Eastman Strings began in 1992, but its roots date back centuries to the violin and bow makers of the 1800s. By this time, violin and string instrument builders had streamlined their process enough by hiring specialized woodworkers who would assist them in the most time consuming tasks that there were plenty of quality, affordable handmade instruments. During World War II, many of the premier instrument makers had their towns and workshops destroyed, and some were even killed in the violence. Traditions that had been handed down for centuries from master instrument makers were all but lost, and the process of building by hand was replaced by large-scale manufacturing. After the war, the majority of instrument production had been mechanized, and in order for musicians to find decent instruments they would have to save enormous amounts of money for older, handmade instruments. Eastman Strings is returning to the traditions of the great string instrument builders of the past, and is bringing handmade instruments to musicians around the world at affordable prices.
Eastman Guitars are fine handmade instruments at very reasonable prices. Their archtops and flat tops are made with solid, hand-carved tops, backs, and sides. They offer many of the traditional archtop styles in their Uptown series with options of different woods, dimensions, and pickups. The Thinline series, the El Rey and the Jon Pisano signature line offer some great alternatives, and feature the same kinds of customizable options. Eastman Uptown Deluxe series archtops are custom shop pieces with select AAA grade tone woods, wood binding with inlaid purfilng, and five piece necks.
For the flat top player, Eastman offers many different options in grand concert, orchestra model, grand auditorium, mini jumbo, dreadnought, and jumbo shapes. With these there are many different configurations of Sitka, Adirondack, and Englemann Spruce tops, as well as Mahogany, Rosewood, and Maple back and sides. Between all of these quality handmade instruments we are confident that there is an Eastman guitar out there for any discerning musician. We also carry Eastman mandolins!
With so many options, and with such reasonable pricing, it is no secret why we love Eastman guitars here at Sound Pure. We carry one of the largest inventories of Eastman guitars in the US. Our staff is extremely knowledgeable on the entire Eastman line. If you cannot find the Eastman guitar you are looking for in our vast inventory, we are happy to assist in a special order.