NGD...Eastman E20D-TC

llew · #1 01-19-2019, 08:46 AM

I usually don't post a NGD thread but I've been looking at the newish Eastman E20D-TC thermo-cured Adirondack topped dreads. Kind of difficult to find but I did and after unboxing yesterday my initial impression was Eastman really got this model right. It's basically a Chinese built version of the pre-reimagined HD-28 with an Adi top. But with wider string spacing. Beautiful fit & finish. 3/2 setup right out of the box. A bit stiff but what new guitar isn't? Loud but not boomy and with more clarity than it's older Martin counterpart. I tried the newer reimagined HD-28 several times and I actually like this Eastman better...go figure? And I'm a "Martin Guy". The older HD-28...well that's a different story.
So if you're thinking about one of these newish (I believe that were introduced at winter NAMM 2017?) thermo-cured topped dreads I think you'll be happy with it. Of course with another $300-$500 you'd be in new D-18/D-28 range so it's just a matter of personal preference like anything else? It's just a little something different...but not all that much!

Treenewt · #2 01-19-2019, 08:54 AM

Congrats Jim! Glad you were able to find one and try it out, and even more glad that it’s such a good one!

llew · #3 01-19-2019, 08:59 AM

Thanks Matt!

Zissou Intern · #4 01-19-2019, 09:59 AM

Those are cool guitars, Jim. I owned a 20D for a couple years. I am glad Eastman finally has the TC models in the pipeline again. I have seen a few 10DTC's but only one 20DTC in these recent releases. Where'd you find yours?

Kh1967 · #5 01-19-2019, 10:03 AM

Congratulations, Jim! Sounds like you got yourself a terrific guitar!

Of course, do you have a few pics of your new addition?

Arjan1961 · #6 01-19-2019, 10:28 AM

Congrats on your Eastman, i had the E20D, E40D and the AC812. All gone now to climb up the ladder to be able to purchase my McIlroy’s and the Martin D41 special. I loved the Eastmans and fit and finish was great. Have fun

Beakybird · #7 01-19-2019, 10:38 AM

The store near me only has the least expensive Eastman's as they don't want to cannibalize sales of their Martin's, Taylor's, and Santa Cruz guitars. I would love to play one.
Edit, Down Home Guitars in Frankfort IL has a similar model. I'm going to check it out next time I'm around there.

llew · #8 01-19-2019, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zissou Intern

Those are cool guitars, Jim. I owned a 20D for a couple years. I am glad Eastman finally has the TC models in the pipeline again. I have seen a few 10DTC's but only one 20DTC in these recent releases. Where'd you find yours?

Ted had one left and I snagged it!

llew · #9 01-19-2019, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kh1967

Congratulations, Jim! Sounds like you got yourself a terrific guitar!

Of course, do you have a few pics of your new addition?

I will Kori but haven't had a chance to yet. Hopefully these (a lot better than what I could do?) will suffice for the short run. This is the actual guitar...

Pura Vida · #10 01-19-2019, 05:56 PM

Congrats, Jim. I'd love to try one of Eastman's TC models, now that they're shipping them again.

Zissou Intern · #11 01-19-2019, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by llew

Ted had one left and I snagged it!

That's a great looking guitar! I like the interlocked grain on that red spruce top.

KenL · #12 01-20-2019, 06:04 AM

Nice snag, Jim! I've had two Eastman parlors and both were excellent guitars.

Note that I didn't say "excellent guitars for the money." They were just flat-out excellent guitars.

Congrats!

Kh1967 · #13 01-20-2019, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by llew

I will Kori but haven't had a chance to yet. Hopefully these (a lot better than what I could do?) will suffice for the short run. This is the actual guitar...

Beautiful guitar! You done good.

llew · #14 01-20-2019, 07:18 AM

Thanks all! I made the mistake of reading the spec sheet on the Eastman website showing it was strung with EXP 12's from the factory. Well...they were .13's and I thought the guitar was setup for .12's. Took it to my luthier/tech and he actually shimmed the saddle to get clearance over the fretboard with the lesser tension .12's. Now I realize why it had .13's on it. Gotta reverse all that and go back to the original string gauge. It works fine with .12's but I miss being able to really dig in with a flatpick when it had .13's. Kind of misleading on Eastman's part. Wish I'd never read that? But all fixable stiff.

Zissou Intern · #15 01-20-2019, 11:16 AM

Hey Jim, I liked DR Rare 13-56 on my old E20D, and I experimented with a lot of strings over the time I had it. DR makes a bluegrass set at 12-56 that might be a nice compromise.