I've tried a bunch of different strings on my E20-OM. I usually use Elixer PB nanoweb lights, as I have body chemistry that eats uncoated strings, but every now and then I still like to experiment. Recently tried GHS PB's, EJ16's and a few others and just didn't see enough of a benefit to make the additional string changing worth it. 

Somebody gave me a set of Curt Mangan medium lights PB's (12-54), so I thought I'd give them a try. I never tried them before, and they were free, so... The guitar just came alive like I've never heard it do before! The guitar was louder and more responsive and seemed to have a bit more sustain. And I could hear more deep lows with those medium gauge bass strings. Seriously, give these guys a try. The difference was not subtle. They lasted me a week, which is a long time for uncoated strings for me.

As a side note, I will go back to Elixir's because my body chemistry doesn't leave me much of a choice. Uncoated are just not practical for me, but I plan on keeping these around for recording and those times when I really want to hear it sing.

What Cahill said in the other post about Pomona's advice re neck adjustment after swopping in heavier gauge strings set me thinking. I've read, and taken on board that the only good reason to adjust the truss rod is to achieve/maintain a straight neck. Not adjust the action by bowing a straight neck. Any views?

The full name of this instrument is the Martin Special 16 Style Rosewood Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar. I have been considering a Martin for sometime and the GAS bug bit me! I bought the guitar mentioned above. That's quite a mouthful, but the guitar in question is an excellent value at $1700. These are built especially for Guitar Center/Musician's Friend in Nazareth, PA. This is not a D-16E. This guitar has a full dreadnought-size body depth, NOT the 000 body depth found on the D-16E. While the confusion is understandable please keep in mind that, although this is the same series, this is A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT GUITAR.

And this is a GREAT guitar! Under the hood it has exactly the same materials, workmanship, and sound as the HD28E (including forward-shifted, scalloped X bracing) without the herringbone trim, Grover open-gear tuners, volute, back strap, or the price tag. It even has a D28-style rosette instead of the herringbone rosette found on the other 16 Series guitars. This is a LOT of guitar for under $2k. I strongly urge anyone thinking about buying a Martin to have a look at THIS guitar before you buy. You may be very glad that you did!

This is all but 2 of them - the PCH lives at my girlfriend's house and the E20OM is at my office for now - it's for sale... All unique models with unique tones and I play each of them every day (mostly).  The only other brand I own is G&L - one Legacy and one ASAT (strat and tele). If Eastman starts making bolt on neck guitars the G&L's will be in trouble.  Yes, I know, I'm very blessed...

I just wanted to take a moment and mention how much I am enjoying this forum and it's because of the nice people who are members and moderators.  I've been a member of a good number of guitar forums, and most are at best not polite, and some downright mean.  The only other forum I've remained a long time member of is the Reverend Guitars Forum.  The members there remind me of those here.  I realize forums are probably becoming less frequented because of other social media, but it's hard to beat a place like this for information and shared enjoyment.

That's it, no other point than to compliment the people here!

PS - The nastiest forum was actually a surprise: the telecaster guitar forum.  The mods were kind of mean and it just filtered through to everyone.  Didn't expect that from a forum dedicated to a 'working mans guitar'.

Looking for information if you know of similar happening and why? (Picture attached)
Brand new guitar, less than one week since delivery.  Noticed the issues appearing yesterday. Can feel a very slight edge on the line next to the saddle. Guitar left in shipping box for 24 hours. Kept inside, air conditioned room, humidity 53% per hygrometer in case. 

Thanks everyone

Attached Files

E5DBDCC5-8B7F-4A3E-A1FA-55CB2574D8CA_1_201_a.jpeg

File size: 2.5 MB

Downloads: 120

Here are images of my 2020 Eastman E8OM Sitka/Rosewood. Beautiful guitar with a sweet, warm, bright tone.

Attached Files

740CCF94-497E-4333-BC74-262DC26AF4F1.jpeg

File size: 2.68 MB

Downloads: 122

89311F74-6D02-442D-AE63-39CFB81A7B3B.jpeg

File size: 2.39 MB

Downloads: 121

CFD5501A-EFE1-4CAA-9EC7-A005FE2B4209.jpeg

File size: 3.09 MB

Downloads: 104

D7A61E65-F837-4F86-84B9-5C962188BC22.jpeg

File size: 2.74 MB

Downloads: 119

75620372-52C4-420F-9053-428A9BCFF814.jpeg

File size: 1.71 MB

Downloads: 92

ECDA8074-FD71-439E-84AF-75BD6AAB9871.jpeg

File size: 1.88 MB

Downloads: 98

B83AB84E-0610-4A04-9B78-15C7E743589B.jpeg

File size: 3.25 MB

Downloads: 87

Are 11s on a dread sacrilege?  I know it would be a bit easier for all the barre chords I play (I play a full barred F), but didn't know if that is just not done on a dread.  Any insights would be great.  also, if I do change, perhaps some string recommendations?

So to begin with - I have replaced 4-5 pick guards. The first time was using an hair dryer set to low - similar to PV's detailed method. The last 3-4 has been just using Naphtha and a couple of very flexible picks. I have had no issues getting the old one off and the new one on. In fact the last 2 I did I was able to remove the old guard so that it could be re-used. 

It was the E15SS's turn to get a beautiful Holter Pickguard placed. I used the usual method. To my horror problems arose. (See below)



I contacted Ted at LA Guitars. He contacted Eastman. Their comment - "That can happen." It is possible for the nitro to absorb some of the stain and become as one. FXXX !!!!. To Ted's credit, and I think this was going above and beyond, he offered to exchange the guitar with the last one he has in stock. That is what I call customer service. So we are going to do an exchange and I am never again going to remove a pick guard. I will try to get them uninstalled on future orders. 

I have to wonder if the issue I had was due to the guitar being 6+ years old with the finish and stain setting up. All of the others I have done have been new (< 6 months old).

Hey Guys,

There is a local guy here that is selling a 2019 E8D for $750 - Looks to be in great condition.

I have a E10D-TC, I was looking to get a E20D-TC but with that price.. and the only other E20D-TC I see for sale being almost double that price .... I'm very tempted.


Anybody own both or played both? What are your general opinions. I know it's subjective but hopefully enough have A\B'd both or played both that I can get some help forming a better understanding of if this truly is too good to pass up.

I have a Guild-D50ce sitting in a box unopened because I havent had time to play and here I am looking to buy a new guitar hahaha. I've got horrible GAS.


Thanks all.