Let or not it’s identified: I like small-bodied guitars, particularly 00s. This measurement has just about all the pieces I need in an acoustic: a snug physique form, brief scale, balanced tone, and common cuteness that every one makes for the final word sofa, gigging, or recording guitar.

I’ve a 12-fret and a few 14-fret 00s in my secure, and even my archtop and classical guitars have our bodies with related dimensions. So once I was requested to evaluate the Eastman E20OOSS/v, a 14-fret mannequin with a slotted headstock and all-solid-wood development, I used to be desperate to see what the corporate needed to provide. I’m happy to report that it turned out to be quite a bit. 

Good Out of the Field

The one factor higher that reveals up in a field is a pizza, however not by a lot. After I eliminated the E20OOSS/v from its delivery carton, the very first thing I observed was the wonderful hardshell case—tremendous sturdy, plush-lined, and becoming the guitar’s type completely. I’ve seen costlier guitars present up in lesser instances. It’s a pleasant contact and proof of the care Eastman places into its devices.

With its wealthy sunburst end, herringbone purfling, and pearl diamond fretboard inlays, the guitar contained in the case is good-looking, to say the least. It’s created from a selection set of tonewoods—an Adirondack spruce prime (usually an costly possibility on U.S.-made guitars) with tight, straight grains, paired with again and sides created from light-hued rosewood with lovely figuring. The inky black ebony used for the fretboard and bridge offers a pleasant visible distinction. 

The E20OOSS/v has an exemplary match and end all through. Contained in the guitar, the kerfing and bracing are good and tidy, and I see no glue residue in anyway. The fretwork is clear, and the tuners really feel substantial and work effectively. As I twist the buttons, I really feel no pinging or catching of the strings, and the instrument holds its tuning very effectively. Normally once I get a brand new guitar, I take it to my man for a fret and truss-rod verify, and for reducing the bridge saddle (I favor low motion), however the Eastman was good proper out of the field.

One among guitar’s largest promoting factors is its varnish end, an expensive possibility not generally seen on manufacturing mannequin guitars like this. Varnish is far more time-consuming to use than most finishes. It’s thinner and extra versatile than different varieties and is claimed to permit devices to vibrate extra freely, thereby enhancing their tone. The varnish on the E20OOSS/v is fantastically utilized, with sleek shading within the sunburst sample and a beautiful burnished high quality total. There’s a little bit of fake getting old on the highest—simulated arm put on that seems lifelike from a distance, although not completely convincing up shut. However hey, it’s a trendy look, like these denims that the maker has so properly torn for you. 

Nice Tone and Headroom

So how does the E20OOSS/v sound? In a phrase, unbelievable—surprisingly loud however not brash; candy, with tons of maintain; and with a extra spectacular low finish than you’d count on. Performed fingerstyle, the guitar is balanced and full throughout all the vary. It displays a charming sweetness when performed quietly, and a full and articulate voice when labored extra forcefully. With a flatpick, the sound is crisp, however the notes retain fullness in any respect dynamic ranges. 

I attempted actually digging in with the decide, however, possible because of the Adirondack prime, there’s loads of headroom, and the E20OOSS/v by no means offers up. The guitar’s neck has a average C carve, someplace between classic clubby and fashionable slim, and a snug low motion and buzz-free setup make for not simply clear sounds however a enjoyable and thrilling enjoying expertise. 

For a few months, I practiced hours on daily basis on the E20OOSS/v and, as quickly as I ended a session, I actually regarded ahead to choosing up the guitar once more the subsequent day. I tracked it on a studio session, principally a strum fest with some arpeggios. The recorded sound was nice, extra like a classic guitar than a brand new one. I additionally introduced the instrument to an area music store the place I used to be recording demos of some high-price-tag acoustics. It was pleasantly stunning to see that the Eastman held its personal compared and sounded simply as good to my ears as these far more costly devices. 

The Backside Line

The Eastman E20OOSS/v is a unbelievable guitar. It’s snug to carry, has a candy and heat classic tone, and is articulate and expressive. Equally blissful whether or not approached fingerstyle or with a flatpick, on the sofa or within the studio, it’s only a fantastic instrument to play. And contemplating that Adirondack spruce and polish are choices that alone can add 1000’s to the price of a boutique guitar, the E20OOSS/v is a wonderful worth, too. Extremely really helpful.

Specs

BODY 14-fret 00; stable Adirondack spruce prime with hand-carved scalloped X-bracing; stable rosewood again and sides; ebony bridge; bone compensated saddle with 2-5/32″ spacing; herringbone purfling; firestripe pickguard; varnish sunburst end

NECK 24.75″-scale mahogany neck with dual-action adjustable truss rod; slotted headstock; ebony fretboard with 12″ radius; 20 Jescar frets; 1-11/16″ bone nut; nickel open-gear tuners; 

OTHER D’Addario XT Phosphor Bronze Gentle strings (.012–.053); hardshell case

MADE IN China

PRICE $1,869 avenue

eastmanguitars.com