Shootout! Eastman SB55/v vs Gibson Lukas Nelson '56 Les Paul Junior

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

I recently bought a new Eastman 55SB/v on sale and love it. I havent touched my other guitars in weeks. Including my Gibson LP Standard.This being said, I did have to file down two of the nut slots. This being my first LP junior style guitar, and loving it, I am going to buy a Gibson LP Junior.

[@spencerfreed6947]

Thanks for the comparison video!! I appreciate the dialog especially in regards to the specs and your impressions of the guitars in your hands. Nothings worse to me than demo videos that are strictly playing. All that to say I appreciated the variety of content you provided. I've been wanting a single p90 pickup guitar for awhile and have fallen in love with the Eastman SB55 DC/V model. They really make some fantastic custom instruments at a truly affordable price.

[@breathemyvapours]

Spencer - continually more and more impressed with the Eastman as it settles in. This thing gives me everything I want from a Junior-style guitar!

[@jltrem]

I've played an Eastman SB59/v. I can imagine this is no doubt as lovely.

[@shawneec1111]

How does it sound playing early 70s metal and classic rock? Like Black Sabbath or mountain for example

[@jltrem]

@@shawneec1111 I have no idea. I didn't play anything like that. I played straight into an amp as I wanted to hear what the guitar itself sounded like.

[@bradyoung1052]

Just ordered the eastman, thanks for the video.

[@mskcouric]

Just picked one of these up. Unreal playability. The pickup is nasty.

[@breathemyvapours]

Which did you decide to go with?

[@Livelaughlimpbizkit]

I have same Eastman sb55/v in this video, absolutely love it. The p90 as you can tell from this video is very fender sounding, I was trying to put some shielding tape in today but it’s so hard to get the pots out. I also don’t notice any difference between having the tone pot on 10 or nocking it back a notch (removing from circuit). Hardware is amazing, all feels incredible quality. Still have the daddario ny xl that came with it, those things last forever

[@matta.4816]

Very very helpful! Thanks for the comparison.

[@TheFairway8]

Let them eat Jellybeans Alternative Tentacles bought that album way back in 82 brilliant US punk showcase. Interesting vid too

[@mattwilliams3104]

I’ll take the handmade one that’s half the price

[@dragui9932]

Thank you for doing this! Was about to buy an eastman but i really prefer the tone of the Gibson. The eastman seems brighter and thiner, the Gibson more full, more "3D" to my ears.

[@breathemyvapours]

Happy to read - that’s exactly why I made the vid! Glad it was helpful

[@Uptown59]

Doug and Pat (KZbin) did a P90 shootout with several P90s including Lollers and his P90s were rather polite, but articulate sounding compared to a stock Gibson and most of the other P90s.

[@maxtilley8357]

Thanks for the vid. I ordered the Eastman recently, mainly because the Nelson is going to be impossible to get here in Australia without paying a premium. Think I'll be happy! But the Nelson sounded great overdriven.....

[@breathemyvapours]

You’ll be happy with the Eastman. It’s a great guitar.

[@dominicmcmahon4798]

im in melbourne. where did you order this guitar from bro? and do you like it?

[@maxtilley8357]

@@dominicmcmahon4798 hopefully getting it next week. Getting it from Music Junction .....

[@dominicmcmahon4798]

@@maxtilley8357 what is it costing you? They don't have them listed on their website....

[@maxtilley8357]

@@dominicmcmahon4798 $1800. I know they're Eastman dealers, so I rang them. Tim is awesome....

[@CG-gp2bh]

Eastman wins for me it has life and sparkle the Gibson don’t have Just listen to the acoustical sound as the guitars are strummed more acoustic life

[@standingbadger]

Just bought an Eastman t386 and when I went to pick it up from the shop I tried the sb55 dc that was there too. It instantly felt like my guitar - the one I’ve had forever, the one I’ve sweated, bled, coughed and cried on, the one that has suffered with me through every vicissitude of life and has never let me down. I want it so much now. Anyway, fantastic review here. Thanks for keeping it free from soporific Widdle and Blues self-indulgence and tragedic tone pot range-testing. Very much appreciated 🙏🏼 Subscribed. Blessings from Sunny Devon in the UK.

[@breathemyvapours]

Thanks for getting it on every level!! Hope you end up taking that DC home sooner than later.

[@cpk313]

I appreciate this video Kris. I have been looking at the eastman and a standard junior with the alnico V p90 and will it certainly isn't going to be exactly like the Lukas there is something about the Gibsons that are more align to the sound I was looking for. The Eastman is a little too composed and it comes across a bit jangly over the excellence that is youtube's audio quality. Also for lack of a better term the Gibson just has more balls and really isn't that what a junior's all about. Again thanks is was really helpful.

[@MegaChoo2]

Really good shootout man, thank you.

[@davrowb]

Thanks for the video I’m currently in the process of deciding which one too buy , only played the Eastman so far , need to try out the Jnr next week ! My Christmas present to myself 😂 🤘

[@breathemyvapours]

Are you able to try out a Lukas Nelson? Or the original collection Junior?

[@davrowb]

@@breathemyvapours original hopefully still not tried it yet

[@ESANANIKONE]

Thanks for the video. Big fan of juniors and esquires. I was on the verge buying the Lukas Nelson, only hesitating with the korina p90 offset telecaster for the more original style but still the p90 growl. Nice playing and nice vid.

[@garypannone7755]

One vote for the Gibson Luke Nelson.

[@juliotiusanen4259]

Hi Kris! Thanks for the video. I'm not able to try any of the two were I live, so I'll have to take a gamble. But I think I'll be going for the Eastman. I've heard their attention to detail is top notch. So I expect it to have a nicer neck, more rolled fingerboard edges, and a better fret dress. Would you agree on that? Or is the Gibson on par with the Eastman in those features?

[@breathemyvapours]

Hey Julio! I have to preface with saying it seems to me that Gibson US has stepped up their attention to detail in 2020, or maybe I just got a good one, but I’m impressed with the work on the Nelson. I truly think either guitar goes toe to toe with a Custom Shop Junior - the Nelson is miles ahead of their regular run Junior IMO, which even that in turn has gotten much better in 2020 than previous years. In particular, the neck profile really blew me away. It feels just like the ‘56 Juniors and R6’s that I’ve played, it’s right there. The Eastman is more like a ‘59 but with more of a V profile than a C, it’s pretty cool, definitely a unique take that fits the guitar wonderfully. No fret issues on either guitar - edges are smooth.

[@baabaabaa2293]

I've been after the DC or SB for over a yr... Saved up & they'd all sold out ffs! Not a bad t-shirt either mate!

[@breathemyvapours]

Cheers! Are they sold out?? No kidding!

[@baabaabaa2293]

In Australia, everytime a shipment comes in.. they're gone mate. I've got a Parlour (crackin guitar)... They'll take pre orders, but never know when they'll arrive. When l first started saving, they were $1400AU...now $1900/2100. Bastards!

[@breathemyvapours]

@@baabaabaa2293 Sheesh! They know they've got a good one!

[@baabaabaa2293]

@@breathemyvapours Mate... stupidly l had a strum on a SC in a shop & was blown away...it made the LP Jr look stupid! l shdve put a fkn deposit on it! But naa, I'll come in with cash & get a bit more off of retail!

[@aaronoid1]

Good comparison. I prefer the Gibson P90 sound. Cheers.

[@m.sundin7186]

Hi, great video. You should do more (and maybe you have, I haven't checked yet..)

[@breathemyvapours]

Thank you! Would love to. Gear acquisition has slowed for me a bit, but hope to do some more of these!

[@GIBKEL]

Any issue with intonation on either brand? I bought a 2020 Les Paul jr and it wasn’t in the ballpark no matter neck adj. or bridge adj-I didn’t dare chase a different after market as US.Mail took a dump and had to a turn around return time-rural world problems. I have a SB59 after chasing that tone and it beat out the few Gibsons I could get my hand on. I’m waiting for there SG clone out of Eastman if they should dare? I love a v-ish shaped neck. The Gibson was a bit meaner...., lollar had a bit more range different magnet maybe. Both sounded great.

[@breathemyvapours]

I’ve set up the Eastman since I initially got it. The Gibson I’m still rocking the initial setup that a shop did. Nothing out of the ordinary on either with a wraptail!

[@GIBKEL]

@@breathemyvapours -mine was a covid purchase through Sweetwater....ehh but I was hoping for an Eastman SG clone this past virtual NAMM. Didn’t happen. Might just take a swing with the Eastman as I’ve just loved everything they’ve done. Don’t get me wrong...I love me some Gibson. Having a 34’ LOO delivered tomorrow. What was I thinking? I just so connect with acoustic instruments but Ive had a late in life love for the electric has developed alongside it. Especially, older amp circuits from the 50’s and 60’s. I did watch that batch of instruments that Sweetwater got and everyone from that batch of Gibson LP jrs got returned and resold discount so maybe it was a bad batch. Their acoustics have definitely improved. I’m close to the Mt factory and have seen quite a few come throughout past 20 years and you really had to pick them. Was sad to see the Memphis Custom-shop close. Really enjoyed your comparison and for giving some love to Eastman. It’s like a giant compared to an ant but they get short shrift.

[@breathemyvapours]

@@GIBKEL Agree with you on the acoustics. I played a half dozen J45's before I found the one for me.,

[@dsmanpr1]

Sounds just like black hole sun from soundgarden on that lukas nelson

[@ahhoiboy]

Les paul junior and a satellite amp What are you Johnny Wickersham (Socail Distortion)? They should have done a Brian Baker (Bad Religion) Gibson model instead of Lucas Nelson.

[@breathemyvapours]

Amen to that, Eric!

[@alwaysevolving281]

Do you still have these? The eastman just looks more interesting to my eyes these day. JThe subtle modern appointments make it a bit more appealing.

[@breathemyvapours]

I still have the Eastman! Ended up letting the Lukas go when I had some house expenses come up

[@alwaysevolving281]

@@breathemyvapours That's awesome, man. What made you decide to keep the Eastman over the Gibson? Btw, loved the Bad Religion riff there.

[@breathemyvapours]

@@alwaysevolving281 Honestly, the value played a big part in it, but really they're quite neck and neck guitars, just a matter of preference. The Eastman is a whole pound lighter, has my favorite modern production P90, really snappy with the ebony board, and being able to take the tone pot out of the circuit is really cool as well. Just suited me more than the Nelson.

[@rainman3628]

Kris, you still like’n that Lukas Nelson Jr. or ready to sell it? “If you haven’t already” I’m looking to buy one!

[@breathemyvapours]

Ended up selling it a couple years ago! Bought a house, needed a new roof, value shot up. So it goes! Was a great guitar. Still happily rocking the Eastman

[@christianlacheze3323]

LP more mid-rangey, E more jangly and lively.

[@mladengrubelic873]

The Gibson sounds bigger. 'More Gibson' if you like. No aftermarket P90 sounds as good as a good Gibson P90. Lollars are great, but they are not Gibson. Close, but different.

[@belo1971]

The finish too 🤣 ! No matter to speak about the tuning issues too ? Gibson makes bullshit for the price ....

[@robertthompson6302]

It’s hard to experience the Eastman until you get one in your hands... they sound great, but the feel is scary good.

[@alraymond1618]

Intonation problems with those bridges worse on one or the other?

[@breathemyvapours]

Sorry for the delay, Al! No intonation issues with either bridge!

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

The bridge on my new Eastman is fine, the nut was another story. ha

[@seanfried5583]

Both were good... I am not fan of new Gibsons but the Lukas Nelson was a little better. Nothing like a good Jr.

[@breathemyvapours]

Do you mean to say “there’s nothing like a good Junior”? Or that the Lukas Nelson is nothing like a good Junior? Haha

[@seanfried5583]

@@breathemyvapours HA! OK good point. Sorry, there is nothing like a good Junior. I think both of these are good, listening through computer speakers via internet, both of these sound good. The Lukas seems to have a little more of that kick ass JR thing. A good 50’s Jr is still better but not 4 or 5 thousand dollars better. If you can’t get it done with one of these....learn to play better.

[@breathemyvapours]

@@seanfried5583 Totally agree! As someone who's owned a couple of vintage Juniors, these come dangerously close to the real deal, and at their price points plus not having to deal with the fussiness of a vintage guitar, I'm totally content with these.

[@jamesross8026]

The second version had a ton of talking as well😢

[@frankenstein4106]

I was going to get the Lukas Nelson Jr, but Gibson had kept pushing shipping dates back when a mint Eastman SB55/V came available at a local dealer. I've had a couple Gibson Jr's in the past, but the Eastman is one of the easiest playing and best sounding guitars I own! I liked it so much, I ended up getting a mint Eastman SB59/V and I am equally pleased with the sound and playability. I see that Eastman is raising the price of the SB55/V to $1490.

[@mskcrc]

What was it before? $1200?

[@breathemyvapours]

Congrats on the 55! I agree, it’s a super breezy playing guitar. I definitely want to try a 59 - I’m not much of a humbucker player these days, but I have an ‘85 LP Standard, has the amazing Shaws, but it’s heavy, and the neck profile is smaller than I’d like. Thinking it may do the trick. Are they really raising the price on the 55 in the US? The pricing varies depending on the country. @mxsxkxcrc It’s been $1189 in the US, from what I’ve seen.

[@frankenstein4106]

They were $1189 on their website before also, but now I see they are showing at a higher price, so I would expect that will show in the next batch coming.

[@breathemyvapours]

@@frankenstein4106 Wow, no kidding. Well, glad I grabbed one when I did! I actually bought it second hand, as well.

[@michaelaugust3626]

@@breathemyvapours Notice how Chip has NO content on his page???

[@iagobroxado]

I prefer the sound of the Gibson P90.

[@sojerz1044]

Do you still have the Scamp? How do you like it compared to other amps you've owned?

[@breathemyvapours]

Oh yeah, sure do. I love it. Dunno if I really have a pecking order of my amps, but I like it just as much as any of the others I own

[@shawneec1111]

I gotta say, the Gibson lukas nelson signature les paul junior sounds a bit beefier then the Eastman SB55 in higher gain setting. I also gravitate toward more to the Gibson lukas nelson signature model because it sounds more like Leslie West tone back in his mountain days.

[@breathemyvapours]

Definitely does. It overall has a beefier feel to it, too. The Eastman is quicker, lighter, smooth, and the Nelson is definitely more stout in every aspect.

[@shawneec1111]

Kris Hayes indeed, can’t go wrong with either of those guitars. I do think Eastman guitars are a better value and has craftsmanship then today’s Gibson guitars.. If you wanted an actual 50s Gibson guitar without spending 20 grand go to Eastman.

[@bobpike8050]

With a Boss GE7 beef is always on the menu.

[@ChrisEffort]

Great shoot out. Eastman all the way for me.

[@maltyne1]

Eastman is more expensive. Why would you?

[@breathemyvapours]

In the US, the Eastman is actually quite a few bucks cheaper. The Lukas Nelson retails at $1599, and the SB55 at $1189.

[@drapps4443]

Why? Hand carved craftsmanship, one piece body, nicer / more labor intensive finish… I do like the Gibson pickup sound better but I’ll take the Eastman and swap to something a little higher output any day of the week!

[@briancoyne6700]

Next shootout, have ten riffs to play on each guitar, back to back. No stories. In and out. Think of your viewer ;)

[@markhill9275]

Actually, i have an Agile AD201 (2 P90's) , that is every bit as good, if not better than these, it really growls when pushed, but the low gain clarity is starting to get into Judith Durham clarity territory! So nope, neither of these interest me, when you consider i paid $180 2nd, and another $150 for a fully intonatable wraparound bridge. Gave it a good set up myself, the neck is just awesome. Given that Eastman are now pricing themselves into Gibson territory, and Gibson are way overpriced, i could not justify either

[@keithnorvell3583]

Too much talking

[@breathemyvapours]

Thanks Keith!!

[@goodear1540]

Gibson literally destroyed the Eastman.

[@breathemyvapours]

Thanks for your feedback! Did you end up snagging one?

[@ronprice9260]

i dont care how good eastmqan is ill never buy nothing from china

[@breathemyvapours]

Good to have options!

[@nikodom8203]

Why tho

[@evvignes]

You buy things from China all the time.

[@denieledwards6893]

TOO MUCH TALK AND NOT THAT GOOD OF A PLAYER .

[@breathemyvapours]

Always appreciate the caps lock

[@denieledwards6893]

@@breathemyvapours I DON'T HAVE ONE.

[@multipipi1234]

Very informative.

[@evvignes]

TOO MUCH CAPS LOCK AND NOT THAT GOOD OF A PERSON .

[@denieledwards6893]

@@evvignes YOUR OPINION NOTHING MORE