Eastman T386 Center Block Thinline, Ebony, Classic

Rated 4.00 out of 5

30/6/2020

It's a little early to comment thoroughly on this product. Firstly this is a beautiful looking and well constructed guitar. I purchased this with a view to replacing an Epiphone ES335 Dot. The Eastman feels heavier and more solidly built form a 'wood' perspective. The selector switch feels a little 'light' and there is no definite 'clunk' into the centre position, unlike the 335 the centre position only works if there is some volume on both PUP's (similar to a Les Paul), this threw me originally but shouldn't be a concern know I've realised. Playability wise I've not made my mind up yet as to any pro's or con's, there are definitely different feels to the necks. Sound wise I haven't given the Eastman a fair run yet, I've only done a comparison through a multi effects unit with headphones and experience a slight delay in response on both. I better comparison will come when plugged in to an amp. I wasn't overwhelmed with the sound of the 335 and had intended to replace the PUPs with a pair of Seymour Duncan Phat Cats , which I will probably now retain for the Eastman, similarly I'll probably get the selector switch swapped out and maybe upgrade the wiring harness and pots etc at the same time. Tuners on the Eastman felt a little cheap; however, it's so far rock solid when it comes to remaining in tune. Only other comparison so far is that the jack is on the side rather than the top of the body which wouldn't be my preference.

Craig Taylor