NGD Eastman Jumbo 12 string (stock pix added)

[cke]

  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  

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.


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[gitnoob]

Welcome to the east side of the tracks.   

Aren't they fantastic?    I basically consider them the Santa Cruz of China.

[cke]

Yeah I hear you!  .

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.   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!

[cke]

Catalog pix

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[Digdog]

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 .