Eastman AC Series

[Matt McGriff]

Interested in the Grand Auditorium models from Eastman, specifically the Ovangkol model. Anyone have experience with these and how they compare to their Taylor cousins? On the surface, they seem like a great value. I’d probably swap the fishman pickup for an Anthem, which is my preference. Anyone own or played one?

[Texmex03]

I am curious too have an E10ss which is really nice and was wondering how they compare.

[Treenewt]

Someone at the Eastman forum just got one and is quite happy with it. I have the E1OM, which is built similarly (open pore finish on back and sides, gloss top, etc) and couldn’t be happier. These are tremendous values.

[Tachymetres]

I've owned an AC822ce for nearly a year. Engleman top and rosewood body. Flawless build quality, every note on the fretboard is perfectly intonated and setup from the factory was the best I've ever experienced. Sounds wonderful strummed or playing melody. I'd compare it directly to a Taylor 814ce. It's a fantastic sounding and playing instrument.

Just bought an AC322 from a fine gentleman here on the forum. It's a present for my son, but I've been playing it since Friday. It's an absolutely great guitar. I don't have enough experience with Taylors to make a comparison, but the playability is exceptional and the tone is warm and full. It's my first Eastman encounter, and I'm extremely impressed.

[TacomaDR20]

I recently bought an AC520 from a forum member. It's my first Eastman and I confess that I'd always been skeptical of the hype. It's a mahogany/engleman dread and it sounds and plays like a guitar costing 5x what I paid. Finish is very good inside and out, the guitar plays silky smooth up the neck, intonation is spot on. The quality of the wood, nitro finish, and construction quality are amazing for the money.

I like the tone of the AC series with engleman tops better than the adi topped E series, at least initially. I'm sure once the Adi breaks in, the E's just get better.

[shadow714]

A buddy likes my AC720 better than his 200 model Taylor. I prefer my AC522, so it is no problem playing together when he stops by. Cannot go wrong with 300 and above level Eastmans!

[jaytee32]

I have an AC422 that is fantastic, and I wish I hadn't sold the AC420 that the AC422 replaced - that was a great guitar too.

[ChalkLitIScream]

Great value for sure, even with their top 800 series. They do vary in consistency though, so play one before you get it. They have real nice aesthetics and woods used too.

[CosmicOsmo]

I use an AC722 (Englemann/EIR grand auditorium) as my main gigging guitar for solo fingerstyle work. For pickups I’m dual-sourcing a Dimarzio Angel soundhole pickup with a Lyric, through a Rane AP13. I consistently get compliments on the tone, both from other musicians and audience/guests. It’s a very well-built, versatile guitar that looks, plays, feels and sounds like a guitar 3x the price, while still being affordable enough that I don’t feel bad taking it to gigs all the time. The bass response is great, extends very deep and thumps you in the chest in drop tunings, and the trebles are bright and articulate. It doesn’t quite stack up against the very nicest I own but especially live and amplified you couldn’t really ask for much more.