Eastwood EB-1 - Retro Rock Star or Cheap Knockoff? - LowEndLobster Review

[@xandereakin4267]

oh my god I was so scared that his hand was gonna stay like that dude you had me worried

[@LowEndLobster]

Top kek

[@DasherWilcox]

Dig the vids, dude! I don't think there's anything wrong with the tone knob. It definitely sounds darker to me, but the mids come through like crazy. Makes it sound different than a typical rolled down knob. I have the same thing happen on my Ibanez asb-180 (which has a mudbucker aswell).

[@LowEndLobster]

PRIMUS SUCKS! Thank you my friend! I was expecting the mids to pull back as well like on a traditional tone knob. At the end of the day, this basically feels like an Epiphone EB-0 but for twice the price (and shaped like a violin).

[@boomerbassmeme]

Playing bass in PJs, I can relate! Enjoyed the live build vid, your surf and turf with the vintage look and the accidental "relicing" were cool and hope it raises a lot when you action it :)

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks!

[@BennKneeee]

Thank god the hipshot is compatible. I've already changed out the banjo tuners for gotoh tuners and was really hoping the new bridge would work. Also contemplating changing the pick up and electronics. Honestly a solid review mate! Eastwoods build quality isn't that great, but i'm determined to bring this bass on stage!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Steven! Indeed, I was relieved as well. I haaaaate the 3 point bridges. I love my little Les Paul Jr. Tribute bass with the Hipshot as well

[@mikeedwards1959]

It's a cool looking bass. Never heard of Eastwood before so I went to their website and my god they have some grazy looking guitars, I think I like them😊

[@LowEndLobster]

Hey Mike! They specialize in "replica"-esque instruments. IMO, they focus a lot on the looks of their instruments but the playability and craftsmanship leave a lot to be desired. These are meant to be looked at more than played IMO.

[@EpictheEpicest]

If you're looking for an esoteric vintage instrument and can't find it, they're not a bad alternative. You get the look but the sound isn't really the same.

[@bobbystereo936]

​@@LowEndLobsterHollowbody? Or just the f holes? Also, does this come with a pickguard like the original?

[@absolving]

Saw your post on Talkbass about your broken one - tough break. Nice to hear a demo of this lovely bass - I could look at it all day. Would be even cooler if they included the chocolate coloured pickguard like on the Gibsons.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks! Yeah that pickguard is cool. I've never played a real EB-1, but I hear that the originals (solid body) are heavy AF

[@Meddled]

Interested in that pickup! The originals have a DC resistance of 30 k ohms or so. Some Epiphone basses have a reissue of this pickup that is 1.4 k ohms DC resistance. They compensate with different gauge wire, but it's a weak, brittle yet dark sounding pickup. Artec make a good repro of the Gibson original.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks for the info! I don't know too much about the varieties of mudbucker

[@bflo1000]

So does Novak. Check out Tony Senatore's vid of his Epi EB1. He also has a fuzz diode in it!

[@BullyThaKidd]

Congrats on 1000 subs

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks my friend!

[@PushSueAside]

I really like this one. Cheers Thank you for sharing. Btw...I’m in Vegas celebrating my b day Wednesday. And I’m still watching lobster videos. Cheers

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Tommy! Happy birthday! Celebrate well :)

[@kevmac1230]

Eastwood makes some beautiful retro basses.I absolutely love the LP tribute,one of the most classic designs ever imo.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Kev!

[@albanantonarnold]

nice review, good information, clear and concise. I appreciate the final verdict (and the rating system.....2 Claws!)

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Jonathan!

[@MNMitchell-h5s]

Here is my updated review: after living with this for a month, I have mixed feelings. I was able to find one that is in like-new condition in the $200 range. They are $850 new at this point. That's about $550 more than they should be. It is a fun bass to play however and it sounds great with a set of laBella tape wound Beatle Bass strings. I wouldn't say that this bass possesses mojo in any way, but it is a very playable and satisfying instrument. The neck is great and it is light. The bad things include- fit and finish of PU mounting, bridge stud mounting and the worst tuning machines you can find. A violin with friction pegs is easier to tune properly. Also, while I have no problem with the Gibson 3-point, they have extra tall saddles for E and A and short ones for D and G. To get a decent action/adjustment, you have to really raise the treble side and bury the bass side. Luckily, I had a few of the original Gibson bridges that use all the same size saddles-now it works properly. The tuning machine issue is a conundrum...Kluson makes geared copies of the originals from the 50's for bass. They are well over $200 for a set. I can't bring myself to spoend that on this junky bass. The other option is to re-drill and install Gotoh machines, but then you loose the straight string pull and potentially lower the resell value.

[@cristovaopt]

Allways fun to watch your videos, and I was like "is a crime to slap a bass that looks like this" 😂😂

[@LowEndLobster]

I felt dirty afterwards hahaha. I did not enjoy slapping this.

[@luisanar9]

Im glad your hand is ok after all !

[@LowEndLobster]

Haha thanks :)

[@theofficialcoolguy69]

just found this channel, so sick to see a reviewer review basses that aren't just fender p or j's!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Coolguy69! Glad you enjoy the content :)

[@revlewisrees9880]

Hey Lobster - thanks for your great reviews. I’ve been considering buying and Eastwood; either the EB-1 or the EEB and was wondering if they are worth the price (they’re a bit more expensive in the U.K.) I believe they’ve moved the production of their ‘cheaper’ models from China to Indonesia, so that may resolve the QC issues. However £700+ is a lot of money that may be best used towards something else.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! I was looking at those for a while too. Honestly, I was intrigued by the looks but I don't think they'll be worth it IMO. I actually ordered one, but the one I ordered had a warped neck beyond repair (the vendor noticed before sending it out). My EB-1 was from the newest batch and was still made in China, not sure how things are split up with them. I would 100% get something else for the price.

[@revlewisrees9880]

LowEndLobster - Thanks fella, I really desire a Rickenbacker 4003 (I wish) - even though I know two people that have them and say: “Yeah, they’re iconic, and I wouldn’t sell it, but I hardly use it as it’s not versatile enough!” - But I just love the look!!

[@LowEndLobster]

@@revlewisrees9880 I do love my Ric (my 4003SW more than my 4003S/5 which I'm considering selling). That being said, I actually like my FGN Mighty Power more haha.

[@revlewisrees9880]

LowEndLobster - Oh my, I do love that twin P pup setup!!

[@danschneider9921]

I'm a Felix Papalardi fan- so I am buying one and will make it work. It's $500- you get what you get

[@LowEndLobster]

Yup! At least the hipshot bridge is compatible. IMO I'd replace the tuners too.

[@bflo1000]

You can either buy this bass for the Papp Looks or spend twice as much on a REAL EB0 for the Papp SOUND. Did you buy it, and if so how do you like it?

[@andybuhaltor6725]

Love your channel and you're a great player

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Andy!

[@rasmillion]

Totally agree with you about Gibson bridges Not a fan of Rickenbacker bridges either not well engineered or thought out at all That thing sounds great though

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Ras. Same, the new Ric bridges are better but still annoying haha.

[@RumblinMan]

Quality review and great demos as always! To my surprise I liked the Gibson tone best!

[@LowEndLobster]

That Gibson is SUHWEEET. I'm glad they altered the formula a bit as the original double cutaway LP basses had the mudbucker.

[@tigerscott2966]

Happy New Year...more videos please...

[@RussellMorash-m8w]

Though I'm listening on a cell phone this bass has a very rich Bassey tone for the cost as a collector I have been waiting for maybe epiphany to come out with something like this a real one is in the 5000$ range easy in decent shape.

[@mysteriousplankton]

Not the craw, the craw!

[@MNMitchell-h5s]

$500?? These are $850 new these days. I got one used for $300. I'll have to see what I'm dealing with when it arrives. I'll probably try some Pyramid or laBella flats on it first. none of the eastwood basses are worth it in my opinion (I've had 6 over the years). They don't order in high enough quantities to get a good deal on them. They've all struck me as being worth several hundred less than they sell for...however....I sold my Devo penis bass for $1000 more than I paid for it, so some models become collectors items. Update: here is my review now that I have one of these basses...the good: fretwork and playability of the neck is pretty good; the tone is not so bad; control and output jack access are good compared to other hollow basses;. The bad: neck-diver; completely unusable "tuning" machines; poor fit and finish with ill fitting PU, and bridge studs that are not fully seated; overall junky/low-quality feel; does not fit a Hofner-type case. With laBella Beatle Bass black nylon wrapped strings it has a rather nice feel and look. My $300 used was about $100 more than it's worth, but what in the world is it like to spend $850 for this?...wow....

[@Yourd4d]

The look of these basses just makes me wanna combo it with heavy amounts of fuzz. I purposely do cursed combos for the fun of it lol.

[@LowEndLobster]

Hahahaha that sounds like fun. I whipped out the fuzz on my Guild Starfire I review. Sometimes I forget how much fun fuzz can be!

[@Yourd4d]

@@LowEndLobster absolutely, I just connect these smooth looking basses up to a Morley power fuzz wah pedal and the mood changes instantly.

[@acidwizzardbastard]

That huge mudbucker is great for the heavy stuff!

[@acidwizzardbastard]

Mudbuckers, regardless of the bass they're on, are built for fuzz!

[@tigerscott2966]

It does have a nice tone...that would be good for the collection....

[@michaelblaney4461]

Lobster maybe a little better then that Horner compact bass??? I was looking at the Eastman classic 4 bass but noticed that the Harley Benton bass looks identical for 400 less . I might go that way

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Michael! Yeah this one was slightly better than that Hofner... the hofner was just terrible lol .

[@RussellMorash-m8w]

It is true though I started with a good p bass and I still love it's sound.

[@marunikusbakufu]

Sounds pretty much like and EB-0. Same pickup configuration, so probably shouldn't be a surprise.

[@bflo1000]

But which KIND of EB0 does it sound like the most? The weak, anemic (but cheap) Epi, SG Bass neck pup only, or the REAL EB0 w the actual sidewinder?

[@LowEndLobster]

I had an Epi as my 2nd bass ever back in highschool. First time using it- in a pit orchestra.... Neck dive = slapped faces and knocked over stands. Good times XD

[@ChrisRossUK]

3:40 looks fine to me...

[@LowEndLobster]

"Patented flex join at the neck allows for easy folding" ;P

[@bobbystereo936]

@@LowEndLobster is it completely hollow? Sounds like a block insert. Also, why the hell did they make this a long scale? Eastwood did no research on the original.

[@venificus9824]

Even though the others don't like it, I'm in love. And these are available on the eastwood website? :D

[@LowEndLobster]

Yup, and through eastwood vendors such as XYZ Guitars on reverb. That's where I got mine.

[@venificus9824]

@@LowEndLobster thank you! Subscribed for more content👏

[@jonsidell3338]

Oh wow! A recreation of my very first bass! Ahh, the nostalgia.

[@LowEndLobster]

Was your original the eastwood, gibson, or one of the epis? I kind of kick myself for not snagging a fretless Epiphone EB-1 off of craigslist last year for like $400.

[@jonsidell3338]

Mine was an Epiphone, complete with the screw in stand. Thankfully my dad saw the struggle and traded it up to a nice Squier Protone PJ.

[@marunikusbakufu]

The "mudbucker"! Yeah!

[@LowEndLobster]

:)

[@bobbystereo936]

​@@LowEndLobsterHollowbody? Or just the sound holes? No pickguard?

[@doug5yuiop]

Great. It has that “squashed” sound of an old Gibson humbucker

[@mccypr]

Thanks! 😎

[@nigellacey559]

Is it solid body? The original had painted f holes.

[@LowEndLobster]

Nope, semi hollow

[@nigellacey559]

☹

[@666playball]

Banjo Tuners? Please comment as to better off replacing? Thanks

[@LowEndLobster]

I wouldn't know what to replace them with, but yeah the tuners were meh.

[@PushSueAside]

Thought you were wearing a kilt. First thought...YIKES! Not a huge fan of the violin, and less of a fan of a violin-bass. Maybe a saxophone-bass would be sexier. Way to go with quality control Eastwood. ...maybe Clint was using that first bass to take down the bad guys? Maybe a Van Cleef bass snuck up on it. Anyway, awesome video. Thank you for sharing. WOW I was just looking at how many subscribers you have now. CHEERS 🦞 very proud of you buddy.

[@LowEndLobster]

Hahaha Thanks Tommy! I had to ask myself when opening up this second EB-1... “I know what you're thinking. Did he open one box or two? Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement, I've kinda lost track myself. But being as this is LowEndLobster, the most crustacelicious bass channel in the world, and would snap the neck of this bass clean off, you've got to ask yourself one question: "Do I feel lucky?" Well, do ya, bass?” It's been a hell of a ride, here's to the next 3 months and beyond! Thank you for being a great fan.

[@PushSueAside]

LowEndLobster Nice! Thank you for all the great content. I’m really proud of you, you are really taking off. Here to hitting 100,000 subs. Cheers buddy. Btw....that Rickenbacker review is not going to make it self. Cheers 🦞

[@sgrabenstetter]

I liked you're video however, can you do a review of this with a pick?

[@LowEndLobster]

Unfortunately I can't for three reasons. First, I sold the bass. Second, UPS lost the bass. Third, I am very bad with a pick lol.... they are... Illegal.

[@MNMitchell-h5s]

@@LowEndLobster I have been playing since the 1970's and never learned how to play guitar or with a pick. I can get the same speed and attack with fingers though. Maybe I will have to try a pick for a while.

[@Sardiniansoul324]

The dude at 25 seconds frame is an italian politician, former prime minister Massimo Dalema 😂😂😂

[@jermainelong1843]

Nice quirky, fat tone useful for left field recordings🎶 Definitely too expensive though.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Jermaine!

[@efrazable]

does it come with the end pin?

[@JasperMay]

Man I thought that bridge was a second pickup

[@TheBeardofDOOM]

But can it Djent?

[@LowEndLobster]

Djents all djay brjo!

[@aldito7586]

After seeing this review I would NEVER buy Eastwood. Thanks for the heads up LEL.

[@marcinszadyn5026]

The good the bad and the ugly. Clint Eastwood😃👍I agree, two claws

[@ramshaar2597]

Looking good the sound is.....?????? More or less okay no more

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Ram!

[@skraegorn7317]

Too bad this one didn’t come with the screw-on kickstand like the original had.

[@LowEndLobster]

Indeed! That would have been neat!

[@revlewisrees9880]

Did you keep the EB-1?

[@LowEndLobster]

I did not. Sold it, and it was lost by UPS. The only bass I've ever had get lost :(

[@revlewisrees9880]

LowEndLobster - Boo to UPS!!!

[@telecasterbear]

Rule number one. Do not ship any electric guitar or bass with the strings tuned to full pitch. Also, place some papertowels between the strings and the fingerboard. Rule two, don't wear shorts on stage.

[@LowEndLobster]

XD I'm guilty of breaking all of these

[@huublelieveld8918]

Come ooon, put on flatwounds and raise the action. That would be a proper test for a bass like this.

[@mauricioossa1125]

This bass now retails for $849 USD

[@MNMitchell-h5s]

yes-they raised it $300+ ...insane

[@rubenriverarojas7910]

Oof, that sounds sweet

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Ruben!

[@anotherrandombassguitarcha9482]

This has Felix Pappalardi written all over it.

[@meyou-dv8ns]

Please do not tell the GREAT Felix Pappalardi from the band Mountain that this is not a good guitar and not for a steady guitar? 2 out of 5 ? Leslie West would beat you up

[@LowEndLobster]

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I mean... it is poop.

[@Jaggedknife11]

Pappalardi played the original Gibson.....obviously this is a cheap, made-in-china knock off that would be reasonable if it was priced $200-$300 lower.

[@MNMitchell-h5s]

Pappalardi's bass was solid mahogany-this is completely hollow; his also had an overwound pickup. These only share rough shapes with the EB and later EB-1

[@edfedewa5477]

The tuners are really not adequate. Kluson makes the original banjo style and they are superior.

[@LowEndLobster]

Agreed, stringing this thing up was a pain.

[@Bass.Player]

It's a $250 Chinese Bass, maybe

[@LowEndLobster]

Yep! Ibanez TMB505 costs the same amount and is superior in every way. This is basically a hollow EB-0 for double the price of the Epiphone (and worse tuners... I didn't talk about the tuners and wish I did... they're awful)

[@marcoesposito8753]

I think it's kinda overpriced

[@LowEndLobster]

Yup!

[@laserlithuanian]

save your money,

[@LowEndLobster]

Yep!