Thinline Archtop (i.e. Eastman T146SM)

shoome · #1 03-22-2010, 04:16 PM

Hey there!

Im looking forward to buying a Thinline-Archtop and found some interesting reviews about the Eastman T146SM. Unfortanetly i seem to be unable to find any audio samples / videos on the internet for this guitar. So I thought i'd ask here if anyone has some audio/video examples or just an opinion about this guitar.
Tips regarding other thinline-archtops round 1.500-2.000€ would be great too :-)

Thank you,
Michael

goshawk · #2 03-22-2010, 05:50 PM

I thought I remembered a demo on youtube, and I was able to find a couple (they're actually for the T146SMD - not sure what the difference is in the models). Here are the links:

YouTube - EASTMAN T146SMD??

YouTube - Autumn Leaves by Dan Johnson

And here's one that has both the T146 and the El Rey, from Foulds:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoPpv4gaahA

I haven't played the T146 but I did demo the T145 at a local shop (15" lower bout rather than 16"). I thought it had an excellent amplified tone and a passable acoustic tone, considering it was a small thinline. I actually ended up buying an Eastman El Rey 1... if you're interested in a small, thin jazz guitar, and don't mind the "unconventional" design, also worth a look. If you check on youtube, jhalemusic has a few demo videos about the El Rey.

For a little more money, there's also the Benedetto Bambino (it might not be in your price range unless you're willing to buy used). Like the El Rey, it's an unconventional design with no f-holes, but it plays beautifully. jhalemusic has a great demo on youtube.

shoome · #3 03-31-2010, 06:26 PM

Thank you for you effort

I still think the Eastman is quite good but I actually got the opportunity to get a Höfner Verythin JS and think I'm gonna go with that one :-)

But thank you anyway

Soco · #4 02-26-2011, 11:45 AM

I tried one of these(one of my students are thinking of buying one), I really liked it.

kamlapati · #5 02-26-2011, 11:08 PM

I've plated a 146 at Bluenote Music in Berkeley, and I was very impressed. Although I have a couple of old L-5's to choose from, one of these babies would get played.

The price is right. The size is right, either for a gig bag or for a long gig. The combination of carved top, mounted pickup, and thinline is unique. It has it's own, and pleasing voice.

Hard to go wrong, IMO.