Why am I excited to watch this despite (1) not being in the market for an Eastman, (2) not being in the market for a Gibson, and (3) not being in the market for any guitar???? Because this channel is addictive, that's why! Great job mate, keep doing what you're doing 👍
I couldn’t agree more. I am not in the market and now I am looking for one lol. Only way to find them here in the states so far for me is Reverb. Thanks Collin absolutely look forward to this every Friday morning before my guitar lesson
I love this channel so much. On every other guitar channel there’s a fancy ceremonial unboxing knife. With this one it’s Colin with his dirty butter knife 😹 Love it! Please never change 😹
I could tell you dug this guitar immensely just by your face when you first started playing. I feel like even your playing has more excitement to it playing that thing. Great tones and playing. Great looking guitar. Glad you dig it. Eastman has intrigued me for a while. Cheers!
Nice to see the Eastman love continues. I have had the top-end Eastman solid body, the SB-59/v Gold Burst for a year now, and I paid about 60% of the price of a Gibson Les Paul Standard here at the time, and I can tell you that is a Custom Shop quality guitar for less than the price of a Gibson Standard. Hand-made (no C&C machining here), under 8 pounds, Lollar Imperial pickups, ebony fretboard, antique varnish finish. All this, and for someone who really isn't a fan of relicked guitars, tasteful relicking to make it look as much like a 59 Burst as possible. All for the same price as a Gibson Les Paul Studio. Their next tier down, the SB-59 with nitro finish, are about the same price as a LP tribute, but with Seymour Duncan 59s instead of Lollars, no relic job, but still an ebony fretboard and under 8 pounds. I have this sneaking suspicion my first Eastman won't be my last.
Hi Colin, thanks for sharing another great episode. My pal lent me his single cut Eastman junior last year, I was nearly in tears when I had to give it back lol playing it was addictive, couldn't put it down, really liked the ebony fretboard and all the hardware. Brilliant guitars, thanks for sharing, enjoy your weekend. Stay well ✌😎✌🎸
Love the channel! I live in the states, and have collected around 100 guitars in my life, but am down to 9 now. I love the guitars I have, and two years ago I bought an Eastman SB59/V which has become one of the best guitars I've ever owned. Take care, Keith
Thank you Colin sir, for the most tasty "Total Control" playing. This was a nice way to start my Friday! Your playing the Fender Joe Strummer Tele in an earlier episode was stellar & inspiring. Keep rocking and keeping us inspired!
Every. Single. Time. That I’m looking at a specific guitar to buy you end up reviewing it! I swear we’re telepathically linked! Excellent video as standard 😁
As soon as I saw the thumbnail I knew what was coming, brilliant review Colin and you gave us an honest opinion. This one has gone to the top of my shopping list, killer guitar.....
I purchased a Eastman SB59-Goldtop a year or so ago. Easily one of the best guitars in my collection. Love it. A Eastman Junior style is next on my list. Great video Bro. Keep ‘em coming. 👍👍👍
Did you ever get your Jr? I just got a SB55/v today and it's easily the best guitar I've ever played. What blew me away was the action...it was at factory spec 3/32 and 2/32. That's ridiculously low and it doesn't feel like the strings are sitting on the frets, you can get under them just fine for bends. And it's light, rings like a bell, so much character. Trust me my friends hate me right now because all I did was blow their phones up gushing about it all day lol. Btw I traded an exclusive Gibson SG '61 RI, Oxblood with gold hardware, for that Eastman plus a custom Telecaster. One of the best trades I've made.
I have an Eastman SB59/v and an SB56/v. They are just incredible guitars. I love Gibson and have a few, and I've played a few Custom Shop guitars and even an actual '57, but my two Eastman's are the two best guitars I've ever played. Great attention to detail and quality in the build.
Great review. I had recently been wanting a p90 guitar, just picked up a G & L ASAT junior II for $300 from a bass player who purchased it a month ago, new old stock. It's really good. Now I want to get my hands on an Eastman.
Crazy - I'm in the process of building one of these right now! The finishes on the Eastmans I've seen are always top notch, and I really like the antiqued look on this one. Not really into the whole relic thing, but this is quite nice. Nothing quite like the sound of a single P90 guitar.
They are a quality company . I have two of their mandolins that are absolutely fantastic professional quality instruments at a price I can afford as a normal guy . Grab them while you can because the price is going up and up . I wish I'd been able to afford to buy some of their gorgeous acoustics a few years ago .. They are stars of the future . Great video and much appreciated all you work . Cheers
Great video I picked up a Eastman T59V (335) in July. I picked it over the Gibson and not to say the Gibson was bad but I preferred the Eastman they make really nice stuff. True craftsmanship. Cheers.
Colin, you have me looking at the single cut now. Gotta admit the specs surprised me. So did the pick up. It continues to become evident that Asian made is becoming high quality with imported quality hardware. Cheers, realky enjoyed the ride. And yes could tell you were stoked. Hair was flying, teeth grinning! Have a good week. ✌️
I have an SB59/v and its amazing. All 3 Eastman I had were superbly made. Eastman has nothing to do with regular Asian imports. Eastman just happens to have their factory in Beijing. But their process is what you see in brands like prs, suhr, colling, etc.. And not better or worse, but they do everything by hand that it gives the vibe to the vintage guitar that is their focus.
You did do the guitar justice, Colin. I have two Eastmans, an SB59(Les Paul copy) and T486b (a 355 copy). Both are incredible. So when I saw you’ve just done a review on Eastman my face lit up😂. Now I have to get that one too, one day. What a beaut!
The SB59s are fantastic, aren't they? I have the /v Gold Burst myself. Best guitar I've ever owned. I really want to get one of their ES-style guitars too. Maybe one each of their 335-style and another of their -175 styles.
@@dangeorge809 I have the Goldtop sb59 I was ,and still am blown away by it. Keeper for sure. The T486b is great too, you won’t be disappointed, try one out they feel special. Eastman are far better than your run of the mill Gibson.
@@DrDrake_Ramore I have both of those guitars in lefty...the SB is great...the T486 is beyond great...bests my Gibson/Heritage guitars. "Affordable" too....
Nice job Colin! I owned this same guitar. Your assessment is absolutely spot on. Build quality easily on par with Custom Shops. Mine was also extremely light and rang like a bell acoustically. The loudest electric guitar unplugged I’ve ever owned. The whole little guitar vibrated and felt alive in my hands. I wanted so badly to love it. And I just didn’t. I could NOT bond with the neck. It felt way to thin and shoulder-less. Your measurements surprised me - mine felt like a Fender Modern C. Your measurements would seem to indicate a much chunkier profile. Great guitar, I’m glad you found each other!
Wow I’m in love with that guitar. Was searching for a DC single p90 and hadn’t even considered Eastman. Weighs about what want as my back isn’t as good as used to be and would be for gigging. Gonna see if can pick one up. You’ve made my Friday many thanks
I just love watching your demos , that guitar sounds great, and you do a great job playing it man. I bet they will sell a lot after this demo , you where having a blast I can tell you got right into it . Cheers man👍🏻🇨🇦
I’ll admit I normally fast forward in RUclips vids till people get to the point but you make watching your channel highly convenient with the in depth multiple time stamps and instead now I’m watching the entire vid lol. Great review I’ve been curious about them, I’ve been a Gibson guy for years I may give Eastman a try
Recently bought an Eastman SB59 in Goldburst. Its a wonderful instrument. A gorgeous flamed maple top with a nitro finish and all top end craftsmanship. Its nothing but win, I must say I was shocked with the quality as I generally don't associate China with great guitars. At just over 8 lbs this Les Paul is better than or on par with any guitar I've ever had the pleasure of holding.
Yes they are THAT good. What’s crazy is that this particular model, isn’t fancy at all. Just the basic student model style; built high quality materials and built with integrity… So why can other builders do this? Makes me wonder why other companies are even attempting to make guitars. I’ve been a loyal Gibson customer forever… But Gibson made decisions to focus more on their marketing structure than their instruments ( could have done both) Eastman exposes Gibson in one big way: you can get a better guitar for half the price! So the logic would be you are paying up to 3 or 4 k for the branding; just to show off the Gibson name? I love Gibson, but it makes me feel like I’m getting ripped off when I play a good guitar that costs so much less.
I got the SB59/v, I didn't really want the aged finish, but it grows on you and now I don't notice it at all. The reason that I went with the vintage finish was to have the Loller custom pick-ups, the new nitro version only comes with Seymour Duncans which I found to be too modern sounding for my taste. All said, it is a fabulous guitar which I would recommend to anyone considering an LP style.
Love the 'Born To Lose' at the beginning & the Dolls in the middle & Complete Control near the end.... all totally relevant ur spoiling us Colin - might have to get one of these thanks for the review Colin
@@ildandellacampana901 Don't blame Gibson for your current socioeconomic status, dude. They don't give a rat's ass...neither does Fender nor Ibanez, etc. It's business. Just play whatever you can afford.
No guitar is better than a Gibson, Dude ? REALLY ? I've owned 16 Gibsons over the past ten years (including a couple of R9's) and still hold onto my 1996 Les Paul Standard... a cracking guitar. I've owned 3 Eastmans and still have two of them. The Gibsons have been a mixed bunch, varying in terms of sound, playability, finish etc. ranging from average to outstanding in one case. The Eastmans have all been superb in all respects, and the only reason I sold one of them is because I chose to upgrade to an antique/violin finish.
@@johngrasso1483 As a player, I'd support any company that produces a high quality instrument that does everything that I'd expect of it. The guitar demo'd here is MORE EXPENSIVE than it's Gibson counterpart... so logically it shouldn't be selling at all. The fact that it is, is testament to how 'right' Eastman are in their quality and how lack-lustre - and hit and miss - Gibson are in that department.
Great playing and I was sceptical to begin with but you've won me over! Thanks for doing what you're doing, you're amongst my favourite YT presenters. I look forward to each episode.
How people play that guitar 🎸 more people play famous guitar player play Gibbons les Paul an sound better in opinion like or not😅. Look it up on you tube video. Thank you buddy ❤🎸🎸🎸🇺🇸
Ah, my Friday morning routine, a cup of coffee and the new Guitaristas video. What a nice guitar. It certainly sounds like it fully justifies its price point. Great review.
I ordered an Eastman SB59/v in Goldburst back in February. Still waiting... Your video has rekindled my excitement! I can't wait to open the case when it arrives. I've bought all my guitars secondhand or made my own so the unboxing will be a day for me to remember.
I'm a first time watcher. This chap took a little tuning in to, but when i did I really enjoyed his style, obvious deep knowledge and in particular his playing🙂
Great Video! I've been owning an Eastman SB55/V-SB for a couple of month and its such a brilliant guitar. Just one P90-pick up. I use it without any pedals (straight into a Friedman Runt 50 amp + Bogner 212). It sounds fantastic!
Well done, as always. And yeah, I've really liked every Eastman I've ever owned - electric and acoustic. Their electric headstocks can be a little... much.... especially on their hollow and semi-hollow guitars. They seem to have calmed that down a bit in recent years. Totally agree with your thoughts that - at the same or similar price point - Eastman gives you much more guitar for the money than our friends at Gibson. Love the Eastman relic/varnish finishes.
Appreciate this review! I always think of jazzboxes when I think of Eastman and desire one greatly, tho I doubt I will ever summon the courage to pay for one. This is a real interesting option to consider pursuing as well though, and seemingly not as expensive.
Thanks Colin! I am a total Gibson guy like you but I was pretty blown away by an Eastman t386. It was on sale for 1k euros, a crazy price. I had just bought another ES-style guitar so I resisted the GAS! But I was mightily impressed. This DC looks the business
Good content as usual my man ;) Entertaining as usual, although i couldn't bring myself to spend that amount on a single pickup config!! Anyways, as you say, see you next time 🎸
Great review. I have an Eastman Romeo, which I absolutely love. Your comment on the Bacolite pickguard was comedy genius by the way - I fitted a Bacolite pcikguard to my custom shop tele but have yet to start a fire with it.
Really great guitar mate ,i wouldnt mind one of them ,friday is my fav day as i know you will be showing us another gem guitar keep up the good work 👍🎸
Cracking video and lovely guitar mate. I've always been a guitar logo snob but primarily your videos have made me start to look at other makes. There are some fabulous manufacturers out there and along with Eastman manufacturers such as Seventy seven and Bacchus well worth a look. Keep these videos up Colin as they are opening up the eyes of players like me who in the past just look at Fender, Gibson and their derivatives and Gibson at the moment for example are being left in the dust by the likes of Eastman
Cheers Mark, truth is I too was a big brand snob before I started this channel and its been enlightening getting to play all these guitars and share my thoughts. This one seriously kicks ass though... I can't put it down! 🙌
As a man of many Differently Priced Guitars I really enjoy your videos I have had some good some Brilliant and some not so good which went out of the doors great to here your no nonsense reviews.
Col, I can see your excitement, it’s plain to see. I can’t possibly afford one at the moment, but this will be on my short list when I can. I purely love Juniors and single pickup guitars particularly and I’d love to see a shootout with a high end Esquire type. Given that I love P90s I can guess how that would go, but it would be fun. All the best mate, keep on keeping on.
Fantastic review!! I've always had my eye on an Eastman, but... as you know, it's not a Gibson. But everyone who plays them gives them such high marks. You really did Eastman justice. Thanks for the review!! You've totally piqued my interest in Eastman Guitars now. Congrats again on the NOW 26k subs!!! Woo Hoo!!! 🥳🍻 Might we see other Eastman reviews in the future? 🙏 HA! Just as I was typing this you mentioned the single cut model. BTW, some GREAT riffs today!! Cheers kind sir!!!
Well, you said I'd enjoy this weeks video and I did...couldn't wait till wine time to watch as Eastman has been on my radar for sometime. When you said 'can you guess what it is'?' I shouted at the telly 'Red DC P90 Junior' :) After the Strummer tribute, great to have a guitar synonymous with early Mick Jones....cool NY Dolls tribute, too but a tiny touch of Tommy Gun early on, then a jam over the outro chords of Complete Control made my day! Brilliant video as always, Colin and wishing you a great weekend! John.
Hi from the states. Love watching your videos. From all of them I ended up buying a sire t7 it’s now my main guitar all my friends chuckle they all have I guess what are known as metal guitars . Whenever I bring mine they all say here comes grandpa but I keep up and have surprised them more than once thank you for that video that led me to that axe😊
Now you are really in my wheelhouse Colin. Love that Guitar. I have a beautiful Eastman T-486, a 335 style guitar. It is a quality guitar and everybody who has played it wants it. I will very likely buy another couple of their guitars.
Jesus Colin, once again you have read my mind!!! I have been obsessed with getting a DC Junior for months now and now you go an review one!!! lol Great vid mate. have yourself a fantastic weekend mate and all the best! :)
Might have known you’d get the Junior! This is great man - have been wondering about these since I got their J-45 (the e-10ss) which is absolutely superb
I'm new here and watching my way through previous shows, and mate it's already my number 1 watch, great down to earth honest reviews with a touch of humour, top work fella👊 Oh and my bargain Epiphone Wilshire P90 arrived today, and what a little gem, also bought a little Bugera V5 infinium baby valve amp for 199 sobs at the same time, what a corker, you should check 1 out, 0.1 amp setting is ace for keeping the Mrs sweet, but still getting some rich subtle valvey tones, proper impressed 😀 Ordered at 1pm yesterday, on my doorstep 4pm today! Top work Andertons 👏 👌
Hello Mate. I just found this post. Your comments echo mine I bought the Junior Single cut version and it is a great guitar, sounds amazing through my Victory Sheriff 22. Totally hand built no CNC machines and I love the way this reflects in the guitar as closer inspection shows the roughness. Neck as you say is excellent and no sharp fret ends. Nice relic going on, not too much just enough looks cool. The Lollar pickup is a little harsh but this can be compensated for. I also own Gibson and PRS my 2 bob's worth if a guitar plays well and sounds good it doesn't have to have the big names on the headstock but the way things are going Eastman may just become a big player in the market. Keep the posts coming. :)
Thank you sir! What a great find! I think that Lollar pickup is a "50s Wind" (your numbers are 7.3) and it has the sound I'm looking for on my custom tele.
another lot to check out is the maybach stuff lots of LP's bursts, customs, they also do some sg styles, heard great things about them made in the czech republic if I remember rightly they are also hand made with light relic jobs. Great video as always man.
My SB59 is a killer guitar. I shopped many a Gibson and on an off chance, I picked this SB59 sight unseen on a whim. Love it! 5 years ago, a new Gibson couldn’t hold a candle to it. They have improved but I’d put it against any Murphy Lab. It’s that good or better in hand and for playing.
I've played a couple of Eastmans in a local shop. Very nice. A good friend who is an acoustic player, did a lot of trying out of guitars (pre-pandemic) and picked the Eastman, not once but twice.
Love the channel...I discovered Eastman's in the 1st lockdown..bought a 386T. It was as good as a 335 I used to own..I then bought a SB59V abought a year later..I spent 4 hours in a shop trying 3..I just love the sound of the lollar pups..it's the best guitar I've owned.. playability, feel, sound..and it's half the price..after watching your video..I'm going to swap the pickups on the 386T for P90s. Wish me luck
Lol the Bakelite bit was hilarious, I absolutely LOVE this channel, my favorite guitar reviews ever! Would love to know more about your background Colin, and how you got into music and guitars! (Sorry I’m advance if there’s already a video on that)
Cheers Matt! At last someone got the Bakelite gag! 🤣👍 there’s an extra film the TV channel where I show around my studio and talk a bit about the backstory… sign up for 30 days free and check it out!!
Loved this one. I always heard good things about Eastmans but it’s so rare to find an in depth and transparent review like yours…I’m seriously going to look at getting one for my next guitar. I love my Les Paul Junior but this is making me think twice about it haha.
Just wanted to thank you for this video. I recently sent back a new Gibson junior (tobacco burst). It looked fine sounded fine, but I was just not blown away. I then started looking at other single p90 guitars and found your video. I did a bit more research and long story short, I now own an Eastman SB55DC/v. It truly is a special guitar and I can’t put it down. It’s the oddest thing but It feels like I’ve always owned it. I agree with everything you said about this guitar. Thank you
This is more than a guitar company sending youtubers a guitar and them giving them rave reviews.. this is an honest hard look at the build, the quality and the FEEL of the guitar.. and fair comparison to the "orginal" so to speak.. you give a good aspect of look, feel and touch.. not only how the frets are finished but are they LEVEL, are the edges rolled.. and could you expect low action from such a guitar.. does it feel like a vintage instrument .. these are important things lacking in so many videos..and the gut shots are important.. thanks mate.. cheers from America..!!
Thanks man that's appreciated!... I guess my only qualification to review these things is what they mean to me and how I can compare them with what I have experienced... its great to hear it resonates with others 😊👍
@@theguitaristas you got it man.. the guitar does not have to be expensive.. it just needs to have good construction and a little love in the setup.. it's more than specs and hardware.. has to feel right.. and frankly guitars are 90% neck, shape and feel as well as how it sits against your body and where the right arm sits.. you hit it out of the park with your reviews.. really enjoy it..
At last an Eastman! and a great review. Some guitars just seem to have a certain Mojo! - something extra going on, and I think that comes across in the video perfectly. Nice one Colin!
I was in search of a Gibson ES-339 and tried numerous semi-hollow body guitars from as many manufacturers as possible. I ended up getting the Eastman T-484 which is the ES-339 equivalent. The neck and fret work is excellent. The Eastman is an awesome guitar for half the price of the 339. Also, the Eastman comes with a SD Jazz neck and 59 bridge pickups. As for the Lollars P90's, I've got an old Gibson Sapphire LP Studio that came with P90's and they just didn't have the soul this guitar deserves. After talking with a few other folks and local music store guys, I settled on a Lollar P90's for the guitar and there was a terrific difference from the Gibson P90's. It turned into a guitar that would be perfect for a smooth uptown Blues or Blues / R&B guitar.
HI Col, just " WOW" watched this twice , second time through headphones just to make sure, this is the best sounding guitar I have ever heard you play, and I`ve listened and commented on quite a few, the finish and aging looks amazing , been promising myself a really quality guitar for my 65 th birthday, still a year off, I think you`ve just made my mind up, and it dos`nt come with the annoying "NITRO " finish from Gibson that looks old and damaged in a week!! Cheers man , please continue to educate me
Thank you so much I really appreciate you showing us how to open the box. I couldn't figure it out. But with your help it was a piece of cake. Know I can actually play the God damn thing.
Why am I excited to watch this despite (1) not being in the market for an Eastman, (2) not being in the market for a Gibson, and (3) not being in the market for any guitar???? Because this channel is addictive, that's why! Great job mate, keep doing what you're doing 👍
Exactly right !!!👍
Thanks Nige, that's appreciated!! 🙏😊
I couldn’t agree more. I am not in the market and now I am looking for one lol. Only way to find them here in the states so far for me is Reverb. Thanks Collin absolutely look forward to this every Friday morning before my guitar lesson
Well said
Colin is a born entertainer!
I love this channel so much. On every other guitar channel there’s a fancy ceremonial unboxing knife. With this one it’s Colin with his dirty butter knife 😹 Love it! Please never change 😹
THIS! Colin is RUclips's most understated legend.
🤣👍👍 Love it!
"Colin, a flanny, a dirty butter knife and a new guitar."
This would've made a good name for the channel.
Maybe that's the T Shirt? 🤣👍
@@voiceofexperience what more could you ask for on a Friday lunchtime? 😹
Great guitar! I bought an Eastman T486 semi hollow about a year ago and absolutely love it.
I could tell you dug this guitar immensely just by your face when you first started playing. I feel like even your playing has more excitement to it playing that thing. Great tones and playing. Great looking guitar. Glad you dig it. Eastman has intrigued me for a while. Cheers!
Nice to see the Eastman love continues. I have had the top-end Eastman solid body, the SB-59/v Gold Burst for a year now, and I paid about 60% of the price of a Gibson Les Paul Standard here at the time, and I can tell you that is a Custom Shop quality guitar for less than the price of a Gibson Standard. Hand-made (no C&C machining here), under 8 pounds, Lollar Imperial pickups, ebony fretboard, antique varnish finish. All this, and for someone who really isn't a fan of relicked guitars, tasteful relicking to make it look as much like a 59 Burst as possible. All for the same price as a Gibson Les Paul Studio. Their next tier down, the SB-59 with nitro finish, are about the same price as a LP tribute, but with Seymour Duncan 59s instead of Lollars, no relic job, but still an ebony fretboard and under 8 pounds. I have this sneaking suspicion my first Eastman won't be my last.
Hi Colin, thanks for sharing another great episode. My pal lent me his single cut Eastman junior last year, I was nearly in tears when I had to give it back lol playing it was addictive, couldn't put it down, really liked the ebony fretboard and all the hardware. Brilliant guitars, thanks for sharing, enjoy your weekend. Stay well ✌😎✌🎸
Cheers David!
Hell yeah! Stoked to check this out! 🙌
Love the channel! I live in the states, and have collected around 100 guitars in my life, but am down to 9 now. I love the guitars I have, and two years ago I bought an Eastman SB59/V which has become one of the best guitars I've ever owned.
Take care, Keith
Thank you Colin sir, for the most tasty "Total Control" playing. This was a nice way to start my Friday! Your playing the Fender Joe Strummer Tele in an earlier episode was stellar & inspiring. Keep rocking and keeping us inspired!
Cheers Joe!
Every. Single. Time. That I’m looking at a specific guitar to buy you end up reviewing it! I swear we’re telepathically linked! Excellent video as standard 😁
😁 👍👍
@@theguitaristas Yes, i agree. He's a bit of a Messiah lol.
Amazing! I’ve been eyeing these on Reverb for a few weeks, they seem to be very nice guitars. What a well timed video!
As soon as I saw the thumbnail I knew what was coming, brilliant review Colin and you gave us an honest opinion. This one has gone to the top of my shopping list, killer guitar.....
The brand Donner make similar guitars.
I purchased a Eastman SB59-Goldtop a year or so ago. Easily one of the best guitars in my collection. Love it. A Eastman Junior style is next on my list. Great video Bro. Keep ‘em coming. 👍👍👍
Did you ever get your Jr? I just got a SB55/v today and it's easily the best guitar I've ever played. What blew me away was the action...it was at factory spec 3/32 and 2/32. That's ridiculously low and it doesn't feel like the strings are sitting on the frets, you can get under them just fine for bends. And it's light, rings like a bell, so much character. Trust me my friends hate me right now because all I did was blow their phones up gushing about it all day lol. Btw I traded an exclusive Gibson SG '61 RI, Oxblood with gold hardware, for that Eastman plus a custom Telecaster. One of the best trades I've made.
I have an Eastman SB59/v and an SB56/v. They are just incredible guitars. I love Gibson and have a few, and I've played a few Custom Shop guitars and even an actual '57, but my two Eastman's are the two best guitars I've ever played. Great attention to detail and quality in the build.
Brilliant! As usual, wonderful review and evaluation... You confirmed all of my opinions of an Eastman guitar. Thank You.
Great review. I had recently been wanting a p90 guitar, just picked up a G & L ASAT junior II for $300 from a bass player who purchased it a month ago, new old stock. It's really good. Now I want to get my hands on an Eastman.
Crazy - I'm in the process of building one of these right now! The finishes on the Eastmans I've seen are always top notch, and I really like the antiqued look on this one. Not really into the whole relic thing, but this is quite nice. Nothing quite like the sound of a single P90 guitar.
They are a quality company . I have two of their mandolins that are absolutely fantastic professional quality instruments at a price I can afford as a normal guy . Grab them while you can because the price is going up and up . I wish I'd been able to afford to buy some of their gorgeous acoustics a few years ago .. They are stars of the future . Great video and much appreciated all you work . Cheers
Yes! I've had an Eastman F style mandolin and it was a work of art from head to toe. And held it's value, big time.
I have an MD305 - when I strum, the thing resonates as though it’s alive!!
I was out off when I discovered that they are chinese mad but this Guitar looks and sounds the business. The sustain is unreal.
Great video I picked up a Eastman T59V (335) in July. I picked it over the Gibson and not to say the Gibson was bad but I preferred the Eastman they make really nice stuff. True craftsmanship. Cheers.
Glad you did the Eastman. Definitely will add one to my collection. Thank you for your hard but enjoyable work.
Love your channel. Credible reviews, not puffery and great playing. This Eastman is looking and sounding great.
They’re great guitars I have had the pleasure of playing and it’s well worth considering for those interested. Have a lovely weekend sir!
Cheers Mike, and you mate have a good one! 😎👍
Awesome review, as always! Depth, details, excellent. Thank you, sir!
The beauty is in the simplicity and quality of materials. I knew of Eastman but it’s been some years. That one sounded great too, even unplugged.
Colin, you have me looking at the single cut now. Gotta admit the specs surprised me. So did the pick up. It continues to become evident that Asian made is becoming high quality with imported quality hardware. Cheers, realky enjoyed the ride. And yes could tell you were stoked. Hair was flying, teeth grinning! Have a good week. ✌️
I have an SB59/v and its amazing. All 3 Eastman I had were superbly made. Eastman has nothing to do with regular Asian imports. Eastman just happens to have their factory in Beijing. But their process is what you see in brands like prs, suhr, colling, etc..
And not better or worse, but they do everything by hand that it gives the vibe to the vintage guitar that is their focus.
Cheers man and you! 😎👍
You did do the guitar justice, Colin. I have two Eastmans, an SB59(Les Paul copy) and T486b (a 355 copy). Both are incredible. So when I saw you’ve just done a review on Eastman my face lit up😂. Now I have to get that one too, one day. What a beaut!
Cheers Richard!
The SB59s are fantastic, aren't they? I have the /v Gold Burst myself. Best guitar I've ever owned. I really want to get one of their ES-style guitars too. Maybe one each of their 335-style and another of their -175 styles.
@@dangeorge809 I have the Goldtop sb59 I was ,and still am blown away by it. Keeper for sure. The T486b is great too, you won’t be disappointed, try one out they feel special. Eastman are far better than your run of the mill Gibson.
@@DrDrake_Ramore I have both of those guitars in lefty...the SB is great...the T486 is beyond great...bests my Gibson/Heritage guitars. "Affordable" too....
Nice job Colin! I owned this same guitar. Your assessment is absolutely spot on. Build quality easily on par with Custom Shops. Mine was also extremely light and rang like a bell acoustically. The loudest electric guitar unplugged I’ve ever owned. The whole little guitar vibrated and felt alive in my hands. I wanted so badly to love it. And I just didn’t. I could NOT bond with the neck. It felt way to thin and shoulder-less. Your measurements surprised me - mine felt like a Fender Modern C. Your measurements would seem to indicate a much chunkier profile. Great guitar, I’m glad you found each other!
Always a great show & definitely a great guitar! Can't wait too see the next one.
Love your approach to guitar reviews and your enthusiasm/energy.
Keep up the great work ;)
Spot-on
Wow I’m in love with that guitar. Was searching for a DC single p90 and hadn’t even considered Eastman. Weighs about what want as my back isn’t as good as used to be and would be for gigging. Gonna see if can pick one up. You’ve made my Friday many thanks
I have an SB59/v and its fantastic! Been wanting also one of the DC. Do it, you will get an absolute amazing guitar, and not just for the price.
Cheers David, I seriously recommend this one mate! 🔥
I just love watching your demos , that guitar sounds great, and you do a great job playing it man. I bet they will sell a lot after this demo , you where having a blast I can tell you got right into it . Cheers man👍🏻🇨🇦
Cheers Stephen!
I’ll admit I normally fast forward in RUclips vids till people get to the point but you make watching your channel highly convenient with the in depth multiple time stamps and instead now I’m watching the entire vid lol. Great review I’ve been curious about them, I’ve been a Gibson guy for years I may give Eastman a try
Thanks man that's appreciated! 😁👍
Recently bought an Eastman SB59 in Goldburst. Its a wonderful instrument. A gorgeous flamed maple top with a nitro finish and all top end craftsmanship. Its nothing but win, I must say I was shocked with the quality as I generally don't associate China with great guitars. At just over 8 lbs this Les Paul is better than or on par with any guitar I've ever had the pleasure of holding.
Are you old enough to remember when everyone used to knock Japanese guitars??? lol
@@joehahn8817 yep, now some of them are sought after.
I knew it was going to be a DC junior. The Heartbreaker’s riff at the start gave it away 😀
Good work! 😆👍
@@theguitaristas thank you 😁 Great review, as always.
Thanks for introducing me to Eastman, Collin! Great review, as always!
Looks and sounds superb! Great video as always Colin. Thanks.
Yes they are THAT good. What’s crazy is that this particular model, isn’t fancy at all. Just the basic student model style; built high quality materials and built with integrity… So why can other builders do this? Makes me wonder why other companies are even attempting to make guitars.
I’ve been a loyal Gibson customer forever… But Gibson made decisions to focus more on their marketing structure than their instruments ( could have done both) Eastman exposes Gibson in one big way: you can get a better guitar for half the price! So the logic would be you are paying up to 3 or 4 k for the branding; just to show off the Gibson name? I love Gibson, but it makes me feel like I’m getting ripped off when I play a good guitar that costs so much less.
I got the SB59/v, I didn't really want the aged finish, but it grows on you and now I don't notice it at all. The reason that I went with the vintage finish was to have the Loller custom pick-ups, the new nitro version only comes with Seymour Duncans which I found to be too modern sounding for my taste. All said, it is a fabulous guitar which I would recommend to anyone considering an LP style.
I have the same and also had the SB59 before. Love the feel and pickups of the v version. on par with my R8
I'm after this one too - count me in!
Love the 'Born To Lose' at the beginning & the Dolls in the middle & Complete Control near the end.... all totally relevant ur spoiling us Colin - might have to get one of these thanks for the review Colin
Cheers Steve 😎👍
When you stepped on the RAT the damn thing nearly took off! Beautiful sounding thing... wasn't looking for a new guitar before but I am now 😅cheers!
Nothing is better than a Gibson, dude. Les Pauls are the best guitars ever put together... formidable and iconic.
of course, if u have a money ....if someone r poor like a shit or like me ....hb forever....
@@ildandellacampana901 Don't blame Gibson for your current socioeconomic status, dude. They don't give a rat's ass...neither does Fender nor Ibanez, etc. It's business. Just play whatever you can afford.
I wish guitar players would stop supporting china. I snagged a near perfect SG Faded (2005) for $375 of CL.
No guitar is better than a Gibson, Dude ? REALLY ?
I've owned 16 Gibsons over the past ten years (including a couple of R9's) and still hold onto my 1996 Les Paul Standard... a cracking guitar. I've owned 3 Eastmans and still have two of them. The Gibsons have been a mixed bunch, varying in terms of sound, playability, finish etc. ranging from average to outstanding in one case. The Eastmans have all been superb in all respects, and the only reason I sold one of them is because I chose to upgrade to an antique/violin finish.
@@johngrasso1483 As a player, I'd support any company that produces a high quality instrument that does everything that I'd expect of it. The guitar demo'd here is MORE EXPENSIVE than it's Gibson counterpart... so logically it shouldn't be selling at all. The fact that it is, is testament to how 'right' Eastman are in their quality and how lack-lustre - and hit and miss - Gibson are in that department.
Great playing and I was sceptical to begin with but you've won me over! Thanks for doing what you're doing, you're amongst my favourite YT presenters. I look forward to each episode.
Cheers Chris that's appreciated!
How people play that guitar 🎸 more people play famous guitar player play Gibbons les Paul an sound better in opinion like or not😅. Look it up on you tube video. Thank you buddy ❤🎸🎸🎸🇺🇸
So excited for this review! I bought their goldtop with Lollar p90s and absolutely love it!!
Just found your channel. Love your videos and breakdowns of all these different models.
Nice one Colin! I think i can hear in your playing you liked it.
Ah, my Friday morning routine, a cup of coffee and the new Guitaristas video. What a nice guitar. It certainly sounds like it fully justifies its price point. Great review.
I ordered an Eastman SB59/v in Goldburst back in February. Still waiting... Your video has rekindled my excitement! I can't wait to open the case when it arrives. I've bought all my guitars secondhand or made my own so the unboxing will be a day for me to remember.
Nice one Alex!... let us know what you think when it arrives.
I'm a first time watcher. This chap took a little tuning in to, but when i did I really enjoyed his style, obvious deep knowledge and in particular his playing🙂
Thank you so much I look forward to the comparison videos!
Great Video! I've been owning an Eastman SB55/V-SB for a couple of month and its such a brilliant guitar. Just one P90-pick up. I use it without any pedals (straight into a Friedman Runt 50 amp + Bogner 212). It sounds fantastic!
I can only imagine how glorious that must sound and feel!
Love this channel, even if it's a guitar that I wouldn't buy, Colin's enthusiasm is addictive. Thanks Colin
Thanks Charles!
great review and demo! i've got this same guitar as well as the single cut version, both are outstanding.
I was looking at Eastman for a Les Paul type guitar. Now I want this guitar. Great review!
Well done, as always. And yeah, I've really liked every Eastman I've ever owned - electric and acoustic. Their electric headstocks can be a little... much.... especially on their hollow and semi-hollow guitars. They seem to have calmed that down a bit in recent years. Totally agree with your thoughts that - at the same or similar price point - Eastman gives you much more guitar for the money than our friends at Gibson. Love the Eastman relic/varnish finishes.
The Eastman varnish finishes are sublime.
Appreciate this review! I always think of jazzboxes when I think of Eastman and desire one greatly, tho I doubt I will ever summon the courage to pay for one. This is a real interesting option to consider pursuing as well though, and seemingly not as expensive.
Thanks Colin! I am a total Gibson guy like you but I was pretty blown away by an Eastman t386. It was on sale for 1k euros, a crazy price. I had just bought another ES-style guitar so I resisted the GAS! But I was mightily impressed. This DC looks the business
I have had their AC travel guitar, AC312C and the CL20. All acoustic marvels and lovely sounding.
Great quality and absolutely worth trying out.
Good content as usual my man ;) Entertaining as usual, although i couldn't bring myself to spend that amount on a single pickup config!! Anyways, as you say, see you next time 🎸
Great review. I have an Eastman Romeo, which I absolutely love. Your comment on the Bacolite pickguard was comedy genius by the way - I fitted a Bacolite pcikguard to my custom shop tele but have yet to start a fire with it.
😆👍
Really great guitar mate ,i wouldnt mind one of them ,friday is my fav day as i know you will be showing us another gem guitar keep up the good work 👍🎸
I have an eastman thinline 335 style guitar. My favourite guitar I've ever had and I've had a fair few!. Great channel. Subscribed
Cheers Steve!
Cracking video and lovely guitar mate. I've always been a guitar logo snob but primarily your videos have made me start to look at other makes. There are some fabulous manufacturers out there and along with Eastman manufacturers such as Seventy seven and Bacchus well worth a look. Keep these videos up Colin as they are opening up the eyes of players like me who in the past just look at Fender, Gibson and their derivatives and Gibson at the moment for example are being left in the dust by the likes of Eastman
Cheers Mark, truth is I too was a big brand snob before I started this channel and its been enlightening getting to play all these guitars and share my thoughts. This one seriously kicks ass though... I can't put it down! 🙌
As a man of many Differently Priced Guitars I really enjoy your videos I have had some good some Brilliant and some not so good which went out of the doors great to here your no nonsense reviews.
Col, I can see your excitement, it’s plain to see. I can’t possibly afford one at the moment, but this will be on my short list when I can. I purely love Juniors and single pickup guitars particularly and I’d love to see a shootout with a high end Esquire type. Given that I love P90s I can guess how that would go, but it would be fun.
All the best mate, keep on keeping on.
I have now been a happy owner of an Eastman SB57 (black and gold custom type) for two years. It is just an amazing instrument. 🥰
Fantastic review!! I've always had my eye on an Eastman, but... as you know, it's not a Gibson. But everyone who plays them gives them such high marks. You really did Eastman justice. Thanks for the review!! You've totally piqued my interest in Eastman Guitars now. Congrats again on the NOW 26k subs!!! Woo Hoo!!! 🥳🍻 Might we see other Eastman reviews in the future? 🙏 HA! Just as I was typing this you mentioned the single cut model. BTW, some GREAT riffs today!! Cheers kind sir!!!
Cheers man!.. yes more Eastmans on the radar! 😎👍
Well, you said I'd enjoy this weeks video and I did...couldn't wait till wine time to watch as Eastman has been on my radar for sometime. When you said 'can you guess what it is'?' I shouted at the telly 'Red DC P90 Junior' :) After the Strummer tribute, great to have a guitar synonymous with early Mick Jones....cool NY Dolls tribute, too but a tiny touch of Tommy Gun early on, then a jam over the outro chords of Complete Control made my day! Brilliant video as always, Colin and wishing you a great weekend! John.
Cheers John and you mate!
Hi from the states. Love watching your videos. From all of them I ended up buying a sire t7 it’s now my main guitar all my friends chuckle they all have I guess what are known as metal guitars . Whenever I bring mine they all say here comes grandpa but I keep up and have surprised them more than once thank you for that video that led me to that axe😊
your show is sooo good sir! Love your whole deal amigo!
Thanks man! 😁👍
Now you are really in my wheelhouse Colin. Love that Guitar.
I have a beautiful Eastman T-486, a 335 style guitar. It is a quality guitar and everybody who has played it wants it.
I will very likely buy another couple of their guitars.
Jesus Colin, once again you have read my mind!!! I have been obsessed with getting a DC Junior for months now and now you go an review one!!! lol Great vid mate. have yourself a fantastic weekend mate and all the best! :)
Cheers Jeff... gotta check this one out man!
Might have known you’d get the Junior! This is great man - have been wondering about these since I got their J-45 (the e-10ss) which is absolutely superb
I'm new here and watching my way through previous shows, and mate it's already my number 1 watch, great down to earth honest reviews with a touch of humour, top work fella👊
Oh and my bargain Epiphone Wilshire P90 arrived today, and what a little gem, also bought a little Bugera V5 infinium baby valve amp for 199 sobs at the same time, what a corker, you should check 1 out, 0.1 amp setting is ace for keeping the Mrs sweet, but still getting some rich subtle valvey tones, proper impressed 😀
Ordered at 1pm yesterday, on my doorstep 4pm today!
Top work Andertons 👏 👌
Nice work and what a great rig for under £500!! 🔥 yes I’ll definitely check out some more of those budget amps. Cheers man! 😎👍
I need one now!!! You have identical tastes to my sir!! Love your channel, breath of fresh air!!!
I was planning on only watching a minute or two, but once again you got me enjoying the entire show, very awesome episode
Thanks David! 😆👍
Hello Mate. I just found this post. Your comments echo mine I bought the Junior Single cut version and it is a great guitar, sounds amazing through my Victory Sheriff 22. Totally hand built no CNC machines and I love the way this reflects in the guitar as closer inspection shows the roughness. Neck as you say is excellent and no sharp fret ends. Nice relic going on, not too much just enough looks cool. The Lollar pickup is a little harsh but this can be compensated for. I also own Gibson and PRS my 2 bob's worth if a guitar plays well and sounds good it doesn't have to have the big names on the headstock but the way things are going Eastman may just become a big player in the market. Keep the posts coming. :)
Cheers man, I like this so much I have the SC on my shopping list... 😎👍
Thank you sir! What a great find! I think that Lollar pickup is a "50s Wind" (your numbers are 7.3) and it has the sound I'm looking for on my custom tele.
another lot to check out is the maybach stuff lots of LP's bursts, customs, they also do some sg styles, heard great things about them made in the czech republic if I remember rightly they are also hand made with light relic jobs. Great video as always man.
My SB59 is a killer guitar. I shopped many a Gibson and on an off chance, I picked this SB59 sight unseen on a whim. Love it! 5 years ago, a new Gibson couldn’t hold a candle to it. They have improved but I’d put it against any Murphy Lab. It’s that good or better in hand and for playing.
You’re absolutely buzzing playing it!
Love my E10d-TC also great presentation keep rocking.
I've played a couple of Eastmans in a local shop. Very nice. A good friend who is an acoustic player, did a lot of trying out of guitars (pre-pandemic) and picked the Eastman, not once but twice.
Great channel , one of my favorites!
That guitar sounds fantastic. Guess I'll be looking into one soon 🤣
Great review Colin 😎! Been considering an Eastman SB59 or the Maybach Lester...still undecided !
Love the channel...I discovered Eastman's in the 1st lockdown..bought a 386T. It was as good as a 335 I used to own..I then bought a SB59V abought a year later..I spent 4 hours in a shop trying 3..I just love the sound of the lollar pups..it's the best guitar I've owned.. playability, feel, sound..and it's half the price..after watching your video..I'm going to swap the pickups on the 386T for P90s. Wish me luck
Yes good luck for sure!! 😎🤞
Thats a mighty fine guitar, I think i'd have alot of trouble putting it down. Thanks for another great video.
Lol the Bakelite bit was hilarious, I absolutely LOVE this channel, my favorite guitar reviews ever! Would love to know more about your background Colin, and how you got into music and guitars! (Sorry I’m advance if there’s already a video on that)
Cheers Matt! At last someone got the Bakelite gag! 🤣👍 there’s an extra film the TV channel where I show around my studio and talk a bit about the backstory… sign up for 30 days free and check it out!!
Loved this one. I always heard good things about Eastmans but it’s so rare to find an in depth and transparent review like yours…I’m seriously going to look at getting one for my next guitar. I love my Les Paul Junior but this is making me think twice about it haha.
As someone who has owned both... I have no hesitancy in saying 'go for it'. Custom Shop standard and more.
@@Adipsia1 Amazing! Hopefully can try one.
Thanks for this video Colin! Amazing guitar
Thank you for another awesome and inspiring review! I guess I'll have to start saving money for an Eastman now
Just wanted to thank you for this video. I recently sent back a new Gibson junior (tobacco burst). It looked fine sounded fine, but I was just not blown away. I then started looking at other single p90 guitars and found your video. I did a bit more research and long story short, I now own an Eastman SB55DC/v. It truly is a special guitar and I can’t put it down. It’s the oddest thing but It feels like I’ve always owned it. I agree with everything you said about this guitar. Thank you
Cheers Nigel, so glad you agree... I still play mine loads and it's up there with the very best! 🙌🔥
This is more than a guitar company sending youtubers a guitar and them giving them rave reviews.. this is an honest hard look at the build, the quality and the FEEL of the guitar.. and fair comparison to the "orginal" so to speak.. you give a good aspect of look, feel and touch.. not only how the frets are finished but are they LEVEL, are the edges rolled.. and could you expect low action from such a guitar.. does it feel like a vintage instrument .. these are important things lacking in so many videos..and the gut shots are important.. thanks mate.. cheers from America..!!
Thanks man that's appreciated!... I guess my only qualification to review these things is what they mean to me and how I can compare them with what I have experienced... its great to hear it resonates with others 😊👍
@@theguitaristas you got it man.. the guitar does not have to be expensive.. it just needs to have good construction and a little love in the setup.. it's more than specs and hardware.. has to feel right.. and frankly guitars are 90% neck, shape and feel as well as how it sits against your body and where the right arm sits.. you hit it out of the park with your reviews.. really enjoy it..
At last an Eastman! and a great review. Some guitars just seem to have a certain Mojo! - something extra going on, and I think that comes across in the video perfectly. Nice one Colin!
Cheers man!
Knew it was the dc model the moment you played 'Born to Lose', around two seconds in. Great video, cheers!
😆👍 the clue was there for the chosen few!!
I can tell by the way you play this guitar that juniors are in your blood!!! You look very very comfortable around that beautiful guitar....
I was in search of a Gibson ES-339 and tried numerous semi-hollow body guitars from as many manufacturers as possible. I ended up getting the Eastman T-484 which is the ES-339 equivalent. The neck and fret work is excellent. The Eastman is an awesome guitar for half the price of the 339. Also, the Eastman comes with a SD Jazz neck and 59 bridge pickups.
As for the Lollars P90's, I've got an old Gibson Sapphire LP Studio that came with P90's and they just didn't have the soul this guitar deserves. After talking with a few other folks and local music store guys, I settled on a Lollar P90's for the guitar and there was a terrific difference from the Gibson P90's. It turned into a guitar that would be perfect for a smooth uptown Blues or Blues / R&B guitar.
HI Col, just " WOW" watched this twice , second time through headphones just to make sure, this is the best sounding guitar I have ever heard you play, and I`ve listened and commented on quite a few, the finish and aging looks amazing , been promising myself a really quality guitar for my 65 th birthday, still a year off, I think you`ve just made my mind up, and it dos`nt come with the annoying "NITRO " finish from Gibson that looks old and damaged in a week!! Cheers man , please continue to educate me
Cheers man, nice to have an alternative brand to try out when you go on that shopping trip of a lifetime!! 😎👍
Great channel my friend..I've been enjoying it for a while.
Thanks Jeff, I appreciate the comment and support! 😎👍
Thank you so much I really appreciate you showing us how to open the box. I couldn't figure it out. But with your help it was a piece of cake. Know I can actually play the God damn thing.
Every Eastman video I've seen, the guitars have had sustain for days... This is no different! Great deep dive review of a great guitar 😊