|
Eastwood
Classic 6 Review.
Since 2001 Eastwood have been producing and
marketing exciting guitars based on retro designs such as
the Eastwood
Airline made famous by Jack White of the White Stripes.
This publication reviewed shortly the Airline after its launch.
Most of the guitar
and bass designs available are normally what one what term
unusual and are certainly set apart from traditional guitar
forms.
On this occasion,
we will be reviewing the Eastwood Classic 6, which in contrast
to most of the Eastwood line is quite traditional in its design.
The Classic 6
echoes design traits from several guitars. It is loosely based
on a Gretsch double-cutaway Country Gentleman, it does however
have a solid centre-block as in a Gibson 335 and also sports
shark fin markers as found on some Rickenbacker instruments.
Out of the box
the Classic 6 certainly provides a certain wow factor, with
its deep and rich walnut finish together with its gold mirrored
pickguard. The guitar holds an elegance and classy air about
it, whilst still maintaining the need to rock n roll.
First impressions
are good. The guitar feels well-made and solid. A bit of adjustment
on the bridge height was effected to remove a tiny bit of
rattle and I also raised the height on the bridge pickup as
the volume seemed lower than that of the neck.
After warming
up, playing general chords and lead work felt good on the
Classic 6 which sounded well both through my Line 6 Flextone
modelling amplifier and also on my Blues Junior valve amp.
Also although
this is a big guitar at seventeen inches wide, I find it comfortable
to play both sitting down and standing a position in which
it also seems well balanced with no neck dive.
Specifications
On to the specifications and features front,
this instrument features a 24 ¾” scale length glued in set
neck made from maple. A separate bound rosewood fingerboard
sits atop this which itself sports shark’s teeth inlays.
The body is 17”
wide and is made from laminated maple. It is also double bound
as are the f-holes which, I think is a nice touch. The rich
walnut finish really comes through the flamed maple top.
As to the electronics,
the Classic 6 comes with two filtertron-esque humbucking pickups.
These are controlled by a 3-way switch on the upper bout together
with individual volume controls. These are mounted forward
on the lower bout for the neck pickup and at the back for
the bridge pickup. One lone master tone control sits next
to this.
Hardware wise
a Tune-O-Matic Bridge supports the strings towards the elegant
tailpiece, whilst in the tuning department gotoh style items
are used. All hardware is finished in chrome.
Playability
and Sound.
Personally I
am of the opinion, as are many guitarists that if an unplugged
electric guitar sounds good acoustically this will be amplified
and come through when plugged in to an amplifier.
This is very
true of the Classic 6. With its solid centre block and semi-hollow
body the guitar rings true and loud when played unplugged
a sign that the woods and construction have been correctly
executed.
Plugged in the
Eastwood takes on another life. The neck pickup sounds especially
warm and organic and instantly becomes my favourite. The bridge
pickup also sounds good (especially after been raised a little)
with a good bite and trebly twang.
Fit and Finish
 The instrument is well finished for its price point with no noticeable
flaws or issues, the binding is well executed and good quality
materials are used throughout. The only thing I would change
on this instrument if using in a gigging scenario would be
the tuners as they seem to detune a little after hard bends
or heavy playing, however these might settle down with more
use and as the strings stretch.
Summary
A very interesting
and capable instrument, at a very affordable price point.
The Classic 6 is available, in walnut (as reviewed), as well
as in white and orange. A left hand walnut option is also
available as is a form fitted hard case.
Eden Roc the European distributor also adds the interesting
option of a bigsby tremolo instead of the fixed bridge.
Long Term
Review.
For the first
time in this publication we have decided to make this review
on-going that is, a long term test. Many reviewers tend to
write about the item in question a few days or weeks after
receiving it and I would think that a long term test where
the guitars performance, quirks etc are documented over a
longer period of time would interest readers and help readers
find out more detailed information on this instrument.
By Ernest
H Slade
Thanks to
Our Premium Review Sponsors
Many thanks to Eastwood, My Rare Guitars
and Eden Roc Distributions for supplying the review item.
A special mention to Eden Roc for their
prompt shipping as the instrument only took three days to
arrive.
For more information and purchasing please follow the links
below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Main Eastwood
Page
|
My Rare Guitars
|
European Distributor
|
|
