Eastman T186MX Antique Violin Sunburst 2007
Eastman T186MX, violin burst, made in Beijing China 2007. Eastman enjoy a reputation for building world class instruments, starting initially with violins and cellos and moving more recently into guitars, especially hollow body electrics. This one dates to 2007, early in the piece for the brand. It looks like a standard 335-genre guitar, but it's built a bit differently. First and foremost, it's all solid: solid flame maple top, solid carved mahogany back and sides... not a laminate, which is the norm for Gibson and most others. It's also closer to fully hollow: the centre block is more like 7x10cm and sits under the bridge and tailpiece, whereas a standard 335 style build has a much bigger block that usually extends most of the way from the neck to halfway between the tailpiece and back edge. It's also got a slick ebony fretboard and a wide-but-slim neck that makes fast movement easy. The build quality is remarkable: everything is in it's place, the finish and joins are bang-on and the thing resonates richly at the slightest touch. Plug it in, and it has that signature Eastman hi-fidelity crisp clarity paired with a woody, warm midrange. It's precise and expressive with amazing detail, balanced by a wide weighty low end that grounds chords beautifully. This is an inspiring guitar in the hands, it's little wonder they inspire such an enthusiastic cult following.
Model: Eastman T186MX
Made: Beijing China, 2007
Serial: 2165
Finish: antique violin sunburst, gloss nitro
Body: solid AAA flame maple top, solid figured AA mahogany back and sides, semi-hollow with small tone block under the bridge only, thinline 46mm depth, 416mm across
Neck: mahogany, ebony fretboard, 15" radius, 25" scale
Weight: 2.835kg
Mods: pickups re-wound
Pickups: Kent Armstrong Filtertron-style humbucker x2
Accessories: non-original ABS lightweight flight case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some scuffs and dimples on the end, and some light scuffs on the back near the top and the front around the posts. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back only. The back has some minor dimples near the neck joint, elbow area, back edge and bottom corner, as well as some mild buckle rash and rub wear in the middle of the body. The sides have some dimples on both horns and the elbow area, as well as dimples and scuffs near the jack. The front has some dimples around the tailpiece, back edge, knobs and F-holes, as well as some rub wear on the elbow area and shoulders.
Overall: good condition (7/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.
Fret life: 7/10, minor wear only