If you’ve played the guitar for some time, you’re likely familiar with Eastman. If not, you’ll surely find their guitars when visiting a specialised guitar store. Although the brand’s not as popular as other guitar brands, their product range is impressive. If you’re a big player searching for a guitar that makes a difference, you may be interested in what Eastman offers.
About Eastman
Qian Ni, a flautist and Boston College of Music graduate founded Eastman in 1992. At first, he intended to import stringed instruments from China, such as violins, violas, and cellos. However, he observed that many of his classmates were competing with inferior products that fit their budget or were forced to spend money they didn’t have for high-quality instruments. Qian Ni didn’t like that and set a longer-term goal: to use his contacts and knowledge of music to create the best instruments possible for all musicians, regardless of skill level or social standing.
Since he only had one thought when he started Eastman: “craftsmanship”, he established a workshop in Beijing where skilled violin builders employed chisels, gougers, and rasps instead of the machinery other manufacturers used to produce high-quality violins.
In 2002, Qian Ni realised he could focus on further instruments, particularly mandolins and guitars because his production facilities were now a high calibre. He brought in Mark Lacey and Otto D’Ambrosio, two of the best luthiers in the world, to ensure Eastman products were of the utmost quality.
Today, luthiers create beautifully crafted and responsive Eastman guitars and other instruments in a workshop. Though it’s a tiny distinction, it undoubtedly makes all the difference. As a result, Eastman produces guitars of truly excellent quality at a fraction of the price you would pay for comparable goods from some of their more well-known competitors.
In the past few years, the press and guitarists who were aware of the brand have shown a significant increase in interest. It’s no surprise, as the 300-year evolution of stringed instrument design is condensed into only 30 years in Eastman’s history, focusing on the most significant accomplishments and innovations.
Eastman Guitar Range
As for anything in life, there is no alternative to skilled craftsmanship regarding instruments. There’s a considerable difference between assembly and artistry in guitar making. Every instrument at Eastman receives the meticulous care necessary to guarantee that it performs to the best of its abilities.
Features like precision tap tuning and hand-scalloped bracing set Eastman guitars apart from their competitors’ products. Their product range is vast, including electric and acoustic options so every player can find the right guitar for them.
Acoustic Guitars
Regarding acoustics, there are three types of guitars Eastman: the PCH Series, the Traditional Series and the AC Series. Model numbers that begin with an “E” represent Traditional Series, and those that start with an “AC” and “PHC” represent, you got it, AC Series and PHC Series accordingly.
The PHC Series
Eastman’s most affordable line of guitars is the Pacific Coast Highway series (PCH), which only has a solid Sitka spruce top with laminated back and sides compared to the other Eastman range models that are completely solid. The PCH is offered in three body styles: Dreadnought, Parlour, and Grand Auditorium, the latter of which is the only one that has an integrated Fishman pick-up. Except for the PCH-3GACE, also offered in transparent black, all PHC guitars have a natural or classic finish (a sort of aged burst).
The Traditional Series
Two shapes are available for the 1, 2, and 3 Traditional Series: Orchestral and Dreadnought. Both the 1 and 2 series have solid sapele sides and backs, however, the 2 series has solid cedar tops whilst the 1 series has solid sitka spruce tops. The 3 differs slightly more than the 1 series; it has the Sitka top, but Ovangkol is used in place of the Sapele back and sides and a Fishman Sonitone pickup is added.
As the initial ranges, tone woods make all the difference in the 6, 8, 10, 20, and 40 series. The 10 and 20 series now feature OO and OO SS shapes besides the Dreadnought and Orchestral versions that are still available for all guitars.
The AC Series
The AC series 1 and 2 structure is the same as traditional acoustics. The AC122-1ce and AC122-2ce are the two distinct models of the 1 series. In addition to having sapele backs and sides and Fishman Sonitone pickups, both have solid Sitka spruce and cedar tops. The pickup in series two is identical, except it has an ovangkol back and sides and a Sitka spruce top. Once more, tonewood is what makes these ranges different from one another.
Electric Guitars
Eastman’s electric guitar range is renowned for blending classic designs with modern craftsmanship, making them popular among musicians who value aesthetics and sound quality. Their electric guitars are known for their meticulous attention to detail, high-quality materials, and versatility.
SB (Solid-Body) Series
SB59
Inspired by classic Les Paul designs, the SB59 is one of Eastman’s flagship models. It features a solid body made from premium mahogany with a carved maple top. The guitar comes with high-end Seymour Duncan pickups, offering a rich, powerful tone suitable for rock, blues, and jazz. The SB59 often comes with a nitrocellulose finish, providing a vintage feel and a resonant, warm tone. It’s celebrated for its sustainability and clarity.
SB57
Similar to the SB59 but with a slightly different pickup configuration, the SB57 is designed for players who want a more classic, vintage sound. It also features a hand-carved maple top and mahogany body, with options for custom finishes.
T (Thinline/Hollow-Body) Series
T64/v
Inspired by the classic Gibson ES-330, this model features a fully hollow body with P90 pickups, giving it a bright, snappy tone perfect for jazz, blues, and rockabilly. The T64/v has a vintage vibe, with aged finishes that give it a well-worn, classic look right out of the box.
T59/v
Similar to the T64/v but with humbucker pickups, the T59/v offers a thicker, more powerful tone, making it versatile for many genres. It has a laminated maple body, which produces a bright, resonant sound. The vintage-style finish and hardware further add to its classic appeal.
Romeo (Thinline) Series
This model is a more modern take on the thin-line guitar, with a lightweight design and a slightly smaller body. The Romeo features Lollar Imperial humbuckers, providing a warm, articulate tone with excellent dynamic range. It’s perfect for players who want a more contemporary instrument that still retains vintage-inspired aesthetics and sound.
Archtop Electrics
AR403CE
Jazz musicians will love the archtop electric guitars made by Eastman. The AR403CE, for instance, features a laminate spruce top and laminate maple back and sides, with a single floating mini-humbucker that delivers a warm, rich tone perfect for jazz and blues.
AR503CE
A step up from the AR403CE, the AR503CE features a solid spruce top and solid maple back and sides, offering enhanced resonance and a more dynamic tonal range. It’s equipped with a single humbucker, providing a clear, articulate sound.
