Samuel Eastman has a reputation nationwide as being among the finest workshops in China. In recent years, the quality of string instruments produced this country has improved dramatically. Not that long ago, most would agree that Chinese instruments carried a negative connotation. This is no longer the true. Students, teachers and dealers around the world have now come to expect truly exceptional value from good Chinese workshops. Samuel Eastman products are among the best China has to offer.

Our standard setup on entry level instruments and Outfits includes a German bridge, your choice of student quality steel strings and tailpiece with 4 fine tuners, and other customized choices.

Our DeLuxe setup on entry level instruments and Outfits offers an upgraded bridge, your choice of synthetic quality strings (including Thomastik Dominant), and other upgrades. If you don't have a preference for strings, or other finishing touches, let our shop choose what is best for you.

An Outfit includes a Bow and Case or Bag. The quality varies with the type of setup you choose. With the standard setup, a shaped model case with fabric cover (or padded bag with cellos and basses) and basic quality Brazilwood bow are included. With the DeLuxe setup, an oblong case (or better padded bag for cellos and basses) and upgraded bow are included.

All our instruments have quality wood parts. Even on low priced models, our instruments include good quality wood pegs, fingerboard, chinrest and tailpiece. There are companies that will sell a lower cost instrument but you will get lower quality materials. We hope you will consider that these instruments are a minimum to ensure the beginning player is comfortable and encouraged to continue learning. Of course we will continue to search for better values.

What is the most important aspect of a beginner instrument? The simple answer is playability. Young people should not be discouraged by an instrument that is difficult or impossible to manage. Pretty soon, a young player will lose interest in practicing and eventually want to quit. Parents and teachers should know that a student will be more likely to improve on a well constructed and prepared instrument.