Sorry about the eight strings and all, but a new Eastman is a new Eastman. At this point, I can bang out part of Atlantic City (I’ll need to learn more chords to play the bridge), with a fair compliment of dead notes. I know enough mandolin to know it’s very well made, LOUD, and very sensitive to where you pick or strum. The tone changes dramatically as I move my strumming toward the neck. It’s a different instrument up there.

They're both large body guitars with 16" lower bouts.
The AC615 is much larger all around, more volume, can take a heavier hand without creating buzz.
The E10SS/V has that aged sound, just beautiful, small neck, short scale, will buzz if you get on the strings too hard.

Both have a similar sound, just slightly different.

AC615 Engelmann Spruce/Maple
E10SS/V Adirondack/Mahogany

AC615 is the best guitar I've ever owned. (Don't know if every AC615 plays/sounds like mine)
The E10SS/V is like playing a 1940s Gibson without payin' out the Wazoo. I would assume the new E10SS/V's are similar in sound & set up

Would highly recommend either guitar.

This one is a steal at just over $1k at 20% off the $1279 regular price and FREE shipping, AND it's NEW!https://reverb.com/item/1407084-eastman-ar380ce-hb-pisano-signature-archtop

So what instruments do you own/play outside the status quo acoustic / electrics to add color to your music?  (pics are enormously welcome)

I've owned/played reso and bass for years.  Sold my 73' Fender Jazz bass when I went all acoustic 20yrs ago, legendary instrument but way heavy.  Few years ago I picked up a used G&L L2000 Bass for $350, perfect for my needs.  It's strung with RotoSound black nylon strings... think McCartney 'Come Together'.

The other is my Paul Beard 'Gold Tone PBR' red round neck reso, the Beard spun cone is excellent.  The PBR is solid mahog, built in S Korea and put together at Gold Tone hdqrs in Fla (the Eastman of reso guitars imo).  Had a small scratch on it when new, got it for $600.  here tis:

Hi gang -

For those who did not notice the "Portal" functionality at the top, I renamed it to "Daily Brew" to help the function be found easier.  It provides a nice daily summary of activity on the board... Enjoy!
Tim

Hello good people

I'm new to Eastman but not guitars. My friend and enabler Tim F, who is on this forum, pointed me to a black T486 that I purchased last week. I've been a Fender/G&L/PRS guy for a long time and was looking for a 335'ish guitar. It's being set up for 9-46s (NYXL) which I'm really digging lately and having treble bleed circuits installed on the volume pots.

I asked the luthier to take a look to see if the pickups can be split. I believe the SD Jazz in the neck is four conductor but not sure about the '59 on the bridge (I think you can order them 2 or 4 wire). My question is: Does anyone have experience making this mod? How does it sound?

Thanks in advance. Looking forward to being part of the list.

Has anyone added a Mando to the herd? Just put in an order on this. I got a screaming deal because it’s blue, and they weren’t selling. Fine with me. I like it. It’s not a bluegrass or folk Mando, it’s rock n roll mandolin, baby!

My son's AC630 Jumbo will turn five in January, just amazing how it's improved over time.  When this guitar was new, Eastman said that the AC630 was their top of the line flattop, no argument here, although the later 40 series & my E20OM-TC are easily as wonderful.

Yesterday my son brought the AC630 over for me to cut a new saddle (I botched the last one).  Fun time because we enjoyed the first day of NCAA football and played guitars all day, long standing trad round here.  Got the new saddle cut today.  The guitar has never had a pickguard but a new one will be here in a couple days... then the AC630 goes back home.  ):

Eastman's years of experience using maple in orchestral instruments, archtops, mandolins etc gave them the insight to match the maple with engelmann spruce of the AC630.  Maple has been used by other big body, jumbo builders because it has a kind of neutral effect on tone, doesn't add or subtract.  AC630 is great across the registers from bass to treble, up/down the neck and that extra bass is always just a touch away.... sweet.

Just got an E10SS/V yesterday.
Restrung this morning with Elixir custom light PB.

Setup is perfect for my style.
Effortless fretting.
Sound is straight outta the 40s.
Really diggin' the varnish look.

First I would like to say hello to all.
I would like to put strap locks on my T386, and was wondering what you all would  suggest? 

Regards 
RwP