Well guys, it looks like I did it again. I purchased another Eastman!!!

This week I got a raise at my job ($4k spread out over the year) so I decided it was time for another guitar..I originally ordered a Martin 16 Rosewood from Musicians Friend and it was a real letdown. QC and fit and finish on the Martin was great as were the trebles, but the lows and mids were just so weak. With all my nice Martin, Gibson and Eastmans my standards are pretty high these days. The D16 just didn't do it. I will be shipping the guitar back later today and getting a refund.

Anyway, I was between the Martin and an Eastman E20SSV. I originally went with the Martin just because I thought it would be a good complimentary gigging guitar to my D18. It was not. So back to what I should have bought to begin with, the Eastman!

I have wanted one of these E20SSv models since about a year ago when they first hit the market, but I have a great J45 and I didn't think I would need another slope shoulder. The E1SS is going to a young guitar player friend of mine and my J45 is in the shop getting some extensive repair work done so I am really needed another slope shoulder. That's what I tell myself

Long story short I like everything about the E20SSV. Varnish finish and relicing is my thing and I love the vintage aesthetics. Nut width on the Eastman slope shoulders is usually around 1.70-1.72 anyway so that won't bother me. From all the tone samples I have listened to this guitar seems to be a bit dryer than other Eastman models. I am really hoping it is at least! I want that dry slope shoulder tone!!

So after much deliberating... I ordered the guitar tonight! I am hoping it should be in by the end of the week. I noticed just based on posts that not many people on the forum have tried this model so I will be thorough when I get it in hand. As usual I will let you all know when it arrives and I will give my first impressions and final review!

Here are some pics to hold us off until then!

I'm new to Eastman guitars and wandered if there is a factory 'recommended' measurement for neck relief.
I have a new E2-OM and the relief is.004"
I had a Taylor previously which was about the same but Alvarez and Crafter recommend around .008"

Any advice would be appreciated,
Thanks

Just wanted to say that everyone needs an E2D in their stable! I love this dang guitar! It's my favorite guitar that I've ever owned. No slight on my E8OM-TC which I also enjoy greatly. I just can't believe that such an incredible guitar can be had for less than $600.

This guitar just seems to get better everyday. I still can't believe how loud this guitar is with both a pick and bare fingers. And the tone is just so sweet and crisp. It's extremely resonant too. I strum one chord and I swear it rings out for 10 seconds, if not more.

I'm starting to learn bluegrass on this model, and boy it sounds great with some simple runs I've been playing. I'm just really blown away. What an instrument.

If anyone is considering this model, pull the trigger now! I love this guitar, it's stupid good.

Hi there,

My new baby arrived a few minutes ago. Practically flawless out of the box, which is a nice change. Beautiful sound, no fret issues. Only thing is the back isn't figured as much as I've seen with their other models, but it does look more like traditional hog and not the stripey sapele-like stuff. Which is gorgeous, but not necessary. The only thing that sees the back when I'm playing is my belly.

I'm probably going to sell my E2OM to make space and offset the cost.

Pictures to come when they've uploaded from my iPhone. 

Cheers, Beers!
Gandalf.

Attached Files

IMG_1098.jpeg

File size: 752.49 KB

Downloads: 125

IMG_1099.jpeg

File size: 573.12 KB

Downloads: 69

Hello Everyone
just let you guys know Eastman built  E20D and E20OM with Solid Ziricote
its limited craft
plz let me know there if u guys interest =)

Body Top:Solid Adirondack Spruce
Body Back/Sides: Solid Ziricote

Hi everyone. After recieving my beautiful E40OM-TC i had to sand the bridge in order to lower the action. I sanded it a little too much and although it is playable i am thinking of buying a teplacemente just in case I need it.
So Tusq bridges.. had anyone tried them? Plastic? Keep on with Bone saddle? What do you recommend for an OM model set with 12 Daddario XS strings.

For those of you wondering, I contacted TAS to see when the new E1SS would be available, and they're thinking late March. Wasn't sure if this has already been posted, but exciting stuff!

Being of an inquisitive nature I was thinking about Eastman's use of thermo-cured green wood. How do, in particular the sonic characteristics of green thermo-cured and seasoned thermo-cured wood compare? Despite the many factors influencing the sonic qualities of guitars, I believe this to be a valid question providing we compare like-for-like. By this I mean for example thermo-cured green Khaya vs. thermo-cured seasoned Khaya within the same build - Dred vs. Dred, OM vs. OM etc. 
Some questions will only be answerable as the guitar ages. How will green thermo-cured wood sound in twenty years time? How will it look? Will it retain its structural strength as well as seasoned thermo-cured woods seem to have (the process was first used in a limited number of guitars during the 1990s). At my age some of these questions are maybe a tad academic, although I am not planning on popping my clogs any time soon - that is in the next hundred years. 
Many of you may already have seen this or similar articles, but anyway you might have a chew on it:-
https://ruokangas.com/specifications/the...-tonewood/

Hi, I edited sound samples for comparison from Eastman E6D-TC/E8D-TC with different tops (Alpine vs Sitka). I wanted to compare alpine vs sitka to know which I like more, and wanted to share these with you as well!

From listening to the sound, I personally think sitka has sweeter, mellower sound whereas alpine spruce has clearier, punchier sound. Both are special in their own rights.


E6D-TC (Sitka spruce) - Strumming

https://youtube.com/clip/Ugkx7EiZlzDlF5x...s4-XHZ3-wG

E6D-TC (Alpine spruce) - Strumming

https://youtube.com/clip/Ugkx9xFyNoazXu_...LrCiLcma8x

E6D-TC (Sitka spruce) - Fingerpicking

https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxltqzbSNnGCV...8jBdW10Vtl

E6D-TC (Alpine spruce) - Fingerpicking

https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxZY4-Hyh3RL0...DkTTKINUvD

————————————————————-

E8D-TC (Sitka spruce) - Strumming

https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxmphB5q2Ylit...YWlu09cBny

E8D-TC (Alpine spruce) - Strumming

https://youtube.com/clip/Ugkxhxc9KdlrxNY...nKKznS4lmJ

E8D-TC (Sitka spruce) - Fingerpicking

https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxqzV1VD5pA8K...bXWf19bTnC

E8D-TC (Alpine spruce) - Fingerpicking

https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxB_THn-Rq6K8...uPirT-xeuY

The local Eastman dealer here in Memphis recently got in a large Eastman shipment. I mean 80 instruments large.
It took a while for them to unpack them all but they are about done know.
The guitars range from PCH models to an E20ssv and four Madagascar Rosewood guitars.
I have looked at most of them now.
I can say for sure that each and every one of them has been of the highest quality of materials and construction
Some of the mahogany (Kayha) used is simply breathtaking!!
Most of the rosewood is close to master grade.
And all of the tops appear to be Thermo Cured even in the PCH models.
I think that the quality of the materials and construction is the best of ANY guitar builders IN THE WORLD.
I could have mistaken one 00 slot head for a Collings if I didn’t see it come out of an Eastman case.
And the new cases are awesome also.
Well I have gushed enough about Eastman
I guess I’m gonna have to sell a lot of my Vintage guitars, as I don’t think they look as good, or sound as good or play as good as the current Eastmans! !