Eastman Thin-lines

[newsense]

I'm in the market for a new thin-line semi and there appears to be a lot of love for the Eastman T184/5/6 series on this forum. My short-list also includes the Godin Montreal (it is my Godin Flat Five that I am replacing) and the Yamaha SA2200. I tend to go for a "modern" sound, whatever that is, with Scofield, Holdsworth et al being strong influences. I also dabble with blues - so, I use overdrive quite often, but also strive for a modern acoustic influenced sound in some of my jazz playing (hence the piezo pick-up on the Montreal is of interest).

The question is, how do the Eastman thin-lines compare to the mainstream ? Whilst the carved top suggests you get a lot of guitar for the money, are they more suited to the traditional mellow jazz guitar styles beloved of many on this forum, or can they offer something a little dirtier when asked ?

[rickshapiro]

Originally Posted by newsense

I'm in the market for a new thin-line semi and there appears to be a lot of love for the Eastman T184/5/6 series on this forum. My short-list also includes the Godin Montreal (it is my Godin Flat Five that I am replacing) and the Yamaha SA2200. I tend to go for a "modern" sound, whatever that is, with Scofield, Holdsworth et al being strong influences. I also dabble with blues - so, I use overdrive quite often, but also strive for a modern acoustic influenced sound in some of my jazz playing (hence the piezo pick-up on the Montreal is of interest).

The question is, how do the Eastman thin-lines compare to the mainstream ? Whilst the carved top suggests you get a lot of guitar for the money, are they more suited to the traditional mellow jazz guitar styles beloved of many on this forum, or can they offer something a little dirtier when asked ?

Can I recommend that you look at the Comins GCS-1. It is a spectacular guitar.

[Al_F]

I'd love to play one of these. I'm guessing since its a solid top & mostly hollow, its more acoustic in tone than a 335. I wonder how feedback resistant they as well.

[Steve Z]

Originally Posted by newsense

... I tend to go for a "modern" sound, whatever that is, with Scofield, Holdsworth et al being strong influences. I also dabble with blues - so, I use overdrive quite often, but also strive for a modern acoustic influenced sound in some of my jazz playing (hence the piezo pick-up on the Montreal is of interest).

The question is, how do the Eastman thin-lines compare to the mainstream ? Whilst the carved top suggests you get a lot of guitar for the money, are they more suited to the traditional mellow jazz guitar styles beloved of many on this forum, or can they offer something a little dirtier when asked ?

In my experience... no. The Eastman thinline guitars are a great bang for the buck but being fully hollow they do feedback quite easily and have more of a hollowbody jazz box tone. The 335 style guitars will get you a bit closer, but still just closer.

Based on the description of the style music and what you really want I would suggest that you just wait for a use Yamaha SA2200 to come around and they can be found for between $1200-1400.

[Cobra]

Originally Posted by rickshapiro

Can I recommend that you look at the Comins GCS-1. It is a spectacular guitar.

Have you had a chance to play the Comins GCS-1?
If so, I'd love to hear your impressions...

[rickshapiro]

Originally Posted by Cobra

Have you had a chance to play the Comins GCS-1?
If so, I'd love to hear your impressions...

Really nice finish and attention to detail. The setup was perfect. There was a lot of great sounds to be had. The single-coil tap was surprisingly nice. Overall it is very nice at a reasonable cost. I would get it in a second before a 335 and from a price perspective I would consider it before plunking down money for a Sadowski or other guitars made overseas. It is made in Korea rather then China or Japan so the costs are more reasonable. I think these are going to be really hot.

Rick

[newsense]

Rick
Thanks for the suggestion of the Comins. It looks great. So far I haven't found a dealer in the UK, but if anyone knows any different please let me know.

[0zoro]

I have a MOntreal, cant really forward how satisified I am with the guitar. I started out with eip and ibanez and went through a stage of pup changes and mods etc. Love the tone as well as the neck. Look carefully at your coming buy, try and give it a few nights sleep. I can remember a stage where I was so interested in others oppinion or veiw on this bit of equipment or that that I lost track of the music I was interested in form the beginning. Good luck! 0zoro

[newsense]

Ozoro - what style of music do you play and what is the Montreal best for ?

I did try a Montreal about three years ago, before the Flat Five - but it was too expensive for me then. Now I'm prepared to spend more. At the time, the amp I tested it through was c**p, so I don't have a good memory of the range of tones available.

[0zoro]

Hi Newsense! I play through a new roland 40xl, I fell in love with the tone of the xl 80 but felt that my needs were still met with the 40. I only play for myself for one, and I have a bad hip which doesnt let me carry much wieght, and thus the 80 was no longer a competitor. I describe myself as a beginner and am taking lessons with the Jimmy Bruno group. You are turning to the wrong person if you want a lot of high hype opinion about this guitar virsus that one. I tried the Montreal, felt very comfortable with the neck and the tonal range. It has a 5 way switch and has the piazaro (sp?) mics if you like the more aukustic sound. Very versitile. I admit that I don play around with pedals or experiment too much with the amp settings. Im more interested in learning how to play. Dont know if that helps any, plz ask more if it helps you in your quest. 0zoro