I can't decide which to keep...(Eastman, Blueridge)

[PappyVanWinkle]

I've had a Blueridge BR-140a (adirondack/mahogany) for about a year now. I really like the way it sounds, but I felt that I wasn't really bonding with it for some reason - it feels very stiff in a way. It also has an insanely thick finish, and I'm not a fan of the neck/headstock being a thick gloss finish, sort of feels like the entire guitar was dipped in poly. I love the volume/projection (presumably from the adi) and the low end.

Back when I was searching for a ~$1000 mahogany dread, of course Eastman came highly recommended. I figured I'd pick one up and see which one came out on top.

Grabbed a 2022 build E6D-TC (cooked alpine spruce/hog). I didn't go for the adi E10D - I'm not much of a lead/flatpicker and figured maybe I'd like something a little sweeter, plus Alpine from what I've read sits between sitka and adi, so I figured maybe I'd get the best of both worlds.

Man, is it tough to choose. The fit/finish on the Eastman are incredible. On par with my Martin in most ways. It feels great too, less of the planky stiff feeling I get from the BR.

I strung them both up with the same strings. But, the Eastman is definitely quieter, and certainly less low end that I've gotten used to from my OM-28 and BR. Its not objectively worse sounding, but the BR is easier to drive, while less sweet. Really, none of this comes as a surprise based on the top wood and general Eastman tone.

Not necessarily asking for advice (although open to thoughts!), but I really want to choose the Eastman because of simply how nice it is. Its mellowness was disappointing at first but I'm starting to appreciate the tone for what it is. Reallly shouldn't keep both, could approach D-18 territory for that value

[Dave in Olympia]

I can't help you decide, but my experience is that my BR sounds so good that I'm keeping it, even though I don't care for the looks at all. That, and I've never played an Eastman that did a thing for me. They all sound like they're filled with socks to me. No depth at all.

[Aahzz]

As a recent E6D-TC purchaser who dearly loves that guitar, I say stick with Eastman.

[Tube Sound]

I may be alone here but I think your BR-140A is a very nice looking guitar in the image. Poly covered or not. I like the top better than the Eastman, which is nice looking as well. I have the same guitar as Dave in Edmonds, above. I love the way it sounds, plays and I stopped looking at it. Tough call for you. Pluses with both guitars. Kind of a nice position to be in.

[oldwasichu]

Have you A/B’d each against a D-18? Any thoughts to selling/trading both on a D-18?

Hey, we are supposed to be enablers on this forum, right?

[Zissou Intern]

I am a fan of both Eastman and Blueridge. I miss my old BR240A. I do not miss either of my E10Ds or E6D.

[Dr356]

Have you considered changing strings on both and see how that affects your choice?

[Cri75!]

I love my 00 Eastman. But if you like your BR sound more, why not scrap out some finish from it?

[Honkycat]

Yes, swap both for a D18. Done.

[Robin, Wales]

Keep the BR and gig the hell out of it.

[Ares]

Whatever you decide ,you are going to end up missing the one you decided to sell , if you like them both.
I would keep the one I play the most.

The question is, why do you feel you have to sell one.
In my case whenever i feel this way , subconsciously i am making room for a new guitar.

[lowrider]

Originally Posted by Dave in Edmonds

I can't help you decide, but my experience is that my BR sounds so good that I'm keeping it, even though I don't care for the looks at all. That, and I've never played an Eastman that did a thing for me. They all sound like they're filled with socks to me. No depth at all.

I thought I was the only one here.

To the OP, you don't seem to be happy with either one, it's time to move on.

[EllenGtrGrl]

What sounds and plays best for you? It looks like you're leaning towards the Blueridge sound-wise, but which is better to you when it comes to playability? The guitar with better playability, will be easier for you to play.

In my own case, it was and is hands down Eastman. The one Blueridge I had (a 12-fret BR162) sounded pretty good, and I didn't mind the relatively thick poly coat on it (playability and sound are much more important to me - as long as a guitar doesn't look hideous, I'm fine with its looks), but I did not like at all, its thin neck - very uncomfortable after a half an hour of playing time. The Eastmans I've had (including my current E3DE) have always felt great to me playing-wise (love their chunkier necks), and with good sound (to me) to boot. Eastman wins for me. YMMV.

[Rogerblair]

I’d keep the BR and find some more mellow, flex core strings that will sweeten it up. I’ve never owned an Eastman (4 of them) that I bonded with.

Rb

[bobster7]

Get an all solid series Sigma or a Martin. Sigma has better build quality than Blueridge from my experiences and strong tonal similarities to Martin in their higher level all solid models. Eastman guitars are often wonderful and responsive instruments but far from Martin tonally.