Over the last month I have been absolutely loving my E20SSV. It's hands down the best Eastman I have ever owned and it's in the top 3 best guitars I have had a chance to ever play. I love everything about the guitar (including the finish) but I am surprised at how soft and thin the varnish finish is on this model.

After a month of hard play with a light .60 mm pick I am seeing a lot of pick wear on the guitar. I personally think it looks cool but I am wondering if the varnish hasn't fully cured yet.

Is this a problem I should worry about? Looks aside, I am a bit worried about how this guitar will be protected over the next 10-20 years.

What do you all think? If you have an Eastman varnish guitar how has it held up?

Well, the latest and likely last (for awhile) salvo in archtop wars. I really like the AR380 - I think the neck feels a bit different and the body depth is about perfect. It doesn't sound highly "acoustic" though, which is what I'd expect for a full laminate construction. So the next step was to go the full monty, and enter the AR880CE.

Short story - does exactly what I want. It sounds like an "amplified acoustic guitar" when I'm into a full range-type setup, sounds like a woody jazz box when into a guitar amp setup. I had to do a bit of tweaking when it got it but to be expected - new strings, tuned a half step flat, small truss rod and bridge tweak. Plays great and not clear I really need an acoustic guitar hanging around at the moment. The AR380 is a different beast, and my AR580 has flats so that is another vibe. May be the lasting combination (ha!)

Pics or it didn't happen

Anyone here degloss the neck on an Eastman?  I have a T386 SB on the way. Very glossly and I know I am going to want to take the edge off the back of the neck somehow.

Thinking about removing the pickguard from my E20P, any words of wisdom to share regarding the process? 

thanks!

Hi, I have bought a wonderful 12th fret which sounds a bit too bright with D’addario XS 12-53.
I was wondering if XS custom light 11’s could tame the brightness a little ?
Have you ever tried this gauge on this guitar ?
Sorry for my French accent…

Just wondering if anyone knows if Eastman plans on doing any future sunburst guitars in Thermo-Cured (TC) versions?

Hi fellas. This is likely not even an Eastman question. My E2D g string has developed a nasty ping metallic sound when picked or strummed with anything beyond a whisper. I tried replacing the saddle with a new one from MacNichols. I tried changing strings. 

it’s less when fretted. Nothing seems loose or binding near the headstock.

help!

I have an AC322ce that I am in the process of selling....great guitar but doesn't speak to me. I also have an E3DE and E20SS that will be with me forever.  I'm wanting to add an E2D or E2om.  I play about 50/50 with a pick (lightly) and fingerstyle. My mind says that the om would be the best option but the videos I've  seen make the dread sound better.  If any of you have both or one, what is your opinion of these cedar top guitars?  Thanks

Anyone know the reason Eastman doesn't offer an 1 3/4 nut or solid headstock on 00 or P or build an all solid mahogany since they put mahogany back and sides on acoustics. Just curious as to why. I see major brands that offer these specs.

I recently bought an E20SSV and after owning it for 3 weeks I can say it's a keeper! It's a great guitar but I am curious about what you think about this set of rosewood. To my eye it looks way lighter than any set of EIR I have ever seen. Could this actually be Ovangkol instead?

I compared it to an E3D and it sounded much more like Ovangkol than what I am used to hearing Eastman's rosewood sound like.

Perhaps I got a light set or a different tonewood got added into the mix. What do you think? If this was the case it wouldn't be the first time Eastman swapped out a wood without telling the dealer or consumer.

Not complaining, just curious.

Here is my E20SSV



Here are some pictures of two different E3D's