Had a beautiful Collings CJ when I moved to Los Angeles from the Bay Area. It developed a bad top crack the second year I was here. Someone told me about a shop in the Valley, where I live, and I trusted the guy with the repair. He butchered it, and my choices were find someone else to replace the top or sell. I went with the latter, taking a bath. I just played my electrics for about five years, but missed having an acoustic. Heard that Eastmans sounded and played well, and weren't stratosphere expensive. Went with a small body, to go easy on my right shoulder, an E20-00. Found it on Craigslist for $1,200. Beautiful. Sounded amazing for its size. Action a little high for me, but I have no problem setting up my guitars, so wasn't worried about it. Got it home. When I sat down to set it up, realized the effing bridge was glued in. Asked Eastman how to get it out. They weren't helpful. From what I could see, it would need to be chiseled out and a new nut created to set up the action. Which was nuts. So it went straight back onto Craigslist; the shortest amount of time I've ever owned a guitar. I only lost $200 on that one, a bargain compared to the Collings. That was almost two years ago. Then I read a review of the DT30-OM. Two things caught my eye. First, it was marginally bigger than the E20-00, small enough to keep my shoulder happy, but louder, and with more bottom end, and the Nomex laminate top adds even more volume. This means I might be able to use almost the same string setup, 10-48, on an acoustic that I use on my LP, 335, and Telecaster, 10-46, with no loss of volume or dynamics, especially bass response. #2 should really be #1, given my experience with the Collings. DTs are fairly new with Eastman, but have been used for classical guitars for a while. The Nomex laminate has a reputation with luthiers for being less likely to crack. Mine has lived up to both my criteria. Oh, and it's a lovely guitar. I say, "Hello, Beautiful" ever time I pick her up, the same as with my 335 (OK, which is the most beautiful guitar I've ever owned).

There’s one for sale locally and I’m trying to determine how old it is.

I was in my local GC the other day and they an Eastman E20SS Sunburst that was just beautiful. I sounded great too. My only issue and I know that it is probably me, I just don't like the headstock unless it is the flat head style that resembles a Martin.
 
It is still a really nice guitar if anyone is interested. It on the GC & MF websites.

Hi,
Has anyone ever installed a strap peg on the side of an archtop before?  I am thinking about position #3 (from the much-referenced guide of every conceivable strap-peg position ever, pasted below).  I'm guessing that there's no blocking inside an archtop to support a peg in position #3, so I will need to go with position #5.  Has anyone put a peg in either position #3 or #5 on an Eastman Archtop?  

I am the new owner of an AR403CED, which I just bought yesterday from Lou at Guitars N Jazz in Summit, NJ.  It's my first Eastman, and my first jazz box.  So far, I think I am loving it.  But when I play standing up, the stock strap peg (in position #1) feels uncomfortable for me, and I much prefer the feeling of my Gretsch hollow-body (with a peg in position #3) when played with a strap. Pegs in position #1 always make a guitar lean away from me, and feel less stable, and I like when they are nestled in close.   

(I'm a new Member here, and this is my first post.  I'm looking forward to diving into the mix with everyone, and I appreciate any replies.  I always appreciate pics to illustate what people are saying, too.)
Thanks 

I looked at a new arrival today at the Eastman dealer here in Memphis today.
A E1DSS SB.
it was very light and VERY loud.
But what struck me as the most unusual feature was that it had “ purfeling “ around the inside edge of the soundhole.
It appeared to be light colored wood.
I don’t think I have ever seen another guitar with the edges of the soundhole bound like that.
If anyone else has one or gets to see one can you confirm that they are like this?
Eastman website does not mention it.
I will try to get some photos next week.

Eastman makes world-class hand-made guitars that are second to none. 

The quality of these guitars is absolutely top-notch. Never owned a Martin or other boutique, but had a Gibson once. Sold it after getting my E-10. I own two (E10-SS & AC522-GB) and traded in an AC-122 once.

Curious - do any of you regularly apply fretboard oil to condition your fretboard wood?  I've never done that, but wonder if it might be a good idea, especially here in Arizona..

On one of my other guitar forums there's a lively discussion on members focused collections, subjectively defined by the OP as three or more of anything. With that in mind, what are some of your current collections? For me, adhering to the definition above I have no collections as I only have two Eastmans and two Gretsches (so far). I am eyeing possibly another Eastman so I may soon be a collector.

a new first - I am lost for words ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10S9Gy5Ckjg

I was at our local Eastman dealer in Memphis today .
It’s Martin guitar on Poplar Ave.
they had a new Eastman E1D Special for sale.
It was all gloss with a TC Sitka top and beautiful burled Sapele back and side.
I would more describe it as “pommele” figure.
It was a really great price and sounded really good.
I took some photos but the back is really dark and glossy so you can’t really see the beautiful figure very well.
I can’t believe that you can get an all solid gloss finish exotic wood guitar at this low price. I think it was $699.
I don’t know how many they made but by the looks of the wood it can’t be many.
Robert

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