:guitar Happy happy me!
I got 12 string-itis a while back. I tried Guild's (F-412 =great), Martin D-28-12 (nice but not very jangly), Martin D-16-12 GT (OK but eh), one Larri J-05-12 (Nice, but unavailable and not terribly jangly). Counted my sheckles - not many. Tried a Guild GAD F212 (eh, and couldn't finger-pick it, so no way)
But then an Eastman AC-650-12 was put in my hands - actually a special NAMM model from '07 that turned into the AC 615-12 the next year. Played it . WOW, great action great jangle, but nice balanced tone, great projection really exceptional build.
Played it back to back with a Guild F412: same tone and sweetness/jangle, a bit less ultimate volume. 16" Jumbo vs. 17"
It was NOS and had some ugly road rash on the back. But what a deal.
Solid Maple B/S. Full rosewood binding even on the maple neck, spruce top (Engleman?), Schaller tuners. Bone nut/saddle. Ebony fretboard, bridge and pins. All hand built. And Pretty :bgrin:
Serious discussion with the luthier about potential issues, warranty etc. and we made a deal. Got the rash cleaned up, etc. and it just came home. Louder than my L-09 (one of the reasons I wanted a 12 is for congregation singing in church). Delightful light action, easy finger picker.
If I could justify the price I would have bought a Guild F 412, but this is so good for a secondary guitar that I would have to be rich or foolish to do so.
I have been resistant to Chinese guitars, wanting to support the North American luthiers. And this one is scary good.
Real Pictures to come soon.
[attachment deleted by admin]
Welcome to the east side of the tracks. :bgrin:
Aren't they fantastic? I basically consider them the Santa Cruz of China.
Yeah I hear you! :thumbsup.
I have played a few Recording Kings and Blueridges, Aria's, Hohner Essentials, All Nice for the Price good gits.
But Eastman is a whole other level. :bowdown: I am a believer now. The company have true luthier principles guiding them.
I understand QC and support are good, but they and most Chinese gits are hit or miss.
My rule of never buying what I have not actually spent time playing holds.
I am sure glad I played this one!
Catalog pix
[attachment deleted by admin]
Congrats on the new 12ver. My hats off also to the Eastman products. I own one of there mandolas,615maple and love it. I do not think they can be beat for the price point. Now if only my Santa Cruz D12-12fret 12ver with maple b&s was ready to pick up. Maple works for me :nana_guitar.