An introduction to Eastman Guitars

We'd been aware of Eastman Guitars for a while but it wasn't until NAMM 2017 that we got a chance to check them out in the flesh properly, and when we did we were totally blown away by the quality of them! All handmade by skilled luthiers and sporting impressive specs across the range.
We were lucky enough for Pepijn from Eastman to pop in for some staff training, so we grabbed him for a quick chat!
We stock a huge range of Eastman Guitars here at Peach.
For more info visit our website at: bit.ly/2WZzZTs
Facebook: / peachguitars
Twitter: / peachguitars
Website: www.peachguitars.com

[@6StringsTheory]

These guitars are flawless! You would have to pay at least $10,000 for a guitar like this from any other brand. I hope I pray eastman maintains that level of quality.

[@bobbiemiles-foremaniii8747]

I've owned several. They remind me alot of Collings guitars They have a similar sound generally. It's upper mid focused clear and articulate. It's unlikely to find a dull dark Eastman or Collings. and style/look is similar obv since they are building the same models with even very close headstock designs on the different models. Collings construction is obviously more detailed and neater. But I see them as a good comparison for what an American Eastman would cost.

[@davidhouse9011]

Getting an Eastman 59. Best value of any guitar on the market hands down!

[@Leo-gx8lg]

The guy playing is so damn good! I need some of what he’s got!

[@Dam-oH]

I bought an Eastman t386 based on the video of jack playing. Serious chops.

[@PeteAxeShields]

Brilliant video - my personal favourite guitars

[@spencerfreed6947]

I know this video is a couple years old but I just purchased my first Eastman. It's the double cut junior model and I can't wait to get it!!! They make some spectacular instruments the old school way with top shelf materials and electronics. They've definitely caught on so like everything there's a wait, but still what you get for the price is well worth it

[@keesketsers5866]

Got the t59v today.....wow....what a guitar. I tried many many guitars, also alot more expensive models/brands and this one just spoke to me. What's great with Eastman guitars is that they are all different, even two of the same model. You can really find one that is "your" guitar. I find that very unique today among all the machine made guitars. Machine made (cnc) guitars are very consistent. That is good in itself but it takes away the experience of finding the special one for you.

[@craigharper3941]

Love Eastman guitars ever since I saw them on Alex Price's channel. I hope I can try one someday!

[@life-x476]

I bought the e 1om and its really terrific for this price. Aesome guitars

[@gilh3947]

Great guitars, I own two and probably will add one of the LP models.

[@Douglas_I]

I picked up an Eastman sb54 limited last week. It has a couple custom Seymour Duncan pickups, p90 and a staple p90. It's an aged black varnish which aged gold hardware. I absolutely love it! I can't believe the quality for the price. It truly is a custom shop quality instrument.

[@bryanclements5914]

I just got an Eastman PCH. It plays and sounds incredible.

[@gillesgenete9598]

I'm pleased to have the T59v for 3 years now, feels so good, sings so great. And I've been impressed by the sound of the Double Top 30 acoustic : made me think of an old Martin D42 ! Great job at Eastman to innovate for better .

[@str8shooter36]

I thought the same thing about the double top acoustic.

[@nigelvonshredman]

My T59v is phenomenal. Insane build quality for the price point .

[@jips123]

I have one and totally agree.

[@samuraipizzacat2171]

man they really sound exceptionally good!!

[@gustavstefansson2476]

They really make some terrific aucoustic instruments. My t/49v sounds just as good aucousticly and when plugged in to an amp.

[@arcane3877]

I need one of each of these, love the build and quality of these having an awesome player demo them helps a lot too haha Excellent demo!

[@PeteAxeShields]

I absolutely love Eastman guitars and the people there all seem wonderful. Pepijn has a lovely personality and his enthusiasm for Eastman is totally infectious. Put that together with the excellent Peach Guitars and their fabulous staff and you have the perfect place to check out perfect guitars with perfect service.

[@bentolleson8582]

Morris guitars which is my local shop in Rocwall, Tx C Carry Eastman. Their $300 acoustics sound freaking amazing

[@stefan77.]

I have an Eastman AC122-1CE and I'm loving it. Thumbs up.

[@MrPDGee]

I bought my Eastman AC122 acoustic with a cutaway and fishman pickup years ago because it was in the price range I could afford, had a great feel, looked wonderful, sounded absolutely awesome, and had outstanding projection. Never regretted it and has stood up to years of use and sounds even better than when originally bought. Chinese? Sure. But a craftsman is a craftsman, and they seem to have some of the best. Sound and projection on the double-tops is rather impressive, sounds like the guitar has a mini amp inside of it. But I may have to pass that up for awhile as I'm considering a T58 jazz next - the one I played at the dealer was smooth like butter and the sound acoustic or amplified was great. Made me sound better than I am :-)

[@tomrudd1118]

I own a Eastman AC320CE/2008 and I am very pleased with it. Beautiful in every way. But demo only 2 positions out of 3 and it raises suspicion about the pickups. Which I'm sure are fantastic. Don't be afraid of Eastman Guitars... they are superb !!! So are Imperial Pickups.

[@str8shooter36]

Wow! I'm new to the Eastman guitar brand but that om dt 30 sounds as good or better than the very expensive Martin my good friend bought over 18 years ago. The whole line up has top shelf tone and they're all really appealing to the eyes. I've got a really close friend who I literally grew up with and he's a working musician. He has played on many songs and he plays several instruments, guitar being his most played. He makes very good money and he's got an Eastman 59 or something and it's everything I want and need in a guitar. I've always loved the Les Paul guitars but I've always played a 55 Jr. It was given to me by my grandfather when I was seven years old and I have played many hours on it. I have played guitars that range from $350-$15,000 and I can't find one that has the feel and tone of my Jr until my friend got his Eastman and let me have a go on it. I was blown away with the quality and the feel, and the tone was exactly what I was looking for. I will be getting me one soon.

[@muhammadtalha3560]

Bought a Eastman PCH yesterday. I didn't know about Eastman until yesterday (I am not much aware of brands, only the famous ones like Fender etc). I went into the shop to buy a Takamine GD-20NS (other choice was Yamaha FG800, but Takamine sounded better to my ears) , Takamine was a good guitar, sounded good. I am a beginner guitarist, I dont play much. So as I went to the counter and about to pay, the salesman showed me this brand "Eastman". At first in my mind, I was like noo I want to stick with the famous brands. After I gave it a go, I was mindblown. It clearly blows the other guitars away at this price range (though Eastman was 39 euros expensive than Takamine). The guitar is made in China (as all other entry to mid level guitars from all major brands) but this is different as it is Handmade. The build is absolutely fantastic, it really feels that you're holding something precious. The sound is bright, warm and lively. For any of you planning to buy, Play a Eastman first before buying any other brand. The model I have is a PCH1-D (the cheapest Eastman). I was also a bit concerned about the reliability of this brand before buying but I read reviews on the internet from people who owned these and they are very satisfied with the reliability of this brand even after years. And after playing and holding it in real, it really feels well made. Best of luck!

[@muhammadtalha3560]

Plus it came with a really nice carrying bag and D'addario strings.

[@paulanderson6511]

I have the E40OM and absolutely love it. Most active top I have ever seen on an OM. I am looking hard at the T486 or T59V.

[@benlogan430]

Their violin finish is sooooo sweet! No one comes to mind that does type of a finish.

[@willgillis4207]

My first Eastman was an ACDR2 all Sapele that I bought at Elderly 5 years ago...my first all mahogany and still a go to today. I had reservations about Chinese made as well but they really do squash the American made guitar myth. My ACDR2 was $520. I've compared it to Martin mahogany models and it sounds as good if not better. I then purchased an Eastman E1OOSS-LTD. It's very well made but will/does need time to age. However, my last purchase was an AC422ce Sitka/rosewood. Freakin AMAZING!!! I've played it right next to a Taylor 714 and the Eastman is just as sweet...and one third the price!!! The only acoustics that I own that DO consistently beat the Eastman's (and all others) are my Larrivees. For the various price points, you simply can't go wrong with Eastman!

[@davidfleming1012]

have a 2007 Eastman T184 semi-hollow body that's been my main guitar for 10 years. It replaced my epiphone 335 that had been stolen. Such a better playing experience than the Epi provided. While it sucks to have had my guitar stolen, I probably never would have found the Eastman brand. This is a handcrafted instrument, not a factory built assembly line guitar. Highly recommended.

[@chukrock]

I took a punt on a used Eastman T186MX bought online. Initially I didn't like it. Wide fingerboard with hard edges. I prefer a heavy rolled edge. However, once I got used to this different feel, I found that I could perform technical parts much easier than on any of my PRS, Gibson or Fender guitars. It's simply astounding! Highly recommended.

[@billspruce8368]

My T386 arrived today and I could not be more impressed. This is a beautiful looking and sounding guitar.

[@kking9184]

Im a beginner, just bought a Taylor Big Baby... I do love it, its very comfortable...but I haven't stopped researching and I can't get away Eastman. It's defo in the mix when I consider my top shelf guitar. What you get for the price will be very hard to beat

[@TonyAguirreJazz]

They also make first-class Saxophones. Very impressive

[@bluesdriver6354]

Thanks for the Mick Taylor!

[@whayneneal]

I own 2 Eastman guitars and I'm sure there will be more in the future. Fantastic guitars for the money.

[@daveyponderosa9549]

Is that right Buddy? I hope so because I am looking at a couple of models right now and am thinking about paying a deposit next month. Cheers for your insight. 👍

[@charliesavage9918]

Had a go on a solo artists east man semi hollow es335 style last night, to be honest it was not far off the quality of my Gibson es 335 but at a third of the price. If I hadn’t had my es 335 setup professionally I’d say the Eastman was just as good if not better

[@Pantalooj]

That would be, to my ears at least, one of the nicest sounding LP style guitars I have ever heard on KZbin. Being a single coil player mostly, I generally don't like Les Pauls at all, with the exception of the occasional P90 or mini-HB equipped specimen. But that SB57 has character in spades. Would be keen to know what amp it was plugged into to produce that tone?

[@finishin.my.coffee8780]

Have you heard about the midnight rambler?

[@badkatrising3918]

Nice video

[@ditchweedchronicles8673]

I just purchased an SB59 with the 59Humbuckers in it . I want an acoustic Spruce or Adirondack top with Mahogany sides

[@rickganzel4720]

I ordered a 2020 Dakota fade 722ce back in july at local store still have not received it !!!

[@joskal1965]

great guitar, miss block MOP inlays

[@Nikoo033]

Really leaning towards those SB59 or 57 (non v). They sound and look awesome! Jack isn’t human. How can he play so many genres at his age? 😅

[@Nikoo033]

Jon Oz Hi, I might have the opportunity to finally get my hands on one. 🥳🥳 Stay tune to my videos!

[@metalmike6975]

I recently just purchased an Eastman AC220 acoustic guitar and I am really impressed with the quality of the instrument but also the sound that it produces when I'm playing. I had come across the brand Eastman a few months ago when I saw an acoustic posted up for sale on craigslist. The first I found out when researching the brand was that it was made in China . I said to myself then that there's no way that is any good because it was made in China . But upon further research of the brand Eastman I was rather impressed that it was of higher quality than I would've expected and that all of there guitars were handcrafted. Also what became a selling point for me was the sound that it produced and the price range that they were charging for the different models. I personally would have loved to have been able to afford a nice really Taylor because to me they are the best acoustic on the market. But I'll take the next best that was available to me in my price range which was the Eastman AC220 . Let me say upon seeing the Eastman for the first time that seeing them online in videos or pictures doesn't do them any justice until you actually see one in person because you can better judge them for yourself. Also the playability was very smooth and I actually didn't have to muscle any chords to play it. Yes Eastman guitars are here to stay and rightfully so. But they are not in the same league as Gibson , Martin, and even Taylor guitars yet because these companies have proven through the years that they've put out some of the best guitars in the world. I think though like these companies that I just mentioned that with time they could prove themselves with the quality builds that they have been doing and not push out shit through the years that they could be in that league with them. Only time will tell but I'm happy with what I've gotten and that's all that matters to me.

[@mrdoom3686]

eastman is soooooooooooooooooooo gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood

[@jayloiselle9281]

I never see these guitars anywhere....ever. How can you purchase one without even holding one?

[@hustlinc3540]

the eastman I've tried was better feeling and sounding than majority of Gibson CS guitars Ive played

[@boots1255]

Purchased my first Eastman Electric guitar T486 (Copy of a Gibson ES 335). The build quality for a Chinese guitar, is amazing. When I first heard of Eastman, I rolled my eyes and thought oh just another Epiphone Gibson like copy. Then I finally tried one, Eastman easily puts Epiphone to shame, and rivals Gibson. $1,600 CDN for a Eastman T486 or $4,500 for a Gibson ES 335. For the MONEY as people love to say. It wasn't even close. The Eastman easily held it's own, and I couldn't justify the 64% price increase for a Gibson. There wasn't enough wow factor to justify the HUGE price difference. Would I buy another Eastman guitar? Yes in a second no hesitation, and zero buyers remorse.

[@Arthagnou]

yep pretty amayzing what you can do with near slave labor...cheep....yep

[@freddymclain]

MY 805c is the finest archtop I've ever owned, and I've owned more than a dozen.

[@mikeritlop]

When did you buy it? Fixed or floating pickup?

[@freddymclain]

@@mikeritlop all 805 CE's feature a floating single coil Kent Armstrong PU. sounds just fine. i really believe in this Co.

[@ste2577]

I'm saving hard to get the T486B off you guys, determined doesnt even cover it 😁

[@spokes28]

Didn’t Mark Farmer use an aluminum bodied Eastman for many years?

[@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241]

Just purchased my Eastman acoustic E100-LTD (31/130/. All I can say Masterbuilt...

[@ezumach]

I will be adding an Eastman archtop to my collection in the next year. The build quality and the tone absolutely shocked me when I picked one up (was a used 380 arch). IMO, up there with the big names for sure. I'm primarily jazz, fusion focused, so maybe I'm biased, but Eastman makes a fine archtop, very fine...

[@alftupper9359]

Biggest problem I find with the Eastman range is, how many 335 shape models there are and how to distinguish between them.

[@Arthagnou]

no, the biggest problem is the stolen IP and slave labor....

[@FYMASMD]

I have a 2006 eastman archtop and a 1995 es 175. Both have minor issues. The Eastman has been very dependable with a few mods. The Gibson has been a pain. I only keep it because I spent so much to make it right. Neither will ever hold their value but I don't plan on selling so... Buy Eastman.

[@arunashamal]

He sounds like J. Peterman.

[@chrispile3878]

I own 2 Eastman archtops, and am looking for other Eastmans to add to my arsenal.

[@juangenesyjazz]

Made in chine??

[@azcharlie2009]

Do you sell these? Sounds like you're brits.

[@PeachGuitars]

We sure do, and we've got a great selection. We're the UK's biggest independent specialist guitar store, check us out at www.peachguitars.com

[@richwood571]

Anyone who is thinking of getting a low end Taylor or Martin needs to get over the “label” and pick up an Eastman. There is no comparison

[@killerdude35]

Dear Eastman, The reservation I have with your guitars is while I do not doubt that everything you say about these guitars is true, it's still quite a sizable investment to make for a guitar that has little chance of retaining their resale value due to 1.) It being made in China, and 2.) Eastman not having the reputation that a Gibson, Fender, PRS, etc have of being played by all the big name artists. My suggestion to you is to try a more "grass roots" approach and manufacture a decent 500-1000.00 entry level solid body to get average working musicians and hobbyist's foot in the door to Eastman products. THEN you can begin to slowly build a loyal fanbase that hopefully will eventually upgrade to your higher end products. I hear people say "this is Gibson Custom Shop quality at a lower price." While I'm sure that's true, I personally have never even seen or held a Gibson Custom Shop guitar. So what does that mean to me? I can't even find these guitars in my local area to test drive. There's one shop in my area that carries a few Eastman acoustics, but none of the semi hollow bodies or solid body electrics are to be found. This guitar is priced in the same range as a USA Les Paul Standard or Traditional. If I'm deciding between this guitar and one of those models, I'd be hard pressed to choose this over the Gibson. Again, I'm not doubting the craftsmanship of the instrument. I'm just saying the lack of reputation and awareness of this brand, coupled with its high entry level and relative lack of accessibility make for a pretty steep hill for you to climb.

[@JohannesLabusch]

Something's telling me they'll be doing quite nicely without your expert advice. Are you sure you're having trouble finding decent entry level guitars under 1000.00$ in 2019? Take a look at Epiphone. The Eastman philosophy is to get you high quality without having to pay for the Gibson (or any other) name. Try to find a Les Paul from Gibson with a one piece (!) mahogany body, this kind of finish and Pus, and don't get your eyeballs dusty as they hit the floor, along with your jaw, when you hear the price. If you love your instrument, you don't care about "resale value", which is a useless term based on a reputation which Gibson, as we all know, has tarnished in recent years. If you're a gigging and/or recording musician with working ears, Eastman offers a value that's much more real and lasting than any famous logo on a famous headstock.

[@JohannesLabusch]

Check your dresser. Check your furniture. Check your toys, electronics, tools and shoes. Once you've gotten rid of every single item made in China, get back to me, hypocrite.

[@n1vo]

Eastman already has very well made instruments in that price range.

[@ViaticalTree]

I’m quite sure Eastman is well aware of everything you said. I seriously doubt their eyes are going to be opened by killerdude35 and then they revamp their entire operation based on your advice. Every guitar maker had a steep uphill battle against the big names, and I doubt any of them are dumb enough to think they can dethrone any of them. They’re just trying to chip away at their market as much as they can.

[@estuardo6251]

Why are you so interested in selling your guitars? Perhaps you should try playing them.

[@danhooper3819]

Not after 2020.

[@arthurdduda63]

JUST WATCHED A REVIEW WHERE A GUY KNOCKS GIBSON QUALITY AND GIBSON'S REPLY THAT HEY THEY ARE HAND MADE AND EVERYONE IS GOING TO BE A LITTLE DIFFERENT OR IMPERFECT... AND HERE'S THIS GUY SAYING IT'S WHAT MAKES HIS GUITARS UNIQUE... LMAO.. THE OTHER GUY WAS SAYING HOW PERFECT FOR HAND MADE THESE WERE AND HOW GIBSON WERE IMPERFECT... HMMM SO MUCH FOR REVIEWS ON KZbin... LMAO.

[@dgl1012]

Na not really

[@dazfarrell]

My God! who is the presenter here? Robot alert

[@dexterm7466]

Eastman are made in china?

[@Yannplaysguitar]

Yes

[@frankcarter6427]

why would people still even consider buying some overpriced tatty crap from Gibson?

[@lordPix3lUK]

They blow gibsons away tbh

[@scottstubbs9913]

They look and sound awesome, but the made in China turns me off.

[@nicolasdagenai]

Doesn't gibson turn you off from made in america?

[@robinho1978.]

I’ve not tried one yet Scott but perhaps Eastman will be the brand to show us that that’s no longer a bad thing because these guitars look and sound great.

[@zororosario]

My Ibanez AF 155 made in China has better workmanship than my Gibson Les Paul Standard made in U.S.A.🤔

[@Terrysoddy]

nicolasdagenai yea for real I think Eastman has a lot better quality, and they sound as good or better than any gibson

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

Once upon a time people said the same about Japanese made guitars, then ESP and Ibanez came along. Things change!

[@Astral_Wave]

How can you possibly not use any machines? I call bullshit

[@yayayaokoksure]

Handmade in CHINA for $2000?

[@n1vo]

Space Monkey Well, if you base your purchase on political and environmental conditions, you wont be much netter off with a Martin.

[@n1vo]

@Space Monkey There's a lot going wrong with American politics, that's what I'm trying to say.

[@n1vo]

Space Monkey yeah, but it doesn‘t matter, who gets the most votes...

[@n1vo]

Space Monkey I didn‘t lose anything, I‘m german.

[@n1vo]

Space Monkey why not? Didn‘t you criticize China? Are you chinese?

[@deputyfestus4163]

Gibson & Epiphone Les Paul's & Sgs are the True ones not Eastman or any other company

[@ViaticalTree]

The true what?

[@deputyfestus4163]

@@ViaticalTree the true Sg and Les Paul dont be stupid

[@ViaticalTree]

Dr. Peter Goesinya Uh. Duh. Who says differently?

[@ontherockofchrist]

Play before you buy. Cheap tuners and knobs won't stay in tune

[@BetterWokeThanAsleep2]

I think a guitar like this is an instrument of choice. Don’t ruin this experience but purchasing a guitar made in a Chinese sweatshop by little children’s hands by a dictatorships that brings so much misery to its own people and the rest of the world. Vote with your money, there are lots of better countries to buy from…

[@michaelcoulter-bh7rx]

You dont know what you are talking about

[@arthurdduda63]

Excuse me chaps..i have to go give my slaves errrr hum workers their daily rice ration. But remember buy my guitars made for pennies and sold for thousands and keep me happy !!

[@ViaticalTree]

Arthur D Duda Do you have any idea how many guitars (and brands of guitars) are made in Asia?

[@willgillis4207]

That's right @halfulltome! Taylor, Breedlove, Gibson, Martin et al are made in Korea, China, Indonesia and others. Craftsmanship is craftsmanship...being political or SJW is ridiculous @Duda. Eastman's rock!

[@simonconnell7256]

Says Arthur,tapping away on his apple phone(wonder where thats made).

[@dadmadforgot4050]

Why is "handmade" spouted as worth while?? Humans are not accurate?

[@stevejazzband]

I bought a Loar lh 350.... Don't buy a Loar lh 350.... But also don't buy these....

[@franciscozamora3742]

I use to own a Eastman 372, with Ken Armstrong pickups, this are THE WORST pickups that I ever heard

[@nige99]

Kent Armstrong pickups are the cheap crap ones used on the lower end models , seymours are on the better stuff from Eastman

[@kommi1974]

Anyone who thinks these are better than the best Gibson or Martin can produce are drunk, high or both. These are made in China for a reason - cheap labor, components and the quality is sketchy. Frets are often unfinished, poking out. Finish bleeds into binding and electronics are cheap. You get what you pay for. Are they good for the money? Yes, but they will always be a poor-mans copy at best.

[@Almost_Baked]

Lolar and Seymour Duncan pickups are cheap? Get out of here, I haven't come across a bad review yet. You have a closed mind, feel bad for you.

[@ezer0923]

Sb59v? They're getting rave reviews

[@yggdrasil8387]

I played an Eastman, and I have never seen such a nice fretwork before. The pickups are really expensive on their own, the electronics too... it’s really really high end

[@artprince9163]

@@yggdrasil8387 i have an Eastman AR371CE and it is a very nice guitar for not a lot of money. I have had in the past or present everything from higher end Mexican Fenders to Fender Custom Shop and Gibson regular and custom shop. I find the Eastman quality comparable to custom shop instruments at 1/3 to 1/2 the price. Fret ends are not an issue in my experience as well. The lower end instruments might benefit from higher quality pickups but they are not bad by any means. Their regular Kent Armstrong pups are very usable.

[@artprince9163]

I disagree. They are making some fine instruments at Eastman as can be attested to by their excellent reviews. Gibson quality control has been an issue for many for years, so it is possible to get lemons no matter how much you pay.