Eastman Guitars: Reflections of an Eastman Owner, Four Years In

[MidfieldGeneral]

I sold my Eastman E20D last year, I never liked it. I even preferred my Yamaha FG700S. I am thinking of buying a Martin D28 now

[Charmed Life Picks]

Originally Posted by MidfieldGeneral

I sold my Eastman E20D last year, I never liked it. I even preferred my Yamaha FG700S. I am thinking of buying a Martin D28 now

Oh wow, that kinda blows my mind. You don't often hear that about Eastmans, but I believe you. I had a couple Yairis that I sold off after being unimpressed, so it can happen.

And yes yes yes on the D-28. If you're thinking of buying new, I'd play the D-18 too at the same time. Looks like you're a rosewood man, but I played a D-18 at McCabes a few years ago that still has me dreaming. Great guitar.

take care,
scott

[UncleJesse]

Originally Posted by MidfieldGeneral

I sold my Eastman E20D last year, I never liked it. I even preferred my Yamaha FG700S. I am thinking of buying a Martin D28 now

I have a few Eastman dreadnoughts and if you're wanting a Martin the Eastman won't cut it. It has a more modern voice and lacks the deep bass-bias of the Martin. It is shocking to me about the Yamaha comparison because I just picked up a Yamaha FG730S to practice guitar mods on and it's a fine cheap instrument it doesn't come close to an Eastman in sound or quality.

As far as the D28, you should try out an HD28 before grabbing a D28. The HD28 has scalloped bracing which gives it more bass, etc. It's only about $200 difference in price. The times I've compared a D28 to an HD28 the HD28 wins every time.

[MidfieldGeneral]

thanks to everyone for their input

[Charmed Life Picks]

MG: Did you ever end up playing an HD-28? Were you able to play it against any of the Eastman models?

Thanks for contributing to this thread.

sm

[Kyle215]

Originally Posted by UncleJesse

I have a few Eastman dreadnoughts and if you're wanting a Martin the Eastman won't cut it. It has a more modern voice and lacks the deep bass-bias of the Martin. It is shocking to me about the Yamaha comparison because I just picked up a Yamaha FG730S to practice guitar mods on and it's a fine cheap instrument it doesn't come close to an Eastman in sound or quality.

As far as the D28, you should try out an HD28 before grabbing a D28. The HD28 has scalloped bracing which gives it more bass, etc. It's only about $200 difference in price. The times I've compared a D28 to an HD28 the HD28 wins every time.

I’m way late to this, but when you say “deep bass bias”, would you say that the bass on Eastman dreads is less powerful, or that the bass is there, but the overall sound is more balanced?

[Pura Vida]

Originally Posted by Kyle215

I’m way late to this, but when you say “deep bass bias”, would you say that the bass on Eastman dreads is less powerful, or that the bass is there, but the overall sound is more balanced?

Yes.

It's less overpowering, so you can call it less powerful or more balanced. Same idea. But it's not like it's lacking or can't hear it.

[Kyle215]

Thanks. “Less powerful” is helpful

[Roccorobb]

My E10D has "more" low end than my D28. I put it in quotes because they are different and in one way the D28 had a more expansive low register. Maybe it's the Rosewood. But the Eastman sounds like a scalloped guitar compared to the Martin (as it should). More volume, more low end.

[Charmed Life Picks]

Originally Posted by Roccorobb

My E10D has "more" low end than my D28. I put it in quotes because they are different and in one way the D28 had a more expansive low register. Maybe it's the Rosewood. But the Eastman sounds like a scalloped guitar compared to the Martin (as it should). More volume, more low end.

Rocco, great review, thanks.

It's funny. Everyone knows both Martin and Gibson have their own "sound" that is very distinctive and immediately recognizable. And yet most people say Eastmans don't sound exactly like either one of those brands. They have their own sound, but I don't think we've named it yet. Maybe we'll just call it GOOD.

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[Roccorobb]

Originally Posted by Charmed Life Picks

Rocco, great review, thanks.



It's funny. Everyone knows both Martin and Gibson have their own "sound" that is very distinctive and immediately recognizable. And yet most people say Eastmans don't sound exactly like either one of those brands. They have their own sound, but I don't think we've named it yet. Maybe we'll just call it GOOD.



sm

Is the Eastman sound! I think at this point they are established enough to have their own sound attributed to them.

Actually, of all the different brands that I've owned, I would say Eastman is closest in voicing to Bourgeois. Balanced, slightly modern take on the classic Martin thing. When I heard about the Eastman bourgeois alliance, they made perfect sense to me just for that reason.

[RustyAxe]

I'm 10 years in with my Eastman AC420B ... and still loving it. I have other fine guitars (Martin, Breedlove, Guild) but this $1000 wonder is still a favorite, and the one most likely to be near at hand.

[Charmed Life Picks]

Originally Posted by RustyAxe

I'm 10 years in with my Eastman AC420B ... and still loving it. I have other fine guitars (Martin, Breedlove, Guild) but this $1000 wonder is still a favorite, and the one most likely to be near at hand.

Funny, yeah. I have a very fine Martin HD-28 that I haven't played in over a year. My Eastman J-45 clone is simply a more versatile guitar, especially when it comes to fingerpicking.

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[stevecuss]

I'm a few months into ownership of a brand new Eastman E10OM-TC. It is a a pretty phenomenal guitar for the price. I've never bought a guitar brand new before and at first the bass was underwhelming but it woke up big time after about 6 weeks.

It is Eastman's response to the Martin Authentic line, as far as I can tell. (torrified Adi top.)

People looking for a budget Martin won't get what they want out of an Eastman, but people looking for a very well built guitar with outstanding tone for days will be very happy.

[Charmed Life Picks]

Originally Posted by stevecuss

I'm a few months into ownership of a brand new Eastman E10OM-TC. It is a a pretty phenomenal guitar for the price. I've never bought a guitar brand new before and at first the bass was underwhelming but it woke up big time after about 6 weeks.

It is Eastman's response to the Martin Authentic line, as far as I can tell. (torrified Adi top.)

People looking for a budget Martin won't get what they want out of an Eastman, but people looking for a very well built guitar with outstanding tone for days will be very happy.

Thanks for adding to the conversation, Steve. Hope all is well on the ranch,

scott