Hey Rich I too have a T59V . I just got it and it’s incredible. Probably the best guitar I’ve ever played and I’ve played hundreds . It’s clean tones are soulful and resonant. Super responsive. It’s really a dream guitar for me . Far better than any Gibson I’ve ever played.
Rich Severson is THE STUFF. I have owned my Eastman archtops for several years, and bought them used. I have an AR804 (oval hole), and an AR810 (f-hole). Local jazzers with L-5's have played my 810, and agreed with me that it is as good as any Gibson L-5. The craftsmanship is top shelf. I would love to own more Eastmans.
Agreed, Rich is wonderful. His reviews of the Pisano & the T59V were a big influence in me getting the guitars. I had an L5 but sold it for a variety of reasons. I think used purchases might be the hot ticket! I may have to check out the AR810.
I recently acquired an AR610ce, new but in the older style with the floating pickup and hidden vol/tone controls. It’s the best archtop I’ve ever played. The top is incredibly sensitive so it sounds great acoustically, and it sounds great mic’ed. The pickup is the floating black one similar to the Benedetto, so it sounds great amplified. The fit and finish are impeccable. No issues with frets, the action is what it should be, it stays in tune….
Eastman guitars are awesome! I'm an older f so I have older guitars (which I'm thankful for of course) though I'd definitely buy Eastman guitars otherwise. I've played Eastmans from several friends of mine. They are excellent guitars and for the money.
I'm in the UK and own two Eastmans, a T59V like yourself and a SB555DCv (LP Junior). I became aware of Eastman after acquiring a T486GB as part of a trade. I previously owned a 1964 Gibson ES345 which I sold a few years back and the T486GB trounced-it in every respect, except it was very 'blingy'... so I sold it and bought the T59V. I totally agree with you on everything about the T59V, the fit, feel and finish are top-notch... and the SD Antiquities are much more transparent than the SDs in the 486. That said, my go to guitar at home is my Eastman 'Junior'... so light and so versatile, and the Lollar P90 and wiring is superb. I wouldn't choose any Gibson over my two Eastmans... I just hope that Eastman are able to maintain the quality-control as their sales grow.
Agreed! I think of the T59V as my "desert island' guitar. If I had to have just one guitar, this would be it. And yes, the Antiquities are so good! Thanks for checking out the video.
Hi Rich, thanks for an interesting appraisal of Eastman guitars. Just before I came across your video I ordered an AR380. Your comments have given me confidence that my choice of guitar is the right one. Kind regards from Butterwick UK.
Hi Gordon! Glad to hear about your recent purchase. My quest has been to find the right strings. I’ve most recently settled on D’Addarrio Halfwounds. They seem to be a happy medium. Enjoy your guitar & Happy Holidays! 🎄❄️☃️🎉
I just thought I'd throw in my two cents worth. I'm an old guy too and I've had dozens of Gibson guitars over the years. I've really liked almost all of them. That being said I have three Eastman guitars a an sb59v, a sb55 v, and a Romeo la. I still have a few Les Pauls in my stash but the Eastman's are the guitars that I play. They are almost perfect guitars for what they are designed for. I highly recommend if you haven't had one that you try one you will be amazed. Really like your Channel happy to be a new subscriber.🙂
Thanks for posting this. Your guitars probably sound as nice as they look. Even though I don't own an Eastman guitar, I do own an Eastman Cello. It sounds fabulous, ......however, .... not playing Cello any longer so mine is up for sale. As far as instruments go.... IMO..... all guitars hold a value ....to a point. On a good day. A new guitar $1,000 probably $550-775 resale used. Guitar at $5k, probably $4,500- 4,700 in very good condition resale used. Bottom line , if ANY brand instrument "talks to you" and sounds great to your ears. .....ya buy it ! I've bought/sold many guitars throughout the years. Currently own a couple brand name uses guitars that sound amazing and didn't break the bank of a working musician.
Should have played them to show what you liked. The sound is the result we want most. I have a customized 2006 Eastman version of the T185 and with my SD pickups it sound much fuller than any thinline archtop I’ve ever heard.
I've been collecting guitars for many years. My Eastman LA Romeo has, by far, the finest quality-to-price ratio of any I've played / owned. The workmanship is superb and the tone is incredible. Those who buy-in and ignore the stigma sometimes attached to China-based products will gain a guitar that is a pleasure to play and own, and will appreciate nicely over the years.
@@starrynightguitars Just got an Eastman sb55, amazing sound and playability. Never had a guitar where the knobs actually did something besides muddy and muffle the sound.
Hi again Rich, unfortunately my AR380 never came to fruition. The neck had a twist in it and was rejected by the techie checking it over before despatch. Thanks to the care and attention to detail of Coda Music in Stevenage. I have since agreed to purchase from them a TV49D/v with Seymour Duncan Antiquity pickups. Great result!
Hi Rich. Loved the vid. Still wowed by my basic T386. It‘s an amazing all rounder. I have the sb55 dc Les paul jr type and it’s astonishingly good for rock and funk. Have had my eye on the 175 a-like from Eastman for some time. Look forward to another vid from you. Perhaps on your next Eastman purchase?
Thanks very much! Actually, I just realized today that I posted this video but no sound samples. So, I recorded a second video today demonstrating how I typically use both of these guitars.
I enjoyed your video and totally agree. Eastman guitars are great value. I myself have a SB56, a AR 371 CE and a E1D. Great guitars for a hobby musician and you don‘t need to sell your car or get divorced from your wife. Give ist Dome playin‘ !
I've owned five and still own three and yes, they're a screaming buy- better than some of the 'custom' guitars I've seen. I like their T-185, T-145 (discontinued} and an 805CE (the finest archtop guitar I've owned)
My T486 and SB59 (two years old) have both gone up a few 100 bucks new....and their reputation and SUPPLY should mean they will hold their value like a Gibson. Paid $1100 for the T486....go for about $1400 now (lefty). No reason their depreciation should be greater than a Gibson. Again, they are few in number, gaining in notoriety...etc.
Lazt84- I think you’re right, their prices seem to be going up. My Pisano cost around 1,400 but I see them listed now for 1,900. Not really an issue for me because I’ll never sell these. 😊
Hello, thanks for this video. I was thinking of getting a Pisano model. How is the neck on your Pisano? Is it easy to play and are the notes nice and clean and even up the fretboard? Is it a fat or thin neck? Thanks!
Hi Bob’s Jazz Guitar! The neck is very comfortable. I find the sound very even across the neck in all registers. It’s not fat but not too thin. One thing that might be off putting is that there are no fret markers in the fingerboard. There are some marks on the side of the neck. I’ve got no issue with that but some people say it’s a deal breaker for them.
that Pisano 380 is fantastic are they still making them i have a china brand called Eart its a 335 clone iy is extremely well made good hardware good electronics fantastic fretboard and ss frets 500 Australian dollars to my door this guitar does not need upgrades unless your looking for a particular tone the pups standard are alinco 2 magnets and they defiantly have a paf tone similar to an early Les Paul but not the same probably cause its a semi hollow thanks for the video
Hi Rob. Yes, I believe they still make these guitars. I bought mine in the Fall of 2020 but I see them on Reverb all the time. Thanks for checking out the video!
The top of the 59V is maple laminated. The finish varnish , like a violin finish. guitar.com/review/electric-guitar/eastman-t59-v-rd/ Here’s info on the Pisano. www.eastmanguitars.com/john_pisano
@@gordon9177 they do laminate, solid top and all solid series of their thinline guitars. To the best of my knowledge, they don't use poly on their guitars; it's nitro or it's a violin varnish on the /v variations.
I hate the idea of buying guitars made in China. That being said I have never heard anything negative about Eastman guitars......sound terrific and great value. I do wish they would expand their finish choices to include wine, tea burst and others.
@@festushansen2362 - agreed! I’m very sick of politics and I understand that lots of people are turned off by the fact that these instruments come from China. Well, what doesn’t come from China? I don’t think my 3 guitar purchases are going to impact the world balance of power. Just my 2 cents. 😊
I own an Eastman, and I love it, but what is suss is the 'handmade' claim that they like to use. They have a huge range of instruments, and unless they have multiple thousands of expert Luthiers beavering away, it seems impossible that they are all 'handmade'.
@@lazvt8469 The sheer volume of guitars that they make, multiple models, and series of, Dreadnoughts, Grand Auditoriums, Orchestras, OM's, Jumbo's, OO's, Parlor's, Travel, Gypsy Jazz, Cabaret's, make it highly doubtful that they are all 'hand made', without using CNC machinery.
Hi guys. My 2 cents. Not sure if this is true but let me further muddy the waters. I’ve read that Eastman has a village or small town where all these people do is build guitars. I agree that’s a lot of guitars but maybe it’s possible. 🤔😊
@@starrynightguitars sorry I didn't read many. It was a FYI not an I need to right. Lol. Love the Eastmans. I have an AR603CED and a fully hollow T184MX. They're amazing.
@@nathanbouton6700 - no worries but thanks for the clarification. 😊 I love my T59V but I do wish I’d gotten a 185 or 186 instead. I think the fully hollow body lends itself more to a jazz tone & I think it would be a good bit lighter. The 59 is still a killer guitar. I just need to use a good strap! Take care!
As a guitar player for over 60 years yet Industrial designer, engineer and inventor. I've seen those famous Eastman guitars. However, some of those guitars have designs flowed/Faulty design. Not all of them but all those that have as Gibson's tune-o-matic stop Tailpiece. Bridge itself is fine but the way Tune-matic is attached to guitar body that is threaded into body it's a about 5mm in diameter yet threaded and press in guitar body. That actually holds all strings stresses, that's a most fragile part on guitar itself. That's not so evident just by looking at guitar. Bushing that's in bedded into Gibson's body are missing in Eastman's guitars. Those bushings must be added to Eastman guitars or guitars will be useless in no time! Guitars body has to be redrilled for those missing bushing. Only then Eastman will be Eastman! That changes must be done, or otherwise guitar will have problems and guitar will be useless. Guitar that has that faulty design is one shown on this video!! However, that might be corrected?? Check it out if is if isn't don't buy it!👍
I noticed all my Asian guitars (B&G, ESP, PRS, and Eastman) with tune-o-matic tail lack this bushing...all relatively new and underused...so perhaps in time they'll need bushings. Perhaps their tone, which is exquisite, is due to the lack of this bushing? 60-yr old engineer here also....paper pusher though.
Hey Rich I too have a T59V . I just got it and it’s incredible. Probably the best guitar I’ve ever played and I’ve played hundreds . It’s clean tones are soulful and resonant. Super responsive. It’s really a dream guitar for me . Far better than any Gibson I’ve ever played.
Hi James! Yes, mine is definitely a keeper! Enjoy!!
Rich Severson is THE STUFF. I have owned my Eastman archtops for several years, and bought them used. I have an AR804 (oval hole), and an AR810 (f-hole). Local jazzers with L-5's have played my 810, and agreed with me that it is as good as any Gibson L-5. The craftsmanship is top shelf. I would love to own more Eastmans.
Agreed, Rich is wonderful. His reviews of the Pisano & the T59V were a big influence in me getting the guitars.
I had an L5 but sold it for a variety of reasons. I think used purchases might be the hot ticket! I may have to check out the AR810.
I recently acquired an AR610ce, new but in the older style with the floating pickup and hidden vol/tone controls. It’s the best archtop I’ve ever played. The top is incredibly sensitive so it sounds great acoustically, and it sounds great mic’ed. The pickup is the floating black one similar to the Benedetto, so it sounds great amplified. The fit and finish are impeccable. No issues with frets, the action is what it should be, it stays in tune….
Very nice! I’d like to get Eastman’s equivalent of an L5 but I don’t want to let go of the guitars I have. Definitely a first world problem! 🙄😊
Great reviews. I appreciate hearing an honest user's experience. Hoping to get my first Eastman soon.
Good luck!
Thank You for the reviews/opinions concerning your Eastman Guitars.
They are truly beautifully made instruments.
Thank you HK!
Eastman guitars are awesome! I'm an older f so I have older guitars (which I'm thankful for of course) though I'd definitely buy Eastman guitars otherwise. I've played Eastmans from several friends of mine. They are excellent guitars and for the money.
Nice video. Thanks!
I'm in the UK and own two Eastmans, a T59V like yourself and a SB555DCv (LP Junior). I became aware of Eastman after acquiring a T486GB as part of a trade. I previously owned a 1964 Gibson ES345 which I sold a few years back and the T486GB trounced-it in every respect, except it was very 'blingy'... so I sold it and bought the T59V. I totally agree with you on everything about the T59V, the fit, feel and finish are top-notch... and the SD Antiquities are much more transparent than the SDs in the 486. That said, my go to guitar at home is my Eastman 'Junior'... so light and so versatile, and the Lollar P90 and wiring is superb. I wouldn't choose any Gibson over my two Eastmans... I just hope that Eastman are able to maintain the quality-control as their sales grow.
Agreed! I think of the T59V as my "desert island' guitar. If I had to have just one guitar, this would be it. And yes, the Antiquities are so good! Thanks for checking out the video.
Sorry- the V stands for the varnish finish rather than vintage. Though, in my defense, with the finish, it does look vintage!
Hi Rich, thanks for an interesting appraisal of Eastman guitars. Just before I came across your video I ordered an AR380. Your comments have given me confidence that my choice of guitar is the right one. Kind regards from Butterwick UK.
Hi Gordon! Glad to hear about your recent purchase. My quest has been to find the right strings.
I’ve most recently settled on D’Addarrio Halfwounds. They seem to be a happy medium. Enjoy your guitar & Happy Holidays! 🎄❄️☃️🎉
I just thought I'd throw in my two cents worth. I'm an old guy too and I've had dozens of Gibson guitars over the years. I've really liked almost all of them. That being said I have three Eastman guitars a an sb59v, a sb55 v, and a Romeo la. I still have a few Les Pauls in my stash but the Eastman's are the guitars that I play. They are almost perfect guitars for what they are designed for. I highly recommend if you haven't had one that you try one you will be amazed. Really like your Channel happy to be a new subscriber.🙂
Thanks for subscribing Dan. I am fascinated by the Romeo but have no Eastman dealers anywhere near me. Looks like a great guitar!
Thanks for posting this. Your guitars probably sound as nice as they look. Even though I don't own an Eastman guitar, I do own an Eastman Cello. It sounds fabulous, ......however, .... not playing Cello any longer so mine is up for sale. As far as instruments go.... IMO..... all guitars hold a value ....to a point. On a good day. A new guitar $1,000 probably $550-775 resale used. Guitar at $5k, probably $4,500- 4,700 in very good condition resale used. Bottom line , if ANY brand instrument "talks to you" and sounds great to your ears. .....ya buy it ! I've bought/sold many guitars throughout the years. Currently own a couple brand name uses guitars that sound amazing and didn't break the bank of a working musician.
Should have played them to show what you liked. The sound is the result we want most. I have a customized 2006 Eastman version of the T185 and with my SD pickups it sound much fuller than any thinline archtop I’ve ever heard.
Understood. I did a second video where I play both guitars and go through all the sounds.
I've been collecting guitars for many years. My Eastman LA Romeo has, by far, the finest quality-to-price ratio of any I've played / owned. The workmanship is superb and the tone is incredible. Those who buy-in and ignore the stigma sometimes attached to China-based products will gain a guitar that is a pleasure to play and own, and will appreciate nicely over the years.
I’m with you Mike. My T59V is as fine or better than any 335 I’ve ever played.
@@starrynightguitars Just got an Eastman sb55, amazing sound and playability. Never had a guitar where the knobs actually did something besides muddy and muffle the sound.
Hi again Rich, unfortunately my AR380 never came to fruition. The neck had a twist in it and was rejected by the techie checking it over before despatch. Thanks to the care and attention to detail of Coda Music in Stevenage. I have since agreed to purchase from them a TV49D/v with Seymour Duncan Antiquity pickups. Great result!
Well, bummer about the 380 but from what I hear, the TV49 is a very cool guitar. Enjoy!
I love my Eastman AC322 acoustic, it plays as good as a Taylor 314, at half the price
Hi Rich. Loved the vid. Still wowed by my basic T386. It‘s an amazing all rounder. I have the sb55 dc Les paul jr type and it’s astonishingly good for rock and funk. Have had my eye on the 175 a-like from Eastman for some time. Look forward to another vid from you. Perhaps on your next Eastman purchase?
Thanks very much! Actually, I just realized today that I posted this video but no sound samples.
So, I recorded a second video today demonstrating how I typically use both of these guitars.
Unfortunately, I think my guitar buying is finished. Maybe I’ll win the lottery! 😂
Just got my AR380 and it plays great. I can hit chords at the first fret without strain. A step up from my ES 335
Enjoy! I love mine.
I enjoyed your video and totally agree. Eastman guitars are great value. I myself have a SB56, a AR 371 CE and a E1D. Great guitars for a hobby musician and you don‘t need to sell your car or get divorced from your wife. Give ist Dome playin‘ !
I meant give us some playin‘…!
Thanks! I used to have an AR 371. Sort of sorry I let that one go.
@@vivoni4sept - there’s an Eastman video- part 2 where I play these. Hope you check it out!
They look beautiful. Next time please play them.
I play them in the second video.
The V in T59v means violin I believe, since it’s finished like a violin. I have one.
Hi Zilla. Yes, I was mistaken. It’s about the varnish finish.
I've owned five and still own three and yes, they're a screaming buy- better than some of the 'custom' guitars I've seen. I like their T-185, T-145 (discontinued} and an 805CE (the finest archtop guitar I've owned)
Thanks for checking out the video Freddie, I’d love a 185 but … 😊
My T486 and SB59 (two years old) have both gone up a few 100 bucks new....and their reputation and SUPPLY should mean they will hold their value like a Gibson. Paid $1100 for the T486....go for about $1400 now (lefty). No reason their depreciation should be greater than a Gibson. Again, they are few in number, gaining in notoriety...etc.
Lazt84- I think you’re right, their prices seem to be going up. My Pisano cost around 1,400 but I see them listed now for 1,900.
Not really an issue for me because I’ll never sell these. 😊
Hello, thanks for this video. I was thinking of getting a Pisano model. How is the neck on your Pisano? Is it easy to play and are the notes nice and clean and even up the fretboard? Is it a fat or thin neck? Thanks!
Hi Bob’s Jazz Guitar! The neck is very comfortable. I find the sound very even across the neck in all registers. It’s not fat but not too thin. One thing that might be off putting is that there are no fret markers in the fingerboard. There are some marks on the side of the neck. I’ve got no issue with that but some people say it’s a deal breaker for them.
that Pisano 380 is fantastic are they still making them i have a china brand called Eart its a 335 clone iy is extremely well made good hardware good electronics fantastic fretboard and ss frets 500 Australian dollars to my door this guitar does not need upgrades unless your looking for a particular tone the pups standard are alinco 2 magnets and they defiantly have a paf tone similar to an early Les Paul but not the same probably cause its a semi hollow thanks for the video
Hi Rob. Yes, I believe they still make these guitars. I bought mine in the Fall of 2020 but I see them on Reverb all the time. Thanks for checking out the video!
Great video!Have you played an Eastman 680?? If so how do you feel about them?Thanks 😊
I have not but I’d love to. There are no Eastman stores around me so I bought mine sight unseen online.
@@starrynightguitars thanks 😊
nice guitars and good info. 2 questions: is it real wood on them and what's the finish, Nitro or Poly?
The top of the 59V is maple laminated. The finish varnish , like a violin finish.
guitar.com/review/electric-guitar/eastman-t59-v-rd/
Here’s info on the Pisano.
www.eastmanguitars.com/john_pisano
@@starrynightguitars Maple Laminate, hmmm.
@@gordon9177 they do laminate, solid top and all solid series of their thinline guitars. To the best of my knowledge, they don't use poly on their guitars; it's nitro or it's a violin varnish on the /v variations.
@@gordon9177 hmmm, why...the 335 is ALSO a laminate. My T486 runs circles around my Heritage 535 (a better guitar perhaps than Gibson 335).
i thought the v stood for varnish?
Hmmm… maybe It does. Either way, great guitar!
@@starrynightguitars yeah they are very good guitars,
it does. its the kind of finish they're using. they also have a nitro line.
I got a E10ss/v. Sounds great. But, it’s also cheap metal. After only one year I need a fret job from using a Capo.
Sorry to hear that. I use a capo on my acoustic occasionally but no issues.
I hate the idea of buying guitars made in China. That being said I have never heard anything negative about Eastman guitars......sound terrific and great value. I do wish they would expand their finish choices to include wine, tea burst and others.
Hi Jack. I can’t disagree with you. The finish would not be my first choice but I love the guitar.
It is indeed a complicated world when it comes to China and owning/not owning stuff. Many write comments similar to yours on their iPhones....
@@festushansen2362 - agreed! I’m very sick of politics and I understand that lots of people are turned off by the fact that these instruments come from China. Well, what doesn’t come from China?
I don’t think my 3 guitar purchases are going to impact the world balance of power. Just my 2 cents. 😊
@@starrynightguitars "I don't think my purchase will impact the world balance of power," over 330 million people say to themselves
I own an Eastman, and I love it, but what is suss is the 'handmade' claim that they like to use.
They have a huge range of instruments, and unless they have multiple thousands of expert Luthiers beavering away, it seems impossible that they are all 'handmade'.
see their plant tour video.....truly handmade....primitive equipment...TOP quality instruments...love mine.
@@lazvt8469
The sheer volume of guitars that they make, multiple models, and series of, Dreadnoughts, Grand Auditoriums, Orchestras, OM's, Jumbo's, OO's, Parlor's, Travel, Gypsy Jazz, Cabaret's, make it highly doubtful that they are all 'hand made', without using CNC machinery.
@@SaintKimbo I'd agree with you if not for the fact that there are 1.5 billion Chinese. LOL. They could be lying to us....
Hi guys. My 2 cents. Not sure if this is true but let me further muddy the waters. I’ve read that Eastman has a village or small town where all these people do is build guitars.
I agree that’s a lot of guitars but maybe it’s possible. 🤔😊
V stand for Varnish finish like a violin not vintage.
You’re right. I corrected myself in one of my comments.
@@starrynightguitars sorry I didn't read many. It was a FYI not an I need to right. Lol. Love the Eastmans. I have an AR603CED and a fully hollow T184MX. They're amazing.
.....Need to be right.....my editor is still asleep. Lol
@@nathanbouton6700 - no worries but thanks for the clarification. 😊 I love my T59V but I do wish I’d gotten a 185 or 186 instead. I think the fully hollow body lends itself more to a jazz tone & I think it would be a good bit lighter.
The 59 is still a killer guitar. I just need to use a good strap! Take care!
I avoid buying anything made in Northern Taiwan.
Most of electronic gadgets consist components made in Taiwan
As a guitar player for over 60 years yet Industrial designer, engineer and inventor. I've seen those famous Eastman guitars. However, some of those guitars have designs flowed/Faulty design. Not all of them but all those that have as Gibson's tune-o-matic stop Tailpiece. Bridge itself is fine but the way Tune-matic is attached to guitar body that is threaded into body it's a about 5mm in diameter yet threaded and press in guitar body. That actually holds all strings stresses, that's a most fragile part on guitar itself. That's not so evident just by looking at guitar. Bushing that's in bedded into Gibson's body are missing in Eastman's guitars. Those bushings must be added to Eastman guitars or guitars will be useless in no time! Guitars body has to be redrilled for those missing bushing. Only then Eastman will be Eastman! That changes must be done, or otherwise guitar will have problems and guitar will be useless. Guitar that has that faulty design is one shown on this video!! However, that might be corrected?? Check it out if is if isn't don't buy it!👍
I noticed all my Asian guitars (B&G, ESP, PRS, and Eastman) with tune-o-matic tail lack this bushing...all relatively new and underused...so perhaps in time they'll need bushings. Perhaps their tone, which is exquisite, is due to the lack of this bushing? 60-yr old engineer here also....paper pusher though.