Eastman guitars

[DaveyO]

I played in Eastman E1D yesterday
At Guitar Center
That guitar was very inexpensive and really blew me away
I may go back in a couple of days and buy it if it's still there
I was very impressed with the sound
Basic Guitar for sure
But I never cared about looks anyways
It's all about the sound for me and the feel
Anybody own an East man or have anything to say about them?

[William2]

I've owned 5 Eastman guitars (4 acoustics and 1 archtop). I think they are good instruments. I 've heard they have somewhat changed their dimensions on the dreadnoughts to conform to the Bourgeois instruments. 4 years ago, they decided to limit the models they would make for lefty players. This is my main gripe about them. They will make your E1D in a lefty but not the slope shoulder version in that price point. I wanted a varnish finish, but they will only do that for right hand players. My dealer talked me into trying a E-10D. A great instrument with an Adi top at $1300. I just thought yes but I really wanted this instrument in a varnish finish. So, I sold it at half price, and it took a year. This same instrument is not selling for close to $1800. I don't know if it is the tariffs but at that price, I'd spend a few hundred more and get an American made instrument that holds its value better and they cater to right- and left-hand players. The only Eastman I miss was the 805CE. It was a real archtop with a carved spruce top. They don't make those for lefties anymore either. I mean who do they think they are in a world with so many guitar makers.

[B0WIE]

 I agree with William about spending a little more for one of the US brands, and not on the brand that is trying to mimic the big boys. While they are decent guitars, I have never understood the hype around Eastmans. Maybe it's because they look the part but they always sounded a bit "flat" to me. They don't have that extra depth and richness I listen for in a high quality instrument. I've really tried to hear what others hear but it's just not there for me.

 The fit and finish is usually very nice though. What interests me more are their mandos. I've not tried one myself so maybe I'm just falling for the visuals. But, if their mandolins sound half as good as they look, they may be a bargain.