Eastman DT30D Double Top Rosewood Dreadnought

Eastman’s new Double Top Series might look familiar. On closer inspection though, this instrument is anything but that.

To the eye, the Double Top seems like your classic flattop, traditional in the very best senses of the word. The ear though tells a different story. The Double Top’s sound is noticeably more resonant and responsive, with greater note clarity and balance. While still delivering all the tonal sensitivity and versatility players expect from an elite-quality acoustic, the guitar’s sheer sonic presence is undeniable.

How does the Double Top pull it off, this blend of the classical and forward-thinking, of delicacy and strength? As usual, the answer is rooted in thoughtful craftmanship.

The technique, developed over many years, reflects a concentrated effort to add backbone to lighter tonewood. To construct the Double Top body, a pair of one-millimeter-thin slices of Spruce are joined with an equally thin strip of printed material called Nomex, which resembles a thin shaving of honeycomb.

Nomex, a resinous substance patented by it’s maker, Dupont, was originally devised for use in the aerospace industry. On its own, the material is nearly weightless, composed almost entirely of air. Set upright between the pieces of Spruce, it acts like a rigid wall, adding layers of density and depth.

Meticulous craftmanship ensures that this density never compromises the inherent lightness of the material- and lighter material means greater possible sonic range. The Double Top can still respond to any vibration, accommodating slower playing for bass frequencies and faster playing for the trebles. The instrument is thus capable of carving out its space across a spectrum of styles and settings, from delicate solo picking to larger band arrangements.

The Double Top reflects the continuous push to move the craft forward in new directions. A keen awareness of musician’s expectations, and an unshaking commitment to surpassing those expectations, is how relationships between guitar player and guitar makers evolve into something special. In its drive for excellence, this dedication will forge in any direction – and sometimes, as with the Double Top, under the radar and under the hood.

As for the name: it speaks for itself. If you were to peer closely at its cross section, you would be able to see two thin layers of Spruce supported by the reinforces honeycomb structure. Hence: Double Top.

So, technically, you could see the difference. But in this case, the real magic comes from below the surface. The proof is in the sound.

We believe that the new Double Top series is the largest step forward Eastman has ever taken in building world-class guitars. And the sound is amazing.

Specifications:

• Neck Material:Mahogany
• Fingerboard:Ebony
• Fingerboard Radius:12"
• Neck Profile:Traditional Even "C"
• Nut:Bone 1 3/4"
• Scale Length:25.4
• Bracings:Hand-Carved Scalloped X
• Body Top:Double Top Sitka Spruce w/ a Nomex Honeycomb Core
• Body Back/Sides:Solid Rosewood
• Bridge/Saddle:Ebony/Bone, 2-5/32" Spacing
• Rosette:Abalone
• Truss Rod:Dual acting
• Binding:Top/Back
• Binding Material:Herringbone
• Logo:Pearl Headstock
• Inlay:Pearl Hallelujah
• Side Dot Color:Black
• Body Top Finish:Nitrocellulose
• Back/Sides Finish:Nitrocellulose
• Hardware Color:Gold
• Tuners:Gotoh SX 510
• Pickguard:Tortoise Shell Pro-Gaurd
• Strings:D'Addario .012 -.053 EXP16
• Action Height:12th fret 3/32" on the bass side and 2/32" on the treble side
• Case:Deluxe Hardshell Case
• Truss Rod Wrench:4mm Allen