Just a quick note... in case any of your comments disappear at any time it may be as a result of UA-cam blocking those spam competition win replies. I have noticed they are successfully blocking them now but the original comments also seem to be disappearing... sorry if that happens! 🤷♂
@@victoresarey4036 I had a white Les Paul Custom was same... even from new where it had hung on the shop wall hanger! (I got discount for that 😜) It kind of spreads to other areas where things touch it so you may be better to embrace it?
@@theguitaristas I managed a 2013 white gibson les paul traditional with gold hardware for 1000 dollars american and its beautiful just has some gnarly pinkish stand rash on the neck and bottom of the body
I own a SB59 gold top. I’ve owned several Gibson Standards, classics and traditionals. I’ve since sold my gibsons. Held onto the goldtop Eastman. Outstanding instrument.
I am a year late but enjoyed every minute. Let the SG wall make your heart happy for the history of Gibson. Let the Eastman bring out your musicality from your soul. You’re not playing specs but letting the sound direct you on a path that just lets you explore the moment. Thank you.
The Eastman blows the Gibson away. If you can get past the name on the headstock, Eastman is one of the finest guitars out there. When I reach for one to play, 80% of the time I’ll grab the Eastman SB59/v or t59v (335), which is extraordinary. The Gibson stays in its case.
I avoided looking at the comments before I watched so I could form my own unbiased opinion, which is based solely on the tone. That said, I absolutely prefer the tone of the Gibson. It has that inherent/lovely midrange signature Les Paul tone that I expect. The Eastman to my ears lacks that quality, it sounds more one dimensional and a bit thinner…at least that’s how I’m hearing it through my headphones. Personally w/ a Les Paul Standard type, I want a rosewood board…not ebony which can add some brightness, the ebony imparts a different more neutral/less midrangey tone from my experience. I say that as someone who owns both varieties. The Les Paul sounds like a prototypical Les Paul here, the Eastman sounds like something else. As far as QC, I do have a big beef with Gibson…I’ve auditioned way too many dogs in order to find nice examples, which is unacceptable and a drag. But that’s pretty much par for the course with Gibson over the years, isn’t it. They do seem to be money grabbing way too often nowadays, the company absolutely does rub me the wrong way a lot of the time. But at the end of the day if you want the whole Gibson experience, tone and looks, there’s no other choice. The Eastman’s build quality is impressive, but it’s not for me.
Great channel man! Everything feels very honest from a player... It's refreshing listening to someone talk about how guitars feel to them and speak to them rather than just a spec sheet.
The Eastman during that, "Sine I've Been Loving You" intro fill you did kinda knocked my socks off with how good the tone was. That guitar is really special. So is your channel. Cheers, homie.
Been watching the Guitaristas for a few weeks now and it's like watching an old good tv programme back in the day. Uploads same time each week, good enjoyable content, none of this like, comment, subscribe bs before you even know what the video is about... Plus it's about guitars, and gives Epiphones the credit they deserve, what's not to like haha. A great channel, great guy, keep it going!
Great video! I've played a bunch of modern Gibsons over the years and a couple of the Eastmans in recent months. Living in Tokyo, I've also been lucky enough to have played a bunch of genuine 1950s LPs, including several '59s. I can honestly say that, to me, the Eastmans consistently sound and feel a lot more like a genuine vintage Gibson LP than the modern Gibsons do (even the super-expensive Custom Shop models). Additionally, I'm a guitar maker and repairer, so have had several modern Gibsons on the bench over the years (often, yes, for that pesky headstock repair!). By and large, I find that their quality control can be pretty dodgy, and want to say that I think that fret end stuff isn't a sign of it being "handmade" at all. As mentioned, I hand make guitars and do a lot of fretjobs, and would NEVER let something leave my bench looking like that. Parts are higher quality on the Eastman, and the woods are certainly so too. Many of the modern Gibson bits I've seen tend to be made out of cheap pot metal and come from mystery factories, whereas Gotoh stuff is really, really good. Also, as you say, the Gibson brand has degraded itself over the last few years. Amongst guitar makers, they're better-known for sending out Cease and Desist letters than for building quality instruments. I've got to say that, in my opinion, Eastmans, from almost any perspective, are just ... well ... better. Of course, there are other brands that do "vintage Gibson" better than Gibson today, like Navigator, but I'd say that Eastman may be the best bang for the buck (pow for the pound?) on the market today.
I respectfully disagree with your assessment. Eastman's are very decent, indeed. To say Gibson's QA is "dodgy" and their metal and other parts are "pot metal" or come from "mystery factories" is absurd. My own experiences and other guitarists I know that have many Gibson products that I've seen and played just makes your claims largely false. I would add that it's quite conceivable that many of the instruments that are being passed off as Gibson's in Tokyo are indeed not real Gibson products. I would suggest you come to the U.S. and see for yourself.
@@kenster865I am very glad that you have had such positive experiences with Gibsons. As I said, I am a repairer, so perhaps I mostly get to see the instruments that have issues. However, I have seen things like flat, unpolished frets on guitars direct from the factory, along with bad solder joints, poor binding, and yes, sometimes cheap, dodgy bridges and tuners. As it happens, I've been to the USA and noticed the same issues with instruments there that I mention, as I have in the UK and Australia. Gibson owner forums have many complaints about such things, and repairers like me often trade information with others worldwide about the problems with which we can expect to deal. Also, why would you think that many "Gibsons" in Japan are fake? The large companies here like Ishibashi have a strong relationship with them. The companies that make "Gibson-type" instruments here (Burny, Tokai, Navigator ... and a bunch of others) all do so under their own names. In some cases, they sell for more because they're simply better made. No major Japanese companies do fakes as far as I know, and Chinese copies do not seem to be as popular here as they are in the US and UK. There are a few replica builders, but that's a very different end of the market. All that being said, I am, once more, happy that you have had good experiences with the Gibsons you have encountered, and hope that you continue doing so.
You were one of the people making me take note of Eastman guitars with your videos, and since watching this when it came out, I´ve bought an SB59V and a T64V with a bigsby and P90´s. Amazing guitars and so much guitar for the money, in my opinion. Love your channel!
The Lollars sounded better. The Eastman is lighter. The Eastman looks better. The Eastman is a truly handcrafted guitar. And I believe Gibson has gotten too big for their britches lately. Under deliver as you said.
Buy used . Picked up a 2019 standard 60s iced tea for 1700.00 mint condition . The guitar is beautiful just to look at . Its non weight relief and sustain goes on forever . For the same money I'll take the Gibson . To save a grand I'll take the Eastman ,but I've been down that road before
Great video Colin. Inspirational stuff. I rewatched this yesterday. At 430pm I grabbed 4 of my little used guitars, drove to my local music shop and swapped them plus a few hundred quid and walked out with the last lefty Eastman 59 they had. Cheers for all the videos.
Being a Swing player, I've had Gibson L-5's & a Super 400, New York made '51 Epiphone Zephyr Deluxe Regent, '51 Epiphone Triumph Regent, Guild X-160, and several other very high end archtops. About ten years ago, I got an Eastman AR805CE and a T186MX in a trade, and promptly sold off all my high dollar archtops!! After having to sell many of my guitars, as my wife and I headed out on the road in our travel trailer, and could only have enough guitars for preforming with. Three years ago, we wound up settling in the Pacific Northwest, and as soon as I could, I replaced the 805 with another one, and snatched up an AR372CE (ES 175 style). There is no way I would ever feel the need for any Gibson or other overpriced factory guitars!!! LOVE my Eastmans!!!!!
Just received an Eastman sb59 and I’m just stunned at how’s good this guitar is. It looks, plays and sounds fantastic. I’m just blown away. It’s better than any Gibson I’ve ever played. Wow
Just found this channel a few days ago, which is odd because probably 90% of what I watch is electric guitar related content. Glad UA-cam FINALLY recommended this channel. Makes me want to kick back with a drink in the evening and enjoy the show.
I like the sound of the bridge pickup on the Eastman, but the neck pickup on the Les Paul sounded really good. I'd never buy a cherry burst, but it's a nice sounding guitar. However, you're not really looking for a reason to keep the Les Paul, but sufficient justification that you are right for keeping the Eastman. And if you love the Eastman and are not convinced on the Gibson, you have your answer.
I watched the entire video and I’m really glad you did this side by side test. I feel the Eastman varnish finish is really nice. I also love the ebony fingerboard and the Lollar pickups sound superb. After watching this video, I would spend my money on the Eastman.
Love your channel Colin, honest, informative and entertaining. You can see the work that goes into them, brilliant stuff! I wonder if you've ever considered Gordon Smith guitars? I was looking at them recently online and thought some of them are right up your street.
Cheers Mark, that's appreciated! 🙏😊 I do actually have a GS1 that I should bring out to play sometime, and I am gassing after the new Griffin of course so watch this space it will happen eventually!
@@henryhartley9993 I've got a 1993 GS1 that has the same status as colin's les paul, it looks cool as F , has an airy lovely sound and is teather light, but I rarely pick it up and ,when I do, I put it down again, I can't get on with the neck so I basically hate it even tho I pretend not too. I grew up a few miles from John smith's workshop and did a day's work experience with him in about 76 or '77 when they were super trendy with punk and post punk indie bands and cut a body out on the bandsaw - john and chris were absolutely lovely and it was one of them days , but the guitar's not to my taste at all. Never played a Northampton one
@@frankcarter6427 that must have been an experience working there even for one day, one of my band mates bought a GS gypsy in 78-79 , we drove over from Burnley to pick it up, I had seen a few of the local punk bands like the buzzcocks using them and thought they sounded really raw but great....the Northampton guitars are better made instruments with full slab bodies and no bits of timber stuck on here and there, not saying they sound better just built better....
Loving the channel, mate! The Eastman is the first Les Paul-a-like that doesn't look like a cheap knockoff. The thickening out of the cutaway 'horn' really suits it. Sort of gives it a 335 feel, especially with that slightly uneven finish. I know all that's just aesthetic but, like everyone else, all i could afford of a Les Paul were pictures of it and fell in love with those. Then when i could afford one, it felt like playing a door. Landed on a LP faded 2005 and fell in love all over again =)
Sprague is pronounced like the Hague. Their factory was in the next town over from where I grew up. Both of my grandparents worked there until retirement, as well as my mom for a couple years while she was in college. The building they were in is now a contemporary art museum and concert venue.
Such a small detail but I absolutely love the little coming up section at the beginning. It’s like a movie preview and I’m sure it extends your editing time by quite a bit. Great work as always. I’ve been saving up for an Eastman SB59/v and I’m a few weeks away from pulling the trigger. With that being said I will likely someday buy some type of Gibson once I come across one I connect with. To that point, I think it’s easy to connect with the vintage Eastman series because you can FEEL the amount of time that has gone into it and the amount of hands that built it. It has character. I’d imagine that’s the same feeling people get with the custom shop and Murphy Lab guitars. Problem is, you need to spend nearly 3x as much for the Murphy Lab LP
Cheers Matt, thanks for the comment that’s appreciated… and yes sometimes it takes several hours to put that little preview section together! 🤣 you also nailed it about the Eastman it right does feel like a vintage guitar, even more so then the custom shop Gibsons I still own and have owned, it’s quite remarkable!
New to your channel but there is something about your intro format that hooks me. The switching between playing and short clips of you talking is just right.
If you're a stickler for the best wood, electronics, build quality and quality control and must have the Gibson logo, and have $2500-$3200, get a 1989-1995 Gibson Les Paul Standard. If you have $2900-$3400, go Gibson Custom Shop, R8 or R9 (used). If you've got $1500-$2300 and want all of the above, minus the Gibson logo, get an Eastman. They're fantastic guitars! Thanks for the video! You sir are quite entertaining and informative.
Sold my 339 and bought another Tele, American Performer with HB at neck. Love your playing, slow blues. I’m a Tele guy.guy but I really liked the Eastman! Thanks for the talks.
I purchased the same Eastman in 2019.. it came with Duncans antiquities and a lovely brown case. I still have it along with my Les Paul’s. I love them both. They each do the job I need. New the Eastman was 1300 US back then, I purchased for 900. Love your show, you do a great job. Cheers from NY.
This is the first of your videos I've watched and I loved it. The content, depth of analysis, your style of presentation and quality of musicianship. Thank you, I'm a fan. The reason you caught my eye was that I am in the market for an Eastman and naturally a direct comparison with an LP was of great interest. I now love the Eastman even more. The quality of build in my humble opinion is better than the Gibson, the finish, as you say will relic naturally and in a way that reflects how it's been played. I guess that's the ultimate in customisation. Tonally, The Eastman had a richness and I bet it sounds incredible when cranked up. I think the Eastman could, for me at least, be a guitar for life. Looking forward to your next vid. Pete
Cheers Pete, glad you found us man thanks for the kind words that's appreciated! 😎🙏 I say definitely try one if you can... I have nothing but good things to say about Eastman guitars 🙌
Here comes the Russian rockets -- second time today Everybody scatters and hopes it goes away How many kids they've murdered only God can say If I had a rocket launcher...I'd make somebody pay I don't believe in guarded borders and I don't believe in hate I don't believe in cowering generals or their torture states And when I talk with the survivors of things too sickening to relate If I had a rocket launcher...I would retaliate On Ukraine sovereign land, more than millions wait Is it freezing or starvation -- or some less humane fate Cry for Ukraine and it’s people, with a corpse in every gate If I had a rocket launcher...I would not hesitate I want to raise every voice -- at least I've got to try Every time I think about it water rises to my eyes. Situation desperate, echoes of the victims cry If I had a rocket launcher...Some son of a bitch would die Just one mad man controls it, the Russian sheep obey There is only one solution - all the soldiers go away Talking peace with liars - only extends civilian grief If we had more rocket launchers…the war would be so brief If we had more rocket launchers - it would not be a sin If we had more rocket launchers - the brave could surely win No more agony thinking about it - time is not on our side Just one rocket aimed squarely the one son of bitch would die.
I wrote some lyrics to update a Bruce Cockburn song for the Ukraine people. Love to hear someone record it as an anthem to the fight. Colin..? Bruce Cockburn would surely give his approval.
I just bought a brand new 2022 Gibson SG Standard, heritage cherry. As the Brits would say, it’s brilliant. The smell alone ahhhh. The nut is perfect, not a bad fret on the neck, perfect pickups, stays in tune, flawless binding, not a scratch, paint impeccably done. I’m a fan of both Epiphone and Gibson. I understand Colin’s frustration as he has been buying these guitars in large quantities for years. I’ve owned Epiphones and Fenders for years, cheap stuff. My new SG feels like a premium instrument. I got it about $300 under cost, great deal. But I can see Colin and some other folks have had bad experiences. I must disagree with the lady saying young folks see a Gibson as a cod piece. Jimmy Page, Alex Lifeson, Angus Young, Pete Townshend, the great Steve Howe, Steve Hackett, George Harrison, Robby Krieger, Tony Iommi, all my heroes carried a Gibson. If playing the brand of my heroes is a cod piece, then I’m going medieval! 😜😜😜
Love your videos and great comparison. I grew up in the 80's so I'm a super strat player (I'm no shredder either). Back then, you couldn't give away Les Pauls but I was drawn to the Eastman in this instance .Still, an interesting video all the same👍
Just got a Eastman SB58TV and it's an fantastic guitar, it has a lollar p90 in the neck and a imperial humbucker in the bridge , basically same guitar but diff color and a p90 in the neck. But I'm really impressed. Great vid btw.
Great video as usual Colin so many thanks for that. Just contemplating a new Les Paul and still undecided but this video helped a lot. Currently playing Epiphone inspired by Gibson Les Paul standard and the Gerry Cantrell Epiphone while my Gibson studio, which I have lavished a few upgrades on in an effort to bond, remains at home! Have you previously compared the Heritage Les Paul against the Eastman? I feel the answer for me may lay there. On another point after watching you video on the Epiphone SG Custom I decided I should try………not for me but nothing ventured nothing gained. Anyway think I’m stuck between the Eastman and The Heritage. Would like to see that comparison. Cheers and thanks again.
Issue I have is, while yes the Eastman plays amazing - it’s never going to be worth more than I payed for it originally. Gibson always seems to hold their value or go up. For me that’s a big thing because guitars are fun and if I don’t play them I sell them off. I love heritage guitars but I know I’d be kind of stuck with it if I don’t like it, or have to take a big hit when selling. Great video. I do agree we have some amazing les paul options these days.
Not sure what market you are in. If you want to pass it on in Norway there is at least a 10-20% loss straight away. In Norway new standards are about $2k5. You find used standards/traditionals from the last decade at around 1k5-1k7. New customs are 5k5, used maybe 4k. 80s and 90s are about the same. 70s customs at around $3-4k. They do hold their value ok after the initial loss, but the initial loss is substantial. The Norwegian market might be unique. If someone refers to reverb for price comparison in a second hand listing, it is dismissed right away, as the market works totally different here.
I see the issue about holding it’s value as nobody wants to lose money especially at the higher end. The issue is though bonding with a guitar and more importantly how much you play a guitar. I learned a long time ago that the brand/name on the headstock is nice but not necessarily a guarantee that you will get what you pay for. Had so many Gibsons but the only one I have left is the R8… which never gets used but has gone up in value. So it didn’t serve its purpose as an instrument just an investment - it will be going when I get round to it. I already have an Eastman but wouldn’t hesitate in getting another or go vintage …. the key is to play before part with your 💰
I have a friend who is a huge Gibson fan and always uses the same argument about retained value. I think it's partially true but only in certain instances. Your typical LP Standard will lose a chunk of it's value as soon as you take it out of the shop (just like any other guitar). There are too many production models available on the used market/competing for potential Buyers. Prices will remain lower as a result. However, used Gibson prices will increase in the long term (say 10+ years) because Gibson hike their new prices by 10% (say) per year and so used values are dragged up with them. Keep you guitar for a few more decades and you might capitalise on it being classified as 'vintage'. The only Gibson's that are really going to increase in value are 'No longer in production' models, Limited Edition/Collectable models and those that are borderline (or already deemed) 'vintage'.
Great detailed comparison! Was very curious to know how they stacked up against one on another since you posted the Eastman video. It’s funny you set up the rig for the Gibson because I found I preferred the sound of the Eastman in this comparison. As far as which to sell. The name on the headstock or what other people say should have no bearing. If you love the Eastman more that is the keeper and if you’ve given the Gibson a proper chance and still don’t love it, then I would sell it and not look back. You could use that money to fund a second Eastman even. 😁Thanks again for making this. Always appreciate these comparisons.
Wow Colin, that was a very satisfying 40 minutes or so...I really enjoy your style. Last week I bought a 50's (IBG) Les Paul Goldtop (epiphon...) because you demonstrated how wonderful it was not long before. You were right! She is just a pleasure to play and even look at. I saw this current video comparing the Gibson Les Paul to the Eastman version and so I got my 2016 Gibson Les Paul Trad down off the wall where it hangs with several other beautiful guitars I don't plan enough. As I watched the Eastman clean up in so many categories and heard your take on who Gibson has become, I started bonding with my Gibson (holding/playing as I watched your performance) in a way I hadn't till now. Thank you! I think I have a much better appreciation at just how awesome my LP Trad really is. My Epi LP Std is wonderful in so many ways but is at a different level compared to the Gibson. Glad I came to my senses. I was thinking of selling the Gibson now that I have the Epiphone...this video woke me up, although, I don't think that was the intent!
Nice one Murray…. sounds like some weird spooky reverse psychology going on there! 🤔 maybe it’s because of that Gibson ‘indoctrination’ you started feeling bad for neglecting such a great guitar? 🤣 whatever it is they are still great guitars and we still love them in spite of everything. Enjoy playing this weekend mate! 😁👍
Both guitars sound great! I really like the Eastman and think it sounds just as good or better, but I couldn't let go of the Gibson. It's because the "idea" of owning a Gibson has hooked so many musicians that when you finally buy one, it becomes an achievement. Gibson has us by the balls where a decision on any other guitar could easily boil down to the name. You'll find yourself thinking... "It's great but it's not a Gibson."
I just discovered your channel and I enjoyed this comparison very much. I just purchased a Gibson SG '61 Standard and was contemplating whether or not to return it for an Eastman SB55DC, sticking around the $1500 range (I bought one of the SG demo's). What I enjoyed most was your in depth and honest assessment of the Eastman. If you get the opportunity, I'd like to see you do a comparison of a Gibson Les Paul Junior and an Eastman SB55. Carry on!
I think, ultimately, it depends on which guitar speaks to you. I’ve always wanted a Les Paul ( due to Peter Green, Paul Kossoff, the Thin Lizzy boys etc.)but every time I’ve tried one over the years I’ve thought “Nice, but not quite nice enough”. But when I tried an SB59 last year I was “Ooh, this feels good!”. So I took the plunge and haven’t regretted it. Someone else might find a Gibson that is just the “one” for them, which is great.
Have an Eastman sb59 V Amber with Bareknuckle Stormy Mondays. Had something Gibsons before but the Eastman is, as you said, an instrument you immediately bond with. It's like an old friend.
I'm with you Colin.... I like every single thing about the Eastman. Everything, the color, the pups, the neck, it's a great package. No pickguard too! I yank them straight off. Great show! Sell the Gibson
Eastman all day everyday for me. Obviously both have quality parts and woods. But the Eastman's build quality is much better and consistent on every guitar they dispatch. So for me the build quality and tone far out way the name on the headstock. Great review by the way. 👌
Every review I've seen and read about the Eastman SB59 and SB59/v have been raves. Basically you get a Custom Shop level of quality for Standard pricing. Top quality craftsmanship and materials with professional-level hardware and electronics. What more can you ask for? I'll be getting one of these for sure. Looks like a keeper. Colin is right - Gibson are living off their past glory and are way, way overpriced for what they deliver. I'll take an Eastman!
Try for Studio pricing. At least that's the case here in Australia, wher the SB-59/v retails for A$4,499/US$2,992, though the store I bought it from sells it at A$3,419/US$2,274 (I beat the price rise two years ago and got mine for A$2,500/US$1,663). By comparison, the Gibson Studio retails for A$3,999/US$2,660 (sells for A$3,199/US$ at the same store) and the Standard A$6,399/US$4,256 (sells for A$5,299/US$3,525). If I bought a new one today, I'd have an extra A$1,800 to play with instead of buying the Gibson Standard, meaning I could get a really good amp to pair with it. The guy who sold it to me sells Gibsons too and he said he'd pick the Eastman over the Gibson any day of the week.
It might be my ears but to me the Gibson sounds more brighter and clear, the Eastman sounds slightly muddier? Both beautiful guitars Colin. If I had the choice, sorry it’s the Gibson for me to keep. 😮👍🎸
@@jamessutherington3471 I love my Epiphones. I have a '59 LP from zZounds in Southern Fade that looks like a cross between Iced-Tea and Bourbonburst and an SG Special P-90 in Pelham Blue. I have a Squire Affinity Strat that beat out three Mexicasters at my local pawn shop too!!! I have less money tied up in all three of those guitars then I would in one used Gibson Les Paul...🤣🤣🤣
Sooooo, after 8 months of coming back to this video, I finally pulled the trigger and got an Eastman SB59v-GB this past week. Identical to the one in this video. My first impressions are, I'm in love. I also have a Gibson Les Paul Standard 50's with P90's (8.2 lbs!) and a Gibson Les Paul Classic. I never bonded with the Classic so I was looking for something with humbuckers to replace it. Kept going back and forth between the Gibson Les Paul Standard like in this video or the Eastman. The Eastman is everything I wanted in a guitar with humbuckers and more. Great tones, great feel, and doesn't leave me with sore shoulders and back. The resell won't be as much if I ever decide to part with it, but I didn't pay as much as I would have for a Gibson either, so that's pretty much a wash. Then again, at my age, I'll probably be taking the eternal dirt nap before that happens. All in all, I'm VERY happy with the Eastman. What a fantastic guitar! Thank you for this video and for turning me on to Eastman. You were 100% right!
Ah nice one man I’m pleased you agree… I’ve always been 100% confident of what fantastic guitars these are and it’s good to hear from other satisfied owners. To be honest I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone that disagrees with our findings 💯
I think we may be suffering from the same thing when it comes to Gibson- I’m loathe to mar the things, so I wind up playing my epiphones more often! The finish on the Eastman looks like shellac to me, like a violin, and I always tend to think of the finish on a violin as infinitely repairable, so handling marks etc don’t seem to bother me. I guess it’s like the polish on leather shoes- sure they will get scuffs when worn, but no worries, not a huge deal to get polish them back to pre-scuff glory. I think it’s for me knowing that if I wanted, that I could get a French polish back to perfect that ironically has me not bothered to let imperfections mount. Whereas on the nitro finish, the same can really be said, as nitrocellulose will always blend back and can be un-detectably repaired when skillfully done, blemishes in the nitro glossy finish seem more as you said, “broken”. I feel any blemish on an otherwise perfect glossy Gibson nitro finish needs to be repaired almost urgently, so I tend to avoid even touching the instrument!
Great job on the comparison. While these 2 guitars are close in price, I think that the Eastman is more comparable to the Gibson Custom Shop. I love my Gibson SG. I also love my Eastman SB59 and no longer search for "the Les Paul".
i spent a whole year researching, playing, and buying guitars, amps, pedals, etc. I bought some Epiphones, some Fenders, several Gibson & PRS, and even 1 Schecter. I tried, played, or bought different amps. I bought a Quad Cortex (which I do love) $25,000 later I've come to one unavoidable conclusion. For me, there nothing better (or feels more like home) than a good Gibson LP, SG, or Firebird through a Marshall or Friedman amp. I went into last year eyes and heart wide open willing to try anything. End of the day, I'm a Gibson / Marshall guy. Simple as that. Although, the Eastman has peaked my interest. Thank you for the video.
Mate your tone sounds amazing this week! Is it the compressor pedal thats made the difference? It sounds way more dynamic, clear and warm. Love it. It is hard to dial in a rig to sound good with two guitars, personally I think they both deserve to sound their best but then your not comparing them on a level platform. Its a real conundrum
Cheers man, yes I realise that sometime I do use a bit too much but it sounds good... but this week I knew I need to let them speak without any added compression so just cranked the amp a bit more! 😁👍
@@theguitaristas Hi Colin, nice chops, as usual, maybe you don't bond that much because of the pound, the tailpiece and the bridge, lol, Great sounding guitars. Oh and the klingon pronunciation ,lmao. Cheers Mate. Happy week end
I have a Hofner archtop made in Germany that has the hand rubbed violin finish and I can tell you that is has been a nightmare when it comes to scratches and marks that are so easily made when ever I touch it. Thanks for the great review, I very much enjoyed it.
This is my take. You can take all the best materials, ebony, stainless steel frets, Honduras mahogany, rosewood fretboard,iron wood fretboard, Brazilian, rosewood or mahogany, nitrocellulose, oiled finish, mother of Pearl ect ect. This makes no difference if the guitar sounds great without all of these!!!!! I tried and tried hundreds of guitars. Harley Bentons and les Paul 59 reissues. A lot of it is pure psychosomatic I’m sure of that. Take my Gibsons for instance ! I get them out of their cases and think …………. Better not scratch it, better not wear the frets out. (took my Gibson to my local luthier and he said “ by gum you’ve played the hell out of this!!!!!! It’ll need a fretjob next time!!!!! Jesus…… maybe I shouldn’t have played it I’ve ruined it. And if I take it on a gig I’m constantly thinking it might get nicked or dinked. This is not what guitar ownership should be like!!!!! It’s about the music 🎵 And that’s why I love my Trev Wilkinson vintage guitars so much. Cheap, play great, sound great and are light. And dare I say it! They look great as well. I will never sell my Gibsons as they are great guitars but they also remind me how lucky I am to have my vintage les Paul’s and what a damn bargain they are.
Colin, one more time, amazing this channel and btw a lot of times I get back to review again some video which I saw it already because are so informative that :) you needed see again. This channel in currently my favorite channel, thanks a lot.
I recently aquired an SB59 in black , after only a few minutes with it i knew I'm selling my Gibson. It's just got a lot the Gibson doesn't have. I'm a long time Gibson fan too.
I just bought an eastman sb59/v gb. What an amazing instrument! I heard that they're going to be limiting the production of this model this year as they're so labour intesive to varnish... so, get one while they're still afordable!
I love my SB59, exactly the same as yours. When I bought it, I wanted the new finish version as I'm not a fan of relics. Those only come with the Seymour Duncan vintage pickups, which sound much closer to your Gibson. Maybe a three way comparison. Once I had played the Loller pickups though, I was just going to have to put up with the relicing and sacrifice the beautiful new finish to get that tone. Now no regrets, the finish has grown on me so it now just looks old, not got at with sandpaper. I had gone to buy a Gordon Smith, but wanted to check the Eastman out. Schoolboy error. I did buy the Gordon Smith, but a couple of weeks later there was the "Do you remember that SB59, have you still got it?" phone call, a bit of negotiation and I now have the Gordon Smith and the SB59. Both are definitely keepers, much loved family pets. Very enjoyable video as always, cheers.
Cheers Ian, nice story and fabulous example of what happens when the GAS attacks! glad you gave in and have both of them... that was the correct choice! 😆👍
Man, you're such an oasis of laid back and down to earth guitar talk amidst all the flashy, "DON'T FORGET TO LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE!", clickbaity, wannabe witty drivel out there. I also like that it's not over-edited. Some of us are in the possession of an attention span, and I appreciate you for leaving (most) everything you say in. Imo, cutting it down to _only_ the most relevant parts actually works counter-productive. It gives a video rythm, instead of going full-on all the time. Anyway, just wanted to say I really enjoy these vids mate.
As a long time subscriber and a longer time gibson owner I understand your sentiment. I have quite a few LPs and have played some dogs and some beauties. You have to go with what sounds best and makes you want to play the most. Strangely I bonded quicker to my DC specials right away, the newer classic pretty quick but my 50’s standard took a while but now I love. I view them like shoes..you don’t buy them to stare at them and they get better and more comfortable as you wear them in for a while. Also great job with “that” song
@@theguitaristas thanks for everything you do. Probably the only channel I follow regularly. Hoping you get a well deserved spike in viewership but will be joining the TV channel this week to show my support.
@The Guitaristas loving the channel ! One thing I have learned over the last few years, and you seem to affirm , is that no two instruments are the same. If you are buying a Gibson I would strongly recommend that you try a few out before buying.
Old guitar dood here. Been at it for 60+ years. Some time back I picked up an Eastman AR372, a Gibson ES175 replica. I also have a used Gibson ES175 that I picked up last year (2023). The "real" ES175 just plays better and feels better in the hands. I think the Gibby sounds better plugged in but they're both very decent. I also have four Les Paul's, including a '59 RI and a LP Custom. The Custom plays flawlessly and is flawlessly manufactured. I can't imagine for even a second that Eastman somehow surpasses my experience with these incredible instruments. Lastly, the Gibson LP's will hold or appreciate in value with time. Considering inflation, if they just hold their value then in essence they've appreciated. BTW, have you ever played or owned a Heritage instrument? They too are very high quality and are appreciating with time. Eastman makes a damn good guitar but for my money, I'll stick with the American made originals.
Just stumbled onto your channel. Great video comparison. I am nearly 70 and trying to reconnect with the guitar. Have a LP gold top. To me the Eastman is the better constructed and better sounding guitar especially given the fact that you set your electronics more for the gibson. I also just discovered the Eastman today as well. Loved hearing you play. Keep up the great videos.
Cheers man glad you found us there are loads of born again Guitaristas here! 👍 thanks for the kind words and support 🙏 and definitely try out an Eastman if you can!
Wonderful review! Your commentary and insight is very entertaining! Thanks for making such great content! What song are you playing in the “Let’s play something” section?
love the channel! Just wanted to point out (I feel it already has been done so here) that very very few les Pauls outside of custom shop reissues have 1 piece mahogany backs, perhaps even none of them will be moving forward in the future with the new management. We’ve already seen a decline in top quality on the standards. So another point in favor on the Eastman, I feel like
I have a Les Paul “Tribute”… it’s the cheapest Gibson Les Paul you can get. It has a one piece mahogany body. I love that guitar. It has a maple neck, makes it a little more bright but it works wonders on that rhythm pickup. I also have a custom shop 335. It’s my main driver. Live that guitar as well.
I’m relatively new to playing guitar and I started with an Epiphone and now I have a used Gibson Les Paul. I still don’t know why you feel the way you do about Gibson doing things to make you dislike them and like them in the same breath. Maybe you wish they were made in your country and maybe not. But you have to admit there are lots of companies out there that are giving Gibson a run for their money right now and it’s giving us some much better Guitars. I think Gibson charges to much for their guitars. But as a customer I will have to settle for a used guitar but there are some beautiful guitars that spent all or most of their life in a case. Like the 2009 Les Paul I just bought. Thank God for cases. Thank you Colin for listening to my ramblings.;-)
The whole “handmade” thing is a big part of bonding with a guitar. It would be interesting to see more work by luthiers and craftsmen from smaller companies - as long as they are under two grand anyway!
I’m kinda preferring the lower output and balance of the Gibson in this comparison. I prefer the Gibson although as you said it’s hard to deny the craftsmanship of the Eastman. If somewhere in your mind there is ever a thought of selling either then obviously the Gibson will retain more of it’s value. However you did bond with the Eastman very quickly….and it’s built so dang well. I’m glad I don’t have to decide! Lol. Great episode!
Bought my first gibson SG in 1980 firebrand and everyone said a walnut guitar sounds bad. So I built a guitar with every tonal capacitor used in guitars. It took 6 tonal capacitors, then I added seymor duncun humbuckers with a 6 way pick splitter to enable humbuckers or single coil. I can play fender, gibson, jackson or the muddiest sound ever heard. I did this to a 1976 turbo electronic 24 fret korean guitar that was the basis for the richbitch design. I now added 500K pots and seymor duncans to my 1980 SG firebrand, sounds really nice.
I know exactly what you mean about being undecided about the Gibson. While I don’t have an Eastman Les Paul, I have an Eastman 335 style guitar and a Gibson 335. When comparing them, I like the Eastman a lot but also like the Gibson. They feel and play slightly differently and they produce sounds that are similar but different. I thought I would sell the Gibson when I bought the Eastman but have since decided to keep both for now. This was a great an honest video. Thanks!
Hi. Interested to hear your views on the two sorts of Eastman - lollar v Seymour Duncan's? Steve, with a 83 LP at 9 1/2 + lbs that sounds great but is far too heavy. Good bids by the way.
I didn't play the SD one plugged but it felt great... closer to the Les Paul Std I reckon while this one is custom shop all the way 👌 maybe time to ditch that boat anchor you're not getting any younger! 🤣👍
Thanks again for your thorough reviews. You actually confirmed my experiences with the three Eastman LP models I have played and admired. I’m a guitar lover and tech in New York and quite frankly blown away with these instruments. I too have been frequently disappointed and at times annoyed with the inconsistencies in Gibson guitars. If you had actually done this comparison with their “custom shop” models, I believe your conclusions would be pretty much the same. I have on several occasions. Unfortunate to say the least.
Colin, another brilliant video. I’m lucky enough to own a custom R8, amongst other guitars I have collected over the years. I do like the Eastman, but would not sell the R8, I’d have to keep it simply because it’s a fabulous Gibson Les paul. I’d sell / trade another guitar to have the Eastman! so if you can stretch to it I’d keep them both. Just my thoughts. Thanks for what you do Colin I, like I’m sure many of your followers, really appreciate and enjoy your particular style, it’s like sharing time with a good old mate. Cheers buddy 👍
Hi Collin! Although the eastmans quality outshines the gibson, I just like the tone of the gibson just.... Don't get me wrong eastman sounds great, to my ears the gibson sounds a touch better. Love the tune you played As always a excellent review. 👌 👍
Awesome video! I preferred the sound of the Eastman to the Gibson. This may be nit-picky, but i wish the Eastman had a pickguard, but thats just because of the way i play, not anything to do with looks. Great playing as well, Colin!
Was expecting to prefer the Eastman, but the Gibson sounded more like what I expect from a Les Paul. If I was forced to choose, I'd grab the Gibson purely based on the sound. Although I do love the idea of a lightweight Les Paul
The heaviest lifting done on Gibsons comes from the logo. And I say that as someone who loves his LP, but fuckin’ hell, it took forever to find one that didn’t have any number of flaws or issues. And even at that, I wouldn’t have paid full retail price on it; waited till there was an insane sale to put the price at what I saw as reasonable. Great breakdown of these two. That Eastman is such a gorgeous guitar, and it sounds killer.
Just a quick note... in case any of your comments disappear at any time it may be as a result of UA-cam blocking those spam competition win replies. I have noticed they are successfully blocking them now but the original comments also seem to be disappearing... sorry if that happens! 🤷♂
Any thoughts on how to remove pinkish stand rash from a white nitro les paul...
@@victoresarey4036 Not sure you can...
@@theguitaristas I'm gonna try rubbing compound, may have to have gibson refinish it
@@victoresarey4036 I had a white Les Paul Custom was same... even from new where it had hung on the shop wall hanger! (I got discount for that 😜) It kind of spreads to other areas where things touch it so you may be better to embrace it?
@@theguitaristas I managed a 2013 white gibson les paul traditional with gold hardware for 1000 dollars american and its beautiful just has some gnarly pinkish stand rash on the neck and bottom of the body
I own a SB59 gold top. I’ve owned several Gibson Standards, classics and traditionals. I’ve since sold my gibsons. Held onto the goldtop Eastman. Outstanding instrument.
You are now officially top spot for the accolade of my favourite Friday wind down video. Well done. Most chilled guitar channel on UA-cam 🎉
Thanks Chris that's appreciated mate! 😎👍
I am a year late but enjoyed every minute. Let the SG wall make your heart happy for the history of Gibson. Let the Eastman bring out your musicality from your soul. You’re not playing specs but letting the sound direct you on a path that just lets you explore the moment. Thank you.
The genuineness of these videos is what keeps me coming back. Thank you for sharing your time!
Thanks for keep coming back it's appreciated!
The Eastman blows the Gibson away. If you can get past the name on the headstock, Eastman is one of the finest guitars out there. When I reach for one to play, 80% of the time I’ll grab the Eastman SB59/v or t59v (335), which is extraordinary. The Gibson stays in its case.
I avoided looking at the comments before I watched so I could form my own unbiased opinion, which is based solely on the tone. That said, I absolutely prefer the tone of the Gibson. It has that inherent/lovely midrange signature Les Paul tone that I expect. The Eastman to my ears lacks that quality, it sounds more one dimensional and a bit thinner…at least that’s how I’m hearing it through my headphones. Personally w/ a Les Paul Standard type, I want a rosewood board…not ebony which can add some brightness, the ebony imparts a different more neutral/less midrangey tone from my experience. I say that as someone who owns both varieties. The Les Paul sounds like a prototypical Les Paul here, the Eastman sounds like something else. As far as QC, I do have a big beef with Gibson…I’ve auditioned way too many dogs in order to find nice examples, which is unacceptable and a drag. But that’s pretty much par for the course with Gibson over the years, isn’t it. They do seem to be money grabbing way too often nowadays, the company absolutely does rub me the wrong way a lot of the time. But at the end of the day if you want the whole Gibson experience, tone and looks, there’s no other choice. The Eastman’s build quality is impressive, but it’s not for me.
Great channel man! Everything feels very honest from a player... It's refreshing listening to someone talk about how guitars feel to them and speak to them rather than just a spec sheet.
Thanks Jordan that's appreciated!
Well said
The Eastman during that, "Sine I've Been Loving You" intro fill you did kinda knocked my socks off with how good the tone was. That guitar is really special. So is your channel. Cheers, homie.
Cheers man! 😎👍
This has become my favorite guitar channel. Great production, great format, super laid back. Perfect to have going while I throw some Lollars in my LP
Thanks
🌟 Thanks that’s appreciated! 😊🙏
Been watching the Guitaristas for a few weeks now and it's like watching an old good tv programme back in the day. Uploads same time each week, good enjoyable content, none of this like, comment, subscribe bs before you even know what the video is about... Plus it's about guitars, and gives Epiphones the credit they deserve, what's not to like haha.
A great channel, great guy, keep it going!
Cheers Reece, glad you found us man thanks for the support it's appreciated! 😁👍
Copy and Paste comment >>> The genuineness of these videos is what keeps me coming back. Really great review >> I AM BUYING the Eastman. Thanks !
Great video!
I've played a bunch of modern Gibsons over the years and a couple of the Eastmans in recent months. Living in Tokyo, I've also been lucky enough to have played a bunch of genuine 1950s LPs, including several '59s. I can honestly say that, to me, the Eastmans consistently sound and feel a lot more like a genuine vintage Gibson LP than the modern Gibsons do (even the super-expensive Custom Shop models).
Additionally, I'm a guitar maker and repairer, so have had several modern Gibsons on the bench over the years (often, yes, for that pesky headstock repair!). By and large, I find that their quality control can be pretty dodgy, and want to say that I think that fret end stuff isn't a sign of it being "handmade" at all. As mentioned, I hand make guitars and do a lot of fretjobs, and would NEVER let something leave my bench looking like that.
Parts are higher quality on the Eastman, and the woods are certainly so too. Many of the modern Gibson bits I've seen tend to be made out of cheap pot metal and come from mystery factories, whereas Gotoh stuff is really, really good. Also, as you say, the Gibson brand has degraded itself over the last few years. Amongst guitar makers, they're better-known for sending out Cease and Desist letters than for building quality instruments.
I've got to say that, in my opinion, Eastmans, from almost any perspective, are just ... well ... better.
Of course, there are other brands that do "vintage Gibson" better than Gibson today, like Navigator, but I'd say that Eastman may be the best bang for the buck (pow for the pound?) on the market today.
Cheers man, I'm feeling that way too about Eastmans... 👍👍
I respectfully disagree with your assessment. Eastman's are very decent, indeed. To say Gibson's QA is "dodgy" and their metal and other parts are "pot metal" or come from "mystery factories" is absurd. My own experiences and other guitarists I know that have many Gibson products that I've seen and played just makes your claims largely false. I would add that it's quite conceivable that many of the instruments that are being passed off as Gibson's in Tokyo are indeed not real Gibson products. I would suggest you come to the U.S. and see for yourself.
@@kenster865I am very glad that you have had such positive experiences with Gibsons. As I said, I am a repairer, so perhaps I mostly get to see the instruments that have issues. However, I have seen things like flat, unpolished frets on guitars direct from the factory, along with bad solder joints, poor binding, and yes, sometimes cheap, dodgy bridges and tuners. As it happens, I've been to the USA and noticed the same issues with instruments there that I mention, as I have in the UK and Australia. Gibson owner forums have many complaints about such things, and repairers like me often trade information with others worldwide about the problems with which we can expect to deal.
Also, why would you think that many "Gibsons" in Japan are fake? The large companies here like Ishibashi have a strong relationship with them. The companies that make "Gibson-type" instruments here (Burny, Tokai, Navigator ... and a bunch of others) all do so under their own names. In some cases, they sell for more because they're simply better made. No major Japanese companies do fakes as far as I know, and Chinese copies do not seem to be as popular here as they are in the US and UK. There are a few replica builders, but that's a very different end of the market.
All that being said, I am, once more, happy that you have had good experiences with the Gibsons you have encountered, and hope that you continue doing so.
@TomboLP
What about Eastman vs Martin in the Acoustic department?
You were one of the people making me take note of Eastman guitars with your videos, and since watching this when it came out, I´ve bought an SB59V and a T64V with a bigsby and P90´s. Amazing guitars and so much guitar for the money, in my opinion. Love your channel!
The Lollars sounded better. The Eastman is lighter. The Eastman looks better. The Eastman is a truly handcrafted guitar. And I believe Gibson has gotten too big for their britches lately. Under deliver as you said.
Nothing like a real Gibson Les Paul
IDK about their britches, but they've gotten to expensive for my wallet.
Buy used . Picked up a 2019 standard 60s iced tea for 1700.00 mint condition . The guitar is beautiful just to look at . Its non weight relief and sustain goes on forever . For the same money I'll take the Gibson . To save a grand I'll take the Eastman ,but I've been down that road before
Idk I liked the the top end on the Gib bridge. Had this nice airlines around the notes. Was a lower out put than the lollar
Sold my Fender Tele and Gibson Les Paul for an Eastman sb56 and a sb59v. Never looked back. These Eastmans are just amazing !
Great video Colin. Inspirational stuff. I rewatched this yesterday. At 430pm I grabbed 4 of my little used guitars, drove to my local music shop and swapped them plus a few hundred quid and walked out with the last lefty Eastman 59 they had. Cheers for all the videos.
Nice one Jeff! 😁👍
My new sb59v gold burst delivers tomorrow! Good thing it's FedEx and not UPS, right mate. Ha!
@@robbieschriver156 😆👍
What were the 4 guitars you traded? 😊 aaand 4 months later, do you feel like you made a good decision?
Being a Swing player, I've had Gibson L-5's & a Super 400, New York made '51 Epiphone Zephyr Deluxe Regent, '51 Epiphone Triumph Regent, Guild X-160, and several other very high end archtops. About ten years ago, I got an Eastman AR805CE and a T186MX in a trade, and promptly sold off all my high dollar archtops!! After having to sell many of my guitars, as my wife and I headed out on the road in our travel trailer, and could only have enough guitars for preforming with. Three years ago, we wound up settling in the Pacific Northwest, and as soon as I could, I replaced the 805 with another one, and snatched up an AR372CE (ES 175 style).
There is no way I would ever feel the need for any Gibson or other overpriced factory guitars!!!
LOVE my Eastmans!!!!!
Just received an Eastman sb59 and I’m just stunned at how’s good this guitar is. It looks, plays and sounds fantastic. I’m just blown away. It’s better than any Gibson I’ve ever played. Wow
😁👍👍
Just found this channel a few days ago, which is odd because probably 90% of what I watch is electric guitar related content. Glad UA-cam FINALLY recommended this channel.
Makes me want to kick back with a drink in the evening and enjoy the show.
Cheers man glad you found us!! 😎👍
I like the sound of the bridge pickup on the Eastman, but the neck pickup on the Les Paul sounded really good. I'd never buy a cherry burst, but it's a nice sounding guitar. However, you're not really looking for a reason to keep the Les Paul, but sufficient justification that you are right for keeping the Eastman. And if you love the Eastman and are not convinced on the Gibson, you have your answer.
I watched the entire video and I’m really glad you did this side by side test. I feel the Eastman varnish finish is really nice. I also love the ebony fingerboard and the Lollar pickups sound superb. After watching this video, I would spend my money on the Eastman.
Love your channel Colin, honest, informative and entertaining. You can see the work that goes into them, brilliant stuff! I wonder if you've ever considered Gordon Smith guitars? I was looking at them recently online and thought some of them are right up your street.
I do agree, Gordon Smith Guitars are worth a consideration, and as I said before, the Godin Summit Classic LTD as well 👌
Cheers Mark, that's appreciated! 🙏😊 I do actually have a GS1 that I should bring out to play sometime, and I am gassing after the new Griffin of course so watch this space it will happen eventually!
I've recently bought a Gordon Smith GS 1.5, superb guitar....
@@henryhartley9993 I've got a 1993 GS1 that has the same status as colin's les paul, it looks cool as F , has an airy lovely sound and is teather light, but I rarely pick it up and ,when I do, I put it down again, I can't get on with the neck so I basically hate it even tho I pretend not too. I grew up a few miles from John smith's workshop and did a day's work experience with him in about 76 or '77 when they were super trendy with punk and post punk indie bands and cut a body out on the bandsaw - john and chris were absolutely lovely and it was one of them days , but the guitar's not to my taste at all. Never played a Northampton one
@@frankcarter6427 that must have been an experience working there even for one day, one of my band mates bought a GS gypsy in 78-79 , we drove over from Burnley to pick it up, I had seen a few of the local punk bands like the buzzcocks using them and thought they sounded really raw but great....the Northampton guitars are better made instruments with full slab bodies and no bits of timber stuck on here and there, not saying they sound better just built better....
Loving the channel, mate!
The Eastman is the first Les Paul-a-like that doesn't look like a cheap knockoff. The thickening out of the cutaway 'horn' really suits it. Sort of gives it a 335 feel, especially with that slightly uneven finish. I know all that's just aesthetic but, like everyone else, all i could afford of a Les Paul were pictures of it and fell in love with those.
Then when i could afford one, it felt like playing a door. Landed on a LP faded 2005 and fell in love all over again =)
The Navigators are the best Les Paul copies by far. They blow these Eastmans out of the water.
And don't forget Heritage Guitars!
I’ll take an Eastman every day of the week.
Sprague is pronounced like the Hague. Their factory was in the next town over from where I grew up. Both of my grandparents worked there until retirement, as well as my mom for a couple years while she was in college. The building they were in is now a contemporary art museum and concert venue.
Such a small detail but I absolutely love the little coming up section at the beginning. It’s like a movie preview and I’m sure it extends your editing time by quite a bit. Great work as always. I’ve been saving up for an Eastman SB59/v and I’m a few weeks away from pulling the trigger. With that being said I will likely someday buy some type of Gibson once I come across one I connect with. To that point, I think it’s easy to connect with the vintage Eastman series because you can FEEL the amount of time that has gone into it and the amount of hands that built it. It has character. I’d imagine that’s the same feeling people get with the custom shop and Murphy Lab guitars. Problem is, you need to spend nearly 3x as much for the Murphy Lab LP
Cheers Matt, thanks for the comment that’s appreciated… and yes sometimes it takes several hours to put that little preview section together! 🤣 you also nailed it about the Eastman it right does feel like a vintage guitar, even more so then the custom shop Gibsons I still own and have owned, it’s quite remarkable!
Long bus journey home on a Friday evening watching your latest upload is just part of my weekly routine now!
Cheers Jason, the weekend starts here have a good one mate!
Colin,
Thanks, Brother,
You and Chris Buck make Fridays better than without.
I'm still waiting for more arse looping and another Cool Wall update.
Cheers Steve that's appreciated!...stay tuned for more arsing around! 😁👍
I think we can all agree another arse looping is in order!! Possibly combined with a hand rubbed finish?😂
@@tylerdurden5122 I'd probably save that for if I start an 'onlyfans' page... 🤣🤣
@@theguitaristas mate whatever pays the bills in these tough times 😂
New to your channel but there is something about your intro format that hooks me. The switching between playing and short clips of you talking is just right.
Cheers man thanks for the support it's appreciated! 😁👍
If you're a stickler for the best wood, electronics, build quality and quality control and must have the Gibson logo, and have $2500-$3200, get a 1989-1995 Gibson Les Paul Standard. If you have $2900-$3400, go Gibson Custom Shop, R8 or R9 (used). If you've got $1500-$2300 and want all of the above, minus the Gibson logo, get an Eastman. They're fantastic guitars! Thanks for the video! You sir are quite entertaining and informative.
You're also paying for "Made in the USA"
Sold my 339 and bought another Tele, American Performer with HB at neck. Love your playing, slow blues. I’m a Tele guy.guy but I really liked the Eastman! Thanks for the talks.
Another great video Colin, I was really impressed with the sound of the Eastman
I purchased the same Eastman in 2019.. it came with Duncans antiquities and a lovely brown case. I still have it along with my Les Paul’s. I love them both. They each do the job I need. New the Eastman was 1300 US back then, I purchased for 900.
Love your show, you do a great job. Cheers from NY.
Cheers man! 😎👍
This is the first of your videos I've watched and I loved it. The content, depth of analysis, your style of presentation and quality of musicianship. Thank you, I'm a fan. The reason you caught my eye was that I am in the market for an Eastman and naturally a direct comparison with an LP was of great interest. I now love the Eastman even more. The quality of build in my humble opinion is better than the Gibson, the finish, as you say will relic naturally and in a way that reflects how it's been played. I guess that's the ultimate in customisation. Tonally, The Eastman had a richness and I bet it sounds incredible when cranked up. I think the Eastman could, for me at least, be a guitar for life. Looking forward to your next vid. Pete
Cheers Pete, glad you found us man thanks for the kind words that's appreciated! 😎🙏 I say definitely try one if you can... I have nothing but good things to say about Eastman guitars 🙌
Thanks!
Here comes the Russian rockets -- second time today
Everybody scatters and hopes it goes away
How many kids they've murdered only God can say
If I had a rocket launcher...I'd make somebody pay
I don't believe in guarded borders and I don't believe in hate
I don't believe in cowering generals or their torture states
And when I talk with the survivors of things too sickening to relate
If I had a rocket launcher...I would retaliate
On Ukraine sovereign land, more than millions wait
Is it freezing or starvation -- or some less humane fate
Cry for Ukraine and it’s people, with a corpse in every gate
If I had a rocket launcher...I would not hesitate
I want to raise every voice -- at least I've got to try
Every time I think about it water rises to my eyes.
Situation desperate, echoes of the victims cry
If I had a rocket launcher...Some son of a bitch would die
Just one mad man controls it, the Russian sheep obey
There is only one solution - all the soldiers go away
Talking peace with liars - only extends civilian grief
If we had more rocket launchers…the war would be so brief
If we had more rocket launchers - it would not be a sin
If we had more rocket launchers - the brave could surely win
No more agony thinking about it - time is not on our side
Just one rocket aimed squarely the one son of bitch would die.
I wrote some lyrics to update a Bruce Cockburn song for the Ukraine people. Love to hear someone record it as an anthem to the fight. Colin..? Bruce Cockburn would surely give his approval.
Thanks man that's appreciated! 🙏😎
I just bought a brand new 2022 Gibson SG Standard, heritage cherry. As the Brits would say, it’s brilliant. The smell alone ahhhh. The nut is perfect, not a bad fret on the neck, perfect pickups, stays in tune, flawless binding, not a scratch, paint impeccably done. I’m a fan of both Epiphone and Gibson. I understand Colin’s frustration as he has been buying these guitars in large quantities for years. I’ve owned Epiphones and Fenders for years, cheap stuff. My new SG feels like a premium instrument. I got it about $300 under cost, great deal. But I can see Colin and some other folks have had bad experiences.
I must disagree with the lady saying young folks see a Gibson as a cod piece. Jimmy Page, Alex Lifeson, Angus Young, Pete Townshend, the great Steve Howe, Steve Hackett, George Harrison, Robby Krieger, Tony Iommi, all my heroes carried a Gibson. If playing the brand of my heroes is a cod piece, then I’m going medieval! 😜😜😜
Love your videos and great comparison. I grew up in the 80's so I'm a super strat player (I'm no shredder either). Back then, you couldn't give away Les Pauls but I was drawn to the Eastman in this instance .Still, an interesting video all the same👍
Just got a Eastman SB58TV and it's an fantastic guitar, it has a lollar p90 in the neck and a imperial humbucker in the bridge , basically same guitar but diff color and a p90 in the neck. But I'm really impressed. Great vid btw.
Great video as usual Colin so many thanks for that. Just contemplating a new Les Paul and still undecided but this video helped a lot. Currently playing Epiphone inspired by Gibson Les Paul standard and the Gerry Cantrell Epiphone while my Gibson studio, which I have lavished a few upgrades on in an effort to bond, remains at home! Have you previously compared the Heritage Les Paul against the Eastman? I feel the answer for me may lay there. On another point after watching you video on the Epiphone SG Custom I decided I should try………not for me but nothing ventured nothing gained. Anyway think I’m stuck between the Eastman and The Heritage. Would like to see that comparison. Cheers and thanks again.
Thanks for all the trouble you go to in producing such great content. Cheers from Australia.
Cheers Anthony, thanks for watching mate!
Issue I have is, while yes the Eastman plays amazing - it’s never going to be worth more than I payed for it originally. Gibson always seems to hold their value or go up. For me that’s a big thing because guitars are fun and if I don’t play them I sell them off. I love heritage guitars but I know I’d be kind of stuck with it if I don’t like it, or have to take a big hit when selling. Great video. I do agree we have some amazing les paul options these days.
I hear you, in part this is why I only snag an Eastman if priced used well under 1k US. That being said they are a steal at full retail.
Thats why i mostly buy in great conditioned used!! You can always get your money back on those.
Not sure what market you are in. If you want to pass it on in Norway there is at least a 10-20% loss straight away. In Norway new standards are about $2k5. You find used standards/traditionals from the last decade at around 1k5-1k7. New customs are 5k5, used maybe 4k. 80s and 90s are about the same. 70s customs at around $3-4k. They do hold their value ok after the initial loss, but the initial loss is substantial. The Norwegian market might be unique. If someone refers to reverb for price comparison in a second hand listing, it is dismissed right away, as the market works totally different here.
I see the issue about holding it’s value as nobody wants to lose money especially at the higher end. The issue is though bonding with a guitar and more importantly how much you play a guitar. I learned a long time ago that the brand/name on the headstock is nice but not necessarily a guarantee that you will get what you pay for. Had so many Gibsons but the only one I have left is the R8… which never gets used but has gone up in value. So it didn’t serve its purpose as an instrument just an investment - it will be going when I get round to it. I already have an Eastman but wouldn’t hesitate in getting another or go vintage …. the key is to play before part with your 💰
I have a friend who is a huge Gibson fan and always uses the same argument about retained value. I think it's partially true but only in certain instances.
Your typical LP Standard will lose a chunk of it's value as soon as you take it out of the shop (just like any other guitar). There are too many production models available on the used market/competing for potential Buyers. Prices will remain lower as a result.
However, used Gibson prices will increase in the long term (say 10+ years) because Gibson hike their new prices by 10% (say) per year and so used values are dragged up with them. Keep you guitar for a few more decades and you might capitalise on it being classified as 'vintage'.
The only Gibson's that are really going to increase in value are 'No longer in production' models, Limited Edition/Collectable models and those that are borderline (or already deemed) 'vintage'.
For me the Eastman has 'that sound'... I've been looking at the sb59 for about a year now, and your playing has convinced me I need one.
They really are fantastic guitars Matthew 🔥 and thanks for kind words! 🙏
Great detailed comparison! Was very curious to know how they stacked up against one on another since you posted the Eastman video. It’s funny you set up the rig for the Gibson because I found I preferred the sound of the Eastman in this comparison. As far as which to sell. The name on the headstock or what other people say should have no bearing. If you love the Eastman more that is the keeper and if you’ve given the Gibson a proper chance and still don’t love it, then I would sell it and not look back. You could use that money to fund a second Eastman even. 😁Thanks again for making this. Always appreciate these comparisons.
Wow Colin, that was a very satisfying 40 minutes or so...I really enjoy your style. Last week I bought a 50's (IBG) Les Paul Goldtop (epiphon...) because you demonstrated how wonderful it was not long before. You were right! She is just a pleasure to play and even look at. I saw this current video comparing the Gibson Les Paul to the Eastman version and so I got my 2016 Gibson Les Paul Trad down off the wall where it hangs with several other beautiful guitars I don't plan enough. As I watched the Eastman clean up in so many categories and heard your take on who Gibson has become, I started bonding with my Gibson (holding/playing as I watched your performance) in a way I hadn't till now. Thank you! I think I have a much better appreciation at just how awesome my LP Trad really is. My Epi LP Std is wonderful in so many ways but is at a different level compared to the Gibson. Glad I came to my senses. I was thinking of selling the Gibson now that I have the Epiphone...this video woke me up, although, I don't think that was the intent!
Nice one Murray…. sounds like some weird spooky reverse psychology going on there! 🤔 maybe it’s because of that Gibson ‘indoctrination’ you started feeling bad for neglecting such a great guitar? 🤣 whatever it is they are still great guitars and we still love them in spite of everything. Enjoy playing this weekend mate! 😁👍
Both guitars sound great! I really like the Eastman and think it sounds just as good or better, but I couldn't let go of the Gibson. It's because the "idea" of owning a Gibson has hooked so many musicians that when you finally buy one, it becomes an achievement. Gibson has us by the balls where a decision on any other guitar could easily boil down to the name. You'll find yourself thinking... "It's great but it's not a Gibson."
I agree. I've bought all types of guits, brand, no name and I love them all. Something bout the Gibson name tho.
I just discovered your channel and I enjoyed this comparison very much. I just purchased a Gibson SG '61 Standard and was contemplating whether or not to return it for an Eastman SB55DC, sticking around the $1500 range (I bought one of the SG demo's). What I enjoyed most was your in depth and honest assessment of the Eastman. If you get the opportunity, I'd like to see you do a comparison of a Gibson Les Paul Junior and an Eastman SB55. Carry on!
Cheers John, have you seen my reviews of the SB55DC/v and comparisons of Les Paul Jr and SB55SC/v… they’re on the channel here somewhere 😁👍
I’m perving out on The Eastman 😎🎸 The Gibson is two Treblely,,, tiny
Man. Love your reviews.
I got my eye on the Eastman now. I love Gibsons but the Eastman seems like a better value.
I think, ultimately, it depends on which guitar speaks to you. I’ve always wanted a Les Paul ( due to Peter Green, Paul Kossoff, the Thin Lizzy boys etc.)but every time I’ve tried one over the years I’ve thought “Nice, but not quite nice enough”. But when I tried an SB59 last year I was “Ooh, this feels good!”. So I took the plunge and haven’t regretted it. Someone else might find a Gibson that is just the “one” for them, which is great.
Have an Eastman sb59 V Amber with Bareknuckle Stormy Mondays.
Had something Gibsons before but the Eastman is, as you said, an instrument you immediately bond with. It's like an old friend.
I'm with you Colin.... I like every single thing about the Eastman. Everything, the color, the pups, the neck, it's a great package. No pickguard too! I yank them straight off. Great show! Sell the Gibson
🤣👍 Cheers mate, have a good weekend brother!
Me too, they are crackin guitars..
I've got a Parlour & lm hanging to get me hands on an SC or DC.
Shdve got one 2yrs back..but....
Eastman all day everyday for me. Obviously both have quality parts and woods. But the Eastman's build quality is much better and consistent on every guitar they dispatch. So for me the build quality and tone far out way the name on the headstock. Great review by the way. 👌
Every review I've seen and read about the Eastman SB59 and SB59/v have been raves. Basically you get a Custom Shop level of quality for Standard pricing. Top quality craftsmanship and materials with professional-level hardware and electronics. What more can you ask for? I'll be getting one of these for sure. Looks like a keeper. Colin is right - Gibson are living off their past glory and are way, way overpriced for what they deliver. I'll take an Eastman!
Try for Studio pricing. At least that's the case here in Australia, wher the SB-59/v retails for A$4,499/US$2,992, though the store I bought it from sells it at A$3,419/US$2,274 (I beat the price rise two years ago and got mine for A$2,500/US$1,663). By comparison, the Gibson Studio retails for A$3,999/US$2,660 (sells for A$3,199/US$ at the same store) and the Standard A$6,399/US$4,256 (sells for A$5,299/US$3,525). If I bought a new one today, I'd have an extra A$1,800 to play with instead of buying the Gibson Standard, meaning I could get a really good amp to pair with it. The guy who sold it to me sells Gibsons too and he said he'd pick the Eastman over the Gibson any day of the week.
Came by for the guitars, stayed to watch a master at work ! ❤
Bless you mate! 🙏😊
It might be my ears but to me the Gibson sounds more brighter and clear, the Eastman sounds slightly muddier? Both beautiful guitars Colin. If I had the choice, sorry it’s the Gibson for me to keep. 😮👍🎸
Maybe he'll sell you his cheap... 🤔😉😁
@@joehahn8817 I’d love to but afraid can’t afford a Gibson in this current financial climate! Epiphone and squier for me. Great guitars though 👍👌
@@jamessutherington3471 I love my Epiphones. I have a '59 LP from zZounds in Southern Fade that looks like a cross between Iced-Tea and Bourbonburst and an SG Special P-90 in Pelham Blue. I have a Squire Affinity Strat that beat out three Mexicasters at my local pawn shop too!!!
I have less money tied up in all three of those guitars then I would in one used Gibson Les Paul...🤣🤣🤣
Sooooo, after 8 months of coming back to this video, I finally pulled the trigger and got an Eastman SB59v-GB this past week. Identical to the one in this video. My first impressions are, I'm in love. I also have a Gibson Les Paul Standard 50's with P90's (8.2 lbs!) and a Gibson Les Paul Classic. I never bonded with the Classic so I was looking for something with humbuckers to replace it. Kept going back and forth between the Gibson Les Paul Standard like in this video or the Eastman. The Eastman is everything I wanted in a guitar with humbuckers and more. Great tones, great feel, and doesn't leave me with sore shoulders and back. The resell won't be as much if I ever decide to part with it, but I didn't pay as much as I would have for a Gibson either, so that's pretty much a wash. Then again, at my age, I'll probably be taking the eternal dirt nap before that happens. All in all, I'm VERY happy with the Eastman. What a fantastic guitar! Thank you for this video and for turning me on to Eastman. You were 100% right!
Ah nice one man I’m pleased you agree… I’ve always been 100% confident of what fantastic guitars these are and it’s good to hear from other satisfied owners. To be honest I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone that disagrees with our findings 💯
I think we may be suffering from the same thing when it comes to Gibson-
I’m loathe to mar the things, so I wind up playing my epiphones more often!
The finish on the Eastman looks like shellac to me, like a violin, and I always tend to think of the finish on a violin as infinitely repairable, so handling marks etc don’t seem to bother me. I guess it’s like the polish on leather shoes- sure they will
get scuffs when worn, but no worries, not a huge deal to get polish them back to pre-scuff glory. I think it’s for me knowing that if I wanted, that I could get a French polish back to perfect that ironically has me not bothered to let imperfections mount.
Whereas on the nitro finish, the same can really be said, as nitrocellulose will always blend back and can be un-detectably repaired when skillfully done, blemishes in the nitro glossy finish seem more as you said, “broken”. I feel any blemish on an otherwise perfect glossy Gibson nitro finish needs to be repaired almost
urgently, so I tend to avoid even touching the instrument!
Eastman makes a nitrocellulose version of this model. So I’d imagine they scuff just as easy as the Gibson does
Wow Colin so on point for me on the “riff” your playing has the last 2 weeks gone to another level mate 👍🎸. Great videos
Cheers Simon!
Great job on the comparison. While these 2 guitars are close in price, I think that the Eastman is more comparable to the Gibson Custom Shop. I love my Gibson SG. I also love my Eastman SB59 and no longer search for "the Les Paul".
i spent a whole year researching, playing, and buying guitars, amps, pedals, etc. I bought some Epiphones, some Fenders, several Gibson & PRS, and even 1 Schecter. I tried, played, or bought different amps. I bought a Quad Cortex (which I do love) $25,000 later I've come to one unavoidable conclusion. For me, there nothing better (or feels more like home) than a good Gibson LP, SG, or Firebird through a Marshall or Friedman amp. I went into last year eyes and heart wide open willing to try anything. End of the day, I'm a Gibson / Marshall guy. Simple as that. Although, the Eastman has peaked my interest. Thank you for the video.
Mate your tone sounds amazing this week! Is it the compressor pedal thats made the difference? It sounds way more dynamic, clear and warm. Love it.
It is hard to dial in a rig to sound good with two guitars, personally I think they both deserve to sound their best but then your not comparing them on a level platform. Its a real conundrum
Cheers man, yes I realise that sometime I do use a bit too much but it sounds good... but this week I knew I need to let them speak without any added compression so just cranked the amp a bit more! 😁👍
@@theguitaristas Hi Colin, nice chops, as usual, maybe you don't bond that much because of the pound, the tailpiece and the bridge, lol, Great sounding guitars. Oh and the klingon pronunciation ,lmao. Cheers Mate. Happy week end
for me the Eastman has it, more mellow tones, super vid mt keep on rocking m.
Damn Colin, you only need a Maybach Lester now and you have the holy trinity of Les Pauls 😅
I daren't look at those for fear of bankruptcy! 🤣
Then a Collings & Ur beer money is in recession.
I have a Hofner archtop made in Germany that has the hand rubbed violin finish and I can tell you that is has been a nightmare when it comes to scratches and marks that are so easily made when ever I touch it. Thanks for the great review, I very much enjoyed it.
This is my take. You can take all the best materials, ebony, stainless steel frets, Honduras mahogany, rosewood fretboard,iron wood fretboard, Brazilian, rosewood or mahogany, nitrocellulose, oiled finish, mother of Pearl ect ect. This makes no difference if the guitar sounds great without all of these!!!!!
I tried and tried hundreds of guitars. Harley Bentons and les Paul 59 reissues. A lot of it is pure psychosomatic I’m sure of that.
Take my Gibsons for instance ! I get them out of their cases and think …………. Better not scratch it, better not wear the frets out. (took my Gibson to my local luthier and he said “ by gum you’ve played the hell out of this!!!!!! It’ll need a fretjob next time!!!!! Jesus…… maybe I shouldn’t have played it I’ve ruined it.
And if I take it on a gig I’m constantly thinking it might get nicked or dinked. This is not what guitar ownership should be like!!!!! It’s about the music 🎵
And that’s why I love my Trev Wilkinson vintage guitars so much. Cheap, play great, sound great and are light. And dare I say it! They look great as well.
I will never sell my Gibsons as they are great guitars but they also remind me how lucky I am to have my vintage les Paul’s and what a damn bargain they are.
Those Trev “vintage” guitars are great guitars. I agree with you.
Colin, one more time, amazing this channel and btw a lot of times I get back to review again some video which I saw it already because are so informative that :) you needed see again. This channel in currently my favorite channel, thanks a lot.
I forgot to said hahaha bestial Led Zeppelin 😅
Cheers Jose... I talk so much you have to watch several times! 🤣👍
Sell the Gibson mate!! I think the Eastman flawed it in every category.
An Eastman is on my Xmas list to self a few years from now. Quality guaranteed.
Sell the Gibson ‼️
I recently aquired an SB59 in black , after only a few minutes with it i knew I'm selling my Gibson. It's just got a lot the Gibson doesn't have. I'm a long time Gibson fan too.
Its definitely a thing! I need one in black too now so maybe I can trade the Gibson... 🤔
I just bought an eastman sb59/v gb. What an amazing instrument! I heard that they're going to be limiting the production of this model this year as they're so labour intesive to varnish... so, get one while they're still afordable!
I've owned both. Still have the Eastman 🙂 Enough said. Thanks for such great videos!
I love my SB59, exactly the same as yours. When I bought it, I wanted the new finish version as I'm not a fan of relics. Those only come with the Seymour Duncan vintage pickups, which sound much closer to your Gibson. Maybe a three way comparison.
Once I had played the Loller pickups though, I was just going to have to put up with the relicing and sacrifice the beautiful new finish to get that tone. Now no regrets, the finish has grown on me so it now just looks old, not got at with sandpaper.
I had gone to buy a Gordon Smith, but wanted to check the Eastman out. Schoolboy error. I did buy the Gordon Smith, but a couple of weeks later there was the "Do you remember that SB59, have you still got it?" phone call, a bit of negotiation and I now have the Gordon Smith and the SB59. Both are definitely keepers, much loved family pets. Very enjoyable video as always, cheers.
Cheers Ian, nice story and fabulous example of what happens when the GAS attacks! glad you gave in and have both of them... that was the correct choice! 😆👍
Man, you're such an oasis of laid back and down to earth guitar talk amidst all the flashy, "DON'T FORGET TO LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE!", clickbaity, wannabe witty drivel out there.
I also like that it's not over-edited. Some of us are in the possession of an attention span, and I appreciate you for leaving (most) everything you say in. Imo, cutting it down to _only_ the most relevant parts actually works counter-productive. It gives a video rythm, instead of going full-on all the time. Anyway, just wanted to say I really enjoy these vids mate.
Thanks man that’s really appreciated! 😁🙏
Yours is my new favorite guitar channel. Great reviews. No BS. Please keep up the great work!
Cheers that’s appreciated! 😁🙏
Great video! I bought recently one Eastman S59, and i got to tell you, I love that guitar!.... great channel!! congrats!!!
As a long time subscriber and a longer time gibson owner I understand your sentiment. I have quite a few LPs and have played some dogs and some beauties. You have to go with what sounds best and makes you want to play the most. Strangely I bonded quicker to my DC specials right away, the newer classic pretty quick but my 50’s standard took a while but now I love. I view them like shoes..you don’t buy them to stare at them and they get better and more comfortable as you wear them in for a while.
Also great job with “that” song
Cheers Noah! 😎👍
@@theguitaristas thanks for everything you do. Probably the only channel I follow regularly. Hoping you get a well deserved spike in viewership but will be joining the TV channel this week to show my support.
@@noahMrkz Cheers Noah, you will be very welcome mate! 😎👍
@The Guitaristas loving the channel ! One thing I have learned over the last few years, and you seem to affirm , is that no two instruments are the same. If you are buying a Gibson I would strongly recommend that you try a few out before buying.
Old guitar dood here. Been at it for 60+ years. Some time back I picked up an Eastman AR372, a Gibson ES175 replica. I also have a used Gibson ES175 that I picked up last year (2023). The "real" ES175 just plays better and feels better in the hands. I think the Gibby sounds better plugged in but they're both very decent. I also have four Les Paul's, including a '59 RI and a LP Custom. The Custom plays flawlessly and is flawlessly manufactured. I can't imagine for even a second that Eastman somehow surpasses my experience with these incredible instruments. Lastly, the Gibson LP's will hold or appreciate in value with time. Considering inflation, if they just hold their value then in essence they've appreciated. BTW, have you ever played or owned a Heritage instrument? They too are very high quality and are appreciating with time. Eastman makes a damn good guitar but for my money, I'll stick with the American made originals.
Just stumbled onto your channel. Great video comparison. I am nearly 70 and trying to reconnect with the guitar. Have a LP gold top. To me the Eastman is the better constructed and better sounding guitar especially given the fact that you set your electronics more for the gibson. I also just discovered the Eastman today as well. Loved hearing you play. Keep up the great videos.
Cheers man glad you found us there are loads of born again Guitaristas here! 👍 thanks for the kind words and support 🙏 and definitely try out an Eastman if you can!
Wonderful review! Your commentary and insight is very entertaining! Thanks for making such great content!
What song are you playing in the “Let’s play something” section?
It sounded similar to Black Magic Woman by Carlos Santana but different enough to avoid a copyright strike.
love the channel! Just wanted to point out (I feel it already has been done so here) that very very few les Pauls outside of custom shop reissues have 1 piece mahogany backs, perhaps even none of them will be moving forward in the future with the new management. We’ve already seen a decline in top quality on the standards. So another point in favor on the Eastman, I feel like
I have a Les Paul “Tribute”… it’s the cheapest Gibson Les Paul you can get. It has a one piece mahogany body. I love that guitar. It has a maple neck, makes it a little more bright but it works wonders on that rhythm pickup. I also have a custom shop 335. It’s my main driver. Live that guitar as well.
I’m relatively new to playing guitar and I started with an Epiphone and now I have a used Gibson Les Paul. I still don’t know why you feel the way you do about Gibson doing things to make you dislike them and like them in the same breath. Maybe you wish they were made in your country and maybe not. But you have to admit there are lots of companies out there that are giving Gibson a run for their money right now and it’s giving us some much better Guitars. I think Gibson charges to much for their guitars. But as a customer I will have to settle for a used guitar but there are some beautiful guitars that spent all or most of their life in a case. Like the 2009 Les Paul I just bought. Thank God for cases. Thank you Colin for listening to my ramblings.;-)
Cheers James, thanks for comment and support!!
The whole “handmade” thing is a big part of bonding with a guitar. It would be interesting to see more work by luthiers and craftsmen from smaller companies - as long as they are under two grand anyway!
I’m kinda preferring the lower output and balance of the Gibson in this comparison. I prefer the Gibson although as you said it’s hard to deny the craftsmanship of the Eastman. If somewhere in your mind there is ever a thought of selling either then obviously the Gibson will retain more of it’s value. However you did bond with the Eastman very quickly….and it’s built so dang well. I’m glad I don’t have to decide! Lol. Great episode!
Great video! Brilliant to see such a detailed breakdown of both instruments. 👏
I still want my codpiece, though... and I will have one eventually!
Yeah that itch needs scratching! 😎👍
Both gorgeous and great video as usual.
Colin, please do a video on the PRS S2 McCarty 594 Singlecut.
Eastman! Thanks Colin! Better late than never! Great show buddy.
Cheers Bill!
Bought my first gibson SG in 1980 firebrand and everyone said a walnut guitar sounds bad. So I built a guitar with every tonal capacitor used in guitars. It took 6 tonal capacitors, then I added seymor duncun humbuckers with a 6 way pick splitter to enable humbuckers or single coil. I can play fender, gibson, jackson or the muddiest sound ever heard. I did this to a 1976 turbo electronic 24 fret korean guitar that was the basis for the richbitch design. I now added 500K pots and seymor duncans to my 1980 SG firebrand, sounds really nice.
I know exactly what you mean about being undecided about the Gibson. While I don’t have an Eastman Les Paul, I have an Eastman 335 style guitar and a Gibson 335. When comparing them, I like the Eastman a lot but also like the Gibson. They feel and play slightly differently and they produce sounds that are similar but different. I thought I would sell the Gibson when I bought the Eastman but have since decided to keep both for now. This was a great an honest video. Thanks!
Hi. Interested to hear your views on the two sorts of Eastman - lollar v Seymour Duncan's? Steve, with a 83 LP at 9 1/2 + lbs that sounds great but is far too heavy. Good bids by the way.
I didn't play the SD one plugged but it felt great... closer to the Les Paul Std I reckon while this one is custom shop all the way 👌 maybe time to ditch that boat anchor you're not getting any younger! 🤣👍
Thanks again for your thorough reviews. You actually confirmed my experiences with the three Eastman LP models I have played and admired. I’m a guitar lover and tech in New York and quite frankly blown away with these instruments. I too have been frequently disappointed and at times annoyed with the inconsistencies in Gibson guitars.
If you had actually done this comparison with their “custom shop” models, I believe your conclusions would be pretty much the same. I have on several occasions. Unfortunate to say the least.
Cheers Gary, in fact I had an R8 that I sold recently and this Eastman easily replaces that for me. Sad but true 🤷♂️
Unexpectedly Eastman out shine Gibson in everything….. very good presentation!
Colin, another brilliant video. I’m lucky enough to own a custom R8, amongst other guitars I have collected over the years. I do like the Eastman, but would not sell the R8, I’d have to keep it simply because it’s a fabulous Gibson Les paul. I’d sell / trade another guitar to have the Eastman! so if you can stretch to it I’d keep them both. Just my thoughts. Thanks for what you do Colin I, like I’m sure many of your followers,
really appreciate and enjoy
your particular style, it’s like sharing time with a good old mate. Cheers buddy 👍
Hi Collin!
Although the eastmans quality outshines the gibson, I just like the tone of the gibson just....
Don't get me wrong eastman sounds
great, to my ears the gibson sounds
a touch better.
Love the tune you played
As always a excellent review. 👌 👍
Awesome video! I preferred the sound of the Eastman to the Gibson. This may be nit-picky, but i wish the Eastman had a pickguard, but thats just because of the way i play, not anything to do with looks. Great playing as well, Colin!
Never skip your videos. This is an awesome channel! I love chilling watching you just talk about this dumb addiction that it is guitars.
Was expecting to prefer the Eastman, but the Gibson sounded more like what I expect from a Les Paul. If I was forced to choose, I'd grab the Gibson purely based on the sound. Although I do love the idea of a lightweight Les Paul
The heaviest lifting done on Gibsons comes from the logo. And I say that as someone who loves his LP, but fuckin’ hell, it took forever to find one that didn’t have any number of flaws or issues. And even at that, I wouldn’t have paid full retail price on it; waited till there was an insane sale to put the price at what I saw as reasonable.
Great breakdown of these two. That Eastman is such a gorgeous guitar, and it sounds killer.