Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $586

Standard/Professional

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Experience the harmonious blend of craftsmanship and sound with the Eastman E1SS, a steel-string acoustic guitar that embodies both traditional design and modern playability. This guitar is perfect for musicians seeking a rich, resonant tone, thanks to its solid Sitka spruce top, which provides clarity and depth. The E1SS features sapele back and sides, offering balance and warmth to your sound. Its neck is crafted from mahogany, providing a comfortable playing experience, whether you're strumming chords or picking melodies.

The Eastman E1SS is equipped with a rosewood fingerboard, ensuring smooth navigation across the frets. It also boasts a hand-scalloped X-bracing pattern, which enhances the guitar’s projection and sustain, making it ideal for both studio recordings and live performances. The bone nut and saddle contribute to its exceptional intonation and tuning stability, ensuring that every note rings true.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring guitarist, the Eastman E1SS is designed to inspire, providing a reliable and expressive instrument that grows with your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top
  • Sapele back and sides
  • Mahogany neck with a comfortable profile
  • Rosewood fingerboard
  • Hand-scalloped X-bracing
  • Bone nut and saddle for enhanced intonation
  • Chrome tuning machines for stability
  • Natural finish for classic appeal

Product specs

Brand Eastman
Model E1SS
Year 2023 - 2025
Made In China
Categories Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Sapele
Body Shape Dreadnought
Color Family Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Ebony
Fretboard Radius 12"
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Sides Material Sapele
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the back and sides of the Eastman E1SS?

The Eastman E1SS features sapele wood for both the back and sides, which offers a balanced tone with a warm midrange, often compared to mahogany.

How does the dreadnought body shape affect the sound of the Eastman E1SS?

The dreadnought shape of the Eastman E1SS provides a powerful, full-bodied sound with strong bass response, making it ideal for strumming and flatpicking.

Is the Eastman E1SS suitable for fingerstyle playing?

While the dreadnought shape is generally more suited for strumming, the 12" fretboard radius and 24.75" scale length of the Eastman E1SS can accommodate fingerstyle players looking for a rich and resonant sound.

What is the top wood of the Eastman E1SS, and how does it influence the guitar's tone?

The Eastman E1SS features a spruce top, known for its bright and clear tonal properties, providing excellent projection and articulation for a dynamic playing experience.

Does the Eastman E1SS come with a built-in pickup or preamp?

The Eastman E1SS does not include a built-in pickup or preamp, making it a purely acoustic guitar that emphasizes natural sound and resonance.

John Patrick Adams

John Patrick Adams

Down In the Willow Garden - Eastman E1SS-SB Demo

Video thumbnail for Down In the Willow Garden - Eastman E1SS-SB Demo by John Patrick Adams

Down In the Willow Garden - Eastman E1SS-SB Demo

John Patrick Adams

John Patrick Adams

Video thumbnail for Red Guitars - Eastman / E1SS - Sunburst by Red Guitars

Red Guitars - Eastman / E1SS - Sunburst

Red Guitars

Red Guitars

Video thumbnail for Eastman E1SS Sunburst guitar demo in Stageshop by Stageshop

Eastman E1SS Sunburst guitar demo in Stageshop

Stageshop

Stageshop

Video thumbnail for Tone Showcase | Eastman E1 SS by CodaMusic Stevenage

Tone Showcase | Eastman E1 SS

CodaMusic Stevenage

CodaMusic Stevenage

Reviews

PROS

  • Plays and sounds far above its price point

  • Super tone and projection with great action

  • More spectrum, better balance, and unique sustain than typical J45s

  • Offers a rich, woody tone with a husky midrange punch

  • Features solid top, back & sides, bone nut & saddle, and ebony fingerboard

  • Shorter scale length enhances playability

  • Excellent value; no need to spend on higher models for great performance

CONS

  • Does not replicate the dry tone of a Gibson

  • Noticeable dark splotch on the neck

  • Small gap in glue between neck heel and body

  • Tuners might benefit from an upgrade

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Eastman E1SS.

Comparisons

  • The Eastman E1SS is often compared to the J45, with users noting its suitability for fingerstyle, akin to famous artists like James Taylor and Bob Dylan.

    Source
  • The E1SS uses Sapele wood and a satin finish, while the E10SS features Mahogany and a gloss finish, influencing both price and aesthetic appeal.

    Source
  • Owners frequently compare the E1SS to the Gibson J-15, highlighting its superior comfort and loudness despite a much lower price point.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The E1SS features a 1 11/16" nut width, which some fingerstyle players find comfortable, despite usually preferring a 1.75" nut.

    Source
  • The E1SS lacks a built-in pickup, unlike higher-end models, but users can add affordable options like a $50 JJB for amplified sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners report the E1SS excels in open tunings, providing a rich sound for flat picking, strumming, and fingerstyle.

    Source
  • Sapele wood in the E1SS offers a tonal similarity to Mahogany, suitable for diverse playing styles without significant tonal compromise.

    Source

User experience

  • The setup customization can enhance comfort significantly, with one owner noting improved playability after adjustments despite occasionally muting notes.

    Source
  • Despite not having a wider nut, the E1SS is praised for its overall comfort, which encompasses elements like neck radius and fretwork beyond just nut width.

    Source
  • An owner with a collection of guitars, including high-end models, often prefers the E1SS for its playability, indicating it's gig-worthy and frequently used despite lower cost.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The E1SS is considered a budget-friendly option, offering similar tonal qualities to higher-priced models like the E10SS, primarily differing in materials and finish.

    Source
  • Buyers have reported purchasing the Eastman E1SS for as low as $620, significantly less than the listed $879 on the Eastman website.

    Source

Build quality

  • The open-pore satin finish on the E1SS is noted for enhancing volume and resonance compared to more heavily finished models.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

More Eastman Steel-string Acoustic Guitars

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides