3 day ownership report: the guitar is freaking amazing. The same as the historic reissues I've tried by Gibson, but I didn't spend 7k for it. Not even 2k. Two little thing I wish Eastman did but these are really neat picky and totally addressable. The relicing is beautiful but they didn't age the knobs, switch tip and switch hardware or jack plate. They look brand new and I'm going to get aged replacements to fit the vibe of the instrument. Overall the guitar is incredible, perfect set up out of the box, truly a custom shop level guitar in every way. The tone is OMG!
I have an SB59/v-GB. I own Gibsons (and love them), and have played several Custom Shop LP's, but my Eastman is hands down the best guitar I'ver ever played. It's as close as you can get to an actual '59 Les Paul without mortgaging your house. Just an absolute world class guitar in every way.
I’ve always been interested in quality not country...as an american it would be very ignorant of me to believe that Americans are the only one’s that take pride in building musical instruments. Thanks again for anther great demo Lucas 🤘🏻✌🏻
Nice to hear an American rise above the American-centric attitude that many Americans have made so prevalent, that it's close to synonymous with your Country's culture. As a non-American I applaud your open mind. 👍 To me, it seems like a no-brainer..but I appreciate that this attitude has permeated American guitar culture so totally - to the point that resale value is set accordingly - that it would take some balls to make a break from.😎👍
Luey Sixty-six It doesn’t take balls to break from American National chauvinism and buy an Eastman. You just have to play one. But beware. You may find yourself looking at similar Gibsons, think your saving money, not spending it, and get carried away. I’m up to 5.
That thing is a beast! I've been wanting one for some time now. I was talking with a shop owner who stocks these, and he says they are made by the best luthiers with the best woods, and includes a hard case, CTS pots, Switchcraft switch and it is a bone nut. Also, they are hand made, no CNC machines at all, which is quite something! I seriously doubt that anything of similar quality can be found at those prices. Just hope that they don't get so popular that the prices go up before I've saved up for one.
Anyone can build a custom guitar that can rival any big brand. The Eastman is an example of that. Its essentially a Les Paul Custom Shop only half the price!
Hi, I have one of these guitars too. Absolutely staggering. Great tones, great playability, stunning looks. I think what's needed is a systematic comparison of an Eastman SB59/v and a Gibson Custom Shop R9. What do others think? Is someone able to do it?
There is no doubt that the Chinese have learned hot to make all price ranges of guitars . The high end quality build of the last few years have made them as well built as the Made in America ones . It is a little sad , but no one can argue that they build beautiful guitars at beautiful prices . I started playing in 1963 , if you if you wanted a good guitar , you bought American , there was no other choice . They had all kinds of Japanese models , but they were all junk ! Everybody gasps when they find out how little Gibsons and Fenders cost at that time , but they don't realize that Minium wage was $ 1.25 an hour . Families were being raised and houses were bought by guys making $ 2.00 an hour , so spending $ 200.00 on a new guitar was a huge investment ! This is the new golden age of guitar building !
I have a gorgeous Chinese made Washburn Jumbo, I guarantee you if it was made in the USA it would be a $3,000 guitar, beautiful AAA maple back and sides, solid spruce top, mahogany neck, all real woods and it has a bright and rich tone.
To Lucas fowler as long as your showing Eastman Chinese les Paul copies please remember a very fine German owned,designed company that has tier pus made in Germany and the lester series made in cz.yes Maybach Lester's don't se you with thoseguitars?.Brian lemasters
My local guitar shop is an Eastman dealer. I bought an Eastman acoustic a couple years ago and love it. This weekend I tried the only SB59 they had in stock and was amazed. I ended up buying the V model new on Reverb. Being delivered this week and can’t wait!
@@christianmani1730 the SB59v feels different than the SB59. As many reviews have stated, the varnish finish, especially on the neck, looks and feels like a well played in guitar. The overall fit and finish is flawless. I find myself stopping to just marvel at the craftsmanship, knowing it’s all hand made. It just feels great in my hands. I’ve never owned an LP or a humbucker guitar. It’s a bit of an adjustment from my Tele. Weighs in at 8 pounds. A little wider neck than my Tele. I do my own setup but this needed no adjustment at all. I bought it from Sky Guitar in Texas and they do a setup before shipping. The Lollar pickups are really great. I’ve made some minor adjustments to the pickup poles to dial the sound in a bit. To me it sounds like a classic Les Paul. I use a fender blues jr tweed, and while I use a tube screamer to add gain for the Tele, it’s not needed for the Eastman. Plenty of output and gain for me and the bridge pickup is nice and clear. I’m not an advanced player but this guitar makes me want to work harder and improve. It definitely lives up to the reviews.
@@jtaylorstudios The varnish finish definitely makes a ton of difference for me. My first Eastman was a T486GB which looked and sounded great, but felt too new. I swapped it for a T59/v and it was the difference between light and day. The feel combined with the SD Antiquities pickups put the guitar on a different level altogether.
Lucas Fowler you cost me a lot of money. I watched this video when it first came out and immediately bought in sb59 v. Now it's been a couple years and I have five Eastman Electrics. All of them are fantastic. So thank you for that. If you're a person on the fence thinking about one of these I can honestly tell you you will not regret getting one.
Out of respect to Gibson, the company itself is the same by name, but many years have passed since they built the guitars that defined their modern brand. I absolutely love Gibson because my father owned Gibson’s from 50s and 60s so I have an emotional connection to them. That being said, i own one of these exact guitars And it reminds me more of my vintage Gibson guitars than the custom shop guitars do? I find that strange.... How a country half way around the world can build an instrument that doesn’t compare to a modern Gibson, but Gibson’s form 60 years ago. I will always be a number one Gibson fan, but Eastman figured something out that Gibson forgot. I hope they can use this as an inspiration... people don’t just want the Gibson name... They want that magical feel and sound also.
I'll be honest that guitar looks pretty goddamn good nice to me it sounds incredible maybe I'll buy one of those in a Tobacco Burst remember kids you can never have too many guitars ever and he who dies with the most toys wins
While it has been difficult and quite frustrating to watch many reviews of this guitar with humbuckers , most reviews are playing this clean with very little gain..then I watched and waited for this one to finally at the end use some high gain only to be disappointed by a speed metal playing style. I want to hear this thing sing...with harmonics and sustain..I have yet to see a review with this conbination...
Alf Tupper: It's Tough on the Tracks for working class guitar heroes, but I always tune in for the fish and chips champion. Stay safe in the railway arch lock up
I have one(59/v GB) in the mail as I type this. It will be my first Eastman electric and 4th overall. I’m seriously selling a lot of my collection of really nice name brand guitars and replacing them with Eastman models. My Martins stay, but everything else is going. Recently purchased the Eastman TFOA “Black Beauty” E10 00 with black varnish finish, amazing!!, Gibson 00 went bye bye
Eastman makes a fine Ax good enough for any stage . for 5 or 50 thousand people and you dont have to pay a kings Ramsom .. whos that other company that only sees dollars and lost their sense ?? lol
Excellent, so good, right on point. I really like your playing as well. I am not at all anti-chyna, I am anti poor quality from any shop, thanks for a nice fun and informative video. I would order this model but with stainless steel frets if that's an option? What amp was used with the demo?
I'm gas'ing hard for the varnish model. A shop near me has one on sale. I'm thinking of selling my Gibson LP Standard for it and I'll probably have some cash leftover. I've never really been that happy with the Gibby.
It being made in Beijing is a highlight and american made guitars by those whom are on their cellphones so much is a testament to the QC issues that exist with Gibson and Fender! The chinese folks at Eastman are extremely focused and versed in violin and guitar making! The egotistical snobbery in america is OVER! Step aside Gibson and Fender BS! 😊
Bought a lower end Eastman acoustic as a camp guitar. Wasn’t really impressed. Not sure how there more pricey stuff plays but I’d be sure to put my hands on several before buying.
I like the Fine Tuning name. It's a cool name for a channel and who doesn't enjoy some tomfoolery??? I've been looking at these since they came out. I had a Eastman acoustic that I loved and a friend ruined by accident bah. Your review sold me. I've watched all the reviews and I'm always scared because I can't play it first before buying but I'm gonna go for it. I've been searching for a forever les Paul for years and gibsons have always let me down. Last thing, the opening bit with the feedback was great. I wish you had kept going but it got cut short. Great playing as always.
I would really like to see this shot out against a new 50's standard. That would be really interesting. Eastman probably can use better components because they are saving on labor. Gibson has higher labor costs and it seems to come across in their quality control and the components they use. Another interesting company is maybach . They make a singlecut that's around the same price. Maybe a bit more. I've been looking at those also.
Eastman's probably the number one manufacturer of orchestral instruments in the world, there's a little factory tour on here that will show you why. HAND CRAFTED.
Ive been a die hard Gibson fan for life... I now own an Eastman sb59/V and a sb56 p90 goldtop...sold all my Gibson's because of it. If that is not saying alot on how good these guitars are then I dont know what else to say...
Man, I bet you were sad when you sent it back. My friend and I are lefties. To much money for Mr, but my friend can't find a lefty goldburst like this one anywhere! He's been looking for months! Fyi I'm Sheila, a lefty who plays guitar. SJ initials
I'v been looking for an LP-style guitar, but don´t have the money for customshop stuff. I have look a Tokai, Bacchus, and others, but I think I'm gonna get an Eastman. Thanks for the vid and review!
Gibson wishes they could make a guitar like those but they are too lazy. Poor and I mean poor management and quality control. This guitar blows anything out of the water.
Thanks for the review and demo - I would rather have one of these than the equivalent big G offering. Just a suggestion, not a criticism - one thing you may want to do on these is say at the beginning that Eastman sent this to you rather than have us thinking the whole time that you spent $1800 on it yourself. I was wondering the whole video. I even went back through to see if I missed this but I did not come across anything indicating that you did not buy it until the very end.
I purchased one of these recently. It's so amazing it's sick. I love the varnish finish, but the best part of it is the sound of the pickups and the neck design. It's very similar to a 59 LP...hence the name. I basically A/B'd a Gibson '59 reissue and the SB59/v and I could hardly tell the difference in playability and sound. If you're looking for that vintage LP sound and feel this is a great place to start without breaking the bank.
I don't care if they are made in the U.S, China, Mars, or in an alternate dimension. The Eastman stuff is made pound for pound with more care then most of the Gibson stuff I've seen. Hand made and well made
I always think that it is a funny idea that objection in relation of being 'made in China'... Chinese companies are making cell phones, computers,... they are leaders in 5G technology, they are developing anti covid vaccines and... are we suppossing they are not able to built 50's electric guitars...? 😂
Very nice playing and guitar. It looks and sounds great.. Eastman makes very good bang for the buck guitars and mandolins... maybe other items as well.
I have two varnish-finished Eastmans and the feel is superb. I've been fortunate enough to own a Historic Makeovers Gibson Les Paul and to play Bernie Marsden's 1959 'The Beast' along with a SB59v, and feel-wise the SB59v is absolutely in the same ball-park. Ironically - aside from my Eastman 'Junior' and 'ES-335' - my Les Paul space belongs to a 1996 Gibson LP Standard with a vintage wiring-harness and Lollar Imperials which sounds superb; however my '96 LP still doesn't have that comfy-slippers neck feel that the Eastman /v or Historic Makeovers definitely have, and it's heavy. For a comparative Gibson Les Paul of the quality, sound, feel and weight of the SB59v you're looking at spending £7k+ at Gibson's Custom-Shop; probably £15k+ for a Historic Makeovers 'Brazilian'/authentic version of a Gibson Custom-Shop LP or £250k+ for a 'so-so' 'Burst. Love your guitar, your playing and the honesty of your video.
Yes it's cheaper and comparable to a Gibson custom shop, but there are plenty of manufacturers out there that make very nice decent good quality guitars for a much more affordable price than these. I'm so tired of seeing prices like what Gibson, Eastman, and others are asking, in fact it pisses me off!! Fine for Bill Gates or Paul Allen, or professional musicians, but what about the much more common poor working man working paycheck to paycheck!?? No thanks, I'll take my business and hard earned money to Wolf, Harley Benton, or several other guitar manufactures!!!
seattwa I guess it’s like buying cars or anything else these days. Low to high price brackets for similar items whatever the market. I must say however, the “varnish” feel on these guitars is something special & unique to this mainstream manufacturer anyway. As a guitar enthusiast try one if you get the chance. It’s worth your time even if they’re still on the expensive side. I don’t own any fancy cars, but still enjoy test driving one when I get chance. Cheers
Thanks! Sounds great, and a really straight forward presentation that’s much appreciated. Very lively and open sounding instrument, and I think you are spot on in your description.
Having a reeeaaallly hard time choosing between this and the new Gibson standard 50’s. It’s a great time to buy a new Gibson, now that they’ve finally released the guitars people want, and I’m a brand queen, but these seem like a great buy. Aaaaaah
@@shawnwright5332 I went with the sb59v, and love it. In fact, I was so impressed with it, that I kept an eye out on the used market, and last month picked up another sb59 -the nitro one. And that’s quickly become my no1. It plays amazing, sounds amazing and is really dynamic. With the bonus that the top is ridiculous on it. I’m after a change of acoustic now, and will be looking to Eastman for that as well 👍🏻
@@giddyrightonup Eastman D2 cedar top dreadnought is the beast and only 500.00 it will blow you away!!!!! It sounds better then some Martin's and Taylor's I don't know how they do it really at 500.00 a few years ago it was not possible!!!!!
Hey Lucas , Really starting to enjoy your vids more and more !!!.Really like the eastman axe and the bit of heartbreaker you played from Farner and the guys , also noticed the NRG shirts in the background and saw you with the red album shirt a few videos back ( got my own now ) so thanks for that !.So , please keep the goods coming - yer doing a great job Bro.Peace & Big Love , LA
In 2024 these guitars are selling new for about 2600 - 2800 usd. I see more than a few dozen on reverb in the 1400 - 1600 range. For all the raving about these guitars, I am surprised that so many people are happy to sell for close to half price. There is something I am missing here...
Great demo! I love that you showed how it cleans when rolling down the volume. That's really important for me. I want nice warm cleans without getting muddy. Most affordable Humbucker guitars that I've played and owned get too dark and muffled. That's the reason I mosty play my Strat these days and save my money for a real good Les Paul. This one is on the top of my wishlist :-) Are the pickups low output? I've heard that the "typical" PAF is rather low.
I had a Les Paul when I was a teenager and loved it, but later sold it like a fool. These look very interesting. Every review I've seen/read about these have been nothing but glowing. Custom Shop quality for Standard prices? Sign me up. I'm looking to order one this week.
I Got the sb55/v Eastman’s Les Paul junior single cut style. Eastman is best Gibson style guitar I’ve ever played. Love it! Play it through a tone king gremlin celestion blue 1x12 and vht special 6 celestion greenback 1x12 in stereo
Its what you get on an expensive guitar he said, cuase they are expensive guitars, none under 1000, i just cant see myself paying that for a guitar made over seas. Not putting eastman down it looks beautiful, but if im in 1500 to 2500 range im buying American. And i have chinese made guitars that are great but the price reflects that. Now 1000 range i might go for it.
I was of that mindset as well before I got the Eastman stuff in my hands. You would never know it's built overseas, it feels as good or better than any $8000 Gibson Custom Shop guitar I've ever played, which is quite a few.
You need to play one only then you'll be able to truly judge and I've seen them from 1500-2000.00 for the varnish these are truly unicorn fairy dust sprayed guitars I have seen nothing else like them do your self a favor and play one!!!!!!
Both Eastman and Shijie guitars are proving to the West, their Craftsmanship and value outshine anything comparable The US/Europe have to offer, with the exception of PRS maybe 🤔 Long may it continue, my loyalty lays with the Resonance and build quality, Not Historic nostalgia… Top review
What is the neck profile comparable to? It looks like my local guitar shop won't be getting any Eastman solidbody guitars in stock, but they can be ordered direct from the manufacturer. I never got on with Gibson's 50s neck profile so I'm hoping that Eastman's neck profile is slimmer. Any help in this regard would be appreciated. (As an aside, I scrolled the comments looking for an answer to my question before asking it. I have to say, I'm surprised by the number of people sharing a comment like, "I bought an Eastman SB59v three months ago and it's way better than my other Gibson Les Pauls." I wonder: are these people watching reviews of a guitar they already own to stave off buyer's remorse? If the guitar is so awesome and it's presumably lying in its case, why are you watching reviews of it and not playing it?)
Play it before you buy it. Just got one and it has problems. Cheap tuners. Cheap knobs. Won't stay in tune. Nice wood work but will need some work to be as good as they clam.
Interesting! Which model did you get? This same one? The tuners on mine are Gotoh and very high quality, as are the knobs. Mine is rock solid with tuning as well.
My 59v is a Jan 2020 model and it’s great quality in feel and function. In fact I just played it after 2 weeks having not touched this one to find it was still in tune.
Had to replace one tuner it was bad. Guess that can happen. Still a better quality then Gibson's I've owned. For some reason I just don't play it. I've got a lot of others I like better. I got the Seymour Dunkins .
