Eastman
Since 1992
Eastman was founded in 1992 by Qian Ni, a Chinese music student who brought 19th-century violin workshop methods to guitar manufacturing in Beijing. What started as a violin workshop grew into one of the most respected handcrafted guitar brands in the world. Every Eastman guitar is hand-built—no CNC machines, no assembly lines. Master luthiers use traditional techniques including dovetail neck joints, hand-scalloped braces, and hide glue, sourcing tonewoods from the same suppliers as American boutique builders. Eastman's archtops became the go-to affordable alternative for jazz professionals, and their flat-top acoustics and solidbody electrics have earned widespread acclaim for punching far above their price point.
34
Years in Business
500K+
Guitars Sold
$40M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Eastman Guitar Guide
Comprehensive buying guide, price analysis, model comparisons, and expert insights to help you understand everything about Eastman guitars.
Eastman Price Overview
Eastman covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$850
+5% vs last year
eBay Listings
1,000
Active listings
Sold This Month
250
+6% vs last month
Price Range
$300-$5,000
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Eastman Timeline
Violin Workshop Origins
Qian Ni founded Eastman in Beijing using 19th-century violin workshop methods—hand tools, hide glue, and master luthiers.
Archtop Guitar Production
Extended violin-making expertise into archtop guitars, creating affordable alternatives to $10,000+ American archtops.
Flat-Top Acoustic Launch
Introduced flat-top acoustic guitars with dovetail neck joints and hand-scalloped bracing—traditional construction at modern prices.
Jazz Professional Adoption
Archtop models gained widespread acceptance among professional jazz musicians, establishing Eastman's reputation for quality.
SB Series Electrics
Launched the SB solidbody electric series—handcrafted versions of classic designs that challenged instruments costing twice as much.
T-Series Electric Expansion
Expanded the electric line with T-Series (Tele-style) and other solidbody models using the same handcrafted approach.
Romeo Semi-Hollow
Introduced the Romeo semi-hollow electric—original Eastman design that earned widespread critical acclaim.
Traditional Series Acoustics
Launched the Traditional Series with thermally-cured tops for vintage tonal response on new instruments.
Expanded Global Presence
Strengthened worldwide distribution with increased dealer network across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Complete Eastman Product Lineup
Eastman: 19th-century violin workshop methods, 21st-century guitars—every one handcrafted in Beijing
Archtop Guitars
Handcrafted jazz archtops—the original Eastman specialty
Flagship archtop at ~$2,500-$3,000
Professional archtop at ~$1,800-$2,200
Entry professional at ~$1,200-$1,500
Thinline archtop at ~$1,100-$1,400
Solidbody Electrics
Handcrafted electrics challenging American brands
Set-neck classic at ~$1,099-$1,499
SG-style at ~$999-$1,299
T-style at ~$999-$1,299
Original design at ~$1,499-$1,899
Acoustic Guitars
Traditional flat-top acoustics with dovetail joints
Premium acoustics at ~$1,200-$2,500
Concert at ~$1,000-$1,800
Entry level at ~$400-$700
Torrefied-top at ~$1,500-$2,500
Mandolins & Specialty
Handcrafted mandolins and classical guitars
F-style and A-style
Handcrafted nylon-string
Selmer-style
"Eastman: 19th-century violin workshop methods, 21st-century guitars—every one handcrafted in Beijing"
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
Archtop Guitar Guide
The Affordable Jazz Guitar
Eastman archtops at $1,200-$3,000 deliver handcrafted quality that competes with Heritage, D'Angelico, and vintage Gibsons costing 2-5x more. The AR810CE is a professional-grade instrument
Violin-Making Heritage
Eastman's archtop construction directly benefits from violin-building expertise—carved tops, graduated thickness, and hide glue joints create superior acoustic resonance
Pickup Options
Most archtops come with floating Kent Armstrong pickups. The CE (cutaway electric) models offer amplified versatility. Purists may prefer non-cutaway acoustic models
Solidbody Electric Guide
The Value Disruptor
Eastman SB59 at $1,099-$1,499 is handcrafted with real binding, aged hardware, and quality pickups—competing with Gibson Standards that cost $2,000+. This is the guitar that challenges assumptions about 'Made in China'
Romeo Original Design
The Romeo semi-hollow at $1,499-$1,899 is Eastman's original design—not a copy of anything. Unique shape, chambered body, and exceptional tonal versatility. A genuine alternative, not a clone
Handcrafted Difference
Every SB59 neck is hand-shaped, every fret hand-leveled. No CNC carving means subtle organic variation. Compare the feel of an Eastman SB59 to a CNC-made guitar—the difference is tangible
Used Eastman Buying Guide
Strong Used Value
Used Eastman guitars at 65-80% of new retain exceptional value. At $700-$1,200 for a used SB59 or archtop, you get handcrafted quality that simply doesn't exist from other brands at this price
Check the Top
Eastman acoustics use solid spruce tops with hand-scalloped bracing. Check for cracks, especially along the grain. Hide glue joints age differently from modern glue—inspect seams carefully
Growing Reputation
Eastman's profile is rising fast. Used prices have appreciated 5% annually as word spreads about the handcrafted quality. Early buyers benefit from a brand still undervalued relative to its construction quality