/ Register

Eastman Basses

Discussion in 'Basses [DB]' started by gpnhs, Nov 27, 2005.

  1. Nov 27, 2005 #1
    gpnhs

    gpnhs

    Feb 16, 2003
    los angeles,
    Can anyone tell me anything about those basses? Looked into the newbie links and there isn't much about them. I have an opportunity to buy a year old laminated model (Model 85) that was set up (new bridge, planed board, new strings etc.) by the folks at World Of Strings (called them and they confirmed) in Long Beach , CA for a good price (1500.00) from a private party. I am a newbie and unfortunately my teacher is out of town for a few weeks. I've played it and it felt good and sounded nice but as I said, I am a newbie with less than six months on the upright and i'm not sure I'm a good judge yet. right now i am playing a chinese bass that was given to me. I got it to luthier and it was set up and plays nicely but my teacher told me to keep my eyes open and look for a decent bass. Any feedback from you folks would be more than appreciated.
     
  2. Nov 28, 2005 #2
    idahohay

    idahohay

    Nov 22, 2002
    Priest River, ID
    The Eastman 85 is fully laminated, has German tuners, ebony fingerboard, has more figure in the veneer than the Mod. 80 and usually a decent looking varnish. They are initially set up with an adjustable bridge. They are alot like the Christopher DB202. Initially Eastman had an arrangement with Concord but is now making their own uprights. I am not sure when this change took place.

    If you are interested in whether the bass in question is originally from the folks that make Christopher's or from Eastman's own shop let me know any details(like date of mfg.)and I will try to find out. Not that it matters because if you like it it would be well worth it. It also doesn't hurt to ask if the price is negotiable.
     
  3. Dec 2, 2005 #3
    gpnhs

    gpnhs

    Feb 16, 2003
    los angeles,
    Thanks hayes. I guess if i would have posted something on a Upton Shen or Christopher I would have had tons of replies:) Either way, the person (six degree of separations so kind of a friend) selling the bass is in no rush to part with it, and will probably hold it until my teacher gets back in town. I did play it a bit more and it does feel nice and has a nice tone. The fact that it has slopping shoulders (it is a Gamba style instrument) is a plus since I am on the small side. You did mention that Eastmen changed their manufacturing shop/plant. Any significant difference? Again, thanks for your feedback.