When did Eastman Start Making Guitars?

[Spook410]

I have never tried getting a build from photographs. I think they took this model on as they make F5 style mandolins as well. However, it wasn't at my behest. Someone else put them up to it and I just saw the listing when Clem posted it. Getting something unique might be about both skills and the ability to communicate what you want. I don't think they could build something like a Parker even if they had the original in hand. I do think they could build something more traditional though. Thing is, there is a lot more to a custom made guitar than what a factory can do. It may look cool and sound OK but it won't be as good as the original.

[BigMikeinNJ]

Spook.

So far they have really nailed it. WOW

[jasaco]

2b: interesting commentary for sure but I was asking about their "New York" model...

[BigMikeinNJ]

On what can Yunzhi copy front: a couple years ago a fella contacted me after seeing photos of my used Yunzhi and the John Pisano copy they made me. Turns out he is a big Phish fan and wanted a reasonable copy of Trey's guitar, he went to great lenghts to get the specs on the Langeudoc and Equator guitars, sending them pretty complex draftsman quality drawings. As usual when asking Yunzhi for specific and special little custom details you must remember that COMMUNICATION is king. Photos and a clearly written description free of slang is crucial. Ms Lora and the other contacts have to then translate all that into Chinese for the builders. It's a really hard job for the translators. And it's a good thing they send so many digital progress photos.
Spook, I am really excited for you on this. The Phish guitar sure looked pretty right but there is a lot more to some of these custom designed instruments than meets the eye.

Mike

[Spook410]

Thanks Mike and B2B. Got to admit I was surprised at how organic the initial carving is. I always look forward to the next guitar (would, no doubt, take years of therapy to overcome this) but this one is looking particularly interesting.

[ESCC]

The New York is all laminate, electric fine, acoustic not so strong, other comments about Peerless, neck, etc apply.

[Woody Sound]

Have any of you had any experience with the Peerless "New York" model? I have been offered one for $750 and wondering if I should jump on it? (It's not in my area so I can't really try before I buy...)

Thanks.

Are you referring to the D'Aspiranta New York, which was made by the same people and looked identical except for the name?

Gitara jazzowa D'Aspiranta NY hollow body Warszawa ? Tablica.pl

Very nice guitars, I owned one, definitely worth $750 depending on condition. BUT you probably won't get much more if you decide to sell it. (Am I making sense?)

[jasaco]

Woody Sound: I had never seen the D'Aspiranta New York model but compared the photos against these of the Peerless (Guitars 'n Jazz - Peerless Jazz Artist Laminated New York) and they certainly appear to be the same guitar!

Thanks for pointing that out.

Picking nits, I must say that I'm not fond of seeing the ball ends of the strings showing in the front of the guitar... that just seems like such an unnecessary and unattractive design feature. But if I got a good deal on the guitar, I guess I'd be willing to overlook that....

[SierraTango]

I can share my experiences with early Eastman archtops. Memory can be a bit tricky, however around 1999 I was trying to make the transition to 7 string, and there were few options available without ordering a custom build. I heard through contacts that Eastman was offering a 7 string copy of a Benedetto, and I was game. At that time there was a dealer in PA called New Age Strings. I can't remember the fellow's name, however he explained that Eastman had tried to get Mr. Benedetto to consult with the crew they pulled off cello building when they wanted to start building archtops. It seems Benedetto couldn't consult being under contract with FMIC at the time so Eastman purchased the Building a Archtop video and book. I placed my order and waited, at that time the rep was a guy named Gordon.
The guitar arrived from the the distributor in MD (I was living in NC at the time) and it was a disaster. Forget the electronics-they were junk. I could insert a pick between the neck and body at the heel. My Yellow Lab could have done a better job on the finish. Needless to to say I contacted Gordon and sent it back. He explained it was a early model and returned my money. I ended up with a AF-207 and later a custom build.
Gordon advised me not to give up on Eastman and said they were serious about producing a world class instrument. I followed them at NAMM and did see a huge improvement. My understanding was that they hired Mark Lacey to consult.
I was impressed enough to purchase a '05 Pisano 880. I've played tons of gigs with it and it has one of the best necks of any guitar I've ever owned. These days Eastman has so many options-set-in pickups. two pickups, El Rey's, Thin Body, etc.
However the first ones were Benedetto Maanhattan copies. I would be wary of any Eastman pre 2002.