NGD Eastman T64/V—GB

Eucatastrophe · #1 07-25-2022, 05:31 PM

After playing only acoustic guitar for about 25 years, I finally bought my first electric last year—an Eastman T386. It was a fantastic guitar but after year playing it and then trying out my friends 50th Anniversary Epiphone Casino…I realized that a fully hollow thinline with P90s was a better fit. Knowing how much I loved the feel of the Eastman 1.75 nut and their superb craftsmanship, I sold it and started hunting for an Eastman T64.

All the (few) used ones sold quick. So I decided to call the only retailer that had what I was looking for in stock. After a little bartering, I ended up getting a wonderful deal—discounted price, free shipping and no tax. It ended up cheaper than the couple used ones I missed out on. Pays to talk to people I guess?!

The moment I took it out of the case I knew it was the right move. 3lbs lighter than my T386, it just felt right, seated and standing with a strap. The deeper neck join is so comfortable for me. I’m a sucker for a beautiful burst finish, and I just love this Goldburst. The antique varnish is not quite what I expected. The finish on my former T386 was spotless whereas the antique varnish is a little messier. But that’s part of the charm too. I never thought I’d buy a relic-ed guitar but I actually dig it on this guitar.

The Lollar P90s are truly beautiful and more versatile than I had hoped. I play mostly folk, folk rock, Celtic fingerstyle and I’ve been so impressed with the clean tones. With the drive set just right I can add just a little more volume and wow that P90 bark comes through just right for me.

I lead music for gathered worship at my local church almost every week and almost always solo. It’s been so much fun adapting my playing style and learning how to play less and tastefully using effects.

I think I’ll be putting some Flatwounds with a wound 3rd on soon to help my acoustic handls stay in tune a bit easier. I really liked the tone and feel of the D’Addario Chromes XL Flatwounds on my T386.

My gear is pretty simple. I use the Line 6 Pod Go when playing out and I’ve been really enjoying the Tone Match AC30/6 TB from Worship Tutorials. At home I play mostly through my Bugera V5 Infinium. The T64 sounds fantastic through either of them

Thanks for being such an encouraging community and sharing in each other’s joys!

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PTony · #2 07-25-2022, 05:49 PM

Congrats! I’m happy for you! And, glad that you found what fits you and your style best. Great tone in the video, btw. Play in good health and enjoy.
Well done.

Eucatastrophe · #3 07-25-2022, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PTony

Congrats! I’m happy for you! And, glad that you found what fits you and your style best. Great tone in the video, btw. Play in good health and enjoy.
Well done.

Thanks for listening and the feedback. Indeed it’s such a blessing when we find the right guitar!

Glennwillow · #4 07-25-2022, 07:58 PM

Congratulations! Very cool guitar!

- Glenn

Steve DeRosa · #5 07-25-2022, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eucatastrophe

...The Lollar P-90s are truly beautiful and more versatile than I had hoped. I play mostly folk, folk rock, Celtic fingerstyle and I’ve been so impressed with the clean tones. With the drive set just right I can add just a little more volume and wow that P90 bark comes through just right for me...

I think I’ll be putting some flatwounds with a wound 3rd on soon to help my acoustic hands stay in tune a bit easier. I really liked the tone and feel of the D’Addario Chromes XL flatwounds on my T386.

My gear is pretty simple...At home I play mostly through my Bugera V5 Infinium...

Former CCM/P&W musician and worship leader here:

While I'm predominantly a Gretsch player, P-90's are probably my favorite pickups for plugged-in worship music, and I used two - a goldtop LP and a Godin CW II hollowbody - on a regular basis; as you state above, you can run the entire gamut of tones from subtle cleans to that upper-midrange punch and drive that only P-90's seem to get - since I always worked with a full instrumental team and multiple vocalists, they allowed me to cover a broad spectrum of stylistic territory...

IME flatwounds are a great choice for P-90 guitars in general, hollowbodies in particular, and if you want to keep your acoustic chops up to snuff, I'd recommend a set of 12's: IME they not only feel similar to an acoustic, but send more signal to the pickups (you'll find you don't need to push the front end of your amp as hard) and get your guitar's top vibrating to add some "wood" to your tone - my working combination on the Godin jazzbox BTW...

Don't know if you've considered it, but a miked V5 (or even straight-up, if you're playing in a smaller setting) makes an excellent stage amp as well as being a natural combination for a P-90 guitar - they both have their sonic roots in the postwar era - and it was my grab-&-go whenever our (non-worship) band played the local coffeehouse,,,

Use it well and often - and make a joyful noise...

Eucatastrophe · #6 07-25-2022, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve DeRosa

Former CCM/P&W musician and worship leader here:

While I'm predominantly a Gretsch player, P-90's are probably my favorite pickups for plugged-in worship music, and I used two - a goldtop LP and a Godin CW II hollowbody - on a regular basis; as you state above, you can run the entire gamut of tones from subtle cleans to that upper-midrange punch and drive that only P-90's seem to get - since I always worked with a full instrumental team and multiple vocalists, they allowed me to cover a broad spectrum of stylistic territory...

IME flatwounds are a great choice for P-90 guitars in general, hollowbodies in particular, and if you want to keep your acoustic chops up to snuff, I'd recommend a set of 12's: IME they not only feel similar to an acoustic, but send more signal to the pickups (you'll find you don't need to push the front end of your amp as hard) and get your guitar's top vibrating to add some "wood" to your tone - my working combination on the Godin jazzbox BTW...

Don't know if you've considered it, but a miked V5 (or even straight-up, if you're playing in a smaller setting) makes an excellent stage amp as well as being a natural combination for a P-90 guitar - they both have their sonic roots in the postwar era - and it was my grab-&-go whenever our (non-worship) band played the local coffeehouse,,,

Use it well and often - and make a joyful noise...

Thanks Steve! I really appreciate your experience and knowledge. I always learn something or appreciate something anew when you contribute here. I’m glad to hear your thoughts on flatwounds and the Bugera V5. The V5 sounds so good by itself but also takes pedals well too. I’m so impressed by the tones I get when I run my Pod Go through it. Interesting about the flatwounds 12s …I might have to try that. Cheers!

TiffanyGuitar · #7 07-25-2022, 08:46 PM

I have considered these before. Nice and beautiful guitar. Enjoy it!!!

jricc · #8 07-25-2022, 08:52 PM

Very cool Eastman! Love the sunburst, congrats.

Eucatastrophe · #9 07-26-2022, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiffanyGuitar

I have considered these before. Nice and beautiful guitar. Enjoy it!!!

I hope you get to try one someday. They are such a treat to play! Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jricc

Very cool Eastman! Love the sunburst, congrats.

Thanks so much! You’re so right…the sunburst is spectacular and looks even better in person.

Eucatastrophe · #10 07-29-2022, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glennwillow

Congratulations! Very cool guitar!

- Glenn

Thanks for the kind words!! And congratulations on the 40,000!!

Rick Jones · #11 08-04-2022, 03:47 PM

Congratulations! Eastmans are brilliant guitars. They really do build them well.

I’ve had this one (I think it’s a T184, but mine is

all maple) since 2007. I recently took it to a recording session with a producer who owns and has seen a huge array of guitars, and he had nothing but great things to say about the tones from it.

Steve DeRosa · #12 08-04-2022, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snorse

...Eastmans are brilliant guitars. They really do build them well.

I’ve had this one (I think it’s a T184)...

Among the things I always respected about Eastman was their choice of woods/finishes, and yours is a sweetie if there ever was one - BTW it is a T184...

29er · #13 08-04-2022, 05:47 PM

I somehow missed this NGD thread after all our DM's. Very happy for you and glad it seems to be working for you. I'm still trying to sell a few things in order to fund one of these Eastman's. My Casino is a very nice guitar but I really have a tough time playing it (or almost any electric) with their skinny necks. The 1 3/4" nut width along with the typical Eastman build quality make me very certain that I'll bond with this guitar when I find one. Enjoy!

BoneDigger · #14 08-05-2022, 11:58 AM

Very nice! I love P90s and that guitar has everything you could want with no upgrades needed! I own a T486 in gold burst and it's a phenomenal guitar!

Eucatastrophe · #15 08-05-2022, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoneDigger

Very nice! I love P90s and that guitar has everything you could want with no upgrades needed! I own a T486 in gold burst and it's a phenomenal guitar!

Couldn’t agree more about no upgrades needed! I’m so impressed with everything about this guitar.

Your T486 GB must be amazing too. I tried one recently and it looked stunning and played perfectly.