Eastman E1D-12-DLX Deluxe Series Dreadnought 12-String Electro Acoustic, Natural Overview
The Eastman E1D-12-DLX is a part of Eastman’s Deluxe Series, specifically designed for musicians who appreciate the rich, full-bodied sound that only a 12-string guitar can provide. This dreadnought electro-acoustic model offers both exceptional tonal quality and durability, making it an excellent choice for players seeking a versatile and reliable instrument for a variety of musical styles.
Key Features:
Tonewoods and Construction:
- Solid Sitka Spruce Top: The top of the E1D-12 Deluxe is crafted from solid Sitka spruce, a popular choice for its strength, clarity, and dynamic range. This tonewood is known for delivering bright, articulate tones, making it ideal for the complex harmonics and overtones of a 12-string guitar.
- Solid Sapele Back and Sides: The back and sides are made from solid sapele, a tonewood that offers a warm, balanced sound with a strong midrange presence. It complements the Sitka spruce top, producing a rich, resonant tone with depth and clarity.
- Hand-Scalloped X-Bracing: The hand-scalloped X-bracing allows the top to vibrate more freely, enhancing the guitar’s projection and sustain. This bracing pattern is particularly effective in maintaining the structural integrity of the dreadnought body while maximizing tonal quality.
Playability and Comfort:
- Traditional Even “C” Neck Profile: The neck is shaped with a traditional even “C” profile, providing a comfortable grip that accommodates a variety of playing styles. The mahogany neck adds warmth to the overall tone and is known for its stability and smooth feel.
- Ebony Fingerboard: The fingerboard is made of ebony, offering a sleek playing surface with excellent responsiveness. Ebony is also known for its durability, making it a great choice for a 12-string guitar where precise fretting is essential.
- Nut Width and Scale Length: With a nut width of 1.875" and a scale length of 25.4", this guitar is designed to accommodate the broader neck required for 12 strings, ensuring comfortable playability across the entire fretboard.
Electronics and Amplification:
- Fishman Presys VT Pickup System: The Fishman Presys VT system is renowned for its ability to capture the natural sound of the guitar with clarity and precision. It features easy-to-use volume and tone controls, along with a built-in tuner, making it an excellent choice for both live performances and recording.
Aesthetics and Hardware:
- Truetone Gloss Finish: The natural finish with Truetone Gloss not only enhances the visual appeal of the guitar but also protects the wood, ensuring durability and longevity.
- Tortoise Binding and Pickguard: The tortoise binding and matching pickguard add a touch of classic elegance to the guitar’s appearance, complementing its traditional aesthetic.
- Open-Gear PingWell V93N 3+3 Tuners: These open-gear tuners provide precise tuning and stability, which is particularly important for a 12-string guitar, where maintaining accurate tuning can be challenging.
- Ebony Bridge and White Plastic Bridge Pins: The ebony bridge contributes to the overall tonal quality, providing a firm anchor point for the strings and enhancing the guitar’s sustain. The white plastic bridge pins with black dots add a subtle visual contrast to the guitar’s design.
Additional Features:
- Gig Bag Included: The Eastman E1D-12 Deluxe comes with a high-quality gig bag, offering excellent protection for the guitar during transport and storage. This makes it convenient for musicians who are frequently on the move.
Sound and Performance:
The Eastman E1D-12-DLX delivers a powerful and resonant sound, characteristic of a well-crafted dreadnought body, but with the added richness and complexity of a 12-string configuration. The combination of Sitka spruce and sapele creates a balanced tonal spectrum, with bright highs, clear mids, and resonant lows. Whether unplugged or amplified via the Fishman Presys VT system, the guitar projects a sound that is both full and articulate, factor in for those who desire a lush, immersive sound.
