Collings or Eastman?

[YeOldRocker]

I read through the posts quickly, so I apologize in advance if someone else said this.

Most seem to be saying that if you go for the Eastman - which impressed you so much - you'll always long for the Collings you always wanted, because you - what? Paid less for a guitar that blew you away?

Let's reverse this - you spend lots of money you saved up for, but, in your mind, you remember the guitar that really spoke to you and would have saved you money. Sometimes, loving a guitar you spent less on is doubly rewarding, rather than second-guessing a decision that cost more than you really had to spend.

Of course, the Collings will probably have a higher resale value, but - honestly - it sounds like you just really want a great guitar. I've played the Eastman OMs, was equally impressed, and would be more than proud to own one. So if you aren't buying for the headstock, I'd say the Eastman is the better choice, all things considered.

[aaronmarkson]

Originally Posted by Steadfastly

This has been said here on the forums many, many times but as a reminder, I'll repost it. Buy with your ears, not with your eyes.

Yes. Always good advice.

Interestingly, while I like nice guitars and music gear, Its not because I like to show it off. In fact, I’d rather be the guy playing guitars that are cheaper, but sound killer than the guy who has all the high end or boutique brands.

In the end, it’s gotta sound and feel good and if it does, I don’t care what the logo on the headstock says.

All this posting is causing me to think more on this than I care to admit. This is the advice I would make to someone else, so it’s the case I’ll make to myself: Buy the Collings while I have the opportunity. They simply don’t come up locally at this price point and this is the exact model I’ve wanted for a while. Then if I want to, I’ll have it to be able to compare to any other guitar based on actual back to back comparisons and factor in all the price/value ratios along the way.

This thread feels a bit therapeutic to me. Hopefully you all aren’t charging me by the hour.

[aaronmarkson]

Originally Posted by YeOldRocker

I read through the posts quickly, so I apologize in advance if someone else said this.

Most seem to be saying that if you go for the Eastman - which impressed you so much - you'll always long for the Collings you always wanted, because you - what? Paid less for a guitar that blew you away?

Let's reverse this - you spend lots of money you saved up for, but, in your mind, you remember the guitar that really spoke to you and would have saved you money. Sometimes, loving a guitar you spent less on is doubly rewarding, rather than second-guessing a decision that cost more than you really had to spend.

Of course, the Collings will probably have a higher resale value, but - honestly - it sounds like you just really want a great guitar. I've played the Eastman OMs, was equally impressed, and would be more than proud to own one. So if you aren't buying for the headstock, I'd say the Eastman is the better choice, all things considered.

And then you post this... and I rethink the very thing I just posted. Haha. The brain is spinning a little too fast for my own good tonight.

FYI - the Collings is extremely impressive too, but it’s expected to be so based on the cost.

[Denny B]

Originally Posted by aaronmarkson

Yes. Always good advice.

Interestingly, while I like nice guitars and music gear, Its not because I like to show it off. In fact, I’d rather be the guy playing guitars that are cheaper, but sound killer than the guy who has all the high end or boutique brands.

In the end, it’s gotta sound and feel good and if it does, I don’t care what the logo on the headstock says.

All this posting is causing me to think more on this than I care to admit. This is the advice I would make to someone else, so it’s the case I’ll make to myself: Buy the Collings while I have the opportunity. They simply don’t come up locally at this price point and this is the exact model I’ve wanted for a while. Then if I want to, I’ll have it to be able to compare to any other guitar based on actual back to back comparisons and factor in all the price/value ratios along the way.

This thread feels a bit therapeutic to me. Hopefully you all aren’t charging me by the hour.

I think maybe your future chances of finding another Eastman similar to the one you've played and liked will be much better than your odds of finding another Collings at the price point you can apparently acquire the present one...

Just food for thought...

[ahorsewithnonam]

Originally Posted by YeOldRocker

I read through the posts quickly, so I apologize in advance if someone else said this.

Most seem to be saying that if you go for the Eastman - which impressed you so much - you'll always long for the Collings you always wanted, because you - what? Paid less for a guitar that blew you away?

Let's reverse this - you spend lots of money you saved up for, but, in your mind, you remember the guitar that really spoke to you and would have saved you money. Sometimes, loving a guitar you spent less on is doubly rewarding, rather than second-guessing a decision that cost more than you really had to spend.

Of course, the Collings will probably have a higher resale value, but - honestly - it sounds like you just really want a great guitar. I've played the Eastman OMs, was equally impressed, and would be more than proud to own one. So if you aren't buying for the headstock, I'd say the Eastman is the better choice, all things considered.

This was my thought all along. Also, what is your playing environment? What I mean is.....for example I love my OM28 and 614ce. But if someone called me and said we are having a get together, bring your guitar.....oh no......I’d bring my my cheaper guitar not them! So would this be the only acoustic you would have?

[Ed-in-Ohio]

Originally Posted by YeOldRocker

...snip...Sometimes, loving a guitar you spent less on is doubly rewarding, rather than second-guessing a decision that cost more than you really had to spend. ...snip...

BINGO! Boy can I relate to this.

I have been playing the Alvarez jumbo in my signature almost exclusively since I got it a couple of months ago. I believe it is the best guitar I have ever owned, and it cost me about $500 new.

Now, if my count is correct, I have owned seven guitars that cost over $1,000, two more that cost over $1,500, and two more that cost over $2,000. I'd say the Alvarez is a better guitar (FOR ME) than any of those 11 guitars.

Going forward it will be very difficult for me to justify ever spending over $1,000 on a guitar again.

[Charmed Life Picks]

No one on AGF is a bigger Eastman fan than me, but if you've got the coin I'd go Collings. That's a lifetime purchase.

[Zissou Intern]

I say buy the Collings if that is what you wanted for years.

[loco gringo]

Buy the Collings. Play it side by side with the Eastman. If the Eastman still blows you away, buy it, too. Play them both for 6 months with the intention of selling one. Then don't.

[DukeX]

Originally Posted by loco gringo

Buy the Collings. Play it side by side with the Eastman. If the Eastman still blows you away, buy it, too. Play them both for 6 months with the intention of selling one. Then don't.

Bingo for the gringo!

[jmat]

Originally Posted by loco gringo

Buy the Collings. Play it side by side with the Eastman. If the Eastman still blows you away, buy it, too. Play them both for 6 months with the intention of selling one. Then don't.

Loco like a zorro.

[rokdog49]

It sounds to me like you're having some trepidation about spending a lot of money on an expensive guitar. Speaking only for myself, that would be sufficient reason not to do it.

[rogthefrog]

Originally Posted by aaronmarkson

On Wednesday, I played an Eastman OM for the first time. I’ve read about the praise for Eastman guitars, but wasn’t prepared to be blown away like I was. I played it next to a Santa Cruz OM/PW and was shocked at how well it faired. In fact, I preferred it in many ways despite the Santa Cruz being more attractive to me.

Then you should buy the Eastman. That particular one. Not a different one of the same model ordered sight unseen. Don't let it get away.

[Don Lampson]

Originally Posted by aaronmarkson

And then you post this... and I rethink the very thing I just posted. Haha. The brain is spinning a little too fast for my own good tonight.

FYI - the Collings is extremely impressive too, but it’s expected to be so based on the cost.

If you're getting " a deal" on a used Collings, and have the greenbacks, go for it! Scratch that itch! You'll have a dream guitar that you can compare with future Eastmans you encounter later on... It's a lot easier to save up the entry fee for an Eastman, than it is a Collings, especially when the Collings is at a bargain price! The Collings will also be a lot easier to sell used, if you decide an Eastman sounds better down the road for you.... Keep us posted on your final choice.....

Don

[Jambi]

OP, Both guitars are hand built by people who do it solely for a living and to the best of their ability. The rest is irrelevant. If you connected with the Eastman, get it. Don't let the opinions of others sway what YOU feel.