Gear of the Year 2025
2025 was a big year for Eastwood, with a slate of fun new gear. From fresh takes on vintage designs to bold signature guitars, we released a batch of instruments that reminded us why we love what we do. As the year winds down, the Eastwood team is sounding off on their personal favorites, and why they should earn a spot on your guitar stand!
What's New from Rivolta Guitars
Content Creator Troy kicked things off with the Rivolta Mondata T. “It’s a sleek and simple electric guitar, but it also looks boutique,” he said. “Plus the satin, roasted maple neck is comfortable to play.”
No surprise that our Operations Manager Wes also selected a Rivolta model. “One of my favorite models from last year just got a refresh with the addition of checkerboard binding and ivory pickguards.” Of course, he’s referring to the handsome Rivolta Duocata Classico. “Still has the same tone and great-feeling satin neck!”
Bold Original Designs
It took Brand Experience Manager Ellen exactly 0 seconds to pick a favorite. “It’s got to be the Eastwood P-46 DLX,” said Ellen. “This guitar has everything. Each pickup coil has an individual on-off switch; that’s 16 different tones before you even get to the volume and tone knobs. I’m also a sucker for vibrato.” Ellen took a P-46 DLX and a P-49 Batwing DLX on tour earlier this year and had this to say: “These are road-ready, professional quality instruments. I felt super confident taking them on the road, and got loads of compliments after each show about the look of these guitars. Let’s face it: people listen with their eyes sometimes!”
Ellen on tour with the Eastwood P-46 DLX, photo by Fil Ardent
Vince, our E-Commerce Manager, recounted when talk of the Surfcaster Baritone first began to brew. “When we thought of it, it was kind of a ‘eureka’ moment,” he recalled. “The regular Surfcaster is kind of begging to be a baritone, with the lipstick pickups.” He described the Surfcaster Baritone as “kind of a long time coming,” and we’re all glad it is finally here!
Michael Weber breaks down the Surfcaster Baritone
Classic Vintage Revivals
Our Business Manager, Chris, surprised us with a polarizing pick: the Eastwood ETB Wedge! “If anyone was going to build a tribute to this model it was definitely going to be us, and I’m so thrilled we did,” she explained. “This is definitely not a guitar for the bashful, with its super 70s vibe. No shrinking violets with this one!”
Guitar Technician Steffen took a little different tactic for picking his favorite, the Eastwood Eagle Guitar. “I’m thinking of all the reasons I like working on it,” he explained. “It plays great which makes my job easier.” Citing the simplified control layout, Steffen confidently proclaimed the Eagle “the best out of the Dead Revival series.”
Every Eastwood receives a thorough inspection before it leaves the warehouse and Nathan, our Final Inspection Clerk, is the one that makes sure they pass the test. “My pick for Gear of the Year is the Eastwood Mad Cat JJ,” he said. “Number one, it looks great. Sick body shape. It also plays well and sounds cool. The mini humbuckers are super nice.”
Eastwood has more lefties than anyone else, and Head of Product Development Carl Cook is single-handedly (pun intended) responsible. His pick for Gear of the Year was one of our most exciting new lefty options. “As a big fan of the Police, Telecasters, and interesting switching options, the Eastwood A.S. Mad Cat LH was a no-brainer for me.”
Eastwood A.S. Mad Cat LH, also available right-handed
If there’s anyone in our office to whom quality matters, it’s our Quality Control Tech Fred. He picked out the Custom K-200 DLX, because, “It’s better than the original!” he said with a laugh. “And I LOVE the original!”
Looking for someone you can really trust with an opinion about Eastwood Guitars? That’s going to have to be our President, Mike Robinson. “The Eastwood Super Axe is my absolute new favorite for 2025. It’s wickedly versatile and has a lightweight mahogany body. I have an original [vintage Super Axe, which this model pays tribute to], and I like this one better than the original.”
Demos in the Dark breaks down the Eastwood Super Axe
Not everyone is on the hunt for versatility, and if you like to keep it simple, you'll agree with what Matt in Customer Service picked. "My gear of the year has to be the Eastwood London Bass. How can any player not love a nice slab of mahogany?" he asks. "Combine that with the custom wound soapbar pickups and you've got a full serving of real, punchy tone. I'm not one for doing much tweaking, and the simple electronics keep this thing a no-distractions, stripped-back, rock-n-roll machine!"
Slippin' Into the Future
As always, our team’s picks say a lot about what makes Eastwood special: reverence for the past, excitement about new ideas, and a shared love of guitars that dare to be different. No matter your taste, we hope there was something in our 2025 lineup that inspired you. Here’s to another year of great gear coming your way!