Which Eastman electric for rhythm player?

[Meathead]

Hey Mitch - just to chime in here, I purchased my first Eastman electric last year (after 12+  years of Eastman acoustics) and I absolutely LOVE my Eastman electric.  So... in addition to acoustics, you can be assured that they build a killer electric.  The model I have is the T386 and it can do it all... rock, blues, jazz, etc, and would highly recommend you check out that model!

[sleigh]

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.

Mitch -- as you might expect, I like the sound of Guilds. I think (but don't actually know) that the main difference between the Starfire IV and Starfire V is that the V has a Bigsby tremolo. With both Epi and Gibson, in my very limited experience, I'd suggest you first play the guitar for sale before buying--generally good advice in any case, if you can, but I live in an Eastman desert with almost no local stores stocking the brand. I've used reputable online stores, and in a couple cases buying used Eastmans, just asked the seller lots of questions, made sure they had a reasonable return policy, and crossed my fingers as I pressed the Buy button. Luckily all of those turned out fine.

[Pura Vida]

+1 for the Eastman “thinline” models, which include the Romeo / Romeo LA, laminate models T386/484/486, T59v/64v, and all solid wood T184/185/186.  These guitars can really do it all, and prices vary (just like acoustic guitars).  The T386/486 is probably the best deal out there, and they are probably the most readily available in stores (or to order online).

I own a T185MX, and if you can find one of these all solid wood models, they are really something special.  And I’ve heard the T59v are amazing with that resonant varnish finish.  For what you’re looking to do at home, the T386/T486 is probably a good fit.

PS - the AR371CE was discontinued, but the AR372CE is still an active model.  My understanding is that they were identical models but with 1 pickup (371) vs. 2 pickups (372).

[Mitch]

Hey Mitch - just to chime in here, I purchased my first Eastman electric last year (after 12+  years of Eastman acoustics) and I absolutely LOVE my Eastman electric.  So... in addition to acoustics, you can be assured that they build a killer electric.  The model I have is the T386 and it can do it all... rock, blues, jazz, etc, and would highly recommend you check out that model!

Thanks Tim! It looks like the T386 is a good option! I‘ll keep an eye open for a used one, even though quite difficult over here. 
i am currently at the airport waiting for our flight to italy. Might check out the shop down there 

---

+1 for the Eastman “thinline” models, which include the Romeo / Romeo LA, laminate models T386/484/486, T59v/64v, and all solid wood T184/185/186.  These guitars can really do it all, and prices vary (just like acoustic guitars).  The T386/486 is probably the best deal out there, and they are probably the most readily available in stores (or to order online).

I own a T185MX, and if you can find one of these all solid wood models, they are really something special.  And I’ve heard the T59v are amazing with that resonant varnish finish.  For what you’re looking to do at home, the T386/T486 is probably a good fit.

PS - the AR371CE was discontinued, but the AR372CE is still an active model.  My understanding is that they were identical models but with 1 pickup (371) vs. 2 pickups (372).

Cheers Brian
I would really love to try one of the thinlines. Unfortunately the local eastman dealer is an acoustic shop only. 
lets see down in italy, there might be a used one around, and I will certainly check out local guitar shops. The swiss franc is stronger than the Euro these days, why not take advantage