Eastman E20SS vs Pono D-30--GAS

[roylor4]

Originally Posted by DanleyJ

<snip>

I used to have a D-28 once before I got married and it was a nice guitar. I'm just not a big fan of the Martin tone so much. They still make great guitars, just haven't found one that really jumps out at me.

The nut on the Eastman really does not bother me. I actually like that as it adds to the play-ability for me. I try to play a variety of styles and I can easily play about anything on the Eastman that I want. I've noticed that most of the Pono videos are using a drop D or DADGAD tuning which give any guitar a much more deep tonal quality. I haven't heard too many Pono's in standard tuning but I can still decipher how great they sound from the videos. And especially with the return policy they have, it's really hard not to give them a lot of consideration.

Thanks so far for the responses everyone. But the opinions seem to be pretty split down the middle. We'll see how the search goes.

I totally understand. Everyone doesn't prefer the tone of Martin, Gibson or Taylor. Eastman has their own kind of thing going on in the tone department. If it spoke to you, you should get one because as you already know - not all guitars will.

I cannot speak to what the Pono "tone" is, as I haven't played one.

[Jim]

Buy whatever floats your boat and don't worry about what other people may say. You are lucky that Eastmans and Ponos are what you prefer as they are relatively inexpensive though you are getting what you are paying for. Be glad that you do not like the sound of Martins and Collings and Goodmans, and Larrivees, and Taylors, and other higher end guitars as they cost much more - though again you are getting what you are paying for in those as well.

[Lacks Focus]

Originally Posted by Jim

Buy whatever floats your boat and don't worry about what other people may say. You are lucky that Eastmans and Ponos are what you prefer as they are relatively inexpensive though you are getting what you are paying for. Be glad that you do not like the sound of Martins and Collings and Goodmans, and Larrivees, and Taylors, and other higher end guitars as they cost much more - though again you are getting what you are paying for in those as well.

The OP can get a fine Larrivee, brand new for a street price under $1500. I think my D-40R was $1425 or something like that. There are other models at the same, or similar price point.

[Kupuna50]

My $.02 -
I have found both the Eastman and the Pono to be very well built guitars. as well, the tone from each is excellent.
I personally prefer the Pono over the Eastman: The sustain is far better; the note clarity is excellent; the string spacing is better for finger pickers; sonic package is more 'full' (I think because of the smoother bass response); the feel is more comfortable.
Lastly, the customer service from John @ Pono is unparalleled! He even answers the phone when you call! Beat that!!
Hope this helps!

[DanleyJ]

Jim - I actually have a great love of Huss & Dalton DS guitars, too. It's just too hard for me to justify the cost if I'm not making money playing such a fine instrument.
Lack Focus - I have played Larrivee's some time back but have not been able to locate any locally since the store that carried them shut down. They do make a fine guitar for the price.
Kapuna50 - Your $.02 is very compelling. Nice description of the Pono sound matching what I imagined it to be. I may have to take the Pono plunge or I may regret never knowing for sure what I was missing even though the Eastman was the only guitar I've tried out of many that I've sampled lately that really spoke to me. Maybe I'll sell my '68 335 and buy both.......maybe.......maybe not.....I am torn for sure.

[JohnW63]

I vote for getting a D-18. Martins are the gold standard of guitars.

But he said he is not a fan of the Martin sound. Seems poor advice, given that.

DanleyJ,

It's about this 335 of which you spoke......

As if I could pay you what you would probably want !

[Woodstock School Of Music]

I played an E20 yesterday and it sounded incredible, I didn't expect it. Don't let the naysayers discourage you if you find one that lights up in your hands grab it. I for one am conviced.