Just pulled the trigger on an Eastman...

PeterMN · #1 08-12-2019, 09:04 PM

I realize buying online is always a bit risky but I'm taking a chance on this cedar OM Eastman.

https://sunvalleyguitars.com/product...-top-13955287/

It had me at all solid wood for under $500. I don't have any experience with Eastmans but I've heard good things. The cedar should make for great fingerstyle play. I was thinking the 2 5/32" bridge spacing might be a little tight, but I seem to be managing alright on my Yamaha and I just measured that at 2 1/16". Anyways, I just had to share my excitement. If anyone has any experience with Eastman, good or bad, I'd be interested in what your thoughts are.

Treenewt · #2 08-12-2019, 09:29 PM

Congrats! I look forward to hearing what you think of the cedar top! I’d love to play one. I had a wonderful little E1OM (the spruce top cousin of yours) and it was a blast to play. Hope you enjoy yours!

Also, I picked up an Eastman AC320 from Brian at a Sun Valley. Great to deal with!

Scolaguitar · #3 08-12-2019, 09:38 PM

Congrats! Lots of love around here for Eastmans. I'm curious too with what you'll think of it. I've had my E1ss-ltd for almost a month now and still thrilled with it. I like what Eastman does with Sapele.

jklotz · #4 08-12-2019, 10:00 PM

Nice! Congrats! Be sure and let us know what you think. I am interested in adding a cedar top guitar to the stable at some point.

baw3 · #5 08-12-2019, 10:16 PM

I have a feeling you will be surprised how much guitar you will get for your money. I have not played the guitar you ordered but I have played a few other Eastmans and I own a E20ss that is one of my favorite guitars. Let us know what you think of it.

Beakybird · #6 08-12-2019, 10:50 PM

How does Eastman do it? I'd love to try that guitar!

Fret-O'File · #7 08-13-2019, 06:29 AM

I've been a huge Eastman for over 10 years and have owned many.
I still have three and the E20-OM that I've had for ten years, I would never sell. Not because it's worth much or has sentimental value, it's just a great guitar that I got for little money and it fits me and my playing style perfectly. I have a guitar that cost three times as much and the E20-OM is still my go-to when I pick up an acoustic.

I have played a couple of Eastmans that didn't do it for me so there are less than stellar ones out there but you could almost say that about any brand.

The cedar topped OM is interesting to me and at that price, even more so.
Good luck, I hope it's a great one for you.
Let us know if you like it or not.

raymas · #8 08-13-2019, 08:32 AM

I've experienced a couple, a 0020ss (adirondack/rosewood) that didn't suit my playing style and a E6OME LTD (sitka/mahogany) that I love. They make a fine guitar.

PeterMN · #9 08-13-2019, 08:07 PM

Both the dealer and Eastman's website state the guitar is set up with an action at the 12th fret of 3/32″ on the bass side and 2/32″ on the treble side. This would be great but should I count on it actually being that low? I've only owned a handful of acoustics but I've always had to lower the action on them.

docwatsonfan · #10 08-13-2019, 08:17 PM

I bought an E1 OM and it is fantastic

the setup is perfect

the saddle is tall

and the tone is outstanding , lots of volume and sustain!

I suggest waiting 3-4 weeks before doing any adjustments.... your climate is probably alot different than the desert

DCCougar · #11 08-13-2019, 08:44 PM

With an ebony fretboard. Very cool!

Pura Vida · #12 08-14-2019, 01:21 AM

Congrats on the new Eastman! The E1/E2 are great guitars at incredible price points, and that's the first model they've made with a cedar top, so I'm very curious to get your impressions. Cheers!

PeterMN · #13 08-14-2019, 06:27 AM

Does anyone know how/why the E1 and E2 are so inexpensive? They are 1/2 to 1/4 the cost of their other OM models but their specs are nearly identical. Obviously minimalistic aesthetic choices are going to help keep costs down and I assume the wood they use for their lower end models are a lower grade, but is that it? What about sacrifices to the craftsmanship itself?

Scolaguitar · #14 08-14-2019, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterMN

Does anyone know how/why the E1 and E2 are so inexpensive? They are 1/2 to 1/4 the cost of their other OM models but their specs are nearly identical. Obviously minimalistic aesthetic choices are going to help keep costs down and I assume the wood they use for their lower end models are a lower grade, but is that it? What about sacrifices to the craftsmanship itself?

In my experience, I think the craftsmanship is as good as the more expensive models.

The use of Sapele cuts the cost as well as the open pore satin finish.

PeterMN · #15 08-14-2019, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scolaguitar

In my experience, I think the craftsmanship is as good as the more expensive models.

The use of Sapele cuts the cost as well as the open pore satin finish.

That makes sense. I see it also comes with a gig bag as opposed to a hardshell case. All the cost savings measures do add up to be pretty substantial I guess.