Eastman SB59 vs Gibson Les Paul Std - Side By Side Comparison
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- čas přidán 1. 07. 2024
- It's time for another of our side by side deep dive comparison videos this week as we pitch our new lush SB59 against the stunning beauty of our Gibson original. Can fine craftsmanship sound better than the legacy of the big brash brand?.. well there's only one way to find out! 🎸🎸
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Time stamps:
00:00 play in and coming up
01:05 what's happening today
04:26 specifications & pricing
07:00 what do they weigh?
07:52 nitro vs antique varnish
10:55 fingerboards, frets, nuts, tuners
13:19 neck profiles & measurements
14:44 bridges & tailpieces
16:46 pickup readings
17:43 pickup & control cavities
21:22 truss rod adjusters
21:41 plugged in & todays rig
23:39 let's play something
27:14 what we were hearing
29:14 do higher specs sound good?
31:47 the problem with the Gibson brand
33:20 the 'thing' about Gibsons
35:28 let's talk about the finish
37:15 so where does that leave us?
39:05 let's wrap this up
39:55 play out jam
Signal Chain Info:
TC Polytune / Boss CS3
Drive Pedals (when on): RAT
Boss DD7 / Boss RC5 Looper
Amp: Fender Princeton 65 Reverb Tweed 1 x 12
Mics AKG C414 & SM57
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 into Protools
I AM NOT AN EXPERT. Some things I do know and some things I don't know but think I know and sometimes I say things that are not entirely correct. Once I have said things it's too late to correct them so please check any 'so called facts' with an adult, google, wikipedia, or someone else that knows.
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Just a quick note... in case any of your comments disappear at any time it may be as a result of CZcams blocking those spam competition win replies. I have noticed they are successfully blocking them now but the original comments also seem to be disappearing... sorry if that happens! 🤷♂
Any thoughts on how to remove pinkish stand rash from a white nitro les paul...
@@victoresarey4036 Not sure you can...
@@theguitaristas I'm gonna try rubbing compound, may have to have gibson refinish it
@@victoresarey4036 I had a white Les Paul Custom was same... even from new where it had hung on the shop wall hanger! (I got discount for that 😜) It kind of spreads to other areas where things touch it so you may be better to embrace it?
@@theguitaristas I managed a 2013 white gibson les paul traditional with gold hardware for 1000 dollars american and its beautiful just has some gnarly pinkish stand rash on the neck and bottom of the body
You are now officially top spot for the accolade of my favourite Friday wind down video. Well done. Most chilled guitar channel on CZcams 🎉
Thanks Chris that's appreciated mate! 😎👍
If you're a stickler for the best wood, electronics, build quality and quality control and must have the Gibson logo, and have $2500-$3200, get a 1989-1995 Gibson Les Paul Standard. If you have $2900-$3400, go Gibson Custom Shop, R8 or R9 (used). If you've got $1500-$2300 and want all of the above, minus the Gibson logo, get an Eastman. They're fantastic guitars! Thanks for the video! You sir are quite entertaining and informative.
The genuineness of these videos is what keeps me coming back. Thank you for sharing your time!
Thanks for keep coming back it's appreciated!
The Lollars sounded better. The Eastman is lighter. The Eastman looks better. The Eastman is a truly handcrafted guitar. And I believe Gibson has gotten too big for their britches lately. Under deliver as you said.
Nothing like a real Gibson Les Paul
IDK about their britches, but they've gotten to expensive for my wallet.
Buy used . Picked up a 2019 standard 60s iced tea for 1700.00 mint condition . The guitar is beautiful just to look at . Its non weight relief and sustain goes on forever . For the same money I'll take the Gibson . To save a grand I'll take the Eastman ,but I've been down that road before
Idk I liked the the top end on the Gib bridge. Had this nice airlines around the notes. Was a lower out put than the lollar
The Eastman blows the Gibson away. If you can get past the name on the headstock, Eastman is one of the finest guitars out there. When I reach for one to play, 80% of the time I’ll grab the Eastman SB59/v or t59v (335), which is extraordinary. The Gibson stays in its case.
This has become my favorite guitar channel. Great production, great format, super laid back. Perfect to have going while I throw some Lollars in my LP
Great channel man! Everything feels very honest from a player... It's refreshing listening to someone talk about how guitars feel to them and speak to them rather than just a spec sheet.
Thanks Jordan that's appreciated!
Well said
Copy and Paste comment >>> The genuineness of these videos is what keeps me coming back. Really great review >> I AM BUYING the Eastman. Thanks !
You were one of the people making me take note of Eastman guitars with your videos, and since watching this when it came out, I´ve bought an SB59V and a T64V with a bigsby and P90´s. Amazing guitars and so much guitar for the money, in my opinion. Love your channel!
Another great video Colin, I was really impressed with the sound of the Eastman
Been watching the Guitaristas for a few weeks now and it's like watching an old good tv programme back in the day. Uploads same time each week, good enjoyable content, none of this like, comment, subscribe bs before you even know what the video is about... Plus it's about guitars, and gives Epiphones the credit they deserve, what's not to like haha.
A great channel, great guy, keep it going!
Cheers Reece, glad you found us man thanks for the support it's appreciated! 😁👍
The Eastman during that, "Sine I've Been Loving You" intro fill you did kinda knocked my socks off with how good the tone was. That guitar is really special. So is your channel. Cheers, homie.
Cheers man! 😎👍
Long bus journey home on a Friday evening watching your latest upload is just part of my weekly routine now!
Cheers Jason, the weekend starts here have a good one mate!
Yours is my new favorite guitar channel. Great reviews. No BS. Please keep up the great work!
Cheers that’s appreciated! 😁🙏
Another great video comparison from my new favorite Brit! I own 2 semi hollow Eastmans and love them, but have never played the single cutaway model…looks and sounds great. I’ll give one a try this coming Friday as my local shop just got one in inventory.
Love your videos and great comparison. I grew up in the 80's so I'm a super strat player (I'm no shredder either). Back then, you couldn't give away Les Pauls but I was drawn to the Eastman in this instance .Still, an interesting video all the same👍
Brilliant review. Keep up the great work! 😎
Great video!
I've played a bunch of modern Gibsons over the years and a couple of the Eastmans in recent months. Living in Tokyo, I've also been lucky enough to have played a bunch of genuine 1950s LPs, including several '59s. I can honestly say that, to me, the Eastmans consistently sound and feel a lot more like a genuine vintage Gibson LP than the modern Gibsons do (even the super-expensive Custom Shop models).
Additionally, I'm a guitar maker and repairer, so have had several modern Gibsons on the bench over the years (often, yes, for that pesky headstock repair!). By and large, I find that their quality control can be pretty dodgy, and want to say that I think that fret end stuff isn't a sign of it being "handmade" at all. As mentioned, I hand make guitars and do a lot of fretjobs, and would NEVER let something leave my bench looking like that.
Parts are higher quality on the Eastman, and the woods are certainly so too. Many of the modern Gibson bits I've seen tend to be made out of cheap pot metal and come from mystery factories, whereas Gotoh stuff is really, really good. Also, as you say, the Gibson brand has degraded itself over the last few years. Amongst guitar makers, they're better-known for sending out Cease and Desist letters than for building quality instruments.
I've got to say that, in my opinion, Eastmans, from almost any perspective, are just ... well ... better.
Of course, there are other brands that do "vintage Gibson" better than Gibson today, like Navigator, but I'd say that Eastman may be the best bang for the buck (pow for the pound?) on the market today.
Cheers man, I'm feeling that way too about Eastmans... 👍👍
I respectfully disagree with your assessment. Eastman's are very decent, indeed. To say Gibson's QA is "dodgy" and their metal and other parts are "pot metal" or come from "mystery factories" is absurd. My own experiences and other guitarists I know that have many Gibson products that I've seen and played just makes your claims largely false. I would add that it's quite conceivable that many of the instruments that are being passed off as Gibson's in Tokyo are indeed not real Gibson products. I would suggest you come to the U.S. and see for yourself.
@@kenster865I am very glad that you have had such positive experiences with Gibsons. As I said, I am a repairer, so perhaps I mostly get to see the instruments that have issues. However, I have seen things like flat, unpolished frets on guitars direct from the factory, along with bad solder joints, poor binding, and yes, sometimes cheap, dodgy bridges and tuners. As it happens, I've been to the USA and noticed the same issues with instruments there that I mention, as I have in the UK and Australia. Gibson owner forums have many complaints about such things, and repairers like me often trade information with others worldwide about the problems with which we can expect to deal.
Also, why would you think that many "Gibsons" in Japan are fake? The large companies here like Ishibashi have a strong relationship with them. The companies that make "Gibson-type" instruments here (Burny, Tokai, Navigator ... and a bunch of others) all do so under their own names. In some cases, they sell for more because they're simply better made. No major Japanese companies do fakes as far as I know, and Chinese copies do not seem to be as popular here as they are in the US and UK. There are a few replica builders, but that's a very different end of the market.
All that being said, I am, once more, happy that you have had good experiences with the Gibsons you have encountered, and hope that you continue doing so.
I like the sound of the bridge pickup on the Eastman, but the neck pickup on the Les Paul sounded really good. I'd never buy a cherry burst, but it's a nice sounding guitar. However, you're not really looking for a reason to keep the Les Paul, but sufficient justification that you are right for keeping the Eastman. And if you love the Eastman and are not convinced on the Gibson, you have your answer.
Such a small detail but I absolutely love the little coming up section at the beginning. It’s like a movie preview and I’m sure it extends your editing time by quite a bit. Great work as always. I’ve been saving up for an Eastman SB59/v and I’m a few weeks away from pulling the trigger. With that being said I will likely someday buy some type of Gibson once I come across one I connect with. To that point, I think it’s easy to connect with the vintage Eastman series because you can FEEL the amount of time that has gone into it and the amount of hands that built it. It has character. I’d imagine that’s the same feeling people get with the custom shop and Murphy Lab guitars. Problem is, you need to spend nearly 3x as much for the Murphy Lab LP
Cheers Matt, thanks for the comment that’s appreciated… and yes sometimes it takes several hours to put that little preview section together! 🤣 you also nailed it about the Eastman it right does feel like a vintage guitar, even more so then the custom shop Gibsons I still own and have owned, it’s quite remarkable!
Great video Colin. Inspirational stuff. I rewatched this yesterday. At 430pm I grabbed 4 of my little used guitars, drove to my local music shop and swapped them plus a few hundred quid and walked out with the last lefty Eastman 59 they had. Cheers for all the videos.
Nice one Jeff! 😁👍
My new sb59v gold burst delivers tomorrow! Good thing it's FedEx and not UPS, right mate. Ha!
@@robbieschriver156 😆👍
What were the 4 guitars you traded? 😊 aaand 4 months later, do you feel like you made a good decision?
Colin, one more time, amazing this channel and btw a lot of times I get back to review again some video which I saw it already because are so informative that :) you needed see again. This channel in currently my favorite channel, thanks a lot.
I forgot to said hahaha bestial Led Zeppelin 😅
Cheers Jose... I talk so much you have to watch several times! 🤣👍
Great video! I bought recently one Eastman S59, and i got to tell you, I love that guitar!.... great channel!! congrats!!!
Great video! Brilliant to see such a detailed breakdown of both instruments. 👏
I still want my codpiece, though... and I will have one eventually!
Yeah that itch needs scratching! 😎👍
I purchased the same Eastman in 2019.. it came with Duncans antiquities and a lovely brown case. I still have it along with my Les Paul’s. I love them both. They each do the job I need. New the Eastman was 1300 US back then, I purchased for 900.
Love your show, you do a great job. Cheers from NY.
Cheers man! 😎👍
Love the Eastman...Thanks Colin for the in depth...
Wow Colin so on point for me on the “riff” your playing has the last 2 weeks gone to another level mate 👍🎸. Great videos
Cheers Simon!
Just found this channel a few days ago, which is odd because probably 90% of what I watch is electric guitar related content. Glad CZcams FINALLY recommended this channel.
Makes me want to kick back with a drink in the evening and enjoy the show.
Cheers man glad you found us!! 😎👍
Sold my 339 and bought another Tele, American Performer with HB at neck. Love your playing, slow blues. I’m a Tele guy.guy but I really liked the Eastman! Thanks for the talks.
Thanks for all the trouble you go to in producing such great content. Cheers from Australia.
Cheers Anthony, thanks for watching mate!
Awesome video! I preferred the sound of the Eastman to the Gibson. This may be nit-picky, but i wish the Eastman had a pickguard, but thats just because of the way i play, not anything to do with looks. Great playing as well, Colin!
Great detailed comparison! Was very curious to know how they stacked up against one on another since you posted the Eastman video. It’s funny you set up the rig for the Gibson because I found I preferred the sound of the Eastman in this comparison. As far as which to sell. The name on the headstock or what other people say should have no bearing. If you love the Eastman more that is the keeper and if you’ve given the Gibson a proper chance and still don’t love it, then I would sell it and not look back. You could use that money to fund a second Eastman even. 😁Thanks again for making this. Always appreciate these comparisons.
Great video as usual Colin so many thanks for that. Just contemplating a new Les Paul and still undecided but this video helped a lot. Currently playing Epiphone inspired by Gibson Les Paul standard and the Gerry Cantrell Epiphone while my Gibson studio, which I have lavished a few upgrades on in an effort to bond, remains at home! Have you previously compared the Heritage Les Paul against the Eastman? I feel the answer for me may lay there. On another point after watching you video on the Epiphone SG Custom I decided I should try………not for me but nothing ventured nothing gained. Anyway think I’m stuck between the Eastman and The Heritage. Would like to see that comparison. Cheers and thanks again.
absolutely fantastic reviews. Thank you thank you!!! Seriously!!!
Have an Eastman sb59 V Amber with Bareknuckle Stormy Mondays.
Had something Gibsons before but the Eastman is, as you said, an instrument you immediately bond with. It's like an old friend.
Loving the channel, mate!
The Eastman is the first Les Paul-a-like that doesn't look like a cheap knockoff. The thickening out of the cutaway 'horn' really suits it. Sort of gives it a 335 feel, especially with that slightly uneven finish. I know all that's just aesthetic but, like everyone else, all i could afford of a Les Paul were pictures of it and fell in love with those.
Then when i could afford one, it felt like playing a door. Landed on a LP faded 2005 and fell in love all over again =)
I don't think the Tokai looks like a cheap knock off either
The Navigators are the best Les Paul copies by far. They blow these Eastmans out of the water.
And don't forget Heritage Guitars!
Your videos are great. Very much enjoy how you review.
Great video Col. Your final summary of Gibson are bang on mate. The continuously live on their “premium” products as you say and often don’t deliver. The Eastman is superb, it’s my next one for sure. I know you are not keen on the PRS birds but if you get chance try a McCarty 594 single cut.
Wow Colin, that was a very satisfying 40 minutes or so...I really enjoy your style. Last week I bought a 50's (IBG) Les Paul Goldtop (epiphon...) because you demonstrated how wonderful it was not long before. You were right! She is just a pleasure to play and even look at. I saw this current video comparing the Gibson Les Paul to the Eastman version and so I got my 2016 Gibson Les Paul Trad down off the wall where it hangs with several other beautiful guitars I don't plan enough. As I watched the Eastman clean up in so many categories and heard your take on who Gibson has become, I started bonding with my Gibson (holding/playing as I watched your performance) in a way I hadn't till now. Thank you! I think I have a much better appreciation at just how awesome my LP Trad really is. My Epi LP Std is wonderful in so many ways but is at a different level compared to the Gibson. Glad I came to my senses. I was thinking of selling the Gibson now that I have the Epiphone...this video woke me up, although, I don't think that was the intent!
Nice one Murray…. sounds like some weird spooky reverse psychology going on there! 🤔 maybe it’s because of that Gibson ‘indoctrination’ you started feeling bad for neglecting such a great guitar? 🤣 whatever it is they are still great guitars and we still love them in spite of everything. Enjoy playing this weekend mate! 😁👍
Hey Colin . Great comparison, playing from the heart . As usual !
Thanks mate! 🙏😎
I’m kinda preferring the lower output and balance of the Gibson in this comparison. I prefer the Gibson although as you said it’s hard to deny the craftsmanship of the Eastman. If somewhere in your mind there is ever a thought of selling either then obviously the Gibson will retain more of it’s value. However you did bond with the Eastman very quickly….and it’s built so dang well. I’m glad I don’t have to decide! Lol. Great episode!
Love your channel Colin, honest, informative and entertaining. You can see the work that goes into them, brilliant stuff! I wonder if you've ever considered Gordon Smith guitars? I was looking at them recently online and thought some of them are right up your street.
I do agree, Gordon Smith Guitars are worth a consideration, and as I said before, the Godin Summit Classic LTD as well 👌
Cheers Mark, that's appreciated! 🙏😊 I do actually have a GS1 that I should bring out to play sometime, and I am gassing after the new Griffin of course so watch this space it will happen eventually!
I've recently bought a Gordon Smith GS 1.5, superb guitar....
@@henryhartley9993 I've got a 1993 GS1 that has the same status as colin's les paul, it looks cool as F , has an airy lovely sound and is teather light, but I rarely pick it up and ,when I do, I put it down again, I can't get on with the neck so I basically hate it even tho I pretend not too. I grew up a few miles from John smith's workshop and did a day's work experience with him in about 76 or '77 when they were super trendy with punk and post punk indie bands and cut a body out on the bandsaw - john and chris were absolutely lovely and it was one of them days , but the guitar's not to my taste at all. Never played a Northampton one
@@frankcarter6427 that must have been an experience working there even for one day, one of my band mates bought a GS gypsy in 78-79 , we drove over from Burnley to pick it up, I had seen a few of the local punk bands like the buzzcocks using them and thought they sounded really raw but great....the Northampton guitars are better made instruments with full slab bodies and no bits of timber stuck on here and there, not saying they sound better just built better....
Great video as always, keep em coming. Keep the Gibson
Great vid as always! Its all down to the player/ owner, how it feels, how it plays and how it sounds, and most importantly does it bring joy to owning it and playing it. If it doesn't then its just not the guitar for that person, regardles of make or model. It wont make it a bad guitar it just means its not for you. So many people I have read comments from in the past wanted make "A or B" for decades, finally bought it and were left very very dissapointed. If it doesn;t bring joy to play, it aint right for you. Its ncertainly not about the badge on the headstock and if someone buys a guitar just for that without trying out others or that guitar first then its a road to wasted money if theres no joy in ownership. Great channel mate love it thank you.
I am a year late but enjoyed every minute. Let the SG wall make your heart happy for the history of Gibson. Let the Eastman bring out your musicality from your soul. You’re not playing specs but letting the sound direct you on a path that just lets you explore the moment. Thank you.
Sold my Fender Tele and Gibson Les Paul for an Eastman sb56 and a sb59v. Never looked back. These Eastmans are just amazing !
I’ll take an Eastman every day of the week.
Both gorgeous and great video as usual.
Colin, please do a video on the PRS S2 McCarty 594 Singlecut.
Colin, another brilliant video. I’m lucky enough to own a custom R8, amongst other guitars I have collected over the years. I do like the Eastman, but would not sell the R8, I’d have to keep it simply because it’s a fabulous Gibson Les paul. I’d sell / trade another guitar to have the Eastman! so if you can stretch to it I’d keep them both. Just my thoughts. Thanks for what you do Colin I, like I’m sure many of your followers,
really appreciate and enjoy
your particular style, it’s like sharing time with a good old mate. Cheers buddy 👍
I have a Hofner archtop made in Germany that has the hand rubbed violin finish and I can tell you that is has been a nightmare when it comes to scratches and marks that are so easily made when ever I touch it. Thanks for the great review, I very much enjoyed it.
I played an Eastman like this yesterday in a guitar shop. Wonderful feel to the neck and great intonation throughout the register on this particular one. I like the vintage tuners and the relic finish. The Lollar picks had a nice blend of tones I thought. Particularly the Ebony fingerboard was very nice to play on. Overall weight was less than 8 lbs. However the non Gibson USA mark of manufacture is a tipping point for making my decision on buying this guitar. On goes the quest... Thanks for sharing this great video.
Just received an Eastman sb59 and I’m just stunned at how’s good this guitar is. It looks, plays and sounds fantastic. I’m just blown away. It’s better than any Gibson I’ve ever played. Wow
😁👍👍
I watched the entire video and I’m really glad you did this side by side test. I feel the Eastman varnish finish is really nice. I also love the ebony fingerboard and the Lollar pickups sound superb. After watching this video, I would spend my money on the Eastman.
This is the first of your videos I've watched and I loved it. The content, depth of analysis, your style of presentation and quality of musicianship. Thank you, I'm a fan. The reason you caught my eye was that I am in the market for an Eastman and naturally a direct comparison with an LP was of great interest. I now love the Eastman even more. The quality of build in my humble opinion is better than the Gibson, the finish, as you say will relic naturally and in a way that reflects how it's been played. I guess that's the ultimate in customisation. Tonally, The Eastman had a richness and I bet it sounds incredible when cranked up. I think the Eastman could, for me at least, be a guitar for life. Looking forward to your next vid. Pete
Cheers Pete, glad you found us man thanks for the kind words that's appreciated! 😎🙏 I say definitely try one if you can... I have nothing but good things to say about Eastman guitars 🙌
I just bought an eastman sb59/v gb. What an amazing instrument! I heard that they're going to be limiting the production of this model this year as they're so labour intesive to varnish... so, get one while they're still afordable!
Thanks Colin, I am contemplating on buying an eastman acoustic!
Never skip your videos. This is an awesome channel! I love chilling watching you just talk about this dumb addiction that it is guitars.
Man. Love your reviews.
I got my eye on the Eastman now. I love Gibsons but the Eastman seems like a better value.
Loving this channel! I’ve been thinking of taking the plunge & getting a Gibson LP 50’s Standard Goldtop as I’ve only had Epiphone…but that Eastman looks stunning. I’m a leftie which sometimes limits choice, but both are available. Sound wise this vid shows they are really very similar- so it probably boils down to whether I want that ‘I have a proper Gibson’ (I remember you saying in a previous video that’s an itch that probably needs scratching), or whether I opt for that handmade antique vibe of the Eastman (think it looks stunning!) Tough decision.
Wonderful review! Your commentary and insight is very entertaining! Thanks for making such great content!
What song are you playing in the “Let’s play something” section?
It sounded similar to Black Magic Woman by Carlos Santana but different enough to avoid a copyright strike.
THIS is the comparison I’ve been waiting for. Thanks Colin! Eastman hands down for me, and I am a Gibson ES-139 owner. Eastman!!!
Cheers man! 😎👍
Best guitar review Chanel on you tube as far as I am concerned. Love your work. I also feel there is something about the Gibson I noticed when you were playing. I think there is a need for both guitars probably. That being said, If I was in the market for an LP - I would buy the Eastman.
New to your channel but there is something about your intro format that hooks me. The switching between playing and short clips of you talking is just right.
Cheers man thanks for the support it's appreciated! 😁👍
I love my SB59, exactly the same as yours. When I bought it, I wanted the new finish version as I'm not a fan of relics. Those only come with the Seymour Duncan vintage pickups, which sound much closer to your Gibson. Maybe a three way comparison.
Once I had played the Loller pickups though, I was just going to have to put up with the relicing and sacrifice the beautiful new finish to get that tone. Now no regrets, the finish has grown on me so it now just looks old, not got at with sandpaper.
I had gone to buy a Gordon Smith, but wanted to check the Eastman out. Schoolboy error. I did buy the Gordon Smith, but a couple of weeks later there was the "Do you remember that SB59, have you still got it?" phone call, a bit of negotiation and I now have the Gordon Smith and the SB59. Both are definitely keepers, much loved family pets. Very enjoyable video as always, cheers.
Cheers Ian, nice story and fabulous example of what happens when the GAS attacks! glad you gave in and have both of them... that was the correct choice! 😆👍
This channel is fantastic.
My Saturday morning just got better! Insightful comparison, as always. I was lucky with Gibson, I bought my 1968 LP Custom in 1974 when we went 'pro' as a band, so I really don't need another Gibson. I bought the Epi 59 'inspired by Gibson' with Gibson pick-ups last year, just because - it's lovely. As mentioned, though, I would really love to try the Eastman 59/v (or nitro - not fussy either way) but HK agent doesn't carry solid bodies for some reason. This may or may not be of interest to everyone here: I contacted Eastman US office about this - not really expecting a reply - and the next day I got a very thoughtful email from Eastman Beijing empathising with my frustration at not being able to get my hands on one locally (I would never buy online) and suggesting outlets in Shenzen & Guangzhou (both only an hour or so away from HK but no way - you run the risk of being stuck in purgatory with Covid lockdowns over there). Great corporate response to a complaint, most appreciated. I am up for trips to Seoul & Tokyo early next year so will report back if I find one and buy it! Thanks for another terrific vid! And, yeah, the Eastman had the edge 😀
Cheers Morton, thanks for comment as always, it’s great that you heard back from Eastman so hopefully your search will end well! 😎👍
Love your content, thanks! I think I am going to get a eastman!
for me the Eastman has it, more mellow tones, super vid mt keep on rocking m.
love the channel! Just wanted to point out (I feel it already has been done so here) that very very few les Pauls outside of custom shop reissues have 1 piece mahogany backs, perhaps even none of them will be moving forward in the future with the new management. We’ve already seen a decline in top quality on the standards. So another point in favor on the Eastman, I feel like
I have a Les Paul “Tribute”… it’s the cheapest Gibson Les Paul you can get. It has a one piece mahogany body. I love that guitar. It has a maple neck, makes it a little more bright but it works wonders on that rhythm pickup. I also have a custom shop 335. It’s my main driver. Live that guitar as well.
The whole “handmade” thing is a big part of bonding with a guitar. It would be interesting to see more work by luthiers and craftsmen from smaller companies - as long as they are under two grand anyway!
I always enjoy your shows! This one was another gem. Is Gibson losing their luster? I guess not, but Eastman is definitely on my radar now. The weight, the feel of the neck, and the quality components certainly give it an edge. I'm a bit of a bourbon drinker, but I like it when the company puts their age on the bottle. It's like they have nothing to hide. This, of course, is found in the more affordable range. Sometimes, I feel like, what Is Gibson trying to hide? Well, not their prices. You pointed it out nicely in your video. Well I guess then the true test is in the tasting or playing. Cheers.
Fantastic as always! My SB 59 is due in tomorrow!
Excellent!... let us know your thoughts when too get it.
@@theguitaristas so far I adore it. I may add a bit of shielding as the environments I play in are full of dirty power but I do that to most of my guitars even if they don’t “really” need it
Thanks again for your thorough reviews. You actually confirmed my experiences with the three Eastman LP models I have played and admired. I’m a guitar lover and tech in New York and quite frankly blown away with these instruments. I too have been frequently disappointed and at times annoyed with the inconsistencies in Gibson guitars.
If you had actually done this comparison with their “custom shop” models, I believe your conclusions would be pretty much the same. I have on several occasions. Unfortunate to say the least.
Cheers Gary, in fact I had an R8 that I sold recently and this Eastman easily replaces that for me. Sad but true 🤷♂️
Id like to thank you great videos and awesome info and playing. Youve helped me turn my epiphone classic quilt top into a even better guitar. Just by really working on set up of it. Its completely stock except grover vintage tuners instead of regular grovers. I do have neck pickup turned around and lowered abit then poles adjusted up. This is a 2005 epiphone classic rosewood fret board bridge and tail piece are Gibson. Alinco 2 pickups its a great guitar
I bought the gold top with p90s last week. Outstanding!
Both guitars look stunning and both guitars sound good. Owning them both is nice "problem" to have. I do love it that the Eastman is completely hand made though, that is a rare thing these days, and that they can do it at a competitive price is amazing.
You've convinced me, pal.
I need to go and buy a cello!
Have a great weekend
I avoided looking at the comments before I watched so I could form my own unbiased opinion, which is based solely on the tone. That said, I absolutely prefer the tone of the Gibson. It has that inherent/lovely midrange signature Les Paul tone that I expect. The Eastman to my ears lacks that quality, it sounds more one dimensional and a bit thinner…at least that’s how I’m hearing it through my headphones. Personally w/ a Les Paul Standard type, I want a rosewood board…not ebony which can add some brightness, the ebony imparts a different more neutral/less midrangey tone from my experience. I say that as someone who owns both varieties. The Les Paul sounds like a prototypical Les Paul here, the Eastman sounds like something else. As far as QC, I do have a big beef with Gibson…I’ve auditioned way too many dogs in order to find nice examples, which is unacceptable and a drag. But that’s pretty much par for the course with Gibson over the years, isn’t it. They do seem to be money grabbing way too often nowadays, the company absolutely does rub me the wrong way a lot of the time. But at the end of the day if you want the whole Gibson experience, tone and looks, there’s no other choice. The Eastman’s build quality is impressive, but it’s not for me.
I’m perving out on The Eastman 😎🎸 The Gibson is two Treblely,,, tiny
A lovely video and on a personal note I’ve said this before but when you play the Gibson the audience can see your inspired . It’s just the way it is , I to purchased my first Gibson SG in 1979,a SG special ( lefty with EMG pickups )I think that when you pick up Gibson you know that it can , and will sound authentic , the Eastman sounds similar to my nick Huber , and that cost 5,500 euros more , so that’s a big compliment even though it’s made in china
Totally nailed the current state of Gibson as a company. I have two, both 2017 ish, and I don’t see myself buying anymore at the horrendous new pricing.
Sooooo, after 8 months of coming back to this video, I finally pulled the trigger and got an Eastman SB59v-GB this past week. Identical to the one in this video. My first impressions are, I'm in love. I also have a Gibson Les Paul Standard 50's with P90's (8.2 lbs!) and a Gibson Les Paul Classic. I never bonded with the Classic so I was looking for something with humbuckers to replace it. Kept going back and forth between the Gibson Les Paul Standard like in this video or the Eastman. The Eastman is everything I wanted in a guitar with humbuckers and more. Great tones, great feel, and doesn't leave me with sore shoulders and back. The resell won't be as much if I ever decide to part with it, but I didn't pay as much as I would have for a Gibson either, so that's pretty much a wash. Then again, at my age, I'll probably be taking the eternal dirt nap before that happens. All in all, I'm VERY happy with the Eastman. What a fantastic guitar! Thank you for this video and for turning me on to Eastman. You were 100% right!
Ah nice one man I’m pleased you agree… I’ve always been 100% confident of what fantastic guitars these are and it’s good to hear from other satisfied owners. To be honest I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone that disagrees with our findings 💯
Love those mother of pearl inlays in the eastman. Wish more manufacturers went with MOP
Nice honest review Colin as always even trying explain these unnamed feelings we have about heritage guitars - sounds are similar but I think Eastman slight better to my ears - main thing is Eastman feels better to play for you and the natural relicing is what you are favouring. I wouldn’t sell the Gibson as there is something desirable about for you and later on you may buy another at greater cost and it may not be as good. Very impressed by Eastman and it appears to be a better guitar for a lot of folks especially if you already have a Gibson. Keep up the great quirky reviews. R
Another cracking video!!
The Les Paul does sound very nice!
Hi Collin!
Although the eastmans quality outshines the gibson, I just like the tone of the gibson just....
Don't get me wrong eastman sounds
great, to my ears the gibson sounds
a touch better.
Love the tune you played
As always a excellent review. 👌 👍
I know exactly what you mean about being undecided about the Gibson. While I don’t have an Eastman Les Paul, I have an Eastman 335 style guitar and a Gibson 335. When comparing them, I like the Eastman a lot but also like the Gibson. They feel and play slightly differently and they produce sounds that are similar but different. I thought I would sell the Gibson when I bought the Eastman but have since decided to keep both for now. This was a great an honest video. Thanks!
I really enjoy your channel.
Gracias from Bocas del Toro Panama !
Gracias Juan! 🙏😁
Love the demo tune this week! I'd expect the Lollars to sound better and they do, though I am a fan of Gibson Burstbucker tones. I love how varnish looks and feels, score another for the Eastman. But your experience with Eastman's pot shaft collapse early on spooked me, so the Standard wins by a shaft height adjustment (lower scratches the finish more).
The new Gibson management released the Tribute models separate from Studios and I give them credit for that. But due to rising costs has had to focus on the investor collector, and market the many Epiphone models to players. Standards are way too pricey now. And Tributes getting pricier by the day maybe means Tributes go back to being special limited run Studio issues.
having owned and played both the Gibson is perfect..sounds like a lester the Eastman is awesome but sounds like an eastman....its own thing really great video
Hey Colin greetings from Canada, I found your channel a little while back and really enjoy your reviews and the humour with which you deliver them. I have an Eastman T486 which I bought during the pandemic and so I've been able to spend a lot of time with it. It's superbly crafted and the build quality and electronics I find are better than I've found in many different levels of Gibson products. I own a number of different guitars of which one of the favourites is a 93 Gibson SG Std 490/498 combo which is a solid, dependable and great sounding guitar, the Eastman isn't just a better player but the SD's I find have a better range and depth of sound over my Gibson. cheers, keep on rocking jammer
Cheers Marco!
Great Video!!! Take care my friend!
Like the sound you got out of both guitars..the gibson sounded warmer and more hypnotic further up fret board I thought.
Great video Colin.
I think the Eastman suits a bluesy style of playing whilst the Gibson is slightly thinner rockier sounding, telecaster like at times.
I had a Collings with Lollar pickups which I actually found too loud and too modern sounding.
As a child of the 70’s my icons were Thin Lizzy, Led Zeppelin,Bowie,Bolan etc all of which are imprinted in my brain and can’t get over it.
I have many Gibsons but you’ve made me GAS for an Eastman now and love the light weight Okoume for guitars 😮
Cheers Rob 😎👍
Colin,
Thanks, Brother,
You and Chris Buck make Fridays better than without.
I'm still waiting for more arse looping and another Cool Wall update.
Cheers Steve that's appreciated!...stay tuned for more arsing around! 😁👍
I think we can all agree another arse looping is in order!! Possibly combined with a hand rubbed finish?😂
@@tylerdurden5122 I'd probably save that for if I start an 'onlyfans' page... 🤣🤣
@@theguitaristas mate whatever pays the bills in these tough times 😂
Just stumbled onto your channel. Great video comparison. I am nearly 70 and trying to reconnect with the guitar. Have a LP gold top. To me the Eastman is the better constructed and better sounding guitar especially given the fact that you set your electronics more for the gibson. I also just discovered the Eastman today as well. Loved hearing you play. Keep up the great videos.
Cheers man glad you found us there are loads of born again Guitaristas here! 👍 thanks for the kind words and support 🙏 and definitely try out an Eastman if you can!
Eastman! Thanks Colin! Better late than never! Great show buddy.
Cheers Bill!
That Eastman sounds lovely.
Like you I have a Gibson and a Eastman and prefer the Eastman -it just feels better. A
Amy’s look forward to your videos and keep up the good work