I recent purchased my first Eastman, an AC122-1CE just based on the specs for the instrument and the good things I had read about Eastmans overall. I have yet to see a single user review for this model online and I am curious if anyone else in this group is using one and what they think of this model. I like the guitar very much and I have noticed that it has a much brighter tone than my Martin D28. I have only been playing a couple of years and I probably have not developed as good an ear for the tone as more experienced players. Can anyone give me any feedback on their experiences with this model?

I have been looking into the Eastman custom shop. Basically it is more a mix and match of standard model features. The woods available are limited to those currently used in standard models, and they use standard blanks in their custom builds. One area where they will do some real customisation is in decoration. They are prepared, at least in principle (I exchanged emails with them) to cater for customers' personal inlay designs. Overall Eastman's approach is a cost effective way of offering some degree of personalisation and as such an imaginative move. Buying in other, non standard woods would likely see the economic benefits of buying in bulk evaporate. The amount of Rosewood going into China makes me think Eastman are probably sitting on a very large stash of it. Probably true for mahogany and ebony etc.
The likes of Koa is so rare it would mean paying through the nose period- although that is what true custom shops do. But it is evident this latter approach simply isn't consonant with Eastman's business model. Other firms can do luthier custom builds as well as Eastman ever could. The comparative advantage Eastman has in terms of cheaper labour is not as significant a factor in builds utilising very expensive woods. The proportion of the cost of production constituted by labour would be less, maybe considerably less. The amount of labour it takes to build a guitar out of Koa will not differ that much from building with Sapele. Although Eastman would still retain a comparative cost advantage in inlaying pearl/abalone etc., materials, the price of which doesn't vary that much. Eastman currently have their niche market, and I see no reason why they shouldn't grow this - and arguably they are.
Question - has anyone done direct business with the Eastman custom shop or even of purchased a custom built Eastman from a shop or individual? I hope all this hasn't sent you to sleep, and, if you can be bothered (ha) please pull my arguments apart.

ok - I will bite the bullet! I have been looking at a used Guild D55 here in the UK. It is 2005 natural gloss, advertised as in mint condition. Prices do not translate well between US and UK markets because of the very different tax regimes (the UK is quite a bit more expensive) but it is 57% the price of the cheapest brand new D55 (a nitro finish I noticed) I can find. I know some people lay great store by the factory location where these guitars were made. Any advice/comments would be well received.

The SB57/n-BK has been out there for a bit of time now but there's almost nothing on the web about it; I could only find one video of it played, and no review or article. Frustrating.

I'm GASing for a Eastman Les Paul style guitar, they all look great but the SB57/n-BK is the one that, so far, gets most of my attention.

So who had the chance to play it? I'd love to read your experiences and opinions.

I'm going to be installing a pickup in my E10D - never did one before. I think I have a pretty good understanding of how to proceed but I'd like some wisdom on removing the endpin - are they simply a pressure fit or is there adhesive involved? If so, (adhesive) will a little hair dryer action do the trick or is there some other magic that can be used? Also (and this is a longshot) does anyone know the hole size that Eastman uses? Thanks in advance !!

Anyone tried one of the 422's and can compare to E8om or E20om? I mentioned I played an HE 422 (the Music and Arts version of the AC422ce), but I don't know if they are the same or not. Any knowledge?

Would all that lower bout with the Rosewood be too bassy? It's about the same size as a Taylor GA or 14 series I think (maybe a tad thinner).

Thanks!

Some really great photos, posted by Richard’s Guitars in the UK. This is a Facebook link, so if you can’t view the photos, let me know. I’ll reach out to Richard’s Guitars for permission to share / post them here.

https://www.facebook.com/642106155815213...088033365/

Music instruments should be exempt in the not too distant future:

http://mmrmagazine.com/mmr-global/mmr-gl...s-meeting/

Happy Saturday All - Quick story - In July I bought an E40D which I am REALLY happy with - only issue has been with the case, two of the latches have fallen off. Yesterday I called the retailer (A Plus Guitars, great people to deal with) to ask about how to proceed - my guy there gave me a point of contact at Eastman who I then called - was pleasantly surprised with their response.....no BS, they apologized for the inconvenience, took my name and address and told me a new case would be headed my way by close-of-business yesterday. Imagine how simpler life would be if all manufacturers conducted business with this level of efficiency !!

Hi Eastman fans,

One of my friends shared some photos he took from Music China 2018 which is happening right now in Shanghai, China.
As the title indicates, there are some new models on the way! Here below are the pictures:

There seem to be three 30 series models. DT stands for double-top. The last one in the photo is Madagascar rosewood back/sides.

https://imgur.com/a/8dMSZ5f