I attempted to use a four letter word in common use meaning faeces - * but the EGF site word processing logic automatically changed the word to '****'.  I am sure there are unfortunate people out there who might find anything offensive, but am I the only one who finds this pernickety censorship outrageous - in fact offensive?

* I amended this after consideration of Sleigh's point (see below)

the subject title probably says it all -- though to clarify  i'm talking about a  soundboard, back or side crack -- not cracked neck. (i'm assuming poor humidification. 

i know there are some wonderful glues and craftspersons out there --and it ultimately might be a budget question,

but would a guitar with crack professionaly repaired be a deal-breaker for you?  could such an instrument be, functionally, "good as new"?

if it's something you'd entertain, * what percentage discount would be reasonable?

anybody have experience with guitar  cracks  and repairs?

and so on.

thanks in advance,
noah

I just picked up my third Eastman two days ago. Not only that but plan to get a fourth one today. I think that officially makes me a collector. My first two Eastman guitars were OM models; E40om and E8om. I own two Martins; J-40 and OM-21, and for tone, those two Eastman guitars fit comfortably between the two Martins. As for playability, they are all equal. The finish I will have to give to the Eastman E40om. All of my Eastman guitars have been purchased used in mint condition. The only Eastman dealer in the area has been unable to get new guitars from Eastman for seems like years.

My most recent acquisition is an E10D-TC. The guitar has figured flame mahogany that is gooooorgeous. The original D'Addario strings looked fresh and untarnished but when I strummed them they were dead as a door nail. There was plenty of dust on the head stock so I figure it had been sitting unplayed for a long time. I bought it anyway just because my previous experience with Eastman guitars had me convinced there was no way it could sound that bad. Got it home, cleaned it up and installed Elixir Nanoweb 80/20's because, to my ear, they are brighter than Phosphor Bronze. Just as I got them stretched in, I was called away so no time to road test. Last night I finally found time to sit down and play and my very first thought was, "Sweet Jesus!" First off, that is something I have never thought or said in my life, so we are talking some serious mojo here.

For years I have had this prejudice against mahogany, and thick necks, and dreadnoughts that project a woofy bass. Well that is over and done with. Lessons learned. The thicker neck was actually easier to chord and the E10D-TC sounds better than any dreadnought I have ever played. Crystal clear, bell like and balanced tones. I've read that mahogany does not have overtones. Well, that certainly is not true. I'm wandering into unknown territory with this theory but it seems the wavelengths are closer together making it difficult to differentiate between tones and overtones. Pluck some strings and then immediately mute them and you can hear the overtones ringing. Playing without a strap meant I had to clamp that guitar with my arm to keep it on my lap. I have an armrest and strap on order and can't wait to hear that guitar without my ten pound, bone-in ham laying across the sound board. Anyway, after two hours of playing, as I gently returned the guitar to it's case, I found myself thinking, "I was not expecting that. I was seriously not expecting that." It's too soon to tell but the e10D and the J-40 might be jockeying for first place which is amazing considering, for the cost of that Martin J-40, I could buy four e10D dreads, with money left over.

Wondering why I bought a dreadnought if I was prejudiced against them? Two weeks ago I met a neighbor down the street who plays Bluegrass on a D-28. We plan to get together. Seems like dreads are required for Bluegrass. Actually it seems like Martins are required but the price of a D-28 is way too much of a commitment.

Today, I'll be checking out an E20D-TC. My plan is to spend a week, or two, comparing mahogany to rosewood then keep the one I like best and sell the other. That's my plan. That also could explain a closet full of guitars...

I went to a local shop today to try some acoustics.

I’m a relative beginner and have a couple of electrics, most recently a T64/V which I am enjoying very much.  Lately as things have cooled off here I’ve been sitting in the back yard strumming the T64 unplugged and letting my dog enjoy the outdoors.  This, along with football season now in session and spending a fair amount of time last Sunday on the couch strumming, unencumbered by cable and amp, I decided I may like an acoustic.

So I went to a local shop and tried a number of OMs.  E1OM, E6OM, two E10OM-TCs, an E20OM, and a couple others that were handed to me that I don’t remember.  I went knowing they had the E1 and knowing it’s price and I could have purchased that today.  But…. I liked the E10s better, especially one particular E10OM-TC.  I was not ready to spend that much given that I’m still struggling to chord and strum at the same time.  So I passed.  Subsequently came home and determined that at this point in my development, the T64 provides enough volume to play unplugged and I can wait until I’m a better player with a better idea of what I’m looking for to again shop for acoustics.

Another factor in my decision:  While I do know what my hands preferred I have less confidence in what my ears preferred.  It occurred to me while I was in the shop, trying to justify a purchase of the E10, that I’m new enough at this that it will take time to figure out what is right for me; I should take my time, enjoy the ride and first things need to come first.

Hope you all are enjoying your ride.

-K

As previously posted, have been physically struggling with this incredible E20D TC to the point of considering selling. This guitar is absolutely THE best I have ever played. The tone, sustain, action, physical beauty - fantastic. TMI: a decision I'm still paying for - started playing rugby at 35 because I saw a white haired guy out there (if he can do it...*G*). Played for a couple of seasons until my wife asked me "is the game still worth the pain?" At that point I caved - as much as I enjoyed the sport it wasn't. But between rugby & competitive Masters rowing, one learns pain. I've burnt the ship(s). The E20D TC is now the only vessel in port, and I'm determined to give it my best. And while I understand the guitar should be a pleasurable experience and there are body styles to physically facilitate comfortable playing, this E20D is my last hurrah. Appreciated the suggestion for Vida's SS (a LOT of great counsel on this site) but I want to give this my best shot. Sorry for the rant but posting this helps to reaffirm my commitment.

For those that haven't been liberated from staring at tab.....if you've not figured out how to create your own stuff... Try harder...it is by far the most satisfying way to enjoy the guitar... Sure it's great to play some tune everybody knows.....but does it really feed you????
I can spend hours just picking out stuff I create ...some sucks somes pretty good ....either way it satisfys me ..... I love acoustic fingerstyle blues.....use whatever system your studying but learn it with your own understanding......I didn't really use a system ......I was playing acoustic blues from tab and recordings.....while getting comfortable with the pentatonics, blues scales , mixolydian mode....moveable chords shapes and fragments there of....then once I learned a blues from the tab and recordings .....I would pick it apart and figure out how they created it.....then at some point it all just clicked.....I assure you it is far easier then you would imagine.....now I'll watch a you tube video of someone playing a acoustic blues.....I hear a lick I like then I just learn it....play it over and over and figure out what scale , chord shape etc....once I understand what they did I learn something and I learned another lick for my bag of tricks....sure it helps I was classically trained....and I've learned enough of music theroy on my own to understand what makes things click.....but most of what Ive learned wasn't from any guitar teacher.....I had to piece it together on my own terms.....once it clicked it was like a light turned on....now the only thing that stops me is mostly my own creativeness..... But remember one thing....your only required to "play just what you know".... Reverend Gary Davis.
Use the caged system or just learn the scales I mention up and down the neck ....connect them together with moveable chord shapes....and fragments....learn some substitution rules .....once it clicks ....you'll be amazed.....believe me.....

Someone needed to hear this....lol....

Has anyone ever put their acoustic guitar in front of speakers for long periods of time to hasten the opening up process? Seems logical. If a guitar gets better with age because of the amount of time ithas been played, set it in front of speakers and play music to it to simulate someone playing it.

00's just aren't my cup of tea. Guitar is in like new condition with typical vintage finish wear. Added strap button and Schatten HFN. Includes OHSC $1600 including shipping and PP fees for EGF members. Here is a link to the original listing - https://www.laguitarsales.com/index.php/...50037.html

Let me know if you want some additional pics.

Attached Files

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Hi there,
I expect that this will be shipped out to me tomorrow, and I'll receive it sometime this week. 
Long story, but I bought an E1OM from a retailer last June. It arrived, the 'included setup' was mediocre at best, but there was one big issue and one lesser issue. 
The bridge and fretboard were Rosewood. 
The finish looked like it had all run together in the wood. Quite bleah.
I had it set up by a pro, and still wasn't satisfied. 
So, I got in touch with the store (3 months later, mind) and more or less demanded that they make it right. Defective materials. 
They were accomodating so long as I bought another, more expensive guitar, and didn't expect the refund of the entire price for my trade-in.
I was going to go for the E6OM TC, still might, if I don't like this. However, if everything checks out, I expect this will be a keeper. I am not a fan of cutaways or electronics in acoustic guitars, which is another reason the E6OM is on my radar.

Sorry for the long pre-amble.
Anyone have or had one of these? If so, I would be grateful to hear your impressions!
Thanks!
G.

Does anyone know what the Date signifies on the Eastman Certificate Of Authenticity?
Is it related to the final build date or an inspection date either at the plant in Beijing, China or at Eastman in California? Thanks.