Eastman AR372/380 thoughts?

**Frank1985** · 10-28-2022, 10:57 AM

I've been looking for a decent hollow body and this one is looking quite alluring due to its affordable price and ultra thick body reminiscent of an es175/295. Any thoughts on the build quality of these guitars and whether they provide a good
alternative to going the vintage Gibson route? I'd be using it more in a rock context but figured this would be the best place to ask as I know it's mainly aimed at jazz folk. I'm open to pickup swapping to suit that, but I'm more concerned with quality control, ergonomics etc at this stage.

**mickmac** · 10-28-2022, 12:10 PM

I bought a 372 April of 2021. The quality was well beyond expectations. The only mods I did were the addition of a gadget called a String Butler. Very light and comfortable . I have no problem with the stock pickups. Iput clear plastic tape over the f holes.. Instant rock or blues machine. Also excellent jazz tones imhop. Compared to another eastman 503 with Seth Lovef pickup . I couldn't tell the difference. I don't think you will find a better guitar any where near the price...mickmac

**nyc chaz** · 10-28-2022, 01:24 PM

I've played both and they are really nice guitars.The 372 will not sound like a 175 but has it's own sound.Sounds like this will not matter to you since you are going to use it for rock.I liked the 380 better soundwise but once again this was for it's jazz quaities.You reallycan't go wrong with the Eastman's built over the last 5 to 6 years in my opinion.

**Gitterbug** · 10-29-2022, 03:53 PM

Almost fell for one but decided to keep my 175 and not drink the change. The Eastmans are much brighter. Flawless quality, at least in the trade show samples I have tried.

**Gitpicker** · 11-01-2022, 09:18 PM

As noted it is true the 371/372s don't sound exactly like a 175 but they can sound great in their own right. (I have both a 371 and also a 175).

I will say on the 371 I replaced the pickup with a Seth Lover and it seems to be an excellent pickup for that guitar. Because the Eastmans are indeed brighter, as noted, the SL pickup really fattened up the sound and indeed give it a darker tone palette so I am very happy with it.

Here's a video I just uploaded playing the 371 through a Henriksen Blu 6