Thoughts on Eastwood instruments?

[electracoyote]

On my first visit to the Eastwood site I was amazed that they took on custom projects with limited runs and was immediately drawn to the Jetson Jr. So after an extended decision making period (about 5 minutes), I gave them my deposit and waited and watched until they reached the required number of orders so they could start the build. Well, finally that day came and several months later the JJ was delivered to my door. The bass looked great but after plugging it in I knew that it would disappoint me. I own two other short scale basses (Gibson SB300 and Ibanez TMB 30) and this one definitely fell into 3rd place. The pickups are cheap (very weak) as well as the other electronics. I had to shim the neck in order to get the string height set properly. When I inspected to pots, the cavity was full of trash! All in all, very disappointing. Considering my $179.00 Ibanez plays and sounds 5 times better, my $500 Airline JJ investment was a bust. Now, I could sink a few hundred into it and upgrade the electronics and bridge but I rather put that money into another project.

I'm glad I followed my instincts on the new Jetson and passed. I knew that split P on a shortie and a quickly/cheaply made bass was a recipe for disappointment.

Here is the first Eastwood Jetsons bass run and the way they SHOULD be made, dual fat soapbars, three position switching, plenty of tone/volume control, and no doubt made to a higher standard. They even pictured this on their website while advertising for the dumbed down version (a bit o' bait n switch?), and they absolutely should have just kept doing it right. That's my main complaint about the company, I give them lots of credit for being ambitious and creative for the player looking for something different, but they cut corners too often.

BTW, I've been hunting for one of these original Eastwood Jetsons for years, they are nowhere to be found. This is one I would have paid top dollar for.

 

[Kestrel]

My only Eastwood is the Hooky Bass 6 Pro. Fit/finish on mine is perfect. Plays and sounds great too. Their UK staff are very helpful as well. I agree, it’s a bit overpriced considering it doesn’t even come with a case, but being how difficult is is to find a Shergold Marathon 6 in my corner or the world, it was worth it for me. I’ve no regrets getting it.

 

[Peeved T-40]

Your bass is tuned in fourths (I'm assuming) as opposed to the mandocello's being tuned in fifths.

yes, you’re right, and I know that. I saw fifths on the product page and thought fourths. Not a big deal because if I do get it I was panning on getting DGCA strings for it anyway

 

[winterburn69]

I’d love one of their Prince Mad Cat guitars.

Perhaps one day.

 

[Theron Wall]

I've been looking into them. they have a LOT of really intriguing, unique instruments.

Specifically I've been looking at the Hooky Bass 6, they're selection of ukes and mandolins, the Mandocello and the 4 string Tenor guitar.

All of these are super cool in concept but I haven't really heard any opinions on the company or their build quality. does anyone have any experience with their instruments?

 

[Theron Wall]

I have a number of these instruments - mandocello, mandola, and baritone tenor. The build quality of the body, neck, and finish is consistently good on all of them. The hardware is mostly very good, too, but some of the bridges I wish were a higher grade. Not bad, though. In every case I found the electronics to be okay, but less than inspiring. (Full disclosure: I’m a pickup snob). In all three cases I replaced the pickups with boutique builds. After a string change and proper set up all three are now serious players I absolutely love.

out of the box I would rate them about 7/10, but with mods they are some of my favorite instruments.

 

[Naviiin]

I'd love a Newport, but I just can't deal with shaky QC. Guess I'll hunt down a vintage one or wait for Epiphone to finally get a clue.

 

[Green Knight]

that's good to hear. I'm looking at the Warren Ellis Mandacello. The only thing i can find on it is one YouTube video. all he does is play it. it sounds great but i haven't heard anyone talking about it

Guy on Reverb, "Big Mort," makes an awesome Mandacello!

 

[danster]

My Classic 4 bass is decent. I'd echo Theron Wall above. Love the throwback look!

 

[mongo2]

My first Club bass was an Eastwood copy of a Hofner Club bass. The Eastwood is very well made though not an exact copy with some details such as pickup mounting rings being different. It's a very good instrument. When the Hofner Ignition Club Bass became available I bought the Hofner but I still use the Eastwood at times.

 

[jd56hawk]

I've been looking into them. they have a LOT of really intriguing, unique instruments.

Specifically I've been looking at the Hooky Bass 6, they're selection of ukes and mandolins, the Mandocello and the 4 string Tenor guitar.

All of these are super cool in concept but I haven't really heard any opinions on the company or their build quality. does anyone have any experience with their instruments?

As mentioned earlier...

These are too cool.

 

[bassplace]

out of the box I would rate them about 7/10, but with mods they are some of my favorite instruments.

I agree with this assessment. 7/10

I have the baritone tenor and I find it completely usable after I gave it a good setup. Only change so far were shorter bridge saddle screws which were digging into my hand. Pickup combo is odd but I'm good for now. Might do some future mods though.