I bought an E10D Sunburst today. It's shipping FedEx from Sarasota, so I should get it sometime tomorrow. I went with Eastman because I believe it offers the most in the price/quality equation:
• Solid wood
• Adirondack spruce top; mahogany side and back
• Nothing but excellent reviews online and through word-of-mouth; especially regarding construction
• Comes with a case
• Right in my price range: $1000

The guitar is a bit plain looking, but that doesn't bother me. No electronics either, but I'll install a Baggs Element and be good to go.
LINK

If there are any Eastman players out there, I'd be interested in your opinions. I've heard some truly extraordinary endorsements about the price/quality thing ... what say you?

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Posted by Spock's Eyebrow

Member since May 2012

12300 posts

Posted on 12/23/13 at 2:34 pm to Tigerwaffe

I expect everything you've heard is true, and you'll be delighted with the guitar. All the good things I heard about my Blueridge turned out to be true. There are forums for both here:

LINK

IIRC, Eastman might be considered a small step up from Blueridge, but I haven't followed the discussions in a while. Both are made in China but to very high standards.

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Posted by Tigerwaffe

Orlando

Member since Sep 2007

4975 posts

Posted on 12/23/13 at 5:00 pm to Spock's Eyebrow

quote:
Both are made in China but to very high standards.

I bought my Eastman from a guy who runs a shop in Sarasota exclusively for left-handed players like me. Anyway, we were talking this afternoon and he mentioned that Eastman hired a big name luthier (whose name escapes me) from New York to teach them the art of making guitars. Apparently the company has gone to great lengths to avoid the Made in China stigma. The company's origin, incidentally, was in violin making. Can't wait to get it in my hands tomorrow.

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Posted by Dr. Rockso

Utopia

Member since May 2013

392 posts

Posted on 12/23/13 at 5:22 pm to Tigerwaffe

Are you playing with the fat E string on the bottom or top? I play lefty with the skinny E on top (upside down). My luthier hates me.

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Posted by Tigerwaffe

Orlando

Member since Sep 2007

4975 posts

Posted on 12/23/13 at 6:55 pm to Dr. Rockso

quote:
fat E string on the bottom or top?

Top. I play my songs in standard tuning because it's the easiest way to play with other guitarists, plus I'm lazy. I take it you play a right-handed guitar left-handed. Well, you sure have a wider selection of guitars to choose from going that route. Here's the guy I bought my Eastman from; he specializes in left-handed guitars. He's a great guy, a storehouse of knowledge, and very passionate about playing left-handed. Check out his inventory of lefty acoustics and electric guitars at:

www.jerrysleftyguitars.com

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Posted by D Tide

Member since Mar 2012

503 posts

Posted on 12/23/13 at 7:04 pm to Tigerwaffe

Haven't got to try the E10D but heard good things. I hear they are really going for a Pre war martin sound. Id really like to get a E20D but got a lot of other stuff to sell first

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Posted by Dr. Rockso

Utopia

Member since May 2013

392 posts

Posted on 12/23/13 at 7:39 pm to Tigerwaffe

quote:
I take it you play a right-handed guitar left-handed. Well, you sure have a wider selection of guitars to choose from going that route.

Yes, I can take a righty, turn it over and shred. Problem is the controls go to the top of the body, and I tend to hit them with the crook of my arm which causes an embarrassing drop in volume at inopportune times.

I now have my axes specifically made for me by a pal in Boise. We've played together for 20 years, and he knows my manic style and the tones I go for. Plus, I'm lysergic...I mean dyslexic.

I am familiar with Jerry. Please post a pic when you get your instrument!

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Posted by Spock's Eyebrow

Member since May 2012

12300 posts

Posted on 12/23/13 at 8:30 pm to Tigerwaffe

quote:
I bought my Eastman from a guy who runs a shop in Sarasota exclusively for left-handed players like me. Anyway, we were talking this afternoon and he mentioned that Eastman hired a big name luthier (whose name escapes me) from New York to teach them the art of making guitars.

Same thing with Blueridge. IIRC, it was a Martin guy who designed their guitars, and he moved on and revived the Recording King brand a few years ago, around the time I bought my guitar. The latter is not as well regarded as Blueridge. There's a lot of info like this in the forum I linked to, and they have an active subforum for Eastman. I'm not sure who designed the Eastmans, but you can probably find out there.

quote:
Apparently the company has gone to great lengths to avoid the Made in China stigma. The company's origin, incidentally, was in violin making.

My BR-163 (Sitka and rosewood, all solid) has excellent fit and finish, came OOTB with buzz-free, low action setup, has spot-on intonation, stays in tune, has great tone, can get loud as hell, etc. "Made by fine Chinese luthiers" sounds rather dubious, but damned if it isn't true.

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Posted by Tigerwaffe

Orlando

Member since Sep 2007

4975 posts

Posted on 12/24/13 at 9:53 am to Dr. Rockso

quote:
I'm lysergic

Ah, a fellow traveler. I joined the ranks on July 4, 1967 at age 14. Logged maybe 200 trips, but once windowpane became the fashion I ducked out–that stuff was so weak compared to Orange Sunshine, etc. Now, at age 60, tripping is far in my past. But I have fond memories and would gladly do it all over if given the chance.

Now where were we ... oh yes, guitars. I'm expecting my Eastman to arrive today via FedEx; I'll rip open the box and commence playing as soon as I tune the bastard.

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