Halleluyah! Finally, a TH-cam guitar reviewer who knows that the Eastman is not a true OM and is comparing it to the correct, similarly spec'd Martin. My take on this is: strumming the Eastman and the Martin regular were almost indistinguishable. The Modern Deluxe sounded crisper; I preferred it. Fingerpicking they all sounded a bit different; the MD was a bit crisper and less full.
I have an E20 (for fingerstyle mostly) and was thinking about 'upgrading' to the Martin 000-28 until I heard this comparison. I much prefer the ringing tone of the E20's Adirondack top. To me, the Martin sounds a bit dull by comparison.
I thought the Eastman had the best top-end "jangle" and seemed to have the best sustain. The Martin 000-28 was close, a little less treble, and the 000-28e Modern Deluxe was more lifeless sounding on these little computer speakers. The Eastman Adi top and maybe different strings all contribute to the differences for sure.
The note separation and clarity of the Eastman seemed superior to both Martins, probably on account of the Adi top, (and, surprisingly, I found the OOO-28 quite disappointing), though the Deluxe model was simply a delight to hear, as it should be, for 4,700 USD!
I have to say that I liked the Eastman sound the best, probably because my high frequency hearing is compromised. Maybe others would find it too bright, but it sounded great to me. For me, the 000-28 was almost muddy in comparison, and the modern deluxe somewhere in between. Of course, I wouldn't say "no" to any of them.
@user-fo9pb6by5w The Eastman top is really pale in comparison to the Martins so you are probably right. I just compared the tops on my 2019 Eastman E8OM (sitka) to my 2021 Eastman E20D-TC (Thermo Cured Adi) and they are near identical in color. That brings me to how nitrocellulose lacquer darkens as it ages and whether previous owners of those guitars (both purchased used) left them on a stand or kept them in a case. The only logical conclusion I can reach based on all of that is, I haven't got a clue what I'm talking about.
@@Strawhat.. The build quality of the E20om is better plus it has Adirondack top while the E8om is Sitka. The E8om has a three piece neck. They sound very close. Which one sounds better is subjective and depends on personal likes, playing style and each individual guitar because every acoustic is different. If money is an issue, you can't go wrong with an E8om. If you have the money, I'd recommend the E20om. If money is not an issue, get the E40om. My very first Eastman was a sunburst E40om. Not because money is no issue but because I found it in mint condition, on consignment, for $1,300, out the door which is cheaper than a new E8om. I was going to recommend getting the E40om in sunburst because the black makes the abalone inlay really pop but I just looked it up and they no longer make the E40om in sunburst. That means my E40om just became a collectible, Woohoo!
Halleluyah! Finally, a TH-cam guitar reviewer who knows that the Eastman is not a true OM and is comparing it to the correct, similarly spec'd Martin. My take on this is: strumming the Eastman and the Martin regular were almost indistinguishable. The Modern Deluxe sounded crisper; I preferred it. Fingerpicking they all sounded a bit different; the MD was a bit crisper and less full.
Strumming
Eastman: 1:23
Martin 000-28: 1:52
Martin 000-28e MD: 2:19
Fingerpicking
Eastman: 2:46
Martin 000-28: 3:12
Martin 000-28e MD: 3:41
I have an E20 (for fingerstyle mostly) and was thinking about 'upgrading' to the Martin 000-28 until I heard this comparison. I much prefer the ringing tone of the E20's Adirondack top. To me, the Martin sounds a bit dull by comparison.
great job showing the diff! Thanks much!
from listening to these sound test and these recordings and these strumming's, I have concluded that the guitars sound like guitars
If you want the GUITAR to sing = 000-28 Modern Deluxe
If YOU want to sing while the guitar plays = 000-28
I thought the Eastman had the best top-end "jangle" and seemed to have the best sustain. The Martin 000-28 was close, a little less treble, and the 000-28e Modern Deluxe was more lifeless sounding on these little computer speakers. The Eastman Adi top and maybe different strings all contribute to the differences for sure.
The note separation and clarity of the Eastman seemed superior to both Martins, probably on account of the Adi top, (and, surprisingly, I found the OOO-28 quite disappointing), though the Deluxe model was simply a delight to hear, as it should be, for 4,700 USD!
Typical online cost for each of those guitars if purchased new; Eastman E20OM - $1,640, Martin 000-28 - $3,400, Martin 000-28E Modern Deluxe - $4,700.
I have to say that I liked the Eastman sound the best, probably because my high frequency hearing is compromised. Maybe others would find it too bright, but it sounded great to me. For me, the 000-28 was almost muddy in comparison, and the modern deluxe somewhere in between. Of course, I wouldn't say "no" to any of them.
I like the 000-28 best. The Eastman and the Modern Deluxe were great too, but for me the 000-28 topped them. D
Agree. More fuller sound than the others.
Me too.
2:46 3:12 3:41
For sound: 000-28, then E20, then 000-28MD. For price E20, then X, then X. lol.
Don’t like the E20OMin any category. Sounds so “boxy”. Modern deluxe wins here for me. Sounds smooth and balanced.
Is that an E20OM or an E20OM-TC?
@user-fo9pb6by5w The Eastman top is really pale in comparison to the Martins so you are probably right. I just compared the tops on my 2019 Eastman E8OM (sitka) to my 2021 Eastman E20D-TC (Thermo Cured Adi) and they are near identical in color. That brings me to how nitrocellulose lacquer darkens as it ages and whether previous owners of those guitars (both purchased used) left them on a stand or kept them in a case. The only logical conclusion I can reach based on all of that is, I haven't got a clue what I'm talking about.
@@patricklundquist9869which one sounds better, e20om or e8om?
@@Strawhat.. The build quality of the E20om is better plus it has Adirondack top while the E8om is Sitka. The E8om has a three piece neck. They sound very close. Which one sounds better is subjective and depends on personal likes, playing style and each individual guitar because every acoustic is different. If money is an issue, you can't go wrong with an E8om. If you have the money, I'd recommend the E20om. If money is not an issue, get the E40om. My very first Eastman was a sunburst E40om. Not because money is no issue but because I found it in mint condition, on consignment, for $1,300, out the door which is cheaper than a new E8om. I was going to recommend getting the E40om in sunburst because the black makes the abalone inlay really pop but I just looked it up and they no longer make the E40om in sunburst. That means my E40om just became a collectible, Woohoo!
Yeah real exhaustive in - depth review. Utterly useless.