I have E20D-TC : are the bridge pins slotted or unslotted ?
I have understood that you need to have the right bridge pins format depending of the bridge.

I am loathe to do this, but over the past few months I've realized just how badly I allowed myself to get taken financially in my divorce.  Plus I'm moving and will have even more limited space.  So I'm looking to sell this for $1,100 shipped to forum members.  I really love it but I could use the money if possible.  I'm firm on price and not looking for any trades.  I'm not completely desperate so if it doesn't sell I'll keep it.

The thing I like about this one visually is that the relic job is very subtle.  There is one tiny ding on the top of the headstock, and a bit of rubbing around the low E tuning peg from the winder.  It plays great and has opened up nicely in the year I've owned it.

Here are a few images, and I can send more on request and please let me know any questions you might have.

I just bought a used E1SS-LTD Thursday & noticed it has a dimple in the top.
First Eastman I purchased was in 2012. An E10SS also had the same dimple. Had to return this guitar due to a wavy back.
The replacement guitar also had the dimple.
Bought an E10SS/V, had the same dimple.

The dimple is in the exact same spot on all four guitars. Upper treble side bout.
The dimple is only visible when I looked at the guitars from several feet away in my dresser mirror.

No other Eastman I've owned had this dimple.

10 years, 4 slopes, same dimple, same spot.

Anyone else noticed the dimple?

BTW. All 4 guitars sounded great with the E1SS having the best sound to my ears.

Anyone know a source for Antique Acoustic bridge pins with 3° taper to fit an Eastman?

I didn't see suitable pins on Elderly and Bernunzio's websites and emailed both but have yet to hear back.

Edit: Elderly is good. They emailed me about two minutes after this thread was submitted.  Martin style 21 are extremely close but unslotted. I have these bookmarked in case I slot the bridge.

Still open to suggestion on sources for 3° taper and .210" under the skirt.

This week I've had the privilege of "babysitting" my friend's Lowden O35 Cedar/Rosewood.  It's a monster of a guitar.  23 years old, battle scarred, and powerful as the day is long.  I've had fun running through different songs with it.  Last night I sat up my recording gear and did a comparison with it and my personal guitars: Eastman E8OM-TC, Eastman E2D-CD and Larrivee OM-03.

I played the same piece on each with as little movement or changes to the setup as possible.  No eq, no reverb.  

Can you tell which one is which?  

Sound Cloud Link

I will tell you this: I was very surprised at how well my guitars held up.  None of them felt somehow "less than" the big Lowden.  Acoustically, I can tell a difference with the overwhelming bass of the Lowden (the body is HUGE), but honestly not so much that I felt like I was losing anything by going to the others. 

In the realm of "top wood makes the tone", the cedar on the E2D goes toe-for-toe with the Lowden, even though the back and side woods are totally different.  

I'm quite happy with my little stable!

SOLD -
This is a 2021 Eastman E10OM with red spruce top and back/sides/neck of mahogany in excellent condition. These guitars need no introduction here. Mandolin expenses drive this sale.
Upgrades are Antique Acoustic bridge pins and professionally installed strap button on bottom of heel. Plays easily, very comfortable neck. With original Eastman HSC.

Eastman E10OM Traditional Series
Top:  Adirondack Spruce
Back and Sides and Neck: Mahogany
Fretboard and Bridge: Ebony
Saddle and Nut: Bone, 2-5/32” at bridge, 1-3/4”
Scale: 24.9”
Fingerboard Radius: 12”
Fretwire: 20 Jescar-FW43080
Body Dimensions: 15” X 4-1/4”
Bracings Hand-carved scalloped X
Truss Rod: Dual Acting (4mm wrench)
Binding: Top and Back / Tortoise
Logo: Pearl on headstock
Inlay: Pearl Dots
Bridge Pins: Ebony
Body Finish: Gloss
Tuners: Open-Gear PingWell V93N
Action: 2/32” - 2/32”
$800 + $50 shipping (net to me)

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*spoiler* long post

PROLOGUE

I haven’t been to the local Eastman dealer in quite some time. To my surprise they had an E10SS standard model, also the “V” and an E6D. Usually they just carry the lower priced models. As am thinking of adding a Mahogany back and sides Dread this was a nice coincidence.
So I played them all for quite some time, the shop wasn’t busy and I was able to take my time and hear the Guitars well. Not always the case in a shop.
I immediately liked the Standard E10SS. Something about its sound. The “V” was nice also, even though I usually like the more organic and woody sound I wasn’t drawn to it. Hard to tell why, it was a bit harsh sounding. Too raw for my liking. Just didn’t click. Whereas the standard one sounded more polished. It wasn’t in your face as the Varnish, a smoother sound overall. Well, you know how hard it is to describe sounds. I should have asked someone to play them both for me but I was happy they let me just noodle around in the corner.
I played a few “big names” to compare, also some well known Slopes and have to say, the Eastman’s are just great Guitars!

Anyway I really liked that Guitar except the nut width. It has been discussed here already, it is just not my favorite. The neck shape is great, similar to my E8OM. If it were a used one with an attractive price tag, I would have been tempted. I certainly can manage the Nut - but when buying New, I don’t like to make compromises. Especially not so crucial ones.

I went home with that Guitar and its sound in my head. I did really like it I must admit. I then remembered that the shop in the Netherlands where I bought my E8OM had this special run of E10SS with some custom made appointments for their anniversary and I think they had a wider nut width.

I contacted them to see if there were still some left. They had two left. I asked them to play both and sent me some sound clips and pics. Fortunately I preferred the sound of the, for me, better looking one. Let them confirm the Nut width being 44mm/1.73 vs 43mm/1.69 of the Standard model. It is just a tad wider, but I does make a difference for me - maybe just psychologically at this stage.

There we go, I ordered it! No fuzz, no re-thinking, bang! Very unlike me actually.

I waited for a NGD and REVIEW until I had played it every day for an entire week.

These are my first impressions of the E10SS TC TFOA Ltd (Serial #10/10):

AESTHETICS

It is to this date the only Eastman Slope in a Natural finish (I believe) *EDIT: earlier LTD versions are natural as well. I always wanted a burst top but have to say the slope looks cool in natural.

The Thermo Cured Red Spruce is a nice set, seems book matched with some silking going on. Nice TC-color, definitely darker then the Alpine models I have seen online but not as dark as some of the Sitka. It has an almost bronze sheen to it.

(What is interesting the Color of my non-TC E8OM is as dark if not a bit darker. It is only 2 years old and I haven’t kept it out in the light much when not in use. Wonder if it is sort of an early TC experiment without Eastman telling).

The Grain pattern isn’t super tight but looks uniform. I am no Adi expert never had an Adi top bevor, definitely different then Sitka and Engelmann in appearance. I don’t really care if it is tight, wide, curvy or zic zac as long as it sounds amazing. But I think it is a very attractive looking Top. You experts can be the judge.

The Cream binding and the simple Black/White Purfling and Rosette look understated but suit the overall look just fine. I love understated looks on Guitars, simple and elegant. The Mahogany (Kaya I guess) back and sides are gorgeous. The back is beautiful.

The Tortoise Pickguard is nice and has a cool pattern. The colors fit the TC top. I do prefer a batwing but must admit it starts to grow on me. Not beveled but thinner than the one on my OM and therefore doesn’t feel sharp edged.

The Only hint of “custom” made or “limited run” besides the natural TC top, are the inlays. “Balcony Snowflake” on the very sleek ebony fingerboard. This inlay is based on the tiles of the balustrade of the guitar villa. I think it adds some uniqueness to the Guitar.

The Headstock is a matt finish, it does go well with the overall “vintage” vibe of the Guitar. It gives the illusion that the fretboard and the Headstock are one piece. Kinda cool. I do like the shape!

FIT AND FINISH

Compared to my E8OM from 2019 it is a step or two above. I cannot find a single thing. No flaws whatsoever. Very clean inside. Looks immaculate!

Will provide the “much loved inside pics” when changing strings. Still the strings on it came with from the shop. No inside laquer. Also the fretboard has no gloss as does the bridge. I prefer it that way. All joints are tight. Guess it is the true tone finish. Seems like a thin enough layer. My E8OM is nitro, feels thicker. But hard to tell really. No preferences at this point.

This Slope does feel a bit lighter than my OM even though its bigger size. Might be a combo of the Mahogany vs Rosewood and maybe the different laquer, who knows.
Ping tuners work smooth (smoother than the ones on my OM) and hold tuning well. Ebony pins.

Don’t know if this “limited run” of only 10 Guitars has been treated differently within Eastman’s factory (doubt it, but you newer know) but overall the Guitar looks and feels great!

SOUND

Very balanced (“Almost Collings like” said the sales guy on one of our calls).

It is warm and powerful, punchy but still has a nice crisp to it. Even though being a short scale the Guitar feels resonant with a lovely sustain. Also a healthy bottom end.

Great for accompanying vocals (what I am trying to get into next). Quite dynamic. It responds very well to a softer touch, which was important to me and when you dig in the sound is huge! It is a very versatile instrument.

It is interesting to compare it to my Faith Dread, the Engelmann Top is a bit sweeter and rounder in sound I guess, shines when played gently, but doesn’t hold an aggressive strumming well, whereas the Adi just stays clear, no mush, no breaking up. And the Guitar is still extremely responsive to a lighter touch, it also gives me the impression to have a more intimate sound if you play it more delicately. I guess due to the shorter scale. Very cool I have to say. Impressive!

I really, really like the tone of this Guitar.

It is similar in DNA to the Standard model I played at local store (of course – same Guitar really) but has somehow more of everything. Might be the TC top. Not as tight. Very responsive and open sounding.

PLAYABILITY

Yes, that little wider nut width, just that bit more to feel comfortable. Well worth it!

The neck shape is similar to my E8OM, I’d say a full C which is what I like. Feels smoother on this Guitar. The back of the neck seems less glossy then on my OM. More a satin. The ebony fingerboard and bridge is very dense and sleek. Nice indeed. I much prefer this newer style then the gloss they applied an earlier models like my OM from 2019.

Comparing my Faith Dreadnought with the E10SS, the Slope’s body has a bit less depth, also much more tapared towards the neck, makes it noticeably less cumbersome to hold (not that I have an issue with the Dread, but I can feel the difference in Body size) also the scale length being shorter, overall very comfortable and nice to play. Love it.

EXTRAS

The case it came with feels sturdy enough and fits the Guitar well. Nice green fur inside. Nothing fancy but perfectly fine. Not Eastman branded though. Not like some I have seen in pics from other Eastman Guitars. It is black and “anonymous”, which is ok.

I got a really attractive price due to the current exchange rates (EUR/CHF) VAT taken off as not being in an EU Country. That’s a nice bonus.

CONCLUSION

I am really in love with this Guitar! Very happy I did go for it.

It feels like a great do it all Guitar, it handles everything so well. At least from my limited experience as a Guitar player.

I am truly impressed. I usually find some flaws or trade off’s straight away but not with this one - so far.

This Guitar sounds and feels amazing and I seem to have quickly bonded with it.

The only thing I have yet to get used to, even if just visually, the Bridge beeing turned around. Somehow still weird looking to me


OK enough talk, some pics!

Sorry for the long and maybe overly enthusiastic post – still in the honeymoon phase.

Cheers Mitch

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I picked up an E6OM that didn't come with a case, if anyone has one or knows where to get one that would be helpful.

I recently bought this and it is a fantastic guitar, but for some reason the GA body style isn't for me. I hate to say mint for something that is not new, but this is about as close as you can get. Includes OHSC. The only alteration is a strap button. 


 

I'm looking for a physical test to determine if an Eastman guitar is Nitrocellulos or not.

Approximate date the change to Truetone was made, serial numbers and contacting Eastman are understood. I am not looking for probably, however. I'm looking for an actual physical test, a way to know for sure.

My thought is that a bit of lacquer thinner on a Q-tip could be used to test the area under the pick guard and if it doesn't dissolve the finish then it isn't nitro. Does anyone think that will work? Is there any special type of lacquer thinner for nitro or will generic lacquer thinner work?  The guard will actually be changed in the near future so this could be done.

What about Truetone? Is there a way to test that isn't destructive or at least not visible?

Any thoughts appreciated.