Comments on: DeArmond M65 Guitar Review

By: Brian

Brian — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 02:06:35 +0000

Meant to add to my previous comment in praise of the M65 (and other dearmonds), that fine though these instruments are, there are serious concerns about pay and conditions of the people that work or have worked for some of these Asian manufacturing plants. I think Cort may have been involved with some or all of the dearmond products in S. Korea and Indonesia, maybe others. The workers have allegedly been required to work very long hours, for very low pay, with utmost flexibilty, with few benefits and liable to uncompensated redundancy at any time.
The globalised commercial world which has led to manufacturing in the West being made so uncompetitive and produced decline and unemployment is also mirrored in the far East by the appalling exploitation of decent people there by Asian bosses (there are greedy greasy pole slitherers everywhere).
It grieves me that this pretty wonderful inexpensive instrument I’ve got has been made at the expense of an an oppressed workforce in the East and indirectly at the expense of some jobs in the West.

By: Brian

Brian — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 01:41:01 +0000

Couldn’t agree more. Most people don’t even notice the M65 or similar and head straight for the Squiers. God knows why – these are much better (although watch out for the occasional duffer) – superb in my opinion, wonderful neck and fingerboard (like there’s hardly anything there) – no playability issues at all.
I try expensive guitars in shops and many don’t feel as easy. Having said that, a good top end instrument is still worth going for if it suits and is better than the dearmond – and there are plenty of these, of course, but you do have to shell out a lot for them.
My other guitars are rarely used nowadays because there not as playable. This includes an excellent 30 yr old Guild S100 I used to play all the time but now has wear and tear issues which affect enjoyment and playability slightly.
I’ve had my M65 for about 12 years, paid £100 new in a sale from a music shop, it’s the only one I use, as it’s cheap you don’t worry about damaging it (built like like a tank anyway), impeccable playability, so easy.

By: Trevor Moran

Trevor Moran — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:03:12 +0000

I also own a M-65 and I lov it to bits. It’s a lovely burgundy colour and I have the speed knobs and a Les paul scratchplate on it. I bought it for €35.00 used. The guy I got it from said it didn’t work, he had tried it out but it made all sorts of funny noises. He must of had a faulty lead, because this thing rocks!! It was in need of a serious clean, polish and a lemonoil, but was def worth the time I put into it.
I really love the art deco style bridge, it’s a piece of art.

By: vanguard

vanguard — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:32:41 +0000

This was my first guitar as well. I was giving a ride to a friend that worked at a guitar shop and when I went he in, he told me that I need to check out this guitar. I didnt play at all at the time. He told me that the shop was blowing it out and would take an offer of $92 ($100 even with tax). For that price, it would be fun to noodle around with.

Well, I fell in love with it and guitar playing in general. I now have a couple of Gibson’s but I still own and play my first love…my M65.

Also, my friend (from the shop) and I went over to another friends house that day and I didnt feel like leaving the guitar in the car so i brought it in. The friend who’s house we were at had just bought a $2100 PRS (which is awesome) but I remember taking my M-65 for a spin and saying, ” I could have had 21 of these and given these away to friends.” When two friends, one that works at a guitar shop and the other (who is now a pro) give this guitar kudos, you know it’s a sweet axe to grind.

By: bdbd

bdbd — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:05:42 +0000

Agree with the good reviews above, I have several and they are nice little guitars — so is the single pickup M-55.

By: Peter

Peter — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 18:27:14 +0000

This was my second guitar, first I got a Ibanez roadstar II series, but this M65 I own still today. I love the sound of it! It’s truly cheap but can deliver really great sounds!
I turned it into a brilliant mixed media eventually, for you who doesn’t know what it is, go google it on google, you will find pics.

By: Phillip

Phillip — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:44:46 +0000

I have 2 Dearmonds ( Exactly like the one in the picture, right down to the speed knobs ) I even have the original knobs , I just like speed knobs better, I play mine thru a Crate Flexwave 120H and I get the sound I want, As I said I own 2 ( both are exactly alike ) And I wouldnt trade either for any other guitar. I have bonded with mine they are like family to me.

By: Harriet Pimm

Harriet Pimm — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:27:15 +0000

I have a mint condition DeArmond M65 that i want to sell as i just dont use it enough as i play acoustics more. I have no idea how much to sell it for.. it is the salmon pink one with transparent pickguard. I recall paying about £300 gbp for it new, but do not know its value now. Can anyone help? thanks! Harriet

By: Dustin Harms

Dustin Harms — Tue, 25 May 2010 19:08:49 +0000

You can find them for around $200 on the internet nowadays, if not cheaper.

~Dustin

By: Dave

Dave — Sat, 01 May 2010 19:55:28 +0000

How much do you want for it, I play one and need some parts?!?!?!?