I'm not completely sold on the shape, but I love, love, love the way Eastman finishes their instruments. The furniture-style finish is so unique and eye catching!
I'm diggin' the whole "two-sets-a-night-on-tour" vibe from this guitar. Distinctive, not pretty, like a favorite tool with some dings and rounded edges, but one that gets the job done. Eastman seems to have things figured out, and perhaps it's a good thing they're not for everyone because they're rare enough as it is. A good choice to kick off the year. Cheers!
If asked about relics I always said not my bag. Twice now you have made me eat my words. I love it. The people at Eastman are knocking it out of the park. Great playing as ever.
Man, I love your reviews. I just got back into playing after not playing for a few years. I have always been a “ it has to be a fender of Gibson” or it’s a crap guitar. Now I don’t think that at all. Your channel is for the average Joe guitar player and I mean that in a good way. No fancy speed shredding, huge pedal boards, etc, just honest in depth reviews. Great review, good guitar playing, keep them coming!
You’ve discovered Colin’s magic. He opens our eyes and ears to alternative brands, countries of manufacture, and $$$. I used to be a “has to be Gretsch/Fender/Gibson” guy. He even has me soldering and changing pickups these days.
Just got my son an ESP LTD Phoenix, from Korea. $1200 USD, and she is perfect. It blew my socks off how good a guitar this is. Machining has come leaps and bounds past the old, crank it out assembly line gits.
Great choice. I got the red one with the P90s a couple of months ago, and I can't stop playing. Incredible sound and really well-made, feels like it was made for me!
Bare knuckle pickups are british made bespoke pickup builder and they are quality all the way through their models they make the ray gun pickups that Steve stevens uses of billy idol fame and quite a few other guitarists they are not cheap we are talking £180-£400 within their entire range.
Colin, try my method…get a piece of foam, that you can place under the post area that completely holds the string in place, while you bring the string up to the nut! Cheers!
Colin, It seems as though the Eastman guitars leave little to be desired, have quality parts, and are reasonably priced, for what you get. I'd take out the paper pieces so you can see the stuff underneath. You would think that a 3 grand Gibson Les Paul Standard would not need any upgrading, to reach the quality of the Eastman, Not so, is it. Another reason I prefer Epiphone guitars . You mentioned, and I checked, that Eastman make symphonic instruments, loved by many classical musicians. There is why their guitars are so nice. '-)
Played one not long ago here in Holland......its one of them you have to play ...i garentee most will fall in love.....superb playing..sounding...guitar...great feeling neck.....
Happy new year man! As a viewer I can tell straight away how this is going to go.. Sometimes you get a guitar in & your whole vibe changes - you seem very pleased with yourself today, love it! 😂 Btw that jam sounds fantastic, beautifully played & those tones just lovely! Thanks man!
I think you are spot on with the Marmite analogy. It certainly has a great tone. Also, I loved hearing some Cure-inspired riffing. Your taste in music is impeccable. Well done and and Happy New Year!
I just tried one. After trying almost every guitar on the current market (Fender AM PRO 2, American Vintage 2, Gibson Original 's... And a lot of other stuff) for the last month. I was aware of these, but they're very sparse and hard to find. Fell on this one and the Romeo. The latter was really nice, but the Juliet.. God😮. A masterpiece, and the perfect link between a Fender and Gibson. It's got spank, it's got mellowness, it's got jazz, it's got rock.. Hendrix to Jimmy Page It's a fascinating guitar, that has complexity in tone, and huge punch. I couldn't put it down in the shop, and the salesman came downstairs in the test room, and told me, "Gosh, it's just came in, I haven't tried it yet, but it kills ! Gonna keep it for me.. 😅". . "No man, I'M gonna buy it 🤯". What an instrument
Hi Colin! I love your version of "Lullaby". I'm a big fan of The Cure and that guitar certainly reminds my Robert Smith's current Schecter models. I'm pretty impressed with the guitar itself too, especially for the price. The Bare Knuckle pickups really do it justice. Thanks for another good deep dive on another cool guitar. I enjoyed it. Cheers man! ✌
I have also been smitten with the Eastmans. I have the Romeo and a limited addition acoustic. Both are joys to play and listen to. The Romeo should be on a museum wall. The craftsman ship is stunning. I am always excitied to see you have posted a new video. Always well done Sir. My "Magpie" eye is on the white Juliet.
The papers underneath the covers are such an awesome, intimate detail! Been looking for a 25.5" dual humbucker guitar that isn't a tele for a while now. I played one of these recently and this is definitely that guitar. Love that the humbuckers lean towards beefy P90s and provide a ton of clarity but provide just enough bottom end and warmth. The Bigsby, to me, loosens up the string tension ever so slightly to a wonderful place that allows easy bends but holds up well to a heavy pick hand
An easy trick to restring a Bigsby is to use. a primary school pencil eraser. The pink wedge shaped one. It will hold the string on the post while you put it to the tuners. credit to Daves World of Fun stuff RUclips. Works well and won't hurt the finish. Cheers.
Personally, I applaud Eastman Guitars for trying to become their own brand and own entity. It’s kind of like us players, trying to write music of our own. There are only 12 notes on a guitar, and it’s all been done before. Bravo Eastman. As long as you keep bringing the quality, we will keep bringing the dollars.
Lovely guitar. I have to say Guitar Village is my favorite guitar shop, if you have never been it's an absolute treat. Unlike any other guitar shop with a fantastic range and great staff and no I do not have shares. LOL
41:20 Couldn’t agree more - these are ready to be played and as you mentioned they’re hard to put down. I live in China and these are a bit cheaper (I just picked up a used Romeo in A-1 shape for about $1100). There’s a cherry Juliet P-90 used for 900 calling me! My local musicians came up to after my last gig and they had to find out what I was playing - killer tone and fantastic playability. Enjoy✊🏼
Fantastic reviews and as an Eastman fan myself, Im gassing for this one and this video doesnt help! What a nice guitar the Juliet. Has something very unique and loves the headstock!
BTW - I use a 12 string capo to hold the string on the Biggsby roller bar to keep tension on it. the 12 string capo has more tension typically than a standard capo. anyway - works for me.
I love your comment on how when a guitar catches your eye and you hone in on it... reading up... watching videos... finally find one to try.. Its a process of obsession for sure. I am with you my friend!
Eastman and Shijie are making the best quality/value Gibson and Fender classic models, plus they both have their own model(s) too. China has a long history of fine art making, contrary to popular opinion. Cheers to Eastman for this unique new design of theirs, in which I see elements taken from Duisenburg (body) and Fano (headstock) designs, but with Eastman's own design tweaks making this a future classic. Thanks for sharing my friend, and I highly recommend Shijie - try a TLV classic or TLV classic P-90, and you'll be amazed at the quality for ~$900USD new shipped...you might prefer the P-90 version, but either one will float your boat and put wind in your sails.....!
Hey Colin, happy new year, those Eastman guitars are in another level, growing on us too, thanks to you, the only thing that got me kind of upset yesterday night, while watching the video, was the part when you said,"Tada"😆😁🤣, cheers.
I wasn’t sold on Eastman...Then I tried one! I was after a Gibson es335 and spotted the Eastman T486 hanging up, so I got the guy to get it down. I was stunned by the quality difference between the Gibson, which was pretty shoddy to be honest, and the high quality of the finished and sound of the Eastman. Since then I’ve tried their LP and LPJ... they were superb. I love the look of the Juliet and I’ll certainly be in the market for one.
Another cool guitar. I think the contrasting pickup rings and output jack plate help accent that cobbled together relic look. It's very cool to see such in-depth reviews of guitars we'll most likely never own, and possibly never even get the chance to try out. You give us aficionados the chance to try them out vicariously. Thanks.
Another brick in the villa! Great start to the new year, Colin. I haven't yet really warmed to your new guitar but I'm happy to see Eastman turning their hand to something original. She sounds great, you love the looks and it is well finished. What's not to like? Keep 'em coming!
Not for me, Colin. It's an Eastman so it's going to be gorgeous to play. But the whole "pre-knackered" look just isn't for me. Also, offsets are a bit of a turn off for me. Sounds epic though!
I think its great that there's companies out there coming up with new designs that pay respect to old traditions. Bilt guitars and Novo guitars have done a similar thing in terms of new designs with classic features. I love it!
Woohoo! Love my Juliettes, though I wish the P90 was available in this French Varnish, or perhaps an aging red one. This Bigsby model wasn't even available in Canada when I got my red P90 and days after receiving that one, the Ponoma humbucker version. Magpie at 200%. Goldo is actually Dusenberg's retail name for parts.
Man, I love these vintagey kind of oddball guitars, looks sweet and you're right, it really fits you, the colors, the shape and everything. The finish almost looks a bit like old black leather, the whole thing and its colours remind me of an old, trusty, worn in saddle... Really cool! Also: Happy New Year!
Im not a fan of "brand new" beat up guitars especially one with a bigsby. The p 90 without the bigsby has my attention now though. These do have great specifications for the price. Great video to kick off the new year Colin. I just picked up a used Harmony Rebel. Its a 2020. Great guitar made in the US and very reasonably priced. I think you would like it! Cheers ... look foward to your videos every week Colin.
No shielding in pickup cavity for that price? :(. Just got a D'Angelico Bob Weir Bedford.. you should try one or any D'Angelico Bedford with the Seymour Duncan hum cancelling P90's..fantastic guitars and well under $1,000..more like $5-600 for some of them. Best Regards and Best Wishes for 2023!
Well what a great start to 2023 with a wonderful hommage to the greats Gibson firebird neck into ‘Leo’ Fender body and the Gretsch hardware … wonderful looks and stunning tones… cool 50s tuners would swap them for vintage locking stepped !… alnico II pickups most under stated pickups …either way it’s a keeper ?
Colin, Happy New Year from Austin Texas! I do like the look of the Juliet. I’ve been interested in the SB59 for a while, and now here’s another one for the list. By the way, Eastman also make some great mandolins…. I’ve had a model 315 for several years… when I bought it my instructor and I went through almost every mandolin in the shop, and to my ears my Eastman sounded a lot better than some other mandolins selling for several thousand dollars…. Build quality was great as well…
One of the very few original designs that looks both new - and like it's been around forever at the same time. Coupled with first-rate hardware makes this one a winner!
Considering the p'ups are slightly hotter than vintage, that neck p'up has a sweet, sweet tone - certainly doesn't suffer from not being linked to the tone knob. Don't normally like relic-ed finishes, but this is minimal and more akin to an aged finish, rather than any false, templated relicing usually employed these days. If only it didn't have 1/2 ton of scrap iron where the tailpiece is normally attached...only joking. Not sure I like the blonde 'true-gloss' hard-tail version though. Can't work out if it would be cheaper to refinish the hard-tail, or replace the Bigsby. Can't win 'em all! Great, entertaining and informative vlog, as usual.
Colin, nice review. Yes, all of us have the guitar addiction. My ophthalmologist told me there is no cure for this condition so I continue watching your videos.
Happy New Year to you, Colin! What a wonderful surprise it is to see this video. The Eastman Juliet is exactly the guitar I was recommending to my wife just before Christmas. Instead, she wanted a white Epiphone Crestwood Custom, which she got, by the way. You were right about that guitar being great. What a fun guitar to play! We both love it. Anyway, getting back to the story, I considered getting the Juliet for myself. I almost pulled the trigger, but I hesitated because I didn't like the fact that it doesn't come with a hardshell case. I believe that every quality guitar ought to have a real case. The Crestwood didn't come with a case either, but I bought one because I thought it deserved one. But here is where I fell off the wagon and sinned. After commenting in one of your earlier videos that I wasn't a fan of ES-335 style guitars, I got weak and ended up buying a Gibson Murphy Lab '59 ES-355 Reissue in Watermelon Red. I told you before that I am a "cork sniffer" when it comes to guitars, but I shocked myself with this one. I justified my insanity by convincing myself that I needed an ES in order to complete my collection of Gibsons. I have several Les Pauls, and an SG Custom. So it goes without saying that a proper ES was required. I am just surprised that my wife let me get away with it. I am a lucky man, indeed, to have such an understanding wife! Incidentally, I think the Juliet looks fantastic! It is its shape that originally caught my eye. I still may get one for myself further down the road. Till next time!
I think your justification for getting the (very expensive) ES- 335 was perfectly valid! 🤣🤣 I use a similar logic in deciding which guitars to buy often! We are both very lucky to have understanding and encouraging partners so let this insanity never end!
@@theguitaristas You are right about being expensive. The list price for the Murphy Lab Light Aged ES-355 is $8499.00! Making it the most high priced guitar I have ever purchased. Probably, under normal circumstances I would not have been so indulgent. However, I got a smoking deal from a shop that I bought two guitars from in the past. They offered me a price so tempting that I simply couldn't refuse. I would have been an idiot to pass on such a rare opportunity. In all honesty though, this will probably be my last acquisition. I have run out of space for any more guitars. Not to mention all the cases. I am an old man now and I am immensely proud of the collection I have acquired. I have been fortunate to put it mildly. It's time now to say enough is enough and simply just enjoy the things I have. Take care, brother, and stay strong. I look forward to seeing you again next Friday.
Happy New Year Colin and crew. Well, it's starting out nicely enough, that's a fine specimen from Eastman👍😁so let's all just do our thing, enjoy your videos in 2023. Cheers, Mate
Hey,back on ,Christmas in July ….i still love my eastmans regardless of the political scenario,i think its still good to support first class luthiers….i would prefer to support Australian,or British,or us or even maybe German …..im re-enjoying my es-175 copy by Eastman its a great guitar possibly my favourite,but i still love,love,love my 335 copy…they are both first class guitars,i just sold several guitars,including an ibanez”woody”,trying to get my addiction under control….lol
Happy New Year, Colin... First show and first guitar of 2023.... and what a cracker!! I love that guitar, and I loved your playing. At times, you seemed almost "lost in the moment," which is probably an indication of how much you were enjoying playing it!! I was gassing after a T486 or T59V, but I might just forget that and buy this model. Jeez, life is difficult when you are a guitar addict.. I'm looking forward to many more Guitaristas reviews this year.. Thanks, mate.
I just picked up an Eastman 486B. You should definitely check one out of you’re still looking for more affordable 335 alternatives. Not cheap by any means but less expensive than Gibson and the craftsmanship blows Gibson away. Feels like it was made with love.
Howdy! Just wanted to let you know - I love your videos - but also, watching your Eastman videos helped me decide to buy a T64/v I think I got the model correct - think ES 330 - anyhow, it arrived today and it is beautiful- and plays and sounds wonderful. Without watching you, I may not have pulled the trigger - thank you!
Cool guitar, gr8 sounding electrics. The design has a bit of the earlier Fano guitars thing going on, especially that headstock. Nice playing as usual, love me some Cure flavour. Cheers
The designer of this model said he always liked the Firebird, but not the neck dive and banjo tuners. Guess that's where he got the raised middle section.
I actually really like this! Definitely going to check out Eastman this year. I had the same acquisition problem after a Dean Z caught my eye after all the legal wrangling. Ended up with one from my birth year and it’s an absolute beast, best guitar I own now. Cheers Colin, looking forward to seeing the guitars you bring us in 2023
I've been googling Eastman guitars in my country(Australia) and I've found a fewSB55's and SB59's but no Juliet's. I'm still on holidays and my wife's gone back to work so I've got way too much time on my hands. This is not going to end well. Great review as always Colin. All the best for 2023.
We’re both in love with Juliet - glad there are more than one of her! I have that particular Juliet model (and the double cut LP Jr they make). Both are extremely well made guitars, sound great, and are fun to play. Thanks for another fantastic review. Cheers!
Really growing on me so different and a dig the offset thing going on so bossed with the normal shaped stuff and style .guitar like that makes you think differently about the music your playing with a fresh out look and not sound like any body else
Cool guitar... it reminds me of the Ibanez Jet King (especially the ones with Bigsbys) It's not really that similar in shape but it has a very similar vibe.
❤❤❤Eastman has a great line of solid body electrics aside from their Les Paul clone. Not sure it’s fair to compare them with any than boutique shops. Suburb quality I personally had been unaccustomed to enjoy. Doesn’t make you a better player but it does make what you play sound better. Thank you for introducing us to these remarkable instruments. PS Lollar…………Lollar ✌️🫶🍋🥥
A thought: One thing I've learned from a past day job is that paper deteriorates. This means paper dust becomes a thing. We all know how much electronics hate dust. Maybe paint the back of the tortoise shell parts like how Gretsch used to do with their pickguards.
Colin, excellent deep dive on a now-more-respected guitar brand. I got some nibbles and a drink and expanded my guitar knowledge. Thanks! Ebony fingerboard, 12 inch-radius! Sounds and looks beautifully playable yet, yet...scruffy.
You absolute hero! The very Eastman I wanted you to get when you flogged that Gibson muck! ;-) This one is on my want radar although I fancy the P90 version...
Brilliant review Colin! After watching, I went out and purchased this Juliet at the local guitar store. I love the varnish finish, bigsby and Bare Knuckle pickups. It is a Swiss army type of guitar that can do a lot. The finish does make it feel like it’s a great vintage guitar. Cheers!
A cool looking guitar it suits you! Gibson and Fender seems to have nailed some of their designs for all time to come so it is refreshing to see that is still possible to come up with something of its own that looks genuine.
Starting '23 with a real Bang [-er] ! A very cool guitar and played in character, really enjoyed it. Although, I'm still not sold on distressed appearances, just a little too contrived. A rat-rod should be properly time worn😅.... But Eastman does it again- maybe the P90 version.
I hope that Eastman make a Firebird soon, with full size humbuckers. It sounds fantastic. I have Bare Knuckle pickups in 8 of my guitars, they are the best. 3 of my Gibson's have had Bare Knuckle pickups fitted, so your right about upgrading Gibson's.
I'm not completely sold on the shape, but I love, love, love the way Eastman finishes their instruments. The furniture-style finish is so unique and eye catching!
Here here!
They started out making violins and mandolins.
I'm diggin' the whole "two-sets-a-night-on-tour" vibe from this guitar. Distinctive, not pretty, like a favorite tool with some dings and rounded edges, but one that gets the job done. Eastman seems to have things figured out, and perhaps it's a good thing they're not for everyone because they're rare enough as it is. A good choice to kick off the year. Cheers!
Cheers man! 😎👍
If asked about relics I always said not my bag. Twice now you have made me eat my words. I love it. The people at Eastman are knocking it out of the park. Great playing as ever.
I was in the same boat. I was a never-relic. Then I got an Eastman relic archtop…now I am an Eastman-yes-relic
Cheers James 😁👍
Here here !
Man, I love your reviews. I just got back into playing after not playing for a few years. I have always been a “ it has to be a fender of Gibson” or it’s a crap guitar. Now I don’t think that at all. Your channel is for the average Joe guitar player and I mean that in a good way. No fancy speed shredding, huge pedal boards, etc, just honest in depth reviews. Great review, good guitar playing, keep them coming!
You’ve discovered Colin’s magic.
He opens our eyes and ears to alternative brands, countries of manufacture, and $$$.
I used to be a “has to be Gretsch/Fender/Gibson” guy.
He even has me soldering and changing pickups these days.
Just got my son an ESP LTD Phoenix, from Korea. $1200 USD, and she is perfect. It blew my socks off how good a guitar this is. Machining has come leaps and bounds past the old, crank it out assembly line gits.
Great choice. I got the red one with the P90s a couple of months ago, and I can't stop playing. Incredible sound and really well-made, feels like it was made for me!
Bare knuckle pickups are british made bespoke pickup builder and they are quality all the way through their models they make the ray gun pickups that Steve stevens uses of billy idol fame and quite a few other guitarists they are not cheap we are talking £180-£400 within
their entire range.
Copies get automatically disqualified. Come up with your own idea, otherwise it’s stealing. Love your show.
Love Cure in the intro loop. And first I saw a thumbnail for this video I was like "this looks like Robert Smith Schecter" 😊
I think that thing is cool as heck. I'm really enamored with Eastman
Colin, try my method…get a piece of foam, that you can place under the post area that completely holds the string in place, while you bring the string up to the nut! Cheers!
Colin, It seems as though the Eastman guitars leave little to be desired, have quality parts, and are reasonably priced, for what you get. I'd take out the paper pieces so you can see the stuff underneath.
You would think that a 3 grand Gibson Les Paul Standard would not need any upgrading, to reach the quality of the Eastman, Not so, is it. Another reason I prefer Epiphone guitars .
You mentioned, and I checked, that Eastman make symphonic instruments, loved by many classical musicians. There is why their guitars are so nice. '-)
Played one not long ago here in Holland......its one of them you have to play ...i garentee most will fall in love.....superb playing..sounding...guitar...great feeling neck.....
Cheers Jon... yep that's the truth! 😁👍
Love that see-through back plate.
Happy new year man! As a viewer I can tell straight away how this is going to go.. Sometimes you get a guitar in & your whole vibe changes - you seem very pleased with yourself today, love it! 😂
Btw that jam sounds fantastic, beautifully played & those tones just lovely! Thanks man!
Cheers mate thanks for the kind words... yes sometimes I just can't contain my excitement! 🤣👍
I think you are spot on with the Marmite analogy. It certainly has a great tone. Also, I loved hearing some Cure-inspired riffing. Your taste in music is impeccable. Well done and and Happy New Year!
Cheers Sqid!
I just tried one. After trying almost every guitar on the current market (Fender AM PRO 2, American Vintage 2, Gibson Original 's... And a lot of other stuff) for the last month.
I was aware of these, but they're very sparse and hard to find.
Fell on this one and the Romeo. The latter was really nice, but the Juliet.. God😮.
A masterpiece, and the perfect link between a Fender and Gibson. It's got spank, it's got mellowness, it's got jazz, it's got rock.. Hendrix to Jimmy Page
It's a fascinating guitar, that has complexity in tone, and huge punch.
I couldn't put it down in the shop, and the salesman came downstairs in the test room, and told me, "Gosh, it's just came in, I haven't tried it yet, but it kills ! Gonna keep it for me.. 😅". . "No man, I'M gonna buy it 🤯".
What an instrument
Hi Colin! I love your version of "Lullaby". I'm a big fan of The Cure and that guitar certainly reminds my Robert Smith's current Schecter models. I'm pretty impressed with the guitar itself too, especially for the price. The Bare Knuckle pickups really do it justice. Thanks for another good deep dive on another cool guitar. I enjoyed it.
Cheers man! ✌
Cheers Rafael! 😎👍
I use little rubber wedges made from pink rubber school erasers under the bigsby pins to hold the strings in place. They help. The capo also helps.
I hated these from the pics but when I saw it in person I loved it. Also love the cure cover. Love your take on songs.
Cheers Ryan!
Absolutely stellar review. I really enjoyed the ride. Thanks for sharing.
I have also been smitten with the Eastmans. I have the Romeo and a limited addition acoustic. Both are joys to play and listen to. The Romeo should be on a museum wall. The craftsman ship is stunning. I am always excitied to see you have posted a new video. Always well done Sir. My "Magpie" eye is on the white Juliet.
I loved the look from first glimpse. I just wish they offered the white finish with a factory bigsby.
The papers underneath the covers are such an awesome, intimate detail! Been looking for a 25.5" dual humbucker guitar that isn't a tele for a while now. I played one of these recently and this is definitely that guitar. Love that the humbuckers lean towards beefy P90s and provide a ton of clarity but provide just enough bottom end and warmth. The Bigsby, to me, loosens up the string tension ever so slightly to a wonderful place that allows easy bends but holds up well to a heavy pick hand
I think Eastman definitely have themselves a new fan. Very nice axe. Happy new year bro 👍
Cheers Karl, and you mate!
An easy trick to restring a Bigsby is to use. a primary school pencil eraser. The pink wedge shaped one. It will hold the string on the post while you put it to the tuners.
credit to Daves World of Fun stuff RUclips. Works well and won't hurt the finish. Cheers.
You know what happens when you buy an Eastman?...... You have a guitar for the rest of your life. Beautiful handmade/spec guitars.
Happy New Year Colin I am going to start looking at Eastman I love the growl from this guitar.
Cheers Paul! 😎👍
Personally, I applaud Eastman Guitars for trying to become their own brand and own entity. It’s kind of like us players, trying to write music of our own. There are only 12 notes on a guitar, and it’s all been done before. Bravo Eastman. As long as you keep bringing the quality, we will keep bringing the dollars.
Lovely guitar. I have to say Guitar Village is my favorite guitar shop, if you have never been it's an absolute treat. Unlike any other guitar shop with a fantastic range and great staff and no I do not have shares. LOL
Love your reviews & love those Eastman Juliets too !
Love the look of all f the eastmans including their mandolins
41:20 Couldn’t agree more - these are ready to be played and as you mentioned they’re hard to put down. I live in China and these are a bit cheaper (I just picked up a used Romeo in A-1 shape for about $1100). There’s a cherry Juliet P-90 used for 900 calling me! My local musicians came up to after my last gig and they had to find out what I was playing - killer tone and fantastic playability. Enjoy✊🏼
Fantastic reviews and as an Eastman fan myself, Im gassing for this one and this video doesnt help! What a nice guitar the Juliet. Has something very unique and loves the headstock!
BTW - I use a 12 string capo to hold the string on the Biggsby roller bar to keep tension on it. the 12 string capo has more tension typically than a standard capo. anyway - works for me.
I love your comment on how when a guitar catches your eye and you hone in on it... reading up... watching videos... finally find one to try.. Its a process of obsession for sure. I am with you my friend!
I never would have paid much attention to a Juliet and I love Eastmans. Another great review
Eastwood carries Rivolta, an awesome guitar line. check these out.
Rivolta Regata VII
Rivolta Sferata LTD
What a start to 2023 - Eastman's new creation. Great job Colin!
Just picked one up for £825 used :)
cant wait to get it. (the pomona blonde version in mint condition with the padded gig bag and certificate)
Now you have my attention again, Colin! Eastman is the.. man! 😅
Happy New Year, Happy New Gear!
Cheers man! 😁👍
Eastman and Shijie are making the best quality/value Gibson and Fender classic models, plus they both have their own model(s) too. China has a long history of fine art making, contrary to popular opinion. Cheers to Eastman for this unique new design of theirs, in which I see elements taken from Duisenburg (body) and Fano (headstock) designs, but with Eastman's own design tweaks making this a future classic. Thanks for sharing my friend, and I highly recommend Shijie - try a TLV classic or TLV classic P-90, and you'll be amazed at the quality for ~$900USD new shipped...you might prefer the P-90 version, but either one will float your boat and put wind in your sails.....!
Cheers David, they are on the radar now for sure! 😁👍
Well I bought an eastman ac122ce and it does not disappoint!!
Hey Colin, happy new year, those Eastman guitars are in another level, growing on us too, thanks to you, the only thing that got me kind of upset yesterday night, while watching the video, was the part when you said,"Tada"😆😁🤣, cheers.
And thanks for this awesome review !
I wasn’t sold on Eastman...Then I tried one! I was after a Gibson es335 and spotted the Eastman T486 hanging up, so I got the guy to get it down. I was stunned by the quality difference between the Gibson, which was pretty shoddy to be honest, and the high quality of the finished and sound of the Eastman. Since then I’ve tried their LP and LPJ... they were superb. I love the look of the Juliet and I’ll certainly be in the market for one.
Another cool guitar. I think the contrasting pickup rings and output jack plate help accent that cobbled together relic look. It's very cool to see such in-depth reviews of guitars we'll most likely never own, and possibly never even get the chance to try out. You give us aficionados the chance to try them out vicariously. Thanks.
Another brick in the villa! Great start to the new year, Colin. I haven't yet really warmed to your new guitar but I'm happy to see Eastman turning their hand to something original. She sounds great, you love the looks and it is well finished. What's not to like?
Keep 'em coming!
Great to see you smiling already in 2023 with a new guitar. Gonna be a good year !
Cool guitar, I like that they developed something different!
Please…please keep making content. Easily my one of my favorite RUclips channels. Thank you good Sir for making quality, interesting and fun content 🖖
Cheers Joshua, thanks for the support it's appreciated! 👍
Not for me, Colin. It's an Eastman so it's going to be gorgeous to play. But the whole "pre-knackered" look just isn't for me. Also, offsets are a bit of a turn off for me. Sounds epic though!
Cheers Robbo, and a belated happy new year mate! 😁👍
I think its great that there's companies out there coming up with new designs that pay respect to old traditions. Bilt guitars and Novo guitars have done a similar thing in terms of new designs with classic features. I love it!
Woohoo! Love my Juliettes, though I wish the P90 was available in this French Varnish, or perhaps an aging red one. This Bigsby model wasn't even available in Canada when I got my red P90 and days after receiving that one, the Ponoma humbucker version. Magpie at 200%.
Goldo is actually Dusenberg's retail name for parts.
Nice one Stephane!, great guitars eh??... I'm thinking a bigbsy retro fit on the P90 version would work a treat! 😁👍
@@theguitaristas I would try the Duesenberg trem on the P90 version first. Taking the easy path :D
Happy New Year Colin!
And you man! 😎👍
My favorite pickup sound on the channel yet! I guess I found the humbuckers I have been looking for!
Man, I love these vintagey kind of oddball guitars, looks sweet and you're right, it really fits you, the colors, the shape and everything.
The finish almost looks a bit like old black leather, the whole thing and its colours remind me of an old, trusty, worn in saddle... Really cool!
Also: Happy New Year!
Cheers man... yes I think very cool 😎👍
Im not a fan of "brand new" beat up guitars especially one with a bigsby. The p 90 without the bigsby has my attention now though. These do have great specifications for the price. Great video to kick off the new year Colin. I just picked up a used Harmony Rebel. Its a 2020. Great guitar made in the US and very reasonably priced. I think you would like it! Cheers ... look foward to your videos every week Colin.
I was hoping you’d take a look at this one. It’s the one model in the Eastman range I really like. And not a “homage” :)
Guitar Village! My local shop!
Nice guys... very helpful and they've got some cool stuff! 😁👍
No shielding in pickup cavity for that price? :(. Just got a D'Angelico Bob Weir Bedford.. you should try one or any D'Angelico Bedford with the Seymour Duncan hum cancelling P90's..fantastic guitars and well under $1,000..more like $5-600 for some of them. Best Regards and Best Wishes for 2023!
I really enjoyed that review. I think I’ll get one.
Well what a great start to 2023 with a wonderful hommage to the greats Gibson firebird neck into ‘Leo’ Fender body and the Gretsch hardware … wonderful looks and stunning tones… cool 50s tuners would swap them for vintage locking stepped !… alnico II pickups most under stated pickups …either way it’s a keeper ?
Colin, Happy New Year from Austin Texas! I do like the look of the Juliet. I’ve been interested in the SB59 for a while, and now here’s another one for the list. By the way, Eastman also make some great mandolins…. I’ve had a model 315 for several years… when I bought it my instructor and I went through almost every mandolin in the shop, and to my ears my Eastman sounded a lot better than some other mandolins selling for several thousand dollars…. Build quality was great as well…
I really dig this for some reason!
One of the very few original designs that looks both new - and like it's been around forever at the same time. Coupled with first-rate hardware makes this one a winner!
Happy new year! Thanks for all your hard work!
Cheers that's appreciated! 😎👍
Considering the p'ups are slightly hotter than vintage, that neck p'up has a sweet, sweet tone - certainly doesn't suffer from not being linked to the tone knob. Don't normally like relic-ed finishes, but this is minimal and more akin to an aged finish, rather than any false, templated relicing usually employed these days.
If only it didn't have 1/2 ton of scrap iron where the tailpiece is normally attached...only joking. Not sure I like the blonde 'true-gloss' hard-tail version though. Can't work out if it would be cheaper to refinish the hard-tail, or replace the Bigsby. Can't win 'em all! Great, entertaining and informative vlog, as usual.
Colin you might want to get a Vibramate String Spoiler if you’re keeping it? They make stringing a Bigsby really easy 👍
Colin, nice review. Yes, all of us have the guitar addiction. My ophthalmologist told me there is no cure for this condition so I continue watching your videos.
🤣👍
I am a huge Eastman fan. I have two. An acoustic dreadnaught and an archtop. I love my dread and LOVE my archtop. It’s an affordable Gibson 175
I've been looking forward to your reviewing the Eastman Juliet! I haven't seen the vid yet, but I'm super-stokef!
Happy New Year to you, Colin! What a wonderful surprise it is to see this video. The Eastman Juliet is exactly the guitar I was recommending to my wife just before Christmas. Instead, she wanted a white Epiphone Crestwood Custom, which she got, by the way. You were right about that guitar being great. What a fun guitar to play! We both love it. Anyway, getting back to the story, I considered getting the Juliet for myself. I almost pulled the trigger, but I hesitated because I didn't like the fact that it doesn't come with a hardshell case. I believe that every quality guitar ought to have a real case. The Crestwood didn't come with a case either, but I bought one because I thought it deserved one. But here is where I fell off the wagon and sinned. After commenting in one of your earlier videos that I wasn't a fan of ES-335 style guitars, I got weak and ended up buying a Gibson Murphy Lab '59 ES-355 Reissue in Watermelon Red. I told you before that I am a "cork sniffer" when it comes to guitars, but I shocked myself with this one. I justified my insanity by convincing myself that I needed an ES in order to complete my collection of Gibsons. I have several Les Pauls, and an SG Custom. So it goes without saying that a proper ES was required. I am just surprised that my wife let me get away with it. I am a lucky man, indeed, to have such an understanding wife!
Incidentally, I think the Juliet looks fantastic! It is its shape that originally caught my eye. I still may get one for myself further down the road.
Till next time!
I think your justification for getting the (very expensive) ES- 335 was perfectly valid! 🤣🤣 I use a similar logic in deciding which guitars to buy often! We are both very lucky to have understanding and encouraging partners so let this insanity never end!
@@theguitaristas You are right about being expensive. The list price for the Murphy Lab Light Aged ES-355 is $8499.00! Making it the most high priced guitar I have ever purchased. Probably, under normal circumstances I would not have been so indulgent. However, I got a smoking deal from a shop that I bought two guitars from in the past. They offered me a price so tempting that I simply couldn't refuse. I would have been an idiot to pass on such a rare opportunity. In all honesty though, this will probably be my last acquisition. I have run out of space for any more guitars. Not to mention all the cases. I am an old man now and I am immensely proud of the collection I have acquired. I have been fortunate to put it mildly. It's time now to say enough is enough and simply just enjoy the things I have.
Take care, brother, and stay strong. I look forward to seeing you again next Friday.
Happy New Year Colin and crew. Well, it's starting out nicely enough, that's a fine specimen from Eastman👍😁so let's all just do our thing, enjoy your videos in 2023. Cheers, Mate
Cheers Michael!
Hit the body around 16 makes that scale very Friendly 🇺🇸🙏😎😁
Manic Street Preachers James Bradfield played one at this years Glastonbury festival;
Hey,back on ,Christmas in July ….i still love my eastmans regardless of the political scenario,i think its still good to support first class luthiers….i would prefer to support Australian,or British,or us or even maybe German …..im re-enjoying my es-175 copy by Eastman its a great guitar possibly my favourite,but i still love,love,love my 335 copy…they are both first class guitars,i just sold several guitars,including an ibanez”woody”,trying to get my addiction under control….lol
Happy New Year, Colin... First show and first guitar of 2023.... and what a cracker!! I love that guitar, and I loved your playing. At times, you seemed almost "lost in the moment," which is probably an indication of how much you were enjoying playing it!! I was gassing after a T486 or T59V, but I might just forget that and buy this model. Jeez, life is difficult when you are a guitar addict..
I'm looking forward to many more Guitaristas reviews this year.. Thanks, mate.
Cheers Bob! 😁👍
I just picked up an Eastman 486B. You should definitely check one out of you’re still looking for more affordable 335 alternatives. Not cheap by any means but less expensive than Gibson and the craftsmanship blows Gibson away. Feels like it was made with love.
Howdy! Just wanted to let you know - I love your videos - but also, watching your Eastman videos helped me decide to buy a T64/v I think I got the model correct - think ES 330 - anyhow, it arrived today and it is beautiful- and plays and sounds wonderful. Without watching you, I may not have pulled the trigger - thank you!
Nice one Neal! 😁👍
Cheers Brother- Sitting between a Tele & LP is my exact wheelhouse...Great show as always & a wonderful start to the New Year. Thanks Man...
Cool guitar, gr8 sounding electrics. The design has a bit of the earlier Fano guitars thing going on, especially that headstock. Nice playing as usual, love me some Cure flavour. Cheers
Had a bad week friends, glad to see this. I needed it !!
Cheers man, hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend 😎👍
The designer of this model said he always liked the Firebird, but not the neck dive and banjo tuners. Guess that's where he got the raised middle section.
I actually really like this! Definitely going to check out Eastman this year.
I had the same acquisition problem after a Dean Z caught my eye after all the legal wrangling. Ended up with one from my birth year and it’s an absolute beast, best guitar I own now.
Cheers Colin, looking forward to seeing the guitars you bring us in 2023
That is a lovely guitar, pleasing both aesthetically and sonically with the subtlety of your playing, Colin, the finishing touch.
😁🙏
Great review! Also, using capo when restringing the Bigsby… GENIUS!
I've been googling Eastman guitars in my country(Australia) and I've found a fewSB55's and SB59's but no Juliet's. I'm still on holidays and my wife's gone back to work so I've got way too much time on my hands. This is not going to end well. Great review as always Colin. All the best for 2023.
😁 cheers man... maybe get the others first like I did and then Juliet when they eventually drop down under? 🤣
Thanks. Well presented. You are a Star.
Cheers Cliff! 😁🙏
We’re both in love with Juliet - glad there are more than one of her! I have that particular Juliet model (and the double cut LP Jr they make). Both are extremely well made guitars, sound great, and are fun to play. Thanks for another fantastic review. Cheers!
Nice one! (or two should I say... 🤣) 👍
Really growing on me so different and a dig the offset thing going on so bossed with the normal shaped stuff and style .guitar like that makes you think differently about the music your playing with a fresh out look and not sound like any body else
Great, deep, room-filling sound...much like my T486. Love Eastman! The sound is reminiscent of my B&G Crossroads....full....
Yeah... big sound! 😎👌
Cool guitar... it reminds me of the Ibanez Jet King (especially the ones with Bigsbys) It's not really that similar in shape but it has a very similar vibe.
Take the paper off the back contol cover, but leave it on the switch and pick guard. Wonderful guitar.
❤❤❤Eastman has a great line of solid body electrics aside from their Les Paul clone. Not sure it’s fair to compare them with any than boutique shops. Suburb quality I personally had been unaccustomed to enjoy. Doesn’t make you a better player but it does make what you play sound better. Thank you for introducing us to these remarkable instruments.
PS Lollar…………Lollar ✌️🫶🍋🥥
A thought: One thing I've learned from a past day job is that paper deteriorates. This means paper dust becomes a thing. We all know how much electronics hate dust. Maybe paint the back of the tortoise shell parts like how Gretsch used to do with their pickguards.
Colin, excellent deep dive on a now-more-respected guitar brand. I got some nibbles and a drink and expanded my guitar knowledge. Thanks! Ebony fingerboard, 12 inch-radius! Sounds and looks beautifully playable yet, yet...scruffy.
Cheers Ken 😁👍
You absolute hero! The very Eastman I wanted you to get when you flogged that Gibson muck! ;-) This one is on my want radar although I fancy the P90 version...
😁👍
Brilliant review Colin! After watching, I went out and purchased this Juliet at the local guitar store. I love the varnish finish, bigsby and Bare Knuckle pickups. It is a Swiss army type of guitar that can do a lot. The finish does make it feel like it’s a great vintage guitar. Cheers!
Nice one Dave! 😁👍
A cool looking guitar it suits you! Gibson and Fender seems to have nailed some of their designs for all time to come so it is refreshing to see that is still possible to come up with something of its own that looks genuine.
Starting '23 with a real Bang [-er] ! A very cool guitar and played in character, really enjoyed it. Although, I'm still not sold on distressed appearances, just a little too contrived. A rat-rod should be properly time worn😅.... But Eastman does it again- maybe the P90 version.
I hope that Eastman make a Firebird soon, with full size humbuckers. It sounds fantastic. I have Bare Knuckle pickups in 8 of my guitars, they are the best. 3 of my Gibson's have had Bare Knuckle pickups fitted, so your right about upgrading Gibson's.