eastman T185 vs Gibson Es135

Arnesto · #1 12-15-2011, 05:55 PM

Hi, I'm in the market of a nice semi, which of these do you preffer, and why?
I'm already have a Chinese Hofner Verythin and I'll like to upgrade for something better
thanks

jbear · #2 12-15-2011, 06:14 PM

I have a T165 that I got from a forum member. It's easily as nice as any Gibson I've played. If the 185 is anywhere close...
You've really got to try them first, but it is worth a try.

Arnesto · #3 12-17-2011, 10:30 AM

the problem is, that here in my country there´s not eastman rep
How is the neck feel?
I will be traveling to New York next May

BigMikeinNJ · #4 12-17-2011, 12:28 PM

If you are in New York next May you can catch a bus at Port Authority that will take you almost to the door of Guitars n Jazz. Look around on eBay and see some of the stuff that they carry. You will have to call in advance to make an appointment but Lou DelRosso, the owner is a real nice guy. Of course I think Rudys might have a few and then once you are there there is always eBay and Craigs List to try, depending on how long you are in town...

The Eastman necks are really nice. I've considered the T185 a few times. If I am right there is only a block under the bridge. Check out Eastman's site for specifics. The workmanship on the Eastmans is really great. They always look 10 times nicer in person than in a photograph.

mr. beaumont · #5 12-17-2011, 01:38 PM

If you're gonna spend some money, don't rule out a German made verythin...nicer than the Gibson and the Eastman imho...but discontinued, they pop up on ebay for around 1200 to 1500.

Signed,
Biased verythin owner

jbear · #6 12-17-2011, 02:47 PM

The neck on the 165 feel a little thinner (front to back) than the Ibanez and Gibson semi's that I am playing but still very comfortable for me (I prefer chunky to thin). The flatness makes it feel like it is touch wider, but I don't know that it is...never actually measured. It's got Duncan Seth's in it and it's a solid mahogany top with maple over that. This one is almost completely hollow with only a small block under the bridge (if I remember correctly) so...it sounds very unique in a good way. The build is as nice as anything I've played. Not a flaw to be found.

Arnesto · #7 12-17-2011, 03:27 PM

The Chinese one is great! The Germans better I think, but I m searching a more resonant guitar, and the eastman has only a block under the bridge.

jbear · #8 12-17-2011, 03:45 PM

If you look at the Eastman site:
Eastman Guitars
I don't think Hofner's doing anything better. I really like Hofner's by the way...I played a Jazzica and it was a beautiful instrument.
I'm very impressed by Eastman, and I've not heard anyone give a negative impression of their guitars (I'm sure someone has). I'd recommend playing one if you can. That said...this is the only one I have played, so...that certainly should be considered when evaluating my observation.

tonedeaf · #9 01-02-2012, 11:46 AM

I am looking to buy a semi-hollow. Currently I do not find much used and most of it seems overpriced.

I was ready to buy one of the new Hofner Verythins (HVS-SB or DC), which are advertised as being made in Germany. Is seems, however that the body and neck is made in China and is then sent to Germany for finishing and electronics. Claiming that this is German made just somehow does not seem fully transparent and I was a little put off. I suspect that they are fine instruments and I own an Eastman, which I really like, so the made in China thing is not a big issue but the unequivocal claim of being made in Germany is bugging me.

Has anyone had any experience with these? Or can make a comparison to the Eastmans?

mr. beaumont · #10 01-02-2012, 12:10 PM

Any new verythins are made in china. I have not seen hofner claim these are made in germany.

Prior to the ct series coming out a few years ago, verythins were made in germany (standdard, classic, and john stowell models) these are high quality instruments that can be had at a fraction of their original price used. I highly reccomend them.

The chinese made hofners are on par with the ibanez's and epiphonein the same price bracket, maybe a little nicer.

jbear · #11 01-02-2012, 07:50 PM

Two of the nicest non-Gibson/Heritage semis I've played in the last couple of years are the Eastman 165 and the Ibanez AS103 These 103's are more like the MIJ Artists and nothing at all like the "regular" Artcores, which are more inline with Epi's and Hofner VF's.