Eastman TC vs Non-TC tops

[Ambertop]

For those that have been Eastman owners for a while....How do you think the TC models compare soundwise to the same model without a TC top?
Thanks for your responses.

[jaymotion]

Ive tried the e1d v e1d special (with tc), e8d vs e8dtc, e20d vs e20dtc. I felt it was most noticable with sitka spruce, at least with the ones I tried. The biggest difference was between the 8s. The non -tc felt stiffer and muted in comparison. TC is definitely a bit warmer and a more 'pleasant' sustain. The adi top also had some noticeable differences, but I wonder if because its a e20 both guitars were higher grade models there was less of a pronounces sonic difference.

Also, I own a e6ss-tc and after about 6 months of further breaking it in, it has a tone that is deep and woody and has a lot of vintage sounds that I haven't found in other guitars. At least in my experience, the TC pays off big after some play in time.

When I buy my next Eastman I am going to prioritize it having TC. The e8tc is so good.

[Meathead]

I own both non-TC and a TC model.  Personally:  I like them both, and don't consider my TC model (E10 OM) to be "better" in tone than my E6 OM.  It's a different tone nuance that is hard to describe.  I'm pleased with them both!  I would not necessarily prioritize a TC model in the search for my next Eastman, but would certainly be OK with it if it had it.

[sleigh]

I'll second Tim's opinion. I've had both TC and Non-TC Eastmans and don't consider one 'better' than the other. This is especially true if you have a non-TC Adi (Red Spruce) top, as playing the instrument will eventually 'break-in' the top and it will sound excellent. In fact, the journey itself is interesting. I'd put my E10D (non-TC) up against any Adi-topped E10D, TC or non.

[Victor Vector]

I dunno call me old fashioned but I prefer a traditional curing over heat treating a top to excel its properties.

[Vapour]

I prefer the non-TC tops.  I've gone in to buy a TC-topped guitar numerous times and never take one home.

[Charlieb]

I don't know anything about comparisons as I only have a E10 OM I bought new in 2016, so never played or even heard one with a TC top. So where I'm at now and will most likely stay is I don't care for one with a TC top. No biggie I just don't care. I do know lots of people hear what they want to hear.

I'm retired so I play my guitars a lot, a whole lot, 6-8 hrs a day 24/7/365. 2-3 hrs per day playing the few days I'm yard working.

See a lot of folks talking about their guitars opening up. I've had my Eastman acoustic for 7 years and have played the living Hades out of it and after 60 years of playing I've yet to experience an opening up factor in a guitar. I don't hear any difference in the sound or rather can't remember it sounding any different from the day I got the guitar or any time up till now