Yuku free message boards

I own a couple of Stanford dreads and have played several Eastman dreads. The detail in the build quality and finish on the Eastman's are exceptional(almost boutique quality) while the Stanford finish and build is also really good. I would give Eastman the nod on build quality and finish. The necks on Eastman's are wide but not a fuller profile as the Stanford necks. Playability of both necks are exceptional. The way to describe the tone is that Eastman is more refined while Stanford has that "in your face" boom that bluegrassers like me love. I would give Stanford the edge for being a bluegrass guitar. However, I did play one Eastman AC520 which was unbelievable in tone and it had that boom needed for bluegrass. It was the only Eastman dread I played that even came anywhere close to Stanford dreads as being a good bluegrass guitar. I feel you can't go wrong with either brand. If you like that "boom" from a guitar , then get a Stanford. If you are looking for a more refined tone and less boom, then get an Eastman.