Eastman 335 copies?

[guitar_face]

Has anyone had any experience with Eastman thinlines? They seem like quality instruments and I want to hear any opinions or experiences with these guitars. Completely handmade, but in China. They go for ~$1500.00 usd.

 

What got me interested is that the top and back are hand carved from solid woods, not laminates like the Gibsons (I think) and most other 335 copies, so I imagine they'd have a different sound/better acoustically.

 

So? Anyone played/own/has an opinion on these?

 

Some thinline porn; http://www.gbase.com/Stores/Gear/GearDetails.aspx?Item=1751939

 

 

sorry if a similar thread has already been posted... .

[f5joe]

They are wonderful instruments and sound really good. They are not "better" than the 335, just somewhat different.

 

I've owned a few Eastmans and sold them all ... but all were good. I just preferred the 335 design in a Japanese Tokai. Sold my reall 335 because this Tokai was better for me.

 

You can't go wrong with the Eastman.

[guitar_face]

Thanks for your input. Damn I'm seriously gassing for one of these now.

 

bumpage...

[ashtray]

When I spoke to John Pisano, he seemed to really like his! And that's what he uses when he plays out, so that says something.

[larry50]

Very sweet, at least the one's I've played. Rivals the Gibson and actually seems better made.

 

 

 

[guitar_face]

^ Very nice.

 

Some of them have amazing figuring;

[larry50]

I think the burst is to die for.

[metallica_00]

Those were on my short list but I never ended up finding one. I must admit the fact that they are made in China at that price is a bit of a turn-off. But they must be a cut above other imported guitars given the good reviews they get.

 

I ended up getting a used Heritage 535 for $1250. An absolute steal at those prices - handmade in the US, beautiful woods, PLEK'd frets, nitro finish. Absolutely equal to if not better than current Gibson 335s. I was getting compliments on my tone in my jazz ensemble today from a number of people with my Heritage.

[guitar_face]

Fair enough metallica_00, if that's your 535 in your avatar then that's quite a score, she's a beaut.

 

To be honest, and maybe I have my expectations too high, I'm assuming they're great guitars period, not just good for Chinese guitars. I obviously have no idea though having not played one.

[GarysBlues]

Personally I would stay away from them. I owned a Delta-6 from Eastwood. A 335 copy but a very different model than the Eastwoods your looking at here. I thought the QC and Craftsmanship was OK, not great. I pulled the ENTIRE electric apart and re-constructed it correctly. Then it was decent.

 

But I'll tell you what I REALLY liked for the money. The IBANEZ AS-103NT. I swapped mine to JAZZRAT for a USA Fender Tele. But ask him also what he thiinks?

 

These Artcore Customs are FLAWLESSLY put together with all top shelf parts. They look superb and play wonderfull. The Craftsmanship on them easily is on par with Production Line USA.

 

 

Not the greatest photo's for detail. But you get the idea. Take a good look at one and play. For $500-$550 used they are a GOOD BUY!

[f5joe]

I had a Pisano and it was easily equivalent to a $5k or higher USA made archtop. I'm over the stigma of "where" and instrument is made. I just want good stuff.

 

There are a LOT of great options these days. Not like when I was younger.

[FlyingBloodyFrogBiscuit]

 

Personally I would stay away from them. I owned a Delta-6 from Eastwood. A 335 copy but a very different model than the Eastwoods your looking at here.

 

 

Eastwood and Eastman are completely different companies.

[GarysBlues]

Oh I'm sorry my mistake, early in the AM. I haven't played a Eastman. So I'll be humble here and give the floor back to you all!

[mikeSF]

I have no experience with Eastman thinlines, mind you, but I have owned three Eastman guitars and still have one and I find them to be excellent quality for the money. the company keeps getting better and the product line is growing rapidly in recent years.

IMO, as far as their fully hollows go, they completely blow away their made in USA analogues such as Heritage, Guild, Gibson, etc... and cost much less.

 

as for reputable Eastman dealers, my favorite place to buy a guitar is Guitars n' Jazz in Summit, NJ. Call up Lou (owner) and tell him what sound you are seeking and let him recommend a model and even a particular specimen he has in stock. He sells a lot of Eastmans.

[chittypantz]

They're VERY nice guitars for the money. Guitars 'n' Jazz does seem to be the place for Eastmans. Keep your eyes on the used market as well -- some really good deals to be had on Eastmans.

 

In my experience the Thinline 185 series is a bit darker & jazzier sounding than the 335 and a lot of the copies out there. It's still distinctively a semi-hollow 335-ish sound, but (at least to me) had a bit more of a full hollow character to it than lots of 335 copies.

 

EDIT: I should say most of my experience is with the mahogany-bodied version, so the maple might be different.