Ibanez vs Eastman Semi-Hollow Guitar

[DustinG]

Have any of you compared any of the Eastman Thinline models (T184, T185, or T186) with an Ibanez AM or AS semi-hollow?

I'm trying to decide between an Eastman T184mx and an Ibanez AM2000h (or AM153, or maybe the AS size).

I've played both a T184MX and AM153, and they both seem like great guitars. The Eastman is solid wood, lighter, a bit more comfortable, and has better playability higher up on the fretboard.

The Ibanez has a thicker neck, which is real comfortable, and adds to the tone - arguably giving the Ibanez a leg up on the sound/tone.

Thoughts?

[alpop]

I would say you couldn't really go wrong with either guitar. I own a recent (smaller headstock) T185MX and an Ibanez AM153QA (new Indonesian made).

I would say that the Eastman gets more playing time with me primarily due to the light weight. (I am old and that matters to me as I can practice for longer periods of time without getting fatigued.)

The Ibanez sounds great on the coil split setting of the neck pickup. Both guitars are a pleasure to play.

Keep in mind that this advice is coming from a home player, and I don't gig in the jazz genre but I do practice quite a lot. (and gig in other genres)

So buy them both if you can swing it.

[vintagelove]

Play the Ibanez before buying, or at least make sure they have a return option. The last one I bought (lefty as193? The most expensive lefty 335 style they make) had atrocious quality control. The worst fretwork I've ever seen, and a terribly cut nut.

Unfortunately, it's not the only story I've heard about bad QC in new Ibanez guitars. Sad for a company that has a reputation of stellar quality control.

[DustinG]

Wanted to bump this. Have any of you compared something like the Ibanez JSM100 with an Eastman Thinline guitar?

[arnie65]

Like someone mentioned already, the models you mentioned all have their positive qualities on tone, craftsmanship, etc....
The defining factor is: which one fits you better, or which one is best for you. If it was me, and we're comparing apples to apples, then there's no question; I'd go with Ibanez. The trade and re-sale value is better than an Eastman, all things being equal....



Cheers,
Arnie..