Hi guys, I'm relatively new to guitar buying.  And have realized that published prices seem to be the beginning of a negotiation. I've read that on Martins, people can expect 30%, sometimes even 40% discounts from published prices.  It seems like with more affordable guitars, there's less wiggle room.  But even when there's little wiggle room, it seems like 10% discounts are pretty common across the board.

I'm wondering what kind of discounts are folks getting in their Eastman purchases?  I did get a 10% discount on my E2D, but that was a published price.  I didn't realize that there may be more wiggle room by chatting directly with the sellers.  I just waited to an online sale and bought then.  Im still quite happy with my purchase price, but I'm looking at some much pricier models (over $1K) and now I want to be more informed before jumping in.  

I'm hoping this isn't some taboo topic.  I'm just trying to understand what's good deal/price/discount and when can I still ask for a better deal.  It seems like any dealer will happily throw a 10% discount, but are folks getting larger discounts when dialing in, and if so, what's the ball park?  25%?  

PS  I do realize we are in strange times with some shortages and renewed interest in guitars, but my question is about what discounts are folks seeing at the moment (even if smaller than they regularly would see)

Has anyone heard if Eastman is planning to release any new models for 2021?

I wonder if any other EGF members have checked out the Yamaha FG800. It's really an AMAZING guitar for $200; it sounds like a LOT more money! I got the Sandburst finish because it's very nice looking. I use Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze (12-54) strings on it as they seem to work and sound the best. This is the guitar that I will take with me when camping or in any "risky" situation. I would be upset if it got damaged or stolen but not TOO upset. At $200, it's basically a "disposable" guitar that nevertheless sounds quite good, plays smoothly, and looks very nice.

From the Chapmans at the Acoustic Shoppe

https://www.facebook.com/TheAcousticShop...5845195586

Hey Everyone,

(Sorry if I'm not posting this in the right spot. I wasn't sure if it should be here or the Other Guitar Brands).

I did a prepay on a Alvarez MD60BG ($599) earlier this week, but it's fully refundable until it ships in a few weeks. I've played this model, and really like it. Sounds great, butter neck, etc.

I currently own an Eastman E6OM.

The Alvarez MD60BG is also all solid spruce top and hog b/s like my E6OM.

Since my Alvarez isn't a done deal yet, I've still been looking at other guitars just to see what's out there, and found two great deals. I ran across an Eastman E8D (Sunburst) for $800. It has a few minor blemishes, but nothing major.

***If anyone has an E8D they'd like to sell, let me know***

I know I'm all over the place, and I'm being wishy washy, but now I don't know what to do now.

It would be cool for me to add a rosewood guitar to my stable, but the Alvarez is $200 to cheaper and I already know that I love that guitar.

What would you guys do?

Pics are attached.

Cheers,

Jordan

Attached Files

20200918_144724.jpg

File size: 328.27 KB

Downloads: 94

20200918_144736.jpg

File size: 309.95 KB

Downloads: 85

20200918_120040.jpg

File size: 353.39 KB

Downloads: 90

20200918_120030.jpg

File size: 373.26 KB

Downloads: 111

20200918_120022.jpg

File size: 252.28 KB

Downloads: 97

20200918_120012.jpg

File size: 272.63 KB

Downloads: 99

Screenshot_20200918-120611_Reverb.jpg

File size: 779.69 KB

Downloads: 107

Hello!
At last my quest to find a nice guitar is approaching its end.
Decided to pick up an old hobby of mine. Dropped playing a long time ago because at that time I could not afford a normal acoustic guitar (hello, laminate, my old friend). Im more of a strummer\fingerstyle player. What I like in Eastman range of guitars is the wider nut and ofc the price of those, a similar Taylor would cost me 3x more.

Due to these interesting times Im forced to buy online from a small store in Netherlands. I've found that there are basically 2 stores that are recommended in NL (and basically located closer to my Latvia) - the TFOA.eu and https://www.kauffmannsguitarstore.com/
Wrote to both shops with my questions about Eastman brand \ guitars that I wanted, and TFOA sales people did not seem to be very interested in helping me. But the other store was kind enough to help with advices and recorded video demo of said instruments for me.

So, my quest drove me between these two magnificent instruments:
Eastman AC222 CE OV - 850 Euro (thats hte price with a hard case, without one the price is 775 Euro)
Eastman AC322 CE - 1000-1100 Euro. Its 1000 EUR in Kauffmanns and 1100 in TFOA. It seems that Kauffmann's shop has an older 322 model - I see videos from 2015 or 2016 with this model. (the one they have is without a pickguard\differnt headstock\different binding material) - I cant find this model on the Eastman homepage. Could some one confirm my thoughts? (will attach both 322 photos to this post, first one is the newer model)

I guess Im more fond of the 322. It sounds more "lively" to my ear. But it seemes to me that picking up a guitar that has been lying in the shop for the last 5-6 years is not a good idea, even considering that 100 eur discount. What do you think?





P.S during my search I became really happy for those of us who are living in US or Canada. You guys can have a LOT more guitar for your $ (compared to Europe).

I have owned now probably 6-7 Eastmans but have settled in on two in the stable for the last several years.  Each of my older vintage Eastmans had the wonderfully finished fretboards which were sanded glass smooth and buffed to a nice semi-gloss.  It has always been one of the many things I have loved about this brand and it shows a true attention to detail that most manufacturers would or do not take the time to do.

I just bought an e10om-TC used.  She is gorgeous and is going to replace my e10om standard I think.  But....the fretboard was not sanded flat before it was buffed to a gloss.  The result is a very pocked-marked look that is still shiny.  Its frankly a bit of a visual turn-off to my eyes as compared to how my other guitars have looked...very shiny still but irregular and accentuating the undulations of the grain.  I'd frankly rather it be a matte look if not sanded flat, or sanded flat and highly buffed.

Is that standard now on all guitars, or just a one-off on this one?

She is still an absolutely stunning guitar and I'm VERY happy...just wish the fretboard was different.  I might just lightly do a steel wool or high grit sandpaper treatment to knock back the shine.

Hello , I asked this ? AC420 doesn't have enough clarity for me , And pura vida gave me a suggestion , unfortunately the local store didn't have the strings . I can't remember the post lol so here I go again.
I tried what the store suggest
This are brighter but lack definition. PV any help again ?
Also not a fan of 12's something available in 11's

I've been reading some good things about Alvarez guitars recently including a couple of mentions on this forum. Has anyone had hands on experience and are maybe in a position to tell us how they compare with Eastmans?

Trying to decide on what pickup to put into my E20-OM. What do you guys like? The main contenders at the moment (and are subject to change) are:

1) K&K Pure Mini
2) Schatten HFN
3) James May Ultra Tonic

Which do you guys like? What's worked for you and what has not?