View Full Version : Factory visit...any requests?
SChase@EastmanStrings
Apr-04-2008, 12:18pm
I am leaving tomorrow to visit the facotry again and was curious to know if anyone wants pictures of anything in particular.
Let me know what you want to see.
-Sean
JEStanek
Apr-04-2008, 12:54pm
I would love to see pictures of the Eastman OM http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
On a serious note. Maybe some shots of the staff, not just working but as people. Also, more of the general campus and living experiences folks there have. I think there are still some misconceptions that are out there WRT some imported instruments and their manufacture. Also, more on the bowlbacks, mandocello, and finishing process. You may need to take two memory cards for your camera!
Jamie
swampstomper
Apr-04-2008, 1:54pm
A picture of the employees jamming during their tea break. Ask 您弹曼陀林吗? (Ni3 hui1 tan2 man4tuo2lin2 ma5?) And the Henry Ford question: do they earn enough to purchase the product they make, if they should want to? And finally, what is their opinion of Ricky Skaggs?
MikeEdgerton
Apr-04-2008, 1:57pm
do they earn enough to purchase the product they make, if they should want to?
Let's be fair, we could ask that in the US as well at a few different plants.
spinaker
Apr-04-2008, 1:59pm
a nice satin finished 815 should do it! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
I would love to see some of the construction of the Eastman bowlbacks!!!
Spruce
Apr-04-2008, 3:51pm
I would like to know if there is any Chinese tonewood for sale in the area, and prices....
Rocky Top
Apr-04-2008, 4:10pm
How about some different shots of mandos from beginning of construction to the final touches.
mandobuzz
Apr-04-2008, 4:32pm
Sean,
Another request for more on the construction of the bowlbacks.
JoeK421
Apr-04-2008, 6:21pm
Bowlbacks!
As one with 4 Easman bowlback cases already, I'd like the factory to consider two suggestions:
Use some of the space inside the case for string/pick compartment, and
Consider a new mold of the top, with a bit of arching for increased strength/crush resistance.
Neither suggestion would be particularly costly in materials, though a new mold for the case top might run into some money. Still, these would result in considerably increased utility and protection.
Thanks.
Stephen Perry
Apr-04-2008, 7:52pm
I'd love to know whether there's any tortoiseshell (imitation) binding available near the shop.
allenhopkins
Apr-04-2008, 8:55pm
Eastman gear! Hats, T-shirts, corduroy jackets, whatever... Signature straps, coffee mugs, bumper stickers...
Why not be as annoying and avaricious as some of our favorite "domestic" manufacturers?
Jim Garber
Apr-04-2008, 10:45pm
Ask 您弹曼陀林吗? (Ni3 hui1 tan2 man4tuo2lin2 ma5?)
What is this gibberish?
MikeEdgerton
Apr-05-2008, 6:57am
What is this gibberish?
You don't recognize the uni-code for Chinese characters?
epicentre
Apr-05-2008, 8:54am
do they earn enough to purchase the product they make, if they should want to?
Let's be fair, we could ask that in the US as well at a few different plants.
Very true, Mike, and........They are able to find jobs.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
Soupy1957
Apr-05-2008, 9:15am
The cutest inspector in the plant!!
-Soupy1957
mandroid
Apr-05-2008, 12:04pm
The lovely Village that the employees go home to at night,
or is it a bunkhouse?
JeffS
Apr-05-2008, 12:32pm
In the spirit of the Cafe and one of the things that has pretty much driven me away from visiting this site daily, ask some of the workers why they bother to build mandolins when people could just buy a used Mid Mo.
On a serious note I would like to see pictures of the assembly line and some of the work in progress. I always find that aspect fascinating, no matter where the location or nationality of the people.
MandoBen
Apr-05-2008, 12:32pm
Please ask them to make an affordable mandola, an A style like a copy of an old Gibson H1, might as well make both round hole and F hole models. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Elliot Luber
Apr-05-2008, 3:04pm
The way these things are selling, they'll all be buying Gibsons. lol.
SChase@EastmanStrings
Apr-22-2008, 1:10pm
Sorry it has taken so long. I'm still trying to catch up after the trip. I'll be loading everything tomorrow. Here is a post from the website of BERNUNZIO who joined us on the trip.
John and I recently returned from a short excursion to Beijing, China. As guests of the Eastman String Company , we were treated to an exciting tour of the exotic sights, sounds and tastes of the Chinese capitol. As the city prepares to host the Summer Olympics, it was a perfect time to visit. We were awed by the immensity of the city and the growth and expansion now underway. We were humbled by the people we met who showed so much optimism for the future.
The focus of the trip was to tour the Eastman factory, observe the employees at work, and discuss special projects underway. Our hosts were Mr. Qian Ni, company owner and founder; Mrs. Ni, QianÕs aunt and general manager at the factory; Sophia, our translator and Eastman employee; and Saul Friedgood, vice president of Eastman and tour guide extraordinaire. We traveled with our girls, Rose and Grace, and several other Americans who are dealers of Eastman String products.
Any preconceived notions we had of the factory were challenged immediately upon our arrival. A bright red outdoor carpet covered the main walkway, welcoming us into the building. The facility was spacious, with several buildings and courtyards. Large windows in all the workshops provide natural light for the craftsmen and women. The rooms were organized, clean and comfortable. Many workers occupied each area with individual benches or desks. They worked diligently at their tasks yet seemed happy and relaxed.
I have had a difficult time believing that Eastman guitars were entirely ÒhandmadeÓ. I would recite this line to customers again and again and find myself wondering how this could be true. Perhaps they waved a planer over a guitar back and then sent it through a state-of-the-art guitar-making machine. Who could believe that 800 employees worked on crafting these beautiful instruments without benefit of power tools and technology.
The scene that greeted us at the Eastman factory dispelled my scepticism. It was reminiscent of our country 100 years ago when immigrants worked in factories hopeful to provide a better life for themselves and their families. The work ethic is alive and well in China! However, unlike most American immigrants, Eastman employees are given a living wage and benefits such as health care and retirement plans. By learning a craft and trade, they will always be able to find work.
From the splitting and drying of logs from China, Tibet, Burma and Europe to the final buffing of custom finishes, I can confidently state that the violins, guitars and mandolins are handcrafted by skilled and dedicated workers. And the emphasis that Qian Ni places on the quality and excellence of his instruments is reflected in their work.
We have been collaborating with Eastman on some very exciting projects and some of these are pictured here.click here and click here and click here and click here and click here and click here and click here and click here and click here and click here
SChase@EastmanStrings
Apr-22-2008, 1:10pm
there are pictures on the site if you are interested.
DryBones
Apr-22-2008, 7:43pm
Was there a special room with all the left hand instruments? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Would love to see a lefty 915 with a "deeper" body.
OK, I went and looked. What's that modern looking mando in picture 4? Is Eastman about to create a mando identity away from the pack?
Go look guys it's interesting.
Google #BERNUNZIO #and it will take you to the site.
BTW Sean? Which one of the party is you
MandoBen
Apr-23-2008, 12:50am
Looks like The Dawg loaned them his Giacomel (http://www.corradogiacomel.it/modelli.htm#J5M)
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
SChase@EastmanStrings
Apr-23-2008, 6:54pm
Was there a special room with all the left hand instruments? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #Would love to see a lefty 915 with a "deeper" body.
There is a special place for all lefty's http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
SChase@EastmanStrings
Apr-23-2008, 7:01pm
OK, I went and looked. What's that modern looking mando in picture 4? Is Eastman about to create a mando identity away from the pack?
Go look guys it's interesting.
Google #BERNUNZIO #and it will take you to the site.
BTW Sean? Which one of the party is you
The modern looking beast is the first installment of a new series from Eastman. We are going to stir things up a bit in the mandolin world. Anyone who attends Summer NAMM is in for a treat.
Ken Olmstead
Apr-23-2008, 7:12pm
Man, that is really exciting stuff! Thanks for sharing Sean!
JEStanek
Apr-23-2008, 7:33pm
If Eastman makes a Giocomel copy that is going to be pretty crazy! In a good way. Sean you could be channeling Ronnie McCoury in that photo. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
I don't even own an Eastman anymore, but I really appreciate John Bernunzio's report and, I hope it puts to rest some of the claims about the Eastman line. Personally speaking, continued success to Eastman and other builders who make affordable, quality instruments for the mandolin community.
Jamie