Eastman’s electric range looks complicated until you stop reading the model numbers as a secret code. The useful questions are simpler: do you want a semi-hollow, a carved single-cut, a stripped-back P-90 guitar, or one of the newer Fullertone and Juliet designs?

Quick answer: where should you start?

• T486 — the obvious all-round 16-inch semi-hollow with twin humbuckers.
• T59/v — a more vintage-leaning 16-inch semi-hollow with Antique Varnish character.
• T484 — a smaller 14-inch semi-hollow if the T486 feels too big.
• T64/v — the P-90 route for players who want a livelier, less polished semi-hollow sound.
• SB59 / SB59/v — Eastman’s carved single-cut, humbucker-led answer to the classic mahogany/maple formula.
• SB55/v — the stripped-back single-cut with one P-90 and very little excess furniture.
• SB55DC/TV — the double-cut sibling if upper-fret access and a different feel matter more.
• Fullertone SC’52 / DC’62 / Offset’62 — Eastman’s bolt-on-style family for players coming from more familiar solidbody territory.
• Romeo / Juliet — the more individual Eastman designs if you want something less traditional.

1. Semi-hollow first: T484, T486, T59/v or T64/v?

The T-series is the easiest place to start if you want the feel and resonance of a semi-hollow without going all the way into a full jazz box. The T486 is the broad all-rounder: 16-inch body, centre block and twin Seymour Duncan humbuckers.

The T59/v sits close to it in concept but leans harder into the vintage brief, while the T484 shrinks the body to 14 inches for players who find a 16-inch thinline cumbersome.

If P-90s are the attraction, the T64/v is the obvious detour. The quickest side-by-side routes are our T486 vs T59/v and T484 vs T486 comparisons.

2. Want a carved single-cut? Look at the SB range

The SB59 and SB59/v are the natural place to look if you want a carved single-cut with twin humbuckers. They sit closest to the familiar set-neck mahogany-and-maple school of electric guitar design.

The SB55/v strips that formula right back around a single P-90, while the SB55DC/TV takes the same broad idea into a double-cut body. If those two are on your shortlist, use the SB55/v vs SB55DC/TV comparison.

3. Fullertone: the easiest Eastman family to understand

The Fullertone range is aimed at players who want the immediacy of a familiar solidbody format rather than a carved single-cut or semi-hollow. The important split is body style and pickup/tremolo layout rather than prestige.

The Fullertone SC’52 is the single-cut route, while the Fullertone DC’62 and Fullertone Offset’62 cover double-cut and offset territory. Our Fullertone DC’62 vs Offset’62 comparison is the useful shortcut if those two are competing for your attention.

4. Romeo and Juliet: the Eastmans that look like Eastmans

The Romeo, Juliet P-90 and Juliet NYC are the models to consider if you want something less obviously rooted in a historic body shape. They are the part of the range where Eastman’s own design language comes through most clearly.

5. Humbuckers or P-90s?

If you want the smoother, thicker and more controlled route, start with the humbucker-led T486, T59/v, SB59 or SB59/v. If you want more edge, attack and openness, look at the T64/v, SB55/v, SB55DC/TV or Juliet P-90.

That pickup choice often matters more than the price difference between two neighbouring models. Pick the sound family first, then worry about finish and trim.

6. Which one would we start with?

For a first Eastman electric, the T486 is probably the easiest starting point if you want a semi-hollow, while the SB59 is the obvious carved single-cut route. If you already know you prefer P-90s, skip the compromise and look straight at the T64/v or SB55/v.

If you are coming from more traditional bolt-on solidbodies and do not want to jump straight into Eastman’s carved or semi-hollow designs, start with the Fullertone family instead.

Still undecided? Browse the full Eastman electric range, use the comparison guides, or ask owners in the Eastman Electrics forum.