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Hi all, long-time reader, first-time poster. I'm hoping some of you with more varied Eastman collections than mine can give me some advice. I've been playing guitar for just around 4 years now and went through the usual GAS progression of better and better instruments. First a black Friday Washburn electric, Reverend Electric, Seagull S6, and Taylor GS mini.
What stopped the GAS was in September 2017 calling up Ted at LA Guitar Sales and ordering the better sounding of the two E20OM-SB he had in stock (he said they both sounded great though.) The only guitar I've added since then was a steal of a E6OM on reverb a month later. Since then I've spent 1-2 hours a day playing that E20 and I love the fit, tone, and playability.
As always though, GAS kicks in and I wonder if there's something better out there. I live in Memphis TN and we have an Eastman dealer locally with a good selection of instruments (who sadly doesn't ever go below MAP) so I've had a chance to play most of the common Eastman models. I've taken a trip to Nashville to do the standard Gruhn, Carter, Corner Music tour, and a stop in at Elderly in Lansing while visiting family in Michigan as well. Although I've played some excellent instruments nothing (short of an amazing $20K Olson) really seemed like much of an uprade over my E20. I've played quite a few instruments in the $3-5K range that sounded quite a bit worse though.
General advice is great even, "enjoy the great guitar you have" but specifically how much of an upgrade would a thermo-cured model or E40 be? I haven't been able to put my hands on one, and I'm not sure if I like all the bling on a 40 model. At this point my wife is even wondering how I've gone so long without any new guitars (especially after the Washburn and Seagull were given away to a local youth group) so an upgrade would be an easy thing to pull off! Thanks for any help.
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