NGD today --- just in time for this wonderful new Eastman site!
If you haven't noticed by now, I've gone "all in" on Eastman in 2017. I started with an E40D and then bought two OM guitars, all of which I love. Along the way, I discovered two things: (1.) I'm really partial to Rosewood, so I sold off a few Mahogany body guitars, all of which were dreads and (2.) I've always been - and continue to be a dread player (see #1 for my dilemma). I have a Rosewood/Sitka dread (2008 Seagull Artist Studio), but it's a totally different creature and not getting any attention since the Easties showed up.
I called Ted at LA Guitar Sales, who had two E20D guitars in stock. Based on the photos, I had a preference, but didn't say, so I could get his live feedback. They were very comparable, but he agreed with my preference. Next, I asked him to play both guitars, as well as an E40D that he has in stock. When he called me back, he confirmed that all three were in the same tonal family with a bias towards the E40D (no surprise). However, he was surprised to discover that the same E20D was more responsive and 20% louder than either of the other two guitars.
So, it delivered today, and wow is he right. This thing is a cannon! I can't really make a direct comparison b/c my E40D currently has Nickel Bronze strings on it, but it's as loud as my E40D --- and right out of the gate (with the stock D'Addario strings), the tone and sustain are superb, as is the build quality. I am very pleased with the top, which is mostly blonde with just a bit of red grain mixed in (and a few markings, which may or may not be small, faint bearclaws). Likewise, the Rosewood body is fairly straight, but the back has this really interesting dark streak that runs perpendicular along the back. Can Rosewood have a bearclaw too, LOL??!!!
So, ***this is likely my last Eastman purchase for quite a while. I am consistently amazed at these beautiful guitars --- everything from the wood selection, build quality, bracing, sound. I feel so fortunate to own these fine instruments and will be hanging onto to them for many years.
*** Famous Last Words
Obligatory NGD photos:
|