The Eastman T185MX in Goldburst is a premium 15" thinline electric that combines semi-hollow resonance with an unusually refined all-solid-wood construction.

Unlike many guitars in this category that use laminated body plates, the T185MX features a solid maple top with solid mahogany back and sides, paired with a small internal bridge block. This gives it an open, resonant response while retaining enough structural support for amplified playing.

A mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard and 25" scale provide a smooth, precise playing feel, while a pair of Bare Knuckle BC Old Guard Custom humbuckers deliver articulate vintage-inspired tones suitable for everything from clean jazz and blues to rock and driven lead work.

This pre-owned example is presented in Very Good Condition and is supplied with a hardcase.

At A Glance

Detail	Specification
Brand	Eastman
Model	T185MX
Finish	Goldburst
Body Style	15" Thinline
Top	Solid Maple
Back & Sides	Solid Mahogany
Centre Support	Small Bridge Block
Neck	Mahogany
Fingerboard	Ebony
Scale Length	25"
Frets	22 Medium Jumbo Jescar
Pickups	Bare Knuckle BC Old Guard Custom Humbuckers
Bridge	Gotoh Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece	Gotoh
Condition	Very Good
Included	Hardcase
Main Appeal	All-solid thinline construction with premium Bare Knuckle pickups

Condition Overview

Very Good Condition

This Eastman T185MX is presented in Very Good Condition.

Under the Fair Deal Music grading system, Very Good Condition means the guitar shows some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership while remaining fully functional and well presented.

What's Included?

✔ Eastman T185MX Goldburst
✔ Hardcase

No additional accessories are included unless pictured or stated.

The supplied hardcase has not been confirmed as the original Eastman factory case, so no claim of case originality is made.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This pre-owned Eastman has been checked for general condition and playability.

Assessment includes:

• Neck pickup operation
• Bridge pickup operation
• 3-way selector
• Volume controls
• Tone controls
• Output jack
• Neck condition
• Ebony fingerboard
• Frets
• Nut
• Gotoh tuning machines
• Gotoh bridge
• Tailpiece
• General hardware
• Structural condition
• Overall playability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are checked for general setup and playability before leaving the shop.

Key areas assessed include:

• Action
• Neck relief
• Fret condition
• Intonation
• Tuning stability
• Pickup operation
• Electronics
• Bridge adjustment
• Hardware
• General playing feel

As with any wooden instrument, minor setup movement can occur during transport due to changes in temperature and humidity.

What Makes The Eastman T185MX Special?

The T185MX occupies an interesting space between a traditional semi-hollow guitar and a more acoustically responsive thinline.

Its solid maple top and solid mahogany back and sides are particularly significant, as many semi-hollow guitars use laminated construction throughout. Eastman's approach gives the T185MX a more organic acoustic response and a strong sense of resonance when played unplugged.

The small internal bridge block provides additional stability without turning the guitar into a conventional full-centre-block design, helping preserve much of the lively response that makes the T185MX distinctive.

Solid Maple Top

The solid maple top contributes definition, projection and a clear attack.

Combined with the warmer mahogany back and sides, it helps produce a balanced voice that works particularly well with humbuckers.

Solid Mahogany Back & Sides

The body uses solid mahogany back and sides rather than laminate.

Mahogany contributes warmth and midrange depth, balancing the more immediate response of the maple top.

Small Bridge Block

Rather than using a full-length centre block, the T185MX incorporates a small bridge block.

This construction provides support for the bridge area while allowing more of the body to remain acoustically active.

The result sits between:

• A fully hollow electric
• A conventional full-centre-block semi-hollow
• A solidbody electric

Mahogany Neck

The mahogany neck uses Eastman's Traditional Even “C” profile.

This provides a rounded, comfortable feel that works well for:

• Chord playing
• Lead guitar
• Jazz
• Blues
• Rock
• Fingerstyle electric work

Ebony Fingerboard

The ebony fingerboard provides a smooth, dense playing surface with a crisp response.

It features:

• 12" radius
• Pearl dot inlays
• 22 medium-jumbo Jescar frets
• Bound construction

25" Scale Length

The T185MX uses a 25" scale length.

This sits between the familiar Gibson 24.75" and Fender 25.5" standards, giving the guitar:

• Slightly firmer tension than a typical Gibson
• Slightly softer feel than a Fender
• Comfortable bending
• Clear note definition
• Balanced chord response

Bare Knuckle BC Old Guard Custom Humbuckers

The T185MX is equipped with a pair of Bare Knuckle BC Old Guard Custom humbuckers.

These are voiced around a vintage-inspired response, providing:

• Open mids
• Clear note separation
• Warm neck tones
• Strong bridge definition
• Dynamic response to picking
• Natural overdrive character

They are well suited to players who want traditional humbucker warmth without an excessively compressed or high-output sound.

Traditional Four-Control Layout

The guitar uses a familiar twin-humbucker control layout:

• Neck Volume
• Bridge Volume
• Neck Tone
• Bridge Tone
• 3-Way Pickup Selector

This allows each pickup to be balanced independently.

Gotoh Hardware

Eastman equips the T185MX with premium Gotoh hardware, including:

• Gotoh Tune-O-Matic bridge
• Gotoh tailpiece
• Gotoh SD90 tuning machines

This contributes to reliable tuning and accurate intonation.

Flamed Maple Binding

One of the T185MX's more distinctive cosmetic details is its flamed maple binding.

Binding is applied around the:

• Body
• Neck
• Headstock

This natural wood treatment complements the Goldburst finish and gives the guitar a more handcrafted appearance than conventional plastic binding.

Goldburst Finish

The Goldburst finish highlights the natural character of the maple top while retaining a classic sunburst-inspired appearance.

Combined with nickel hardware, ebony fingerboard and maple binding, it gives the T185MX a refined but understated look.

T185MX vs Conventional Semi-Hollow Guitar

Many traditional semi-hollow guitars use:

• Laminated maple tops
• Laminated backs
• Full-length centre blocks

The T185MX instead uses:

• Solid maple top
• Solid mahogany back and sides
• Small bridge block

This creates a more acoustically active instrument with a distinctive response of its own.

Who Is It For?

Jazz players – Warm neck pickup tones and an ebony fingerboard suit articulate clean playing.

Blues guitarists – The Bare Knuckle humbuckers respond particularly well to touch-sensitive overdrive.

Rock players – The bridge pickup provides enough clarity and bite for driven rhythm and lead work.

Singer-songwriters – The lightweight thinline format and acoustic responsiveness make it comfortable for long sessions.

Studio musicians – Its tonal character sits somewhere between a solidbody and conventional semi-hollow, making it useful for layered arrangements.

Players wanting something beyond an ES-335 – The smaller body, all-solid woods and reduced centre-block construction give the T185MX a noticeably different character.

Suitable Genres & Applications

Particularly well suited to:

• Jazz
• Blues
• Blues rock
• Classic rock
• Indie
• Alternative
• Americana
• Soul
• Pop
• Singer-songwriter
• Studio recording
• Live performance
• Effects-based rigs

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Thinline Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar
Brand	Eastman
Model	T185MX
Finish	Goldburst
Body Style	15" Thinline
Body Dimensions	15" x 1 3/4"
Top	Solid Maple
Back & Sides	Solid Mahogany
Centre Support	Small Bridge Block
Neck Material	Mahogany
Neck Profile	Traditional Even “C”
Fingerboard	Ebony
Fingerboard Radius	12"
Scale Length	25"
Number of Frets	22
Fretwire	Medium Jumbo Jescar 47104
Nut	Bone
Nut Width	1.72"
Binding	Body, Neck & Headstock
Binding Material	Flamed Maple
Inlays	Pearl Dots
Finish Type	TruTone Gloss
Pickup Configuration	HH
Neck Pickup	Bare Knuckle BC Old Guard Custom Humbucker
Bridge Pickup	Bare Knuckle BC Old Guard Custom Humbucker
Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone
Switching	3-Way
Potentiometers	500K Audio Taper
Capacitors	0.047µF
Output Jack	Switchcraft
Bridge	Gotoh Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece	Gotoh
Tuners	Gotoh SD90
Hardware Finish	Nickel
Included	Hardcase
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good

Construction Note

One of the most important aspects of the T185MX specification is its solid-wood body construction.

The model uses:

• Solid maple top
• Solid mahogany back
• Solid mahogany sides

This should not be confused with laminated construction commonly found on many traditional semi-hollow instruments.

Hardcase Note

A hardcase is included.

The case has not been confirmed as the original factory-supplied Eastman case, so it is described simply as a hardcase.

Power Requirements

None.

The Bare Knuckle humbuckers and traditional volume/tone circuit are entirely passive.

No battery or external power supply is required.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 4.5/5

The Eastman T185MX Goldburst is an excellent choice for players who want the resonance and openness of a semi-hollow guitar without simply buying another variation on the traditional ES-335 formula.

Its solid maple top, solid mahogany back and sides and small bridge block give it a distinctive acoustic response, while the mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard and 25" scale make it exceptionally comfortable to play.

The factory Bare Knuckle BC Old Guard Custom humbuckers are another major strength, offering vintage-inspired warmth with enough clarity and dynamic response for blues, jazz, rock and studio work.

Presented in Very Good Condition and supplied with a hardcase, this is a particularly attractive pre-owned example of Eastman's premium thinline design.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Every pre-owned guitar at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed so its actual condition and included items are represented clearly.

Buying pre-owned can also provide access to premium instruments at particularly competitive prices.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music is Birmingham's largest independent music store, combining a major showroom with nationwide ecommerce and decades of experience buying, selling and part-exchanging new and pre-owned musical equipment.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987
• Birmingham's largest independent music store
• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews
• Expert musician-led advice
• Pre-owned instruments individually assessed
• Clear condition grading
• Secure ordering
• Fast UK delivery
• Large Birmingham showroom
• Friendly support before and after purchase

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Your existing guitar could help towards the cost of this Eastman.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and other musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your current gear could be worth towards this Eastman T185MX.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this Eastman T185MX in?

It is presented in Very Good Condition, showing some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership while remaining fully functional.

What finish is it?

It is finished in Goldburst.

Is the T185MX fully hollow?

Not quite. It is a thinline design using a small bridge block rather than a full-length centre block.

Does it have a solid top?

Yes. It uses a solid maple top.

Are the back and sides solid?

Yes. Both the back and sides are solid mahogany.

What neck does it have?

It uses a mahogany neck with Eastman's Traditional Even “C” profile.

What fingerboard does it have?

It has an ebony fingerboard.

What is the scale length?

It uses a 25" scale length.

How many frets does it have?

It has 22 medium-jumbo Jescar frets.

What pickups does it use?

It is equipped with two Bare Knuckle BC Old Guard Custom humbuckers.

Are the pickups active?

No. They are completely passive.

What controls does it have?

It uses two volume controls, two tone controls and a 3-way pickup selector.

What bridge does it use?

It has a Gotoh Tune-O-Matic bridge.

What tuners are fitted?

It uses Gotoh SD90 tuning machines.

What is the nut made from?

The factory specification uses a bone nut.

Is the T185MX good for jazz?

Yes. The warm neck humbucker, ebony board and resonant construction make it particularly well suited to jazz and clean playing.

Can it handle overdrive?

Yes. The bridge pickup and small bridge block make it capable of blues, rock and moderately high-gain sounds while retaining excellent note definition.

Is it smaller than an ES-335?

Yes. The T185MX uses a compact 15" body, making it more manageable than many traditional semi-hollow guitars.

Does it require a battery?

No.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

Is the hardcase original?

The supplied case has not been confirmed as the original Eastman case, so no claim of originality is made.

Can I request a video demo?

Yes. Our Request a Video Demo service is ideal if you would like to see the Goldburst finish and individual condition or hear the Bare Knuckle pickups before purchasing.

Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers trade-ins and part exchanges across a wide range of guitars and other musical equipment.