GIBSON vs EASTMAN - Putting Gibson On Notice!

Cheaper, Lighter, and better construction - but can the Eastman hang with the Gibson when it comes to playability and tone?
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VIDEO SECTIONS:
Specs and features - 1:28
Tones - 7:05
Final Thoughts - 10:31
SOLI DEO GLORIA!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Video sections: 1. Specs and features - 1:28 2.Tones - 7:05 3. Final thoughts and recommendations - 10:31 Enjoy :)

[@clarkbabin9799]

I'm curious on your choice of pick thickness.

[@calehearring1712]

Isn't that a Gibson classic? Not a standard?

[@gp9544]

Darrell, I have a 2013 gibsonlp standard. Never liked the burst bucket pros, found them to be very brash so I put in a high quality harness with pio caps and CT’s pots and dropped in a set of SD 59’s. Very authentic smooth sounding pickups. Then I bought an Ibanez artstar sight unseen from a music student at guitar center near my house. I was blown away by the looks of it. Beautiful lizard case, black distressed guitar in satin sapelle with faded gold hardware, beautifully dressed frets. Finish work was in fact perfect. Paid 900 us for it vs the lp std at 2300 and there are flaws in my lp, something I learned to live with when buying Gibson’s but it’s a great guitar. However the super 58 custom pickups in my Ibanez are a jewel, awesome. This thing gives my lp a run for its money at 900 us. Did I mention it’s made in China? I would suggest you look at one of these, it’s a 335 style guitar. Thanks, love the show! Gordon in Philadelphia.

[@DMSProduktions]

@@gp9544 CT's?

[@juanpanchoec]

@@calehearring1712 The model is a Standard model, but not from the "standard line", as confusing as that may sound. I think it may a Tribute line because of the 100th Ani. 12th fret inlay.

[@argo_z]

As soon as you said "drop test" my freaking heart sank into my stomach and nearly jumped out

[@speckofdust21]

absolute troll... i ran from the kitchen to see the slo-mo and my heart stopped for abit

[@jimcamp2423]

I figured the one that survived, won the comparison ?

[@DMSProduktions]

LOL! STOOGED!

[@jimcamp2423]

@T Tullock 20 years, it was a pretty good run for any guitar.

[@conan218]

I was about to find a way to reach through the screen...

[@ArkadyPapaja]

INSTANT Like for the drop test!

[@SlapMyBass3825]

could have "accidently" missed the Gibson though...

[@profound369]

Where did he drop the guitars

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

What a brilliant, honest and accurate overview. Thank god people now have independent reviewers with integrity to listen to than guitar magazines and guitar shops with their own agendas.

[@riloh58]

That Gibson blue maple top is a thing of true beauty. And the clear knobs just top it perfectly.

[@LuigiTheMetal64]

riloh58 True that. I would love to see a green burst finish with those stripes.

[@Em_Dee_Aitch]

Eastman is the most underrated brand on the market....

[@daw162]

How do you figure? Not carrying water for either brand, but I own 2 eastmans, owned 3 so far (including one of the SB 59Vs in this video). They're different than gibson, but I wouldn't say better. The other two eastmans that I have are 910CEs, so it's not really a fair comparison to something of gibson's that's production. I sold the SB 59V, it wasn't as straight as it should have been, and when I sold it, I had several buyers on reverb asking "how's the fretwork on this guitar? I usually have to have some work done to a new eastman". I thought that was strange. The fretwork was fine, but the neck had settled some in a strange way on the SB 59V (similar to body hump on a les paul, but early for a guitar that wasn't a year old not as simple as just having a high spot to relieve. I bought the guitar used, about 4 months old and that's how it came) One of my AR910Ces had a little bit of fingerboard separation at the nut at some point in the past, splitting the wood binding going up the neck. These are the kinds of things you'll find on gibsons (new gibson are plekd, but it's not uncommon to find fingerboard movement or fingerboard separation at the nut). I'd call them about even, but the SB 59V guitars are really pretty expensive for a guitar made in china, even when they had duncans in them (which mine did) instead of lollars. The duncans were a better choice for a les paul copy, the lollars are a little bit too polite. Forgot - had an E10D or whatever the slope shoulder D copy is, also in varnish. It was underwhelming (dark with poor note separation). It may not have been one of the better ones (I had a dark martin, too. It happens on all of the production guitars sometimes). Materials used in the eastman and gibsons around two grand are similar - sometimes gibson uses two piece backs (most of the time) and sometimes they use one piece backs, even on LP specials sometimes. Both use solid tops to my knowledge, and Gibson's stock pickups in more vintage flavor (57s, 490s, burstbuckers) are at least as good as any of the aftermarket pickups, even if they come up short sometimes quality-wise on the guitar details.

[@ezumach]

So very true, such high build quality, amazing tone.

[@nedryerson988]

It’s just another Chinese Gibson knock-off. I’m not really sure if that can be underrated.

[@breadyegg]

How about Cort?

[@canaldepraticadejesus6600]

@@nedryerson988 The fact is that Gibson is terrible in its quality control (excluding the Custom shop) for recent years. A Chinese-made Eastman may even have a better craftmanship than a Gibson does.

[@grandpadaveswoodworking8932]

Sounds to me like the Eastman had a little warmer sound.

[@armandomorales3809]

Definitely less clean as the gibson

[@giddyrightonup]

I came to say the same thing. Eastman sounds warmer to me

[@giddyrightonup]

Raoof H ah, i see 👍🏻

[@jvin248]

Volume pot on the high side of the spec or a smaller uF tone cap can brighten that up.

[@DesigneLearningTutorials]

I thought the Eastman is 'deader'. Less sparkle

[@Newbyrock23]

this video is an excellent example of what I've experienced when comparing Gibson vs Eastman guitars. As much as I don't want to admit, the Eastman has a far more "woody" tone, indicative of old 50s-late 60s Gibbys I've played. (im blessed enough to have played the real deal live and in my studio). a lot of this comparison comes down to the Pups, but even un-plugged I find myself gravitating towards the Eastmans Ive played (when compared to gibby CS repros). They are excellent instruments. the fret-work is second to none, and when an instrument comes standard..... at a fraction of the price........ with the necessary appointments and attention to detail that Eastman does...... you should pay attention. Im not a Gibson hater, or an Eastman shill.... but I know what I like. Eastman as a company is really primping their feathers, to the benefit of the consumer. Play one.... you won't be disappointed.

[@shawnwright5332]

👍🇨🇦

[@witchfindergeneralelectric8758]

It's insane to me that a guitar as expensive as a Gibson Les Paul could have fret issues, absolute madness. Love the slightly aged finish on the Eastman, I'd take that over the Gibson in a heartbeat. Keep up the great work Darrell, love your videos!

[@ryanmccahill9496]

My gibson (BFG LP) doesnt have sharp frets at all and its just such a good guitar.

[@witchfindergeneralelectric8758]

@@ryanmccahill9496 I've only ever heard good things about the BFG Les Pauls, it seems to be a continuity problem, no Gibson Les Paul should have sharp frets.

[@franzludicke6414]

Ayesha Unicorn Video Channel those are no Gibson frets. On a Les Paul with binding the frets are covered with binding an then scraped. Usually you get the so called nibs.

[@witchfindergeneralelectric8758]

@@franzludicke6414 Gibson stopped doing nibs on Les Paul Standards in 2014.

[@ShamanicSavant]

@@witchfindergeneralelectric8758 This just isn't true, my 2016 had nibs, my 2018 has nibs :)

[@JS-nf1sn]

Good, honest review. I have both models from both companies, and I totally agree. I much prefer my Eastman; IMO, it's a better instrument.

[@mychickenstrips]

Someone who owns both has a more valid opinion IMHO. Thanks

[@allthings1150]

Yes as a player, guitar but if you ever need to sell the Eastman I’m pretty sure you would take a bigger hit on resale value and it would most likely take a lot longer to sell.

[@Abellyisforjelly]

Not sure if it matters 3 years later, but I recently sold a Eastman sb55/v to guitar center, and I got 90% of what I paid for it new. So, safe to say they hold their value.

[@ev3rything533]

Bought the Eastman recently. Not my typical opinion of "beautiful", but I couldn't argue with how well it played. Especially for the price. Easily the nicest guitar I've ever owned.

[@Mr.Worf63]

Considering the price of that Gibson , the lack of detail on the neck , I’d buy the Eastman hands down . The cracking at the nut on the Gibson is a disgrace . Your two own Gibson’s were proof of it .

[@comadivine18]

Nut has been replaced on his Les Paul. Finish crack might've happened then. That's not a Gibson factory nut.

[@Mr.Worf63]

comadivine18 Thanks . He did a video with 2 of his own a few months ago and his Les Paul ( Not this one ) had the crack at the nut . Good eye !

[@allthings1150]

comadivine18 that is indeed the stock but on that Les Paul. That is the material they have started using lately.

[@keesketsers5866]

That is a 120th anniversary LP....it's from 2014 and they did nit have these nuts as standard. It seems to have been replaced. I own a 2014 LP myself. I like the Eastman, but they are no longer cheaper than Gibson. With the Gibson 2019 pricedrop the LP standard is the same price as the Eastman with the violin finish. My Gibson had alot of problems, all sorted now an I love it alot now. But I contemplated buying an Eastman to replace the Gibson.

[@savedandblessed79]

@@bpastorb bollocks. I have an Eastman SB59 and I've sold all mh Gibsons

[@reneperrin1628]

I have 3 Eastman. The SB59-V featured here, a John Pisano model, and a DM-1 acoustic (Gypsy Jazz). I love the brand. The quality is fantastic in all of them. And you can't beat the price. I mean c'mon. Yes, they are made in China, but hand-made, baby. And they are so detailed oriented. Everything on them is perfect. By the way, Darrell, this video has a feel of Deja Vu. Are you going to play authentic on your next one???? Rest in Peace, Brother !!!

[@killinfilms879]

Lmao dont scare me wit the drop test

[@YakBoss]

I recently picked up an Eastman 59B in trade. It's an absolutely great, high quality instrument. Fit and finish is perfect. I couldn't find a single flaw. I only wish it was a 59V. That vintage finish is gorgeous. So if you want to pay double for 'G' on the headstock, go ahead. I'll put function over fashion

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Loved the drop test! Made me smile! You’re a likeable chap, and no wonder your channel is doing well. Great comparison.

[@richashby6422]

I bought a new Eastman SB59/V-GB a little over a month ago, the video you made on yours helped me to decide to pull the trigger. I will say some of the finish work on mine does not equal the sentiments of all the KZbin people who have reviewed those guitars in the last few months. The binding on mine you can definitely feel a ridge almost around the entire body and in places here and there on the neck, the body wood sticks out further than the binding. The varnish around the neck joint is pretty poorly done as well. The fretwork on mine is excellent though, all the ends are perfect up and down the neck, top and bottom. The gold burst top I got on mine just looked so much better than any other Eastman I could find that month that I'm able to overlook the minor finish problems. I just wanted to come onto one of these reviews and point out that they are not as perfect as most of the reviews are saying they are when it comes to everything.

[@vaughanmacegan4012]

Well you should've noticed the problems when you were playing it at the store! Were you not paying attention to that?

[@marc8vino]

Thank You for the info.

[@verysillypenguin]

sometimes it's hard to tell when highly polished . I'd like to say blemishes on used gear doesn't put me off but man anything over a grand with snake bites on it just feels wrong. do I want the bigsby? not really... do I want holes drilled all over my guitar that I have to look at forever?.... maybe 800 bucks max.

[@Jay-rd6fe]

sounds to me like u got unlucky? its called send it back ? have u seen what mistakes gibsons make that are 3 times the price and than still make larger faults to my knolidge as i worked at stores and seen some guitars come in

[@TonyMcClelland2]

Jay How does anything you typed out correlate to his review of the flaws he found on his guitar? Your post is a train wreck.

[@robj144]

The neck pickup on the Eastman is phenomenal. I have a SB59 and that's what I immediately noticed.

[@fiveaces1029]

Call me crazy, but my favorite is still the Epiphone with root beer finish that you hot rodded.t That thing is absolutely gorgeous and crazy sounding!

[@kennethchapman9564]

My son's Alpine white Epiphone Les Paul Custom has been modified with better tone and volume pots and wiring with Pearly Gates in neck and 57classic plus in bridge. My son has played a lot of Gibson Les Paul Customs and has yet to find one he likes near as well as his Epiphone, which sounds great, amazing tone.

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

call me crazy,ive got 3 high end epiphone les pauls and i truly love them.ive owned a gibson les paul custom, a gibson les paul studio,a gibson sgj and a gibson sj standard.all the gibsons went bye bye....

[@MultiDreamer1979]

@@trillrifaxegrindor4411 I have a les Paul custom ephiphone Peter frampton..that thing is a beast...don't forget the original les Paul is still ephiphone..

[@TwistedMatter]

I’ll be the first to admit I was a bit of a Gibson snob back in the day. I have a Gibson LPC that is an amazing guitar. I always looked down at Epiphone as the poor mans second class LP. First let me apologize to my fellow Epi owners as I have seen the light. I have purchased a couple Epi LPC and can honestly say I will never buy another Gibson. My Epi’s are hands down superior in build quality. I have made modifications to pickups and added Ratio tuning pegs. As I do to most all my guitars. When I go out an gig with my Epi LPC I always get the “holy sh*t” that guitar sounds epic and plays like butter. Followed by I can’t believe it’s an Epi. I’m changing minds one gig at a time. Officially a forever Epi fan. To stay on topic with the video I agree that Eastman is very well made often superior to the Gibson LP.

[@jeremywooldridge5537]

Coming from a guy that owns Gibsons and guitars not made by Gibson, I can appreciate other companies coming close and sometimes surpassing Gibson in quality and tone but I'll always be a Gibson guy. Every time I play one there's just something about them that just feels right.

[@TimKaseyMythHealer]

Gibson has cover removed, Eastman has cover on... may explain the reason for Gibson having more 'bite'. You could at least do an OHMs test at the guitar jack so we know the windings are the same/different.

[@comadivine18]

Burstbuckers are also very modern-voiced pickups whereas the Lollar Imperials are much more vintage-PAF voiced.

[@angelobouhoutsos3060]

That don’t mean anything. The paint is thick on the gibson. You got hardware differences, could be anything. Also you half sweetspots that are not always considered on the eq section of amp and or od pedals blah blah.

[@stevencohen5116]

That was truly helpful! I was surprised how much more I liked the voicing of the back pickup on the Eastman. So natural and rich sounding. In general more body to the sound, with less of the maple honk to it. Feel like you hear the Mahogany a bit more on the Eastman, and that it’s sound is more seamlessly integrated in the mids and lows. Thanks!

[@jeremydankiw5178]

I haven’t even heard a single note in this video yet but I can already tell that the Eastman definitely plays authentic

[@ShamanicSavant]

What nobody ever claims is that their Gibson sounds like an Eastman :)

[@steveneastman813]

I bought an Eastman acoustic as my first guitar because of the name and I love the sound. Nice to see this comparison so when I buy my next guitar I can be confident.

[@RJRonquillo]

I'm not sure if I missed it, but are the headstock angles different?

[@hoangnguyennguyen1032]

The gibson angle is what prevents me from getting a les paul.

[@hoangnguyennguyen1032]

@David Logan yeah. I don’t want to spend money on a guitar that I have to always worry about not breaking the headstock.

[@talkychris]

I have a £300 Gretsch with better fret work than that Gibson. That Gibson is really poorly finished. The flame top on the Gibson is stunning and I also prefer the machine heads on the Gibson.

[@mikeaustin4138]

Back when I bought my '71 SG (in 1971 - duh!) I played about a dozen of them in the store before settling on the one I bought. They all felt different - neck feel, balance, etc., so Darrell's suggestion to try several if you're in the store is right on the money.

[@CornCake03]

To my ears (which means nothing) the Eastman sounds like it articulates individual strings/notes more clearly than the Gibson. Not a knock against Gibson as they are both great guitars.

[@Nikoo033]

Markus M same, the Eastman had more definition in the sound.

[@daw162]

The pickups are far different - it has nothing to do with the guitars, they're essentially the same (I've had both, but the SB 59V that I had came with antiquities, which sound a lot more like 57 classic gibsons but a little more airy. The lollars are sort of a strange choice on a les paul copy - more of a collings kind of austin/nashville more modern and cleaner sound).

[@jimi5037]

Lovin' the tone of the Eastman. Must be the long neck tenon...

[@sickb2200]

Eastman lutheir: Oops, this one is 8.05 pounds. Can't let it go out, so uh...guess it's going home with me.

[@j_freed]

The Eastman 59s are so light... just feels good to pick one up. Balsa Bursts is what they called the rare very light real 50s original LP Standard. The Les Paul Model / Standard was never intended for using heavy mahogany in the construction, it's too thick for that, but of course both Gibson and Fender soon had wood supply issues to add to their business problems.

[@danescottstephens]

FYI... The Les Paul has been refretted. 110% positive about this. Additionally, I don't think that Gibson has ever used TonePro anything as a stock feature. All of that being said, the Eastman is definitely on my shopping list.

[@qwertpoiuy430]

Scott Stephens make sure you get one used!

[@comadivine18]

It hasn't been refretted.

[@danescottstephens]

@@comadivine18 It's either been refretted or possibly redressed.. If you'll look at the binding on the fingerboard, you'l see that the signature fret "nubs" are missing. Most techs will not bother to attempt to try to perfectly match the way it's done at the factory or (in most cases will simply file the nubs and overlap the frets over the binding. No, I've been a Gibson collector since the 70's and also do repair. These frets have been "modified".

[@comadivine18]

@@danescottstephens, since 2014, Gibson has been hit or miss on whether they do the nibs. I have this exact guitar (year and color) and mine doesn't have the nibs and it hasn't been modified, at least the frets haven't been.

[@allthings1150]

Gibson did not have fret bibs on this guitar and it’s WAY too new to need new fretting, what makes you think a guitar this new would need this done; especially being the luthier you say you are? I’m thinking your exaggerating your luthier resume

[@floodman11100]

Just curious, the Eastman looks and sounds amazing, but how would it stand against a Heritage guitar in terms of craftsmanship? I'd love to see a Eastman-Heritage-Gibson comparison.

[@j_freed]

I'd like to see a Heritage at all. It's like spotting a unicorn these days.

[@lazvt8469]

have the T486 Eastman....had the exact, even in color (see my avatar) in the Heritage. I sold the Heritage....great guitar but didn't move me. My T486 is amazing to play...but I'd say the Heritage had a slightly better attention to detail relative to finish. Even the Eastman hardshell case is a thing of beauty....for $1100...a STEAL!!

[@colingrobertson2782]

Hey Darrell, I really liked this comparison and I have to agree totally with what you said. Eastman wins! Gibson historically made fine guitars, we know, but the attention to detail and I guess the QA from Eastman proves that any manufacturer can't rest on his laurels. I'm not a Les Paul fan any more, due to my own experiences and many of the failings that you pointed out, raggy fret ends being just one. Love your stuff brother, keep it up.

[@TheRealFrankWizza]

The gibson parts are mostly made by cnc. It's assembled and finished by humans though, except for the fretjob and nut, that's done by a plek.

[@hobbyknight9962]

Darrell, love the videos I'm not really a Gibson guy having grown up with a Stat, but I have to say I LOVE your Les Paul. The blue with clear knobs is awesome and such a needed change from the dozen "brown bursts" Eastman is a fantastic guitar. Truth is ALL guitars get an amazing amount of hand work, even those done on CNC machines. Keep it up, I love the channel and new studio. I want String wall racks like you have

[@sahdadky5533]

I was a strat guy too, and still am to an extent, but i picked up a gutted Tradition Les Paul copy a month ago and installed a set of $14.00 zebra humbuckers in it with new pots and POI caps, and now i cant seem to put it down. It is an absolute tone monster. I still love my strats, but i have seen the Les Paul light.

[@wesworach7441]

Am I the only one , who never drools over Gibson & PRS guitars ? ... Eastman over that blue Les Paul !!!

[@fredriksvard2603]

wes worach Never prs. Gibsons yes, lp customs, explorers, v:s, firebirds, and of course the acoustics, especially vintage ones.

[@mjw665]

Really digging that Satin finish on that Eastman.

[@flekkzo]

I’d like to see a comparison of a Gibson vs other brands in the same cost bracket. Stuff like Ibanez Prestige, Jackson, PRS, Fender custom shop, ESP, etc, etc. For Gibson money I expect perfection, so the comparison would be interesting. From a quality and practical point of view (tone is too subjective).

[@Silkaz7]

This, that would be a perfect video and he has the guitars to make the comparison. Having owned several of the brands you mentioned except for ESP. I've found PRS to be the most consistent higher quality guitars. But that is just me. Would be nice to see a video about it.

[@meowlmeowl-gi4925]

@Reed Tard hello mark agneesi, i heard Gibson fired you

[@flekkzo]

Silkaz7 Don’t see many horizontal comparisons except when one is pretty much a copy. I’ve got everything from squire (the Mustang is awesome) to US Fender/Jackson, but not nearly as much variation as many youtubers :)

[@ZacCostilla]

Agree that Gibson SHOULD have better quality control for the price they sell their instruments. But tone is the main reason an instrument exists. While the nuances are subjective as far as preferences, there are undeniable quality points when it comes to tone, as far as clarity, warmth, background hum, etc. are considered. And as longs as playability isn’t compromised, I’ll pick tone over brand name every time.

[@flekkzo]

Zac Costilla Tone is very important, but when comparing very different guitars one can’t straight up saying one is better. A strat with single coils are very different from let’s say a neck through Ibanez with EMGs. Ultimately each individual has to find what they want. But that said it would be interesting to see horizontal comparisons. Speaking about brands, only one I have a true soft spot for is Jackson, but I’m not exactly snobby about it and I buy what I can afford and what I like. Brand be damned :)

[@cantstartafire]

I just picked up an Eastman gold top with Lollar p90s and it's amazing. I played it against heritage and Gibson guitars and there was no comparison for me. Maybe I just got lucky but I'm totally digging this guitar.

[@littlejayone290]

1:40 my heart dropped

[@Timbiscuit12]

Man the finish on Gibson is unbelievable, so good. I’m not really sure which I’d prefer, tone wise, maybe the Gibson, but they’re both awesome. On an unrelated note, you always seem to be able to tell when any materials on a guitar are high quality or not on sight. Your videos have helped me a lot with technical stuff regarding guitars, so I’d love to see a video of a general overview of guitars and their parts and how to tell the quality of them. Tech stuff like that seems to be one of your specialties and you always explain everything so that it’s simple and easy to understand, so I’m sure it would help me a lot!

[@jeffreyfoster4260]

Liked the Gibson tone!

[@rveurope]

Here to..if Darrell wants to sell that blue one, the list of interested people.. be long🎸

[@blah4973]

Agreed i would rather the gibson

[@bamber119]

I totally agree, it has a nicer sound. I actually decided this before even looking at the screen during the tone tests.

[@toddwoods5848]

The Gibson is brighter

[@georgesarris5556]

Definitely the Gibson sounded better to me and pretty sure it’s the pick ups

[@CarlosdelValle]

Love the Eastman SB59, that ebony fingerboard is pure art!!!!

[@rsfields2009]

Who else had odds on the Gibson headstock snapping in the "drop test"?

[@allthings1150]

rsfields2009 why would it snap and the Eastman not snap? Both have the same angle on the headstock and the same type of wood is used on both guitars. So please explain why one would break before the other if both fell the exact same.

[@urbaniteproductions.4391]

@@allthings1150 they have the same angle i never knew? :o

[@DatBoi-mo9vc]

@@allthings1150 because its a gibson

[@zosojstro]

Your vids are superior!! The quality of both visual and audio sets a standard. Really enjoy your playing since it really showcases what the guitar can do. Really appreciate you!!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks John! I appreciate the encouragement:)

[@alanhoggard4554]

Sooooo, what do they do with the 8lb. 1oz. ones? Can we get one cheaper?

[@ivan-vp6ex]

They probably just sell it locally, he said that they won't *ship* it if it's over 8lb so maybe just in China

[@uvulapie]

I've been an Eastman fanboy for about ten years. It started with a $400 acoustic that played and sounded as good as a $1400 Taylor. Very high quality craftmanship!

[@richardbinder9662]

Both are beautiful sounding and looking guitars. Would love to have either one. Gibson, please quit worrying about the other builders. The best players in the world worship your guitars. Focus on your legendary instruments that forged some of the best blues, rock and roll , and other styles in the world. My first guitar was a 1960's Lindell ( Tiesco) that I aquired at 7 years old in 1971 from a teenage neighbor in trade for a pack of cigarettes from my mom's carton. 45 cents back then. Plus $3.00. I loved it until I got a 1961 Les Paul SG junior for $80 when I was 12 in 1976. The moral to my rambling is; appreciate what you have. I feel the world has just gotten so competitive, we're loosing focus on quality. Hopefully companies like Eastman will wake up the big dogs. The best way to deal with a bully ( other than kick their ass ), is to ignore them and make yourself stronger. I enjoy your honest and detailed videos.

[@sirbaronvoncount4147]

Wise words and I fully agree. I’m 51 been playing since 16. Play what you got kids. If you are good you can blow people away with a squire and a bandit.

[@brettdeross107]

A couple of years ago I had the privilege of playing a friends 1983 Gibson es335. I was in the market for a hollowbody, Gibson obviously being the standard. It played great and sounded phenomenal. The next day, I walked into a shop and spotted an Eastman t386 on the wall. I'd heard good things, but had never gotten the chance to play one, and considering I had about the best point of reference you can get with playing the Gibson the day prior, I figured I'd test it out. Long story short, I liked it better than the $4,000 Gibson 335 and I bought it for $800 off the floor. Still my #1. I'll never buy Gibson as long as Eastman is in business.

[@MK4vDubbin]

The only reason he didn’t follow through with the drop test is he didn’t feel like buying a new camera after a Les Paul headstock shoots through the lens 🙃

[@rockenrollbass]

Great comparison video! And also awesome as always and straight up! 🎩

[@jonpappaj-son3071]

Eastman is my favorite

[@j.d.thompson3505]

I bought a Gibson Custom Shop '58 Les Paul because I always wanted one. I also have Harley Springer for the same reason. Find one you like, hang on to it forever and consider yourself lucky. Rock On.

[@porscheman998]

“Putting Gibson on notice” usually means a lawsuit. We all remember the PRS singlecut incident, don’t we? Hopefully Gibson has untwisted their panties since then, but I doubt it. Regardless, I wish Eastman well as this seems like a great Les Paul alternative! Many styles of music will always be in need of a well built mahogany guitar with dual humbuckers.

[@deathstrik3]

Being put on notice means actually most often means an notification of your intent to quit a job. Definition: A formal announcement, notification, or warning, especially an announcement of one's intention to withdraw from an agreement or leave a job. So in the context of this video he is telling them he's not going to be as likely to buy their products when the other company makes better things for a cheaper price.

[@gianniciccolone3477]

@@deathstrik3 nice breakdown there Einstein

[@LuigiTheMetal64]

porscheman998 Fender tried to sue a company for making a Strat body before Gibson. Don't be such a hypocrite.

[@tokairic3925]

PRS won that one - the judge had some common sense, the body shape is close but the headstock is where we all look to identify brands.

[@leeg7106]

This has to be one of the best if not best Eastman vs Gibson comparison videos 👍🏼 And Woa 😯 That Eastman is sooo warm, has a nice grunt to it.

[@RC32Smiths01]

Damn, both look quite identical and sound amazing on their respective ends, but I gotta go with Gibson here! A fine classic has it always been for me. Cheers on showing the potential of both!

[@moosemuseum1853]

Thanks so much for doing this comparison I've been waiting to hear this

[@VoxJ]

EASTMAN is more of a GIBSON than GIBSON as ar as I'm concerned

[@GeoZero]

You have amazing content, and a great way to show whatever you are showcasing. Keep up the work!!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks GZ!

[@brianwagoner8899]

Drop test not funny Darrell. For God sake I about choked on my beer! lol

[@gianniciccolone3477]

@Everything your fragile side is showing

[@hNsGregrz]

The problem with the eastman guitar is the gibson bodyshape, i think people in market for guitars with that body really, really wants a true les paul. That was the case for me at least. Great vid, both guitars are sweet.

[@redbed1604]

Eastman has won every comparison that I have seen, whether it's Gibson, Martin, or whatever. I am going to get an Eastman aucustic.

[@sasquatchlife8836]

I've bought 3 Eastman acoustics since last April. I love them all. Did you end up buying one?

[@x2xx3x4YT]

Have you already seen "Wolf" guitar's? I was catching breath for almost 2 min and tried rly hard to survive that WOW-effect. The Eastman is a beauty too. I like the mat finish.

[@tacoconch7678]

Dude! That Eastman sounds way better! haha

[@spmartin]

That's a great number of views in one day! I am an Eastman fan. I can not think of any feature in which Gibson surpasses Eastman. Oh, they do surpass them in price.

[@brentjones9961]

Yes agree, Eastman great looking guitar, better sounding,

[@thomasmorris2245]

Very Interesting- I have a few Gibson Les Paul’s - it’s just just that Gibson will grow in Value on the better Les Paul’s -

[@zombie92272]

The re-sale value goes way down on an Eastman vs Gibson Les Paul everytime... Gibson Les Paul value goes up in value... People that say they would never buy a Gibson is because they never would have bought a Gibson anyways...

[@qwertpoiuy430]

Juan Gonzalez I just bought one, but they are not the best

[@daw162]

Check the actual sale value on gibsons lately. I've taken a bath selling some of my used les pauls. what did a signature T cost new. 2 grand? I sold a white one in good shape for $1199. It took a while to get that and I had to consider parting it out. Some of the standards that sold for $3500 are selling for $1800 or so now (again, check actual sale prices, not the wishful people listing them for $2500 or more). As soon as the model that you have isn't the current model, you'll be taking a bath. I watched a 2010 or so SG standard sell on ebay for $699 (no damage, good shape) last week and thought about bidding on it, but everything gibson has been dropping because there's just too much out there. I also had an SB 59V, it was OK, but could've been more straight. I bought it used for $1250 and sold it for $1200. New, it was $1850. The guy who bought it new took a bath. Too bad for him. The bath he took was similar to where gibsons are once they're more than a couple of years old. In 2003 or so, I bought a used 2001 LP standard for $1650. I sold it a few years later for $1400. I could still buy it for $1400 now (I watched one nearly identical sell for that). It's been something like 13 or 14 years since i had my standard, and they haven't kept up with inflation used. They really haven't changed at all, and that's terrible given Gibson's price increases since then. Cross over then and check out the resale on R8s and R9s. Most of them bring half used vs. what they did new. The unfortunate people who bought the early R9s when they were $9K around 2001 have really been hurt bad by the drop in gibson resale.

[@zombie92272]

David W This is true... I can’t argue with that... The point I was trying to make is... It’s a lot easier to sell / pawn a Gibson Les Paul & Fender than any other guitar... for instance 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s Les Pauls sell quite well... I don’t remember how much they were back in late 80’s early 90’s because I never bothered to buy a new one... I bought always bought Fender guitars. I just added a 2019 R-9 60th Anniversary to my arsenal & a 2019 R-8 that I got for a very good price... these are very well made guitars... I compared them to PRS Santana, and other similar guitars and the R9 R8 won every time... I like the R8 slightly more & I expect them to maintain their value quite well even though that is not my main interest.

[@drewbarries]

I immediately loved the tone of the Les Paul, there’s no substitute.

[@ShamanicSavant]

I agree, copied to death but never equaled :)

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

I didn't like the Eastman's cutaway shape at first but it's growing on me!

[@bnastali]

NICE! Darrell, would you consider testing a Cozart Firebird-style guitar? I bought one for under $150 and was frankly shocked by it. Thanks, Bill

[@peterlofquist7193]

Have a Eastman guitar now.. best guitar i ever had !.. and i had a lot of Gibson guitars..

[@richardmorris7188]

Honestly, I could not tell a much of a difference between the two in sound. for my money, I'll take the Eastman

[@robertwong2412]

Until you need to resell it. It has no resale value.

[@1gerardt1]

Gibson are rapidly loosing resale price as well, especially for the newer models

[@pablorages1241]

I have a LP that is more than 30 years old ... still plays great .... it's the one I always go back to

[@M3RRIH3W13]

I thought they sounded very, very close in tone. My thought was that Lollar can nail a Gibson humbucker. If I were buying a new Paul, I'd go for the Eastman. It sounds great and has that "played in" look that I really like.

[@fingersmagoo9344]

The bridge pickup was definitely brighter on the gibson. Too bright and shrill for my ears. Think ramblin' man by the Allman bros. I am not a fan of burstbuckers.

[@g2DN2aTYHzNsVR6o]

I skipped straight to the "Tones" section and thought, "Wow, the blue one sounds so much better; the red one sounds muddy like a Les Paul always does." Then I skipped to the end and found out I had just preferred a Gibson because of its brighter tone. What is the world coming to?

[@ezm69]

I'm not exactly sure why a 5 year old Gibson from a time period when their quality issues were well known (and well earned) is the right comparison for someone looking at what to buy today. You don't seem to know what all may (or may not) have been done to that one (pickups changed or just covers removed?), most of what you nail the Gibson on is not true today if you buy a new one, and you gloss over (pun intended) the completely different finishes between the two guitars. I don't even have a feel for how old the Eastman is either. What year is it? I do know if you can buy that Eastman for $1000 "at times", I'd sure love to know when and where. 🤠 Today, that model Eastman is right at $50 less than a Gibson Les Paul Standard according to Eastman's site and current Gibson Les Paul Standard prices. The cheaper finish is right at 2k (slightly under) and I'd love to know where to grab that for 1k as well. It just so happens I've bought 3 Gibsons in the last 3 years including the Les Paul that just arrived yesterday. Fretwork on the 2017 was a bit rough, also was a Tribute not a Standard so ~$900 and my tech turned it into a dream guitar for about a $100 setup and fret dress. I'm pretty satisfied with that one (Goldtop and P90's). The 2018 is a figured ES 339, and it was much better (but also about 3x the price) and I believe was one of the last bunches out right before Gibson went through the bankruptcy. A couple of nicks on I think 2 fret edges, but you can't even feel them, and it played perfect out of the box and still does. GREAT pickups on that one and pretty close to perfect. The new Les Paul (I went with the Classic over the Standard for the switching options and at $2k, it's a relative steal) that showed up yesterday is flawless in terms of finish. I'll probably have to tweak the truss rod very slightly one it settles in, but then I live in Phoenix Arizona so...... yea, wood tends to move when it gets here. 😏 It sounds great, plays great, and it's definitly a keeper. I wouldn't touch a 2014 Gibson (which is what I think that one you have there is). Known issues with quality, crap nut, etc, etc. That is not what a new Gibson is today at all. I have no doubt there are still lemons here and there, and as for value for the money, yea I can name a few better in that regard as well, but today's Gibsons are in no way the crap they were putting out in 2014. That said, I'd still love to try an Eastman. I have one of their mandolins and I LOVE it!

[@l1feson]

I’ve played a good selection of Eastman guitars, and I own an E10 OO SV acoustic that has the same hand applied finish as the single cut you reviewed here. I think they are the most under rated guitars out there, and have changed peoples opinions and expectations of what a Chinese or other Far Eastern guitar should be. I’d take the Eastman any day!

[@richfiryn]

I would take an Eastman over the Gibson every single time. If you want to get ripped off for an inferior product Gibson is the company for you.

[@emilxert]

Rich Firyn yeah, but can you then play A U T H E N T I C?

[@qwertpoiuy430]

Rich Firyn but the Gibson will keep its value c;

[@theonlyrobot]

@@qwertpoiuy430 This right here. Look at the sold listings on reverb. You'll lose $1000 on an $1800 guitar. That said, at $800, the Eastman becomes a good buy.

[@f5mando]

@@qwertpoiuy430 Buy the investment, if that's what you want it for. This was a product comparison, not an investment comparison.

[@qwertpoiuy430]

f5mando it’s still unfair that such a big collector, with such big following, tells people to buy such an expensive guitar that will lose its value. A college student will buy the Eastman, and realize for how low his brand new guitar sells. If he had placed the money on a Gibson, he will always have the cushion of selling the guitar. And yes, as the other guy stated, a used Eastman is a good investment. But so is an 80’s les Paul, or even better, my white 2006 les Paul studio with ebony fretboard that I got for 700

[@QS-si3cq]

Your channel is severely underrated/undersubscribed. Keep up the great content!

[@baronvonchickenpants6564]

I tried one, prefered my Les Paul, good value, but will they stay hand made as demand increases, nothing wrong with cnc , being handmade is nothing special unless you're some spiritual freak, I do like the ebony board, very good value

[@MoonStone2626]

But isnt almost everything wood on a guitar, save pups, handmade, even on 100 $ guitars ?

[@davisunderwood9428]

Good lord, that Les Paul has just a gorgeous finish. I’m more of a Fender guy and I’m obsessed. I literally can’t get over it. (Great video as usual, too!)

[@pedraw]

I'm amazed Gibson has sent Eastman a cease and desist letter for the headstock shape. Looks just like a Epiphone to me.

[@hkguitar1984]

I noticed that too, it does look like an Epiphone.

[@zaccarter3801]

Exactly epiphone is theirs too

[@sohamsengupta6470]

@@zaccarter3801 But shouldn't they be suing as Epiphone? I know they own em, but technically the headstock design is licensed to Epiphone, which is officially a separate brand with a separate administration, so in my understanding the case should be by Epiphone, not Gibson. I might be completely wrong cuz idk how companies and legal systems work

[@zaccarter3801]

Soham Sengupta Gibson is the parent company so epiphone’s intellectual property (licenses, patents, trademarks,etc) are theirs.

[@sohamsengupta6470]

@@zaccarter3801 That would make sense if Epiphone has a copyright for their headstock, and if Gibson is suing for the Epi design and not the Gibson open book. If that is what the order states, it's fine

[@rkphighroller]

I have an Eastman SB59 Goldtop with P90’s and it will probably spend the rest of my life with me. So good-looking, versatile, and fun to play.. Not to mention how many unique tones I can get just from messing around with the volume and tone knobs. Easily my favorite guitar in my collection.

[@jltrem]

Eastman, Eastman, Eastman.

[@danielcannon3511]

Yes, yes, yes☺

[@BelyegAgyu]

those Eastman singlecuts are the most beautiful guitars i have ever seen

[@jimsteele2072]

It would be interesting to see the Eastman up against a similarly priced guitar. I already know Gibsons lately are way overpriced. That Gibson should not cost more than 2k. Gibson corp. is bloated. Costs a lot to run, and needs to downsize the corporate and increase the production end mostly quality control.

[@evianx1]

Many of the Eastman varnished LP's come equipped with SD antiquities pickups and WOW they sound exquisite!

[@lunskai7777]

Who else likes his videos before they even start?

[@desmondmiles1066]

Lol that drop test was Awesome man. Slowmo reality pls!

[@MrTokyoJunkie]

It's really hard to justify the price of a Gibson nowadays when you do the research on the many other more affordable brands that are just as good or are even better.

[@Eventual420]

My 2014 Les Paul & my 2014 335 have nibs. They’re quite comfortable. If your guitar has received customary upgrades to include a replacement nut and frets, bridge and tailpiece, then we aren’t talking about Gibson craftsmanship at the fret ends. We are talking about whomever did the work. I wish you would buy new from a reputable dealer because they will ensure you receive a satisfactory instrument. Gibson sends some of their very best to these dealers, and buyers are generally pleased. Second hand guitars are for sale because someone isn’t happy. If they’re not happy they typically gut the instrument. KZbin reviews based on that guitar, well, you see where I’m going with this. Warranty likely void, that’s too bad because it’s such a stunner. Lemon.

[@Renshin_]

Man, one day I will get me an eastman.

[@bahhumbucker]

I have a couple of LPs with Burstbuckers and really like that sound, so I gave Gibson the nod on tone. All my Gibsons are older and have the binding that covers the ends of the frets. I know a lot of people didn't like that, but I've never had a problem with it and love the craftsmanship that goes into that feature. Wish they were still doing it. The Eastman sure does seem like a lot of bang for the buck, though. As usual, Darrell's review is perfectly on point and gives a great assessment of pros and cons. Most youtube reviews are nothing more than the reviewer's bias... Darrell is one of the few worth watching. Bravo!

[@AtariForeva]

Wasn’t Gibson supposed to have binding covering the fret ends or this is only for certain models?

[@cable1722]

Varies by year on the standards.

[@duffman18]

Gibson don't do that anymore. Do you really believe he's got a fake copy?

[@comadivine18]

That's a real LP. It's a 2014, 120th Anniversary model. I have the exact same model and color and the fret ends are not under the binding.

[@emptypromises2962]

duffman18 No, I don't. Didn't know it varied depending on the year.

[@1sswoody]

I thought the same when Darrell showed the fret ends. Gibson must have started that in 2014. I have a 2013 Standard and the fret ends are under the binding.

[@skellyngton]

Great comparison as always, Darrell. I personally LOVE Eastman guitars. I would like to see you do a thinline comparison, as I think their thinline guitars are Gibson killers!

[@glengriffiths5594]

I took home my eastman t486. In blk 3 days ago. It is effing awesome. Just as good sounding and even better finished than my tokai es 198 in tb (which also killed all the gibson es355 's I tried out) when looking for this style of guitar.

[@pabcrane]

A quick question regarding the fretwork: I thought that Gibsons had binding nibs, have they stopped doing this on the Les Paul? Great channel Darrell, keep up the good work :)

[@120695garrett]

Paul Crane 2014 and 2015 I think they stopped doing the nibs. Then brought it back after the 100 year anniversary changes like the brass nut on juniors, lack of nibs, etc.

[@pabcrane]

@@120695garrett - A-ha! That would explain that. Thank you sir :)

[@davidrobinson5648]

This video was so awesome! I absolutely love Les Pauls and their hard rough rock sound but it was great to have another option with the Eastman

[@larryadams1873]

Have you played the new Standard from 2019 yet? Yes it’s more expensive than the Eastman but it totally kills the Les Paul you used in this video. I’ve owned my 50’s spec for 6 weeks or so and the frets, nut, finish, tone and playability are the best Gibson has done in forever. Your Les Paul is nice but the new ones are a different beast. Go spend some real time with one then do a new video.

[@98JamesNixon]

I’ve A/B both guitars in person and both sound great. But the Eastman just never felt like a Les Paul, it’s hard to describe it just didn’t feel the same or react the same. It’s good if you want something different to a Gibson but for me it didn’t replace it.

[@itsmerowey]

Is it the sharp fret ends???

[@shanew6332]

Will you compare the epi les paul custom pro and any gibson model? Curious to see the difference in your opinion.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

I'll add it to my list :)

[@BennyMF2398]

Darrell Braun Guitar Epi Custom Pro is a really nice guitar, at least mine is. I use it just as much as the MIM Strat I have. I’m surprised I don’t see more around tbh. Also I’d love to see you review and play any RD style guitar. Cheers!

[@rnarizona9686]

@@BennyMF2398 I have an Epi Custom pro, which is beautiful, well built, and quite playable. However, I had to replace all of the electronics after a little over one year. (right after the "Lifetime" warranty expired) Considering what I paid for the guitar to begin with, not such a big deal, but I wanted to let anyone considering the purchase of an Epi LP to be aware.

[@hawg427]

My most recent purchase was a Gibson 60th Annie. 59 Re-issue NOS purchased at Chicago Music. Let's just say I did not pay asking price, I got a substantial discount. I would never be able to afford a Gibson 59 LP Original so the re-issue doesn't bother me. It is as close as you are going to get period. None of my Les Pauls are lighter than 8-9 lbs. My 1980 LP Custom Black Beauty is a LOG at over 12 lbs. LOL I know of a Luthier in Birmingham, Al. that will custom make a guitar for you, he has already made 2 for Billy Gibbons. That's where my next one will be from. Retro guitars or Metro Guitars on FB and ck out this guys work. :-) BTW Darrell, that Blue LP STD is a Plus Top. Beautiful top.