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Eastwood Classic

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xbvh93

Aug 7, 2012
3
0
#1
Hi everyone,

I'm relatively new to the world of basses, though I've had an old Fender copy for a couple of years which I've played a little. I'm really keen to buy myself a bass (my one is on loan from a friend), and I'm a big fan of the semi-hollowbody variety. Unfortunately it seems that semi-hollowbody and cheap rarely are said in the same sentence. However, I came across Eastwood guitars, and am interested in their Classic 4 model:

http://www.eastwoodguitars.com/

I was just wondering whether anybody had any experience with them, whether this is a reputable brand, any better alternatives etc etc. Please forgive my current ignorance, and thanks in advance for any help.
 
#3
xbvh93 said:
Hi everyone,

I'm relatively new to the world of basses, though I've had an old Fender copy for a couple of years which I've played a little. I'm really keen to buy myself a bass (my one is on loan from a friend), and I'm a big fan of the semi-hollowbody variety. Unfortunately it seems that semi-hollowbody and cheap rarely are said in the same sentence. However, I came across Eastwood guitars, and am interested in their Classic 4 model:

http://www.eastwoodguitars.com/

I was just wondering whether anybody had any experience with them, whether this is a reputable brand, any better alternatives etc etc. Please forgive my current ignorance, and thanks in advance for any help.
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Ibanez artcore, Epiphone Jack Casady, and even the Gretsch Electromatic Series are a lot better than those. They're cool looking, but lack a lot in quality, and need extensive set up work when they're first purchased. I'd look elsewhere.
 
#6
RootNoteRadical said:
I have a EASTWOOD classic 4 mind you its a left hand instrument and it is very nice. Great construction and finish, all that it needed was a PRO setup with my favorite brand of strings. It really is a great bass.
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The Bass Whisperer did a review on YouTube; sounds pretty good!

The bridge looks as though the range of adjustability is very limited. Did you experience any difficulty intonating your Eastwood?
 
#8
A few years ago Eastwood sent me an instrument they "forgot" to install a truss rod in but that still made it past final inspection. That kinda put them on my avoid list.
I'd spend a few extra bucks on a used Epi Jack Casady. That's a bass you might have the rest of your life.
 
#9
I haven't had an Eastwood, but I've heard they are a good mid-quality instrument. No experience, though.

I have a used Casady and it's a very good instrument, but it's 34" scale and the Eastwood is 30.5". Definitely a worthwhile bass, and under $600 used if you work at it.

This style of bridge is pretty easy to intonate - you move the entire bridge, and angle it slightly if needed. I've never had one fail to intonate, but I'm not OCD about getting intonation within one cent - that's just silly.

The Artcores from Ibanez are well thought of and less expensive, especially used.

Be aware that basses in this style come in 30", 32" and 34" scales. Make sure you look at an instrument that meets your preference!
 
#10
Thanks for all the advice. As far as scale goes, I'd prefer a shorter scale bass, though I can play any scale, I find the shorter it is the easier for me. I've looked at the Ibanez Artcore basses and wondered if I should get one. The biggest hurdle for me is the fact that I live in NZ, where it's a real challenge sourcing anything. Most companies only ship to the US, and our music shops here are very brand loyal, meaning there isn't much variety. I love the Jack Casady bass, but unfortunately I just can't afford it, otherwise I would be playing one right now :(
 
#14
Just got a Classic 4 on Monday, my second Eastwood bass. Very happy with it, high quality, very nice neck, good tones. Would I prefer a different bridge? Yes, but I've got close to 20 years regular gigging on a Hofner with that same bridge, with zero problems, intonation or otherwise, so I'm fine with it.
 
#15
iamthebassman said:
Just got a Classic 4 on Monday, my second Eastwood bass. Very happy with it, high quality, very nice neck, good tones. Would I prefer a different bridge? Yes, but I've got close to 20 years regular gigging on a Hofner with that same bridge, with zero problems, intonation or otherwise, so I'm fine with it.
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I think the problem with Eastwood isn't quality as much as it's QC. Some are good, and some are crap, and ordering one online is going to be like Russian Roulette.
 
#18
blendermassacre said:
I think the problem with Eastwood isn't quality as much as it's QC. Some are good, and some are crap, and ordering one online is going to be like Russian Roulette.
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I own 3 Eastwood basses: the Airline Map Bass, Hi Flyer (Mosite copy), and EEB-1 (Ampeg scroll copy). Eastwood has used a few different manufacturing plants over the years, and the QC and level of quality can be directly attributed to each. Their price points reflect as much too. The Map bass is MIK, and easily the highest quality of the three I own (also their most expensive bass), while the Hi Flyer is MIC and is clearly an inferior (and much cheaper) instrument. But I believe Eastwood has since moved their MIC operations to a better, more consistent manufacturer.

Eastwood is a good company though, with excellent CS. I cracked the PUP ring on my Hi Flyer and Mike sent me a whole new PUP. I think the Classic 4 is a solid instrument. If only they offered it lefty in the white finish. Poor man's Gretsch White Falcon.
 
#20
pjmuck said:
I own 3 Eastwood basses: the Airline Map Bass, Hi Flyer (Mosite copy), and EEB-1 (Ampeg scroll copy). Eastwood has used a few different manufacturing plants over the years, and the QC and level of quality can be directly attributed to each. Their price points reflect as much too. The Map bass is MIK, and easily the highest quality of the three I own (also their most expensive bass), while the Hi Flyer is MIC and is clearly an inferior (and much cheaper) instrument. But I believe Eastwood has since moved their MIC operations to a better, more consistent manufacturer.

Eastwood is a good company though, with excellent CS. I cracked the PUP ring on my Hi Flyer and Mike sent me a whole new PUP. I think the Classic 4 is a solid instrument. If only they offered it lefty in the white finish. Poor man's Gretsch White Falcon.
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I'd like to try one again, but our Eastwood Dealer her really, really sucks.
 

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