Eastman E20D Thermo-Cure Large Sound Hole - Natural

The Eastman E20D Thermo-Cure Large Sound Hole: A Tribute to a Legend

This guitar is inspired by one of the most iconic acoustic guitars ever played. The story begins with Clarence White's heavily modified 1935 D-28, a guitar that endured a hard life but produced legendary music. This D-28, purchased by White in a state of disrepair, had a thinned top, a replaced fretboard, and a significantly enlarged sound hole. Despite its condition, it became White's main instrument for a time, shaping his innovative playing style. The guitar survived BB gun shots, near-collisions with trucks, and ultimately served as collateral for a loan.

This storied instrument later found its way to Tony Rice, who first encountered it as a child at a Clarence White concert. Rice eventually acquired the guitar and, despite its continued need for repairs (including cracks, a worn bridge plate, and a neck reset), it became his primary instrument until his passing. The guitar even survived a hurricane, being rescued from Rice's flooded home and painstakingly restored.

The Eastman E20D Thermo-Cure Large Sound Hole pays homage to this legendary guitar. It captures the essence of the original's unique character, particularly the enlarged sound hole, which contributes to a distinct tonal quality. This larger sound hole, a consequence of wear and modification on White's original D-28, is believed by many to enhance the guitar's bass response and overall projection.

Eastman has meticulously crafted this model with premium materials and construction techniques. The solid Thermo-Cured Adirondack spruce top offers exceptional tonal clarity, responsiveness, and projection. The thermo-curing process simulates the ageing of the wood, resulting in a more mature and resonant tone from the start. Combined with solid rosewood back and sides, the guitar delivers a rich, complex tone with strong overtones and a powerful bass response.

The guitar's playability is also a key focus. The mahogany neck with a traditional even "C" profile and ebony fingerboard provides a comfortable and familiar feel. The 12" fingerboard radius and 1 3/4" bone nut further enhance playability, making it suitable for a wide range of playing styles.

Here's a closer look at the specifications that make this guitar exceptional:

• Thermo-Cured Adirondack Spruce Top: Provides exceptional tonal clarity, responsiveness, and projection.
• Solid Rosewood Back and Sides: Offers a rich, complex tone with strong overtones and powerful bass.
• Large Sound Hole: Contributes to enhanced bass response and projection, echoing the original guitar's unique character.
• Ebony Fingerboard and Bridge: Provide excellent tonal transfer and contribute to the guitar's overall clarity and sustain.
• Bone Nut and Saddle: Enhance resonance and sustain.
• Hand-Carved Scalloped X Bracing: Optimizes the top's vibration for a balanced and responsive tone.
• Gotoh Tuners: Ensure precise and stable tuning.

The Eastman E20D Thermo-Cure Large Sound Hole is a tribute to a legendary guitar and the music it inspired. It offers players a chance to experience a unique tonal character and a piece of music history.