Eastman E1D Special?

[Blackmore Fan]

I've noticed that there is a TC version of the E1D that is referred to as the E1D Special.  The only places I've seen it mentioned are "coming soon" and require you to preorder.  Has anyone seen one of these in the wild, as in its out there and available for purchase or "now" online order?

[TomC]

https://www.eastmanguitars.com/e1d-special_new

It looks like quilted Sapele as opposed to the standard Sapele. It also has the Truetone gloss finish in lieu of the satin finish. Otherwise the specs seem similar to an Eastman dread. I thought I saw that the were released at NAMM this year. Maybe one of the dealers can update on availability.

Edit - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APoVGJm8BUs check out from about 0:45-1:30 on the video. The differences seem to be torrefied top (although I have an E1D with TC top), gloss finish and tortoise binding. They also show an OM cutaway with electronics

[StrayMan]

I've never heard of Quilter Sapele before. Looking at the photo on the website , it doesn't look much different to me..... As an owner of 4 E 1/2 series guitars, I'm not sure there would be enough of a difference to make me buy one.  Hmmmm?

[TomC]

I've never heard of Quilter Sapele before. Looking at the photo on the website , it doesn't look much different to me..... As an owner of 4 E 1/2 series guitars, I'm not sure there would be enough of a difference to make me buy one.  Hmmmm?

Maybe I am using the wrong wording - quilted or figured or ?? I wonder if it is more or an aesthetic consideration as opposed to offering any tonal difference.



I read somewhere that grading of tops is quite frequently base on a visual evaluation as well as a relative evaluation based on the pieces in hand. But the higher grade doesn't necessarily make it a better top in regards to tonal superiority. It's just - clearer, straighter grain, uniform across the width, no marks or discoloration etc.

[StrayMan]

I've never heard of Quilter Sapele before. Looking at the photo on the website , it doesn't look much different to me..... As an owner of 4 E 1/2 series guitars, I'm not sure there would be enough of a difference to make me buy one.  Hmmmm?

Maybe I am using the wrong wording - quilted or figured or ?? I wonder if it is more or an aesthetic consideration as opposed to offering any tonal difference.

The original link posted  took me to the Eastman site and E1D Special. The picture of the back looked like regular Sapele. 



I read somewhere that grading of tops is quite frequently base on a visual evaluation as well as a relative evaluation based on the pieces in hand. But the higher grade doesn't necessarily make it a better top in regards to tonal superiority. It's just - clearer, straighter grain, uniform across the width, no marks or discoloration etc. 

[tonyw]

The acoustic shoppe featured these guitars at NAMM, you can see the figured sapele better in the video I think
https://www.youtube.com/live/JKP8i5o-LEM?feature=share
They also show the more upmarket Luthier series, which look very tasty!

[AlanSam]

The back on that first, cutaway OM is fantastic! Somehow I doubt many of the others in that range will be as impressive - but no doubt good guitars nonetheless.

[zoidberg]

The back on that first, cutaway OM is fantastic! Somehow I doubt many of the others in that range will be as impressive - but no doubt good guitars nonetheless.

It's the same style cutaway as used by Bourgeios guitars. 

Here's a Bourgeios



The Eastman



Good to see a few features from Bourgeois drifting down to the more affordable models.

[sleigh]

I really like the look of that figured sapele.

[AlanSam]

The back on that first, cutaway OM is fantastic! Somehow I doubt many of the others in that range will be as impressive - but no doubt good guitars nonetheless.

It's the same style cutaway as used by Bourgeios guitars. 

Here's a Bourgeios



The Eastman



Good to see a few features from Bourgeois drifting down to the more affordable models.         

Yes I love the wood and I also like the cut away style. As a matter of fact, from the 1980s Dana was one of the leading pioneers of the cut away OM.