Good online dealers that sell Eastman guitars?

**rgiaccio** · 04-23-2014, 06:22 PM

As far as I know, if you buy something in the Europen Union from a shop (i.e., from someone who would normally charge the local VAT, about 20% depending on the country), and you are outside EU, you can pay the price without the vat.

So the final price for you, including Iceland taxes, would be the original EU price plus 4-5% (original price divided by about 1.20 and multiplied by 1.255).

Originally Posted by HlynurS

Iceland isn't in the European Union so I don't think that applies, you have to pay 25.5% on top of everything you buy, doesn't matter where it comes from.

**HlynurS** · 04-23-2014, 06:29 PM

Originally Posted by rgiaccio

As far as I know, if you buy something in the Europen Union from a shop (i.e., from someone who would normally charge the local VAT, about 20% depending on the country), and you are outside EU, you can pay the price without the vat.

So the final price for you, including Iceland taxes, would be the original EU price plus 4-5% (original price divided by about 1.20 and multiplied by 1.255).

That's interesting but that seems to still cost more than ordering from the States.

**TonyD** · 04-23-2014, 06:35 PM

Lou at Guitars and Jazz is the best to deal with. I'll always give him my business when I can.

**HlynurS** · 04-23-2014, 06:43 PM

Originally Posted by TonyD

Lou at Guitars and Jazz is the best to deal with. I'll always give him my business when I can.

I'm thinking I'll buy from him, just hope he's willing to send the guitar to me all the way to Iceland!

**TonyD** · 04-23-2014, 07:03 PM

I am sure he will. Good luck and let us know what you end up getting.

**HlynurS** · 04-23-2014, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by TonyD

I am sure he will. Good luck and let us know what you end up getting.

Yeah I'll post here on the forum for sure when I get it, but that won't be until probably this summer as I'm waiting until I manage to sell one of my guitars to be able to afford the Eastman.

**Klatu** · 04-24-2014, 07:46 AM

I second the recommendation for Bernunzio.com. John Bernunzio and crew are stand up people who provide as smooth an experience as you're likely to have, and their prices are usually in line with the industry standard. I've bought three instruments from them over the years and have always had a positive experience.

Another store which I highly recommend is Elderly Instruments (elderly.com). Like Bernunzio, their staff is knowledgeable, their prices are fair, and their selection is ample.

Keep in mind that any of the dealers that deal directly with Eastman will be able to get you the instrument that you seek. Eastman happens to have so many different jazz guitar models that it is next to impossible for dealers to have every instrument in the catalogue in stock.

Now about the T185. I have a T186 that I can't speak highly enough of. It's a wonderful instrument that provides the comfort of a semi hollow guitar with the deep tone of a fully hollow jazz box. I would rate its jazz tone ahead of my Hofner Verythin Classic, and either on par or just under that of my Eastman El Rey. By the way, that's another instrument you might want to consider if you're looking for a small guitar that can pull of classic jazz box sounds.

One final suggestion when buying an Eastman is to ask the salesperson to check the neck for humps, twists, or other irregularities before shipping it out. All three of my Eastmans have necks that most players dream of, but I've seen many that I would rather return than keep simply because of inadequate necks.

Finally, seeking out and purchasing a new instrument can be a whole lot of fun. Enjoy the ride.

**HlynurS** · 04-24-2014, 08:43 AM

Originally Posted by Klatu

I second the recommendation for Bernunzio.com. John Bernunzio and crew are stand up people who provide as smooth an experience as you're likely to have, and their prices are usually in line with the industry standard. I've bought three instruments from them over the years and have always had a positive experience.

Another store which I highly recommend is Elderly Instruments (elderly.com). Like Bernunzio, their staff is knowledgeable, their prices are fair, and their selection is ample.

Keep in mind that any of the dealers that deal directly with Eastman will be able to get you the instrument that you seek. Eastman happens to have so many different jazz guitar models that it is next to impossible for dealers to have every instrument in the catalogue in stock.

Now about the T185. I have a T186 that I can't speak highly enough of. It's a wonderful instrument that provides the comfort of a semi hollow guitar with the deep tone of a fully hollow jazz box. I would rate its jazz tone ahead of my Hofner Verythin Classic, and either on par or just under that of my Eastman El Rey. By the way, that's another instrument you might want to consider if you're looking for a small guitar that can pull of classic jazz box sounds.

One final suggestion when buying an Eastman is to ask the salesperson to check the neck for humps, twists, or other irregularities before shipping it out. All three of my Eastmans have necks that most players dream of, but I've seen many that I would rather return than keep simply because of inadequate necks.

Finally, seeking out and purchasing a new instrument can be a whole lot of fun. Enjoy the ride.

Hey man, thanks for the great reply. You're right I might be able to just contact the dealers and ask if they could get the model I want straight from Eastman. And good tip about asking them to check the guitar beforehand, I'll make sure to do that. But since you brought up the T186 I actually have been wondering lately whether I should actually get the T186 over the T185, I might just make another thread here asking about it to see what people think.

**Klatu** · 04-24-2014, 10:42 AM

My pleasure. From what I understand, the only difference between the T185 and T186 besides the size of the lower bout is the complement of stock pickups. The T186 comes with Duncan Seth Lover pickups stock while the other models carry something else. That said, while the pickups in my Eastman El Rey look a bit unusual next to the traditional humbucker design since they have 12 adjustable pole pieces rather than 6, I would say that they are every bit as good as the Duncans.

**HlynurS** · 04-27-2014, 04:12 PM

As it turns out I might just be going to New York in October to visit a friend of mine so I might be able to try the guitars out before buying them and then take the guitar with me on my way back home. Might make a trip out to Guitars 'N Jazz in NJ and try the guitars out before buying!

**VanDan** · 04-27-2014, 08:50 PM

You may want to check out Yunzhi guitars, they are a bit cheaper (in cost that is) than Eastmans and, even though I haven't played one myself, I hear they are quality items and, usually, the shipping is free worldwide. I'm sure they have a thinline type of guitar for offer.

Dan

**HlynurS** · 04-27-2014, 08:54 PM

Thanks for the recommendation but I'm not considering different guitars, I'm going to get an Eastman.

**Mitchc** · 04-27-2014, 10:31 PM

I recently contacted a store in Melbourne Australia (I'm in Brisbane) about their Eastman guitars. They told me they are in short supply at the moment. Anybody have an idea why?

**richardsguitars** · 03-03-2016, 05:38 AM

I just wanted to say hi! I am really proud to be representing Eastman Guitars in the UK

I have been watching their progress over the past few years and let down by UK supply but now Eastman have a fantastic European distribution I am getting the most incredible support.

Just wanted to let any UK visitors know I am here to help if they need any advice with Eastman guitars!