The T486 and T59/v share the same basic 16-inch semi-hollow format and 24.75-inch scale, but they sit at different points in Eastman’s range. The differences are mainly finish, hardware and pickup specification rather than body concept.
Eastman T486 vs T59/v at a glance
| Feature | T486 | T59/v |
|---|---|---|
| Body | 16-inch thinline, maple laminate, full centre block | 16-inch thinline, flamed maple laminate, full centre block |
| Scale | 24.75 in | 24.75 in |
| Fingerboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Finish | Truetone gloss | Antique varnish |
| Pickups | Seymour Duncan Jazz / ’59 | Vintage-style humbuckers |
| Hardware | Nickel | Aged / relic nickel |
| 2026 UK MSRP | £1,599 | £2,129 |
What changes in practice?
The T486 is the more straightforward gloss-finished option, with modern production hardware and a familiar Seymour Duncan pairing. The T59/v moves toward an aged aesthetic, relic-style hardware and a more deliberately vintage-flavoured specification. Both retain the same broad semi-hollow architecture, so the decision is less about body format and more about feel, finish, electronics and budget.
Specification sources: Eastman T486 and Eastman T59/v. UK MSRP from the 2026 UK dealer price list.