I've seen Rodrigo y Gabriela a few times, and they are absolutely incredible.  Great energy and talented musicians, delivering their own unique blend of musical styles (flamenco, metal, jazz).  Ironically timed with David Gilmour's announcement that he's going to auction off 120 of his prized guitars, Rod & Gab announced their forthcoming new album with an 18 minute full version of Pink Floyd's "Echoes."  Enjoy!

As some of you may have read, I recently purchased a used E8D via Reverb, which turned out to be damaged and not in the condition described.  I returned that guitar, and as I waited (technically, still waiting) for the refund to hit my credit card, I decided to order up a new E8D from LA Guitar Sales.

In the website photos, I noticed it didn't have a pickguard.  When it arrived, the COA's 2016 date confirmed my suspicion that it was made prior to Eastman pre-installing the new guards (early 2018).  Strangely, there was no guard in the case either, but this is ok because I already have a new guard being made by Holter Pickguards.

Ted described the sound as resonant with powerful lows and clean highs, and that's an accurate description.  I'm not sure if aging for nearly three years has had an effect, but the top is dynamic with incredible volume and good sustain.  It feels like a light build, and I don't think I've owned a Sitka top with this kind of horsepower.  The top feels really stiff and rigid (in the best way possible).

Aesthetically, the rosewood b/s are really nice, and like most Eastman guitars, the neck is gorgeous, although it's slightly more shallow than my other guitars.  The ebony bridge and board are solid black (no streaking that I see).

Now, the top has got some interesting things going on.  First, the grain has some bend to it.  Moving from the lower to upper bout, the grain has a slight outward arc, but then comes back in again.  It's bookmarked and symmetrical (and the grain is fairly straight at the seam, as well as the outer edges), but I've not owned a wavy pattern quite like it before.

In the upper bout, there's a sheen, which changes, depending on the angle.  But it appears to be some heavy silking with more sporadic silking throughout the rest of the body.  There are also some faint bearclaw marks throughout the top, but not in a distracting way.  In other words, this top has some character, and I think the wavy grain will become less noticeable as the color continues to darken.  Hopefully, the photos capture some of this guitar's unique character.

I've been giving it quite a workout for the last 24 hours, and it's responding very well, opening up nicely for me.  I'm not sure what strings are on it, but they don't feel like EXPs.  I'll probably leave them on until my new pickguard arrives.  Intonation and action seem perfect, so I didn't run it up to my luthier for his review, yet (maybe after the new guard and strings).

This is my fourth attempt at owning an E8D.  Previously, I talked myself into an E40D and E10SS/v (no regrets with either of those decisions), and then there was the damaged E8D from last week.  It was a longer path than expected, but it seems to have been worth the wait.

Obligatory NGD photos --- it was rainy today, so I may replace them with some better lighting next week:

Just received this Email from Eastman. The new 2019 brochure
Eastman 2019 Brochure.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dEzfWXp...hbanZ/view

Just wanted to share my recent experience with Eastman warranty claim in process.

I purchased an E10SS new in April 2018, and when I got it I noticed the reflections where distorting just below the bridge on both sides. Everyone said belly bulge is normal so I brushed it off.

I decided to put a straight edge across it the other day and noticed at least 1/4" gap on each side and it didn't have much saddle left so I worried about future adjustments. I called Eastman, said I had a belly bulge issues I wanted to ask someone about it. They transferred me to Dan, I emailed him pictures while on the phone and Dan said yep that's not normal send it in.

Dan emailed me a return label, I shipped the guitar and he emailed today ... said they would do a replacement and I could have something of equal or lesser value from stock.


***Update***

Eastman didn't have the models I was looking for in Ponoma Ca so I asked if I could pickup something from the dealer Acoustic Shoppe, where I originally bought the guitar. Dan at the Eastman called John at Acoustic Shoppe and he agreed.

I called Acoustic Shoppe, spoke to Liz, John, and Jeremy. They played the 3 they had in stock and recommended one for me. I was able to pay the difference in MSRP and upgraded to an E10 OM TC that will be heading my way shortly.

Very happy now with both Dan @ Eastman and Liz, John and Jeremy @ Acoustic Shoppe. Some impressive service.

My son works for a band so this week when coming home from Nashville, he was transporting 2 of the band's acoustic guitars. He stayed with us for 3 nights and so put the guitars in our basement. He said it would be ok for me to play the guitars so I opened 1 of the cases and it was a custom McPherson and the 2nd case also had a custom McPherson. I honestly wish I'd never opened those cases.

Hi EGF gang.. I am happy to share that my next Eastman is on the way to my house, should arrive end of week.

And the model I am acquiring? ..... <Drum roll> ....

Eastman E10OM-TC!

Woo hoo!

More details coming this weekend!

Tim

https://oregoncoast.craigslist.org/msg/d...12706.html
https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/foru...p?t=536098

$750, shipped!

Usual disclaimers: no affiliation, etc.

catalogs vintage guitars and amps

https://dothan.craigslist.org/msg/d/tall...71645.html

Hi, folks, just checkin' in.... Hope everyone's well these days!  I've been perusing this forum back and forth, so I am in touch (kind of).  I'm finally finished with the hurricane work - just in time for Spring Chores.  

Been playing with the E20 om a lot these days - it's become my 'go-to' in town, and I am almost ashamed to say I haven't played  my D18 with veracity  since picking up the E20.  Plus, I am getting really spoiled by the short scale (and my aging finger joints like it as well).    I ended up with a JJB & K&K prephase/volume combo on 'er, and i like the sound alot (and lots of compliments as well), it is doing a good job of opening up. Still not as 'rounded' or 'mature' as the E6 om (addy I guess), but a wonderful sound, the rosewood just shines, and it works with a lot of different music.

So I am happy with my little family -- but sort of looking for a cooked top anyway.....


Hope everyone is doing well!

The Martin forum is in a tizzy over this CFM bluegrass dreadnaught killer... wait for it... it's actually a new version of a Gibson J45.

The Taylor Grand Pacific, priced around $3k, played by Taylor's master luthier Andy Powers... playing some killer bluegrass:

https://youtu.be/3vHs1V_I-80

Another:
https://youtu.be/u4COv15NAgY