazz Manouche is a heavy-handed style playing of guitar... you can burn through nickel frets. I rotate my guitars and don't play as much, but after 2 years I have pretty significant wear on my frets as well - not just Stringphonic.
