NAMM 2021: The new Eastman Romeo LA thinline semi-hollow is a real stunner
The new Romeo LA thinline semi-hollow is full of great attention to detail
5,0 / 5,0 | 
Eastman has a new thinline semi-hollow guitar model, the Romeo LA, and it looks stunning. Combine that with its price point and premium features, and it becomes even more appealing.
Eastman Romeo LA thinline semi-hollow
Eastman is fast gaining ground on other guitar companies by building guitars in China, but keeping high standards, and using premium hardware and nitro finishes. If you have ever played one, you’ll know why they are becoming popular worldwide with guitar players. The new Romeo LA is the company’s latest offering and looks amazing in the promo shots. And at only £1499 in the UK, you can see why it is an attractive proposition. Put it up against other premium brands, and that price seems very competitive indeed.
Eastman Romeo LA thinline semi-hollow with a nitrocellulose Celestine Blue finish · Source: Eastman
The Details
The guitar has a thinline semi-hollow design, with a 24.75″ scale length. The body has a spruce laminate top with mahogany laminate back and sides, and is paired with a set maple neck with a 22-fret ebony fretboard. All classic choices for this style of guitar. Now factor in the nitrocellulose Celestine Blue finish, and it becomes clear that this model is competing head on with brands like Gibson.
That neck joint looks fantastic too. It really shows that the company is taking care of the little details, which makes all the difference. I really like the design.
Sprung Vibrato
Hardware includes a nickel-plated Göldo TLT2N vibrato tailpiece and Göldo three-point Vario bridge with stainless steel saddles, with a set of Göldo locking tuners. The stoptail has a sprung vibrato design, which means it acts like a hardtail model and doesn’t impede the guitar’s top resonance. Again, just one more attention to detail.
Then to top it all off you get a set of Seymour Duncan Radiator Gold Foil P-90 pickups, which don’t just look good, but were chosen specifically to complement the Romeo LA’s thinline semi-hollow construction. Overall, I am very impressed with the whole guitar. It looks like a great deal to me and I look forward to trying one out later this year.
RRP – GBP 1499
More Information
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2 responses to “NAMM 2021: The new Eastman Romeo LA thinline semi-hollow is a real stunner”
…. or just buy a used Yamaha SA-15, the guitar from which this design appears to have been lifted.
I can’t say that I see the Yamaha SA-15 in these model, wrong shape and then there is that pickguard? But, they are both similar construction at first glance, so maybe…