Thinline Guitar Comparison Gibson 347, Eastman T59v, Heritage 535 &525

[@rjroth4869]

I would certainly be happy with any of those! My clear favorite for tone was the Heritage 535.

[@michaelmcinnis911]

The one I like best is the one he's playing at the moment. It's really the player... four beautiful sounding guitars.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

That Eastman sounds incredible

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

Yes it does

[@nigelvonshredman]

I've had a T59v for about 3 months. It really is wonderful

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

@@nigelvonshredman Good to know

[@RyanHarris77]

@@mongoharry I don't know. I haven't heard you.

[@michaelwoolley7437]

I have an Eastman T386 it’s better than my Gibson 335 by a mile

[@aeroprojects]

Man you have such a great playin, with tons of feeling ! Thanks for this nice moment. Those axes definitely sound sweet (especially the Eastman) - got the AR372-CE for 2 years, a real pleasure to play. Cheers from France, take care !

[@hidesertmusic]

They each have their own sound. I think the Eastman t59v has the best over all but the heritage 525 sounds great too.

[@thezootsuits8151]

The Eastman sounds great. I have a Heritage H-535 that I love. The H-525 sounds so sweet. Great tones !

[@robertrouleau1000]

Just acquired a 2019 Gibson 335. My dream guitar. Just love it!

[@georgeswitick7885]

Rich, the Eastman T 59V hands down followed by the Heritage 535. Thanks for the video.

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

You bet! Thanks for watching and commenting, George!

[@bluesman97]

Did notice he did not want to put the Heritage down.. and that's the way it is folks, everyone I've picked up I did not want to put it down?. The Heritage 530 has that nice sound the 525 is throwing at ya... as well.

[@dkwvt13]

I think I like the 525 best, broadest range between the pups and that certain P-90 thickness and crunch. This is a surprise, I am a fan of P-90s but would not have guessed this guitar to be my first pick. Great demo, thanks...! 😎

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

Good to know

[@RiotBike]

The 535 sounds amazing.

[@davidcudlip6587]

Just picked up the Heritage H535. Great guitar built in this country and couldn't be more pleased. It has Duncan Seth Lover pickups in it.

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

COOL!

[@mpstenz3520]

Thank you! I like your demos without effects. That illustrates the true voice you’re fingers bring...

[@mjt5576]

My favorite is the 525, but I'm partial to P-90's. They all sound good, but the Eastman has a sweetness that I wasn't expecting.

[@raphlasne]

I started eating my pick like you do. Really improves my playing. My preference goes to the last one, because of the P90s.

[@robbyclark6915]

Absolutely love the sound of that 525 by Heritage!

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

Me Too!

[@Adipsia1]

I too love the sound, but IMO the cherry-sunburst and white binding is totally incongruent.

[@kierenmoore3236]

@@Adipsia1. Not quite a clownburst … clownbind, maybe? 🤔😉 jjks

[@HLLOZZ]

Heritage 535 really nice and warm sounding

[@soundhutmusic822]

Excellent playing and very informative video. Thank you!

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

Love the way you play! Excellent! This is great stuff. Thank you for posting this.

[@johnadams6569]

Thanks for a great illustrative thin line video! Very enjoyable to watch.

[@ZandJ12345]

The Eastman is the best bang for buck. If only they did finishes like the heritage I would of snapped one up. For that reason i got myself a heritage. No regrets, beautiful guitar.

[@turaly0n]

Eastman are the best kept secret of the guitar industry. They beat Gibson by a long shot in quality, playability, sound, and price.

[@kevinonorato7223]

Solid Top.. Ages better. Had to argue with a vintage plywood top Gibson but something about that carved top says quality.

[@daw162]

@@kevinonorato7223 solid tops on guitars like these have been made on and off for years (at least as far back as the 70s by yamaha). They don't always age well (movement can lead to top cracks). Plywood doesn't mind some movement.

[@gerritcuypers]

In price yes but not in quality, playability and sound. I know, because I had an eastman T486 but sold it. I have a Gibson ES-335 Anchor Stud Bigsby VOS for over a year now and it's a killer. Awesome guitar ....

[@Adipsia1]

@@gerritcuypers Interesting. I had a 1964 Gibson ES-345 that I hung onto but never bonded with. I then acquired my first Eastman - a T486 - earlier this year which was in a different league in terms of quality and playability; however after comparing with the T59v I found its sound lacking. The SD Antiquity pickups in the T59v sound far more open than the SDs in the T486. I have to admit that I'm a total Eastman convert.

[@donsimons9810]

are you kidding? Ive been checking them out and they sound worse than gibson in every video ive seen. especially unplugged. no comparison. You’re clearly a shill for the “East” man

[@James-hb6ee]

I liked them all, but if I was buying it would be the thinline Heritage with the P90's. The Eastman was a LOT of sound/tone for the money.

[@maggieo]

I love the Eastman; everything, the sound, the looks, the craftsmanship. Total package at a great price point. After that, I'm going to go with the 525, which had a nice and woody tone on the neck and some chime on the bridge. Honestly, sound-wise, it's a tossup between the Gibson and the Heritage 535. I'd go with the Gibson for looks and, as they say, "m@j@!" I have an Eastman T64v, their version of a Casino/330, and it shares all the goodness of the T59v, right down to the violin varnish finish. (That's what the "v" is for in the name.) That thin finish really lets the wood sing, IMO. I like how Eastman goes for top-notch hardware, too. I have Duncan Antiquity P-90s in mine. Wonderful PuPs.

[@bazitube390]

I'm also looking to buy the T46v with p90s . so 1 year late. any issues with the guitar at all?

[@xxmanx1]

All sound great but the 525 had a little extra tone to my ear. I agree with you on Heritage vs Gibson. With Heritage, they have a true custom shop where you can order exactly what you want from the factory...w/ Gibson, you are pretty much stuck with what they give u...like flat frets etc. Though Heritage seems to have raised prices to near Gibson levels so the alternative may have to move to Eastman or someone else from Asia.

[@MrRubenrivera9649]

I agree 2 get epiphone or Ibanez

[@glennmattison3180]

Eastman has SD Antiquity pickups. Had them in a LP, they are great.

[@Adipsia1]

I agree. The SD Antiquity pickups in the T59v are much more open than those in the T386 and T486.

[@budburch713]

I have a ES-347 and giged with mins as my #1 for about 15 years and it got a little bit punished...but still great...I did notice on mind and I think its a 79...the frets are low...the brass nut is awesome for sustain and the hot pickups worked great for the rock stuff and the coil tap made it very versatile...I love it but am getting the itch for something else...just don't know what...cant spend much money because I don't gig anymore I'm just glad to see one belonging to someone else...they are kind of rare.

[@whimpypatrol5503]

I'm on the same page about distortion. But also about reverb. Reverb can make any guitar sound cool..But reverb smothers my playing style. I use as much 3-D tone out of the guitar and pickup without reverb as possible. Unfortunately, such jazz tones are tricky to amplify. Then, reverb also gets harder to use the higher the amp volume.

[@reloading_and_gun_channel]

Thank you so much for your demo and explanations ! A real help

[@dieter6219]

whats your favourite guitar in this collection Dudes? Mine is the heritage 525 at 14:00.

[@CoberBox1]

That is a pretty guitar. Sounds nice too.

[@Dennzio1]

Thanks Rich that really helped along with most of the comments below. I've had my eyes on an Eastman T486 and the craftsmanship is tight. Like your playing style...I want to learn to play Jazz style. Any directional tips is appreciated. Peace

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

Check my new site I think this would be good for you. jazz-guitar-improv.teachable.com/

[@franciskhoury4288]

I love all of them. Great demo! The Eastman did sound more truly "jazzy" than the ES-347; I was surprised. I don't play jazz, though, and I'm not sure which I would prefer for my own....I kinda dig that 347's "thicker" tone too. I'd have to play them myself. My semi-hollow is a modern (2011) ES-345 and I love it. I wonder how it would sound in comparison with this set of guitars.

[@fredmirandadiaz1111]

The bigsby gives a thin tone, that's why it is not used for jazz

[@brocklanders6172]

Finally! An honest guitar review with clean tones. The only way.

[@impulseproman]

I agree I love clean tone reviews

[@alanoffer]

The eastmens are shipping with Seymour Duncan pick ups and some models have Lollars the more I hear about these guitars the more I realise I need one

[@daijones101]

Love that 525. It sounds alive

[@ajpegg2932]

Lovely playing and an entertaining commentary as always Rich. My preference was for the Eastman T59v (both in terms of aesthetics and the sound), followed by the Heritage 535 (again a lovely sound, but I dislike the pick guard), next came the Gibson (I'd take that horrible Bigsby off) and last the Heritage 525 (that bridge P90 sounded really harsh and the colour is brash to my eyes).

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

The Bigsby is fun but weighs it down more

[@FYMASMD]

Eastmans are great. Have had an uptown archtop since new 2006. Also have had a 1979 es 347 for 30 years. Have to say all these guitars are very good sounding. May have to get another Eastman. Their necks are GREAT!!! I put Lollar pickups on my 347 and have to say its GREAT as well.😄 Edit: forgot to mention that you have great economy of movement and excellent right hand technique. And those nails!! Excellent video. The audio is somewhat lacking. Different microphone? Thanks.

[@stevewebertampainvestments2097]

Geez that Eastman sounds outstanding. I looked them up and they are not much cheaper than a Heritage but seem tough to beat for the money.

[@danielmargolis3210]

New, in today’s dollars the Heritage is at least $1000 more than the Eastman. But it is made in the USA.

[@shaft9000]

Great stuff :) I have a Yamaha SA-2200 that is spec'd much like this 347 but hard-tail; gives a bit stiffer sound to the 335s I've played. but stays in tune without modding the nut :O) I'm looking for some new pickups for it; leaning towards a set of Duncan Antiquities at the moment.

[@stoofbuis]

put vintage "harmonic design" buckers in it, you're not gonna regret it.

[@What_If_We_Tried]

Your an accomplished artist, and I love your point about the versatility of these types of guitars.

[@tommc49]

Very informative session thanks for posting. Thanks for not using any pedals. I would like to have heard more on the comparison of the neck size and shape which is very important to me. I'm not comfortable with wide, thin necks.

[@xblackcatx1312]

You’re right about pickup height. I have an Ibanez Artcore, which I had the pickups replaced with Duncan’s...It didn’t sound that good. The pickups were too high. I just lowered them, not knowing what I was doing, and man...Does it sound nice now. I lowered the hell out of the pickups, especially the neck...About a quarter inch.

[@RyanHarris77]

Pickups being too high have the additional effect of damping sustain due to the electromagnetic field being closer to the strings. Did you notice more sustain after lowering them?

[@xblackcatx1312]

@@RyanHarris77 i think they had more of a ring to them, so yes, i think so. They sound clearer, and just better.

[@CaffeineNightOwl]

I love eastman guitars, they use selected best woods and handbuild. and you can get them with real varnish.

[@alandmcleod5988]

Beautifully played man I love Eastman but that heritage has turned my head ❤

[@deepwater2652]

Love my H-535!

[@Trombonology]

If I were looking for a thinline, among these I would be most attracted to the Heritage 525 for its es330-like P90's and hollow body; a thinline being a different animal from a jazzbox per se, it might as well be really different. Or maybe I'm just thinking of Grant Green. ... After that one, I'd say the es347 -- especially given the Bigsby; split coils wouldn't add anything for me.

[@Bejaardenbus]

Grant would take the T64 though, with the dog ears.

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

I really like the 525 as well

[@JackiesJohn]

Hi, Rich - Great job with the survey - thanks! Agreed, Eastman’s are a revelation. I got an outstanding price on a late 2016 new Heritage H-555 from Eddy’s Guitars in mid-2017. Burnt Amber on flame maple. Stunning to look at. Scared to ding it up. My error there. Easy to play, though. Better value for me than a Gibson 345 or 355, but without the glorified rep. Came with Seth Lover pickups. Any suggestions on a better match? Take good care. -JohnM (CA, USA)

[@jerrydelcannon9458]

OK, I know this is an old video but I was the lucky winner on fleaBay a few years back of a Heritage 555 finished in Cherry. It's a 2008 model and I bought it in 2011. When I say lucky, I mean it. I put in a bid at the minimum price and nobody else put in a bid. So for $1,425 US I got a Custom Shop H555. What would a CS ES-355 cost? My H555 has the highest build quality and if Heritage's guitars are all of the quality, I don't know why they don't sell more. I guess it's headstock design, but really I can live with it. It came with a set of SD 59s, also a great sounding pup, and the MOP inlays in that beautiful ebony fingerboard are gorgeous. My only compliant is its weight - it is HEAVY. I think I know the real reason the Titanic sunk - it must have struck a H555 -haha.

[@danielmargolis3210]

I just traded for a 2018 t59/v. Seems great.

[@dhart1774]

Great review, no bs, they all sound fantastic but for the price, I'll take the Eastman TV59V all day every day and pick up an Eastman SB55DC/V to boot for around the same price as the others. Eastman = 1600.00 Gibson 347 = 2500.00 - 4000.00 Heritage 535 = 2800.00 Heritage 525 = 2800.00

[@whimpypatrol5503]

When I heard the es347, I thought, "contest over". BUT I never thought the 535 could do a better jazz. And the p90s had a great snappy jazz emily remler rebound which I liked the most. I, however, need a guitar to do jazzy rockabilly with a vintage country/bluegrass banjo/flat picking flair and a modern continental mix of other styles. It's a tough guitar/amp challenge.

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

Awesome insight! Thanks for watching and commenting! What kind of guitar do you play now?

[@whimpypatrol5503]

@@RichSeversonGuitar carved top collings soco and a spruce parkerfly,, and I'm not impressed by the tone -- maybe my choice of amps don't fit semi-hollows (or even hollow) also.

[@gerritcuypers]

The Gibson 347 and the Heritage 535 all the way ! I have a Gibson ES-335 Anchor Stud Bigsby CS and an Eastman T486 . With the ES-335 it feels and plays lake a guitar should and comparing the eastman with that guitars feels like playing a toy guitar. In seperate use it won't be bad but if you play a Gibson afterwards it falls into the deep! Can't beat the real thing, believe me ...

[@rayharris8113]

Thank you Rich - you are an original! BTW Gerrit it's nonsense to say Eastman guitars feel like playing 'toy' guitars. Clearly Rich doesn't agree - but perhaps you've never had one. Maybe some Gibson's are God's own guitars, but when I contemplated buying a 335, I was put off by how variable the lower end Gibby dots and studios are. So I now have 2 x Eastmans: a 486 and T59/v, and I simply can't put them down. This is a common story for those who actually own them and many say they prefer them to 335s apparently. I don't know, as I don't have a 335/345. Not dissing Gibsons by the way, I've heard some amazing ones. Now you might say my playing is toy of course... but not the guitar for sure!

[@gerritcuypers]

​@@rayharris8113 Hi Ray, O.k., toy guitar may be the wrong expression but I've owned a T386 + T486 and the T486 wasn't bad at all ( the T386 was not so good ) depending price/quality but once I've bought myself a Gibson ES-335 Anchor Stud Bigsby VOS , the T486B became a very simple guitar comparing it with the ES-335 VOS. The crafmanship and quality of the used materials and the "feel" are so different. O.k., the Gibson new price was almost 3x but I bought it for €2400 and it is worth every cent. I would never buy an Eastman guitar + €2000 and at that price I would go for a used Gibson ES-335.

[@rayharris8113]

@@gerritcuypers Agreed; It could be because Eastmans have to be less then 7.2lb before they leave the factory I think; so they do prob feel light compared to some Gibsons. Luckily I got my 486 for about €1000 and T59/v for about €1,600. Enjoy your Gibbies!

[@gerritcuypers]

@@rayharris8113 Good prices you've payed for the guitars. The T59/v guitars look great and I'm sure they play and sound very nice! Have lots of fun with the Eastman guitars !

[@noonster55]

I tried to get one of the Eastmans T59v's from a place called Soundpure , waited almost one year. I gave up on the wait and bought a totally different guitar. An 57 Strat reissue. I should have waited. Maybe I can find one somewhere.

[@actionoriented]

Hey there…for anyone looking for Eastman’s..check out Corner Music here in Nashville, great inventory, great staff - very player friendly pro shop.

[@jeffjordan3875]

Wow, great video. The Heritage 535 has that Larry Carlton feel. I like all of the guitars.

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

Thanks for watching and commenting, Jeff!

[@4gcole]

I like the 525!

[@StefanPaul5]

Are you using a Quilter for this demo? I would've liked to hear your thoughts on the Yamaha SA2200 as well, but this is comparison is great. Tone wise tough for me to choose but the Eastman edges out the 535. I happen to be in the market for a semi hollow so price wise, since a new Eastman can be had for under 2K, that makes the Eastman a no brainer for me. Thanks again!

[@kierenmoore3236]

I LOVE 347s 🥰 … Did you fit the Bigsby/have it fitted, yourself; or did you purchase it that way … ? Full, clear sound - my favourite. Incidentally, DF pups are underrated, I think?

[@richardjames6623]

"4 frets can change your life." Ain't that the truth. Great comment sir

[@fabrizioluccitti6960]

Really nice review, entertaining and very useful. Love your smooth playing. Would you recommend the Heritage 535 for a duo project, double bass and guitar or it would be too punchy?

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

A fatter body would be better. An Eagle classic or 575

[@urbin1220]

The Eastman is the best!!!

[@waitaminute7257]

Heritage 525 for me but I liked the others as well.

[@samfarabee2963]

My question is what is the price difference between these guitars? They all sound awesome, and anyone should be happy to gig with any of these.

[@BarneysBullit]

u obviously have the internet...

[@bobhess5986]

Hi Rich, I love your videos and your playing. Why not wear a microphone so we can hear you as well as the guitars. Keep up the great work.

[@chrispile3878]

You really got the touch, Rich!

[@duanewilson3941]

525 heritage has better tone than the rest imo. Hands down.

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

Thanks for your comment Duane!

[@Jkaterchannel]

Richard, have you ever tried the Yamaha SA2200? It is pretty fabulous.

[@Bobby007D]

The Hofner Verythin Standard "Germany" is an upgrade to all the 335 type guitars !!!

[@pattheblues]

Hi, I own a 2014 Ibanez AS153-TQS. Specs wise (to me) it compares to the Gibson 347. Did you ever play an Ibanez AS153? Do you know how it compares to the 347? Kind regards from Belgium ;-)

[@nickvtguitar546]

Which finish is the 535? Autumn sunburst, or almond sunburst? It's beautiful and I wanna buy the right finish!

[@Burnningsoul]

So the Heritage is a hollow body while the other two are semi hollow body's. I"m not sure about eastman but gibson has a hollow body similar to the heritage. P90s for the heritage while the other two have humbuckers. Perhaps a Gibson ES 390 and Eastmans T64/V-GB I think. would seem a closer comparison.

[@thisistimwoods]

The Eastman has the Antiquity pickups, which are hard to beat really. Wpuld be interested to see how the others sound with those pickups. Then it would come down to finishing, personal preference etc. And for some, jingoism 😴

[@DanDoroshDetroitMusic]

I'm 2 years late so hope this will be seen but do you have any personal experience with D'angelico excel series semi hollows?

[@roykressin8229]

Volute: The 347 appears to have this behind the nut, maybe the Eastman also. What do think of that feature on the neck ?

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

If you ever had a headstock snap when the guitar fell you'd appreciate the volute. Much stronger with that feature

[@keithtaylor969]

Whilst all sound wonderful, I play an Epi Sheraton, yes not in the same price bracket, but fantastic sound, but I just cant get that type of sound, I guess it is the amp settings, so my question is what setting have you got on your amp and what amp are you using. I play through a Marshall 30 combo which works well with my Gibson les paul.

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

Quilter Micropro200 with an 8" spkr www.guitarcollege.net/quilter.html

[@gillesgenete9598]

Hi, I have a Sheraton too. For a better jazzy tone, you have to replace the pick ups, for example with Seymour Seth Lovers SH55: expensive but worth it. About the amp, I'm afraid it is difficult to jazz with a Marshall; you may find used Solid State amp, like Roland JC40, for reasonable price, that will allow you the sweet mellow jazz tone. At the end of the day, the fingers of Mr.Severson are not for sale. I hope that helps.

[@Bobby007D]

I use a Hofner Verythin from Germany. I prefer it over any 335 Gibber !

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

I was sponsored by Hofner once and played one. very nice guitars

[@rom553]

Very economical left hand technique, wish I could play that way.

[@pickinstone]

I think they are all great guitars. A lot of people, unfortunately, hear with their eyes instead of their ears with these guitar demos--you know what I mean? Question, are all the tops the same thickness? On full body guitars, at least the one's I tried, the Gibby's and the Heritage's were thick. I like a very thin top, as thin as is structurally sound--I just like the way it sounds.

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

Eastmans are generally built with thinner tops

[@pickinstone]

@@RichSeversonGuitar what about Bennedettos?

[@MrByrd-ep5pd]

All nice. But I prefer the sound of the H525 with the P90s.

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

It has a very sweet sound

[@ishgumi44]

The JSM100 trumps them all. Wish you had it on the demo.

[@dspencer1201]

Do you know if a 335 pick guard would fit onto a Heritage 535? Perhaps need to drill a new hole, that's all?

[@heavenlyguitar5913]

Definitely different tone between thin line guitars and fat body guitars. They definitely have their own voice. You do a great job on the comparisons.

[@keithcampbell9017]

the Eastman is affordable but, has the best blues rock sound of all the guitars, KC

[@danielcornelison4159]

Hey Rich, I was wondering what strap you are using here. It looks comfortable.

[@claymationwaves]

please try a phred guitars dc39

[@mns8732]

Great skill

[@francescozani9488]

They sound all so good that I suspect that, rather than a new guitar, i need better hands... And more lingling 40 hours.

[@noahjuan2234]

Sounding great as always Rich! Kerry's dad!

[@raysmeltzer9317]

Really liked the Eastman.

[@donboudreau9963]

Heritage 535 sounds awesome!

[@JInfinity7]

Duesenberg...but those are mega bux. Like the Heritages too.

[@kirkgardner8772]

Wow, they’re all great!

[@johndellaselva687]

The Gibson 347 was built by the Heritage guys. So a better comparison would be a more current Gibson 335

[@That52TeleGuy]

Bought a Gibson ES-347 brand new somewhere around 1980 and traded it away. Only guitar I have owned that I miss 40 years later. Hotter pickups than the 335 and the coil tap was a nice feature. I now want to get a full hollow like a 330 of the Heritage 530. I like the thinlines when playing standing up vs. a thick body.

[@PeteAxeShields]

Wonderfully informative video Rich, thank you. I am looking at purchasing something similar very soon. I am a huge fan of Eastman guitars. They are amazing value for their quality. I have the AR503CE and it is a wonderful instrument. I am torn between the T59v and the T486. I also like the look and sound of the T64v ( with p90's ) have you played the T486, and if so, how does it compare with the T59v ? - thanks Rich - Pete x

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

I have played a T486 at NAMM didn't knock me out but had a good feel. Can't make a fair comparison sorry

[@PeteAxeShields]

Thanks @@RichSeversonGuitar for the reply - I appreciate your honesty brother x

[@Adipsia1]

My first Eastman was a T-486. A beautifully built guitar, however the Antiquity pickups in the T59v are much more open and articulate. I own both guitars.

[@PeteAxeShields]

@@Adipsia1 Thanks Peter 👍

[@hermanlelieveld]

Great video, thanks!

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

Thanks Herman

[@russk1971]

I agree, the Heritage is like a Gibson but better... My H-150 is an absolute equal to my cousin's custom shop Gary Moore for less than half the price..

[@ozotel]

No flatwound strings here?

[@martinweston7144]

That ES 347 has been changed that much it's not a fair example, pickups have been changed for a start, and it NEVER came with a Bigsby I have 1978 version of the same, the only thing I agree with your is the 78's came with small, flat frets....no big deal if you kept them polished, a very slick guitar than has a lot of different tones available if dialed in correctly....a much underestimated guitar if having the original pickups

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

Why do you think the pickups have been changed? I really don't think they have.

[@martinweston7144]

@@RichSeversonGuitar It doesn't seem to sound as dark as the original ceramic dirty finger pickups on mine, especially in the Bass which I feel does cover the Jazz area, as in a duller muted sound if dialed down on the tone controls I could be wrong as it could be the amp/guitar combo you are using that makes me think this, also the original pickups were Gold plated, even my well worn 1978 still has plenty of Gold plating left on the pickup covers. I agree about the weight of this beast, a real shoulder killer and arm stretcher when carrying it in a case, and definitely one for playing sitting down, unless you do what Jeff Beck does when playing a Les Paul, and that's using a strap that spreads the weight over both shoulders

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

@@martinweston7144 I think the pickups are original

[@perfectfan2006]

guild starfire ,,washburn hb 335

[@daviddorrian5349]

The V in the eastman t59v stands for varnish not vintage. They highlight the Varnish with the V as its finished like a traditional instrument with violin varnish 😊

[@rayharris8113]

I thought it stood for 'violin'. You're right it doesn't stand for vintage though. They use nitrocellulose varnish (on the 386/486) and varnish applied using a french polishing technique on the T59/v.

[@daviddorrian5349]

@@rayharris8113 on the sb59v's and the T59v's they finish them in a thin violin varnish finish. Mid range in nitro and lower gloss. I meant to type violin varnish not just violin. The V stands for Violin varnish. How many times can you stay violin varnish in one statement 🤣

[@rayharris8113]

@@daviddorrian5349 watch me...vvvvvvvvvvv :'-)))