Pricing and availability

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

Average Price: $1,823

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

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

Neck Material:Mahogany Fingerboard:Ebony Fingerboard Radius:12" Neck Profile:Traditional Even "C" Nut:Bone 1 3/4" 1st Fret String Height:.022" 12 Fret String Height:Bass .078" & Treble .062" Fretwire:22 Medium Jumbo Jescar 47104 Scale Length:25" Body Style:16" Thinline Body Dimensions:16" x 1 3/4" Body Top:Solid Maple Body Back/Sides:Solid Mahogany Truss Rod:Single Acting Binding:Body, Neck, Headstock Binding Material:Flamed Maple Logo:Pearl Headstock Inlay:Pearl Dots

Product specs

Brand Eastman
Model T186MX, T186MX-GB
Finish Classic, Goldburst
Year 2023 - 2025
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Brown, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Fretboard Radius 12"
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25"
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Flamed

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Eastman T-186mx suitable for?

The Eastman T-186mx, with its semi-hollow body and dual humbuckers, is versatile and excels in jazz, blues, and rock genres, offering warm and resonant tones.

How does the Eastman T-186mx's neck profile affect playability?

The Eastman T-186mx features a set-neck construction with a comfortable mahogany neck, making it easy to play for extended sessions and suitable for both rhythm and lead playing.

What are the tonal characteristics of the Eastman T-186mx pickups?

The T-186mx is equipped with dual humbuckers that deliver a rich, full-bodied sound with excellent clarity, ideal for clean tones as well as overdriven settings.

Is the Eastman T-186mx a good choice for live performances?

Yes, the Eastman T-186mx's semi-hollow design and robust construction make it a reliable choice for live performances, providing both aesthetic appeal and versatile sound projection.

What is the scale length of the Eastman T-186mx and how does it affect playability?

The Eastman T-186mx has a 25" scale length, offering a balanced tension that supports smooth playability and a comfortable feel, especially for those transitioning from solid-body guitars.

portlandmusic

portlandmusic

Eastman Guitars, T186MX, thinline double cutaway

Video thumbnail for Eastman Guitars, T186MX, thinline double cutaway by portlandmusic

Eastman Guitars, T186MX, thinline double cutaway

portlandmusic

portlandmusic

Video thumbnail for Eastman T186MX Thinline - Blonde by N Stuff Music

Eastman T186MX Thinline - Blonde

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Testing "Eastman T-186MX" by Sega Zu

Testing "Eastman T-186MX"

Sega Zu

Sega Zu

Video thumbnail for Eastman T186MX In Natural.  Another Work Of Art By Eastman by Richards Guitars

Eastman T186MX In Natural. Another Work Of Art By Eastman

Richards Guitars

Richards Guitars

Video thumbnail for Eastman T186MX Demo Denny Earnest by Denny Earnest

Eastman T186MX Demo Denny Earnest

Denny Earnest

Denny Earnest

Video thumbnail for Eastman T186MX Classic played by Jim Zwinselman | Demo by TFOA Demos

Eastman T186MX Classic played by Jim Zwinselman | Demo

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent low-output Bare Knuckles Old Guard pickups provide versatile tonal range

  • Neck profile is ideal for players with smaller hands

  • High-quality craftsmanship akin to premium American guitars

  • Offers smooth playability with fast neck and great tuning stability

  • Warm tones from the neck pickup with the ability to get gritty

  • Quality finish and visually appealing design

CONS

  • Requires setup adjustments for optimal performance, including bridge and nut work

  • Some users might prefer the traditional larger neck found on other semi-hollow guitars

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Eastman T-186mx.

Comparisons

  • The T-186 is noted for offering slightly more acoustic volume compared to the T-184, which may enhance playing in quieter environments.

    Source
  • The T-186mx is likened to ES-335 models, offering a similar arched top and mostly hollow body for a distinct tone.

    Source
  • Eastman T-186mx is likened to Gibson ES models, with the T-186 costing more due to its solid wood construction compared to the laminate woods of the Gibsons.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • For primarily home use at moderate volumes, the T-186 is favored due to its acoustic properties and minimal feedback issues.

    Source
  • The T-186mx is praised for its versatility across genres, excelling in jazz and ska even with flat-wound strings, making it a gig favorite.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Gold Burst finish on the Eastman T-186mx is praised for its aesthetic appeal, comparable to higher-end models like the AR805 in the same finish.

    Source
  • Some owners report wiring issues causing sound cutouts, which are difficult to fix due to the hollow-body design.

    Source
  • The T-186mx features hand-carved solid maple for the top, back, and sides in prototypes, with production models using maple for the top and mahogany for the back and sides.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner's guitar's finish was described as lacking, with notable issues over time, raising concerns about long-term aesthetic durability.

    Source
  • Owners note the T-186mx's body-heavy design can cause the neck to rise when sitting, typical of 335-style guitars.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Eastman T-186mx has a thicker neck compared to Gibson's '60s Slim Taper necks, which might affect playability for some users.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • There have been reports of dead frets above the 10th fret, leading to poor sustain, particularly affecting single note playing.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite some quality control issues, many owners consider Eastman guitars excellent value, comparable in quality to Gibsons at a fraction of the price.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
paulsmithiii

From Rock to Jazz

I was always interested in a guitar in the style of a Gibson ES-335 but I didn't like the larger neck on the Gibson. I have smaller hands and wanted a neck I could really get around with ease. I played an T-168mx at a shop in San Antonio and loved the feel AND the sound. The humbucker pickups on the Eastmans are some of the best I've ever heard. The shop didn't have the finish I wanted (the one featured in this photo) so I searched and found one online in a shop in England. It was just as I imagined it would be. Eastman is Chinese made but it's not an English, German or American company building in China. The company originated in China and these folks really know what they're doing. They began making classical violins and then added guitars made with the same craftsmanship they had built their orchestral instrument reputation on. I feel very fortunate to have acquired this one. Update - I've since added a Gibson ES-335 to the family and it rocks!

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Eastman Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides