Giacomel J5 vs. Eastman DGM-1

[Ron McMillan]

I love the look of the Giacomel J5 and its licensed 'tribute' from Eastman, the DGM-1, but have only ever seen them in pictures.

Has anyone played both? I'd never be able to afford the J5, but the DGM certainly has most of the visual appeal. Does the Eastman sound anywhere near as good, despite being only one third of the price?

[George R. Lane]

Here is a you tube video;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWp2Inwrx4Y

[lenf12]

That Eastman sounds really good. I just can't seem to get past the visuals. It has more in common with a Lamborghini than a Ferrari and I much prefer the sexy curves of the latter to the angularity of the former. I'd like to test drive both cars and mandolins. That's a great sounding mandolin however and he plays it very musically.

Len B.
Clearwater, FL

[allenhopkins]

My DGM-1 is a lot of mandolin for the price. You won't find too many people on the Cafe who've played a Giacomel, but you'll find quite a few who've played the Eastman. The sound is loud, clear, and treble-to-mid-range; not a "chopper," per se, but a distinct voice.

As to its silhouette, it ain't for everyone. I like it, but I like all kinda stuff.

[Ron McMillan]

As to its silhouette, it ain't for everyone. I like it, but I like all kinda stuff.

I love how it looks. My friend, professional blues mandolinist Bert Deivert (http://www.deivert.com/blues/Bert_Deivert_-_Blues_Mandolin.html) is about to switch from National RM-1 to a Giacomel J5 as his touring/gigging instrument, so the Giacomel clearly has the chops for live work. The cost of the J5 puts it way out of my league, but maybe one of these days I'll get to sample the Eastman version......

[9lbShellhamer]

I love the looks of the J5 and was finally able to play one at Carters last month. I love the aesthetics, but the volume wouldn't cut it for my needs, playing mostly with one mic. Otherwise, it's so cool. :)

[tkdboyd]

I have a DGM-1 and it is a fine mandolin, when one examines the attention to detail between the two instruments, it isn't a fair comparison. And the DGM-1 is very nice.
Here is a good visual and audio of the J5, not in the hands of Grisman--of course these guys aren't too shaby ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCOtEVUwrJ8

[Ron McMillan]

tkdb just sent me off on a YouTube trail listening to everything I could find by Martino Coppo. Thanks for the link.

rm