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Frequently Asked Questions

Warranty Care

If I have a warranty issue with my Eastman what should I do?

If you feel your instrument has a defect that is covered by the warranty the first step is to reach out to the dealer you purchased the instrument from. They can provide a proper evaluation and determine if the instrument needs repair(s). The dealer will then reach out to Eastman for parts or further evaluation.

I have a warranty issue with my Eastman but the dealer I worked with is no longer in business or far from where I currently live. Where can I take my Eastman for a warranty evaluation?

Please contact Eastman Customer Service to be directed towards another Eastman dealer who can perform the evaluation.

Where can I get help registering my Eastman Instrument?

Please visit Registration to register your Eastman.

How do I properly clean and care for my Eastman Instrument?

Please visit Care and Cleaning for details on how to best maintain and care for your Eastman.

Purchasing an Eastman and Certified Eastman Dealers

What Eastman models can be ordered in a left-handed option?

Eastman only offers a select number of models that can be ordered in a left-handed option. These are designated with a (LH) on the model's specific spec pages listed at www.eastmanguitars.com.

Can I order a custom version of one of your guitars?

We are not currently offering any custom options of our instruments.

Can I buy/order direct from Eastman?

No. Eastman does not sell directly to consumers. Please locate an Eastman Authorized Dealer near you via the Certified Eastman Dealer Locator.

How do I find my closest Eastman Authorized Dealer?

Please utilize our Certified Eastman Dealer Locator to find an Eastman Dealer near you.

I cannot find a specific model in any dealer/store near me. Can Eastman help me find a specific model in a dealer?

(1) Due to the handmade nature of our instruments, production and availability of specific pieces can widely vary. Work with your local Eastman Authorized Dealer to obtain the instrument you are interested in.
(2) We do not dictate what a dealer carries in their store. Many of our dealers have strong online sales programs and can help you order and procure the Eastman instrument you are looking for.

When can I expect my guitar to arrive at my dealer?

Please contact the Eastman Authorized Dealer through which you purchased your instrument for an update on the status of your order.

Serial Numbers

Can you provide a manufactured date based on my serial number?

Eastman has had multiple serial number variations over the years. Here is a brief overview of our serial number systems. If your serial number does not fall under the criteria listed, please Contact Us.

*Serial number sequences below are not accurate for any SB model.  For help dating your SB please reach out to Eastman.

  • 2020 – Current
    • Letter designates product category, and first 2 digits are the year
  • 2016 – 2019
    • 1st and 3rd number are the year. 2nd number is the month(s)
      • 1 = January/February
      • 2 = March/April
      • 3 = May/June
      • 4 = July/August
      • 5 = September/October
      • 6 = November/December
    • Example: 15712345
      • September/October of 2017
  • 2014 – 2016
    • 1st and 4th digit are the year. 2nd and 3rd number designate the month.

Specifications

How do I find specs on a specific guitar?

Specifications of current production models can be found at www.eastmanguitars.com.

What type of strings come with my Eastman guitar or mandolin?

We use D’Addario strings on all our guitars and mandolins. The specific set can be found on your guitar's spec page.

Is it safe to change string gauges on my Eastman guitar?

Yes, it is safe. Our guitars are designed to use varying string gauges. However, our guitars are set up for the spec string gauges and switching to larger or smaller gauge of string may influence the playability or intonation. When moving up or down in string gauges we suggest the first installation be done professionally. Any damage caused by experimental string changes is not covered under warranty.

Can Eastman recommend upgraded or aftermarket parts for my guitar or mandolin?

When looking to install aftermarket parts on your Eastman, please reach out to your Eastman dealer for suggestions and sourcing. They will be able to best help you find and install the appropriate aftermarket parts for your specific instrument.

What is Truetone Finish?

Truetone is our special finish that consists of a delicate balance between hardness and flexibility without compromising the resonance or signature tone that makes an Eastman. By implementing a two-part modified urethane topcoat, we created a finish that never sacrifices the sound of tradition while minimizing the footprint it leaves on our planet. The Truetone finish is based on the same recipe featured on Bourgeois Guitars. Bourgeois joined the Eastman family in 2019.

Can I get an Antique Varnish guitar or mandolin that is not aged?

No. The violin varnish is hand rubbed into the wood to give it the look, sound, and feel of a vintage instrument. Since this finish leaves virtually nothing between the player and the wood, the instrument’s resonance and response is unencumbered, however, this also leaves the guitar or mandolin without the traditional protection offered by a topcoat. To balance this tradeoff our team antiques the instrument, making it look like a well-loved and played instrument, so you will not have to worry about the first scratch—they are made to be played.

What is the Tone-Tite neck system?

While most of our guitars feature a dovetail neck joint, our AC5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 models feature the Tone-Tite neck system designed by Master Luthier Dana Bourgeois. This system offers an exceptionally efficient tonal transfer as a guitar’s efficiency is measured by how much of the strings’ resonance is transmitted to the bridge. This energy flows through the neck and body, transmitting to the saddle, bridge, and soundboard creating soundwaves. The Tone-Tite neck joint mechanically fastens the neck to the body creating a perfect conduit for neck to body transference.

What size bridge pins do you use?

The bridge pins we use are size 1T with a 3-degree taper.

Miscellaneous

Where was my Eastman instrument made?

All of our instruments are handcrafted by our incredible team of luthiers and craftspeople in our workshops in Beijing, China.

Can Eastman help me buy a used guitar?

Eastman is not an intermediary between a purchaser and/or seller. We can neither validate nor discredit any claim regarding a used instrument transaction.