Eastman Bacon Artist Mandolin -David Grisman Collection

March 20, 20232010s Eastman DGM2 David Grisman Bacon-Style Mandolin

This beaut is a well-made replica of the Bacon Artist mandolins from the '20s. I say interpretation because in many ways it's an improved version of the design. Eastman made several David Grisman ("Dawg") mandolin-family instruments based on ones from his collection, each with nods to modern convenience and modern tone-chasing.

To my ears, this sounds essentially like a really good, woody, punchy, Gibson round-hole A-model from the '20s. It's a little poppier and midsier, though, with a bit of a "grassy" cut to it.

Aesthetics-wise, this has "all the stuff" -- oversized "violin edge" ivoroid binding, ebony in the board and bridge and pickguard, fancy flamed maple for the back and sides, veneers on either side of the headstock, and quality hardware throughout. It's built to a high spec and everything is fit and finished nicely.

It's playing spot-on an ready to go, with adjustment room up/down available at the bridge.

mint condition barely been played - Deluxe hard Case included.

Top wood: solid spruce

Back & sides wood: solid flamed maple

Bracing type: ladder

Bridge: ebony

Fretboard: ebony

Neck wood: maple

Action height at 12th fret: hair-under 1/16" (fast)
String gauges: 36w-10 or similar

Neck shape: medium soft V

Board radius: flat

Truss rod: adjustable

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: medium

Scale length: 13 7/8"

Nut width: 1 1/8"

Body width: 10 1/2"

Body depth: 1 7/8" + arching

Weight: 2 lbs 6 oz