For guitar enthusiasts, especially those drawn to the intimate feel and balanced sound of smaller-bodied instruments, the 00 size acoustic guitar holds a special allure. These guitars are celebrated for their comfortable dimensions, often featuring a shorter scale length, and a tonal profile that is both articulate and harmonically rich – making them ideal companions for couch-side practice, live gigs, and studio recording sessions alike. As a devoted player of 00 guitars, with both 12-fret and 14-fret models in my collection, and even my archtop and classical guitars echoing similar body dimensions, I was naturally excited to delve into the Eastman E20OOSS/v. This 14-fret model, boasting a slotted headstock and all-solid-wood construction, promised a compelling blend of vintage-inspired design and modern craftsmanship. After spending considerable time with this instrument, I can confidently say that Eastman has delivered a guitar that offers exceptional quality and tone that far exceeds expectations at its price point.
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Unboxing Excellence: A First Impression of Quality
The anticipation of receiving a new guitar is always a thrill, and the unboxing experience of the Eastman E20OOSS/v only heightened that excitement. While a fresh pizza might be the only thing that could top the joy of a guitar delivery, Eastman comes remarkably close. The first thing that struck me upon removing the E20OOSS/v from its sturdy shipping box was the exceptional hardshell case. It’s not just a case; it’s a robust, plush-lined sanctuary meticulously molded to the guitar’s form. In fact, I’ve encountered guitars at significantly higher price points that were housed in cases of lesser quality. This premium case is a testament to Eastman’s commitment to protecting their instruments and speaks volumes about the care they invest in every detail.
Opening the case revealed a guitar that is, to put it simply, visually stunning. The rich sunburst finish immediately catches the eye, complemented by the classic herringbone purfling and elegant pearl diamond fretboard inlays. Eastman has clearly chosen premium tonewoods for this model. The top is crafted from Adirondack spruce, a prized choice often reserved for high-end, U.S.-made guitars, recognized for its stiffness and responsiveness. The spruce top exhibits tight, straight grain, a hallmark of quality. This is paired with back and sides constructed from light-hued rosewood, showcasing beautiful figuring that adds depth and character to the instrument’s appearance. The inky black ebony fretboard and bridge provide a striking visual contrast against the lighter woods, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.
The Eastman E20OOSS/v demonstrates exemplary fit and finish throughout its construction. Peering inside the soundhole reveals neat and tidy kerfing and bracing, with no signs of excess glue or sloppy workmanship. The fretwork is impeccably clean, and the tuners feel substantial and operate with smooth precision. As I tuned the guitar up, there was no hint of string binding or erratic movement, and the guitar maintained its tuning stability remarkably well right from the start. Typically, when I acquire a new guitar, a trip to my trusted tech for a fret and truss-rod inspection, and possibly a bridge saddle adjustment to achieve my preferred low action, is almost mandatory. However, the Eastman E20OOSS/v arrived in perfect playing condition straight out of the box, eliminating the need for any immediate setup work.
One of the standout features of the E20OOSS/v, and a significant selling point, is its varnish finish. Varnish is considered a luxurious and less common finish option on production guitars in this price range. The application process for varnish is considerably more labor-intensive than many other types of finishes. It is known for being thinner and more flexible, which is believed to allow the instrument to resonate more freely, ultimately enhancing its tonal qualities. The varnish on the E20OOSS/v is flawlessly applied, featuring a graceful gradient in the sunburst pattern and a beautiful, burnished sheen across the entire instrument. A subtle touch of faux aging is present on the top, simulating the wear patterns of an instrument that has been lovingly played over time. While the simulated arm wear might appear slightly less convincing upon close inspection, from a normal playing distance, it lends a fashionable, vintage-esque aesthetic, much like pre-distressed denim.
Tone and Headroom: A Sound That Belies Its Size
The crucial question, of course, is how does the Eastman E20OOSS/v sound? In short: fantastic. The sonic character of this guitar is surprisingly powerful for its 00 size, yet it retains a refined sweetness and warmth. It’s remarkably loud without being brash, possesses impressive sustain, and delivers a low-end response that is more substantial than one might expect from a smaller-bodied instrument. When played fingerstyle, the E20OOSS/v exhibits a beautifully balanced tonal spectrum, full and even across the entire range. It reveals a captivating sweetness when played softly, and transitions to a full and articulate voice as you increase playing intensity. With a flatpick, the sound remains crisp and defined, but the notes retain a pleasing fullness at all dynamic levels.
Pushing the guitar harder with a pick reveals the benefits of the Adirondack spruce top. It provides ample headroom, resisting compression and maintaining clarity even when played aggressively. The E20OOSS/v never loses its composure, offering a dynamic range that is truly impressive. The neck profile is a comfortable moderate C carve, striking a balance between a vintage-style, rounded profile and a more contemporary, slim feel. Combined with the comfortable low action and buzz-free setup, the E20OOSS/v provides not only clean and articulate sounds but also a playing experience that is genuinely enjoyable and inspiring.
Over a couple of months of daily playing, I found myself consistently drawn to the E20OOSS/v. Hours of practice each day flew by, and I consistently looked forward to picking it up again for the next session. I even took it into the studio for a recording project, where it was used primarily for strummed rhythm parts and some arpeggiated textures. The recorded sound was outstanding, possessing a character that leaned more towards a seasoned vintage guitar than a brand-new instrument. I also brought the Eastman to a local music shop during a session where I was demoing some high-end, significantly more expensive acoustics. It was a pleasant surprise to discover that the Eastman more than held its own in comparison, sounding just as appealing to my ears as those instruments with much heftier price tags.
The Verdict: Exceptional Value and Performance
The Eastman E20OOSS/v is, unequivocally, a remarkable guitar. Its comfortable 00 body size, combined with its sweet, warm, and articulate vintage-inspired tone, makes it an exceptionally versatile instrument. Equally at home with fingerstyle techniques or flatpicking, whether you’re playing on the couch, performing on stage, or recording in the studio, the E20OOSS/v is simply a joy to play. Considering that Adirondack spruce tops and varnish finishes are often premium upgrades that can add thousands to the price of boutique guitars, the Eastman E20OOSS/v represents an incredible value proposition. It delivers boutique-level quality and tone without the boutique price. Highly recommended for players seeking a high-quality, small-bodied acoustic guitar with exceptional tone and playability.
Specifications
BODY 14-fret 00; solid Adirondack spruce top with hand-carved scalloped X-bracing; solid rosewood back and sides; ebony bridge; bone compensated saddle with 2-5/32″ spacing; herringbone purfling; firestripe pickguard; varnish sunburst finish
NECK 24.75″-scale mahogany neck with dual-action adjustable truss rod; slotted headstock; ebony fretboard with 12″ radius; 20 Jescar frets; 1-11/16″ bone nut; nickel open-gear tuners;
OTHER D’Addario XT Phosphor Bronze Light strings (.012–.053); hardshell case
MADE IN China
PRICE $1,869 street
This article originally appeared in the September/October 2022 issue of Acoustic Guitar magazine.
