|
It's a very nice guitar. I traded my 5-yr old Blueridge BG-160 and a whole big whack of cash for the Eastman. Not sorry.
My motivation was improved sound. The Blueridge began to sound muffled to me, with suppressed mid-range frequencies though I enjoyed playing it daily for 5 or 6 years. I blame its heavy build for the sluggish sonic performance. I believe that construction was an intentional design element; the heavy build means Blueridge hears less claims and beefing about breakage or other construction failures.
My Eastman is only marginally more lightly built. It weighs 4 lbs. 12 ozs. compared to the Blueridge at 5 lbs. 6 ozs. The sonic difference, however, is overwhelming. And I'm happy about the sonic difference because it's the sound that causes me to love playing the guitar.
The from-the-factory set-up is OK, I guess. Though I will take it to my local luthier for some fine tuning. For years, I've been playing a guitar he set up for me, to meet my standards of playability. The Eastman's factory set-up meets the factory's standards but I'd prefer my own. So after a week or so of shakedown, I'll take it to my guy to pay for a few tweaks that will make it easier for me to play. No big deal, and I'm going to be happy to pay for his work. He's an ace and I'm lucky to know him.
I'll ask him to lower the action a couple thousandths and install a strap button on the heel of the neck, along with anything else that strikes him or me in the shakedown cruise. Then, it's back to practice and sheet music and lessons.
Finally, the Eastman is a glorious instrument. The best I've ever had. The sound is loud and beautiful even with me at the controls! And the factory set-up is better than any factory set-up I've ever received with a new guitar. Just not dialed in perfectly for old picky Jack.
In conclusion, if you're not happy with your present guitar, sell it and buy an Eastman!
The guitar model is mis-stated in my initial post. It's NOT an "R10ss." Rather, its an E10ss-TC.
|