I tried a couple in the 12fth Fret recently and am seriously considering one--probably the lowest-end A505, because I actually liked that the best! That's an F-hole style A. It had a very lively top, I would say it was graduated and tuned. I am currently playing a handmade roundhole A, but find it doesn't suit my playing style as well as I'd hoped--I like to rip tunes out pretty fast and aggressively sometimes and the Eastman is much more responsive for that.

They are made in China. I think what we are seeing is the next generation of Chinese (and Asian) luthiery--not just competing in the low end, but using high quality materials to produce high-quality instruments, mostly in the $500-$1000 dollar range.   Aside from mandos they are producing a dreadnought guitar, with--get this--Indian Rosewood body and allegedly ADIRONDACK spruce top--for just under $1000 US!!!! If that's true, how in hell did they get their hands on Adirondack spruce? Even American builders, and I'm thinking of a company that starts with M, are pretty damn stingy with that stuff.

I hope they are a good employer to work for, because I just may give in to this spending urge soon and I don't want to support a sweatshop. I have to think that in order to keep the obviously highly-skilled workers they need, they must be doing relatively right by them.

w-o