They Say This Is Better Than Gibson Custom Shop, Some Hype And Some Truth
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- čas přidán 10. 09. 2024
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I Try A Eastmen SB59 For The First Time.
To help manage my time I only look at comments from subscribers. Thank you to all who subscribe and post
Long time GIbson owner here, I've got a 2 year old Eastman T-484 / ES-339 equivalent. IT came with SD Jazz and 59 pickups. Neck was spot on.... the dealer was unboxing it when I walked in the door. Fret work - very nice. ried it and bought it. Nice, very nice. The neck is closer to a thin taper rather than a thicker Gibson neck, and that's what sold the guitar to me.
I know Eastman make quality guitars, but I personally don't really like that they use SD pickups. Not that SD pickups are bad, I think they're a great choice as stock pickups on a mid tier guitar, but if I'm buying a high end guitar, I want something more unique. I like that the one in the review has custom Lollars. I say the same thing about Heritage, they should use their pickups on all their guitars not just the custom shop. I know it's easy to swap pickups, so it's not a deal breaker, I just wish they used a more unique pickups.
@@ChrisEck13 SD pickups are by far the most bland of the major manufacturers. dimarzio air classics and paf anniversary pickups are far better.
@@ChrisEck13 Yes, I would be expecting higher quality / unique pickups. I was talking to the local dealer and he told me they use pickups from several comapnies ..Seymour Duncan, BareKnucle, Lollar, and another one I cant recall.
However, I've used the Jazz and 59's in other guitarss and am very familiar with them ... As for Lollar's, Iive only had occassional experince with their humbuckers - which Eastman puts in some of their guitars. The only Lollar set I own n is a P-90 other pickups. Best way to describe them is uptown while Gibson P90's are south side.
@@adamp8765tell me you have no idea about pickup physics without telling me you have no idea about pickup physics
@westernrider100 I like that comparison, I think I'm more of a southside kind of player though lol.
I have a local Eastman dealer and I happened to walk in while he was unboxing and setting up 4 new SB59 Eastmans. I wanted the varnish, or I wanted the tobacco burst, but after playing every one of them, I bought a Goldburst model because it blew me away. I don't even dream about Custom shop Les Paul's anymore. The neck is perfect for me, the neck set is ideal, 1 piece body, 8.0 lbs. Dude!
I found a used Maybach Lester honey-pie for the same price as my used SB59 Eastman with their antique varnish finish. Maybach is like a Gibson VOS for half the price, incredible finish and German made pickups are the best sounding humbuckers I've played. I'd recommend looking at Maybach before Eastman, real nitro thin finishes, the best sounding pickups, made to original specs.
@@pharmerdavid1432 It's really tough to find a Maybach in the U.S. I think Gibson has sued them out of our country for now (but I also think Gibson will ultimately lose that battle, even if it takes 20 more years of litigation).
Our Maybach equivalent is Heritage, the old Gibson factory in Kalamazoo. I own an Eastman and a Heritage. The Heritage H-150 Standard is as good as a Gibson NOS Custom Shop Les Paul (though it won't have the lighter woods; pickups are the easiest thing to change if you don't like the stock Seymour Duncans). And the Eastman is as good as a Murphy Lab LP for 1/4 the money.
Congrats Tonefish, 8 pound Les Paul with NO weight relief, most excellent.
I looked at both the Eastman and Maybach, both are exceptional values, I don't believe you can go wrong with any of the Eastman guitars.
What I was looking for is a '54 Goldtop Les Paul style guitar, to my total surprise I found a Dealer in Japan that had ordered a small run of '54 Goldtop instruments from the Tokai Custom Shop (Yeah, I didn't know Tokai had a Japan Custom Shop).
Anyway, I am shocked at the Tokai's high quality build and materials, I would recommend to anyone looking for a LP Style guitar to also consider a Japan made Tokai.
Love what I was seeing with this Eastman, their hollow body electrics are also high on my want list.
Our local music shop carried their acoustics and I loved them. Just never bought one. The owner sold the store and they quit carrying them just before I found out about the sb59/v. But I wanted one and kept my eye out. Then I noticed people were talking about them and the prices were going up. So I went on a search and found a great used one. Same color as yours. Mine is older and has the antiquity pickups. I absolutely love it. I also have 4 PRs 594’s. They compliment each other beautifully. I bought all my core 594’s used and saved a good chunk of change. But I still paid much less for the Eastman. And it easily hangs with them. Love it.
I’ve owned 5 Eastman’s and everyone has been awesome. I started buying them in 2017 when they were relatively unknown and were a lot lower cost then they are now. I sold a few of my Taylor’s in favor of the Eastman’s. Most of them are acoustics. My favorite one is a limited addition parlor size E-100 LTD 12 fret and it’s my go to couch guitar. Easy to play and just sounds amazing. I’ve owned $3000 Taylor’s that don’t sound and play as good. I’m glad your doing a review on this guitar as it may be my next Eastman/
It's worth noting that this is an expensive finish and you can get other finishes for around $1400 used. Have the gold top and tobacco burst. The 59's are perfect in these also.
My Eastman Mandolin is flawless. They make fantastic instruments that are heirloom quality.
We sold Eastman's in a mom and pop shop in Victoria Canada and they were always well received
I'm in Victoria, which shop was yours?
@@zizzinpuss oh its long closed. Larsen Music
@@Bigboybooya666 I remember it well:)
Bought mine from a mom and pop store. I walked in while they were unboxing it.... and tried it though a combo, a Carr with 112, that the owner kept at the counter for customers check their guitars and try anothing on the wall.... Hly Sht! It was awesome.
After playing for a little more than 50 years, I got my first Eastman just a couple of weeks ago. I've heard people rave about them, so I had to get one. No dealers anywhere near me, so I bought it from a dealer online. Well I'll tell ya, I opened it up and I was shocked at how nice this guitar is. The figured wood, the perfection of the fretboard, nut and saddle, the finish on it. It just blows me away. Are there nicer or better ones out there? Yes, but you gotta look to find them and when you do, be ready to shell out 3 or 4x more money.
Nice!!! What model you went for? And I agree with everything you say.
I’ve got the SB-56 with P-90s & it is such an incredible guitar. I’ve never been happier with a guitar purchase.
I played my first Eastman about 3 months ago. It was the Juliet series and did not plug it into an amp initially. I was surprised as to how it felt, played, sustained and vibrated. Played it in an amp. Loved it. Needless to say it is on my list of guitars I want to pick up. I played the SB59 and loved that as well. If I did not have a Les Paul and was looking to pick one up, I would consider one.
Sheeeeeeeesh! What a gorgeous machine.
Pretty stark example of the idea that anything not made in the US being junk is totally absurd.
Japanese guitars have been blowing away most of the Gibsons for a few decades now. My first good guitar was a Burny Les Paul. When I finally got to play a Gibson Les Paul after a few years, I was seriously disappointed. This was back in the mid to late 1980s.
@@MichaelSorensen-bl3ec It's made in china
@@HipsterNgariman And your point is…..?
@@MichaelSorensen-bl3ec my friend has a Burney and it's so nice.
@@HipsterNgariman
It's proof that the Chinese are not just content to mass manufacture the lower end instruments for the big brands and offer pot luck backstreet rip-offs.
I hate to say it, but the Chinese have every sector of US and European manufacturing in their sights.
Things like this ought to be a wake up call for Gibson and their notoriously poor quality control.
Somehow I don't think they will take the threat seriously though...
My Eastman SB59 is the best Les Paul I’ve ever played….by a mile! 7.6 Lbs. Super flame. Super resonant. Lollars are the best PAFs I’ve ever heard too.
LOVE the finish, got that used, but NOT abused look to it. Sounds amazing. ALL HAIL TO THE GEEKY STUFF!! Thanks Phillip for another entertaining and interesting review! 👍
My daughter has an Eastman Viola. Beautiful instrument. Very resonant.
Have not played this model but friend had an Estaman AR380CE similar to an ES175 and wow! So I found and Eastman T58, kind of Gretschy but less confusing wiring! Wow! Was used and a great price, amszing guitar! Flame maple binding, TV Jones Filtertrons.... etc. High end, but fid not have to trade my car for it.
Nice guitars. I have the SB55/V-SB Eastman's take on a Junior. Everything about this guitar is excellent, neck, fretwork everything. Has a Lollar dog ear in it. A real beast. Love it.
I have the same guitar. I compared it to several LP jrs and it was by far my favorite. It’s stellar!
I have one too. Absolutely killer guitar.
I am lucky to own Gibsons, Fenders, Collings and two Eastmans. They are all good guitars. The Eastmans are quite nice and I’m happy to have them.
That's gotta be one of the best sounding bridge pickups I've ever heard. I can see why people pay the money for the Lollars.
I have SD 59's on my Heritage H555 - fantastic tone.
Lollars are amazing
Thanks for another great video. My apologise for not being at my Sat 0800 your Friday live shows. Been catching the replays, things still not best, with my mum & then Trooper my service Golden Retriever. Thanks Mate and McKnight family, for always producing a full Armourers strip and checked no BS Inspection. That being guitars or bit’s & Geeky stuff, that through experience of taking advice and or taking a plunge on buying a not held guitar to amp & speaker combo’s, especially those cream backs I Love through my Tv Amp.. love that guitar Winner.. Stay strong and keep strumming… 🫡🪖🇦🇺
Wow! Those cleans were SO clean! Just gorgeous sounding. And the distortion was beautifully dirty! Very impressive.
Yay! Glad you got around to trying Eastman out Phil. Great video!
Your reviews are SO OBJECTIVE, Phil…. And with good analysis (like shielding in cavity question, set up in playing position or on bench) and great detail, as always. You do a great service to us all!
Great review! I just bought a used 2018 SB59GB for a little over $1000 US. I already had a T486 that I loved. As much as I would've loved to buy an R9 or Murphy Lab, I just can't justify/afford one. I am beyond happy with the Eastman. Everything about it screams custom shop quality. The neck is beautifully carved and feels great to play. I can tell the previous owner loved it too because it was PLAYED when I bought it!!
I own an acoustic Eastman E20SS and it's fantastic. I'd love an SB59 but I can't get over its stubby shape. I might get a Maybach eventually, I'm sure it'd compete with my LP Custom and ESPs.
Looks fantastic, all VERY HQ parts, sounds fabulous. What's not to like?
Hi Phil, I bought a Firefly 338 for around $200. STUNNING! Shalom/gw
I work on a music store and we do well with Eastman. Everyone that picks one up is impressed.
.I heard that the owner used to work for Gibson in England and every guitar that leaves the factory passes through his hands.
Good value for sure
How did he work for Gibson in England? All Gibson guitars are imported to England. There is no "Gibson in England" for him to work at. So Eastman makes 50,000 guitars a year and you actually believe that everyone of them is personally inspected by the owner? Using an average work week that's almost 200 guitars per day. Think,
I think you may have heard wrongly or someone is just giving wrong information. No way EVERY guitar will go through his inspection. Maybe he used to work in a guitar shop in England that sells Gibson.
I have two Eastman acoustics (equivalent D28 & D18) and an Eastman electric (equivalent of a 335 but 14 in’ body). I absolutely love my Eastmans. It’s the best acoustic I have ever had…especially for the price point.
I see all of the fine points of the Eastman but the one thing nobody serms to notice is that blunt cutaway horn that makes it look more like a Hagstrom Swede from the 70's to me than a Les Paul. Not raining on anybody's parade here, just pointing it out.
It does spoil them LP fantasy. But, speaking as a SB56 owner, you get used to it.
There's only so far they can go before Gibson gets lawsuit happy and prevents the sale of Eastman in the US.
I mean they sued PRS over their single cut, despite it being clearly differentiated from a Les Paul.
Trademarking logos I'm fine with, holding the rights to a SHAPE I am not.
I have always said, " Not where it is made, but how it is made." I have pissed off many people saying that. Simply don't care . You have proved my point.
My thoughts exactly
I have the gloss version with Seymour 59s. All the Les Paul I'll ever need. Also have the T64/v Casino copy. Beats the USA Casino. Thanks for reviewing!
Totally agree, I have both of them too. The sb56 is also excellent
I played an Eastman 330 clone that I loved. I own an acoustic E10D (D-18 clone) and it's fantastic.
I can absolutely confirm that. I have sold 4 Gibsons (2 of them Custom Shop models) and 2 Collings since discovering Eastman, and it was not for budget reasons. Pickups are better, the ebony fretboards are better, Jescar fretwire is better, one piece body and one piece neck is by now Murphy Lab (rhymes with money grab) territory, and to find a Les Paul that weighs as little as an Eastman (or Maybach for that matter) you have to do some serious hunting.
I recently got in a Maybach Lester and I absolutely love that guitar. I got to pick out pretty much every spec on it and now I have an LPC type guitar in a super badass black/blue burst that would have costed me 6-7k to do M2M from Gibson for around the price of a US standard
Thanks for sharing this. I love my Eastman, but sometimes I wonder if I would love a Gibson Custom Shop even more. The money has kept me away, so I appreciate your insight. Like Phil says, I'm just not comfortable holding or playing an instrument that costs a year's worth of car payments.
Unfortunately, if I ever want an LP Custom-style guitar, you're sorta stuck with Gibson Custom Shop (or Epiphone's collaboration), and I refuse to buy an Epiphone or Gibson sight unseen, and no store ever has a Gibson LP Custom in stock in my area, and Epiphone's $1300 LP Custom has been out of stock since the second they came out.
Eastman was smart creating a logo and brand name that would meld with western mentality and not seam Chinese made … Tokai has been building 5A level guitars and custom shop guitars that are dollar for dollar Gibson and fender crushers …
@@bobbyarthur-yf3yfin the Western world, Tokai is a Hungarian dessert wine. I realize most people don't even know about that, but for a wine love like me, I can't take a guitar seriously named after a dessert wine. For the whiskey and beer crowd, it'd be like a guitar company named "Whistlepig" or "Imperial Stout."
@@revolead was ok for SRV and ZZ top , from my experience in the guitar world Tokai guitars are appreciated by actual players not brand chasers and I say that still owning my les paul standard and 57 reissue strat I purchased in 94 amongst other fender and gibson in my collection … I have four tokais 2 custom shop level with 5A Canadian maple tops … any serious player can’t deny the quality of build and playability as well as tone
Just bought my second Eastman!
I know it’s just a CZcams video, but the tone is fantastic. Much better than any CZcams sample I’ve heard from ANY guitar in that category.
I’ve got an Eastman T486 and one of their acoustics… they are WONDERFUL. I’m a total fanboy now.
Looks almost identical to the one I got in today. So far, I love it.
I now have 2 Eastman guitars. An SB59 with the varnish finish and an SB56 with satin nitro. Both are absolutely outstanding!
Have a special run SB 59/V with Bareknuckle Stormy Mondays. I'm currently playing the heck out of it again. Never felt and played a better guitar. Neck and frets alone are worth it.
Now looking for a Maybach.
Have to say, that bookmatched top and the back are beautifully done.
Great review, Eastman is definetly a player in the market for High End guitars.
Thanks for this, and all your reviews. I never feel like your channel is off th mark when reviewing products, and you cover in detail without endless chatter.
My SB57/n-bk is the best guitar I've ever owned.
I recently traded my Eastman T486 for a Gibson ES-335. It was a good trade, but I plan to find another T486 to add back into my collection.
I always wanted an early black beauty. I love the look and unique tones of the p90/staple. The 54’ vos reissues are rare and expensive so I got a sb54v/lt. To me it’s just as good as the 54’ reissues that I’ve played. The qc is better than my other Gibson’s lol. The cs Duncan p90/staple sound incredible! The craftsmanship and components are both top notch. It’s one of my favorite guitar’s. I’ll definitely own more Eastman’s in the future!
Truetone is a two-part urethane, which makes me think it's a 2k automotive clear coat. I've used both 2k and nitro on guitars and they're very similar in look and feel, but of course the desirable aging process of nitro won't replicate with poly type finishes.
Good deep dive here.I played this model a couple of years ago at a shop. A very nice guitar in fact I was surprised how competitive it was with the 2 brands you mentioned. I suspect the ebony fingerboard might give the guitar some more tonal snap which is a good thing IMO. For me modern production Les Pauls are often too Mid heavy or dark sounding. Lollar makes excellent PU's in my experience.
An interesting thing about Eastman is that they were initially a sort of cheaper Gibson alternative but now that people caught on, even their used prices are pretty high. So now they're kind of in the same ball park as a PRS singlecut or Maybach
You would struggle selling an eastman locally. Check Reverb sold prices- they are much lower than many of the listings. Unfortunately they don't hold value as well.
When the first Solid body Eastman came along, yeah, they were pretty cheap back then.
Glad they are constantly being more known. Not suprised Sweetwater is carrying them now, very happy when I saw that, means that people are looking for them.
I'm so happy with my SB59/v, a guitar I will never sell. I had PRS 594 core before, gibson CS, and yeah, is in that league for sure.
I've always been blown away by these. They play out so well and the old ones with the oil varnish felt great. I've seen some shipped in the summer though, and it's not very pretty. The varnish would melt and the case fuzz really messed it up. Oil varnish takes several months to cure. I can see why they moved away from it. They could have switched to shellac though. Better feel, super thin, and cures in about a week.
Is it a /v Eastman without brush strokes and little finish boogers in the cracks though? lol
My Eastman 59v relic version sounds amazing unplugged. The previous owner had a Seymour Duncan 59 and an SD Custom in it--sounded fine but not the best combo for the guitar. I swapped them for SD Antiquities, and it perfectly compliments the natural acoustic nature of the instrument.
My only gripe is the neck is a bit thick, but I also don't play '58 or 59' LPs as a habit, so that's a me problem, not an Eastman problem.
I have had several Eastmans and love them. Fantastic guitars.
Have had 2 of these absolutely regrets selling both ES and SB. Will absolutely buy another
Phil, I closed my eyes while you played the guitar. It really sounded so rich and dynamic. You're such a good player as well! Cheers
I liked the video I would love to try one of these I have had many Gibson traditional , LP special ,classic , standard, studio, Double cut , supreme … and probably a few others but I would love to get an Eastman like that I have had there acoustics and they are fantastic… 0:08
I definitely enjoy the TV finish better than their Antique Varnish.
Having owned a few, I think if you’re comparing it to a Gibson USA standard, it’s really hard to beat. Versus a custom shop though, idk there was still something about the Gibson custom shops that spoke to me more.
I have an AV, and used to have a Truetone gloss before. Would love t try the TV finish. What is it about the TV that you prefer over the AV ??
And yeah, I had a Gibson CS and the Wastman SB59/v at the same time. both by far have been my favorite SC guitars Ive had. Sold the Gibson cos im good with just 1 SC guitar (chose the gibson cos was too much money to hav in 1 guitar and the eastman made me as as happy as the gibson) and never had regrets selling it. But I do agree a good CS has something unique, so does the Eastman. Its down to personal preferences at the end.
Thanks Phil, great review it looks and sounds exactly like I've heard before. Eastman's have a fabulous reputation and the price is amazing, have a great day. PEACE AND LOVE TO EVERYONE ❤❤.
I have 3 Eastman. This very model, a pisano jazz box and a D100 gipsy jazz guitar. Love them all. Can’t beat the quality for the price. I also own a paoletti, which I Also love. But given the price difference, the Eastman are almost as good for 1/3 the price
I have 3 Eastmans in my collection 2 SB a 57 Black and a 59 vanish and hollow body thin line. Purchased the 59 in 2018. These are such great guitars and awesome to play.
Huge Eastman fan, here. I have four and love them all. Outstanding guitars… and that’s even before considering the price.
I have the Eastman gold top , these guitars are brilliant , play great & sound great the quality is top class electrics & hardware also top class for about $1,000 less than a Les Paul standard , I am a Gibson fan I have a lot of Les Pauls , juniors , SGs Flying V but the quality can be shocking & inconsistent even when they can still sound great you pay a lot for that "Gibson " name .
I bought an Eastman Romeo. It had fret buzz unevenly in several places. The vendor agreed to replace it. The replacement had similar issues. I took it to an authorized dealer who fixed the areas that I had identified, but I realized that it still had issues in other areas, up around the 12th to 14th fret. I took it to a local luthier who fixed that but I quickly discovered that it had fret buzz around the 1st and 2nd frets. I finally contacted Eastman directly and to their credit after some negotiation, they agreed to take it back. Then I bought a Gibson ES-335 which is perfect and I love it.
i am disappointed that more guitars don't have the thumb scratchers. never had the problem!
This was exactly me about 5 years ago. I went in to Maple Street guitars in Atlanta Georgia to buy a Les Paul custom, and walked out with an eastman. I spent $1,800 as opposed to obnoxious money; and I love it to this day.🎉
I bought an SB59/TV last year and absolutely love it. The neck is on the thinner side for a 59 type guitar but it feels just ‘right’ to me. I’ve had Maybachs too that were fantastic but I am always reaching for the Eastman. The Loller pickups are the best pickups I have ever played. I can highly recommend Eastman.
I’ve owned two Eastmans and they were both outstanding instruments and huge bang for the buck.
why did you sell them?
@@the_hippykiller22 One I gifted someone and the other got replaced by a Novo.
The company was founded / is owned by a classical flautist, nice to see an actual musician in charge of a guitar company.
Heritage remain great guitars made in Kzoo. Great alternative to gibby if you're looking for one.
I have one of these , it's better then my Gibson custom shop that's 6 thousand dollars plus
Really ?
Better than a Gibson custom shop? How could that be? In what aspect was it better?
Gibson is a branding joke.
What did you pay for yours ? I was thinking of getting one are they affordable ?
@@fadlyhans82 They are absolutely not better. I have both. If you're talking about value, the Eastman is lightyears better. Overall, the Gibson Custom shop is much better.
That sounds amazing. I only own Gibson and Fender Custom shop guitars and I'd definitely consider buying one of those.
I bought the flagship SB59/v Gold Burst with the antique varnish three years ago, and got it for AU$2,400 from my local store when the retail price was still under AU$3,000. A comparison, a non-Murphy Lab Custom Shop guitar that was in the store had an A$12,500 price tag or thereabouts. The same Eastman now sells at A$3,780 (retail A$4,650) but it's still cheaper than a Gibson Standard here (which the various models go for around the A$6,400 mark). I'm not a fan of relic guitars, but the antique varnish, combined with the very light, tasteful and well-positioned relicking this guitar has (e.g. around where buckle wear would occur on the back and scratches and dents in appropriate places on the front of the body), I certainly am not complaining. And it plays like a dream, even after the worst nightmare of a headstock break (which was then repaired and strengthened exceptionally well by a local luthier).
I don't know why anyone would spend Gibson Custom Shop money when there are incredible alternatives like Eastman for a fraction of the price, and for exceptional quality. Best bang-for-buck custom-shop-quality I've seen.
I own a Eastman E8D and a SB59 goldtop. Awesome review. Awesome guitar. Nobody doing it like Eastman!!
Sounds better than my LP Standard!!!!
No one ever talks about the treble pickup being so far away from the bridge in all the non-Gibson LPs. Even Epiphones have a greater gap than a Les Paul... It has to have an effect on the sound!
Owned a gold top version for a while. Nice guitar but really didn’t like the neck heel.
The T59/v is a f'n great guitar too.
I love my Eastman SB59/v, and always say the same thing, the Eastman is on par with the Gibson CS or PRS or Suhrs I've had. the thing is that if Eastman happened to make the same guitar but had the factory in the US, we are talking about easily a $4-5k guitar.
I had before the gloss version and now the antique varnish version that I love. Havent tried the Truetone vintage, but looks cool though.
I had at some point a 2021 R8, a 2009 Gibson LP Traditional, a Standard H-150 Heritage. All at the same time with the Eastman. I liked them all, but objectively the 2 best were the CS and Eastman, and heritage was suprisingly close, and the USa gibson was noticeable lower (still a good higher end guitar, but to in the league as the others).
I just have thr Eastman now and never have missed the Gibsons or heritage. The R8 liked it a lot, but too much money in a guitar that having the Eastman already didnt add much, cos in reality im good with only 1 LP.
Would love to try the Eastman Juliet at some point.
I’ve got a Juliet as well as three other eastmans. Love the Juliet but if your looking at the one with p90s think about a sb56. Absolutely beautiful guitar. That said, the Juliet has its place too
@@benagen2954 Nice!!! I am interested in a Juliet with humbuckers. I like the idea that it is a 25.5 scale length guitar, and that is a set neck with better access than an LP and that has kind of chunky neck.
Cool, at some point I will get one for sure.
Man I remember back before Covid I would see those SB59s with the sprayed nitro for $1400 or less new. I shoulda. I really shoulda.
@@theonlyrobot yeah. my first eastman , the gloss version was 1500 new I remember. I wanted to go for the Antique Varnish, but didn't want to spend more because it felt like a risk, since I had to import it from the US to Chile.
Less than a year later sold the SB59 and got the Antique vanrish one hehee. But after the price increase. New before I think were around 1900, and I pyed 2.3k for it new.
Still, no rAgrets at all, but I still kind of kick myself for not getting the antique varnish from the beginning. The finish is indeed a big plus for me, plus the Lollar pickups are more of what I like, the SD59 are good, but are more modern oriented.
Still, at current prices, if you just want a great guitar, are stupid good price compared to the alternatives.
I love my Eastman so much, such a great guitar, and just so premium felling as well.
@@onlyguitars Premium is a good descriptor. I came so close to buying one, but I ended up getting a kit made the same way with thick flamed cap and one piece flamed body. Throughout the build I was channeling the SB59/v, but with my own twists. Standard wind Lollars rather than low wind, orange burst top and spirit varnish rather than oil. As I was working out the frets I would go to the local shop and play the SB59/v to compare until I got mine just like it. The dressing on the ends of a /v Eastman is just so good. They're always a joy to play.
I've never played a CS R series Gibson, but I prefer the Eastman /v series to any Gibson Standard or Heritages I've played.
I recently acquired an Eastman 2022 T486 and it’s a phenomenal guitar and just as good as any Gibson 335 I’ve played
I have a few Eastman guitars/models and I'm happy with every one of them. I really like the Lollar Imperial pickups, but I tend to play my Eastman with Seymour-Duncan pickups just as much. Very nice review Phil.
Great rundown! Just ordered a T59/tv. Was slightly concerned about the new Trutone formula but I've read it isn't sticky.... Certainly looks the business. Nice to be able to try out a Gib style guitar without spending the dollars and hunting for a "good one".....
I have owned an sb 59 gb for 2 years now. The only guitar that has come close to it in bang for buck for me is an fgn ncls10 r. So I bought it as well. Both are absolute keepers for me.
Eastman Hell's yeah!
They do a hollow body with a hand carved top and bottom with maple binding.. absolute instrument! they did a natural finish one that is just a work of art!
I won't rest until I have 3 of their models.
I'm not a "10 top" guy, but when I walk into a store, I'm always suprised at how many expensive guitars have 2-piece caps where the two sides don't match. Might as well put on a hang tag that says we don't give a damn.
Great guitar. Those Lollars sound so good.
not cheap but very great sounding guitar for sure
I got an Eastman 335 type body but with a resonator cone. Good quality. Up until the 1980's one had to buy a Fender, Gibson, Mosrite, Epiphone, PRS or Gretsch to get a good electric guitar but that's not the case anymore.
My T184MX is one of my favorite guitars. I play it more than my Gibson or Gretsch.
I have a t185mx, and I agree, one of my favourite guitars for 12 years now
@@LucasHaneman I had a T486 and a T64. Both were excellent, but the T486 was a bit heavy and the T64 didn't have easy access to the upper frets. I also have an SB55DC that I like a lot. Both the T184 and the SB55 are around 6 lbs. They are easier on my old back.
It's sounding like keeper!
Someone remember to ask in 3 or 4 months if he still has this one.
I love my SB59, I've had 3 Studio LP's and never bonded with any of them. I have a number of american fenders that I love as well, but if the house was on fire and I could only save one, it would be my Eastman SB59. I know its made in China, but every time I play it, I can't imagine a better feeling, sounding guitar, totally satisfied. Great video Phillip!
Thanks for reviewing an Eastman. Excellent guitars. Have an Eastman Juliet with Bare knuckles P-90s that's my number one guitar.
VERY happy with my Eastman SB55DC. Everything about it is great.
man, that Eastman looks and sounds amazing Phil!
for my 68th birthday I got the Eastman Gold Top with Lollar P-90's in it and it is glorious!
Everyone needs to get an Eastman in their hands and check it out
I've got an Eastman SB59v, but my next guitar purchase will be an SB56 like you have.
I think it's weird that regular gibson customs get potted pups stock. This sounds really nice
I love my Eastmans( East man, get it!?) t-185 w Lollars, solid maple top back and sides, no plywood, spruce top, varnish finish. Slope shoulder Jumbo varnish finish acoustic.. all go to guitars ! These are incredible guitars. Yeah, not Gibson but excellent every one I own I love! My T-185 hollow body is incredible sounding and feeling…! I will buy another Eastman! The necks are perfect not baseball bats . Perfect. The varnish finish is so thin, and I have buffed out my slope shoulder and it does buff ez… try one, these are hand made. Yes made in Beijing but quality nevertheless by luthiers. Hand built. Killer
My Eastman SB 59/V is the best LP I have ever played, and I have played a lot... It is light, plays amazingly well, and sounds killer plugged in. You can't go wrong.
I have an Eastman 59T-V 339 style guitar. It's great.
These are very nice. I’ve restrung a few for my customers. All of them were out of box condition and I was impressed with all of them. I’ve since recommended them to people. I’ve never bought into the hype that is Gibson. So I’m constantly on the lookout for companies that do what Gibson does, that people can actually afford. Anyone looking for a guitar that has that les Paul vibe and sound and isn’t concerned with the name on the headstock should give these a try.
Thats not bad! I have a BcRich Dagger I would LOVE to see you review 3:)
I bought an Eastman hollow body about 10 years ago and I absolutely love it. It’s the only hollow body I have and see no reason to buy any other hollow body like a 335/339.
Eastman's high-end electrics and acoustics are, IMO, as fine as the high-praise comments, and Phillip's review, say they are. Eastman has a longstanding history of building orchestral string instruments, but is newer to the guitar world, and while they began, understandably enough, with vintage copies and less expensive production, they have taken the long view and built up an organization that embodies v ision and skill and a commitment to quality that is extraordinary. I own an Eastman AC622CE acoustic, which is an instrument of Eastman's own design, and it is meticulously made and plays and sounds utterly fantastic. You can see the care and skill involved in making it, and the incredibly well-sourced raw materials. They're running a great shop in Beijing and in CA, and these great guitars leave you wanting to say thanks to the craftspeople who executed key parts of the build so wonderfully well. I feel the same way about Collings. Gibson? Not really. There are way too many clumsily-nibbed or in other ways uninspired instruments making it through Gibson QC to credit them with the commitment to excellence of Collings or Eastman.