OVERVIEW
This Reverend Eastsider T review explores a modern, hot-rodded take on the classic T-style guitar that balances an authentic vintage feel with contemporary features and reliability. The Eastsider T is a telecaster-style guitar that feels like a Tele on steroids. It masterfully balances vintage character with modern enhancements, delivering a playing experience that’s both nostalgic and forward-thinking. Designed in collaboration with Grammy-winning artist/producer Pete Anderson, I was fortunate to find one in left-handed, and it has since become on of my go-to guitars. I’ve got a Strat, a Jazzmaster, and a Les Paul, but when tracking, I reach for the Eastsider T more than any other guitar, and in this review, I’ll explain why.
The Eastsider T combined with my AC30 is a versatile setup capable of twangy cleans, biting leads, and everywhere in between.
CONTROLS
Telecasters are generally simple in nature, and the Eastsider T expands on the typical controls of a tele. With a volume knob, a tone knob featuring a push-pull phase switch, and a 3-way selector, this guitar offers an impressive range of tonal options. The push-pull feature on the middle pickup is a game-changer for me, unlocking a unique, quacky out-of-phase tone rich in harmonics. This added versatility makes it easy to jump from bright, cutting leads to rich, complex rhythms with just a flick of the switch.
The Eastsider T Specs and cost (as of January 2026)
FINISH
The Satin Foam Shrimp Pink finish on my model is absolutely stunning. It’s bold without being brash and exudes a vintage vibe that’s sure to turn heads. The satin clear coat and nickel hardware give it a look that ages gracefully, enhancing its charm over time. Reverend’s choice of materials ensures this guitar not only looks fantastic but also has the potential to develop a beautiful, worn-in patina, giving it a true vintage feel with continued use. Currently available in Satin Black, Deep Sea Blue, Natural, and Outfield Ivy, Reverend regularly releases new colors, so check their website often if none of these strike a chord with you.
The Eastsider T in Satin Black
PLAYABILITY
The Eastsider T is a joy to play. It features a chambered Korina body, which makes it light and comfortable without sacrificing resonance. The roasted maple neck has a medium oval profile that feels just right – neither too chunky nor too thin. Its compound radius fretboard (10″ to 14″) provides excellent playability, making chording easy on the lower frets and bending a breeze higher up. While the playability is more utilitarian than some of my other guitars, that’s part of its charm. It feels like a reliable workhorse that’s ready to take on any gig or session without fuss. And to top it off, the Reverend Pin-Lock tuners ensure it’s almost always in tune when I pick it up.
SOUND QUALITY
This guitar’s tone is nothing short of spectacular. It delivers a bright, clear sound with exceptional responsiveness. The Talnico bridge and neck pickups provide that unmistakable twang and bite, perfect for everything from country to rock. It feels like a Telecaster on steroids – the clarity and articulation are simply unmatched. And thanks to the push-pull phase switch, the range of tones is truly staggering. The out-of-phase setting produces a beautifully quacky sound, rich with harmonics that add a new layer of complexity to your playing. Whether you’re looking for sparkling cleans or gritty overdriven tones, the Eastsider T handles it all with ease.
I usually play through a Vox AC30 or a Fender 1965 Princeton Reverb, and each react differently to the Eastsider, excelling in different situations. The Vox is more mid-forward and biting, while the Fender is more pure, and relies on pedals to achieve distorted tones. Speaking of, certain pedals really compliment this instrument. When paired with the SurfyBear Compact Deluxe, you can achieve an authentic surf tone. When combined the the JHS Colour Box, and pushed hard, the Eastsider can create blistering fuzz tones. While the Eastsider is surely excellent for rhythm guitar tones, both examples beneath are solos.
OTHER EASTSIDER MODELS
The Eastsider platform is impressively diverse, giving players many flavors of the same core vibe. And while I haven’t had experience with any of these instruments, if they’re anything like mine, I’m confident that they rip.
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Reverend Pete Anderson Eastsider Baritone – A baritone twist on the Eastsider formula with an extended 28-5/8″ scale for deep, warm tones that work beautifully for surf, spaghetti-western style leads, and low-tuned textures. It keeps the chambered korina body and compound radius neck you love but pushes the tonal range way down, adding new depth and character.
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Reverend Pete Anderson Eastsider S – Adds three single coils in a T/S hybrid configuration, complete with a Wilkinson tremolo and expanded pickup combinations. If you want Tele twang and Strat-like versatility in one guitar, this is a dream workflow.
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Reverend Pete Anderson Eastsider Custom – A humbucker-loaded version with a set neck that delivers a fatter, thicker tone for players who crave more muscle and sustain. It adds another expressive dimension while retaining that Eastsider responsiveness.
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Reverend Pete Anderson Eastsider E – A stripped-down one-pickup model that channels the simplicity and grit of an Esquire-style design while retaining modern versatility via a 3-way voice switch. It’s a wonderfully straightforward tone machine with plenty of character.
SUMMARY
The Reverend Eastsider T represents excellence in modern guitar design. It honors the classic Telecaster style while pushing the boundaries with innovative features and exceptional build quality. From its striking finish to its versatile controls and unmatched playability, this guitar is a perfect fit any serious player looking for a Tele style instrument. Whether you’re on stage, in the studio, or just jamming at home, the Eastsider T delivers an inspiring performance every time. Highly recommended!
ABOUT REVEREND GUITARS
Reverend Guitars is a player-centric brand built on the belief that every instrument matters — whether it’s played in a bedroom, a club, or a sold-out arena. They’re musicians and designers first, obsessing over every detail from action and intonation to build quality, because they know that the instrument in your hands is as important as the music you make with it.
Founded in 1997 in a garage in East Detroit by designer and luthier Joe Naylor, Reverend started from humble roots with a mission to build guitars that were both innovative and deeply musical. Naylor’s background in industrial design and vintage guitar repair helped shape instruments that immediately stood out for craftsmanship and playability.
Today, Reverend is based in Toledo, Ohio, where a dedicated crew of craftsmen and musicians meticulously set up and inspect each guitar before it ships. Under the leadership of Ken and Penny Haas, the company continues to refine its designs and expand its reach, staying true to the original vision: guitars that feel inspiring in your hands and encourage creativity in your playing.
Reverend’s ethos is wrapped in attitude and passion — they genuinely care about the instruments they make and the music you create with them. Their slogan, “Wild Forever,” perfectly captures their commitment to quality, individuality, and the idea that a great guitar can spark something unforgettable.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ian Vargo is a Music Producer, Mix & Mastering Engineer, and Multi-Instrumentalist whose work has been heard on broadcast television, nationally televised ad campaigns, award-winning films, and viral web content amassing over 30 million views. His credits include projects for Disney | ABC, Intel, MSNBC, Airbnb, EA Games, and many more.
With over 20 years of experience in the studio, Ian has contributed to major label releases (Capitol, EMI, Fueled by Ramen, Universal, Interscope, Hollywood Records) as well as acclaimed independent projects. His passion lies in helping artists translate their creative vision into professional, release-ready recordings that stand out in today’s music landscape.
Interested in working together? Reach out at ianvargo@gmail.com if you need mixing or mastering for your next project.
