When Eastman stole the show at NAMM earlier this year by unveiling its upgraded Juliet LA design, we knew immediately that the boutique electric guitar builder had an absolute hit on its hands. After all, we took one look at the stunning, subtle offset instrument and immediately reached for our wallets.
For all the anticipation surrounding the model, all of these expectations have been met – and even exceeded – in the Juliet LA, a refined take on Eastman’s classic Juliet series.
The original lightweight and ergonomic offset body (designed by Eastman head designer Otto D’Ambrosio) is crafted from one solid piece of okoume, and is sculpted for maximum comfort and playability. A Truetone gloss finish in Celestine Blue – inspired by LA’s clear skies and complemented by an inlaid pickguard to highlight the graceful curves of the guitar – further add to the aesthetic appeal.
Unsurprisingly, the guitar performs, plays and sounds just as good as it looks. Those Seymour Duncan Radiator Phat Cat P-90s with the gold foil covers invoke classic surf tones, but stretch much further beyond to deliver a host of pristine, elegant cleans and surging gain tones.
Another highlight of the spec sheet includes the Göldo Les Trem System – a feature that Guitar world’s Paul Riario says “feels and plays like no other trem system”. In his demo above, he says the Göldo appointment “has a soft and gentle waver while staying in tuner”.
It’s joined by a Göldo 3-Point Vario Bridge – which limits top contact and allows for maximum articulation, sustain and resonance – and Göldo K-Line Back locking tuners.
Riario was taken by the charm of the Juliet LA, which he called “a stunningly beautiful and original guitar”.
“The Eastman Juliet LA provides guitarists with classic dual P-90s tones, and an exceptional trem system that feels like nothing else,” he says as a verdict. “But more importantly, Eastman employs traditional craftsmanship to create this stunning design, where feel, tone and playability are all part of the Juliet LA’s upscale performance experience.”
Learn more about the Juliet LA and find an Eastman Authorized Dealer near you.
