Blueridge Vs. Eastman Vs. Recording King Vs. Stanford

[werkout52]

I haven't played a Stanford but I recently bought a Eastman E20om and am thrilled by the overall sound and quality.

[Fstpicker]

Originally Posted by Bruce Sexauer

I have never heard of a Stanford before. ...

If you would like to take the time to visit the Unofficial Blueridge Guitar forum, you can do a thread search and find the most prolific amount of discussions regarding the Stanford Performance Series guitars. There are two basic types of Stanfords that were made: the Asian-made imports(the Performer series), and the made in Czech Stanfords. Only one dealer sold the Performer series models in the US (he imported them), and he sold out of them a couple of years ago. The Czech-made Stanfords are only sold in Europe, but the made for the USA market only models are labeled as Stonebridge (only made in Europe), and are sold here exclusively in the USA. Many feel that they are on par with most of the "boutique" USA-made guitars today.

A few of us Stanford performer series owners were former Martin owners, but for one reason or another sold our more expensive guitars for the less-expensive Stanfords. Problem is, you can't purchase any more of the MIC models as they are no longer made, at least not the models many of us acquired in the past 3 years.

The same can be said for the Eastman guitars...a few of the higher-end guitar owners are finding them to be on par (or very close) with their more-expensive domestic-made guitars in quality and sound. If I were to buy (or feel a need for) a new guitar today (that was MIC), it would probably be either an Eastman E10D or the E20D as they have the sound and the specs that I am looking for.

Jeff

[mrkpower]

Originally Posted by jrporter

You didn't include Silver Creek, but I will....

it's nice!

[Guitar Hack]

I owned a Recording King 12 string and the neck twisted within about 6 weeks. QC on the guitar was lacking as well. Had a little chip out on the soundboard. The neck wasn't at quite the right angle so had a saddle that was unusually high to compensate.

It sounded great but in the end I couldn't recommend one.

[pugsley-do-rite]

After playing and owning all 4 brands, I can say that Eastman is easily the best made and sounding guitar. However, the Stanford is a very close 2nd.

[cke]

RE: the Silver Creek - I believe they come out of the Recording King factory, soooo...

[66strummer]

As mentioned more than a few times in this thread, many have not heard of or seen and played any Stanfords. They were only available from 1 or 2 US retailers when they existed in the states, which I always thought was a shame. I believe the total imported to the US originally was 102 models and those were all '06s. The main US retailer complained that they sat around in his store/ warehouse for a year or more but once word caught on about what they were he moved most of them within the next several months.

[gitnoob]

Originally Posted by 66strummer

As mentioned more than a few times in this thread, many have not heard of or seen and played any Stanfords.

That's why these polls are meaningless. If Yamaha was one of the choices, I guarantee it would be in the lead simply because more people have played a Yamaha.

[66strummer]

Originally Posted by gitnoob

That's why these polls are meaningless. If Yamaha was one of the choices, I guarantee it would be in the lead simply because more people have played a Yamaha.

Agreed that the overall count is somewhat meaningless in that regard, but I think it's always interesting to see what people have to say about the brands involved.

[docsuds]

Originally Posted by DABO

I'm a Blueridge fan, but an even bigger Eastman fan, based on my experience.

DAB

I second that.

[mrkpower]

Originally Posted by 66strummer

Agreed that the overall count is somewhat meaningless in that regard, but I think it's always interesting to see what people have to say about the brands involved.

totally agree.

[mrkpower]

Originally Posted by docsuds

I second that.

I am the third!

[Don Lampson]

My curiosity got the best of me. I ordered an Eastman AJ617, and should have it in about a week? It's a 17" mahogany jumbo, with a tobacco sunburst top, and hand carved back.......

Since I've never heard one, this is sort of like waiting for a mail order bride? I hope she sounds as good as she looks? It was love at first sight from the picture of her; but fits of passion can be disappointing some times - If you folks know what I mean - And, I think you probably do?

I'll be sure to post a review w/pix!

Don

[shortymack]

Have no doubts Don, its an Eastman.

[sixiron150]

I guess it is kind of pointless talking about guitars that aren't even available any more. However, I will say that I've had my Stanford PSD-21 for over 3 years and still love it as much as the day I first strummed it in the store. So my vote would be Stanford 1st and Eastman 2nd. The BRs and RKs are ok in my book but a step below the aforementioned brands IMO. I have as yet to test drive an Eastman E-10D o 20D model. I doubt that my opinion would change though.