Finding a starter instrument that doesn’t feel like a toy can be a major hurdle when you’re first learning to play. Historically, budget guitars have often suffered from rough fret edges, cheap plastic hardware, and pickups that sound muddy.

However, Andertons Music Co. has completely overhauled their exclusive EastCoast Guitars brand to address these exact pain points. Offering electrics, acoustics, and bass guitars, the refreshed line is specifically designed to provide beginners and intermediate players with stable, comfortable instruments that look and sound like they cost double the price.

Let’s dive into what makes this new range stand out, check out the key specs, and see if they earn a permanent spot on your guitar rack.

The EastCoast Formula: Look Premium, Play Easy

The fundamental challenge with beginner instruments is balancing a low retail price with decent build quality. If a guitar is hard to press down or won’t stay in tune, a new player will likely get frustrated and quit.

EastCoast tackles this by focusing heavily on ergonomics and neck setups. Most of their electric models utilize familiar, timeless body contours paired with smooth, satin-finished necks. The satin finish is a massive win here—unlike thick, sticky gloss polyurethane found on many entry-level imports, it allows your hand to glide effortlessly up and down the fretboard.

Electric Lineup Overview

Whether you want to play blues, classic rock, or modern metal, the range covers all the iconic bases:

• S-Style & T-Style: Perfect for player comfort with clear, articulate single-coil pickups.

• Single-Cuts & Double-Cuts: Models like the L1 feature humbucking pickups (dual-coil pickups designed to reduce hum) that deliver thicker, high-output tones suited for overdrive.

Acoustic & Bass Options

It’s not just an electric player’s game. EastCoast offers Grand Auditorium and Dreadnought acoustics featuring laminate spruce tops engineered for excellent resonance and tuning stability under changing humidity conditions.

Their bass lineup mimics classic J-bass and P-bass setups, giving rhythm-section beginners a solid foundation with punchy low-end definition.

Specifications & Range Comparison

The EastCoast lineup at Andertons is incredibly diverse, broken down cleanly by instrument type and body shape style.

Electric Guitars

• ST Series (S-Style): The quintessential beginner double-cut design.

  • ST1: Classic configuration featuring three single-coil pickups.

  • ST2: Upgraded variant featuring a punchy HSS pickup layout (Humbucker-Single-Single) for more versatile, heavier tones.

• T Series (T-Style): The iconic single-cut, flat-top build.

  • T1: Traditional design with two single-coil pickups.

  • T2: Hot-rodded alternative packing dual humbucker pickups or custom configurations.

  • T62: Premium, vintage-inspired double-bound body options.

• L1 Series (Single-Cut): Thick-sounding, set-neck layout inspired by classic LP shapes.

  • L1: Features premium finishes like transparent sunbursts.

  • L1S / LS: More stripped-back versions emphasizing solid classic colors (e.g., Goldtop, TV Yellow, Ebony).

• GS61S Series (Double-Cut): Inspired by vintage dual-humbucker rock icons with an easy-access double-cutaway mahogany silhouette.

• JG Series (Offset): Cool, alternative asymmetric body outline drawing from classic indie/surf guitar aesthetics.

• Short Scale Models:

  • MS1 Series: A compact, smaller-scale offset electric tailored for younger players or anyone who prefers a shorter reach.

  • MT1 Series: A high-performance, contemporary hardtail built for precise, heavier rock riffs.

Acoustic Guitars

• G1 Series (Grand Auditorium): A modern, mid-sized guitar body providing a great balance between playing comfort and robust projection.

  • G1 / G1S: Pure acoustic options (including the solid-top “S” model).

  • G1CE / G1CEL: Electro-acoustic versions featuring cutaways and built-in preamps (available in left-handed orientations).

• D1 Series (Dreadnought): The ultimate traditional, large-bodied campfire classic known for deep bass response and powerful projection.

• PL Series (Parlour): A small, retro, highly portable body type perfect for fingerpicking style or traveling light.

• M1M / M1SM Series (Mini): Extremely compact travel instruments, including all-mahogany solid-top variants.

• Deluxe Classical Series (C1): Traditional nylon-string acoustics with wider necks, intentionally built to offer soft string tension for younger beginners. Available in scaled 1/2 size, 3/4 size, and standard 4/4 full-size bodies.

Bass Guitars

• PJ4 Series: The go-to entry model utilizing a versatile split-coil and single-coil pickup pairing—allowing you to dial in snappy funk tones or vintage thud.

• SRB Series: A retro-styled, highly contoured vintage shape emphasizing thick, classic low-end depth.

• MTB Series: A contemporary bass outline finished in sleek satin colors for a stealthy, modern metal or hard-rock look.

• MSB Series: A distinct short-scale bass designed with a shorter neck configuration, drastically reducing the fret stretch for entry-level or smaller players.

Verdict & Final Score

Andertons has done a remarkable job curating the new EastCoast lineup. They haven’t just slapped a logo on a generic factory design; they’ve prioritized playability where it matters most: the neck, the fretwork, and functional hardware.

While advanced players will eventually want to upgrade the electronics or pickups for pristine studio work, right out of the box these instruments easily compete with brands sitting a tier above them.

Pros

• Superb Ergonomics: Satin-finished necks feel great and reduce playing fatigue.

• High Aesthetic Appeal: Eye-catching finishes like Blue Burst and transparent options make them look like premium gear.

• Price-to-Performance Ratio: Genuinely giggable backup instruments for a fraction of the cost.

Cons

• Entry-level factory pickups can lack a bit of dynamic nuance at higher stage volumes.

• Hardware (tuners/bridges) is purely functional and basic.

The Bottom Line: If you are picking up the guitar for the first time or need a reliable, cost-effective backup instrument to mod, the new EastCoast range from Andertons is one of the safest bets on the market.

Final Score: 8.7 / 10

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are EastCoast guitars made by Andertons?

EastCoast is an exclusive brand owned and distributed by Andertons Music Co. They work directly with manufacturing partners to specify the components, neck profiles, and finishes to ensure they hit a high standard of quality control.

Can you gig with an EastCoast guitar?

Absolutely. While they are tailored toward beginners, their tuning stability and structural build are reliable enough to serve as excellent backup instruments for live gigs, or even primary stage guitars with a few basic hardware upgrades down the road.

What is the difference between an S-Style and a Single-Cut model?

S-Style models typically feature three single-coil pickups which offer a bright, chimey tone and a double-cutaway body for easy upper-fret access. Single-Cut models (like the L1) are usually thicker, heavier, and feature humbucker pickups that produce a warmer, louder sound perfect for heavy rock.

Where To Buy