Named after Iris co-founder Dale Fairbanks, the DF Model is a slope-shoulder dreadnought, comparable in size to a J-45. The slope-D is a favorite of many songwriters and folksingers, but it also sounds right for the blues or for heavy bluegrass flat-picking. The DF is an impressive modern interpretation of the prewar template. It is featherweight, and it responds to the fingerpicker's touch as well as a heavy pick.
This Iris DF rolled out of Burlington, Vermont in 2023, and it features an upgraded Adirondack Spruce top, Burst finish, and striking Firestripe pickguard. With hand-scalloped Adirondack Braces and Mahogany back and sides, it can produce a powerful, throaty growl, or it can be sweet and pretty when you play a softer touch. The bass thumps, and it has nice treble clarity and balance across the register. It has a 25" scale length and a 1-11/16" nut width, and the string spacing is 2-7/32" at the bridge. This DF is starting to develop the rich, nuanced tone of a played-in acoustic guitar.
This 2023 Iris DF shows some minor signs of play and use (see photos), and the previous owner installed a K&K Pure Mini pickup under the hood. There is also a tortoiseshell Waverly strap button installed on the neck heel. While you can tell it has been played (the back of the neck tends to get shiny on Iris guitars), this DF is free of any severe dings, scratches, or cosmetic damages. It has a nice, approachable setup, and it includes a molded-plastic hardshell case from Road Runner.
Dimensions:
- Depth: 4-3/4”
- Body Length: 20-1/4”
- Total Length: 40-7/8”
- Upper bout: 11-1/2”
- Lower bout: 16-1/4”
- Waist: 10-7/8”
Specs:
- Top: Adirondack Spruce
- Back & Sides: Mahogany
- Braces: Scalloped Adirondack Spruce
- Neck Joint: Bolt on Mortise & Tenon
- Nut: Bone, 1-11/16" Spacing
- Saddle: Bone, 2-7/32" Spacing
- Scale Length: 25"
- Fingerboard & bridge: Indian Rosewood
- Top Binding: Ivoroid w/ Black/White/Black purfling
- Back Binding: Ivoroid
- Pickguard: Firestripe
- Finish: Burst Nitrocellulose Satin
- Tuning Machines: Golden Age Relic Brass w/ off-white buttons
- Case: Road Runner Molded Plastic Hardhsell