NGD - Eastman PCH3-GACE Pacific Coast Highway in Maple

[L-Man]

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Hi all,

I have had the PCH1OM (small body, Sitka/sapele ply) and PCH2GACE (grand auditorium, Sitka rosewood ply) so will start by comparing this model to those.

First off, the gloss finish on the PCH3 is far superior to the matte, open pore finish of the two lower models. This no longer appears to be a budget guitar.

I actually bought two of these, and gave the better one to my new son-in-law as a gift. His had even better looking spruce on top, but this is very adequate by all standards for a sub-$1k guitar.

The tone is where this really shines. Whereas the 1 and 2 (great guitars in their own right!) were a bit rubbery or unfocused, and perhaps a bit over ripe, this has a solid center, it is brilliant and has excellent projection. It easily cuts through a mix of other instruments or voices in an acoustic environment.

In fact, it’s shockingly good. No doubt it must be 3-ply maple, as the usual poplar filler for the middle ply is what I think the bit of fuzzy sound comes from with lesser guitars.

It reminds me a bit of my AC622CE - the colouration of the maple back, sides and neck no doubt contributing to the tonal similarity.

In all, this guitar is a winner. I have absolutely nothing to complain about, at any price, but especially at its point. More money will buy you more richness and response, but this is a great guitar on its own merits, without apologies.

Thanks for reading!

[rew]

L-man,

Thanks for the review...  she looks really nice, enjoy.

Bob

[AlanSam]

Absolutely beautiful!

[Pura Vida]

Congrats, L-Man.  It's a beauty!

[Guzzi Fan]

That is really a nice looking guitar, and does not appear "low budget".

Enjoy!

Rod

[vashondan]

Congrats on your new guitar.  Looks beautiful!

[sleigh]

Definitely a fine-looking guitar!

[Vapour]

That's a great looking maple back!

[Grandpa Bucky]

I pulled an Eastman guitar off the wall and tried it out yesterday (2/10/2023). With great tone and plenty of sustain, I would have sworn it had solid wood back and sides. I looked inside at the label and it was a PCH3-GACE. That guitar sounds far superior to any laminate guitar I have ever played. It doesn't just look great, you have a real gem there.

[DonO]

Congratulations L-man! Amazing looking guitar. 

Don