Back in the 70's I worked in the warehouse of a music store chain (17 stores in the northeast) and got to try every C.F. Martin that came to my warehouse. I was "compelled" to examine, tune, and test every one (what a LOUSY chore) and when I found one that was particularly sweet, resonant and loud (before the days of piezo pickups) I set it aside to compare to the next weekly shipment that came in. From 00's to D-45's I played them all, and after nearly 2 years and many hundreds of some of the best acoustics ever made to that point. After many swap / exchanges from shipments I picked one that the heavens opened up for. If you ever heard Steve Stills play his D-45 you'd get the idea, and no it wasn't a D-45

Unlike electric gits that can generally be tweaked with to get more or less of a sound, an acoustic either sounds like you want it to or not, there's no fixing (IMO) an acoustic sound. It can be said that an acoustic "opens up" but buying blind on the web and hoping it "opens up" is never (IMO) going to substitute for a live test. 

Based on customer sat that I read online, Eastman has a stellar reputation. One thing is certain is I have not, and will not buy an acoustic online regardless how generous the return / exchange policy is.

So to the point of my thread, there has not been one single Eastman acoustic in a LGS I have visited in the So Flo area, EVER! Does Eastman sell so many gits basically blindfolded to not pursue a larger retail dealer network? Why don't they have a larger retail market presence? Anyone know? Eastman? Helloooo!! :-)

Look at the Martin OM28A, thru saddle makes it an Authentic 1931 model.  Do you know how difficult it is to adjust the action on a thru saddle, sux.  Why would anyone want a thru/long saddle.... Deal breaker, I ordered the E20-OM tc.  Pic is of the one that should arrive at the UPS Worldwide Headquarters in ATL in 4-6days.  Then, the Big Brown Truck will have to travel about 35 miles.
  
note:  Both are MAP prices and offer free shipping.

I RARELY do NGD's, but since this site is so new, and a GR8 idea, here goes.

This morning was a weird one. In another thread I said I'd be unlikely to get another Eastman but this one turned up and I just couldn't say no... I have a thing for blondes, especially ones that are not commonly found. As a matter of fact, most of my gits are uncommon... any Freudian opinions on that???

This T-486 in natural was just irresistible, it will be arriving next week.

eastman_t486.jpg

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First post, and let me say that it's good to see an Eastman specific site, I will do my best to "spread the word" for you. I saw this site mentioned on the tapatalk site which I am not a member of but visit there infrequently.

That said, at this time I only have one Eastman a recently acquired T165 MX. It's a single cut MX, the back sides, and 3 piece neck are mahogany, the top is fiddle back maple and the FB is ebony. In every respect this is a first rate. Compared to any of the Gibson models I own (which is a few) of very similar construction (semi hollow single cut) it stands shoulder to shoulder to, and definitely takes a back seat to none of them.

Unfortunately for me, I discovered Eastman gits too late to avoid some mistakes in the past, but I think I may not be buying another. At some point I was considering a T186MX, as well as an AR372CE but this one is so darn good I'm not playing very many other gits at this point and can't justify the expense.

Hello all - Does anyone have any info on what is happening with the new Thermocure  models (like when they will be available) ?

Another long one (decided to make it its own thread).

As I posted on another thread (some of this is repeat info), my E20OM-SB has been opening slowly, and the tone has been a bit darker and tighter (not as responsive) as a result.  I've been trying to find a good string match for this guitar, but for whatever reason, my hands also kill the strings faster on this guitar --- maybe I'm sweating more, trying to pull the sound out of it, ha!  In any case, I like to experiment with strings, so I've probably tried a dozen different sets of strings (PB, 80/20, Nickel Bronze) --- all with varying degrees of success.

I heard good things about DR strings, particularly that their Sunbeams can brighten the tone.  DR has some strange packaging: three envelopes - 1st/4th, 2nd/5th, and 3rd/6th paired up.  Four of the strings sounded fine, but the 3rd and 6th were dull and thudding, like I was palm muting them.  I reduced the tension, checked the nut, saddle, and bridge pin holes for any debris or obstructions... strung them back up... same result.  Detuned again, rearranged the bridge pins, same result.  Then, the 3rd string snapped, and the outer coil completely unraveled from the headstock end of the string.

I replaced them with a set of Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze Med/Lt, and the dull thud was gone!  Also, I noticed the guitar suddenly seemed more responsive.  Not sure if it was my imagination, something "moved" into place when the string snapped, or if the tension from the EB ABs were driving the sound board more than the other strings.  However, after I made my original post, I noticed a crazy harmonic coming from the D string, when played open.  I was concerned that something happened with the string snapping incident (and the harmonic was really annoying --- it was giving my daughter a headache!), so yesterday, I decide to swap my strings again.

I decided to try the DR Sunbeam lights again (as my son says, "because, why not?").  I take off the EB ABs, inspect the guitar inside and out (everything seems ok), and replace with the Sunbeams.  This time, the 1st through 3rd strings are fine, but 4th through 6th are all dull and thudding.  I play them open and fretted, and they sound exactly the same --- awful.  I detune, check the saddle, ball ends of the strings, bridge pins, nut... retune, same result.  Ugh!  I take the DR Sunbeams off and replace with a set of D'Addario Nickel Bronze lights.  No issues, and that one-off harmonic with the EB ABs is gone too.

Ok, so here are my questions for everyone:
(1.) Did I get some bad strings?  Or is it more likely that the bridge pin slots and / or nut slots are not fitting well with these strings?  Based on the string swapping and inspection, I ruled out the saddle placement / imbalance.
(2.) For the EB AB harmonic, has anyone else experienced that?  I've experienced some strong overtones as a guitar is opening up (I call it their "teenage" phase), but not with just one string (and only when played open).  Again, maybe a placement / fitting issue?
(3.)  Would the string snapping incident cause something to shift into place (bracing?) and cause the guitar to become more responsive?  Or is this all in my imagination with all the string changes?  I've read of similar experiences, but I think maybe this has all gotten into my head!

Anyway, I thought it would make for some good discussion.  Love to hear insight from my fellow Eastman players!

Hi

Eastman have been nominated in 2 categories for The Guitar Magazines Gear of the Year here in the UK.

It would mean a great deal to Eastman, both in the UK and around the word to win either or both of these awards and would be the icing on the cake to a fantastic year.

If you wish to cast you vote, please follow the link below and you may even win an E8D!

Many thanks

Russ (Eastman Guitars UK)

http://www.theguitarmagazine.com/goty2017/vote/

Hi

Eastman have been nominated in 2 categories for The Guitar Magazines Gear of the Year here in the UK.

It would mean a great deal to Eastman, both in the UK and around the word to win either or both of these awards and would be the icing on the cake to a fantastic year.

If you wish to cast you vote, please follow the link below and you may even win an E8D!

Many thanks

Russ (Eastman Guitars UK)

http://www.theguitarmagazine.com/goty2017/vote/

I bought this Mandolin last year new from the Mandolin Store. It is perfectly set up. It is MINT condition. No scratches. No flaws. This MD305 is incredibly highly reviews, sounds clear and loud without being shrill, and is visually stunning. The quality is fantastic - check around.

I bought it to learn Mandolin and never really followed through. I opted for the hard case upgrade, and also bought a strap, tuner, Baggs Radius pickup, and extra strings (EJ74).

Take it off my hands... I am cleaning house! New I paid $499 for the mandolin, $150 for the pickup, and probably another $40 or so for the strap, strings, and tuner. Let's call it $690.

I am asking $500 for all of this paypal and shipped. reach me at salarnuk at gmail dot com please

Howdy folks -

If any of you tried to log in today (10/31), you may have gotten a certificate error.  The SSL certificate used with this site had expired last night at midnight, which is what caused the issue this morning.  We now have a new certificate and the issue is resolved (just FYI).  In the meantime, I continue to learn the finer points of web property ownership/hosting