Eastman SB59 vs Gibson Les Paul Std - Side By Side Comparison
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- Опубликовано: 3 авг 2024
- It's time for another of our side by side deep dive comparison videos this week as we pitch our new lush SB59 against the stunning beauty of our Gibson original. Can fine craftsmanship sound better than the legacy of the big brash brand?.. well there's only one way to find out! 🎸🎸
Search for a SB59/V on Reverb: reverb.grsm.io/eastmansb59
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Time stamps:
00:00 play in and coming up
01:05 what's happening today
04:26 specifications & pricing
07:00 what do they weigh?
07:52 nitro vs antique varnish
10:55 fingerboards, frets, nuts, tuners
13:19 neck profiles & measurements
14:44 bridges & tailpieces
16:46 pickup readings
17:43 pickup & control cavities
21:22 truss rod adjusters
21:41 plugged in & todays rig
23:39 let's play something
27:14 what we were hearing
29:14 do higher specs sound good?
31:47 the problem with the Gibson brand
33:20 the 'thing' about Gibsons
35:28 let's talk about the finish
37:15 so where does that leave us?
39:05 let's wrap this up
39:55 play out jam
Signal Chain Info:
TC Polytune / Boss CS3
Drive Pedals (when on): RAT
Boss DD7 / Boss RC5 Looper
Amp: Fender Princeton 65 Reverb Tweed 1 x 12
Mics AKG C414 & SM57
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 into Protools
I AM NOT AN EXPERT. Some things I do know and some things I don't know but think I know and sometimes I say things that are not entirely correct. Once I have said things it's too late to correct them so please check any 'so called facts' with an adult, google, wikipedia, or someone else that knows.
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Развлечения
Just a quick note... in case any of your comments disappear at any time it may be as a result of RUclips 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 RUclips 🎉
Thanks Chris that's appreciated 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.
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 genuineness of these videos is what keeps me coming back. Thank you for sharing your time!
Thanks for keep coming back it's appreciated!
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.
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
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
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 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.
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.
Copy and Paste comment >>> The genuineness of these videos is what keeps me coming back. Really great review >> I AM BUYING the Eastman. Thanks !
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.
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!
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! 😁👍
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! 😎👍
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
😁👍👍
Another great video Colin, I was really impressed with the sound of the Eastman
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!
Brilliant review. Keep up the great work! 😎
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! 🤣👍
Yours is my new favorite guitar channel. Great reviews. No BS. Please keep up the great work!
Cheers that’s appreciated! 😁🙏
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! 😎👍
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 don't think the Tokai looks like a cheap knock off either
The Navigators are the best Les Paul copies by far. They blow these Eastmans out of the water.
And don't forget Heritage Guitars!
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.
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?
I’ll take an Eastman every day of the week.
Sold my Fender Tele and Gibson Les Paul for an Eastman sb56 and a sb59v. Never looked back. These Eastmans are just amazing !
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've owned both. Still have the Eastman 🙂 Enough said. Thanks for such great videos!
Great video! I bought recently one Eastman S59, and i got to tell you, I love that guitar!.... great channel!! congrats!!!
Your videos are great. Very much enjoy how you review.
Just found this channel a few days ago, which is odd because probably 90% of what I watch is electric guitar related content. Glad RUclips 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!! 😎👍
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!
Thanks for all the trouble you go to in producing such great content. Cheers from Australia.
Cheers Anthony, thanks for watching mate!
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👍
absolutely fantastic reviews. Thank you thank you!!! Seriously!!!
Old guitar dood here. Been at it for 60+ years. Some time back I picked up an Eastman AR372, a Gibson ES175 replica. I also have a used Gibson ES175 that I picked up last year (2023). The "real" ES175 just plays better and feels better in the hands. I think the Gibby sounds better plugged in but they're both very decent. I also have four Les Paul's, including a '59 RI and a LP Custom. The Custom plays flawlessly and is flawlessly manufactured. I can't imagine for even a second that Eastman somehow surpasses my experience with these incredible instruments. Lastly, the Gibson LP's will hold or appreciate in value with time. Considering inflation, if they just hold their value then in essence they've appreciated. BTW, have you ever played or owned a Heritage instrument? They too are very high quality and are appreciating with time. Eastman makes a damn good guitar but for my money, I'll stick with the American made originals.
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!
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 😂
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....
Great video as always, keep em coming. Keep the Gibson
Hey Colin . Great comparison, playing from the heart . As usual !
Thanks mate! 🙏😎
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! 😎👍
Love the Eastman...Thanks Colin for the in depth...
Love your content, thanks! I think I am going to get a eastman!
This channel is fantastic.
I’m perving out on The Eastman 😎🎸 The Gibson is two Treblely,,, tiny
Never skip your videos. This is an awesome channel! I love chilling watching you just talk about this dumb addiction that it is guitars.
You are my favorite RUclips 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!! 😆👍
The whole “handmade” thing is a big part of bonding with a guitar. It would be interesting to see more work by luthiers and craftsmen from smaller companies - as long as they are under two grand anyway!
Helo hello very nice videos and comparisons! Really informative and I learned a lot, funny comments and other fun stuff.
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.
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 really enjoy your channel.
Gracias from Bocas del Toro Panama !
Gracias Juan! 🙏😁
Both gorgeous and great video as usual.
Colin, please do a video on the PRS S2 McCarty 594 Singlecut.
for me the Eastman has it, more mellow tones, super vid mt keep on rocking m.
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.
Both guitars look stunning and both guitars sound good. Owning them both is nice "problem" to have. I do love it that the Eastman is completely hand made though, that is a rare thing these days, and that they can do it at a competitive price is amazing.
Great vid as always! Its all down to the player/ owner, how it feels, how it plays and how it sounds, and most importantly does it bring joy to owning it and playing it. If it doesn't then its just not the guitar for that person, regardles of make or model. It wont make it a bad guitar it just means its not for you. So many people I have read comments from in the past wanted make "A or B" for decades, finally bought it and were left very very dissapointed. If it doesn;t bring joy to play, it aint right for you. Its ncertainly not about the badge on the headstock and if someone buys a guitar just for that without trying out others or that guitar first then its a road to wasted money if theres no joy in ownership. Great channel mate love it thank you.
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.
Great video Col. Your final summary of Gibson are bang on mate. The continuously live on their “premium” products as you say and often don’t deliver. The Eastman is superb, it’s my next one for sure. I know you are not keen on the PRS birds but if you get chance try a McCarty 594 single cut.
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! 😁👍
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! 😁👍
Great Video!!! Take care my friend!
You've convinced me, pal.
I need to go and buy a cello!
Have a great weekend
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.
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.
Came by for the guitars, stayed to watch a master at work ! ❤
Bless you mate! 🙏😊
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.
I recently aquired an SB59 in black , after only a few minutes with it i knew I'm selling my Gibson. It's just got a lot the Gibson doesn't have. I'm a long time Gibson fan too.
Its definitely a thing! I need one in black too now so maybe I can trade the Gibson... 🤔
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!
Fantastic as always! My SB 59 is due in tomorrow!
Excellent!... let us know your thoughts when too get it.
@@theguitaristas so far I adore it. I may add a bit of shielding as the environments I play in are full of dirty power but I do that to most of my guitars even if they don’t “really” need it
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!
Colin, another brilliant video. I’m lucky enough to own a custom R8, amongst other guitars I have collected over the years. I do like the Eastman, but would not sell the R8, I’d have to keep it simply because it’s a fabulous Gibson Les paul. I’d sell / trade another guitar to have the Eastman! so if you can stretch to it I’d keep them both. Just my thoughts. Thanks for what you do Colin I, like I’m sure many of your followers,
really appreciate and enjoy
your particular style, it’s like sharing time with a good old mate. Cheers buddy 👍
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 🙌
Another cracking video!!
The Les Paul does sound very nice!
Man. Love your reviews.
I got my eye on the Eastman now. I love Gibsons but the Eastman seems like a better value.
Eastman! Thanks Colin! Better late than never! Great show buddy.
Cheers Bill!
Id like to thank you great videos and awesome info and playing. Youve helped me turn my epiphone classic quilt top into a even better guitar. Just by really working on set up of it. Its completely stock except grover vintage tuners instead of regular grovers. I do have neck pickup turned around and lowered abit then poles adjusted up. This is a 2005 epiphone classic rosewood fret board bridge and tail piece are Gibson. Alinco 2 pickups its a great guitar
Damn Colin, I just added two more Eastmans to my cart on Reverb! Great video as always Pal.
🤣👍 Cheers mate!
Best guitar review Chanel on you tube as far as I am concerned. Love your work. I also feel there is something about the Gibson I noticed when you were playing. I think there is a need for both guitars probably. That being said, If I was in the market for an LP - I would buy the Eastman.
Very cool 😎👍
Loving this channel! I’ve been thinking of taking the plunge & getting a Gibson LP 50’s Standard Goldtop as I’ve only had Epiphone…but that Eastman looks stunning. I’m a leftie which sometimes limits choice, but both are available. Sound wise this vid shows they are really very similar- so it probably boils down to whether I want that ‘I have a proper Gibson’ (I remember you saying in a previous video that’s an itch that probably needs scratching), or whether I opt for that handmade antique vibe of the Eastman (think it looks stunning!) Tough decision.
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! 😆👍
Thanks Colin, I am contemplating on buying an eastman acoustic!
The only conclusion I can realize after seeing this video is that I want both of these!
😁👍
I played an Eastman like this yesterday in a guitar shop. Wonderful feel to the neck and great intonation throughout the register on this particular one. I like the vintage tuners and the relic finish. The Lollar picks had a nice blend of tones I thought. Particularly the Ebony fingerboard was very nice to play on. Overall weight was less than 8 lbs. However the non Gibson USA mark of manufacture is a tipping point for making my decision on buying this guitar. On goes the quest... Thanks for sharing this great video.
THIS is the comparison I’ve been waiting for. Thanks Colin! Eastman hands down for me, and I am a Gibson ES-139 owner. Eastman!!!
Cheers man! 😎👍
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! 😜😜😜
Was expecting to prefer the Eastman, but the Gibson sounded more like what I expect from a Les Paul. If I was forced to choose, I'd grab the Gibson purely based on the sound. Although I do love the idea of a lightweight Les Paul
Colin to guys our age Gibson and Fender is in our heads only because when we where kids that’s all there was and what we aspired to own. Today there’s a lot of very good choices in guitars that are very affordable. I bought a 60’s heritage last year and though I like it a lot I can safely say I have PRS SE’s that I prefer playing that are half the price and I got my Heritage for $2200.
An Eastman is on my Xmas list to self a few years from now. Quality guaranteed.
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.
I love my SB59, exactly the same as yours. When I bought it, I wanted the new finish version as I'm not a fan of relics. Those only come with the Seymour Duncan vintage pickups, which sound much closer to your Gibson. Maybe a three way comparison.
Once I had played the Loller pickups though, I was just going to have to put up with the relicing and sacrifice the beautiful new finish to get that tone. Now no regrets, the finish has grown on me so it now just looks old, not got at with sandpaper.
I had gone to buy a Gordon Smith, but wanted to check the Eastman out. Schoolboy error. I did buy the Gordon Smith, but a couple of weeks later there was the "Do you remember that SB59, have you still got it?" phone call, a bit of negotiation and I now have the Gordon Smith and the SB59. Both are definitely keepers, much loved family pets. Very enjoyable video as always, cheers.
Cheers Ian, nice story and fabulous example of what happens when the GAS attacks! glad you gave in and have both of them... that was the correct choice! 😆👍
My Saturday morning just got better! Insightful comparison, as always. I was lucky with Gibson, I bought my 1968 LP Custom in 1974 when we went 'pro' as a band, so I really don't need another Gibson. I bought the Epi 59 'inspired by Gibson' with Gibson pick-ups last year, just because - it's lovely. As mentioned, though, I would really love to try the Eastman 59/v (or nitro - not fussy either way) but HK agent doesn't carry solid bodies for some reason. This may or may not be of interest to everyone here: I contacted Eastman US office about this - not really expecting a reply - and the next day I got a very thoughtful email from Eastman Beijing empathising with my frustration at not being able to get my hands on one locally (I would never buy online) and suggesting outlets in Shenzen & Guangzhou (both only an hour or so away from HK but no way - you run the risk of being stuck in purgatory with Covid lockdowns over there). Great corporate response to a complaint, most appreciated. I am up for trips to Seoul & Tokyo early next year so will report back if I find one and buy it! Thanks for another terrific vid! And, yeah, the Eastman had the edge 😀
Cheers Morton, thanks for comment as always, it’s great that you heard back from Eastman so hopefully your search will end well! 😎👍
Just stumbled onto your channel. Great video comparison. I am nearly 70 and trying to reconnect with the guitar. Have a LP gold top. To me the Eastman is the better constructed and better sounding guitar especially given the fact that you set your electronics more for the gibson. I also just discovered the Eastman today as well. Loved hearing you play. Keep up the great videos.
Cheers man glad you found us there are loads of born again Guitaristas here! 👍 thanks for the kind words and support 🙏 and definitely try out an Eastman if you can!
love the channel! Just wanted to point out (I feel it already has been done so here) that very very few les Pauls outside of custom shop reissues have 1 piece mahogany backs, perhaps even none of them will be moving forward in the future with the new management. We’ve already seen a decline in top quality on the standards. So another point in favor on the Eastman, I feel like
I have a Les Paul “Tribute”… it’s the cheapest Gibson Les Paul you can get. It has a one piece mahogany body. I love that guitar. It has a maple neck, makes it a little more bright but it works wonders on that rhythm pickup. I also have a custom shop 335. It’s my main driver. Live that guitar as well.
I always enjoy your shows! This one was another gem. Is Gibson losing their luster? I guess not, but Eastman is definitely on my radar now. The weight, the feel of the neck, and the quality components certainly give it an edge. I'm a bit of a bourbon drinker, but I like it when the company puts their age on the bottle. It's like they have nothing to hide. This, of course, is found in the more affordable range. Sometimes, I feel like, what Is Gibson trying to hide? Well, not their prices. You pointed it out nicely in your video. Well I guess then the true test is in the tasting or playing. Cheers.