Wait a second...is this a subtle jab at Gibson??? If so, I love it.

Yes, I think this is actually the best way to respond to the recent PR rant about “play authentic”.

Darrell, I don't know if you read comments from videos this old, but if you do, I want to thank you so very much. This is the video that started my research into the SB59/V, and on August 8th mine showed up at my door from Rudy's music in Scarsdale NY, an Eastman certified dealer. I bought a new 2018 that sat for awhile due to the store being almost new, and caters mostly to people who buy instruments for their beginner children. I was given the standard price of $1957.00, but after explaining to the owner that I'm unable to work, and because I'm only 58, I get a small check each month. I was self employed, no workman's comp, and 100% disabled. I told her how very much I wanted the guitar, and that it would probably be the last one I'd buy, so she came down to $1750.00, but I told her "Thanks, but still more than I could afford.". She called me back later that day, and had spoken with her dad, Rudy Pensa, and that because I wanted it so badly that If I wanted it, I could have it Tax, and shipping included for $1500.00 to my front door!!! I jumped on it, and I was amazed when I opened the case at how much more beautiful they are in front of you than any video, or photo can show. I'm in Love with it, and am going to try to save up for a T59/V to replace my 71 ES335 that got away from me back in 1997. Once again, thanks for turning me on to likely the best guitar I've ever owned, and I've had over 100! Peace, Keith C Richmond VA

If anyone, Gibson should sue themselves for making poor copies of great classic guitars.

If you turn out the lights, look in a mirror and say "Mark Agnesi" three times he appears and sues you for trademark infringement.

Look for Gibson's new video series: "Lawsuit of the Day-Hosted by Mark Agnesi."

I'm glad people are finally starting to talk about Eastman! They are such quality instruments that almost no one really considers or has heard of them. Definitely deserve more love

Play Authentic? Nah, Play an Eastman :D Specs and initial thoughts - 2:17 Overall Construction - 5:39 Tones - 8:15 Final Thoughts - 14:48 Enjoy!

In light of Gibson's recent attack on guitar makers everywhere, you get a big 👍💯 for showing this beautiful example of how other builders are giving Gibson a run for it's money making excellent guitars. Oh by the way, Gibson, your Mahogany doesn't cost you more than any other builders. Stop raising your prices to pay your legal fees for illegally sourcing your materials. Yes, I went there! Get over it guys! By the way, I love how this handmade guitar still costs less than the average Gibson and makes use of features guitarists love on non-Gibson guitars giving players a breath of fresh air... kind of a more modern Les Paul that meets the needs of modern players. Kudos!

Watch it! Gibson might go after you for just holding it.

I have a 2017 SB59V identical to the one you are playing except it came with Duncan antiquities. best humbucker guitar I have ever owned in 50 years of playing, thanks for reviewing it

I bought that exact guitar and have had it for a month and a half. I absolutely love it! Darrell, you were a big part of my process in choosing this guitar. I listened to this, and the other shoot out video with the Les Paul. Thanks for your help in my process. This guitar will be with me a long, long, long time!

Every Eastman guitar I've touched has been superb! No querks on expensive guitars, no excuses, just value and quality! cool vid!

I have to say, your vids are of very high quality: informative, well structured, professional camera, light and tone and with your smooth and friendly personality. And a very good taste for visual aesthetics and sweet tones. Allways fun to watch! Greetings from Deutschland

I have a 2018 SB 59 Antique Varnish with Seymour Duncan Antiquities. The guitar is a beast & a real joy to play. It looks & sounds amazing! Eastman guitars are no joke.

I bought a 2020 SB59/v because of this video and absolutely LOVE the guitar. It's even better than the Gibson Custom Shop Les Pauls I've played. I liked it so much that I bought an SB56/v, which is basically the same guitar, but with P90's. Genuine hand built guitars built by expert craftsmen who take a LOT of pride in their work. It's hard to find anything about these guitars that's less than perfect. This guitar is as close as you can get to an actual '59 without mortgaging your house. Absolutely the best electric guitar I've ever had in my hands. As much as Darrell gushes about how well this guitar is made and how well it plays, he's not exaggerating. It's everything he says it is and then some.

the nice thing about the gibson dibacle is that i'm learning all about these alternative and better versions of gibson like brands:)

Play Authentic? I rather play what’s better 🙂

The binding on my Eastman T486 is beautiful and perfect as well. It's a pleasure to play.

If you’re thinking about buying a Eastman, go for it, you won’t be disappointed. You really get a lot for your money. I own the SB 59, SB 56, and the Romeo SC and I love ‘em!

Thank you for making a video about this guitar. I feel like Eastman deserves way more attention. And the SB Series is just awesome for that price point.

Anything guitar from the 50s, especially one that sounds like that, has my attention and interest indeed! Awesome review man!

I don’t need another guitar-BUT I NEED THIS ONE!!!

Darrell, your reviews should be the boilerplate for all gear reviews on KZfaq. They are always interesting, informative, sharp, professional, personable and listening to you doesn't hurt the ears. What Rick Beato is to song analysis you are to gear. Nicely done.

I have two Eastmans, acoustic and Semi hollow. My dad has an acoustic that he bought at the factory. They're all that good!

Pretty sweet sounding guitar! Can't believe it's solid mahogany and still that light!

I’ve got 2 weeks ago the guitar with SD 59 - it’s absolutely perfect! After many Gibsons feels really very very comfortable and sounds fantastic! The sustain is something unbelievable! But Lollars are too hot for me, and I choose SD59 after sound comparison between Gibson reissue 58 and mine Eastman SB59 (without “/v”). But this depends on your taste of course. And the quality of another one I’ve bought - Eastman t386 - is outstanding as well. Didn’t expect this kind of quality from China made instruments. Bravo Eastman and Darrell👍

Just picked up an an 59 with nitro finish and Seymour Duncan 59’s. Gold burst. What a beauty. And what a sound.

The clarity when the gain is rolled back is ridiculous! Those pickups sound great. And of course the guitar looks amazing. I'm not sure if a V-shaped neck (soft or otherwise) is for me, but dang, that guitar checks a lot of boxes.

im glad that people have already made jokes about Agnesi

Wow. She sounds like a true vintage insturment. Complex tones and sensitivity to playing techniques.

Wow that thing looks just like a Dean guitar lol

At 11:52-12:07 the simple rock vibe, melted my damn face off.!!

I’m a new convert to Eastman, makes me wanna say I “play authentic” quality 😁 My axe is a T386 a 335 alternative without the bill 335’s are known for.

I once demoed an Eastman semi. It was not only beautifully made and to look at, it played like butter and to top that the sound was simply the best. I wish I had bought it, I decided to buy something cheaper at the time. You have to play an Eastman to really appreciate the quality. They are fantastic value for money. I suppose you should now compare it to your Gibson LP’s? Thanks for the Demo Darrell, well done!

Three years later and I can’t believe more people have not found out his special these guitars are. You nailed it!!! I stumbled on mine in 2019 and Han ever played or worked on a better LP style guitar. I’m a guitar tech and get plants to compare to. Thx.

I LOVE watching you!! You are my inspiration for guitar!! I just started guitar like 4 months ago! Keep up the GREAT work!!

A violin finish on a guitar. I really like that.

Well, this might just be the most beautiful finish I've ever seen. Yours looks somehow even better than the pictures on their website.

I finally got a chance to hear your songs on Spotify and I'm blown away!💜, your music is able to calm me down when nothing else will! Thank you!!

Ebony fingerboard, varnish finish, lighter weight and luthier hand made - reminds me a LOT of my Classical guitars.

Dean's attorneys: our headstocks have the added feature of actually keeping our guitars in tune.

I own two of these Eastmans, an SB-59/V classic amber-brown with Antiquities (not Lollars) -and- a glossy nitro SB-59-GB sunburst with SD '59s. Simply fantastic. I also own a really nice LP™, and IMO, the Eastmans sound, feel and handle better, plus they're simply better built. (And I have many other really nice guitars to compare them with.) In fact, I am now in process of selling my LP™, simply because it won' t be being played much any longer-not with with these beauties around. Finally I concur with every point you've made here. In fact, just about the only "quirt" they have is that... there really _aren't_ any quirks! My 2¢-and of course, all of the above is IMO, IME, and YMMV.

Just bought this exact same guitar. Don't have it in my hands yet, but after 2 months of research, reading, listening and just hearing your comments, I'm really excited to get it soon.

Eastman makes amazing instruments. When i first heard of them i was like...theres no way i can justify the price for a chinese guitar. But i was shocked when i actually got to play one. If inwas an LP guy, this is what id be gunning for.

Your solos are stunning. I could listen to them for hours. Beautiful guitar, if miles outside my price-range.

That thing is SICK! in the Most Incredible Way! Absolutely Love it! Eastman knows how to build a Great Guitar! Love the Lollar's Too...

The Eastman acoustics are similarly great guitars.

Amazing. Maybe I can own a 59 Burst after all.

Nice! That's how a higher end guitar should be...a ten out of ten!👍😎🎸🎶

It's very striking how pretty the tone is coming out of the Eastman. Nice!

Nice job! Thanks! I just bought a brand new Eastment SB59v. I love it!

Thank you for not showcasing a Gibson. And I’ll have to say Eastman really has their act together, making some great guitars. Beautiful playing, as usual.

Eastman is a quality guitar brand. Would buy one over a vintage Gibson any day, every day, no matter the situation.

Amazing - I'll be looking at Eastman - Thanks Darrell!

Hi Darrell - I have owned several Eastman guitars. I just got an AC422CE acoustic. The quality and craftsmanship are not precise they are perfect. It sounds amazing and is a work of art to look at. Simple things like the binding on my 422 where you can feel no gap. Would not want any other acoustic at any price.

Beautiful tone on the one-minute solo.

That's a weapon of mass destruction right there.

Darrell , another great video. I'm really enjoying your work. it's no nonsense, objective with great audio and camera work. That Eastman is a stunning instrument. I've been lusting after several of their mandos for awhile. great builders and reasonably priced. great products. Keep at it!

I respect the fact that it's hand made, but CNC doesn't equal bad. To the contrary... This particular guitar may be great, but the next one will inevitably be a little different, for better or for worse. CNC brings consistency. If done right the first time, it will always be done right. And the luthiers can take care of the finishing touches that will make the guitar special.

Don't show this to Mark Agnesi ! Lol

Ol' Gibson ain't gonna be too thrilled about this one, Darrell..

Very cool guitar. Better than that really famous brand no doubt. Personally I am not necessarily influenced by those "vintage" brand names. I play an Ernie Ball Music Man Silhouette. I have a few of them. I have a Mexican Strat in the closet. I hardly ever play it. If I were to decide on a short scale guitar of this body style it would very likely be this one. I would point out that milling wood with CNC machines is not necessarily a bad thing. Taylor guitars comes to mind as does that Martin took some lessons from Bob Taylor. Incidentally, Eastman makes a T59v/rd that looks to be a rival for an ES335. I would live to try it out that's for sure. I have a 1969 Guild Starfire IV that only gets played at home. I never take it to gigs anymore. It was my "main axe" for about 20 years. I had a bunch of other guitars that came and went but my Starfire was my very first high quality guitar. It got 20 years of being played every day wear plus dings, dents. The finish wore off the back of the neck probably by the early 80's and is on it's second set of frets. I went through several Les Pauls, SGs, a 335, a Sheraton, Strats, Teles, but apways kept my Guild guitars.

This truly is a great sounding guitar, perfect for the Mesa Bogie. A perfect guitar in all the sound specters. Love it ! Thanks for sharing.

Quick put some tape over that logo!

Quality over Age, Gibson please understand that.

I have a gold top Eastman SB59 and it never loses tune. I play it every day. I call her Goldilocks!

X! Not "Pearloid" of Gibsons choice, its MOTHER OF PEARL... real deal! Bought this guitar. It has made a case queen out of my Standard! Liked it so much l bought the Eastman T185 MX BD... Simply a work of ART! Tones are beautiful, the T185mx is hand carved maple top, hand carved mahogany back.. it is similar to the RS335 without the laminate woods, it also does not have plastic binding..its FLAME MAPLE binding! Its AMAZING!

What a gorgeous guitar! And great price to pay for a great quality guitar!

Darrell, I'd be interested in you doing a comparison with your Ultimate Epiphone. See how the guitar you picked the pieces for stands up to this one...

The solo smacked me in the ass and I liked it. Smooth touch Darrell

I have one Darrell, and you got one spec wrong. The Trapezoid inlays are Mother of Pearl, not pearloid!!! So, another feather in Eastman's cap. My SB59/V is my first Eastman, but in October, or November 2021 I'm taking delivery of a T59/V!!!! My guitar collection will then be complete, unless I strike it rich. Peace, Keith in Virginia, USA

Excellent demo, analysis and playing!

Perfect timing for this review! Next you should review a Dean SG or Hummingbird!

Having owned 2 of the Eastman guitars, both of the 335 type i can without question say that their instruments are made of the finest craftsmanship and materials available. The word "perfect" you used is absolutely correct. I am currently saving for the model in this video. I already know it will be a stupendous guitar. And their acoustic guitars and mando's ? OMG !!!

looks and plays much better then any gibson People say you cant sell them on the second hand market thats not true the fact is there not for sale on the second hand market because its a keeper and folk just dont sell them its a guitar for life

Watch your knee caps...Gibson is going to get the boys together and pay you a visit 🤣

Best woman tone I've ever heard right off the bat.

i tried this, not really a hand-made, but build a guitar a copycat but no brand with trustworthy quality. quite satisfied so far. ready for recording and gigging.

About 50 years ago I played in a cover band, but had to give up playing the guitar to study science. My scientific career is now over and I thought it would be nice to get back to playing the guitar. For two years now I've been trying to find the right guitar for me, but you with your sympathetic manner, introduce me to a new one every day. I am totally confused. In any case, I find your presentations very helpful and pleasant and maybe I'll still be able to find the right guitar after all.

Darrell, you nailed that perfect "Cream tone" That this guitar can do

Wow!!! When you played that it really sounded authentic. Very authentic playing. Played so authentically. I'm not sure I've ever seen or heard a guitar of that particular shape ever play any more authentically than that, in fact. Actually, maybe Slash's guitars were pretty close to being that authentic. Wait what's that? You say they were custom one-off handmade guitars and just happened to have that same authentic shape and tone too?! It's almost like the authenticity of that particular shape and sound comes from a variety of places, weird.

I own a 2018 Eastman 57 SB BK, a LP custom style version in black, that just like this video, is impeccable and continuously amazing. Most everyone who plays it agrees its one of the best guitars they ever played. For those of you who believe the negative propaganda, China is not as you think. I've lived here nine years and the people here aren't different than anywhere else. While Gibson has great people in its ranks, just because investment bankers buy the name doesn't mean its the same company and people who created guitars generations ago. I've met the owners and some staff of Eastman. They are the real deal, honest down to earth folks who love music and are dedicated to providing musicians with quality instruments. No suits and Wall Street investors included.

That is a Beautiful sounding guitar with sustain for days.

I like the satin finish. It almost looks like Tru Oil.

If you have a quirk in a handbuilt instrument the builder doesn't take pride in his work.

That sounds amazing, DB, and some very tasteful playing, as usual.

This guitar is incredible! Looks and sound and dynamic! Incredible

*Gibson wants to know your location*

To achieve their target weight, I wonder if they baked or roasted the wood first, so as to remove as much moisture as possible.

I ordered the SB59/V in Goldburst mid-February 2022. I was told it would ship October-December. I can't wait to get my hands on it and plug it in!

Hey Darrell, their other instruments are indeed "like this." I have the pleasure of owning and playing an Eastman 505 mandolin. Like the SB59, there is virtually nothing less than perfect on this instrument from assembly, to finish to tuners to playability to tone. My order is in for an SB59, due to be delivered around May. I am very much looking forward to getting my hands around that thing, especially having first hand experience with Eastman's quality standards. Your review does not surprise me at all. I am quite sure my SB59 is going to be a treasure.

So Eastman is "Perfect" in this build Lol. Maybe Eastman is telling a certain bully to "Go ahead punk, make my day" :-)😆

how hard are you trying not to say gibson or epiphone 😂

My local guitar shop carries Eastman, they sell a ton of their acoustics. I bought one, beautiful guitar that cracked below the bridge. Lifetime warranty. Eastman replaced it with a more expensive model because they no longer made my specific one. My friend has a Beautiful Martin and he loves playing my Eastman. I’m really close to getting the SB59v. I’d love to see them make a Strat too.

That tone @14:19 is so vintage. I love it!!

Everyone is googling eastman guitars this morning. That is a fine instrument indeed.

Question: If some company started manufacturing guitars with easy-to-break headstocks, could Gibson sue them?

I’ve just bought the SB59 - Honey Burst. Nitrocellulose lacquer, Seymour Duncan 59 pups. Looks, sounds and plays beautifully! I’ve played a Gibson Custom Shop which wasn’t as good !!! This what a Gibson should be - the best thing? I paid £1599 for a superbly finished, handmade guitar!! Gibson eat your heart out!

Thanks Darrell... Impressive quality from Eastman + pretty good price too.