Earlier this week, my new E20 MR TC guitars arrived. About a year ago, Eastman announced that they purchased a supply of Madagascar Rosewood, which they were sharing with their partner company, Bourgeois. Normally, MadRose carries a hefty upcharge, as does a torrified Adi top, but Eastman announced two models with all three features for about $2200 MAP. I placed my order for the dread immediately, and after I sold a couple of other guitars, I decided to place a pre-order for the OM, as well.
Then, I waited... the original ETA was summer 2022, but like to many things, that timeline slipped into late summer, then fall, and then November. Finally, last week, these guitars arrived and began to ship to dealers. I heard that only 20 made it nationwide, and these are from that first batch.
LA Guitar Sales received two of each model, and all four guitars looked incredible. I had first pick on the dread, and second pick on the OM. Fortunately, the other OM was selected, so I actually got my preferred pick for each model. They shipped and arrived about a week ago, but I had an eventful week at work, so I didn't get to do more than open the boxes, inspect the guitars, and eventually change the strings (replacing the coated D'Add strings with DR Rare lights on both).
(Note: I'm creating two NGD threads -- one for each model. But in case this sounds familiar, I'm keeping the top part the same in each thread)
Beginning with the aesthetics, the top is a little darker and with a wider grain and a little more character than the dread version (see my NGD Pt.1 thread). But similarly, it's not over-cooked or brittle... just the right amount of toasting. The back is more of a traditional, medium brown color with some nice figuring. The build quality is excellent with an ideal setup, smooth Gotoh tuners, and Ebony board and bridge.
This OM has more low end growl than either my E40OM or E20OM-SB (both 5yo), and the body rumbles when I play it. It begs to be strummed, which makes me very happy. The TC Adi top provides a clear, dry voice with excellent note separation. It really responds when I dig in, and although I'm not a fingerstyle player, it sounds sweet, when I ditch the pick too.
I was reluctant to buy this OM b/c I prefer larger body / full scale length guitars, and I already have the two Rosewood/Adi OMs mentioned above. But this guitar exceeds my expectations (and sonically, sits apart from either of them), so I'm glad I decided to go for it. Like the dread, this OM is going to require more time to get a feel for it, since it's really different than my other OMs (in a really good way).
Finally, thanks to Ted and Helene at LA Guitar Sales. They've always been great to work with and kept in touch throughout the extended ordering process.
Here are the obligatory NGD photos:
![[Image: 39uV2CF.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/39uV2CF.jpg)
![[Image: dZxdkkn.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/dZxdkkn.jpg)
![[Image: x3V7MJx.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/x3V7MJx.jpg)
![[Image: vBsSQk8.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/vBsSQk8.jpg)
![[Image: cWWZbfq.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/cWWZbfq.jpg)
![[Image: MiCITDf.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/MiCITDf.jpg)
![[Image: jLE0qlR.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/jLE0qlR.jpg)
![[Image: 7NKx6yo.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/7NKx6yo.jpg)
Then, I waited... the original ETA was summer 2022, but like to many things, that timeline slipped into late summer, then fall, and then November. Finally, last week, these guitars arrived and began to ship to dealers. I heard that only 20 made it nationwide, and these are from that first batch.
LA Guitar Sales received two of each model, and all four guitars looked incredible. I had first pick on the dread, and second pick on the OM. Fortunately, the other OM was selected, so I actually got my preferred pick for each model. They shipped and arrived about a week ago, but I had an eventful week at work, so I didn't get to do more than open the boxes, inspect the guitars, and eventually change the strings (replacing the coated D'Add strings with DR Rare lights on both).
(Note: I'm creating two NGD threads -- one for each model. But in case this sounds familiar, I'm keeping the top part the same in each thread)
Beginning with the aesthetics, the top is a little darker and with a wider grain and a little more character than the dread version (see my NGD Pt.1 thread). But similarly, it's not over-cooked or brittle... just the right amount of toasting. The back is more of a traditional, medium brown color with some nice figuring. The build quality is excellent with an ideal setup, smooth Gotoh tuners, and Ebony board and bridge.
This OM has more low end growl than either my E40OM or E20OM-SB (both 5yo), and the body rumbles when I play it. It begs to be strummed, which makes me very happy. The TC Adi top provides a clear, dry voice with excellent note separation. It really responds when I dig in, and although I'm not a fingerstyle player, it sounds sweet, when I ditch the pick too.
I was reluctant to buy this OM b/c I prefer larger body / full scale length guitars, and I already have the two Rosewood/Adi OMs mentioned above. But this guitar exceeds my expectations (and sonically, sits apart from either of them), so I'm glad I decided to go for it. Like the dread, this OM is going to require more time to get a feel for it, since it's really different than my other OMs (in a really good way).
Finally, thanks to Ted and Helene at LA Guitar Sales. They've always been great to work with and kept in touch throughout the extended ordering process.
Here are the obligatory NGD photos:
"It's only castles burning." -- Neil Young
