The Les Paul Standard Killer?! || Eastman SB59 Antique Varnish Demo/Review

[@agufish]

Lol and we’re back! Sorry for the lack of new content, moving blows. Serious question, though: new Rambo any good?

[@frontline205]

Agufish new Rambo is a bit cheesy and cliche but still has over the top action and violence

[@DJ_V_squared]

You'll love it if you're into the whole MAGA sh*t.

[@EasyHeat]

Great review! These look sick AF!!

[@whyuyellinginmyear3476]

That track is the new Rambo....

[@EvelynRoods]

@@frontline205 that's just Rambo (new and old) in a nutshell XD

[@rachelkaiser8108]

This guitar has made a case queen of my LP Standard.. l bought the same exact color and finish, vintage cherry varnish, the aged finish on this guitar is like no other on the planet, the smooth very broke in feel l have not experienced to this extent on any custom shop relic job. The joy of not having to worry about a possible bump or lil ding here and there is such a luxury... it only adds character but being varnish it's like one of a kind feel, between gloss and satin.. unique! As are every guitar they make.. no two are alike.. no two necks are identical in shape being hand crafted. Ebony, top of the line switch's, pots, jack, pick ups and REAL Mother of Pearl (not pearloid plastic)along with a ebony truss rod cover instead of plastic and 3/16" ebony overlay on the headstock not to mention a true one piece mahogany neck.. this means you will NEVER have separation on the headstock of the two outter wings Gibson glues on their headstock that very often is cracked through the paint showing its multi piece construction failing. You may not agree but it is a better guitar for several reasons. If it was made in the US it would sell for $4-$6k without a doubt so it's one and only true disadvantage to Gibson is undoubtedly re-sale, but you said it well..."if you buy an SB.. you most likely will not be selling it!" I could not agree more..liked it so much l bought a T185mx BD that is a work of art.. top of the line 335 style guitar with hand carved top, bottom and sides, hollow body without a full block running the length of the body, just a small piece under the bridge.. not laminate like a Gibson. Yes.. for China they are pricey but they are VERY HIGH END INSTUMENTS!!! You get MUCH more than you pay for.. Buy with confidence!!

[@philfrank9226]

Eastman is really unique.

[@marcoesposito8753]

I actually am in love with that color

[@oscarenriquegarcia3157]

Dude that demo track is pretty awesome :)

[@agufish]

Thanks, dude. Had a lot of fun with this one :)

[@oscarenriquegarcia3157]

@@agufish By the way, what do you think about the AILD album????

[@agufish]

Didn't even know it was out! Gonna listen on Spotify right now

[@damienalvarez2957]

Kind of reminds me of the character/story select music from the Sonic Adventure games.

[@caerwyn5881]

I'm very simple, i see an upload, i watch :)

[@billdornbush5643]

I have the exact same guitar. I've had it for 2 months now and absolutely love it. My Strat Elite, Gretch 6128T and Gibson Sg have taken a back seat for now. I agree; this is the nicest guitar I have played.

[@donewithmodernlife]

I used to work at a shop that is an Eastman dealer. I can tell you that their qc is second to none. Every Eastman I picked up was a solid, well built instrument made of quality materials. I’ve been wanted to add an LP to my collection & I think these varnished Eastmans are the way to go. Gibson custom shop quality at 1/3 the price.

[@davidburke2132]

Done With It Erm? How much do you think Gibson Custom Shop guitars start at?!! Lol. I would have thought that having worked in the industry you’d have a bit of a better idea. Sure you CAN pay 3 times as much for a Custom Shop Les Paul as for this guitar, but the 57 Goldtop is at MSRP of $4700 right now, which means that the Eastman is over half the price of one of those. Still a great alternative such that it really doesn’t need people to resort to inaccuracies and hyperbole to sell it. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@mcmillanalex]

Through a Canadian retailer, the Eastman SB59/v is $2799 CAD. There are 6 Gibson Custom Shop guitars in the $3000-$5000 range, and 78 in the $5000-$15,000 range. The least expensive Gibson Custom Shop, which is still a full $900 more than the Eastman, is an awful-looking Slash Victoria Les Paul Standard. I think the original comment is spot on; the mark-up for a Gibson is because they're selling an idea of authenticity and prestige, both of which mean nothing to the feel and tone of the instrument.

[@jcoulter43]

Better late to the party than never Hunter! Loved your opening riff, very "Slash-esque". Eastman makes the LP killer, let the lawsuits commence. Great to see you back. Every channel that has reviewed one of these has been blown away. God bless and rock on 🎸😎👍

[@cflowers69]

Picked up the Eastman gold top. You were spot on with this review - I am beyond happy with this guitar. Glorious!

[@zacharygoldberg5457]

How much for the Goldtop and where did you get it?

[@cflowers69]

I picked it up from Strings and Things in Concord,.NH. $1300. It is amazing.

[@cflowers69]

I want to thank you for this review. Picked up the goldtop and It is.blowing my mind. I have been playing for 35 years now. Have been thro school for it, and played professionally for many years. I have had many guitars, but only a few that I have fallen in love with. This guitar is just beyond, man. The sound and playability is just soooooo freaking good. I cannot suggest this guitar and manufacturer enough. I am certainly going to pick up another. These ARE forever guitars, truly. They are so well built. The only issue is how badly it puts to shame the othwr guitars I have. ESPECIALLY my Gibsons.

[@leonardorechsteiner5429]

Gibson: Oh good heavens, just look at the time! Lawsuit time!

[@agufish]

LOL. pls no hahaha

[@leonardorechsteiner5429]

@@agufishR U authentic yet?

[@craigdetroit]

Eastman: Cease and desist works sweet from China bruh...come at us.

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

Good luck in a Chinese court! Lol

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

@@s1iznc1d34 The 1930's called. They want their racist conspiracy theories back.

[@christophermills9348]

Best demo track so far, great review as always Hunter looking forward to the next one and excited about the Thomman project !

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

Tried one of these. I like the finish the most. The varnish feels and looks very cool.

[@cflowers69]

Just picked up this very guitar that you reviewed. I love it. Your review was spot on and it is awesome.

[@CacklingAntagonist]

Favourite demo track of yours possibly ever! Great content mate

[@agufish]

Appreciate it dude!

[@JimmyRadloff]

I'm digging these Eastman guitars lately. I just recently bought an Eastman T184MX....all of their guitars are stellar, including their acoustics

[@WEIRDONG_MARINO]

Congratulations, 300 videos

[@agufish]

lol I know you been waiting a while :)

[@WEIRDONG_MARINO]

Yeah man, great content. You just can’t help but be honest can you? Lol

[@TMmodify]

Wow. Not only is the guitar great,but you as a player definitely improved. Maybe the guitar inspires you THAT much.

[@thechris2477]

Loved your playing at the beginning🤘🏼

[@jrose92081]

My guitar player has a little bit older Eastman model similar looking to that one. They really are a work of art. He hasn’t picked up his LP since.

[@rolandlemus203]

This is by far one of your best playing demos in the intro, VERY cool, and the tone quality is just better than before, I don't know what you did, but sounds great:) you also look like you are having a blast playing that guitar, can't fake that:) Nice demo!

[@robj144]

I got one of these a few weeks ago. It was a demo model and in nearly perfect shape for about $1400. Amazing guitar and better than any Gibson I've ever played. A caveat is that I have not played any custom shop Gibson's though... my guess this is up there with them for like 1/3 the price.

[@waylonlevins]

Dude I love all of your demo songs, it amazes me how you’re able to keep them fresh. Have you ever thought about releasing a CD or an album or whatever, I would rock that shit!

[@Solelova67]

I’m glad your checking out the Eastman!!

[@maxscardanelli6185]

I hope that you enjoyed the Slipknot concert. I know that I did when I saw them at Knotfest France back in June. It was my first time seeing them after a decade of listening to them and man, they didn't disappoint!

[@lancefraijo8585]

Eastman thank you for making great guitars.

[@martincabeza3008]

300 hundred videos? Wow, congrats! And that eastman looks fucking gorgeous!

[@soundknight]

YES! Been waiting for this! After decades of keeping their guitars out of reach of musicians $$$$ Gibson deserves this (music wins).

[@sb632]

Tone wise for me anyways I could hear a tone very similar to early on Godsmack. Which Tony's sound on the first 3 albums is one of my favorite guitar tones of all time. Nice to see so many good quality instruments on the market now days.

[@anthonyward8587]

Fantastic review man. Much Appreciated, you have done a great job here. All the best from Australia. :)

[@timothymccune2101]

I love your intro's and your writing . To all the na sayer's finger up. rock on young man

[@agufish]

Thanks Timothy :)

[@dangeorge809]

I have had the same guitar in gold burst for nearly two years. Such a fantastic guitar to play, and the tones are beautiful to. I'm not a fan of "relicking", but Eastman's done it really tastefully and not over the top like the major brands can.

[@dubldeez5784]

Way better than most of the Gibson's. i am on my 6th Gibson LP and i just picked up my first Eastman. It is so beautiful and is so pure it is amazing. The last time I felt this was about a guitar was when I first played my Vigier GV Wood. which BTW, You need to play. If Agufish checks out the Vigier GV it will blow his mind. Best LP without question.

[@AllanGildea]

Superb demo track, top class.

[@andybungert]

Demo track was bomb! Great review as always!

[@Slowhanfan]

Eastman started out as makers of fine classical instruments - violins, cellos..etc. My son plays an Eastman upright bass - very nice instrument. And I swear by their acoustics.

[@jitsroller]

The music sounds freaking awesome. Great mix, I want an Eastman dang it!

[@carnivaltym]

They are nitro for the colour layer, then reliced, then the hand rubbed varnish over the top. Also note Gotoh offer aged locking tuners if you want that.

[@Zoso981]

I was fortunate enough to play an Eastman just yesterday at my local guitar shop. I was FLOORED, they do killer work. It almost made me rethink my latest Gibson investment. Almost.🎸👍

[@RockinfromtheGrave]

Is it because of a difference in the sound? or the feel? What is it about Gibson that still makes them a little better than Eastman for you?

[@Zoso981]

@@RockinfromtheGrave to me it's the feel/ My Les Paul has the fat 50's style neck which I love. Plus, the 490R/498T is my absolute favorite pickup set,. But I realize that tone and feel are both subjective

[@mcdee56]

You are a natural at this! THX

[@carnivaltym]

Good, thanks, I'll mention you when I order.

[@petebrown3715]

Hey Hunter, Great post and the guitar is sick.

[@joeykelly5642]

I agree with you on the lack of modern features (rounded heel joint, strap locks, tuning pegs that don't look like snot)... It's not a Gibson, so they don't need to please any cork-sniffers. Great guitar, though. I haven't seen a single negative review on it yet.

[@arthurc1971]

Hunter that guitar sounds killer. Great playing.

[@Masterfighterx]

Holy crap that demo track is awesome!

[@paulgilbert4]

Awesome! Keep it coming Hunter this is great content influx!

[@277southtombob]

I really like the shape of the Eastman. It’s nearly like a smaller L5-S which I’ve always loved the look of.

[@lancefraijo8585]

Agufish great review

[@davidhurtado2725]

They do really great bow string instruments too and their cello cases are top notch without breaking the bank. I had a bike accident where I had my cello on my back with the Eastman case and nothing happened to my cello. Like it didn’t even go out of tune. Lovely customer service too.

[@garyclay5595]

Gary from Tasmania. It looks and sounds brilliant! I'm going to buy one. Thanks for the video. Terrific!

[@ZiddersRooFurry]

I haven't wanted a guitar this bad since I started playing when I was 12 way back in '86. This is an amazing looking and sounding instrument. It has that '59 LP sound. Amazing.

[@ZiddersRooFurry]

@@Relayer6a ...my point was however it's set up it has that classic sound TO ME.

[@ahiwalter9153]

“my voice is gonna crack a lot, because I went to slipnot yesterday” so many layers lmao

[@aaronsearle4307]

Not only is the neck heel on Eastman’s SB range not a problem, it’s actually an improvement over the heel on a Gibson Les Paul (which is the obvious comparison). Sure, the heel on the Eastman is more abrupt. The curve has a tighter radius. But why is that? Because the Gibson neck starts getting thicker earlier. The Gibson neck starts widening at the 13th fret and gets progressively thicker until the heel at the 14th fret. By contrast, the Eastman neck stays thin until just before the 14th fret heel. You could say that the Gibson has a smoother or more subtle carve, but this is at the expense of dealing with a neck that gets thicker earlier. So here are two takeaways: 1) While visually the Eastman appears to have a more severe neck join, when you stop looking at it and start playing it the difference is so subtle you’re unlikely to notice any difference. 2) If anything, the Eastman gives improved upper fret access compared to the Gibson because the neck remains thinner all the way to the 14th fret.

[@sugameltpastriescoffee7186]

Haven't been as impressive as I should be with Gibson, really interested in getting one of the Eastman LPs in my hands, great video

[@hotsmudgesundae]

MSRP is around 2500, but most dealers are selling these for around 1800, just a heads up bud!

[@Theronimus]

Back to the roots, and make it better... that's eastman

[@moparbryan]

Ok so I’ve had a chance to hold on of these in my hands, and they are really nice! But one thing that doesn’t make sense is the bridge studs. They are seemingly meant to be a vintage style spec with smaller threaded studs as opposed to the common metric studs, but where they come thru the bridge they are smaller than the hole? And they’re threaded so the bridge can move around. You can see this in your video. I played the guitar for awhile and could actually get the bridge to move a little when tuning. I would also imagine it would require an intonation check with every string change? I checked several of them and all of them had enough slop in the bridge to pin area to move quite a bit backwards and forwards. The pin seems to be about 2/3rds the size of the hole in the bridge or there about?

[@clamus68]

Standard vintage ABR 1 style Bridge. They could move around as well.

[@moparbryan]

Carlos Lamus they were obviously going for the ABR-1 but it’s way looser than that (I have 2 Les Paul’s with ABR-1 bridges). My guess is that they used the Gotoh ABR replacement bridge but used a metric thread stud either way it’s not up to par with the outstanding quality of the rest of the guitar. These are by far and again the nicest instruments I’ve seen come out of China I’d say there on par with the ESP Japan stuff. Not as good fretwork wise as ESP custom shop but very nice aside from the bridge

[@maxscardanelli6185]

Last time I was this early, Hunter had a different top on!...

[@agufish]

hahahahah

[@maxscardanelli6185]

@@agufish Senpai noticed me! Also, great video and riffing as always man!

[@lordPix3lUK]

Eastman wipe the floor with gibson

[@toddflowers8052]

Nice axe ! Congrats ! Sorry about the move,I hate moving !

[@nicktopping2484]

Gorgeous!

[@mathtrixmusiclix4248]

Lol. Love the thumbnail!!

[@Mcsteveberry]

jesus christ your amp rig is fantastic

[@agufish]

It’s definitely not bad lol

[@peterphan5426]

You're the reason I want to spend all my money 😂

[@agufish]

Peter Phan whoops lol

[@marziograva]

I believe the best alternative to Gibson LPs are the guitars coming out of Gibson’s historical Kalamazoo factory: Heritage Guitar Inc. Those are Gibson Custom level at Gibson Standard price.

[@jips123]

I have one and it is fantastic.. Resonant, nice to play, good sound and looks great (I have the gold/sunburst varnish).

[@Bry-dt8kz]

Sweet amp collection

[@davidbloom2373]

Beautiful guitar wow custom shop

[@JH-ks9oi]

Rhett Shull absolutely agrees with you, his Murphy labs 59 Les Paul vs Eastman Les Paul "which unexpectedly impressed him".. It wasn't antique'd like yours, so his preference for the 59 Murphy lab was because the worn in feeling like she's been played for 60yrs.. But the tone was unequaled, not surprising from a Beijing China classical instrument makers for generations

[@Ghosy01]

Literal chibson better than Gibson . Should be branded authentic

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

Ghosy01 made in China yes but same as Chibson no !

[@aaronsearle4307]

It’s not a Chibson. Chibson is a forgery of Gibson. These don’t have the Gibson name on the headstock.

[@TheZooropaBaby]

also Eastman has made acoustic instruments in China for quite a while so they def have more cred than typical Chinese companies

[@Ghosy01]

@Wade Sweet not sure if returned faster than my 2017 standard with the fretboard lifting off the neck. guitar makers make mistakes big deal.

[@GMec78]

I kept waiting for Mark to appear behind you like Rambo

[@ironeddie3911]

I have 2 say that it’s a very sweet looking guitar 🎸 and the color is beautiful also.🎶I’m a Gibson guy 🙄I still would purchase one....

[@philfrank9226]

You made me buy this guitar. I never thought, that I buy a chinese guitar for that money. In 2 days I know more.

[@flowryan5829]

Sooooooo, tell us more!

[@philfrank9226]

@@flowryan5829 Really a great guitar. One of my favorites.

[@bflo5210]

Awesome review....in fact thanks to you I had to buy one!😂😂😂 I was on the verge of buying a les paul slash model and for some reason this video popped up in my KZbin suggested videos....well after a lot of research I can't find 1 bad review....not even 1!?! Crazy.... anyways I just wanted to say thanks for saving me probably around $1000 & what will probably be a better guitar! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@agufish]

Dude you’re going to love it! There’s a reason there aren’t any bad reviews lol. Let me know when you get it and what you think

[@bflo5210]

@@agufish got my Eastman sb59/v this morning....holy crap that thing is amazing...flawless...stunning... stellar....so glad I bought it... your review was spot on!🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻😎😎😎

[@agufish]

The Southern Creek Band haha told you you were going to love it!

[@rolandlemus203]

12:00 minutes of secret authentic gem sounds.:)

[@Incaensio]

Just..... Yeah.

[@guitarz]

Great guitars

[@stringspicksandfiddlestick6388]

Two years from now I'll buy one for $700 at a pawn shop.

[@BOUZOUKISIGNIS]

How is the playability in comparison to a les paul. Access to the upper frets. Weight balance? I find myself not so comfy with a les paul. Due to the extend weight.

[@dennismoody1036]

Hey man. Great work as always. I have a chance to get either an Eastman sb59 goldburst or a Chapman ml2 pro modern for around 900 . Which would you choose an why ? Thanks in advance for your opinion.

[@johnnymiller8766]

I got the black beauty version and I love mine

[@cflowers69]

Man, my ONLY issue with both this one and my goldtop Eastman are the tiny strap buttons. The strap jumped off quite a few times while playing them - especially the upper one by the switch. Fixed that with larger strap buttons from vintage forge.

[@zanejones831]

You should try a Heritage Les Paul next Hunter.

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

Wow that's a heck of a guitar ☺ Its no less Paul!

[@75vettemaon]

It’s a beauty. And for that kind of money it should be.

[@cflowers69]

GAWD but you present a strong argument for purchase of this one.... only in goldtop config. Damn, I might be heading down to pick it up tomorrow.

[@seanborthwick7858]

Hey Hunter! Any updates on the new Harley Benton guitars?

[@blkjakk]

Gibson FTW! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻😁

[@cullentheirishman6396]

I think for this to be a Gibson killer it would have to be considerably cheaper than what I paid for my Gibsons. Just saying. By the way, I I used your old review of your dsl100 and bought the same amp, the thing is a monster!

[@albertomarmi2499]

Great review!😎 P.s: editing error at 1:22 lollar pickup.😊

[@agufish]

And “Goth” hardware but that’s what happens when you’re a shit video editor lolll

[@maideo]

Please do a demo on Wolf WLP 750T 2019.

[@georgethompson1535]

After years of searching I finally found the perfect guitar it is the luke 3 bfr ssh

[@jameshill2015]

$2.5k? I purchased mine at a time the street price went from $1750.00 to $1875.00.. l paid $1875 because of the guitars available at $1750 none of them had a really nice top on them so l paid a lil more (which is now the common price) and very glad l did. As Eastman continue to improve on the overall quality of their guitars which they have in the last 2 or 3 years, made incredible strives to rival the finest made guitars there is.. l now own he SB59V and just this week bought a T185MX BD which is amazing. I love that no two are the same, it emphasis's how unique each one is. I believe Eastman's value AND resale value will seriously increase..China made or not these are some seriously crafted top of the line instruments. The company started as a affordable "For the mass's" type product but they have went way above and beyond to bring you these amazing instruments! What would a handmade Les Paul cost you? Hand carved top? Ebony truss rod cover, board AND headstock overlay NOT a thin laminate? in HAND RUBBED VARNISH??? Forget about it..it was never made to my knowledge. BUT if it were..$10k? $15k? Crazy to even think what the G factory would ask. I don't know that any solid or semi-hollow arch top that Gibson makes is carved solid..the 335's are all laminate.. the feel and total vibe is something l have NEVER felt with my LP Standard.. Eastman is my favorite by FAR!!!

[@agufish]

I was going off the prices on the website, should have definitely checked the dealer prices because you're absolutely correct. $1800 is about the street price new. And you're also correct in that it's worth every. single. dollar. The quality is nuts and each one is unique, which is also super cool. Hands-down the best guitar I've ever owned!

[@jameshill2015]

@@agufishyour playing is very inspirational..l hope to be half as good one day.. you have by far the best detailed review available for this guitar, before l bought mine..l watched THEM ALL.. these are not in your guitar shop around the corner to check out so..to spend over a grand on something you have never seen..l was learning all l could..most reviews were positive as yours..just not as in depth. Your vid convinced me l was doing the right thing.. my "17" Standard has been a case queen since l got it! However l really like the Strat...just not where the damn vol knob is at..chronically hitting it! Any suggestions?? BTW..$2500 for a 59V would STILL be a deal!!! Thanks

[@NPNewsAgency]

The tone. My god the tone! Alice in Chains-like snarl.

[@agufish]

Even just like a big open D chord and some chugs sound so satisfying! Super happy with the sound I’m getting with this one :)

[@NPNewsAgency]

I have honestly been sitting here since I heard your tracks, dialling my dsl100h in and out and trying every possible pedal configuration with my 1960A celestions. Just can't ape that sound Hunter! Good on ya. Can you pull that off live without going through the rack?

[@carnivaltym]

Is the neck flat or quarter sawn please?

[@teensrygley]

I wander if the still put the Seth lover pups in the 335 style they have.

[@joshchilders6448]

YAY

[@ankurbanerjee4332]

What is that thing near the nut of headstock?

[@jamesbarrick3403]

Agreed Eastman is perhaps the very best LP guitar. But resale value is a problem you say? My research says not at all. I can buy any varnish finish loaded with Lollars for about $2300. And the used market is like 1700 - 2000. There are few options used and tbh most have some issue. This guitar is holding value like a beast I would say. I will prolly buy a few for investment.

[@tablaturebutler2823]

There are a hundred guitar/amp combinations that can produce a metal "chug" identical to the one heard here. Just a clue - metal tones are USELESS for demonstrating other than - metal tones...

[@Zoso981]

You're absolutely right, my old Tele will give me metal/chug tones with the right amp settings.

[@BOUZOUKISIGNIS]

Correct useless demo of the guitar. The real sound of the guitar can be heard with a clean sound and light overdrive.....