Hello and Thanks and Talk to me about your Eastman

[Batmitestar]

Hello all. Thanks for this great community of knowledge.

I'm a pretty basic player, and that's being kind, but I have fun with it and I appreciate the art that guitars are and make.

Recently went back home to visit Mom and brought one of the old man's guitars home to stay. It's a late 70's Alvarez 5022 and even though she's nowhere near mint and she's no high end supermodel, she does play okay and sound quite fair.

It's been sitting dormant in a case since 2006 when the old man made his last appearance on this mortal coil, so first thing I did was take it to a reputable luthier to get a fret dress and setup done. I have nowhere near the knowledge required to do it myself, and I can break stuff changing light bulbs, so a skilled craftsman is in order. Can't wait to get her back and see how a properly setup acoustic feels and sounds.

Label says it's a 5022 and SN 35867. There's a 5-77-4 sideways on the label. Any guesses will be wholly entertained as to her pedigree.

Anyway, I'm definitely purchasing a new (to me, at least) acoustic in the next few months. Since I have a dread and a jumbo (that needs rescued from Ohio, also) I'm thinking a grand auditorium cutaway is about right.

After a million videos I've kinda narrowed it down to an Eastman 322CE as they seem a great value and a good sound. Still need to actually play one, which is on the short list of things to do. Another alternative is to score a mint Martin DCPA4 R from the FIL for a nice price. Thing is, that guitar doesn't grab me by the hoohaw, even though it's a bargain for what it is.

Help me think of things to consider as I get closer to buying. And thanks, you guys and gals are super knowledgeable and it's appreciated.

[joebloggs]

Eastman are producing some very high quality guitars and value is excellent. If it were me, I would move up to the 422CE. Happy hunting!

[Batmitestar]

If I understand correctly, the difference is 422 has rosewood back and sides while the 322 is mahogany--is that the only difference? What makes the 422 more desirable to you?

[Riverwolf]

Originally Posted by Batmitestar

I'm a pretty basic player, and that's being kind, but I have fun with it and I appreciate the art that guitars are and make.

Welcome!
7 years later and I think of myself as basic?
Advanced beginner?
Intermediate?
Who cares?
We are our worst critic.

Love Eastman's, by the way!

[Bob from Brooklyn]

Welcome! I am one of the guys here that always tells people to go out and play as many guitars as they can get their hands on and find what speaks to them. You might be surprised what you discover.

[HodgdonExtreme]

Originally Posted by Batmitestar

Since I have a dread and a jumbo (that needs rescued from Ohio, also) I'm thinking a grand auditorium cutaway is about right.

A GA is still a pretty big guitar. You really ought to try a more compact guitar such as the Orchestra, OO or Parlor. You might enjoy the smaller and more intimate feel.

[docwatsonfan]

welcome!

I currently own 4 Eastmans
they are all terrific

I went to Sun Valley Guitars in Sun City a few weeks ago

They have a ton of Eastmans



It is a very small shop, and I have no affiliation, I just like the owner, Brian Farmer , very straight up , nice guy

I just looked at the website, this looks like a nice deal....I'd give him a call.....

Eastman AC422CE Acoustic Electric -Blem- #12955253
$1,383.00 $799.00

[Batmitestar]

Thanks--I'd found those listed on Reverb, too. Looks like he has a handful of them. I hope so, anyway, as today is not the correct day to pull the trigger for me.

Appreciate the lead!

[zmf]

Originally Posted by Brooklyn Bob

Welcome! I am one of the guys here that always tells people to go out and play as many guitars as they can get their hands on and find what speaks to them. You might be surprised what you discover.

This is the Truth. No way around it. Hit the shops and educate thyself.

Better yet, take along a more experienced player as a mentor.

[Batmitestar]

Originally Posted by zmf

Better yet, take along a more experienced player as a mentor.

This is a great idea. I could take aforementioned FIL to Sun Valley Guitars, even, as he lives in Mesa AZ and we visit there to check on our rental in Mesa as well.

Sounds like a good excuse to plan a weekend over there. Which will delight the wife, perhaps to the point of loosening the purse strings a little more . . .

[docwatsonfan]

You could hit Bizarre Guitar in Phoenix while you are at it.

I bought an Eastman there once......

[jpricewood]

IMO, Eastmans are on the same level as their American counterparts. I prefer the E-series. Look at the E6D and E6D.

[jcpharm]

not sure you are willing to go up in price but the new AC522ce, AC622ce, and AC722ce all got updates and shown off at NAMM2020 with soundports and new decor. here's a quick vid:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJd5BSJqfWs

will probably put you in the high-$1k to low-$2k range but they are beautiful.

[Batmitestar]

Trying to be around $1.2k or lower. Though for the right D-18 at the right moment that could stretch a skosh.

To be honest that’s a guitar far beyond my skill set and I hate to take something off the market that could be employed by a legit entertainer.

I do kinda dig the sound port idea on the new Eastmans but I can’t defend it with reason. I just think it’s cool.

[johbren]

got a ac322ce and a 622ce love them both gonna get one of the new 422ce later this year