They Say This Is Better Than Gibson Custom Shop, Some Hype And Some Truth

[@westernrider100]

Long time GIbson owner here, I've got a 2 year old Eastman T-484 / ES-339 equivalent. IT came with SD Jazz and 59 pickups. Neck was spot on.... the dealer was unboxing it when I walked in the door. Fret work - very nice. ried it and bought it. Nice, very nice. The neck is closer to a thin taper rather than a thicker Gibson neck, and that's what sold the guitar to me.

[@ChrisEck13]

I know Eastman make quality guitars, but I personally don't really like that they use SD pickups. Not that SD pickups are bad, I think they're a great choice as stock pickups on a mid tier guitar, but if I'm buying a high end guitar, I want something more unique. I like that the one in the review has custom Lollars. I say the same thing about Heritage, they should use their pickups on all their guitars not just the custom shop. I know it's easy to swap pickups, so it's not a deal breaker, I just wish they used a more unique pickups.

[@adamp8765]

@@ChrisEck13 SD pickups are by far the most bland of the major manufacturers. dimarzio air classics and paf anniversary pickups are far better.

[@westernrider100]

@@ChrisEck13 Yes, I would be expecting higher quality / unique pickups. I was talking to the local dealer and he told me they use pickups from several comapnies ..Seymour Duncan, BareKnucle, Lollar, and another one I cant recall. However, I've used the Jazz and 59's in other guitarss and am very familiar with them ... As for Lollar's, Iive only had occassional experince with their humbuckers - which Eastman puts in some of their guitars. The only Lollar set I own n is a P-90 other pickups. Best way to describe them is uptown while Gibson P90's are south side.

[@ChrisEck13]

@westernrider100 I like that comparison, I think I'm more of a southside kind of player though lol.

[@notdoctorq]

@@adamp8765 The Norton blows the JB out of the water.

[@cmatte82]

Our local music shop carried their acoustics and I loved them. Just never bought one. The owner sold the store and they quit carrying them just before I found out about the sb59/v. But I wanted one and kept my eye out. Then I noticed people were talking about them and the prices were going up. So I went on a search and found a great used one. Same color as yours. Mine is older and has the antiquity pickups. I absolutely love it. I also have 4 PRs 594’s. They compliment each other beautifully. I bought all my core 594’s used and saved a good chunk of change. But I still paid much less for the Eastman. And it easily hangs with them. Love it.

[@MikedeVeltaMusic]

Yep! Owned and sold a 53 Gold top I wrestled with for 20 years. I have 3 Eastmans now and they are impeccable. Vintage guitars have no secret sauce or sound any better than a well made new guitar. It's mostly bragging rights. The USA mystique died a long time ago. A good guitar is a good guitar wherever it's made. Enjoy your Eastman's everyone!

[@romerome87]

They are made in CHINA! 🚫Cheap / exploratory labour and god knows where they get their woods. They don't play by fair regulatory standards and get rewarded with our money while copying an American classic. Support western manufacturers!

[@tonefish3825]

I have a local Eastman dealer and I happened to walk in while he was unboxing and setting up 4 new SB59 Eastmans. I wanted the varnish, or I wanted the tobacco burst, but after playing every one of them, I bought a Goldburst model because it blew me away. I don't even dream about Custom shop Les Paul's anymore. The neck is perfect for me, the neck set is ideal, 1 piece body, 8.0 lbs. Dude!

[@pharmerdavid1432]

I found a used Maybach Lester honey-pie for the same price as my used SB59 Eastman with their antique varnish finish. Maybach is like a Gibson VOS for half the price, incredible finish and German made pickups are the best sounding humbuckers I've played. I'd recommend looking at Maybach before Eastman, real nitro thin finishes, the best sounding pickups, made to original specs.

[@revolead]

@@pharmerdavid1432 It's really tough to find a Maybach in the U.S. I think Gibson has sued them out of our country for now (but I also think Gibson will ultimately lose that battle, even if it takes 20 more years of litigation). Our Maybach equivalent is Heritage, the old Gibson factory in Kalamazoo. I own an Eastman and a Heritage. The Heritage H-150 Standard is as good as a Gibson NOS Custom Shop Les Paul (though it won't have the lighter woods; pickups are the easiest thing to change if you don't like the stock Seymour Duncans). And the Eastman is as good as a Murphy Lab LP for 1/4 the money.

[@hkguitar1984]

Congrats Tonefish, 8 pound Les Paul with NO weight relief, most excellent. I looked at both the Eastman and Maybach, both are exceptional values, I don't believe you can go wrong with any of the Eastman guitars. What I was looking for is a '54 Goldtop Les Paul style guitar, to my total surprise I found a Dealer in Japan that had ordered a small run of '54 Goldtop instruments from the Tokai Custom Shop (Yeah, I didn't know Tokai had a Japan Custom Shop). Anyway, I am shocked at the Tokai's high quality build and materials, I would recommend to anyone looking for a LP Style guitar to also consider a Japan made Tokai. Love what I was seeing with this Eastman, their hollow body electrics are also high on my want list.

[@romerome87]

They are made in CHINA! 🚫Cheap / exploratory labour and god knows where they get their woods. They don't play by fair regulatory standards and get rewarded with our money while copying an American classic. Support western manufacturers!

[@backcountrylifemagazine6912]

My Eastman SB59 is the best Les Paul I’ve ever played….by a mile! 7.6 Lbs. Super flame. Super resonant. Lollars are the best PAFs I’ve ever heard too.

[@romerome87]

They are made in CHINA! 🚫Cheap / exploratory labour and god knows where they get their woods. They don't play by fair regulatory standards and get rewarded with our money while copying an American classic. Support western manufacturers!

[@dtrude000]

I have always said, " Not where it is made, but how it is made." I have pissed off many people saying that. Simply don't care . You have proved my point.

[@robs5362]

My thoughts exactly

[@romerome87]

They are made in CHINA! 🚫Cheap / exploratory labour and god knows where they get their woods. They don't play by fair regulatory standards and get rewarded with our money while copying an American classic. Support western manufacturers!

[@tonyfafoglia2927]

Good deep dive here.I played this model a couple of years ago at a shop. A very nice guitar in fact I was surprised how competitive it was with the 2 brands you mentioned. I suspect the ebony fingerboard might give the guitar some more tonal snap which is a good thing IMO. For me modern production Les Pauls are often too Mid heavy or dark sounding. Lollar makes excellent PU's in my experience.

[@divindave6117]

After playing for a little more than 50 years, I got my first Eastman just a couple of weeks ago. I've heard people rave about them, so I had to get one. No dealers anywhere near me, so I bought it from a dealer online. Well I'll tell ya, I opened it up and I was shocked at how nice this guitar is. The figured wood, the perfection of the fretboard, nut and saddle, the finish on it. It just blows me away. Are there nicer or better ones out there? Yes, but you gotta look to find them and when you do, be ready to shell out 3 or 4x more money.

[@onlyguitars]

Nice!!! What model you went for? And I agree with everything you say.

[@romerome87]

They are made in CHINA! 🚫Cheap / exploratory labour and god knows where they get their woods. They don't play by fair regulatory standards and get rewarded with our money while copying an American classic. Support western manufacturers!

[@jeremydahm2124]

Great rundown! Just ordered a T59/tv. Was slightly concerned about the new Trutone formula but I've read it isn't sticky.... Certainly looks the business. Nice to be able to try out a Gib style guitar without spending the dollars and hunting for a "good one".....

[@gonehome6245]

Phillip I always highly value your guitar reviews. Thank you! You should put out a tablature of your guitar evaluation improvs. They are tasty and I'd like to learn them. This Eastman guitar has wonderfully rich sound.

[@petergeo9446]

I bought a used Eastman T59/V (335 clone) almost a year ago. I bought it for the pickups (Seymour Duncan Antiquity Humbucker) as I'd been playing single coils (Tele) I wanted something different. I'm very happy with it, sounds great, looks great. It cost less than 1300 euro. Definitely would buy another one. Do you really think it's at Collings level though? I'm looking at a Collings 290 and it 4500 used. Maybe I should save some money.

[@silyrrad]

My Eastman SB 59/V is the best LP I have ever played, and I have played a lot... It is light, plays amazingly well, and sounds killer plugged in. You can't go wrong.

[@uwedasler425]

I can absolutely confirm that. I have sold 4 Gibsons (2 of them Custom Shop models) and 2 Collings since discovering Eastman, and it was not for budget reasons. Pickups are better, the ebony fretboards are better, Jescar fretwire is better, one piece body and one piece neck is by now Murphy Lab (rhymes with money grab) territory, and to find a Les Paul that weighs as little as an Eastman (or Maybach for that matter) you have to do some serious hunting.

[@MHChang2014]

I recently got in a Maybach Lester and I absolutely love that guitar. I got to pick out pretty much every spec on it and now I have an LPC type guitar in a super badass black/blue burst that would have costed me 6-7k to do M2M from Gibson for around the price of a US standard

[@revolead]

Thanks for sharing this. I love my Eastman, but sometimes I wonder if I would love a Gibson Custom Shop even more. The money has kept me away, so I appreciate your insight. Like Phil says, I'm just not comfortable holding or playing an instrument that costs a year's worth of car payments. Unfortunately, if I ever want an LP Custom-style guitar, you're sorta stuck with Gibson Custom Shop (or Epiphone's collaboration), and I refuse to buy an Epiphone or Gibson sight unseen, and no store ever has a Gibson LP Custom in stock in my area, and Epiphone's $1300 LP Custom has been out of stock since the second they came out.

[@bobbyarthur-yf3yf]

Eastman was smart creating a logo and brand name that would meld with western mentality and not seam Chinese made … Tokai has been building 5A level guitars and custom shop guitars that are dollar for dollar Gibson and fender crushers …

[@revolead]

@@bobbyarthur-yf3yfin the Western world, Tokai is a Hungarian dessert wine. I realize most people don't even know about that, but for a wine love like me, I can't take a guitar seriously named after a dessert wine. For the whiskey and beer crowd, it'd be like a guitar company named "Whistlepig" or "Imperial Stout."

[@bobbyarthur-yf3yf]

@@revolead was ok for SRV and ZZ top , from my experience in the guitar world Tokai guitars are appreciated by actual players not brand chasers and I say that still owning my les paul standard and 57 reissue strat I purchased in 94 amongst other fender and gibson in my collection … I have four tokais 2 custom shop level with 5A Canadian maple tops … any serious player can’t deny the quality of build and playability as well as tone

[@RowdyGrunt]

This was exactly me about 5 years ago. I went in to Maple Street guitars in Atlanta Georgia to buy a Les Paul custom, and walked out with an eastman. I spent $1,800 as opposed to obnoxious money; and I love it to this day.🎉

[@anthonyalfredyorke1621]

Thanks Phil, great review it looks and sounds exactly like I've heard before. Eastman's have a fabulous reputation and the price is amazing, have a great day. PEACE AND LOVE TO EVERYONE ❤❤.

[@I.M.Guitar-Nerd]

It's sounding like keeper! Someone remember to ask in 3 or 4 months if he still has this one.

[@two50ne77]

in case before i forget for the podcast tomorrow ????is it headstock break prone like the Gibson?

[@Bigboybooya666]

We sold Eastman's in a mom and pop shop in Victoria Canada and they were always well received

[@zizzinpuss]

I'm in Victoria, which shop was yours?

[@Bigboybooya666]

@@zizzinpuss oh its long closed. Larsen Music

[@zizzinpuss]

@@Bigboybooya666 I remember it well:)

[@westernrider100]

Bought mine from a mom and pop store. I walked in while they were unboxing it.... and tried it though a combo, a Carr with 112, that the owner kept at the counter for customers check their guitars and try anothing on the wall.... Hly Sht! It was awesome.

[@romerome87]

They are made in CHINA! 🚫Cheap / exploratory labour and god knows where they get their woods. They don't play by fair regulatory standards and get rewarded with our money while copying an American classic. Support western manufacturers!

[@redfurydubstep]

That flamed mahogany back…what a great bonus! Great looking guitar 👍

[@robs5362]

Wonder how this stacks up to a Heritage Guitar. Great video! This is def an alternative.

[@Qvqvqvqvq]

I played one of these once..it was used priced at $1,050. I was extremely impressed! The feel, the fretboard , the action. The pickups. Everything was Way better than any Gibson les paul

[@EarlPigpen]

I've owned a limited edition Eastman acoustic gifted from my Uncle on my 30th. It's absolutely beautiful and plays wonderfully. I suggest trying them out if you're able!

[@courier11sec]

Sheeeeeeeesh! What a gorgeous machine. Pretty stark example of the idea that anything not made in the US being junk is totally absurd.

[@MichaelSorensen-bl3ec]

Japanese guitars have been blowing away most of the Gibsons for a few decades now. My first good guitar was a Burny Les Paul. When I finally got to play a Gibson Les Paul after a few years, I was seriously disappointed. This was back in the mid to late 1980s.

[@HipsterNgariman]

@@MichaelSorensen-bl3ec It's made in china

[@MichaelSorensen-bl3ec]

@@HipsterNgariman And your point is…..?

[@courier11sec]

@@MichaelSorensen-bl3ec my friend has a Burney and it's so nice.

[@pauln6803]

​@@HipsterNgariman It's proof that the Chinese are not just content to mass manufacture the lower end instruments for the big brands and offer pot luck backstreet rip-offs. I hate to say it, but the Chinese have every sector of US and European manufacturing in their sights. Things like this ought to be a wake up call for Gibson and their notoriously poor quality control. Somehow I don't think they will take the threat seriously though...

[@TheDrunkenScoundrel]

Wow. The EQ on that sits right a the point where all you need is an EQ pedal to have be and all-in-one guitar to for any gig.

[@kzarog]

No one ever talks about the treble pickup being so far away from the bridge in all the non-Gibson LPs. Even Epiphones have a greater gap than a Les Paul... It has to have an effect on the sound!

[@ryanpullin]

I definitely enjoy the TV finish better than their Antique Varnish. Having owned a few, I think if you’re comparing it to a Gibson USA standard, it’s really hard to beat. Versus a custom shop though, idk there was still something about the Gibson custom shops that spoke to me more.

[@onlyguitars]

I have an AV, and used to have a Truetone gloss before. Would love t try the TV finish. What is it about the TV that you prefer over the AV ?? And yeah, I had a Gibson CS and the Wastman SB59/v at the same time. both by far have been my favorite SC guitars Ive had. Sold the Gibson cos im good with just 1 SC guitar (chose the gibson cos was too much money to hav in 1 guitar and the eastman made me as as happy as the gibson) and never had regrets selling it. But I do agree a good CS has something unique, so does the Eastman. Its down to personal preferences at the end.

[@romerome87]

Eastmans are made in CHINA. Cheap / exploratory labour and god knows where they get their woods. They don't play by fair regulatory standards and get rewarded with our money while copying an American classic. There's no values or integrity in this. You could also find a luthier to hand built you the guitar of your dreams and support his growth. In my country - Portugal - a luthier can make a Les Paul type guitar with all that you want (woods, bindings, inlays, electronics, neck shape, weight, etc) for 2000€.

[@flapjack413]

That control cavity was super interesting. It has the shape of a 50's LP, but you could see the step down lines left by the CNC router bit in the eyebrow marks that would be left by the router coming in and doing that secondary bevel route on the bottom of the cavity. Would have loved to see if it had the widow's peak by the neck pickup volume pot, but the wire coming in from the neck pickup blocked it from view if it was there. I dunno if I'm a nerd or what, lol, but as a builder myself, I just find those little details to be really neat.

[@romerome87]

They are made in CHINA! 🚫Cheap / exploratory labour and god knows where they get their woods. They don't play by fair regulatory standards and get rewarded with our money while copying an American classic. Support western manufacturers! Good luck to you as a luthier in a world people are not conscious that money is also their vote. No values or integrity, people don't care.

[@MesaGuitarGuy]

man, that Eastman looks and sounds amazing Phil! for my 68th birthday I got the Eastman Gold Top with Lollar P-90's in it and it is glorious! Everyone needs to get an Eastman in their hands and check it out

[@Po1itica11yNcorrect]

I've got an Eastman SB59v, but my next guitar purchase will be an SB56 like you have.

[@cpk313]

I've got two Eastmans; a SB59 that's just under 8.5lbs and a SB55 that's under 7. It came with SD59's and I went with one of their custom shop/Skinner burst paf's. The neck is why I kept it though, similar dimensions, mine is a very soft V.

[@mikekozi-lester3887]

Hi Guitar 🎸 Guy nice video 📹 and workmanship sounds good

[@timtorkelson3553]

I hope you do an in-depth review of AGILE AL-3200MCC neck-thru with coil-split pickups.. I love it as much as any of the 5 real Gibby's I have owned.

[@markhill9275]

Definitely Agile go under the radar! I have an AL 3010 that i redid all electronics. I have an Eastman SB59 Gold Top, that i love, but find myself actually going back to the Agile, but i do have Bryan Williams 73 Msg "Pageybuckers' in it, and that might be the difference. Although i do prefer the weight of the Eastman! Oh, i have 7 Agiles in total, they are just great guitars! Hard to find good lefties!

[@trinacria1956]

Have not played this model but friend had an Estaman AR380CE similar to an ES175 and wow! So I found and Eastman T58, kind of Gretschy but less confusing wiring! Wow! Was used and a great price, amszing guitar! Flame maple binding, TV Jones Filtertrons.... etc. High end, but fid not have to trade my car for it.

[@davidwilkins5932]

I know it’s just a KZbin video, but the tone is fantastic. Much better than any KZbin sample I’ve heard from ANY guitar in that category.

[@rickbailey7450]

I played an Eastman 330 clone that I loved. I own an acoustic E10D (D-18 clone) and it's fantastic.

[@darryllandry9904]

Heritage remain great guitars made in Kzoo. Great alternative to gibby if you're looking for one.

[@davidkellymitchell4747]

I got an Eastman 335 type body but with a resonator cone. Good quality. Up until the 1980's one had to buy a Fender, Gibson, Mosrite, Epiphone, PRS or Gretsch to get a good electric guitar but that's not the case anymore.

[@onlyguitars]

I love my Eastman SB59/v, and always say the same thing, the Eastman is on par with the Gibson CS or PRS or Suhrs I've had. the thing is that if Eastman happened to make the same guitar but had the factory in the US, we are talking about easily a $4-5k guitar. I had before the gloss version and now the antique varnish version that I love. Havent tried the Truetone vintage, but looks cool though. I had at some point a 2021 R8, a 2009 Gibson LP Traditional, a Standard H-150 Heritage. All at the same time with the Eastman. I liked them all, but objectively the 2 best were the CS and Eastman, and heritage was suprisingly close, and the USa gibson was noticeable lower (still a good higher end guitar, but to in the league as the others). I just have thr Eastman now and never have missed the Gibsons or heritage. The R8 liked it a lot, but too much money in a guitar that having the Eastman already didnt add much, cos in reality im good with only 1 LP. Would love to try the Eastman Juliet at some point.

[@benagen2954]

I’ve got a Juliet as well as three other eastmans. Love the Juliet but if your looking at the one with p90s think about a sb56. Absolutely beautiful guitar. That said, the Juliet has its place too

[@onlyguitars]

@@benagen2954 Nice!!! I am interested in a Juliet with humbuckers. I like the idea that it is a 25.5 scale length guitar, and that is a set neck with better access than an LP and that has kind of chunky neck. Cool, at some point I will get one for sure.

[@theonlyrobot]

Man I remember back before Covid I would see those SB59s with the sprayed nitro for $1400 or less new. I shoulda. I really shoulda.

[@onlyguitars]

@@theonlyrobot yeah. my first eastman , the gloss version was 1500 new I remember. I wanted to go for the Antique Varnish, but didn't want to spend more because it felt like a risk, since I had to import it from the US to Chile. Less than a year later sold the SB59 and got the Antique vanrish one hehee. But after the price increase. New before I think were around 1900, and I pyed 2.3k for it new. Still, no rAgrets at all, but I still kind of kick myself for not getting the antique varnish from the beginning. The finish is indeed a big plus for me, plus the Lollar pickups are more of what I like, the SD59 are good, but are more modern oriented. Still, at current prices, if you just want a great guitar, are stupid good price compared to the alternatives. I love my Eastman so much, such a great guitar, and just so premium felling as well.

[@theonlyrobot]

@@onlyguitars Premium is a good descriptor. I came so close to buying one, but I ended up getting a kit made the same way with thick flamed cap and one piece flamed body. Throughout the build I was channeling the SB59/v, but with my own twists. Standard wind Lollars rather than low wind, orange burst top and spirit varnish rather than oil. As I was working out the frets I would go to the local shop and play the SB59/v to compare until I got mine just like it. The dressing on the ends of a /v Eastman is just so good. They're always a joy to play. I've never played a CS R series Gibson, but I prefer the Eastman /v series to any Gibson Standard or Heritages I've played.

[@bks252]

I bought an Eastman hollow body about 10 years ago and I absolutely love it. It’s the only hollow body I have and see no reason to buy any other hollow body like a 335/339.

[@rickp3646]

I’ve owned 5 Eastman’s and everyone has been awesome. I started buying them in 2017 when they were relatively unknown and were a lot lower cost then they are now. I sold a few of my Taylor’s in favor of the Eastman’s. Most of them are acoustics. My favorite one is a limited addition parlor size E-100 LTD 12 fret and it’s my go to couch guitar. Easy to play and just sounds amazing. I’ve owned $3000 Taylor’s that don’t sound and play as good. I’m glad your doing a review on this guitar as it may be my next Eastman/

[@Lordbaccus]

Thats not bad! I have a BcRich Dagger I would LOVE to see you review 3:)

[@Yardbird68]

LOVE the finish, got that used, but NOT abused look to it. Sounds amazing. ALL HAIL TO THE GEEKY STUFF!! Thanks Phillip for another entertaining and interesting review! 👍

[@glengriffiths5594]

I have owned an sb 59 gb for 2 years now. The only guitar that has come close to it in bang for buck for me is an fgn ncls10 r. So I bought it as well. Both are absolute keepers for me.

[@johnsmith-sm6mh]

Great informative show and being a Brit 🇬🇧 i love you use both imperial and metric measurements, so helpful. Great guitars definitely sleeper collector guitars, but guess Gibson heritage will always win . Not sure about the finish , much prefer Gibson Nitro if honest

[@MrLespaul2000]

Nice guitars. I have the SB55/V-SB Eastman's take on a Junior. Everything about this guitar is excellent, neck, fretwork everything. Has a Lollar dog ear in it. A real beast. Love it.

[@Euphonicmusicschool]

I have the same guitar. I compared it to several LP jrs and it was by far my favorite. It’s stellar!

[@Plexi417]

I have one too. Absolutely killer guitar.

[@theonlyrobot]

I've always been blown away by these. They play out so well and the old ones with the oil varnish felt great. I've seen some shipped in the summer though, and it's not very pretty. The varnish would melt and the case fuzz really messed it up. Oil varnish takes several months to cure. I can see why they moved away from it. They could have switched to shellac though. Better feel, super thin, and cures in about a week. Is it a /v Eastman without brush strokes and little finish boogers in the cracks though? lol

[@joesatchton212]

I'm no Gibson/LP player. But what I am getting here is that if you're an LP player and you are far more interested in the quality, tone and feel of an LP style axe, look hard at this Eastman. If you're looking for investment and a super expensive case queen, stay with Gibson. Good on Eastman!

[@gavinleyfield3195]

I have an Eastman E8OM acoustic and Oh Man…don’t sleep on those! I went in to buy a Martin and came out with the Eastman because it was so much better. I only paid 1000 British pounds (maybe 1450 USD or so at the time. Mental.

[@ricriv5309]

It's worth noting that this is an expensive finish and you can get other finishes for around $1400 used. Have the gold top and tobacco burst. The 59's are perfect in these also.

[@Setright230]

Thanks for another great video. My apologise for not being at my Sat 0800 your Friday live shows. Been catching the replays, things still not best, with my mum & then Trooper my service Golden Retriever. Thanks Mate and McKnight family, for always producing a full Armourers strip and checked no BS Inspection. That being guitars or bit’s & Geeky stuff, that through experience of taking advice and or taking a plunge on buying a not held guitar to amp & speaker combo’s, especially those cream backs I Love through my Tv Amp.. love that guitar Winner.. Stay strong and keep strumming… 🫡🪖🇦🇺

[@romerome87]

They are made in CHINA! 🚫Cheap / exploratory labour and god knows where they get their woods. They don't play by fair regulatory standards and get rewarded with our money while copying an American classic. There's no values or integrity in this. Western manufacturers = supporting local / national companies = better economy = fairness. You can also find a luthier to hand built you the guitar of your dreams and support his growth. In my country - Portugal a luthier can make a Les Paul type guitar with all that you want (woods, bindings, inlays, electronics, neck shape, weight, etc) for 2000€.

[@trevorclarey3336]

I have the Eastman gold top , these guitars are brilliant , play great & sound great the quality is top class electrics & hardware also top class for about $1,000 less than a Les Paul standard , I am a Gibson fan I have a lot of Les Pauls , juniors , SGs Flying V but the quality can be shocking & inconsistent even when they can still sound great you pay a lot for that "Gibson " name .

[@jimross9429]

Thanks for the review and great information I always enjoy the videos.

[@davedeville6540]

Lollars and proper setup makes most guitars sound terrific

[@patrickcollins6830]

Eastman's high-end electrics and acoustics are, IMO, as fine as the high-praise comments, and Phillip's review, say they are. Eastman has a longstanding history of building orchestral string instruments, but is newer to the guitar world, and while they began, understandably enough, with vintage copies and less expensive production, they have taken the long view and built up an organization that embodies v ision and skill and a commitment to quality that is extraordinary. I own an Eastman AC622CE acoustic, which is an instrument of Eastman's own design, and it is meticulously made and plays and sounds utterly fantastic. You can see the care and skill involved in making it, and the incredibly well-sourced raw materials. They're running a great shop in Beijing and in CA, and these great guitars leave you wanting to say thanks to the craftspeople who executed key parts of the build so wonderfully well. I feel the same way about Collings. Gibson? Not really. There are way too many clumsily-nibbed or in other ways uninspired instruments making it through Gibson QC to credit them with the commitment to excellence of Collings or Eastman.

[@adrianperry5693]

Hi Phil, Great video! Do you know if the guitar you reviewed had been Plek’d?. Looking at buying an SB59/v and wondering if it’s worth the extra expense…. ?? Thanks!! Adrian.

[@robphillips8351]

My friend has an Eastman.. nice guitar, reminds me a lot of the heritage stuff..

[@MikeOria]

I spent almost a year shopping for the perfect custom shop R9, and own the best of the best. Then, I ordered an Eastman SB59 off the rack and it is better than the Gibson by every comparison. I especially love the ebony boards versus the rosewood.

[@scaredypicker]

I’ve had an Eastman Orchestra model acoustic for about 8 years, and it’s my favourite instrument. I’d put it up against any Martin guitar

[@robertyboberty]

Good to see Eastman getting some love. I want one after watching this but I already have three LP style guitars. Help

[@mejoejew6489]

i am disappointed that more guitars don't have the thumb scratchers. never had the problem!

[@paulcrane9246]

Phil, I’d keep this one if I were you!!! Love the varnish finish. I’d buy this over a Les Paul. Because I think they’re better quality, from all the positive reviews I’ve seen. Sure it’d be nice to support an American company, but the quality of Gibson’s are very hit and miss. I know Gibson’s hold their value very well, probably better than any other brand. But I don’t sell my guitars, so the resale value doesn’t really matter to me.

[@drunkenguitarist3051]

Thanks for this, I've owned 2 Eastman's, regret selling one of them.

[@AussieEnglishPodcast]

Yay! Glad you got around to trying Eastman out Phil. Great video!

[@romerome87]

Eastmans are made in CHINA. Cheap / exploratory labour and god knows where they get their woods. They don't play by fair regulatory standards and get rewarded with our money while copying an American classic. There's no values or integrity in this. You could also find a luthier to hand built you the guitar of your dreams and support his growth. In my country - Portugal - a luthier can make a Les Paul type guitar with all that you want (woods, bindings, inlays, electronics, neck shape, weight, etc) for 2000€.

[@markhill9275]

Well Phil, i'm a sinestral, and have both an Eastman SB59 Gold Top, which are rare as hens teeth, not made anymore, and an Eastman T486 in classic finish. The 59 has the Seymour Duncan 59's and so does the 486. Love them both. Finally got the 59 dialled in after a lot of frustrating effort, but well worth it. The 486 has been great right from the get go. I'm a fan of overwrap so both are, gotta say i bought these when prices were a lot different. One thing though, i have an Agile 3010 LP clone, and changed all electronics out, CTS, emerson pio's, and the stars of the show, Bryan Williams '73 Msg "Pageybuckers". Those pick ups are outstanding. The neck was so easy to set, cleaned up the fretwork myself, and i would say i prefer this even over the Eastman. Sadly Eastman are now pricing themselves out of most peoples reach. Oh, one thing you failed to mention, all Eastman are Hand made, no CNC, all traditional luthier made. Anyway, thanks for all the AWESOME info and reviews.

[@skellyngton]

Great review! I've had a few eastmans and they are classy, quality instruments.

[@robzagar4275]

I love my Eastmans( East man, get it!?) t-185 w Lollars, solid maple top back and sides, no plywood, spruce top, varnish finish. Slope shoulder Jumbo varnish finish acoustic.. all go to guitars ! These are incredible guitars. Yeah, not Gibson but excellent every one I own I love! My T-185 hollow body is incredible sounding and feeling…! I will buy another Eastman! The necks are perfect not baseball bats . Perfect. The varnish finish is so thin, and I have buffed out my slope shoulder and it does buff ez… try one, these are hand made. Yes made in Beijing but quality nevertheless by luthiers. Hand built. Killer

[@marshallsmusic4548]

My T184MX is one of my favorite guitars. I play it more than my Gibson or Gretsch.

[@LucasHaneman]

I have a t185mx, and I agree, one of my favourite guitars for 12 years now

[@marshallsmusic4548]

@@LucasHaneman I had a T486 and a T64. Both were excellent, but the T486 was a bit heavy and the T64 didn't have easy access to the upper frets. I also have an SB55DC that I like a lot. Both the T184 and the SB55 are around 6 lbs. They are easier on my old back.

[@dmc549]

I guess I just don't understand why you wouldn't get a Gibson LP Standard for about the same money. Why buy a guitar from China vs USA made? Even if its made well overseas. Anyways not hating Phillip. Love your videos and perspective. Thanks for the content!

[@bladeoflucatiel]

Doesnt make the slightly sense to get this 2k china guitar. Im pretty sure you can get an used gibson for little over 1k in the US.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

I apologize if it wasn't clear, These are for players that like the top tier level Gibsons, Novo's, Collings that want the feel and sound at a more obtainable price point.

[@TwelveSticks]

Gotta love Eastmans. Great quality. And they put Gibson to shame with the pointy inlays - the one thing that drives me made about more modern Gibsons!

[@googleboy7]

Hi Phil, I bought a Firefly 338 for around $200. STUNNING! Shalom/gw

[@brianzweizig1073]

Eastman is good, in my opinion

[@Cystemx]

I have one of these , it's better then my Gibson custom shop that's 6 thousand dollars plus

[@rlarsen4562]

Really ?

[@fadlyhans82]

Better than a Gibson custom shop? How could that be? In what aspect was it better?

[@ewm416]

Gibson is a branding joke.

[@mtlgas]

What did you pay for yours ? I was thinking of getting one are they affordable ?

[@tacoconch7678]

@@fadlyhans82 They are absolutely not better. I have both. If you're talking about value, the Eastman is lightyears better. Overall, the Gibson Custom shop is much better.

[@steveoneal5257]

not cheap but very great sounding guitar for sure

[@commercialking]

On a recent trip to Nashville, I stopped at the Gibson Garage and was jamming on an $8,500 Murphy Lab ES-335 that I really wanted, but not for that insane price. After a little bit of looking I found Eastman and decided to get the T486, which is their version of a 335. The quality is FANTASTIC. Mine has the Seymour Duncan 59'/Jazz pickups. in short, the guitar is great and mine cost under $1200. This is right up there with the Murphy Lab for a fraction of the price. Gibson needs to up their game or lower their prices. Killer guitars!

[@rickbailey7450]

They are not cheap. But compared to a premium American guitar brand, they cost 1/3 to 1/2 less for top dollar quality and sound. This is especially noticeable in the acoustic models, where sound and materials are everything. My E10D costs about half what a D-18 would, but the sound and quality are very comparable, and wrt some specs, superior.

[@hifibrony]

Looks fantastic, all VERY HQ parts, sounds fabulous. What's not to like?

[@KozmykJ]

I Very nearly went for an Eastman T486 having just had some bad faults from Epiphone (3 in a row!!) and an Ibanez. In the end though, I decided to tick one off my bucket list and got a Gibson 335 instead.

[@t3golf]

I’ve got the SB-56 with P-90s & it is such an incredible guitar. I’ve never been happier with a guitar purchase.

[@bcruzin2]

I played my first Eastman about 3 months ago. It was the Juliet series and did not plug it into an amp initially. I was surprised as to how it felt, played, sustained and vibrated. Played it in an amp. Loved it. Needless to say it is on my list of guitars I want to pick up. I played the SB59 and loved that as well. If I did not have a Les Paul and was looking to pick one up, I would consider one.

[@romerome87]

They are made in CHINA! 🚫Cheap / exploratory labour and god knows where they get their woods. They don't play by fair regulatory standards and get rewarded with our money while copying an American classic. Support western manufacturers!

[@modestextreme]

My Eastman Mandolin is flawless. They make fantastic instruments that are heirloom quality.

[@romerome87]

They are made in CHINA! 🚫Cheap / exploratory labour and god knows where they get their woods. They don't play by fair regulatory standards and get rewarded with our money while copying an American classic. Support western manufacturers!

[@sixstring1950]

Have you done a video on the Yamaha SA2000? You do a great job on your reviews. Thank You

[@anthonyward8587]

Does it have the long neck tenon as standard on these models, can anyone chip in? Lovely guitar and fabulous review by Phil. Cheers from Oz 😊😊😊

[@markjohnson6485]

I liked the video I would love to try one of these I have had many Gibson traditional , LP special ,classic , standard, studio, Double cut , supreme … and probably a few others but I would love to get an Eastman like that I have had there acoustics and they are fantastic… 0:08

[@19581998]

Owned a gold top version for a while. Nice guitar but really didn’t like the neck heel.

[@deanbartone8187]

Thank you for the info. I was thinking about checking that brand out now. I definitely have to, but I’m curious what is that blue guitar behind you to your left if you or anybody else could let me know😊

[@bflo5210]

I wouldn't say my Eastman is better than a custom shop.... but it's just as good, possibly better than my gibson 60's standard.... the lollar pickups in it are awesome!

[@metalfatigue]

I'm not a "10 top" guy, but when I walk into a store, I'm always suprised at how many expensive guitars have 2-piece caps where the two sides don't match. Might as well put on a hang tag that says we don't give a damn.

[@rayseto2724]

Thanks for the video. Great sounding guitar!!

[@barruzza]

What is the guitar over your right shoulder. Looks interesting. The dark brown guitar.

[@joemccarthy641]

I have a few Eastman guitars/models and I'm happy with every one of them. I really like the Lollar Imperial pickups, but I tend to play my Eastman with Seymour-Duncan pickups just as much. Very nice review Phil.

[@robbyclark6915]

As someone in the market to spend $5-6k on a guitar (but would rather spend $3k) this is a strong contender now! The allure of the custom shop from either Gibson or Fender is very tempting though. Im also considering a Suhr or a Kiesel. I will probably narrow it down to Kiesel, Eastman or Fender CS. 1st world problems for sure, but this will likely be my last guitar purchase and I want it to be spot on!

[@lisaayers1975]

Kiesel for me..I have 2 older Carvin guitars also.

[@mattc1176]

I have the Eastman versions of Les Paul, 175 and 335. They are tremendous instruments. I wouldn’t swap for Gibsons.

[@RickRomanelli]

Thanks Phillip! Another GREAT review and demo.

[@madmick78]

In 2020, I bought a new Eastman SB59, gloss nitro Tobacco Sunburst for my 60th birthday. It was about $1450.00 at that time, when Les Paul Standards were around $2350.00. It's a very good guitar for, at that time, a very good price. I won't compare it to a Gibson or a Heritage, because it's not either of those. It IS a great guitar and probably the best electric I'll ever own. I love my Eastman.

[@iantofullpelt6408]

I really wanted a Gibson. In the uk a les paul std was around £2300. Eastman sb59 £1700 but often around £1400 on Offer. I couldn't justify paying more for the Gibson, and the eastman is amazing. I have USA Seymour Duncans in mine, and it doesn't sound identical to a Les Paul but amazing guitar and the goldburst colour is a showstopper. This guitar felt like my guitar in less than a week. Some guitars take me months to feel at home. I really still want a guitar with Gibson on the headstock, but it will be a jnr or v.

[@jimmcdougall9973]

Nice guitars, especially with the Seymour Duncan Antiquity pickups. Although my Japanese made Tokai’s are of even a higher standard.

[@gibsonkal]

I have an Eastman SB-59GB and it is crazy good. Having owned vintage Gibsons over the years I can say I'm really impressed by the build quality/attention to detail. I installed DiMarzio EJ Customs with some wiring mods done, and it's my go to axe.

[@RkicF8]

The most important thing to me is the feel of the neck, the electronics are easily replaced and I never would keep Gibson tonal pots, Always go with 500k pots, dual humbuckers with a splitter. Dont think I will own another guitar with less than 24 frets.

[@jamesbarrick3403]

All Eastman guitars are excellent value if you want the best but don't want to spend crazy money. the good news is you can buy these all day long in the $1500 range in the used market. Eastman also makes several other models that just scream such as the SB55 which the LP Junior clone... also comes with a Lollar P90.

[@harlequingr]

My daughter has an Eastman Viola. Beautiful instrument. Very resonant.