Top 10 Hottest New Guitars Of 2019
A look at the best new electric guitars and basses we've introduced in 2019. Another very busy year, when we've launched some our best and most popular models, ever. Have you tried any of them, yet?
We've done it again. Another year, another busy twelve months when we strived to bring out some of the best guitars we've ever made. And not only that - certain models became almost instantly some of our most popular ever.
And we've only got you, the customers, to thank. Here's our list of the best new models we introduced this year - which one is your favourite?
1) Eastwood Mad Cat
There's no doubt that the arrival of the new Prince-inspired Eastwood Mad Cat was one of the highlights of 2019. This was one of our most successful Custom Shop projects ever - and, you'll be happy to learn, it turned out every bit as good as any Prince fan would've hoped for. We really nailed the look, tone and feel of Prince's legendary guitar.
This model has been so popular that the first runs have instantly sold-out, going straight to our Custom Shop Pre-Orders. Those who were not quick enough will have to wait until next year. Find out more...
2) Eastwood Astral II
The Eastwood Astral II was the semi-acoustic model many of our customers were waiting for - a tribute to the rare Crestwood model used by Jack White in the early days of the White Stripes.
3) Backlund Rockerbox II DLX
Backlund guitars tend to divide the crowds: some love them, and some simply don't "get" their retro-futuristic looks. But the Backlund Rockerbox II DLX really looks - and sounds - like a brand new classic.
4) Airline Mando Steel
The new Airline Mando Steel is the lap steel guitar you didn't know you needed... until you've tried it - an 8-string lap steel model. Open tuning options for slide guitar are great with a 6 string, but they really come to life with 4 courses of paired strings and way less fuss than trying to re-tune your 12 string for alternate fun.
5) Eastwood EB-1Bass
In 2019 we released not one, but two "violin"-style basses: the EB-1 Bass and the Beatle Klira Bass. It was tough to choose between the two, but the EB-1 has the edge - after all, it's a tribute to the first ever violin-bass, from 1958. The Custom Shop EB-1 turned out really good, and won't cost half as much as the rare, vintage original.
6) Eastwood Classic 6 HB-TL
The Classic 6 HB-TL is a new iteration of our popular Classic 6 HB, but withsome marked differences: new diamond-shape f-holes and exclusive Pelham Blue color finish. Featuring a pair of Alnico Hot-10 Humbuckers with coil tapping, this is a versatile and striking-looking addition to our Classic Series.
7) Eastwood Sidejack Baritone DLX in Shell Pink & Airline Bighorn in Shell Pink
Sometimes, a new color makes a whole lot of difference. Even though these two guitars are not brand new models, the Eastwood Sidejack Baritone DLX and Airline Bighorn look like completely new and fresh models, thanks to their new Shell Pink finish, introduced in 2019.
8) Airline Mercury in LimeOCado & Redburst
Another model that also benefited from a cosmetic makeover was the Airline Mercury, which gained two new color options in 2019 - Redburst, and Limited-Edition LimeOCado.
Both new colors have been selling well so if you want to guarantee yours... be quick!
9) McGeoch 1000
The McGeoch 1000 is our tribute to the late, great Post-Punk British guitarist John McGeoch (PIL, Magazine, Siouxie & The Banshees) and sold-out almost instantly. It became one of our favourite models ever... and could become yours, too.
Another run is expected to land in March 2020, and we recommend customers to Pre-Order now, to avoid disappointment.
10) Rivolta Combinata Bass VII
Novo's Rivolta Guitars, designed by Dennis Fano, simply had to be included in our list - after all they were a huge success in 2019. So we chose this new model - Rivolta's first ever bass guitar, the Combinata Bass VII. It's landing this Winter and you can place your orders now on our site, if you want to be one of the first to own this beauty.
... And What To Look Forward To in 2020
Honourable mentions should go to these new Custom Shop models, which were launched in 2019 but will be only landing next year. Looks like 2020 will be really hot... and we're not talking about Global Warming:
Eastwood Wolf Guitar
The guitar Grateful Dead fans have been waiting all along: the Jerry Garcia Wolf Tribute guitar. The model will feature brass pickup ring and Brass Nut, a more rounded radius on body edge like the original and a slight amber tint to the maple body. Get excited, deadheads...
DEVO Cloud Guitar
Following our previous, hugely successful DEVO tribute models, it was finally time, in 2019, to launch the DEVO Cloud Guitar. This model was also very popular and features include an active treble boost circuit (WarpDrive) and we've also replicated the tapped humbuckers for 3-way switching of Humbucker, Single Coil or Out of Phase.
Trey Anastassio Phish tribute
Like the Grateful Dead, Phish have also amassed a legion of die hard fans, and Trey Anastassio's G2 guitar has also become legendary - so it's no wonder our Phish Tribute has also become a very popular Custom Shop project.
Hooky Bass 6 Pro
The Hooky Bass 6 Pro is our first ever Peter Hook Signature model, and the first prototype has been road-tested by the man himself. This is "the" 6-String bass guitars fans of Joy Division/ New Order have been waiting for - and it won't disappoint.
If there's one thing to learn from our 2019 Custom Shop models - some of which became some our most popular ever - is that if you wait too long to pull the trigger, you might end you disappointed... because they've been selling out fast! So make sure to join our mailing list, or check our Eastwood Customs website regularly - for deposits as little as $150 you can guarantee some truly unique guitars. And, after all... why not.