I've got one on the way and was wondering what other users that own one think and what kind of tweaks have you made to bring out the absolute best of the guitar?

Hi folks,

I just found this board. Some great stuff here!

I had the opportunity to play a couple Eastman’s today. E10Ss and ACDR1. Loved them both would also like to try an E10 and perhaps an AC model. The two I played were all they had in stock.

Any thoughts, experience etc would be helpful. I’m not a great player ( or even good), but this would be my first “grown up” guitar. I’d like to make a good decision, with your help.

I’ve given thought to some other makes, but keep coming back to Eastman. I’ve been looking for a bit.

Thanks for your help

UPDATE:

You all asked some great questions! Many of which I can't believe I didn't address in my original post. (Sorry about that!) Let me provide some better detail.

I have been playing for a couple years, off and on. The off periods have been a result of real life, not loss of interest. On the rare occasion where I have time, and no competing obligations, I can get lost either practicing or just playing around... for hours. (I even like cleaning and caring for the guitars.) It may not be great, but it's fun! My friends don't come over and ask me to play, but the neighbors don't come over and ask me to stop either!

Style: I'd have to say mainly flat picking. Although, strumming might be more accurate. I often use my thumb, rather than a pick, for volume control.
Flavor: I like lots of stuff, from singer/songwriters to classic rock. So, Gordon Lightfoot to The Who.
Budget: Roughly $1000 (USD) or less
Other stuff: I like the sound of Martin, but don't like the price tag. For comparable money, I can get a "lesser" Martin, or a "fuller" Eastman. And, I'm pretty partial to the Eastman name
I guess I'm most drawn to Dreadnoughts, but I'm not convinced it's the best guitar for me.

My current guitars are a Jasmine S-35 and a Squier strat. Both are barely more than toys. But it's what I have. I bought the Jasmine on a semi-considered whim, from a drum shop. It is... okay, but it is a bit difficult to play and has an unpleasing pingy-plucky quality. Of late, I have been gravitating to the Squier more, simply because it is a bit easier to play. I often play it without an amp, just to play and not disturb anyone. That guitar was my daughter's. She took lessons for a while, but lost interest, and it had kicked around for some time. Now I play it fairly regularly.

My guess is this description will resonate with other guitar players, particularly ones who are more established than I am. I have no friends who play musical instruments, or have any interest, so I really don't have anyone to compare notes with. I really have no intentions of ever performing, but at some point--eventually--I'd like to be comfortable enough to play in front of someone other than my dogs!

That is a little about me and where I am, and my modest aspirations. I hope this helps clarify some of the questions.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to read my post, especially those who responded. Everyone has been very supportive and welcoming. I wasn't sure of the response I'd get, but I appreciate the honest advice. If anyone has other thoughts or advice after my clarification, please let me know. I appreciate the advice.

The three guitars I tried the other day:

Eastman, ACDR1, $500
Eastman, E10ss, $1100
Martin, DRSG, $1200 (Made in Mexico)

Thanks,

B

I just got back from vacation and arrived home to find two large triangles from Charmed Life Picks in the mailbox. Boy howdy, are they ever nice! (I had a CLP brown triangle, but I lost it when I shared my new J15 at a jam last year and it came back to me without the pick.) This time around I decided to try something new, so I ordered an orange flame and a red, both about 1.12 - 1.14. The red is really deep marbled red, just beautiful. 

They are both so smooth on the strings and produce a warm yet crisp tone. I like them better than my "go to" Wegen triangles I have been using for probably 15 years. 

Sometimes a new pick is like having a new guitar. Speaking of which, my new J35 arrives Friday, and I am looking forward to trying these triangles on that. I am also babysitting my bro-in-law's instruments while he is in Alaska, so I get to play my old oval hole A model mandolin and his 20 year-old Taylor 510. They both like the CLP's too!

Fun times in instrument land here on Pescespada Island.
__________________

Found on AGF. Usual disclaimers of no knowledge of seller or guitar. The pictures look good though. If it was a 522, I might be more interested.
https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/foru...p?t=515779

AR904 Archtop just arrived this morning. 2006 NAMM Guitar......in love with this guitar. Volume and tone is just amazing.

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I am curious what folks think the pre-relic'd Eastman electrics?  I admit, I am on the fence on if I would like to have a guitar pre-relic'd for me, in lieu of a flawless guitar without blemishes.  

I played an SB59 Varnish model two weeks ago, and *LOVED* the guitar.  Perfect weight, neck, tone... it was all there.  I can see why SB59 owners are so pleased.  I can't wait to own one someday.  That said, I couldn't decide if I really liked the pre-worn look.  It was done very well and convincing... I guess it is just a matter of opinion.  

Just curious on what EGF thought on the topic... 
Cheers,
Tim

I have a left handed AC830 12 string on the way. I haven’t been able to find anything on this guitar. Anybody have any info on it?

Just curious - does anyone know whether Eastman has ever produced a baritone acoustic guitar? Even a prototype?

a wee tune (I think I may have posted this on the old site - just came across it again - so why not.
A first take of an in progress tune for my wee sister - Doreen, I've finished it now but need to record it, not something I do often.
Pleas see updated link below

Long story short; I bought an E6D, sold it, missed it, then when it became available again, bought it back.

The guitar arrived set up for and strung with mediums. Being a lights man, I re-strung it with EJ16s. Which really didn't get the top moving. I assumed I'd just get it set up for light strings, but after a couple of days realized that wouldn't do. If ever a guitar was built for medium - heavy even - strings, it was this one. It's a tank. A cannon.

While putting mediums BACK on, I remembered that the buyer-turned-seller told me he'd discovered it had an extra brace. On the top, underneath the fretboard extension (or whatever you call that area of the fretboard between the 14th and the soundhole).

Has anyone else encountered something like this? It seems like something you'd find on a 12-string guitar. I've never owned one, so can't speak to their braces.