Altamira M30D

My first gypsy guitar. Overall really happy with sound and excellent build quality. It gets better week by week and as my technique slowly improves the instrument gives more and more. Practicing is a joy. Beyond the guitar, Michael is by far the most responsive, informed, and happy to advise seller one could possibly want. Great customer experience with Djangobooks.com!!

Submitted by: JWALK on 07/12/2018 03:48:36 PM

Pros: Excellent craftsmanship, loud and dry without overtones, comfortable neck, quality instrument for the professional

Cons: Guitar out of the box will need a setup

The Altamira M30D arrived only two days after placing my order with Michael, and I'm nothing but impressed. The guitar's top was gorgeous, and projected just as I imagined it would: loud, responsive, and dry with the absence of overtones in comparison to my Gitane DG-255 I was previously using. In my opinion, this guitar is made with the professional in mind who has passed the entry level Saga/Gitane models, and wants a guitar that can deliver in a professional performance setting without having to spend over 2k to find out. The only flaw I found was the fact that it wasn't setup to what I'd like in a guitar- which is an entirely subjective matter, and shouldn't be considered a true flaw. Like any serious guitar, a knowledgable tech will have to give these guitars the finishing touches to make it sing, but the groundwork for an excellent guitar is all there. I'd also like to make comment on the fact that Michael is one of the easiest, and nicest people to deal with in terms of buying an instrument online. His customer service and willingness to go out of the way to make the customer feel appreciated is ALWAYS there. The return time on answering questions is also very quick, and informative- which helped me decide on this guitar between a couple of the other Altamiras. If you are hesitant about making the leap on one of these instruments, email Michael with all of your questions and then bite the bullet. You won't be disappointed! Thanks, Michael!

Submitted by: Michael H on 10/05/2017 09:31:08 AM

I've had my Altamira M30D for about 9 months...or a year...I can't remember anymore. I play 6,7, 8 shows a week with it. I am working very hard to be a better soloist. This guitar sees a ton of play time. I absolutely love it! The tone is fantastic. It's beginning to open up a bit with all the playing and sounds even better with every month or so. This guitar has been very good to me!!!

Submitted by: Nola Gypsy on 08/24/2015 08:58:40 AM

Pros: Great value, volume, tone

Cons: None so far except it's keeping me from my work!

I'm pretty new to the Gypsy guitar scene but I've been playing acoustics for over 35 years. The Altamira M30D is really a knockout model, satisfying in every way: tone, volume, playability. I've played a few high end Selmer-style guitars recently but I can't imagine needing anything more than this. Hanson Yao and his luthiers have done a superb job with the design. Only a few details separate the build quality from what you'd expect on a truly high end guitar.

Submitted by: jduvick on 05/14/2015 08:12:49 AM

Pros: Fantastic tone for the price.

Cons: Shoddy overpriced set up work.

I was VERY surprised at the tone on this guitar! For the money I doubt it can be beat. Plays in tune all the way up the neck and really sounds great. I play Collings guitars and thought I would be disappointed with an Asian made guitar. Not the case at all. Very happy with the purchase and I would recommend this brand to anyone looking to get into this style.

Submitted by: Rick on 12/29/2014 07:04:14 AM

Pros: The wood

Cons: The setup

As an Asian made guitar the Altamira M30D is a fine product. This instrument of all soild wood for this price is really worth it. The workmenship in the woods and finish is truly flawless. The only drawnback of this instrument, as most instuments in this price range, is the setup. Be sure you know a good luthier or you can do the adjustments right. Fret edges went rough, saddle needed to be raised, and truss rod adjusted in my dry climate. But I truly believe I have a keeper. Even if someday I buy that top of the line Gypsy guitar, the Altamira is a truly satisfying and worth every penny.

Submitted by: R.Lee on 01/29/2013 12:50:55 PM