Just a quick note... in case any of your comments disappear at any time it may be as a result of TH-cam blocking those spam competition win replies. I have noticed they are successfully blocking them now but the original comments also seem to be disappearing... sorry if that happens! 🤷♂
@@victoresarey4036 I had a white Les Paul Custom was same... even from new where it had hung on the shop wall hanger! (I got discount for that 😜) It kind of spreads to other areas where things touch it so you may be better to embrace it?
@@theguitaristas I managed a 2013 white gibson les paul traditional with gold hardware for 1000 dollars american and its beautiful just has some gnarly pinkish stand rash on the neck and bottom of the body
I own a SB59 gold top. I’ve owned several Gibson Standards, classics and traditionals. I’ve since sold my gibsons. Held onto the goldtop Eastman. Outstanding instrument.
I avoided looking at the comments before I watched so I could form my own unbiased opinion, which is based solely on the tone. That said, I absolutely prefer the tone of the Gibson. It has that inherent/lovely midrange signature Les Paul tone that I expect. The Eastman to my ears lacks that quality, it sounds more one dimensional and a bit thinner…at least that’s how I’m hearing it through my headphones. Personally w/ a Les Paul Standard type, I want a rosewood board…not ebony which can add some brightness, the ebony imparts a different more neutral/less midrangey tone from my experience. I say that as someone who owns both varieties. The Les Paul sounds like a prototypical Les Paul here, the Eastman sounds like something else. As far as QC, I do have a big beef with Gibson…I’ve auditioned way too many dogs in order to find nice examples, which is unacceptable and a drag. But that’s pretty much par for the course with Gibson over the years, isn’t it. They do seem to be money grabbing way too often nowadays, the company absolutely does rub me the wrong way a lot of the time. But at the end of the day if you want the whole Gibson experience, tone and looks, there’s no other choice. The Eastman’s build quality is impressive, but it’s not for me.
The Eastman blows the Gibson away. If you can get past the name on the headstock, Eastman is one of the finest guitars out there. When I reach for one to play, 80% of the time I’ll grab the Eastman SB59/v or t59v (335), which is extraordinary. The Gibson stays in its case.
Great channel man! Everything feels very honest from a player... It's refreshing listening to someone talk about how guitars feel to them and speak to them rather than just a spec sheet.
I am a year late but enjoyed every minute. Let the SG wall make your heart happy for the history of Gibson. Let the Eastman bring out your musicality from your soul. You’re not playing specs but letting the sound direct you on a path that just lets you explore the moment. Thank you.
The Eastman during that, "Sine I've Been Loving You" intro fill you did kinda knocked my socks off with how good the tone was. That guitar is really special. So is your channel. Cheers, homie.
The Lollars sounded better. The Eastman is lighter. The Eastman looks better. The Eastman is a truly handcrafted guitar. And I believe Gibson has gotten too big for their britches lately. Under deliver as you said.
Buy used . Picked up a 2019 standard 60s iced tea for 1700.00 mint condition . The guitar is beautiful just to look at . Its non weight relief and sustain goes on forever . For the same money I'll take the Gibson . To save a grand I'll take the Eastman ,but I've been down that road before
Being a Swing player, I've had Gibson L-5's & a Super 400, New York made '51 Epiphone Zephyr Deluxe Regent, '51 Epiphone Triumph Regent, Guild X-160, and several other very high end archtops. About ten years ago, I got an Eastman AR805CE and a T186MX in a trade, and promptly sold off all my high dollar archtops!! After having to sell many of my guitars, as my wife and I headed out on the road in our travel trailer, and could only have enough guitars for preforming with. Three years ago, we wound up settling in the Pacific Northwest, and as soon as I could, I replaced the 805 with another one, and snatched up an AR372CE (ES 175 style). There is no way I would ever feel the need for any Gibson or other overpriced factory guitars!!! LOVE my Eastmans!!!!!
Great video Colin. Inspirational stuff. I rewatched this yesterday. At 430pm I grabbed 4 of my little used guitars, drove to my local music shop and swapped them plus a few hundred quid and walked out with the last lefty Eastman 59 they had. Cheers for all the videos.
Great video! I've played a bunch of modern Gibsons over the years and a couple of the Eastmans in recent months. Living in Tokyo, I've also been lucky enough to have played a bunch of genuine 1950s LPs, including several '59s. I can honestly say that, to me, the Eastmans consistently sound and feel a lot more like a genuine vintage Gibson LP than the modern Gibsons do (even the super-expensive Custom Shop models). Additionally, I'm a guitar maker and repairer, so have had several modern Gibsons on the bench over the years (often, yes, for that pesky headstock repair!). By and large, I find that their quality control can be pretty dodgy, and want to say that I think that fret end stuff isn't a sign of it being "handmade" at all. As mentioned, I hand make guitars and do a lot of fretjobs, and would NEVER let something leave my bench looking like that. Parts are higher quality on the Eastman, and the woods are certainly so too. Many of the modern Gibson bits I've seen tend to be made out of cheap pot metal and come from mystery factories, whereas Gotoh stuff is really, really good. Also, as you say, the Gibson brand has degraded itself over the last few years. Amongst guitar makers, they're better-known for sending out Cease and Desist letters than for building quality instruments. I've got to say that, in my opinion, Eastmans, from almost any perspective, are just ... well ... better. Of course, there are other brands that do "vintage Gibson" better than Gibson today, like Navigator, but I'd say that Eastman may be the best bang for the buck (pow for the pound?) on the market today.
I respectfully disagree with your assessment. Eastman's are very decent, indeed. To say Gibson's QA is "dodgy" and their metal and other parts are "pot metal" or come from "mystery factories" is absurd. My own experiences and other guitarists I know that have many Gibson products that I've seen and played just makes your claims largely false. I would add that it's quite conceivable that many of the instruments that are being passed off as Gibson's in Tokyo are indeed not real Gibson products. I would suggest you come to the U.S. and see for yourself.
@@kenster865I am very glad that you have had such positive experiences with Gibsons. As I said, I am a repairer, so perhaps I mostly get to see the instruments that have issues. However, I have seen things like flat, unpolished frets on guitars direct from the factory, along with bad solder joints, poor binding, and yes, sometimes cheap, dodgy bridges and tuners. As it happens, I've been to the USA and noticed the same issues with instruments there that I mention, as I have in the UK and Australia. Gibson owner forums have many complaints about such things, and repairers like me often trade information with others worldwide about the problems with which we can expect to deal. Also, why would you think that many "Gibsons" in Japan are fake? The large companies here like Ishibashi have a strong relationship with them. The companies that make "Gibson-type" instruments here (Burny, Tokai, Navigator ... and a bunch of others) all do so under their own names. In some cases, they sell for more because they're simply better made. No major Japanese companies do fakes as far as I know, and Chinese copies do not seem to be as popular here as they are in the US and UK. There are a few replica builders, but that's a very different end of the market. All that being said, I am, once more, happy that you have had good experiences with the Gibsons you have encountered, and hope that you continue doing so.
Been watching the Guitaristas for a few weeks now and it's like watching an old good tv programme back in the day. Uploads same time each week, good enjoyable content, none of this like, comment, subscribe bs before you even know what the video is about... Plus it's about guitars, and gives Epiphones the credit they deserve, what's not to like haha. A great channel, great guy, keep it going!
You were one of the people making me take note of Eastman guitars with your videos, and since watching this when it came out, I´ve bought an SB59V and a T64V with a bigsby and P90´s. Amazing guitars and so much guitar for the money, in my opinion. Love your channel!
2 ปีที่แล้ว +12
I like the sound of the bridge pickup on the Eastman, but the neck pickup on the Les Paul sounded really good. I'd never buy a cherry burst, but it's a nice sounding guitar. However, you're not really looking for a reason to keep the Les Paul, but sufficient justification that you are right for keeping the Eastman. And if you love the Eastman and are not convinced on the Gibson, you have your answer.
Sprague is pronounced like the Hague. Their factory was in the next town over from where I grew up. Both of my grandparents worked there until retirement, as well as my mom for a couple years while she was in college. The building they were in is now a contemporary art museum and concert venue.
Love your channel Colin, honest, informative and entertaining. You can see the work that goes into them, brilliant stuff! I wonder if you've ever considered Gordon Smith guitars? I was looking at them recently online and thought some of them are right up your street.
Cheers Mark, that's appreciated! 🙏😊 I do actually have a GS1 that I should bring out to play sometime, and I am gassing after the new Griffin of course so watch this space it will happen eventually!
@@henryhartley9993 I've got a 1993 GS1 that has the same status as colin's les paul, it looks cool as F , has an airy lovely sound and is teather light, but I rarely pick it up and ,when I do, I put it down again, I can't get on with the neck so I basically hate it even tho I pretend not too. I grew up a few miles from John smith's workshop and did a day's work experience with him in about 76 or '77 when they were super trendy with punk and post punk indie bands and cut a body out on the bandsaw - john and chris were absolutely lovely and it was one of them days , but the guitar's not to my taste at all. Never played a Northampton one
@@frankcarter6427 that must have been an experience working there even for one day, one of my band mates bought a GS gypsy in 78-79 , we drove over from Burnley to pick it up, I had seen a few of the local punk bands like the buzzcocks using them and thought they sounded really raw but great....the Northampton guitars are better made instruments with full slab bodies and no bits of timber stuck on here and there, not saying they sound better just built better....
Just received an Eastman sb59 and I’m just stunned at how’s good this guitar is. It looks, plays and sounds fantastic. I’m just blown away. It’s better than any Gibson I’ve ever played. Wow
Loving the channel, mate! The Eastman is the first Les Paul-a-like that doesn't look like a cheap knockoff. The thickening out of the cutaway 'horn' really suits it. Sort of gives it a 335 feel, especially with that slightly uneven finish. I know all that's just aesthetic but, like everyone else, all i could afford of a Les Paul were pictures of it and fell in love with those. Then when i could afford one, it felt like playing a door. Landed on a LP faded 2005 and fell in love all over again =)
I watched the entire video and I’m really glad you did this side by side test. I feel the Eastman varnish finish is really nice. I also love the ebony fingerboard and the Lollar pickups sound superb. After watching this video, I would spend my money on the Eastman.
If you're a stickler for the best wood, electronics, build quality and quality control and must have the Gibson logo, and have $2500-$3200, get a 1989-1995 Gibson Les Paul Standard. If you have $2900-$3400, go Gibson Custom Shop, R8 or R9 (used). If you've got $1500-$2300 and want all of the above, minus the Gibson logo, get an Eastman. They're fantastic guitars! Thanks for the video! You sir are quite entertaining and informative.
Such a small detail but I absolutely love the little coming up section at the beginning. It’s like a movie preview and I’m sure it extends your editing time by quite a bit. Great work as always. I’ve been saving up for an Eastman SB59/v and I’m a few weeks away from pulling the trigger. With that being said I will likely someday buy some type of Gibson once I come across one I connect with. To that point, I think it’s easy to connect with the vintage Eastman series because you can FEEL the amount of time that has gone into it and the amount of hands that built it. It has character. I’d imagine that’s the same feeling people get with the custom shop and Murphy Lab guitars. Problem is, you need to spend nearly 3x as much for the Murphy Lab LP
Cheers Matt, thanks for the comment that’s appreciated… and yes sometimes it takes several hours to put that little preview section together! 🤣 you also nailed it about the Eastman it right does feel like a vintage guitar, even more so then the custom shop Gibsons I still own and have owned, it’s quite remarkable!
Just found this channel a few days ago, which is odd because probably 90% of what I watch is electric guitar related content. Glad TH-cam FINALLY recommended this channel. Makes me want to kick back with a drink in the evening and enjoy the show.
Just got a Eastman SB58TV and it's an fantastic guitar, it has a lollar p90 in the neck and a imperial humbucker in the bridge , basically same guitar but diff color and a p90 in the neck. But I'm really impressed. Great vid btw.
Great video as usual Colin so many thanks for that. Just contemplating a new Les Paul and still undecided but this video helped a lot. Currently playing Epiphone inspired by Gibson Les Paul standard and the Gerry Cantrell Epiphone while my Gibson studio, which I have lavished a few upgrades on in an effort to bond, remains at home! Have you previously compared the Heritage Les Paul against the Eastman? I feel the answer for me may lay there. On another point after watching you video on the Epiphone SG Custom I decided I should try………not for me but nothing ventured nothing gained. Anyway think I’m stuck between the Eastman and The Heritage. Would like to see that comparison. Cheers and thanks again.
Love your videos and great comparison. I grew up in the 80's so I'm a super strat player (I'm no shredder either). Back then, you couldn't give away Les Pauls but I was drawn to the Eastman in this instance .Still, an interesting video all the same👍
I just discovered your channel and I enjoyed this comparison very much. I just purchased a Gibson SG '61 Standard and was contemplating whether or not to return it for an Eastman SB55DC, sticking around the $1500 range (I bought one of the SG demo's). What I enjoyed most was your in depth and honest assessment of the Eastman. If you get the opportunity, I'd like to see you do a comparison of a Gibson Les Paul Junior and an Eastman SB55. Carry on!
This is the first of your videos I've watched and I loved it. The content, depth of analysis, your style of presentation and quality of musicianship. Thank you, I'm a fan. The reason you caught my eye was that I am in the market for an Eastman and naturally a direct comparison with an LP was of great interest. I now love the Eastman even more. The quality of build in my humble opinion is better than the Gibson, the finish, as you say will relic naturally and in a way that reflects how it's been played. I guess that's the ultimate in customisation. Tonally, The Eastman had a richness and I bet it sounds incredible when cranked up. I think the Eastman could, for me at least, be a guitar for life. Looking forward to your next vid. Pete
Cheers Pete, glad you found us man thanks for the kind words that's appreciated! 😎🙏 I say definitely try one if you can... I have nothing but good things to say about Eastman guitars 🙌
Here comes the Russian rockets -- second time today Everybody scatters and hopes it goes away How many kids they've murdered only God can say If I had a rocket launcher...I'd make somebody pay I don't believe in guarded borders and I don't believe in hate I don't believe in cowering generals or their torture states And when I talk with the survivors of things too sickening to relate If I had a rocket launcher...I would retaliate On Ukraine sovereign land, more than millions wait Is it freezing or starvation -- or some less humane fate Cry for Ukraine and it’s people, with a corpse in every gate If I had a rocket launcher...I would not hesitate I want to raise every voice -- at least I've got to try Every time I think about it water rises to my eyes. Situation desperate, echoes of the victims cry If I had a rocket launcher...Some son of a bitch would die Just one mad man controls it, the Russian sheep obey There is only one solution - all the soldiers go away Talking peace with liars - only extends civilian grief If we had more rocket launchers…the war would be so brief If we had more rocket launchers - it would not be a sin If we had more rocket launchers - the brave could surely win No more agony thinking about it - time is not on our side Just one rocket aimed squarely the one son of bitch would die.
I wrote some lyrics to update a Bruce Cockburn song for the Ukraine people. Love to hear someone record it as an anthem to the fight. Colin..? Bruce Cockburn would surely give his approval.
Issue I have is, while yes the Eastman plays amazing - it’s never going to be worth more than I payed for it originally. Gibson always seems to hold their value or go up. For me that’s a big thing because guitars are fun and if I don’t play them I sell them off. I love heritage guitars but I know I’d be kind of stuck with it if I don’t like it, or have to take a big hit when selling. Great video. I do agree we have some amazing les paul options these days.
Not sure what market you are in. If you want to pass it on in Norway there is at least a 10-20% loss straight away. In Norway new standards are about $2k5. You find used standards/traditionals from the last decade at around 1k5-1k7. New customs are 5k5, used maybe 4k. 80s and 90s are about the same. 70s customs at around $3-4k. They do hold their value ok after the initial loss, but the initial loss is substantial. The Norwegian market might be unique. If someone refers to reverb for price comparison in a second hand listing, it is dismissed right away, as the market works totally different here.
I see the issue about holding it’s value as nobody wants to lose money especially at the higher end. The issue is though bonding with a guitar and more importantly how much you play a guitar. I learned a long time ago that the brand/name on the headstock is nice but not necessarily a guarantee that you will get what you pay for. Had so many Gibsons but the only one I have left is the R8… which never gets used but has gone up in value. So it didn’t serve its purpose as an instrument just an investment - it will be going when I get round to it. I already have an Eastman but wouldn’t hesitate in getting another or go vintage …. the key is to play before part with your 💰
I have a friend who is a huge Gibson fan and always uses the same argument about retained value. I think it's partially true but only in certain instances. Your typical LP Standard will lose a chunk of it's value as soon as you take it out of the shop (just like any other guitar). There are too many production models available on the used market/competing for potential Buyers. Prices will remain lower as a result. However, used Gibson prices will increase in the long term (say 10+ years) because Gibson hike their new prices by 10% (say) per year and so used values are dragged up with them. Keep you guitar for a few more decades and you might capitalise on it being classified as 'vintage'. The only Gibson's that are really going to increase in value are 'No longer in production' models, Limited Edition/Collectable models and those that are borderline (or already deemed) 'vintage'.
Every review I've seen and read about the Eastman SB59 and SB59/v have been raves. Basically you get a Custom Shop level of quality for Standard pricing. Top quality craftsmanship and materials with professional-level hardware and electronics. What more can you ask for? I'll be getting one of these for sure. Looks like a keeper. Colin is right - Gibson are living off their past glory and are way, way overpriced for what they deliver. I'll take an Eastman!
Try for Studio pricing. At least that's the case here in Australia, wher the SB-59/v retails for A$4,499/US$2,992, though the store I bought it from sells it at A$3,419/US$2,274 (I beat the price rise two years ago and got mine for A$2,500/US$1,663). By comparison, the Gibson Studio retails for A$3,999/US$2,660 (sells for A$3,199/US$ at the same store) and the Standard A$6,399/US$4,256 (sells for A$5,299/US$3,525). If I bought a new one today, I'd have an extra A$1,800 to play with instead of buying the Gibson Standard, meaning I could get a really good amp to pair with it. The guy who sold it to me sells Gibsons too and he said he'd pick the Eastman over the Gibson any day of the week.
Wonderful review! Your commentary and insight is very entertaining! Thanks for making such great content! What song are you playing in the “Let’s play something” section?
I think we may be suffering from the same thing when it comes to Gibson- I’m loathe to mar the things, so I wind up playing my epiphones more often! The finish on the Eastman looks like shellac to me, like a violin, and I always tend to think of the finish on a violin as infinitely repairable, so handling marks etc don’t seem to bother me. I guess it’s like the polish on leather shoes- sure they will get scuffs when worn, but no worries, not a huge deal to get polish them back to pre-scuff glory. I think it’s for me knowing that if I wanted, that I could get a French polish back to perfect that ironically has me not bothered to let imperfections mount. Whereas on the nitro finish, the same can really be said, as nitrocellulose will always blend back and can be un-detectably repaired when skillfully done, blemishes in the nitro glossy finish seem more as you said, “broken”. I feel any blemish on an otherwise perfect glossy Gibson nitro finish needs to be repaired almost urgently, so I tend to avoid even touching the instrument!
Hi. Interested to hear your views on the two sorts of Eastman - lollar v Seymour Duncan's? Steve, with a 83 LP at 9 1/2 + lbs that sounds great but is far too heavy. Good bids by the way.
I didn't play the SD one plugged but it felt great... closer to the Les Paul Std I reckon while this one is custom shop all the way 👌 maybe time to ditch that boat anchor you're not getting any younger! 🤣👍
Great detailed comparison! Was very curious to know how they stacked up against one on another since you posted the Eastman video. It’s funny you set up the rig for the Gibson because I found I preferred the sound of the Eastman in this comparison. As far as which to sell. The name on the headstock or what other people say should have no bearing. If you love the Eastman more that is the keeper and if you’ve given the Gibson a proper chance and still don’t love it, then I would sell it and not look back. You could use that money to fund a second Eastman even. 😁Thanks again for making this. Always appreciate these comparisons.
I’m relatively new to playing guitar and I started with an Epiphone and now I have a used Gibson Les Paul. I still don’t know why you feel the way you do about Gibson doing things to make you dislike them and like them in the same breath. Maybe you wish they were made in your country and maybe not. But you have to admit there are lots of companies out there that are giving Gibson a run for their money right now and it’s giving us some much better Guitars. I think Gibson charges to much for their guitars. But as a customer I will have to settle for a used guitar but there are some beautiful guitars that spent all or most of their life in a case. Like the 2009 Les Paul I just bought. Thank God for cases. Thank you Colin for listening to my ramblings.;-)
I'm with you Colin.... I like every single thing about the Eastman. Everything, the color, the pups, the neck, it's a great package. No pickguard too! I yank them straight off. Great show! Sell the Gibson
Both guitars sound great! I really like the Eastman and think it sounds just as good or better, but I couldn't let go of the Gibson. It's because the "idea" of owning a Gibson has hooked so many musicians that when you finally buy one, it becomes an achievement. Gibson has us by the balls where a decision on any other guitar could easily boil down to the name. You'll find yourself thinking... "It's great but it's not a Gibson."
Eastman all day everyday for me. Obviously both have quality parts and woods. But the Eastman's build quality is much better and consistent on every guitar they dispatch. So for me the build quality and tone far out way the name on the headstock. Great review by the way. 👌
I think, ultimately, it depends on which guitar speaks to you. I’ve always wanted a Les Paul ( due to Peter Green, Paul Kossoff, the Thin Lizzy boys etc.)but every time I’ve tried one over the years I’ve thought “Nice, but not quite nice enough”. But when I tried an SB59 last year I was “Ooh, this feels good!”. So I took the plunge and haven’t regretted it. Someone else might find a Gibson that is just the “one” for them, which is great.
Sold my 339 and bought another Tele, American Performer with HB at neck. Love your playing, slow blues. I’m a Tele guy.guy but I really liked the Eastman! Thanks for the talks.
I purchased the same Eastman in 2019.. it came with Duncans antiquities and a lovely brown case. I still have it along with my Les Paul’s. I love them both. They each do the job I need. New the Eastman was 1300 US back then, I purchased for 900. Love your show, you do a great job. Cheers from NY.
It might be my ears but to me the Gibson sounds more brighter and clear, the Eastman sounds slightly muddier? Both beautiful guitars Colin. If I had the choice, sorry it’s the Gibson for me to keep. 😮👍🎸
@@jamessutherington3471 I love my Epiphones. I have a '59 LP from zZounds in Southern Fade that looks like a cross between Iced-Tea and Bourbonburst and an SG Special P-90 in Pelham Blue. I have a Squire Affinity Strat that beat out three Mexicasters at my local pawn shop too!!! I have less money tied up in all three of those guitars then I would in one used Gibson Les Paul...🤣🤣🤣
Have an Eastman sb59 V Amber with Bareknuckle Stormy Mondays. Had something Gibsons before but the Eastman is, as you said, an instrument you immediately bond with. It's like an old friend.
Mate your tone sounds amazing this week! Is it the compressor pedal thats made the difference? It sounds way more dynamic, clear and warm. Love it. It is hard to dial in a rig to sound good with two guitars, personally I think they both deserve to sound their best but then your not comparing them on a level platform. Its a real conundrum
Cheers man, yes I realise that sometime I do use a bit too much but it sounds good... but this week I knew I need to let them speak without any added compression so just cranked the amp a bit more! 😁👍
@@theguitaristas Hi Colin, nice chops, as usual, maybe you don't bond that much because of the pound, the tailpiece and the bridge, lol, Great sounding guitars. Oh and the klingon pronunciation ,lmao. Cheers Mate. Happy week end
I have a Hofner archtop made in Germany that has the hand rubbed violin finish and I can tell you that is has been a nightmare when it comes to scratches and marks that are so easily made when ever I touch it. Thanks for the great review, I very much enjoyed it.
Great job on the comparison. While these 2 guitars are close in price, I think that the Eastman is more comparable to the Gibson Custom Shop. I love my Gibson SG. I also love my Eastman SB59 and no longer search for "the Les Paul".
New to your channel but there is something about your intro format that hooks me. The switching between playing and short clips of you talking is just right.
This is my take. You can take all the best materials, ebony, stainless steel frets, Honduras mahogany, rosewood fretboard,iron wood fretboard, Brazilian, rosewood or mahogany, nitrocellulose, oiled finish, mother of Pearl ect ect. This makes no difference if the guitar sounds great without all of these!!!!! I tried and tried hundreds of guitars. Harley Bentons and les Paul 59 reissues. A lot of it is pure psychosomatic I’m sure of that. Take my Gibsons for instance ! I get them out of their cases and think …………. Better not scratch it, better not wear the frets out. (took my Gibson to my local luthier and he said “ by gum you’ve played the hell out of this!!!!!! It’ll need a fretjob next time!!!!! Jesus…… maybe I shouldn’t have played it I’ve ruined it. And if I take it on a gig I’m constantly thinking it might get nicked or dinked. This is not what guitar ownership should be like!!!!! It’s about the music 🎵 And that’s why I love my Trev Wilkinson vintage guitars so much. Cheap, play great, sound great and are light. And dare I say it! They look great as well. I will never sell my Gibsons as they are great guitars but they also remind me how lucky I am to have my vintage les Paul’s and what a damn bargain they are.
I just bought an eastman sb59/v gb. What an amazing instrument! I heard that they're going to be limiting the production of this model this year as they're so labour intesive to varnish... so, get one while they're still afordable!
Great stuff. Your video on the budget 335 alternatives had me sold on the Casino. But in the meanwhile I was able to grab a used Eastman T486 (a 335 model). It would be great to see you have a go at Eastman’s thinline archtops.
Colin, one more time, amazing this channel and btw a lot of times I get back to review again some video which I saw it already because are so informative that :) you needed see again. This channel in currently my favorite channel, thanks a lot.
You are my favorite TH-cam guitar channel but I get depressed watching because I want to play as well as you and I can’t, but then I drink a couple of beers and I’m happy again 😎
Ah thanks Steve that's really kind mate! 🙏😊 ... we do all suffer from that though, I need a lot of beer when I watch Tom Bukovac and so so many others play!! 😆👍
I just bought a brand new 2022 Gibson SG Standard, heritage cherry. As the Brits would say, it’s brilliant. The smell alone ahhhh. The nut is perfect, not a bad fret on the neck, perfect pickups, stays in tune, flawless binding, not a scratch, paint impeccably done. I’m a fan of both Epiphone and Gibson. I understand Colin’s frustration as he has been buying these guitars in large quantities for years. I’ve owned Epiphones and Fenders for years, cheap stuff. My new SG feels like a premium instrument. I got it about $300 under cost, great deal. But I can see Colin and some other folks have had bad experiences. I must disagree with the lady saying young folks see a Gibson as a cod piece. Jimmy Page, Alex Lifeson, Angus Young, Pete Townshend, the great Steve Howe, Steve Hackett, George Harrison, Robby Krieger, Tony Iommi, all my heroes carried a Gibson. If playing the brand of my heroes is a cod piece, then I’m going medieval! 😜😜😜
I’m kinda preferring the lower output and balance of the Gibson in this comparison. I prefer the Gibson although as you said it’s hard to deny the craftsmanship of the Eastman. If somewhere in your mind there is ever a thought of selling either then obviously the Gibson will retain more of it’s value. However you did bond with the Eastman very quickly….and it’s built so dang well. I’m glad I don’t have to decide! Lol. Great episode!
What a great video! I just bought an Eastman SB59v and i was thinking of taking it back. Now, I think I'll keep it. BTW- when i look away from your video and just listen, you sound a lot like Eric Clapton. 🙂 Thanks!
Cheers 😊🙏 just wondering why you having second thoughts was it peer pressure? 😆… honestly these Eastmans are on another level to Gibson standards but of course they don’t have that headstock!
@@theguitaristas I bought it 2 days ago but when I got home, I wondered if I'd rather have a 60's Les Paul Custom Shop. Your video made me feel better about the Eastman and saved me almost $4,000! They're both cool guitars, but I like the Eastman neck much better.
Wow Colin, that was a very satisfying 40 minutes or so...I really enjoy your style. Last week I bought a 50's (IBG) Les Paul Goldtop (epiphon...) because you demonstrated how wonderful it was not long before. You were right! She is just a pleasure to play and even look at. I saw this current video comparing the Gibson Les Paul to the Eastman version and so I got my 2016 Gibson Les Paul Trad down off the wall where it hangs with several other beautiful guitars I don't plan enough. As I watched the Eastman clean up in so many categories and heard your take on who Gibson has become, I started bonding with my Gibson (holding/playing as I watched your performance) in a way I hadn't till now. Thank you! I think I have a much better appreciation at just how awesome my LP Trad really is. My Epi LP Std is wonderful in so many ways but is at a different level compared to the Gibson. Glad I came to my senses. I was thinking of selling the Gibson now that I have the Epiphone...this video woke me up, although, I don't think that was the intent!
Nice one Murray…. sounds like some weird spooky reverse psychology going on there! 🤔 maybe it’s because of that Gibson ‘indoctrination’ you started feeling bad for neglecting such a great guitar? 🤣 whatever it is they are still great guitars and we still love them in spite of everything. Enjoy playing this weekend mate! 😁👍
I think your playing is very soulful and passionate, I would love to hear more. Marks on my Gibson all look like damage on the guitar. The Eastman mark’s are like wear from the love of playing it. I’m keeping my SG, sold my junior and 339. Looking forward to selling my 59 Bassman (a real one) and buying an Eastman. Thanks for the wonderful video 😊
Mr Guitarista, just bought an SB59V-RB after quite a search. Advised the factory is hesitant to ship out varnish product until winters cooler temperatures??? Also just purchased their acoustic E20D solid wood copy of the Martin D18. At this point in acquisitions a wise person would be looking to sell off duplicates. We’ll see how far wise goes when it’s me lol THANK YOU for making me aware of Eastman 🎉🎉🎉
The reason the knobs sit at different heights is because the Gibson is built with that grounding plate which takes up some space on the shaft and may require a different length pot.
I completely understand where and what you are saying. I have been playing for over 40 years. In Canada, The Eastman sb59 goes for $2500 plus tax. and the Sb59v is $3300.00. Gibson les paul 50's now on special at $3300, regular price 4 grand. Look at the difference in price for sb59 is $800, without the special would be be $1500.00 difference. If you look at piece by piece, part by part, and of course value for money, I would go for the Eastman. Gibson glory days might be numbered. Gibson was once a premium brand, they have cut corners, look back to its history. The Gibson company acquired electronics companies that made headphones, speakers and turntables, and spent 100's of millions of dollars, sales falling, In 2018, they filed for Bankruptcy. The worst years for Gibson was 1971 to 1985, the Norlin years. From 2007-2012 they also had issues. Last few years I purchased a few Gibson's, and I had them returned, they was poorly made. When you purchase guitars between 3 to 5 grand you want a guitar with care and perfection. I even called them them on several occasions, the customer service was bad. Don't get me wrong, I still like Gibson. They have to change, and get back to the original roots, if not, they will not last long. Todays young guitarists have many options to choose from. Keep up the good, I really like listening to your video's. Cheers, Andrew
Hi Collin! Although the eastmans quality outshines the gibson, I just like the tone of the gibson just.... Don't get me wrong eastman sounds great, to my ears the gibson sounds a touch better. Love the tune you played As always a excellent review. 👌 👍
Awesome video! I preferred the sound of the Eastman to the Gibson. This may be nit-picky, but i wish the Eastman had a pickguard, but thats just because of the way i play, not anything to do with looks. Great playing as well, Colin!
Another great video comparison from my new favorite Brit! I own 2 semi hollow Eastmans and love them, but have never played the single cutaway model…looks and sounds great. I’ll give one a try this coming Friday as my local shop just got one in inventory.
Bought my first gibson SG in 1980 firebrand and everyone said a walnut guitar sounds bad. So I built a guitar with every tonal capacitor used in guitars. It took 6 tonal capacitors, then I added seymor duncun humbuckers with a 6 way pick splitter to enable humbuckers or single coil. I can play fender, gibson, jackson or the muddiest sound ever heard. I did this to a 1976 turbo electronic 24 fret korean guitar that was the basis for the richbitch design. I now added 500K pots and seymor duncans to my 1980 SG firebrand, sounds really nice.
Just a quick note... in case any of your comments disappear at any time it may be as a result of TH-cam blocking those spam competition win replies. I have noticed they are successfully blocking them now but the original comments also seem to be disappearing... sorry if that happens! 🤷♂
Any thoughts on how to remove pinkish stand rash from a white nitro les paul...
@@victoresarey4036 Not sure you can...
@@theguitaristas I'm gonna try rubbing compound, may have to have gibson refinish it
@@victoresarey4036 I had a white Les Paul Custom was same... even from new where it had hung on the shop wall hanger! (I got discount for that 😜) It kind of spreads to other areas where things touch it so you may be better to embrace it?
@@theguitaristas I managed a 2013 white gibson les paul traditional with gold hardware for 1000 dollars american and its beautiful just has some gnarly pinkish stand rash on the neck and bottom of the body
You are now officially top spot for the accolade of my favourite Friday wind down video. Well done. Most chilled guitar channel on TH-cam 🎉
Thanks Chris that's appreciated mate! 😎👍
The genuineness of these videos is what keeps me coming back. Thank you for sharing your time!
Thanks for keep coming back it's appreciated!
I own a SB59 gold top. I’ve owned several Gibson Standards, classics and traditionals. I’ve since sold my gibsons. Held onto the goldtop Eastman. Outstanding instrument.
I avoided looking at the comments before I watched so I could form my own unbiased opinion, which is based solely on the tone. That said, I absolutely prefer the tone of the Gibson. It has that inherent/lovely midrange signature Les Paul tone that I expect. The Eastman to my ears lacks that quality, it sounds more one dimensional and a bit thinner…at least that’s how I’m hearing it through my headphones. Personally w/ a Les Paul Standard type, I want a rosewood board…not ebony which can add some brightness, the ebony imparts a different more neutral/less midrangey tone from my experience. I say that as someone who owns both varieties. The Les Paul sounds like a prototypical Les Paul here, the Eastman sounds like something else. As far as QC, I do have a big beef with Gibson…I’ve auditioned way too many dogs in order to find nice examples, which is unacceptable and a drag. But that’s pretty much par for the course with Gibson over the years, isn’t it. They do seem to be money grabbing way too often nowadays, the company absolutely does rub me the wrong way a lot of the time. But at the end of the day if you want the whole Gibson experience, tone and looks, there’s no other choice. The Eastman’s build quality is impressive, but it’s not for me.
The Eastman blows the Gibson away. If you can get past the name on the headstock, Eastman is one of the finest guitars out there. When I reach for one to play, 80% of the time I’ll grab the Eastman SB59/v or t59v (335), which is extraordinary. The Gibson stays in its case.
Great channel man! Everything feels very honest from a player... It's refreshing listening to someone talk about how guitars feel to them and speak to them rather than just a spec sheet.
Thanks Jordan that's appreciated!
Well said
I am a year late but enjoyed every minute. Let the SG wall make your heart happy for the history of Gibson. Let the Eastman bring out your musicality from your soul. You’re not playing specs but letting the sound direct you on a path that just lets you explore the moment. Thank you.
Thanks
🌟 Thanks that’s appreciated! 😊🙏
This has become my favorite guitar channel. Great production, great format, super laid back. Perfect to have going while I throw some Lollars in my LP
The Eastman during that, "Sine I've Been Loving You" intro fill you did kinda knocked my socks off with how good the tone was. That guitar is really special. So is your channel. Cheers, homie.
Cheers man! 😎👍
The Lollars sounded better. The Eastman is lighter. The Eastman looks better. The Eastman is a truly handcrafted guitar. And I believe Gibson has gotten too big for their britches lately. Under deliver as you said.
Nothing like a real Gibson Les Paul
IDK about their britches, but they've gotten to expensive for my wallet.
Buy used . Picked up a 2019 standard 60s iced tea for 1700.00 mint condition . The guitar is beautiful just to look at . Its non weight relief and sustain goes on forever . For the same money I'll take the Gibson . To save a grand I'll take the Eastman ,but I've been down that road before
Idk I liked the the top end on the Gib bridge. Had this nice airlines around the notes. Was a lower out put than the lollar
Being a Swing player, I've had Gibson L-5's & a Super 400, New York made '51 Epiphone Zephyr Deluxe Regent, '51 Epiphone Triumph Regent, Guild X-160, and several other very high end archtops. About ten years ago, I got an Eastman AR805CE and a T186MX in a trade, and promptly sold off all my high dollar archtops!! After having to sell many of my guitars, as my wife and I headed out on the road in our travel trailer, and could only have enough guitars for preforming with. Three years ago, we wound up settling in the Pacific Northwest, and as soon as I could, I replaced the 805 with another one, and snatched up an AR372CE (ES 175 style).
There is no way I would ever feel the need for any Gibson or other overpriced factory guitars!!!
LOVE my Eastmans!!!!!
Copy and Paste comment >>> The genuineness of these videos is what keeps me coming back. Really great review >> I AM BUYING the Eastman. Thanks !
Great video Colin. Inspirational stuff. I rewatched this yesterday. At 430pm I grabbed 4 of my little used guitars, drove to my local music shop and swapped them plus a few hundred quid and walked out with the last lefty Eastman 59 they had. Cheers for all the videos.
Nice one Jeff! 😁👍
My new sb59v gold burst delivers tomorrow! Good thing it's FedEx and not UPS, right mate. Ha!
@@robbieschriver156 😆👍
What were the 4 guitars you traded? 😊 aaand 4 months later, do you feel like you made a good decision?
Great video!
I've played a bunch of modern Gibsons over the years and a couple of the Eastmans in recent months. Living in Tokyo, I've also been lucky enough to have played a bunch of genuine 1950s LPs, including several '59s. I can honestly say that, to me, the Eastmans consistently sound and feel a lot more like a genuine vintage Gibson LP than the modern Gibsons do (even the super-expensive Custom Shop models).
Additionally, I'm a guitar maker and repairer, so have had several modern Gibsons on the bench over the years (often, yes, for that pesky headstock repair!). By and large, I find that their quality control can be pretty dodgy, and want to say that I think that fret end stuff isn't a sign of it being "handmade" at all. As mentioned, I hand make guitars and do a lot of fretjobs, and would NEVER let something leave my bench looking like that.
Parts are higher quality on the Eastman, and the woods are certainly so too. Many of the modern Gibson bits I've seen tend to be made out of cheap pot metal and come from mystery factories, whereas Gotoh stuff is really, really good. Also, as you say, the Gibson brand has degraded itself over the last few years. Amongst guitar makers, they're better-known for sending out Cease and Desist letters than for building quality instruments.
I've got to say that, in my opinion, Eastmans, from almost any perspective, are just ... well ... better.
Of course, there are other brands that do "vintage Gibson" better than Gibson today, like Navigator, but I'd say that Eastman may be the best bang for the buck (pow for the pound?) on the market today.
Cheers man, I'm feeling that way too about Eastmans... 👍👍
I respectfully disagree with your assessment. Eastman's are very decent, indeed. To say Gibson's QA is "dodgy" and their metal and other parts are "pot metal" or come from "mystery factories" is absurd. My own experiences and other guitarists I know that have many Gibson products that I've seen and played just makes your claims largely false. I would add that it's quite conceivable that many of the instruments that are being passed off as Gibson's in Tokyo are indeed not real Gibson products. I would suggest you come to the U.S. and see for yourself.
@@kenster865I am very glad that you have had such positive experiences with Gibsons. As I said, I am a repairer, so perhaps I mostly get to see the instruments that have issues. However, I have seen things like flat, unpolished frets on guitars direct from the factory, along with bad solder joints, poor binding, and yes, sometimes cheap, dodgy bridges and tuners. As it happens, I've been to the USA and noticed the same issues with instruments there that I mention, as I have in the UK and Australia. Gibson owner forums have many complaints about such things, and repairers like me often trade information with others worldwide about the problems with which we can expect to deal.
Also, why would you think that many "Gibsons" in Japan are fake? The large companies here like Ishibashi have a strong relationship with them. The companies that make "Gibson-type" instruments here (Burny, Tokai, Navigator ... and a bunch of others) all do so under their own names. In some cases, they sell for more because they're simply better made. No major Japanese companies do fakes as far as I know, and Chinese copies do not seem to be as popular here as they are in the US and UK. There are a few replica builders, but that's a very different end of the market.
All that being said, I am, once more, happy that you have had good experiences with the Gibsons you have encountered, and hope that you continue doing so.
@TomboLP
What about Eastman vs Martin in the Acoustic department?
Been watching the Guitaristas for a few weeks now and it's like watching an old good tv programme back in the day. Uploads same time each week, good enjoyable content, none of this like, comment, subscribe bs before you even know what the video is about... Plus it's about guitars, and gives Epiphones the credit they deserve, what's not to like haha.
A great channel, great guy, keep it going!
Cheers Reece, glad you found us man thanks for the support it's appreciated! 😁👍
You were one of the people making me take note of Eastman guitars with your videos, and since watching this when it came out, I´ve bought an SB59V and a T64V with a bigsby and P90´s. Amazing guitars and so much guitar for the money, in my opinion. Love your channel!
I like the sound of the bridge pickup on the Eastman, but the neck pickup on the Les Paul sounded really good. I'd never buy a cherry burst, but it's a nice sounding guitar. However, you're not really looking for a reason to keep the Les Paul, but sufficient justification that you are right for keeping the Eastman. And if you love the Eastman and are not convinced on the Gibson, you have your answer.
Sprague is pronounced like the Hague. Their factory was in the next town over from where I grew up. Both of my grandparents worked there until retirement, as well as my mom for a couple years while she was in college. The building they were in is now a contemporary art museum and concert venue.
Love your channel Colin, honest, informative and entertaining. You can see the work that goes into them, brilliant stuff! I wonder if you've ever considered Gordon Smith guitars? I was looking at them recently online and thought some of them are right up your street.
I do agree, Gordon Smith Guitars are worth a consideration, and as I said before, the Godin Summit Classic LTD as well 👌
Cheers Mark, that's appreciated! 🙏😊 I do actually have a GS1 that I should bring out to play sometime, and I am gassing after the new Griffin of course so watch this space it will happen eventually!
I've recently bought a Gordon Smith GS 1.5, superb guitar....
@@henryhartley9993 I've got a 1993 GS1 that has the same status as colin's les paul, it looks cool as F , has an airy lovely sound and is teather light, but I rarely pick it up and ,when I do, I put it down again, I can't get on with the neck so I basically hate it even tho I pretend not too. I grew up a few miles from John smith's workshop and did a day's work experience with him in about 76 or '77 when they were super trendy with punk and post punk indie bands and cut a body out on the bandsaw - john and chris were absolutely lovely and it was one of them days , but the guitar's not to my taste at all. Never played a Northampton one
@@frankcarter6427 that must have been an experience working there even for one day, one of my band mates bought a GS gypsy in 78-79 , we drove over from Burnley to pick it up, I had seen a few of the local punk bands like the buzzcocks using them and thought they sounded really raw but great....the Northampton guitars are better made instruments with full slab bodies and no bits of timber stuck on here and there, not saying they sound better just built better....
Colin,
Thanks, Brother,
You and Chris Buck make Fridays better than without.
I'm still waiting for more arse looping and another Cool Wall update.
Cheers Steve that's appreciated!...stay tuned for more arsing around! 😁👍
I think we can all agree another arse looping is in order!! Possibly combined with a hand rubbed finish?😂
@@tylerdurden5122 I'd probably save that for if I start an 'onlyfans' page... 🤣🤣
@@theguitaristas mate whatever pays the bills in these tough times 😂
Just received an Eastman sb59 and I’m just stunned at how’s good this guitar is. It looks, plays and sounds fantastic. I’m just blown away. It’s better than any Gibson I’ve ever played. Wow
😁👍👍
Sold my Fender Tele and Gibson Les Paul for an Eastman sb56 and a sb59v. Never looked back. These Eastmans are just amazing !
Loving the channel, mate!
The Eastman is the first Les Paul-a-like that doesn't look like a cheap knockoff. The thickening out of the cutaway 'horn' really suits it. Sort of gives it a 335 feel, especially with that slightly uneven finish. I know all that's just aesthetic but, like everyone else, all i could afford of a Les Paul were pictures of it and fell in love with those.
Then when i could afford one, it felt like playing a door. Landed on a LP faded 2005 and fell in love all over again =)
The Navigators are the best Les Paul copies by far. They blow these Eastmans out of the water.
And don't forget Heritage Guitars!
I watched the entire video and I’m really glad you did this side by side test. I feel the Eastman varnish finish is really nice. I also love the ebony fingerboard and the Lollar pickups sound superb. After watching this video, I would spend my money on the Eastman.
I’ll take an Eastman every day of the week.
Long bus journey home on a Friday evening watching your latest upload is just part of my weekly routine now!
Cheers Jason, the weekend starts here have a good one mate!
If you're a stickler for the best wood, electronics, build quality and quality control and must have the Gibson logo, and have $2500-$3200, get a 1989-1995 Gibson Les Paul Standard. If you have $2900-$3400, go Gibson Custom Shop, R8 or R9 (used). If you've got $1500-$2300 and want all of the above, minus the Gibson logo, get an Eastman. They're fantastic guitars! Thanks for the video! You sir are quite entertaining and informative.
You're also paying for "Made in the USA"
Came by for the guitars, stayed to watch a master at work ! ❤
Bless you mate! 🙏😊
Such a small detail but I absolutely love the little coming up section at the beginning. It’s like a movie preview and I’m sure it extends your editing time by quite a bit. Great work as always. I’ve been saving up for an Eastman SB59/v and I’m a few weeks away from pulling the trigger. With that being said I will likely someday buy some type of Gibson once I come across one I connect with. To that point, I think it’s easy to connect with the vintage Eastman series because you can FEEL the amount of time that has gone into it and the amount of hands that built it. It has character. I’d imagine that’s the same feeling people get with the custom shop and Murphy Lab guitars. Problem is, you need to spend nearly 3x as much for the Murphy Lab LP
Cheers Matt, thanks for the comment that’s appreciated… and yes sometimes it takes several hours to put that little preview section together! 🤣 you also nailed it about the Eastman it right does feel like a vintage guitar, even more so then the custom shop Gibsons I still own and have owned, it’s quite remarkable!
Just found this channel a few days ago, which is odd because probably 90% of what I watch is electric guitar related content. Glad TH-cam FINALLY recommended this channel.
Makes me want to kick back with a drink in the evening and enjoy the show.
Cheers man glad you found us!! 😎👍
Another great video Colin, I was really impressed with the sound of the Eastman
Just got a Eastman SB58TV and it's an fantastic guitar, it has a lollar p90 in the neck and a imperial humbucker in the bridge , basically same guitar but diff color and a p90 in the neck. But I'm really impressed. Great vid btw.
Great video as usual Colin so many thanks for that. Just contemplating a new Les Paul and still undecided but this video helped a lot. Currently playing Epiphone inspired by Gibson Les Paul standard and the Gerry Cantrell Epiphone while my Gibson studio, which I have lavished a few upgrades on in an effort to bond, remains at home! Have you previously compared the Heritage Les Paul against the Eastman? I feel the answer for me may lay there. On another point after watching you video on the Epiphone SG Custom I decided I should try………not for me but nothing ventured nothing gained. Anyway think I’m stuck between the Eastman and The Heritage. Would like to see that comparison. Cheers and thanks again.
Both gorgeous and great video as usual.
Colin, please do a video on the PRS S2 McCarty 594 Singlecut.
Love your videos and great comparison. I grew up in the 80's so I'm a super strat player (I'm no shredder either). Back then, you couldn't give away Les Pauls but I was drawn to the Eastman in this instance .Still, an interesting video all the same👍
I just discovered your channel and I enjoyed this comparison very much. I just purchased a Gibson SG '61 Standard and was contemplating whether or not to return it for an Eastman SB55DC, sticking around the $1500 range (I bought one of the SG demo's). What I enjoyed most was your in depth and honest assessment of the Eastman. If you get the opportunity, I'd like to see you do a comparison of a Gibson Les Paul Junior and an Eastman SB55. Carry on!
Cheers John, have you seen my reviews of the SB55DC/v and comparisons of Les Paul Jr and SB55SC/v… they’re on the channel here somewhere 😁👍
I’m perving out on The Eastman 😎🎸 The Gibson is two Treblely,,, tiny
Thanks for all the trouble you go to in producing such great content. Cheers from Australia.
Cheers Anthony, thanks for watching mate!
This is the first of your videos I've watched and I loved it. The content, depth of analysis, your style of presentation and quality of musicianship. Thank you, I'm a fan. The reason you caught my eye was that I am in the market for an Eastman and naturally a direct comparison with an LP was of great interest. I now love the Eastman even more. The quality of build in my humble opinion is better than the Gibson, the finish, as you say will relic naturally and in a way that reflects how it's been played. I guess that's the ultimate in customisation. Tonally, The Eastman had a richness and I bet it sounds incredible when cranked up. I think the Eastman could, for me at least, be a guitar for life. Looking forward to your next vid. Pete
Cheers Pete, glad you found us man thanks for the kind words that's appreciated! 😎🙏 I say definitely try one if you can... I have nothing but good things to say about Eastman guitars 🙌
Thanks!
Here comes the Russian rockets -- second time today
Everybody scatters and hopes it goes away
How many kids they've murdered only God can say
If I had a rocket launcher...I'd make somebody pay
I don't believe in guarded borders and I don't believe in hate
I don't believe in cowering generals or their torture states
And when I talk with the survivors of things too sickening to relate
If I had a rocket launcher...I would retaliate
On Ukraine sovereign land, more than millions wait
Is it freezing or starvation -- or some less humane fate
Cry for Ukraine and it’s people, with a corpse in every gate
If I had a rocket launcher...I would not hesitate
I want to raise every voice -- at least I've got to try
Every time I think about it water rises to my eyes.
Situation desperate, echoes of the victims cry
If I had a rocket launcher...Some son of a bitch would die
Just one mad man controls it, the Russian sheep obey
There is only one solution - all the soldiers go away
Talking peace with liars - only extends civilian grief
If we had more rocket launchers…the war would be so brief
If we had more rocket launchers - it would not be a sin
If we had more rocket launchers - the brave could surely win
No more agony thinking about it - time is not on our side
Just one rocket aimed squarely the one son of bitch would die.
I wrote some lyrics to update a Bruce Cockburn song for the Ukraine people. Love to hear someone record it as an anthem to the fight. Colin..? Bruce Cockburn would surely give his approval.
Thanks man that's appreciated! 🙏😎
Issue I have is, while yes the Eastman plays amazing - it’s never going to be worth more than I payed for it originally. Gibson always seems to hold their value or go up. For me that’s a big thing because guitars are fun and if I don’t play them I sell them off. I love heritage guitars but I know I’d be kind of stuck with it if I don’t like it, or have to take a big hit when selling. Great video. I do agree we have some amazing les paul options these days.
I hear you, in part this is why I only snag an Eastman if priced used well under 1k US. That being said they are a steal at full retail.
Thats why i mostly buy in great conditioned used!! You can always get your money back on those.
Not sure what market you are in. If you want to pass it on in Norway there is at least a 10-20% loss straight away. In Norway new standards are about $2k5. You find used standards/traditionals from the last decade at around 1k5-1k7. New customs are 5k5, used maybe 4k. 80s and 90s are about the same. 70s customs at around $3-4k. They do hold their value ok after the initial loss, but the initial loss is substantial. The Norwegian market might be unique. If someone refers to reverb for price comparison in a second hand listing, it is dismissed right away, as the market works totally different here.
I see the issue about holding it’s value as nobody wants to lose money especially at the higher end. The issue is though bonding with a guitar and more importantly how much you play a guitar. I learned a long time ago that the brand/name on the headstock is nice but not necessarily a guarantee that you will get what you pay for. Had so many Gibsons but the only one I have left is the R8… which never gets used but has gone up in value. So it didn’t serve its purpose as an instrument just an investment - it will be going when I get round to it. I already have an Eastman but wouldn’t hesitate in getting another or go vintage …. the key is to play before part with your 💰
I have a friend who is a huge Gibson fan and always uses the same argument about retained value. I think it's partially true but only in certain instances.
Your typical LP Standard will lose a chunk of it's value as soon as you take it out of the shop (just like any other guitar). There are too many production models available on the used market/competing for potential Buyers. Prices will remain lower as a result.
However, used Gibson prices will increase in the long term (say 10+ years) because Gibson hike their new prices by 10% (say) per year and so used values are dragged up with them. Keep you guitar for a few more decades and you might capitalise on it being classified as 'vintage'.
The only Gibson's that are really going to increase in value are 'No longer in production' models, Limited Edition/Collectable models and those that are borderline (or already deemed) 'vintage'.
for me the Eastman has it, more mellow tones, super vid mt keep on rocking m.
Every review I've seen and read about the Eastman SB59 and SB59/v have been raves. Basically you get a Custom Shop level of quality for Standard pricing. Top quality craftsmanship and materials with professional-level hardware and electronics. What more can you ask for? I'll be getting one of these for sure. Looks like a keeper. Colin is right - Gibson are living off their past glory and are way, way overpriced for what they deliver. I'll take an Eastman!
Try for Studio pricing. At least that's the case here in Australia, wher the SB-59/v retails for A$4,499/US$2,992, though the store I bought it from sells it at A$3,419/US$2,274 (I beat the price rise two years ago and got mine for A$2,500/US$1,663). By comparison, the Gibson Studio retails for A$3,999/US$2,660 (sells for A$3,199/US$ at the same store) and the Standard A$6,399/US$4,256 (sells for A$5,299/US$3,525). If I bought a new one today, I'd have an extra A$1,800 to play with instead of buying the Gibson Standard, meaning I could get a really good amp to pair with it. The guy who sold it to me sells Gibsons too and he said he'd pick the Eastman over the Gibson any day of the week.
Wonderful review! Your commentary and insight is very entertaining! Thanks for making such great content!
What song are you playing in the “Let’s play something” section?
It sounded similar to Black Magic Woman by Carlos Santana but different enough to avoid a copyright strike.
I think we may be suffering from the same thing when it comes to Gibson-
I’m loathe to mar the things, so I wind up playing my epiphones more often!
The finish on the Eastman looks like shellac to me, like a violin, and I always tend to think of the finish on a violin as infinitely repairable, so handling marks etc don’t seem to bother me. I guess it’s like the polish on leather shoes- sure they will
get scuffs when worn, but no worries, not a huge deal to get polish them back to pre-scuff glory. I think it’s for me knowing that if I wanted, that I could get a French polish back to perfect that ironically has me not bothered to let imperfections mount.
Whereas on the nitro finish, the same can really be said, as nitrocellulose will always blend back and can be un-detectably repaired when skillfully done, blemishes in the nitro glossy finish seem more as you said, “broken”. I feel any blemish on an otherwise perfect glossy Gibson nitro finish needs to be repaired almost
urgently, so I tend to avoid even touching the instrument!
Eastman makes a nitrocellulose version of this model. So I’d imagine they scuff just as easy as the Gibson does
Hi. Interested to hear your views on the two sorts of Eastman - lollar v Seymour Duncan's? Steve, with a 83 LP at 9 1/2 + lbs that sounds great but is far too heavy. Good bids by the way.
I didn't play the SD one plugged but it felt great... closer to the Les Paul Std I reckon while this one is custom shop all the way 👌 maybe time to ditch that boat anchor you're not getting any younger! 🤣👍
Great detailed comparison! Was very curious to know how they stacked up against one on another since you posted the Eastman video. It’s funny you set up the rig for the Gibson because I found I preferred the sound of the Eastman in this comparison. As far as which to sell. The name on the headstock or what other people say should have no bearing. If you love the Eastman more that is the keeper and if you’ve given the Gibson a proper chance and still don’t love it, then I would sell it and not look back. You could use that money to fund a second Eastman even. 😁Thanks again for making this. Always appreciate these comparisons.
I’m relatively new to playing guitar and I started with an Epiphone and now I have a used Gibson Les Paul. I still don’t know why you feel the way you do about Gibson doing things to make you dislike them and like them in the same breath. Maybe you wish they were made in your country and maybe not. But you have to admit there are lots of companies out there that are giving Gibson a run for their money right now and it’s giving us some much better Guitars. I think Gibson charges to much for their guitars. But as a customer I will have to settle for a used guitar but there are some beautiful guitars that spent all or most of their life in a case. Like the 2009 Les Paul I just bought. Thank God for cases. Thank you Colin for listening to my ramblings.;-)
Cheers James, thanks for comment and support!!
I'm with you Colin.... I like every single thing about the Eastman. Everything, the color, the pups, the neck, it's a great package. No pickguard too! I yank them straight off. Great show! Sell the Gibson
🤣👍 Cheers mate, have a good weekend brother!
Me too, they are crackin guitars..
I've got a Parlour & lm hanging to get me hands on an SC or DC.
Shdve got one 2yrs back..but....
Great video! Brilliant to see such a detailed breakdown of both instruments. 👏
I still want my codpiece, though... and I will have one eventually!
Yeah that itch needs scratching! 😎👍
Both guitars sound great! I really like the Eastman and think it sounds just as good or better, but I couldn't let go of the Gibson. It's because the "idea" of owning a Gibson has hooked so many musicians that when you finally buy one, it becomes an achievement. Gibson has us by the balls where a decision on any other guitar could easily boil down to the name. You'll find yourself thinking... "It's great but it's not a Gibson."
I agree. I've bought all types of guits, brand, no name and I love them all. Something bout the Gibson name tho.
Eastman all day everyday for me. Obviously both have quality parts and woods. But the Eastman's build quality is much better and consistent on every guitar they dispatch. So for me the build quality and tone far out way the name on the headstock. Great review by the way. 👌
I think, ultimately, it depends on which guitar speaks to you. I’ve always wanted a Les Paul ( due to Peter Green, Paul Kossoff, the Thin Lizzy boys etc.)but every time I’ve tried one over the years I’ve thought “Nice, but not quite nice enough”. But when I tried an SB59 last year I was “Ooh, this feels good!”. So I took the plunge and haven’t regretted it. Someone else might find a Gibson that is just the “one” for them, which is great.
Sold my 339 and bought another Tele, American Performer with HB at neck. Love your playing, slow blues. I’m a Tele guy.guy but I really liked the Eastman! Thanks for the talks.
Damn Colin, you only need a Maybach Lester now and you have the holy trinity of Les Pauls 😅
I daren't look at those for fear of bankruptcy! 🤣
Then a Collings & Ur beer money is in recession.
I purchased the same Eastman in 2019.. it came with Duncans antiquities and a lovely brown case. I still have it along with my Les Paul’s. I love them both. They each do the job I need. New the Eastman was 1300 US back then, I purchased for 900.
Love your show, you do a great job. Cheers from NY.
Cheers man! 😎👍
It might be my ears but to me the Gibson sounds more brighter and clear, the Eastman sounds slightly muddier? Both beautiful guitars Colin. If I had the choice, sorry it’s the Gibson for me to keep. 😮👍🎸
Maybe he'll sell you his cheap... 🤔😉😁
@@joehahn8817 I’d love to but afraid can’t afford a Gibson in this current financial climate! Epiphone and squier for me. Great guitars though 👍👌
@@jamessutherington3471 I love my Epiphones. I have a '59 LP from zZounds in Southern Fade that looks like a cross between Iced-Tea and Bourbonburst and an SG Special P-90 in Pelham Blue. I have a Squire Affinity Strat that beat out three Mexicasters at my local pawn shop too!!!
I have less money tied up in all three of those guitars then I would in one used Gibson Les Paul...🤣🤣🤣
Have an Eastman sb59 V Amber with Bareknuckle Stormy Mondays.
Had something Gibsons before but the Eastman is, as you said, an instrument you immediately bond with. It's like an old friend.
Mate your tone sounds amazing this week! Is it the compressor pedal thats made the difference? It sounds way more dynamic, clear and warm. Love it.
It is hard to dial in a rig to sound good with two guitars, personally I think they both deserve to sound their best but then your not comparing them on a level platform. Its a real conundrum
Cheers man, yes I realise that sometime I do use a bit too much but it sounds good... but this week I knew I need to let them speak without any added compression so just cranked the amp a bit more! 😁👍
@@theguitaristas Hi Colin, nice chops, as usual, maybe you don't bond that much because of the pound, the tailpiece and the bridge, lol, Great sounding guitars. Oh and the klingon pronunciation ,lmao. Cheers Mate. Happy week end
I have a Hofner archtop made in Germany that has the hand rubbed violin finish and I can tell you that is has been a nightmare when it comes to scratches and marks that are so easily made when ever I touch it. Thanks for the great review, I very much enjoyed it.
Great job on the comparison. While these 2 guitars are close in price, I think that the Eastman is more comparable to the Gibson Custom Shop. I love my Gibson SG. I also love my Eastman SB59 and no longer search for "the Les Paul".
New to your channel but there is something about your intro format that hooks me. The switching between playing and short clips of you talking is just right.
Cheers man thanks for the support it's appreciated! 😁👍
This is my take. You can take all the best materials, ebony, stainless steel frets, Honduras mahogany, rosewood fretboard,iron wood fretboard, Brazilian, rosewood or mahogany, nitrocellulose, oiled finish, mother of Pearl ect ect. This makes no difference if the guitar sounds great without all of these!!!!!
I tried and tried hundreds of guitars. Harley Bentons and les Paul 59 reissues. A lot of it is pure psychosomatic I’m sure of that.
Take my Gibsons for instance ! I get them out of their cases and think …………. Better not scratch it, better not wear the frets out. (took my Gibson to my local luthier and he said “ by gum you’ve played the hell out of this!!!!!! It’ll need a fretjob next time!!!!! Jesus…… maybe I shouldn’t have played it I’ve ruined it.
And if I take it on a gig I’m constantly thinking it might get nicked or dinked. This is not what guitar ownership should be like!!!!! It’s about the music 🎵
And that’s why I love my Trev Wilkinson vintage guitars so much. Cheap, play great, sound great and are light. And dare I say it! They look great as well.
I will never sell my Gibsons as they are great guitars but they also remind me how lucky I am to have my vintage les Paul’s and what a damn bargain they are.
Those Trev “vintage” guitars are great guitars. I agree with you.
Wow Colin so on point for me on the “riff” your playing has the last 2 weeks gone to another level mate 👍🎸. Great videos
Cheers Simon!
Sell the Gibson mate!! I think the Eastman flawed it in every category.
I just bought an eastman sb59/v gb. What an amazing instrument! I heard that they're going to be limiting the production of this model this year as they're so labour intesive to varnish... so, get one while they're still afordable!
Sell the Gibson ‼️
Great stuff. Your video on the budget 335 alternatives had me sold on the Casino. But in the meanwhile I was able to grab a used Eastman T486 (a 335 model). It would be great to see you have a go at Eastman’s thinline archtops.
I'm tempted...
Me too
Colin, one more time, amazing this channel and btw a lot of times I get back to review again some video which I saw it already because are so informative that :) you needed see again. This channel in currently my favorite channel, thanks a lot.
I forgot to said hahaha bestial Led Zeppelin 😅
Cheers Jose... I talk so much you have to watch several times! 🤣👍
You are my favorite TH-cam guitar channel but I get depressed watching because I want to play as well as you and I can’t, but then I drink a couple of beers and I’m happy again 😎
Ah thanks Steve that's really kind mate! 🙏😊 ... we do all suffer from that though, I need a lot of beer when I watch Tom Bukovac and so so many others play!! 😆👍
I just bought a brand new 2022 Gibson SG Standard, heritage cherry. As the Brits would say, it’s brilliant. The smell alone ahhhh. The nut is perfect, not a bad fret on the neck, perfect pickups, stays in tune, flawless binding, not a scratch, paint impeccably done. I’m a fan of both Epiphone and Gibson. I understand Colin’s frustration as he has been buying these guitars in large quantities for years. I’ve owned Epiphones and Fenders for years, cheap stuff. My new SG feels like a premium instrument. I got it about $300 under cost, great deal. But I can see Colin and some other folks have had bad experiences.
I must disagree with the lady saying young folks see a Gibson as a cod piece. Jimmy Page, Alex Lifeson, Angus Young, Pete Townshend, the great Steve Howe, Steve Hackett, George Harrison, Robby Krieger, Tony Iommi, all my heroes carried a Gibson. If playing the brand of my heroes is a cod piece, then I’m going medieval! 😜😜😜
Great video! I bought recently one Eastman S59, and i got to tell you, I love that guitar!.... great channel!! congrats!!!
Hi Colin... Always n.1 but please,please...please don't sell that Gibson,you already get rid of your beautiful R8,... don't do that 😁😁😁🎸🎸🎸😍😍😍👍👍👍
Your vote has been counted Marco! 😆👍
I’m kinda preferring the lower output and balance of the Gibson in this comparison. I prefer the Gibson although as you said it’s hard to deny the craftsmanship of the Eastman. If somewhere in your mind there is ever a thought of selling either then obviously the Gibson will retain more of it’s value. However you did bond with the Eastman very quickly….and it’s built so dang well. I’m glad I don’t have to decide! Lol. Great episode!
please do a comparison video of gibson les paul standard and Maybach Lester. Would be so great
Getting my eastman sb59/v goldburst soon, amazing machine. Have you ever reviewed maybach guitars? They are awesome
Not yet but I’d like to!
Man. Love your reviews.
I got my eye on the Eastman now. I love Gibsons but the Eastman seems like a better value.
What a great video! I just bought an Eastman SB59v and i was thinking of taking it back. Now, I think I'll keep it. BTW- when i look away from your video and just listen, you sound a lot like Eric Clapton. 🙂 Thanks!
Cheers 😊🙏 just wondering why you having second thoughts was it peer pressure? 😆… honestly these Eastmans are on another level to Gibson standards but of course they don’t have that headstock!
@@theguitaristas I bought it 2 days ago but when I got home, I wondered if I'd rather have a 60's Les Paul Custom Shop. Your video made me feel better about the Eastman and saved me almost $4,000! They're both cool guitars, but I like the Eastman neck much better.
And now I need to decide between an epiphone 59 or the Eastman 59v.
Cheers Doug, the Epi 59 is great value but the Eastman 59v is a whole different ball game entirely 🔥 better than Gibson.
I've owned both. Still have the Eastman 🙂 Enough said. Thanks for such great videos!
Wow Colin, that was a very satisfying 40 minutes or so...I really enjoy your style. Last week I bought a 50's (IBG) Les Paul Goldtop (epiphon...) because you demonstrated how wonderful it was not long before. You were right! She is just a pleasure to play and even look at. I saw this current video comparing the Gibson Les Paul to the Eastman version and so I got my 2016 Gibson Les Paul Trad down off the wall where it hangs with several other beautiful guitars I don't plan enough. As I watched the Eastman clean up in so many categories and heard your take on who Gibson has become, I started bonding with my Gibson (holding/playing as I watched your performance) in a way I hadn't till now. Thank you! I think I have a much better appreciation at just how awesome my LP Trad really is. My Epi LP Std is wonderful in so many ways but is at a different level compared to the Gibson. Glad I came to my senses. I was thinking of selling the Gibson now that I have the Epiphone...this video woke me up, although, I don't think that was the intent!
Nice one Murray…. sounds like some weird spooky reverse psychology going on there! 🤔 maybe it’s because of that Gibson ‘indoctrination’ you started feeling bad for neglecting such a great guitar? 🤣 whatever it is they are still great guitars and we still love them in spite of everything. Enjoy playing this weekend mate! 😁👍
I think your playing is very soulful and passionate, I would love to hear more. Marks on my Gibson all look like damage on the guitar. The Eastman mark’s are like wear from the love of playing it. I’m keeping my SG, sold my junior and 339. Looking forward to selling my 59 Bassman (a real one) and buying an Eastman. Thanks for the wonderful video 😊
Mr Guitarista, just bought an SB59V-RB after quite a search. Advised the factory is hesitant to ship out varnish product until winters cooler temperatures??? Also just purchased their acoustic E20D solid wood copy of the Martin D18. At this point in acquisitions a wise person would be looking to sell off duplicates. We’ll see how far wise goes when it’s me lol
THANK YOU for making me aware of Eastman 🎉🎉🎉
The reason the knobs sit at different heights is because the Gibson is built with that grounding plate which takes up some space on the shaft and may require a different length pot.
You've convinced me, pal.
I need to go and buy a cello!
Have a great weekend
Eastman! Thanks Colin! Better late than never! Great show buddy.
Cheers Bill!
Unexpectedly Eastman out shine Gibson in everything….. very good presentation!
That was fun. I have an Epiphone Elitist LP which I love.
I completely understand where and what you are saying. I have been playing for over 40 years. In Canada, The Eastman sb59 goes for $2500 plus tax. and the Sb59v is $3300.00. Gibson les paul 50's now on special at $3300, regular price 4 grand. Look at the difference in price for sb59 is $800, without the special would be be $1500.00 difference. If you look at piece by piece, part by part, and of course value for money, I would go for the Eastman. Gibson glory days might be numbered. Gibson was once a premium brand, they have cut corners, look back to its history. The Gibson company acquired electronics companies that made headphones, speakers and turntables, and spent 100's of millions of dollars, sales falling, In 2018, they filed for Bankruptcy. The worst years for Gibson was 1971 to 1985, the Norlin years. From 2007-2012 they also had issues. Last few years I purchased a few Gibson's, and I had them returned, they was poorly made. When you purchase guitars between 3 to 5 grand you want a guitar with care and perfection. I even called them them on several occasions, the customer service was bad. Don't get me wrong, I still like Gibson. They have to change, and get back to the original roots, if not, they will not last long. Todays young guitarists have many options to choose from. Keep up the good, I really like listening to your video's.
Cheers,
Andrew
I never bonded with my 50s standard but it was an 11lb brick
Yours is my new favorite guitar channel. Great reviews. No BS. Please keep up the great work!
Cheers that’s appreciated! 😁🙏
Helo hello very nice videos and comparisons! Really informative and I learned a lot, funny comments and other fun stuff.
Hi Collin!
Although the eastmans quality outshines the gibson, I just like the tone of the gibson just....
Don't get me wrong eastman sounds
great, to my ears the gibson sounds
a touch better.
Love the tune you played
As always a excellent review. 👌 👍
Awesome video! I preferred the sound of the Eastman to the Gibson. This may be nit-picky, but i wish the Eastman had a pickguard, but thats just because of the way i play, not anything to do with looks. Great playing as well, Colin!
absolutely fantastic reviews. Thank you thank you!!! Seriously!!!
Another great video comparison from my new favorite Brit! I own 2 semi hollow Eastmans and love them, but have never played the single cutaway model…looks and sounds great. I’ll give one a try this coming Friday as my local shop just got one in inventory.
Bought my first gibson SG in 1980 firebrand and everyone said a walnut guitar sounds bad. So I built a guitar with every tonal capacitor used in guitars. It took 6 tonal capacitors, then I added seymor duncun humbuckers with a 6 way pick splitter to enable humbuckers or single coil. I can play fender, gibson, jackson or the muddiest sound ever heard. I did this to a 1976 turbo electronic 24 fret korean guitar that was the basis for the richbitch design. I now added 500K pots and seymor duncans to my 1980 SG firebrand, sounds really nice.
Never skip your videos. This is an awesome channel! I love chilling watching you just talk about this dumb addiction that it is guitars.