@@adamwatson6916they sure are creeping up here in the US as well. I think their pricing is still very much inline with the quality of components and build but not as ridiculous of a value that they were a few years ago. That said, my Eastman guitars get played as much or more than my Gibsons sooo
I've had an Eastman sb59 V for about 6 months now. I'm an old guy that has had just about every guitar imaginable over the years still have a couple of Les Paul's and some stratocasters. Since I've had this guitar I don't play any of my other ones. It is just better. Doesn't really have any tuning issues at all probably due to the fact that the nut is really well done. Sounds completely amazing the lollar Imperial pickups our wonderful. I did flip the magnet on the neck pickup to put it out of phase. I'm strictly a blues player so that gives me some Fender type sounds in the middle position. If you can find one buy it. They're kind of difficult to get right now I don't think it's going to get any easier for a while.
I watched Jack at Peach Guitars do a head-to-head of 7 Les Paul style guitars yesterday. The only one I really thought got close to the 60th anniversary Custom Shop LP was the Eastman - very impressive guitar and serious bang for your buck.
I have loved this model ever since I saw it! I love the back so much because Gibson seems to always offer red coloured backs and I always want the brown or raw wood colours. You would think in this day and age you could have the simple options. That is why these other companies are making more reasonably priced, great sounding guitars and taking a big chunk out of the market.
this company is making hand crafted guitars and they have skilled craftsmen with a price about a grand lower than the Gibson that doesn't finish the fret ends past the neck because well most people don't play up there anyway. I am 62 and played since i was 14 or 15. Professionally for many years as a young adult. I bought a similar sort of guitar when I went to buy the one one I really wanted and it was totally by accident. In the late 70's and on for awhile the only USA hand crafted guitars besides Gibson were Hamer guitars and I didn't know that either then. We had 3 music stores in my city. Two bigger ones that were loaded with Gibson, Fender and cheep very limited copies along with off brands that couldn't even stay in tune through a song. Hamer couldn't get their guitar in the Gibson / Fender stores so they sent a few to the local small dealers. I was in the back street music store where i used to hangout because it had the vibe. It was an old 3 story building full of old treasures from every kind of band instrument you could think of up to brand new electric guitars along with other junk that was way cool.
Amazing guitars. I have a 335 style Eastman with the varnish finish. Best guitar I have owned in 25 years of playing. Would cost 3 times as much if it a different logo on the headstock
Thanks for posting this Brett! I picked up the same guitar, built in 2019, after hearing you… and am loving it.🙂 The Eastman sounds great with my Mad Professor Royal Blue OD, Suhr Eclipse OD, Suhr Bella amp, and simple delay and reverb in the effects loop. Play with the volume rolled back a bit, etc. and life is very good 😎
Awesome review and it looks like everything you said. I love the way you play all types of music and particularly lots of heavy stuff and not just fluff around on jazzy type playing like lots of other reviews. Nice work and keep it up.
I could immediately tell that it's an easy playing guitar by watching how you move around on it. It looked like it was a pleasure to play, even before you said so. That was the first thing I noticed actually. I didn't notice that the body is slightly bigger than a Gibson until you mentioned it. That's a plus for me too, as I'm a big guy like you, and my Les Paul feels small(ish) in my lap when I sit and play, even though I do like it very much. This guitar is definitely something to consider. It sounded terrific, and the construction seem first rate. Very nice demo, Bergs! Much appreciated as always!
Im about to pull the trigger on this guitar that is gently used at a local shop. Your reviews on everything you do are my first and foremost go to for all gear musically. You are the best at showcasing the equipment for all its attributes and leave no stones unturned. Masterful at every review. Many Thanks.
Love the Eastmans have a SB57N-BK I don't know if the body is bigger like you say that one is but it fits in a SKB LP case perfectly although it comes with a cool Suede type material hardshell case.
I love the violin finish on those guitars. I've always been a little skeptical about the eastman headstock as they pull the strings so far outside. I guess just always wondered how it would effect tuning and stability. Glad you got your hands on one! Sick guitar. Nasty.
Had mine for two years and did have some turning issues just like gibson . I cut the nut a little wider and put nut lube and now loving it. I never play my lp standard anymore. The quality is flawless.ww
Hey, how are you? Really loving the guitar. I'm also thinking about getting an Eastman, but I have a question about the tuning stability. Because i've had a gibson with similar headstock and had to sell it because it wouldn't stay in tune. Are there any issues with the eastman, since it has got a similar headstock? thanks in advance
Hi there, I can't answer in this specific model but I have had an Eastman slope shoulder dreadnought w/ 'Hog/Addy combination (2nd owner) and that thing is rock solid tuning wise and all aspects. I do have this guitar on order in the gold burst varnish finish but won't be able to truly answer you until its projected arrival in late Jan '22. Counting the days.....cheers!
I have this model and a T486. Zero tuning issues on either. ALL my Gibsons have tuning issues. The Custom Shop 59 VOS has a G string issue that’s never been solved by them unfortunately
Why they didn't go with 50-s wiring (vintage wiring) on those? According to the pot specs CTS 500K Audio Taper it's definitely modern wiring. I know that it's a matter of preference, but if they go full on vintage why not to do this?
so true...got my Lefty earlier this year....bests any American Fender/Gibson/Heritage....I've owned to date. The full tone and wonderful playability is unmatched....new for $1100 shipped!! Bidding on a SB59 GoldTop right now on eBay....of course I'm winning for now.
Gorgeous guitar, great tones, great playing. Regarding the pickups, it says they’re custom wound. Question: are they closer to Lollar’s low or regular wind?
I personally like low E 4/64th and high E 3/64th on a Fixed bridge guitar, rather than typical manufacturer specs 5/64th and 4/64th respectively. My 2020 SB59/v took the lower action fine without getting buzzing. I see this low action as a good test for how true the neck, frets and angles are in relation to the bridge. That goes for any brand.
Brett great video as always, thoroughly enjoy yours. Can you comment about tuning stability in depth please? As a long time Gibson guy that’s had 3 LPs climbing up the price ladder I can attest: they all have tuning stability issues and it drives me batty. Is the headstock different than Gibson’s steep angle/does Eastman sideways pull work better/worse? Cheers
A fair question indeed. I too have experienced the Gibson tuning thing and it doesn't matter how expensive they are either. The Eastman shares a very similar build as we would all be aware but there are a couple of things in its favour that help this issue: 1. Rock solid and very true tuners. There is no give in them and they feel positive and sure. They don't slip or clunk or travel. 2. Quarter-sawn woods. Super solid and little or no movement even in the crazy Australian weather extremes. Aside from that, the nut is top notch and the hardware is all tough and mounted beautifully. Lots of tune-o-matic bridges bend because of the tension at one end, the stop-tail being planted at the other and the often poor alloys; I haven't seen any of that on this guitar and I've played it for an hour or more every day since this video was made. There are no compromises in an Eastman build.
Brett which multi fx processor would you recommend for live use. I play classic country and classic rock and surf. Mostly clean and tasty OD but no metal
Except in their custom shop guitars, both those cost 3-4 times more than an Eastman GB59. I'm not sure I'd want the antique varnish, which was discontinued on the new ones. The truetone 'varnish" (catalyzed urethane?) is thinner and harder supposedly, although some say the soft antique varnish "feels better"? Other than having slightly better pickups, the GB59 is just as good as the GB59V, which costs $400-500 more, the pickups aren't worth more than a $100 extra, at least when you compare Duncan 59 cost to Lollar Imperials or SD Antiquities used in the "V" models. I found a really light weight GB59 with a brilliant flamed top, so I may get that and change the Duncan 59s if I don't like them - some people say if you change the AlNiCo-5 magnet to AlNiCo-2,3,4 instead THEN they become awesome sounding pickups (?), so I may do that if it ever arrives here.
Eastman is honestly making some of the best guitars out there these days and at reasonable prices
I agree. Ive had an sb59 non v for 2-3 weeks and one of the best single cut/double humbucker guitars ever made imho.
They are inching up in price . These are 3200 dollars plus tax in Canada now.
@@adamwatson6916they sure are creeping up here in the US as well. I think their pricing is still very much inline with the quality of components and build but not as ridiculous of a value that they were a few years ago. That said, my Eastman guitars get played as much or more than my Gibsons sooo
I've had an Eastman sb59 V for about 6 months now. I'm an old guy that has had just about every guitar imaginable over the years still have a couple of Les Paul's and some stratocasters. Since I've had this guitar I don't play any of my other ones. It is just better. Doesn't really have any tuning issues at all probably due to the fact that the nut is really well done. Sounds completely amazing the lollar Imperial pickups our wonderful. I did flip the magnet on the neck pickup to put it out of phase. I'm strictly a blues player so that gives me some Fender type sounds in the middle position. If you can find one buy it. They're kind of difficult to get right now I don't think it's going to get any easier for a while.
I watched Jack at Peach Guitars do a head-to-head of 7 Les Paul style guitars yesterday. The only one I really thought got close to the 60th anniversary Custom Shop LP was the Eastman - very impressive guitar and serious bang for your buck.
I have loved this model ever since I saw it! I love the back so much because Gibson seems to always offer red coloured backs and I always want the brown or raw wood colours. You would think in this day and age you could have the simple options. That is why these other companies are making more reasonably priced, great sounding guitars and taking a big chunk out of the market.
this company is making hand crafted guitars and they have skilled craftsmen with a price about a grand lower than the Gibson that doesn't finish the fret ends past the neck because well most people don't play up there anyway. I am 62 and played since i was 14 or 15. Professionally for many years as a young adult. I bought a similar sort of guitar when I went to buy the one one I really wanted and it was totally by accident. In the late 70's and on for awhile the only USA hand crafted guitars besides Gibson were Hamer guitars and I didn't know that either then. We had 3 music stores in my city. Two bigger ones that were loaded with Gibson, Fender and cheep very limited copies along with off brands that couldn't even stay in tune through a song. Hamer couldn't get their guitar in the Gibson / Fender stores so they sent a few to the local small dealers. I was in the back street music store where i used to hangout because it had the vibe. It was an old 3 story building full of old treasures from every kind of band instrument you could think of up to brand new electric guitars along with other junk that was way cool.
Well thanks for that Brett! Varnish looks absolutely killer, and wonderful clarity / note definition!
Amazing guitars. I have a 335 style Eastman with the varnish finish. Best guitar I have owned in 25 years of playing. Would cost 3 times as much if it a different logo on the headstock
TOTALLY TOTALLY agree.
Thanks for posting this Brett! I picked up the same guitar, built in 2019, after hearing you… and am loving it.🙂 The Eastman sounds great with my Mad Professor Royal Blue OD, Suhr Eclipse OD, Suhr Bella amp, and simple delay and reverb in the effects loop. Play with the volume rolled back a bit, etc. and life is very good 😎
I have one too, and it's the best guitar I own...and I have some decent instruments, many of which are much more expensive. It's a beast.
Awesome review and it looks like everything you said. I love the way you play all types of music and particularly lots of heavy stuff and not just fluff around on jazzy type playing like lots of other reviews. Nice work and keep it up.
Love it Brett! Oh and us P&W guys get to those high gains too ya know! :) 😂
I could immediately tell that it's an easy playing guitar by watching how you move around on it. It looked like it was a pleasure to play, even before you said so. That was the first thing I noticed actually. I didn't notice that the body is slightly bigger than a Gibson until you mentioned it. That's a plus for me too, as I'm a big guy like you, and my Les Paul feels small(ish) in my lap when I sit and play, even though I do like it very much. This guitar is definitely something to consider. It sounded terrific, and the construction seem first rate. Very nice demo, Bergs! Much appreciated as always!
Been really curious about these. Looks gorgeous and sounds great. The back looked like it had a ton of interesting grain. Sweet!
Holy crap that neck pickup. I just got my first Eastman an e20ss I got a fantastic used price on. These are awesome guitars
Sounds Awesome 👍😎!!
Im about to pull the trigger on this guitar that is gently used at a local shop. Your reviews on everything you do are my first and foremost go to for all gear musically. You are the best at showcasing the equipment for all its attributes and leave no stones unturned. Masterful at every review. Many Thanks.
Great review ! Gotta get me an Eastman !!! I like the double cutaway that they make...
Love the Eastmans have a SB57N-BK I don't know if the body is bigger like you say that one is but it fits in a SKB LP case perfectly although it comes with a cool Suede type material hardshell case.
Your an amazing guitarist amigo.🤘🏽🎸I’m curious,does this guitar have a satin neck?
@Scram Jam Thanks amigo.🙏
I love the violin finish on those guitars. I've always been a little skeptical about the eastman headstock as they pull the strings so far outside. I guess just always wondered how it would effect tuning and stability. Glad you got your hands on one! Sick guitar. Nasty.
The new Eastman headstocks are not as big and wide as the old ones.
Had mine for two years and did have some turning issues just like gibson . I cut the nut a little wider and put nut lube and now loving it.
I never play my lp standard anymore. The quality is flawless.ww
Very cool guitar...fantastic playing!
Great review!
sounds amazing
Hey, how are you? Really loving the guitar. I'm also thinking about getting an Eastman, but I have a question about the tuning stability. Because i've had a gibson with similar headstock and had to sell it because it wouldn't stay in tune. Are there any issues with the eastman, since it has got a similar headstock? thanks in advance
Hi there, I can't answer in this specific model but I have had an Eastman slope shoulder dreadnought w/ 'Hog/Addy combination (2nd owner) and that thing is rock solid tuning wise and all aspects.
I do have this guitar on order in the gold burst varnish finish but won't be able to truly answer you until its projected arrival in late Jan '22.
Counting the days.....cheers!
I have this model and a T486. Zero tuning issues on either. ALL my Gibsons have tuning issues. The Custom Shop 59 VOS has a G string issue that’s never been solved by them unfortunately
Brett if you could get your hands on their new junior DC's and make a video I'd be really grateful. No one's got videos up of them.
There are not avalaible yet, at least in France. Mine should be in store 7 July.
Why they didn't go with 50-s wiring (vintage wiring) on those? According to the pot specs CTS 500K Audio Taper it's definitely modern wiring. I know that it's a matter of preference, but if they go full on vintage why not to do this?
Gee they make great guitars. The t486 e335 style is one of the best things I've ever picked up.
so true...got my Lefty earlier this year....bests any American Fender/Gibson/Heritage....I've owned to date. The full tone and wonderful playability is unmatched....new for $1100 shipped!! Bidding on a SB59 GoldTop right now on eBay....of course I'm winning for now.
Gorgeous guitar, great tones, great playing. Regarding the pickups, it says they’re custom wound. Question: are they closer to Lollar’s low or regular wind?
Hi Brett, great video! Any chance of getting hold of an Eastman T486 (.. 335) to demo?
All the best 👍
Yessir. I have one here waiting for a similar demo. As soon as Mrs K lets me out of the garden I'll get on it for you. Cheers!
That sounds amazing
I’m curious Can you get a very low action with this type of guitar?
I personally like low E 4/64th and high E 3/64th on a Fixed bridge guitar, rather than typical manufacturer specs 5/64th and 4/64th respectively. My 2020 SB59/v took the lower action fine without getting buzzing. I see this low action as a good test for how true the neck, frets and angles are in relation to the bridge. That goes for any brand.
Brett great video as always, thoroughly enjoy yours. Can you comment about tuning stability in depth please? As a long time Gibson guy that’s had 3 LPs climbing up the price ladder I can attest: they all have tuning stability issues and it drives me batty. Is the headstock different than Gibson’s steep angle/does Eastman sideways pull work better/worse? Cheers
A fair question indeed. I too have experienced the Gibson tuning thing and it doesn't matter how expensive they are either. The Eastman shares a very similar build as we would all be aware but there are a couple of things in its favour that help this issue: 1. Rock solid and very true tuners. There is no give in them and they feel positive and sure. They don't slip or clunk or travel. 2. Quarter-sawn woods. Super solid and little or no movement even in the crazy Australian weather extremes. Aside from that, the nut is top notch and the hardware is all tough and mounted beautifully. Lots of tune-o-matic bridges bend because of the tension at one end, the stop-tail being planted at the other and the often poor alloys; I haven't seen any of that on this guitar and I've played it for an hour or more every day since this video was made. There are no compromises in an Eastman build.
Nice
Brett which multi fx processor would you recommend for live use. I play classic country and classic rock and surf. Mostly clean and tasty OD but no metal
😃
I have an offer to trade my PRS Silver Sky Golden Mesa for an Eastman SB59/V-GB. Decisions, decisions!
What a nice review, Ive sent you an email, if you want to reply to it I would really appreciate it.
Is that the amber varnish finish?
Yes.
Gibson wishes they could build a guitar like this. Gibson doesn’t care about quality.
Except in their custom shop guitars, both those cost 3-4 times more than an Eastman GB59. I'm not sure I'd want the antique varnish, which was discontinued on the new ones. The truetone 'varnish" (catalyzed urethane?) is thinner and harder supposedly, although some say the soft antique varnish "feels better"? Other than having slightly better pickups, the GB59 is just as good as the GB59V, which costs $400-500 more, the pickups aren't worth more than a $100 extra, at least when you compare Duncan 59 cost to Lollar Imperials or SD Antiquities used in the "V" models. I found a really light weight GB59 with a brilliant flamed top, so I may get that and change the Duncan 59s if I don't like them - some people say if you change the AlNiCo-5 magnet to AlNiCo-2,3,4 instead THEN they become awesome sounding pickups (?), so I may do that if it ever arrives here.
Sounds great . Awful color .
Not gone on the color myself but that guitar sounds incredible nonetheless which is the most important thing at the end of the day I suppose.
Nice