NGD: Eastman E1SS-SB

[Quebec Picker]

This is a very AGF-inspired NGD (thanks? darn you?). I was reading martingitdave's post about his new E1D, and I did a Google search and was very pleasantly surprised at how inexpensive these E1 guitars are (compared to similarly-spec'd and revered models from most brands). I'd been pining for a sweet-sounding dread for a while now as an upgrade to my Yamaha FG800 (which is a sweet guitar in its own right), but didn't want to spend over a grand (Canadian), so didn't really expect it to happen.

A Google search also revealed one E1SS in stock at a music store in another city in the same province as me, which is also surprising given that I've never seen an Eastman for sale at any store in Quebec. From what I can suss out online, this may have been the only Eastman in stock and on sale in the entire province. This store also has a branch in the city I live in, and they have a return policy, so I was very tempted. I have never bought a guitar online without playing it first, so the option to return it by just bringing it back to a store and not dealing with and paying for return shipping was crucial.

I put a guitar I don't play much + a bunch of other stuff up for sale. It all sold within a couple days. I pulled the trigger.

I've had the guitar for a week now (not a true NDG, okay), and I absolutely love it. Sounds and feels terrific. Took me a few days to get accustomed to a short scale guitar as I've not had one for a while, but now I find it easy to play, comfortable, and a beautiful sound. Really deep but defined lows. Crisp, sweet-sounding highs. Sounds great fingerpicked with or without thumb and fingerpicks, and delightful strummed. Great dynamics--can be played soft and really comes alive when dug into.

Last week, I took it to the park, and I was playing it and singing along. I'm on a lifelong mission to become the kind of singer that can move people. As I was playing, I noticed a couple on the bench next to me tapping their feet. After playing one of my originals, the women turned to me and said, "You're a really great singer." That was the moment I became 100% sure I was keeping the guitar. (I was already pretty sure given that I'd brought it to the park).

All this plus a really great quality and form fitting gig bag for $809 Canadian. Truly astonishing value, as guitar prices (and everything prices) get higher every day.

As a final note, I never usually write NGD posts because I never really know if I'm going to keep a guitar long term until well after I've bought them. The honeymoon phase is mighty. But, I just felt like sharing and the last NGD post I did write was six years ago--and I still have and love that guitar, so, what the hell.

[BlueBowman]

Congrats. Nice sunburst, too

[William2]

Congratulations on your new guitar. I wanted one of these, but they don't make them for lefties. I love the satin finish.

[mimmo]

Congratulations on a very nice guitar! I've been looking at the same guitar for a while and I may end up with buying one as a spare.

Enjoy it in good health.

[KenL]

Very nice. Eastman does a really nice sunburst.

[docwatsonfan]

Congratulations!

I have the same model!
I saw a video from the Chapmans, the fine folks @ The Acoustic Shoppe and decided I had to have one.....

I just want to play mine for hours, it takes me places I've never been

[Quebec Picker]

Originally Posted by docwatsonfan

Congratulations!

I just want to play mine for hours, it takes me places I've never been

I'm having the same experience.

[Bluenose]

I play my E10SS everyday, it's my go-to flatpicker.
BTW just put a new set of D'addario NB lights on it this AM and oh my, it sounds good to me.

[llew]

Congrats...Eastman builds a fine guitar!

[jricc]

Congrats on a nice looking sunburst Eastman!

[guitarsforlife]

All I can say is, "Wow!!" Way to go... & I know that anytime I find an instrument that speaks to me, and gets me to play just a little bit better or differently than before, I know I've won.

I've wanted to get one of those series for the longest time, but given the climate & home environment I'm in, I'd always felt more comfortable with a hard case. That has generally been the sticking point. Dumb, I know!

[davenumber2]

Congrats! I have the Adirondack top E1SS-LTD from a few years back. It's a great guitar. I'd like to try one of these out even though I'm full up on slope shoulders.

[martingitdave]

That's a great post! Congrats on the Eastman. They make a fine and affordable guitar. The E1 series has been a hit with a lot of people who've played them. Also, congrats on playing outdoors and getting some feedback. You should consider finding an acoustic music / songwriters group / song circle in your area. I host one in our area and we often get folks looking for feedback on a new song, etc.

[MBee]

That's a beauty! And I know it's a great guitar, because I have an E1SS LTD (similar to yours, with an Adirondack top), and it's a wonderful guitar. I like playing it as much as any of my more expensive guitars, past or present. Congratulations!

[Wade Hampton]

Is it all solid wood or does it have laminated back and sides?


whm