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Hi there
I have been starting out as an acoustic player the last few years. Still consider myself sort of beginner. Playing mostly rhythm, easy singer songwriter stuff. Nothing fancy. I enjoy myself and start to add singing.
Been noodling around with some electrics just for fun at a friends place recently and enjoyed it. Playing it like an acoustic obv  my friend takes the piss but has to agree that it sounds cool. He is more the lead playing typ of guy. Has a strat and a tele.
So in short, I mainly strum. I like those smooth, warm tones. Maybe a bit bluesy. Wonder how a semi or fully hollow body would feel.
A) does it make sense playing an electric that way?
B) if so, which Eastman (or in general) model would suit best?
C) I‘d like something very simple, tone and volume, nothing fancy.
I hope this threat isn‘t ‚stupid‘, I really don‘t know much about electrics.
Playing two Eastman acoustics 
Cheers from Switzerland
Mitch
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There's the Eastman AR371CE one pickup, AR372CE two pickups. I like a low volume setting on amp not over riding the natural acoustical sound of the guitar, a very nice tonal sound but then I'm a home player now and it's perfect for my needs.. I made some phone vids of my 372 mostly playing with fingers
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Mitch - it is not a stupid question at all - but it is a big question. What kind of amplifier do you have? Do you intend to play alone or with others? I have a Roland Cube and use it with my Eastman AR371CE which has one pickup and two controls - volume and tone. Purists might denigrate the Roland Cube, but quality is fitness for purpose and It is fine for noodling with my AR371CE. You might find that rhythm playing is ok, but chord-melody playing even at a fairly rudimentary level (me) might be more enjoyable for you. The AR371CE is no longer made by Eastman but they do pop up for sale on Ebay and Reverb now and again.
There are as many answers to your questions as there are members on this forum - and they will be equally valid.
Alan
''Bad company done got me here …'' - Rev Gary Davis
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(08-01-2022, 10:23 AM)Charlieb Wrote: There's the Eastman AR371CE one pickup, AR372CE two pickups. I like a low volume setting on amp not over riding the natural acoustical sound of the guitar, a very nice tonal sound but then I'm a home player now and it's perfect for my needs.. I made some phone vids of my 372 mostly playing with fingers
Thanks Charlieb
I am a home player as well. Don‘t think that will change in the future. Maybe playing for my family or visiting a friends place.
(08-01-2022, 05:34 PM)AlanSam Wrote: Mitch - it is not a stupid question at all - but it is a big question. What kind of amplifier do you have? Do you intend to play alone or with others? I have a Roland Cube and use it with my Eastman AR371CE which has one pickup and two controls - volume and tone. Purists might denigrate the Roland Cube, but quality is fitness for purpose and It is fine for noodling with my AR371CE. You might find that rhythm playing is ok, but chord-melody playing even at a fairly rudimentary level (me) might be more enjoyable for you. The AR371CE is no longer made by Eastman but they do pop up for sale on Ebay and Reverb now and again.
There are as many answers to your questions as there are members on this forum - and they will be equally valid.
Alan, thanks a lot for your input! Much appreciated.
we are here for the big questions aren‘t we 
that is two out of two for the AR371CE, need to check that out.
I play for myself at home. Bedroom player mostly. Max would be going to a friends, bit than as well, it is no jam, he shows me things, I plsy his guitars, he is a great player, I am just starting my journey, well re-starting actually. Might play a bit of rhythm and he plays over it. Good exercise for me.
He has a Yamaha THR something, uses it a lot even though he owns some nice tube amps. I can borrow the THR once I get started. We did compare it to his other amps, and for playing at home in the living room it is plenty and sounds quite nice I think.
yeah I will definitely getting into chord melodies etc.
Thank you again!
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Hi Mitch, I have the T486, paired with the Katana 100 amp and an HX Stomp, it is an extremely versatile combination. I primarily play at home but jam with some guys every few months. Our songs range from rock to jazz to folk to country, a little bit of everything. I used to play rhythm but find myself being drawn into more lead play. The T486 has no problem fitting in to the sounds required of any song. I'm loving it.
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The T486 looks like a cool guitar!
I found this vid on the AR371CE :-
https://youtu.be/2udPas3TXYk
Alan
''Bad company done got me here …'' - Rev Gary Davis
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(08-02-2022, 04:26 AM)Oldjock Wrote: Hi Mitch, I have the T486, paired with the Katana 100 amp and an HX Stomp, it is an extremely versatile combination. I primarily play at home but jam with some guys every few months. Our songs range from rock to jazz to folk to country, a little bit of everything. I used to play rhythm but find myself being drawn into more lead play. The T486 has no problem fitting in to the sounds required of any song. I'm loving it.
Thanks! Yeah I certainly dig the looks and sound of these Guitars! On my try list for sure! never played one but keep my eyes open if one pops up locally, shop or used.
fingers crossed
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Mitch -- It sounds like you're looking for a semi-hollow jazz/blues guitar (mostly strumming with smooth, warm tones), something along the lines of a Gibson E335, but less expensive; I have a Guild Starfire V from 1964 that's essentially the same thing. I'd suggest, as OldJock and AlanSam have above, the Eastman T486 fits your needs best, being very similar to the E335 or my Starfire V and from what I've heard in online videos, sounds great.
My poor Guild needs lots of work; it was my main guitar early on, was borrowed from me by a 'friend' who didn't treat it well before he returned after a few years, and has seen lots of playing over several decades. The frets need to be replaced; the electronics, switches, and wiring are nearly 60 years old and are somewhat wonky. I've never had it worked on and it badly needs the attention of luthier to get it into decent playing condition again. I intend to have my luthier to look at it and give me an estimate, but if (as I fear) that estimate is in the four-figure range, then I may well just be looking at a new Eastman T486 myself instead of fixing the Guild...
Best, Steve
6 string acoustics: 2018 Eastman E10D (Red Spruce/Mahogany); 2021 Eastman E6D-TC (Alpine Spruce/Mahogany); 2021 AC522CE - GB (European Spruce/Mahogany)
Electric guitar: 1964 Guild Starfire V semi-hollow electric
Acoustic Bass: Epiphone El Capitan 5 String Acoustic/Electric Fretless (Year ?)
Website: http://www.stephenleigh.com
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(08-02-2022, 07:02 AM)sleigh Wrote: Mitch -- It sounds like you're looking for a semi-hollow jazz/blues guitar (mostly strumming with smooth, warm tones), something along the lines of a Gibson E335, but less expensive; I have a Guild Starfire V from 1964 that's essentially the same thing. I'd suggest, as OldJock and AlanSam have above, the Eastman T486 fits your needs best, being very similar to the E335 or my Starfire V and from what I've heard in online videos, sounds great.
My poor Guild needs lots of work; it was my main guitar early on, was borrowed from me by a 'friend' who didn't treat it well before he returned after a few years, and has seen lots of playing over several decades. The frets need to be replaced; the electronics, switches, and wiring are nearly 60 years old and are somewhat wonky. I've never had it worked on and it badly needs the attention of luthier to get it into decent playing condition again. I intend to have my luthier to look at it and give me an estimate, but if (as I fear) that estimate is in the four-figure range, then I may well just be looking at a new Eastman T486 myself instead of fixing the Guild...
Thanks Steve!
I do like what I hear from these semi or fully hollow guitars, on yt or also on concerts. As you said, those warm smooth tones, yeah!
really think I need to try to play one. Or similar models from other brands. Loads of Epiphones available at the used market locally. Might give one of them a try. Certainly not in the same league as the eastman but maybe worth a try.
cheers Steve, appreciated!
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(08-02-2022, 07:02 AM)sleigh Wrote: Mitch -- It sounds like you're looking for a semi-hollow jazz/blues guitar (mostly strumming with smooth, warm tones), something along the lines of a Gibson E335, but less expensive; I have a Guild Starfire V from 1964 that's essentially the same thing.
there is a Guild Starfire IV up for sale locally. I guess it is the Korean made one, no problem with that. Might try it out. Some Epi Casinos and Dots nearby. One Epi ES-335 all in mahogany as opposed to the usual maple. just next door, could cycle there. Might try that as well, to get an idea how they sound and feel. No idea if these Epi‘s are worth a try, certainly very affordable.
No used Eastman Electrics close enough.
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