Martin or Eastman? - Page 6

Brent Hutto · #76 11-13-2023, 08:22 AM

This thread was pretty slow getting around to the dead end all such threads arrive at.

rollypolly · #77 11-13-2023, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RussellHawaii

For me, it’s worth quite a bit to buy something made in North America. It’s worth even more to buy something not made in China. Just for me.

Yup. Especially higher priced guitars. I'd rather give my bucks to something made in the US. Considering how many things we buy that aren't made here , it's kind of refreshing.

Bluenose · #78 11-13-2023, 08:59 AM

Does anyone else think it's ironic that people have no qualms buying the high tech Chinese products made in government run, robotic factories but draw the line at buying handmade Chinese guitars made by multigenerational craftspeople in workshops that far predate communism or is it just me?

bfm612 · #79 11-13-2023, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluenose

Does anyone else think it's ironic that people have no qualms buying the high tech Chinese products made in government run, robotic factories but draw the line at buying handmade Chinese guitars made by multigenerational craftspeople in workshops that far predate communism or is it just me?

Not just you. I feel my account might come off as a gimmick account because I always respond to the "Chinese guitars" topics and find it hard to resist pushing back when people seem to China as one monolithic blob.

sinistral · #80 11-13-2023, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bfm612

If we're listing out quality guitar makers not in China, I'd add Japan.

If you read closely, I only listed places based on where guitars I own are built.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluenose

Does anyone else think it's ironic that people have no qualms buying the high tech Chinese products made in government run, robotic factories but draw the line at buying handmade Chinese guitars made by multigenerational craftspeople in workshops that far predate communism or is it just me?

It’s not ironic at all. I own lots of things (including the iPhone I’m reading this and typing on) that are made in China, but there are no alternatives. When there is a choice, things are different. As an example, I would rather purchase tools made in Switzerland or Germany that cost substantially more than their counterparts made in China.

My wife and daughters love to shop on Amazon, but I will only buy something on Amazon as a last resort. No irony at all.

bfm612 · #81 11-13-2023, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinistral

If you read closely, I only listed places based on where guitars I own are built.

You're correct, but it also wasn't meant as a knock.

jimmy bookout · #82 11-13-2023, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SRL

Owned a few of both. Still have the Martins, don't have the Eastmans.

The Eastman's (both E-20 series) were nice guitars, but the build quality wasn't there compared to other instruments I owned, including some issues with intonation (bridge placement) and neck angle, as well as fit/finish issues. The tone was a bit stiff on one, but it was brand new. The older one sounded much more open and responsive.

The Martin's did cost a lot more for what is a similar-looking product, but they have better fit and finish (not flawless but better), and for me personally the tone is more to my liking. Just depends on what you like.

Well, that's a new one....
Eastman guitars with build/fit/finish issues...
Never heard that before. Tone not to one's liking? That's preference. But every Eastman I've ever seen (including my Pagelli) was spotless.

Bluenose · #83 11-13-2023, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinistral

It’s not ironic at all. I own lots of things (including the iPhone I’m reading this and typing on) that are made in China, but there are no alternatives. When there is a choice, things are different. As an example, I would rather purchase tools made in Switzerland or Germany that cost substantially more than their counterparts made in China.

My wife and daughters love to shop on Amazon, but I will only buy something on Amazon as a last resort. No irony at all.

I just did a Google search on smart phones built in South Korea and not surprisingly there is quite a list. There are alternatives to Chinese made products.

sinistral · #84 11-13-2023, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluenose

I just did a Google search on smart phones built in South Korea and not surprisingly there is quite a list. There are alternatives to Chinese made products.

Perhaps the phone isn’t the best example, since I’m so deep into the Apple ecosystem (going back to the Apple II) that I’m not about to switch.

It’s a pretty simple concept, really. Take something simple, like a pair of tweezers. I could buy a pair of tweezers made in lots of places, including China or Solingen, Germany. Even though they cost more, and the difference in precision is probably minuscule, I prefer to buy the tweezers made in Germany. I could make a long list along those lines.

Part of the reason why I bothered to post is that, in response to comments by people placing a premium on US-made Martins, several members outside of the US (and I suspect, outside of China) made comments that they don’t place a premium on guitars made in the US. But what about guitars made in factories outside of the US, such as Boucher, Larrivée, Lowden, Atkin, Furch, etc.?

RussellHawaii · #85 11-13-2023, 04:28 PM

My comment on buying North American made guitars is because I live there, sort of. Buying local when I can, to support my neighbors and economy.
If I lived in Europe I think I’d feel that way about European made, same for Indonesia, Japan, etc. I have total respect for goods made in those places, they’re just not local.
Choosing to avoid ‘made in China’ is a separate issue.

Brent Nelson · #86 11-13-2023, 04:54 PM

Why are people of more value to some based on proximity to where you might live? I will never get that.

SFCRetired · #87 11-13-2023, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluenose

Does anyone else think it's ironic that people have no qualms buying the high tech Chinese products made in government run, robotic factories but draw the line at buying handmade Chinese guitars made by multigenerational craftspeople in workshops that far predate communism or is it just me?

I also own a Ford and Chevy and will not buy anything else unless I have zero choice. That's the problem, sometimes we have no choice. And that is a problem.

mercy · #88 11-14-2023, 01:48 AM

Im not a Martin fan but there is no comparison. Not necessarily sound, build quality or even appearance but everybody has to get a Martin. I did but its gone cause it didnt do what I wanted it to. Ive bought a whole lot of guitars but nave have and I dont think I ever will buy an Eastman. Thread closed.

vintage40s · #89 11-15-2023, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mercy

... Thread closed.

I thought a moderator had to do that.

Bluenose · #90 11-15-2023, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFCRetired

I also own a Ford and Chevy and will not buy anything else unless I have zero choice. That's the problem, sometimes we have no choice. And that is a problem.

I understand brand loyalty but that's not really what we are talking about here. What I'm saying is that if you wouldn't even consider buying an Eastman guitar because of Chinas' human rights record for example take a look at all the other things in your home that are made in China.