2017 catalog

2
A dedication to excellence,
a commitment to craft.
Founded in 1992 by a young immigrant, Qian Ni, Eastman Strings was from the start
recognized as one of the world’s finest makers of orchestral stringed instruments. In the
great tradition of such luthiers as Antonio Stradivari, Lloyd Loar (Gibson), and John
D’Angelico, we built from a foundation in violin-making to produce some of the best
fretted instruments anywhere.
In 2004, we continued to evolve by creating our first guitars: three archtops that were
displayed at the winter NAMM show in California. The response at this music-industry
gathering was immediate and overwhelming. Players from around the world remarked
at the archtops’ craftsmanship and acoustic properties. Only a few years later, with the help
of a team of passionate luthiers, we introduced our acclaimed mandolins and flattop guitars.
What makes this work so special? The craftsmanship. Eastman guitars and mandolins
are always hand-made by skilled luthiers, many of whom have been with us from the
beginning. Their commitment to personally creating each instrument separates us from
many modern builders; aware that each piece of wood is unique and must be treated as
such, our luthiers ensure that the graduations and bracings are tailored for every instrument.
The result, we believe, is a superior tone that all players can hear — and more.
Legendary jazz guitarist John Pisano often comments on not only our guitars’ acoustic
properties, but on the way he can literally feel the instrument vibrate against his body,
“as if it’s alive.”
And our guitars continue to evolve, inspired and enhanced by our proven excellence with
other stringed instruments. The models in our new Varnish Antique Series, for example,
come with an extraordinary finish originally developed for our carefully considered and
vaunted violins. Meanwhile, our mandolins and classical guitars feature the sort of delicate
stringing that’s honed by years of broad lutherie experience. This kind of cross-pollination
within our company, in which work on one kind of instrument positively influences
another, keeps our tradition of unparalleled craftsmanship expanding — and thriving.
We’re incredibly lucky to have so many talented artists appreciate our work, and we hope you
visit one of our dealers around the world to see, to hear, and to feel an Eastman for yourself.