We have already been introduced to the Touchstone Series acoustic guitars; a collaboration between Eastman and Bourgeois. Now, at NAMM 2024, Eastman has also launched a new line of solidbody electric guitars. This time, they have teamed up with none other than Otto D'Ambrosio.
What is the D'Ambrosio Series?
Under the watchful eye of Otto and made in California, Eastman has set out to create instruments of unparalleled beauty and quality. The D'Ambrosio Series represents their thinking, both aesthetic and functional, about the future of solid body electric guitars.
These are unique instruments where innovation meets tradition. D'Ambrosio guitars continue the tradition of combining Californian design with down-to-earth playability. From rare, 'reclaimed' woods that give a distinctive sound, to hand-wound pickups and a new, unique design optimised for ease of play.
FullerTone Neck
At the heart of the D'Ambrosio Series is a wonderful innovation: the FullerTone neck. This completely new long-tenon, 2-bolt, neck-to-body joint was conceived and brought to life by master luthier Otto D'Ambrosio.
The body-to-neck joint is the most important connection on a guitar. It acts as a bridge of energy; transferring resonance, sustain and tone while providing stability to the guitar.
The FullerTone neck fulfills this ambition, securing unprecedented three-times greater neck-to-body contact for unhindered resonance transfer. The gracious body geometry cradles the neck in perfect harmonious position, secured by two machine-threaded screws locked into steel anchors embedded in the neck. The complete design is a fusion of old-world craftsmanship and modular versatility: the first bolt-on neck tuned to rival the sustain and stability of a set-neck guitar.
With the Fullertone neck, Otto’s vision for a guitar with seamless tonal continuity, from headstock to bridge, is fully realized!
Phoenix Pine
Wildfire-burned Phoenix Pine is one of two tonewoods that serve as the heart of D’Ambrosio Series Roasted Phoenix Pine, salvaged sustainably in the process of regenerating the Oregon wilds, is given a second life, with a controlled heat treatment granting complexity and clarity.
MannMade and Halon
Eastman searched all over the world for parts as special as the D'Ambrosio itself, such as the MannMade USA tremolo with brass block and Halon's patented brass and stainless steel Vibrola tailpieces from Athens, Greece.
Kingtone Classic
Players can further shape their tone on the DC and SC models with a custom option… the completely new Kingtone Classic tone control! This control expands the tonal options of your single coil loaded D’Ambrosio series.
D'Ambrosio Pre-Orders
The D'Ambrosio Series has 3 different models: the Single Cut (SC), Double Cut (DC), and Offset. Each model also has 3 variants with different pickup configurations. We will receive the first 4 D'Ambrosio guitars in April:
- Eastman D'Ambrosio SC 52 Butterscotch (with Kingtone Classic Tone)
- Eastman D'Ambrosio Offset 64 3-Color Sunburst
- Eastman D'Ambrosio Offset 63 Inca Silver
- Eastman D'Ambrosio DC 74 Vintage Blonde
Are you interested in one of these guitars, or a completely different D'Ambrosio variant? Contact our Fellows using the form below; we're happy to help!