I’ve read a lot of your posts on the forums over the years but just discovered your TH-cam channel. You really know a lot about the instruments, and I like your approach when you assess their merits. I’m looking forward to more.
Hi Steve, Yup, I'm a total acoustic guitar nerd! I try to put a video up every Friday when I can, but sometimes I even just sit , sing and play the things! I regard myself as a singer who plays guitar, although my voice sometimes gives me trouble nowadays (I'm very, very, old!) At present I'm making videos of songs that I have written myself. Thanks for watching. If you haven't yet, please consider subbing. Ol Andy
I use the XS strings.Love them: the sound, the feel and the longevity. Great guitars you have there. Would love to have both, but my heart wants the collings more.
My recommendation is to keep doing what you do so well! I always enjoy seeing your videos and I occasionally miss one now and then. I watch when I find later. I was curious about your opinion on these two. For the money, I would take the Eastman. I did consider it strongly before I bought a CEO 7 for about $400.00 additional.
Hi, and thanks. i wanted to redsist sharing my own opinion to prompt opinions from others. Actually, if I had to choose (and i may have to some day), I'm not sure yet! Happy New Year!
Good comparison and I agree with your approach…no need for folks to show off their skills unnecessarily when doing comparison side by side. What’s most important is the audio quality and pacing. You want to hear distance between notes to gauge resonance and savor the moment and have time to identify whether there’s something good bad or indifferent! So your approach is awesome 👏 and I applaud you 😊 (I have a 2010 E20P arriving tomorrow which is suspect gets blown out of the water on the lower end vs those two) BTW good choice on Martin strings the 12-54 lifespan 2.0 are usually my go to - though occasionally I prefer 11’s if I’m looking for a kinder and lighter tension for the fingers…also the d’addario’s are great but when you have too many guitars those strings for me may not stay as fresh as coated but sure love the sound when new !!
Hi, I think that you might be surprised by the E20-P , mine is a very strident but balanced instrument. I think that our (well my) generation have become obsessed with bass, rather than balanced tonality. The Collings 0002h started up as outstanding and has done nothing but improve, whereas both my Eastmas are very good out of the box, but also showing signs of improvement. I now have a '99 Collings 002h which is not ... yet - as warm and full toned (due I suspect to being unused) compared to my 202 Eastman E40-00 which is not as "loud" but definitely warmer. Thanks for making contact, Andy .
Thanks for the comparison. As a lefty growing up in the 60’s a decent guitar was out of the question. Over the years as I’ve been able to find and afford better stuff I have owed quite a few. I had a Collings CW Indian and it never felt right in my hands. On the cheaper end I have a blueridge br180a that is a dream to play. Most high end guitars are not that different from the Eastman and blueridge and even some of the Yamahas nowadays. Play what feels and sounds good to you. Of all I’ve owned the Taylor 810 is probably my favorite guitar. I bought mine online for $1900. Hope this helps potential buyers.
@@SillyMoustache I can’t do anything right handed. They tried to change with no luck. I strung up right handed instruments left handed and even learned to play them up side down. It was always a challenge for me.
Excellent comparison, and you've certainly got some nice guitars! There's not much to choose between these two (that doesn't mean they sound at all similar), the Collings sounds very attractively 'mellower' and the Eastman projects beautifully - in an ideal world you'd have one of each haha :)
Thank you for your videos. I'm a recent subscriber, but I've enjoyed every one I've seen so far. My guess is that you and I are roughly the same age (if hair color is any indication), and I've been trying to play guitars for about 65 years. I had the monumental good fortune to start with my great-grandfather's 1924 0-45, and I couldn't agree more with your assessment of the extraordinary qualities of small-bodied, 12-fret guitars, and the magical tonal palette and timbral range they provide. I recently bought an Eastman E40OO guitar. I'm astonished by the capabilities of the luthier(s) who built it, and I'm hoping that some descendant of mine will get to hear it in 100 years.
Hi Christopher, a 1924 0-45 is a treasure! Is it in good playable condition? We are all learning , even old guys (75) like me who now finds himself teaching on line, and not gigging anymore. Let me know if I can help. All the best for 2024.
It's still playable (it had a neck reset in the 70's), but very well used. It has extra-light silk and steel strings and produces a lovely sound. Unfortunately, it doesn't get played very often, having become "collectable". I intend leaving it to my youngest granddaughter who has evinced some interest in singing and guitar-playing. By the way - have a wonderful holiday!
they are both lovely instruments. i'd say the collings is a bit more compressed and "warmer" sounding, with a fairly balanced eq. whereas, the eastman has that classic martin sounding "scooped" eq and is a bit more resonant and complex. lovely comparison-thanks as always!
I enjoy your videos and your presentations. They say what needs saying in a concise manner. I prefer 00 and 000 size guitars over larger bodies. I haven’t found a single O that appeals to my ear yet. I have not had the pleasure of trying a Collings but have owned or own Eastman, Gibson and Martin 00 and 000 guitars. Your two guitars each sound very good with a subtle difference along various chords . Very hard for me to say which I prefer. Both special in their own way. Thank you for your video
Hi Anthony, thank you for your kind comments. I enjoy my smaller instruments (I also have an Eastman E20-P (remarkably strident), but I still feel "safe" playing my dreadnoughts when performing. Thanks for watching.
Collings has a bit "warmer" tone? Eastman perhaps a hair "louder" with more aggressive midrange? Fun to hear the same size with different top woods. Both sound excellent!
Hi Ivan, people are comparing Eastmans with Martins, but it seems to hold up surprisingly well against the old Collings ! Thanks for watching , best for 2024.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Andy. I like the open chord comparison because I can hear whether I can sing with an instrument or not. I'm mostly a singer. The guitar helps keep me in key and rhythm.
Mr. Silly, I too after owning many guitars (Martin, Taylor, Gibson etc) over the years find myself playing two Eastmans E20D and E10D and a Collings D2HG. The tone profiles complements each other. Between the rosewood guitars the Collings really is a better guitar and it should be when you consider the price. The Collings is clear, balanced with fantastic responsiveness, it can be big and powerful or soft and light. However their are some songs that just sound better (to my ear) with the sweet rich Eastman tone. Your guitars both sounded great. BTW please keep up the good work. Cheers
Great comparison Andy. Love to see your demonstrations. My preference is the Collings. Warmer tone, in my opinion, and I like warm toned guitars. Hope you have a good Christmas and a great 2024!
Merry Christmas Andy, thanks for your content in 2023. Looking forward to more in 2024. I recently noticed that Eastman now offer the E1OP parlour in left hand (thru Richard's Guitars in Stratford) which now has me wondering how I can find the cash.
Andy, great comparison, both sound great and I would love to have either. Collings are fantastic guitars, but are definitely in the boutique end of things, and are priced accordingly as you know. Eastman guitars are great quality guitars and I think are a high value for the price range they are in. Now your Eastman E40-00 is very special, I am still not seeing that model readily available in the US market, so must have been very limited or special run. I do see the E40 - OM , but not the 00. You are a lucky man! I hope you and your wife have a very Merry Christmas, and a safe prosperous New Year!🌲🎅 I hope your right hand / wrist gets better!! Cheers from Sherman, Texas!🤠
Hi Mojo, I believe that they are doing them in short runs of about fifty - 25 for the US and 25 for Europe - (none for the UK - I got mine from the Netherlands before Brexit pulled down the blinds). There is "The Acoustic Shoppe" in Missouri who seems to get a lot of Eastman stuff. I don't know how many E40-00 models have been made - I suspect about 150. Thanks for your kind thoughts about my right hand - it is arthritis on the thumb joint. Old age I'm afraid. Thanks as always, Andy.
Happy holidays. Excellent video. I thought the instruments were comparable in sound. I did notice the on the headstock that the openings on the Collings are squared off and, on the Eastman, they are rounded off the squaring off requires more time. I have been told the close grain and open grain are not really important in sound. Visually however I prefer close grain soundboards. I used to own an Eastman 00 instrument, and it wasn't a fancy version like yours. Are you sure your Eastman doesn't have an Adi top (wide grain) on it, mine did. Sadly, Eastman is severely curtailing their construction of lefty instruments, so I only buy American. The American big three will build any of their models for left hand players. A bad move on Eastman's part. I use D'Addario XS strings almost exclusively, they are long lasting, and for someone who uses the entire neck of the instrument, they really cut down on finger noise. Sometimes I use Elixir Hybrid (13-53) strings with the nano coating forelow finger noise and if I want the first and second string at a higher tension.
Hi (dunno your name), you are right about the slots, one little shortcut from Eastman. Yes it is an adi top. (thought I'd said that ?!) I'm also a lefty, but never tried to learn to play lefty. I'm still not sure about the tone of the XS strings. Thanks for watching.
Yes, it would be fun to compare those to my Martin Music Villa Custom Shop Custom Shop 00-28 12-fret. It has a special inlay on the back of the headstock in memory of my Dad. It has protien glue, modified low oval neck profile, and K&K pickup.
Hello, matey. I hope you are well! and are enjoyiing good health and good fortune Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts on instruments and music. Merry Christmas to you. All the very best! Cheers, Jerrel
Eastman guitars continue to impress me. To my ears, both guitars sounded a lot alike. The Eastman has the right amount of bling. Time will tell how it sounds after that Adirondack top opens up. I'm a Dreadnaught/Rosewood fan, so both of these guitars were lacking the bottom end that I prefer.. However both were pleasant to listen to.
Hi Dale, I am a dread fan too, but the size 0 and 00 designs are wonderful fingerpicking instruments and tend to be better balanced tonally that dreads, especially Martins. The Eastman has been with me since 2020 and with no additional set up necessary has continued to improve visually (it gets a lot of sunlight) and tonally. The Collings although 25 years old is new to me and currently away being set up.
Hi Brian, thanks for watching this. Frankly, I still have mixed feelings as to which one is "best" -which seems strange as I respect Eastman's products (and the E40-00 is their top range), but I didn't believe it could rival a Collings build for tone,fit and finish. Thanks for yuor comments.
@brian: I beg to differ. I found the Eastman projected louder and a bit clearer for individual notes, and a deeper bass. It's also possible that the quality of speakers and sound system used may effect perceptions. Collings makes excellent guitars, but they also cost about twice what an equivalent constructed Eastman guitar costs.
Interesting video. Both instruments sounded very nice. I was expecting to like the Collings better but after hearing both instruments I liked the Eastman as well and maybe even better than the Collings. If I were to listen blindly I would be hard pressed to pick a "better". I do believe that sound is the major consideration in choosing an instrument but I can't ignore the appeal of various woods for their appearance and other appointments of the guitar. I think you have the ultimate answer in your hands. Own them both!
The Eastman holds up a reasonable effort. Brighter which maybe the Adirondack top contributing, but it’s never that simple. Definitely prefer the Collings. I do like mine. Maybe play them both a little more up the neck and also capo them up for a little bit. Dig in a bit on the trebles to see if they get ‘whispy’. I know the Collings has a strength of note on these particularly. The video is clear as is the sound - the acoustics of the room giving them both a natural sound. Thank you
Always a pleasure watching your videos. Are you really comparing a Collins to an Eastman or are you comparing a Sitka top to an Adi top? In your video, I prefer the Collins tone over the Eastman tone. But I prefer Sitka to Adi. Nearing age 78 myself, I would probably prefer the guitar that was easier on my left hand. Just for grins, have you the weight of each guitar?
Hi Deadtoe (!!) I am most definitely comparing the two rather different brands of guitar! I have both sitka and adi guitars and have no reference - in fact I wouldn't pretend to be able to identify the tonewood, unless they tell me I have a Santa Cruz "RS" and they can't remember what tone woods they used on it! Weights ? mmm, hadn't thught of that ....but - your wish is my command - Eastman - 3.9 lbs. Collings 4.4lbs (!) that's heavier that my dreads! The neck profile on the Eastman is superb and a little narrower than the Collings which is more of a Mod.V, but I find both very comfortable. How's the toe?
I hope you had a very merry Christmas. Thanks for getting the guitars weights. I'm a bit surprised in that the lightest dreadnought I have held in my hands was a Collins. I watched the comparison several more times. I can't decide which I like better. I would assume the Eastman is at least half the price of the Collins. I would say that you have 2 very fine 00s. I'm not sure how I got my screen name, but my toes are fine. I recently sold my 2007 Sitka/Rosewood Santa Cruz OM and with the proceeds purchased a new Larrivee 00-40R and a new Larrivee 000-03. This worked out just fine. I think with guitars you quicky reach a point of diminishing returns. This week I tried out an Eastman E1 OM (Sika /Sapele). It was less than $600 US. I have paid a lot more for a lot less. Again, I enjoy your videos. Keep on keeping on, Mr. Moustache.
Hi Anthony, I love them both and a little surprised that the Eastman holds up so well compared to the Collings! My Recording gear ? I did a vid a while ago - see : th-cam.com/video/c3PkTS9eAps/w-d-xo.html
fantastic just checked it out very good.your sound is natural compaired to most of the acoustic videos i watch .thanks again have a fantastic christmas.
Thanks and to you. I am loving my latest buy a Taylor 520 all Mahogany short scale slotted head stock, lovely warm tone not Tayloresque at all ,Looking for a 12 fret in the future. Would love a Collings or Larrivee.
Hi Andy! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your good lady. PS. I recently grew a beard and ‘tache for the first time in my 72 years, (not quite as magnificent as yours). I just shaved it off yesterday, I couldn’t deal with all the soup, beer, snot etc.) PPS. Both guitars sound great! Hope this helps…
Don here again, and just my thoughts Sonically ( and I'm listening through Earphones, to make sure I don't miss something) I Really couldn't tell any difference, they are Quality Guitar's, Without Doubt. My guitars are 3 Yamaha's FG 830 c/a/way, LJX6, & FGC-TA, a Martin- HPL, & a G series Takamine, a Recording King dreadnought an old Yamaha FG 180, Laminate Top but easily the equal sound wise to my other ( younger) Yamaha's. Take care now, regards Don 😊😊😊
I’ve been interested in smaller guitar sizes lately. Curious as to why there are so few “size 1” guitars out there vs even the smaller “size 2” which seems to be slightly more common (from Martin anyway). I’d be curious to hear your thoughts. The overall volume for me isn’t a concern at all, but I’m lookin for balance, and responsiveness for delicate finger picking.
Hi, I must check in my many Martin books, about the size "1". I had a Martin 2-17 for a while, it was very sweet. I did a video a while ago about the growing interest in smaller bodied guitars : th-cam.com/video/VT70_F7-syU/w-d-xo.html
I hope you’re doing well. Looking forward to more from you. Most of my Guitars are electric, or Bass Guitars, so we fill out the picture pretty well. My acoustic is a copy of a Martin Dreadnought. A D28 I think… as it’s not as fancy as more expensive ones. I’ve had it for about 40 some years. It sounds beautiful and full, but I’m afraid it’s on its way to a neck reset pretty soon. I’ve got the saddle pretty low, to get the action nice. Doesn’t sound like it’s taking any volume away, though. Thank goodness! Hope to hear from you… and maybe strike up a friendship of sorts. I’m in California USA. I Love hearing about the different kinds of acoustics… and may get an arch top or something else for fun, because I’ve got a lot of free time these days, with which to try new Guitars. I must admit though, like you… I have so many Guitars now. 😳😂🤣😂✨ Take care!
Hi (I don't know your real name), thanks for your interest. There are now quite a few kind subscribers that write to me in these comments, and I recognise their TH-cam nicknames. My email can be found but I can only use it for communicating with my Acoustic Music club and for my one-to-one online teaching clients. I welcome comments and questions here on Y/T although due to their increasingly overaggressive Marketing position, I am, actively considering other video content options. I now have nearly 9000 subscribers, but try to respond to those who comment or query my humble offerings, which I believe is relatively unusual on this site. All the best, Andy.
@@SillyMoustache I’m Sorry Andy, my name is Chuk. Just Chuck, but spelled oddly. Thanks for your kind response. I won’t try to sell you anything, or email you with aggressive anything. I get it. Just being friendly, which doesn’t come as easily as it used to. The world is different place. Take care, -Chuk
@@BadChizzleHi Chuk, I had no thoughts of anything negative like that, but I need to keep that email address for communications with my clients and my club members. All the best, Andy.
Hi, I have heard and seen some. Perfectly good budget instruments. Thy are made in Indonesia, and were imported and distributed by Patrick James Eggle, who has stopped building acoustics,but makes solid electrics. they may be distributed by Barnes & Mullins now.
@SillyMoustache Thank you. I your opinion the Eastman would be the guitar of preference between the 2? I've heard many good things on the Eastman but just recently heard of the Faith guitars.
Thanks Scott, the Collings is quite old ... for a Collings - 1998 build , and I know from experience that Bill worked to improve them year on year. It's fine, but not would I would expect from a later model. The Eastman in comparison is, I think superior which is a wonder considering that even at top Eastman price is less tan half the cost of a Collings. Thanks for watching.
== I use XS and they are great. Much better than the Martin Strings. D'Addario have been making strings before Martin made strings which are coated for longer lasting in months. Leave them on and you will see how long they last and nicer sounding they are. PS Your presentations are great and wouldn't change a thing. Thank you.
Excellent as always, but I hope you will forgive a small piece of pedantry. Martin in fact made dreads from 1916, just not under their own name, but branded for Ditson. So, technically it is true that you couldn't get a dread from Martin till 1931, Ditson could and you could get one from them! 😂 Oh, and by the way the Collings is richer and less bright - mind you, it is a good bit older.
Hi Robert, you are correct of course, and thank you. I think that the first one was for a Hawaiian performer. Ditsons ordered a very small number but they didn't sell and then the company failed in , I think, 1929. I try to make videos of interest, and try to resist retelling the well documented Martin history.
Thank you for another great video. Agree with you re. demo style. A talented player can make anything sound good to an untrained ear like mine. Id rather just hear the instrument.
Hi John, I have developed very painful arthritis on my thumb CMC joint and my doctor recommended this thing. Not available from NHS so cost me about £50 from Amazon - it's called a Push CMC thumb brace. it is possible to play with it on, unless you need to damp the strings.
As said at the start of the video the Eastman is an E40-00 which is a considerably more sophistically and lighter built 00. it is mine - i only show videos of my own guitars.
=== Do a demo for Lowden guitars one day that I own as they are great sounding guitars. The warmer sounding guitar for Lowden use Cedar tops in case anyone was wondering. I am a Sitka top man, brighter sounding. ===
Interesting. I found the Collings to be more balanced and less harsh in the trebles than the Eastman, although both sound very good indeed. The difference might be due to the age difference. I always feel that a full demo of any guitar should also include closed chords and keys not associated with open guitar chords (Bb, Eb, etc). If you are going to compare using scale tone chords, you should keep a consistent voicing (drop 2 or drop 3). You actually know all of these chords because I have seen you play them in context of tunes and you just used the drop 2 version of the bm7b5 (the 7 chord in C major). Feel free to disagree...
Hi Joel, thanks for this, and not disagreeing. You will know from our meetings that I'm a complete failure in terms of "closed" chords, sock style etc., so if I were to play in Eb or Bb, I'd use a G or C 1st position shapes with a capo on 3rd fret. Not sure what you mean by drop 2 or drop 3. I shall research! All the best for 2024!
@@SillyMoustache My point was that I have played some Martins and Collings that sounded great with open chords and licks, but when played in "closed keys" were very disappointing. There are some that play well in all keys and positions. BTW, most drop 2 and 3 voicings you already know. Google this, you'll see.
Hi, no, I just checked, both had D'addario PB light gauge XS strings. both put on the same day about 12 days earlier. I must say that I suspect that the Collings bought in October '23 has not been used for some time by the original seller.
Well done video. Tonally we are splitting hairs, craftsmanship we are splitting hairs. It comes down to two things price, and whether you want to buy an American product or a Chinese product. The American guitar, Collings, is significantly more expensive than the Chinese built Eastman. Most people will not be willing to pay that price increase for essentially the same guitar. That being said if it was within my budget I’d buy the Collings. If the Collings was not within my budget, I’d buy the Eastman.
Hi, and yes. I had recorded this video mentioning the price difference new, which here in the UK is a differential app £2.4k to 6.5k. I did buy the Eastman new but the used Collings was about half the current new price. There used to be considerable antipathy to far eastern brands on the various fora that I tend to read, but it would seem that Eastman have largely overcome that with both value for money and quality. I kinda left Martin for Collings as I couldn't find a 12 fret, wide necked Martin for three years, until 1999, when I got my first Collings. I bought the E40-00 after "giving up on finding a 002h, and of course, eventually this one came along! Thanks for watching.
When Eastman first started "making waves" I saw some antipathy on the forums, I have a 2007 Eastman archtop which has a fine neck, great sound but lacks a little in presentation. From what I see of their flat tops - those issues are resolved. I think that there was negativity to Japanese instruments at one time - how do you feel about Yamaha?
=== I forgot to add. The Eastman sounded better. Was very surprised by that. === Collins are good guitars but here Eastman stole the show. Maybe because it is getting harder and harder to find old growth woods these days. It is a shame with the pillaging and raping of our planet earth for the sake of profit and greed and living life for making shelters. Wood is amazing also by that of design. Revelation 11 : 18 But the nations became wrathful, and your own wrath came, and the appointed time came for the dead to be judged and to reward your slaves the prophets and the holy ones and those fearing your name, the small and the great, and to bring to ruin those ruining the earth.” ==== Daniel 2 : 44 “In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. And this kingdom will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it alone will stand forever, ==== Evolution = Self Assembling Atoms = Impossible ====
you're comparing a $6K dollar guitar to a $1,600 dollar guitar. I'm guessing at the numbers here, but I'm probably not that far off. I know that the Eastman is a good deal, and so is the Collings if you're Bill Gates.
Hi, I was going to mention money but decided not to ... but a New Collings sitka/EIR in the UK is about £6500 (inc tax) app USD 8250 and the Eastman, was in 2020 about £2300inc tax (USD 3000). The Collings is 25 years old and was a private sale. Everything bought from a dealer, or from outside the UK has 20% "VAT" added which is included in the selling price - what you see on the label is what you pay.
this comparison just seemed a bit unfair...compare the Collings to Martin or Santa Cruz or some other hideously expensive boutique axe.@@SillyMoustache
Its not about the quality of the instruments. I am just anti China guitars, washing machines car parts or what ever. I nearly bought a Guild made in China but bought an american made one in the end. Every time I would have picked the guitar up I would have seen that " made in China" lable. Nothing against Japan though, would love a Yairi.
Yes indeed, but for some of us ( and may I say sincerely, I Really appreciate your videos, comparison's particularly) we simply can't afford those 'Made in America ' one's so we just settle for cheaper ones, BUT Iv'e found anyway they sound as good. But just my experiences, Don from Hamilton NZ ( on my Wife's tablet-SUSAN) Kind regards,Don 😊😊😊
Well, I'm British, and so instruments made in China, the USA and Japan are equally foreign made to me. However I do recognise that the guitar, which evolved in Europe from North African origins were developed significantly by German immigrants to the USA especially when Europe was destroying much of the European musical instrument industries with a couple of world wars. Delving ever deeper into the history of the guitar, it seems to me that there is no musical instrument magic peculiar to any single nation.
A Gibson, like a Smith & Wesson 😉 , both are friends for life. Just give it away with a cold hand. Touch them, hear them, you can feel the spirit of freedom. Both made in god's own country, take a look at every one buck note. In god we trust. A chinese guitar, made by commies has never any spirit of freedom. I like your channel UK dude 😉@@SillyMoustache
I’ve read a lot of your posts on the forums over the years but just discovered your TH-cam channel. You really know a lot about the instruments, and I like your approach when you assess their merits. I’m looking forward to more.
Hi Steve, Yup, I'm a total acoustic guitar nerd! I try to put a video up every Friday when I can, but sometimes I even just sit , sing and play the things! I regard myself as a singer who plays guitar, although my voice sometimes gives me trouble nowadays (I'm very, very, old!) At present I'm making videos of songs that I have written myself.
Thanks for watching. If you haven't yet, please consider subbing. Ol Andy
I use the XS strings.Love them: the sound, the feel and the longevity. Great guitars you have there. Would love to have both, but my heart wants the collings more.
I confess that I'm still not sure about them. Collings ? I understand!
My recommendation is to keep doing what you do so well!
I always enjoy seeing your videos and I occasionally miss one now and then. I watch when I find later.
I was curious about your opinion on these two. For the money, I would take the Eastman. I did consider it strongly before I bought a CEO 7 for about $400.00 additional.
Hi, and thanks. i wanted to redsist sharing my own opinion to prompt opinions from others. Actually, if I had to choose (and i may have to some day), I'm not sure yet! Happy New Year!
Good comparison and I agree with your approach…no need for folks to show off their skills unnecessarily when doing comparison side by side. What’s most important is the audio quality and pacing. You want to hear distance between notes to gauge resonance and savor the moment and have time to identify whether there’s something good bad or indifferent! So your approach is awesome 👏 and I applaud you 😊 (I have a 2010 E20P arriving tomorrow which is suspect gets blown out of the water on the lower end vs those two) BTW good choice on Martin strings the 12-54 lifespan 2.0 are usually my go to - though occasionally I prefer 11’s if I’m looking for a kinder and lighter tension for the fingers…also the d’addario’s are great but when you have too many guitars those strings for me may not stay as fresh as coated but sure love the sound when new !!
Hi, I think that you might be surprised by the E20-P , mine is a very strident but balanced instrument. I think that our (well my) generation have become obsessed with bass, rather than balanced tonality. The Collings 0002h started up as outstanding and has done nothing but improve, whereas both my Eastmas are very good out of the box, but also showing signs of improvement. I now have a '99 Collings 002h which is not ... yet - as warm and full toned (due I suspect to being unused) compared to my 202 Eastman E40-00 which is not as "loud" but definitely warmer. Thanks for making contact, Andy .
I really enjoy your videos, great information. I just order my first Eastman guitar a E40 OO 🙌🏽
Good choice! Let me know what you think of it.
Thanks for the comparison. As a lefty growing up in the 60’s a decent guitar was out of the question. Over the years as I’ve been able to find and afford better stuff I have owed quite a few. I had a Collings CW Indian and it never felt right in my hands. On the cheaper end I have a blueridge br180a that is a dream to play. Most high end guitars are not that different from the Eastman and blueridge and even some of the Yamahas nowadays. Play what feels and sounds good to you. Of all I’ve owned the Taylor 810 is probably my favorite guitar. I bought mine online for $1900. Hope this helps potential buyers.
Hi Rodney, I'm a lefty too, but it never occurred to me to look for left handed guitars when I started in the late '60s.
@@SillyMoustache
I can’t do anything right handed. They tried to change with no luck. I strung up right handed instruments left handed and even learned to play them up side down. It was always a challenge for me.
Excellent comparison, and you've certainly got some nice guitars! There's not much to choose between these two (that doesn't mean they sound at all similar), the Collings sounds very attractively 'mellower' and the Eastman projects beautifully - in an ideal world you'd have one of each haha :)
Well said! That's what I've done, but the Collings might benefit from new nut and saddle a good set up.
Thank you for your videos. I'm a recent subscriber, but I've enjoyed every one I've seen so far. My guess is that you and I are roughly the same age (if hair color is any indication), and I've been trying to play guitars for about 65 years. I had the monumental good fortune to start with my great-grandfather's 1924 0-45, and I couldn't agree more with your assessment of the extraordinary qualities of small-bodied, 12-fret guitars, and the magical tonal palette and timbral range they provide. I recently bought an Eastman E40OO guitar. I'm astonished by the capabilities of the luthier(s) who built it, and I'm hoping that some descendant of mine will get to hear it in 100 years.
Hi Christopher, a 1924 0-45 is a treasure! Is it in good playable condition? We are all learning , even old guys (75) like me who now finds himself teaching on line, and not gigging anymore. Let me know if I can help. All the best for 2024.
It's still playable (it had a neck reset in the 70's), but very well used. It has extra-light silk and steel strings and produces a lovely sound. Unfortunately, it doesn't get played very often, having become "collectable". I intend leaving it to my youngest granddaughter who has evinced some interest in singing and guitar-playing.
By the way - have a wonderful holiday!
Just old Don here again, nice picking too on such Beautiful Guitars, sincere thanks 😊😊😊
Many thanks!!
they are both lovely instruments. i'd say the collings is a bit more compressed and "warmer" sounding, with a fairly balanced eq. whereas, the eastman has that classic martin sounding "scooped" eq and is a bit more resonant and complex. lovely comparison-thanks as always!
Thanks for watching,
I enjoy your videos and your presentations. They say what needs saying in a concise manner. I prefer 00 and 000 size guitars over larger bodies. I haven’t found a single O that appeals to my ear yet. I have not had the pleasure of trying a Collings but have owned or own Eastman, Gibson and Martin 00 and 000 guitars.
Your two guitars each sound very good with a subtle difference along various chords . Very hard for me to say which I prefer. Both special in their own way. Thank you for your video
Hi Anthony, thank you for your kind comments. I enjoy my smaller instruments (I also have an Eastman E20-P (remarkably strident), but I still feel "safe" playing my dreadnoughts when performing. Thanks for watching.
Collings has a bit "warmer" tone? Eastman perhaps a hair "louder" with more aggressive midrange? Fun to hear the same size with different top woods. Both sound excellent!
Hi Ivan, people are comparing Eastmans with Martins, but it seems to hold up surprisingly well against the old Collings ! Thanks for watching , best for 2024.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Andy. I like the open chord comparison because I can hear whether I can sing with an instrument or not. I'm mostly a singer. The guitar helps keep me in key and rhythm.
Yes I consider my self a singer who plays guitar too.
You’ve done well describing and demonstrating your guitars. Well done! Merry Christmas!
Thanks Don, Happy Christmas!
Mr. Silly, I too after owning many guitars (Martin, Taylor, Gibson etc) over the years find myself playing two Eastmans E20D and E10D and a Collings D2HG. The tone profiles complements each other. Between the rosewood guitars the Collings really is a better guitar and it should be when you consider the price. The Collings is clear, balanced with fantastic responsiveness, it can be big and powerful or soft and light. However their are some songs that just sound better (to my ear) with the sweet rich Eastman tone. Your guitars both sounded great. BTW please keep up the good work. Cheers
Thanks Brandon, Interesting that you also have both brands. I will try to keep up the videos but welcome any ideas for future ones. Best for 2024.
Your podcasts are entertaining and educational. I like your style. Merry Christmas.
Thanks Howard, what would you like me to make a video about? All the best for 2024.
Great comparison Andy. Love to see your demonstrations. My preference is the Collings. Warmer tone, in my opinion, and I like warm toned guitars. Hope you have a good Christmas and a great 2024!
Thanks for your observation George. Appreciated.
Very nice job explaining the models and the history. I wonder how these would sound with mahogany back and sides.
Slightly different. I do have a Ds2h (sitka/EIR) and a DS1 (sitka/hog) I did a comparison a while ago : th-cam.com/video/koYSh5AI6wE/w-d-xo.html
Merry Christmas Andy, thanks for your content in 2023. Looking forward to more in 2024. I recently noticed that Eastman now offer the E1OP parlour in left hand (thru Richard's Guitars in Stratford) which now has me wondering how I can find the cash.
I hope you find a way to get it! They are really worth it!
Andy, great comparison, both sound great and I would love to have either. Collings are fantastic guitars, but are definitely in the boutique end of things, and are priced accordingly as you know. Eastman guitars are great quality guitars and I think are a high value for the price range they are in. Now your Eastman E40-00 is very special, I am still not seeing that model readily available in the US market, so must have been very limited or special run. I do see the E40 - OM , but not the 00. You are a lucky man! I hope you and your wife have a very Merry Christmas, and a safe prosperous New Year!🌲🎅 I hope your right hand / wrist gets better!! Cheers from Sherman, Texas!🤠
Hi Mojo, I believe that they are doing them in short runs of about fifty - 25 for the US and 25 for Europe - (none for the UK - I got mine from the Netherlands before Brexit pulled down the blinds). There is "The Acoustic Shoppe" in Missouri who seems to get a lot of Eastman stuff. I don't know how many E40-00 models have been made - I suspect about 150. Thanks for your kind thoughts about my right hand - it is arthritis on the thumb joint. Old age I'm afraid. Thanks as always, Andy.
Happy holidays. Excellent video. I thought the instruments were comparable in sound. I did notice the on the headstock that the openings on the Collings are squared off and, on the Eastman, they are rounded off the squaring off requires more time. I have been told the close grain and open grain are not really important in sound. Visually however I prefer close grain soundboards. I used to own an Eastman 00 instrument, and it wasn't a fancy version like yours. Are you sure your Eastman doesn't have an Adi top (wide grain) on it, mine did. Sadly, Eastman is severely curtailing their construction of lefty instruments, so I only buy American. The American big three will build any of their models for left hand players. A bad move on Eastman's part. I use D'Addario XS strings almost exclusively, they are long lasting, and for someone who uses the entire neck of the instrument, they really cut down on finger noise. Sometimes I use Elixir Hybrid (13-53) strings with the nano coating forelow finger noise and if I want the first and second string at a higher tension.
Hi (dunno your name), you are right about the slots, one little shortcut from Eastman. Yes it is an adi top. (thought I'd said that ?!) I'm also a lefty, but never tried to learn to play lefty. I'm still not sure about the tone of the XS strings. Thanks for watching.
Nice presentation and history lesson. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.
Nice demo of the guitars… I agree with the others that are saying to keep doing what you’re doing… nice clear playing
Thanks, will do!
Very informative comparison, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Yes, it would be fun to compare those to my Martin Music Villa Custom Shop Custom Shop 00-28 12-fret. It has a special inlay on the back of the headstock in memory of my Dad. It has protien glue, modified low oval neck profile, and K&K pickup.
Yes it would Tex, but I'd also like to compare them with a 0028VS or one of the latest -- Martins. All the best for 2024!
@SillyMoustache 2019 isn't that old! I forgot to say mine has a burst like those on 1930s Martin's.
Merry Christmas to you and yours! Prosperous new year. I hope all is well.
Same to you! All the best for 2024!
Hello, matey. I hope you are well! and are enjoyiing good health and good fortune Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts on instruments and music. Merry Christmas to you. All the very best! Cheers, Jerrel
And all the best for the holidays and 2024 to you!
Eastman guitars continue to impress me.
To my ears, both guitars sounded a lot alike.
The Eastman has the right amount of bling. Time will tell how it sounds after that Adirondack top opens up.
I'm a Dreadnaught/Rosewood fan, so both of these guitars were lacking the bottom end that I prefer..
However both were pleasant to listen to.
Hi Dale, I am a dread fan too, but the size 0 and 00 designs are wonderful fingerpicking instruments and tend to be better balanced tonally that dreads, especially Martins. The Eastman has been with me since 2020 and with no additional set up necessary has continued to improve visually (it gets a lot of sunlight) and tonally. The Collings although 25 years old is new to me and currently away being set up.
Very good comparison. It's clear to me the Collings has better projection and clarity.
Hi Brian, thanks for watching this. Frankly, I still have mixed feelings as to which one is "best" -which seems strange as I respect Eastman's products (and the E40-00 is their top range), but I didn't believe it could rival a Collings build for tone,fit and finish. Thanks for yuor comments.
@brian: I beg to differ. I found the Eastman projected louder and a bit clearer for individual notes, and a deeper bass. It's also possible that the quality of speakers and sound system used may effect perceptions. Collings makes excellent guitars, but they also cost about twice what an equivalent constructed Eastman guitar costs.
Interesting video. Both instruments sounded very nice. I was expecting to like the Collings better but after hearing both instruments I liked the Eastman as well and maybe even better than the Collings. If I were to listen blindly I would be hard pressed to pick a "better". I do believe that sound is the major consideration in choosing an instrument but I can't ignore the appeal of various woods for their appearance and other appointments of the guitar. I think you have the ultimate answer in your hands. Own them both!
Yeah, I probably will! Thanks for watching.
The Eastman holds up a reasonable effort. Brighter which maybe the Adirondack top contributing, but it’s never that simple. Definitely prefer the Collings. I do like mine. Maybe play them both a little more up the neck and also capo them up for a little bit. Dig in a bit on the trebles to see if they get ‘whispy’. I know the Collings has a strength of note on these particularly. The video is clear as is the sound - the acoustics of the room giving them both a natural sound. Thank you
Fair enough! Thanks for watching.
Pleasant sounds from both but I prefer Martins. My OM has alot of over tones with non coated strings not so with XL'S?
Interesting! I quite understand about your preference for your Martin, but like you , perhaps, I'm not convinced about the XS strings.
Always a pleasure watching your videos. Are you really comparing a Collins to an Eastman or are
you comparing a Sitka top to an Adi top? In your video, I prefer the Collins tone over the Eastman tone. But I prefer Sitka to Adi. Nearing age 78 myself, I would probably prefer the guitar that was easier on my left hand. Just for grins, have you the weight of each guitar?
Hi Deadtoe (!!) I am most definitely comparing the two rather different brands of guitar! I have both sitka and adi guitars and have no reference - in fact I wouldn't pretend to be able to identify the tonewood, unless they tell me I have a Santa Cruz "RS" and they can't remember what tone woods they used on it! Weights ? mmm, hadn't thught of that ....but - your wish is my command - Eastman - 3.9 lbs. Collings 4.4lbs (!) that's heavier that my dreads! The neck profile on the Eastman is superb and a little narrower than the Collings which is more of a Mod.V, but I find both very comfortable. How's the toe?
I hope you had a very merry Christmas. Thanks for getting the guitars weights. I'm a bit surprised in that the lightest dreadnought I have held in my hands was a Collins. I watched the comparison several more times. I can't decide which I like better. I would assume the Eastman is at least half the price of the Collins. I would say that you have 2 very fine 00s.
I'm not sure how I got my screen name, but my toes are fine. I recently sold my 2007 Sitka/Rosewood Santa Cruz OM and with the proceeds purchased a new Larrivee 00-40R and a new Larrivee 000-03. This worked out just fine. I think with guitars you quicky reach a point of diminishing returns. This week I tried out an Eastman E1 OM (Sika /Sapele). It was less than $600 US. I have paid a lot more for a lot less. Again, I enjoy your videos. Keep on keeping on, Mr. Moustache.
@@1deadtoe707 Thanks for watching.
I'd settle for either one lovely playing as usual.can I ask what is your recording set up.have a great Christmas and new year.
Hi Anthony, I love them both and a little surprised that the Eastman holds up so well compared to the Collings! My Recording gear ? I did a vid a while ago - see : th-cam.com/video/c3PkTS9eAps/w-d-xo.html
fantastic just checked it out very good.your sound is natural compaired to most of the acoustic videos i watch .thanks again have a fantastic christmas.
Thanks and to you. I am loving my latest buy a Taylor 520 all Mahogany short scale slotted head stock, lovely warm tone not Tayloresque at all ,Looking for a 12 fret in the future. Would love a Collings or Larrivee.
Thanks for watching
Hi Andy!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your good lady.
PS. I recently grew a beard and ‘tache for the first time in my 72 years, (not quite as magnificent as yours). I just shaved it off yesterday, I couldn’t deal with all the soup, beer, snot etc.)
PPS. Both guitars sound great! Hope this helps…
Happy new year! I got expelled from my last school in 1966 for growing a beard and moustache. I was 18.
Don here again, and just my thoughts Sonically ( and I'm listening through Earphones, to make sure I don't miss something) I Really couldn't tell any difference, they are Quality Guitar's, Without Doubt. My guitars are 3 Yamaha's FG 830 c/a/way, LJX6, & FGC-TA, a Martin- HPL, & a G series Takamine, a Recording King dreadnought an old Yamaha FG 180, Laminate Top but easily the equal sound wise to my other ( younger) Yamaha's. Take care now, regards Don 😊😊😊
Hi again Don, thanks for watching, and listening.
I’ve been interested in smaller guitar sizes lately. Curious as to why there are so few “size 1” guitars out there vs even the smaller “size 2” which seems to be slightly more common (from Martin anyway). I’d be curious to hear your thoughts. The overall volume for me isn’t a concern at all, but I’m lookin for balance, and responsiveness for delicate finger picking.
Hi, I must check in my many Martin books, about the size "1". I had a Martin 2-17 for a while, it was very sweet. I did a video a while ago about the growing interest in smaller bodied guitars : th-cam.com/video/VT70_F7-syU/w-d-xo.html
I hope you’re doing well. Looking forward to more from you.
Most of my Guitars are electric, or Bass Guitars, so we fill out the picture pretty well.
My acoustic is a copy of a Martin Dreadnought. A D28 I think… as it’s not as fancy as more expensive ones. I’ve had it for about 40 some years. It sounds beautiful and full, but I’m afraid it’s on its way to a neck reset pretty soon. I’ve got the saddle pretty low, to get the action nice. Doesn’t sound like it’s taking any volume away, though. Thank goodness!
Hope to hear from you… and maybe strike up a friendship of sorts. I’m in California USA. I Love hearing about the different kinds of acoustics… and may get an arch top or something else for fun, because I’ve got a lot of free time these days, with which to try new Guitars. I must admit though, like you… I have so many Guitars now. 😳😂🤣😂✨
Take care!
Hi (I don't know your real name), thanks for your interest. There are now quite a few kind subscribers that write to me in these comments, and I recognise their TH-cam nicknames. My email can be found but I can only use it for communicating with my Acoustic Music club and for my one-to-one online teaching clients. I welcome comments and questions here on Y/T although due to their increasingly overaggressive Marketing position, I am, actively considering other video content options. I now have nearly 9000 subscribers, but try to respond to those who comment or query my humble offerings, which I believe is relatively unusual on this site. All the best, Andy.
@@SillyMoustache I’m Sorry Andy, my name is Chuk. Just Chuck, but spelled oddly. Thanks for your kind response. I won’t try to sell you anything, or email you with aggressive anything. I get it. Just being friendly, which doesn’t come as easily as it used to. The world is different place.
Take care,
-Chuk
@@BadChizzleHi Chuk, I had no thoughts of anything negative like that, but I need to keep that email address for communications with my clients and my club members. All the best, Andy.
I recently heard of a brand Faith guitar. Have you ever heard or played one. I think they are made in England.
Thanks, Jim.
Hi, I have heard and seen some. Perfectly good budget instruments. Thy are made in Indonesia, and were imported and distributed by Patrick James Eggle, who has stopped building acoustics,but makes solid electrics. they may be distributed by Barnes & Mullins now.
@SillyMoustache Thank you. I your opinion the Eastman would be the guitar of preference between the 2? I've heard many good things on the Eastman but just recently heard of the Faith guitars.
Both sound great..!
Thanks Scott, the Collings is quite old ... for a Collings - 1998 build , and I know from experience that Bill worked to improve them year on year. It's fine, but not would I would expect from a later model. The Eastman in comparison is, I think superior which is a wonder considering that even at top Eastman price is less tan half the cost of a Collings. Thanks for watching.
== I use XS and they are great. Much better than the Martin Strings. D'Addario have been making strings before Martin made strings which are coated for longer lasting in months. Leave them on and you will see how long they last and nicer sounding they are. PS Your presentations are great and wouldn't change a thing. Thank you.
Thanks for your input.
Interesting and enjoyable thank you
Most welcome Barry!
What sounded/felt "better" to you, Andy?
Good point. I'm accustomed to the beautifully carved Eastman neck, but loving the Collings - I really can't makeup my mind yet.
Excellent as always, but I hope you will forgive a small piece of pedantry. Martin in fact made dreads from 1916, just not under their own name, but branded for Ditson. So, technically it is true that you couldn't get a dread from Martin till 1931, Ditson could and you could get one from them! 😂 Oh, and by the way the Collings is richer and less bright - mind you, it is a good bit older.
Hi Robert, you are correct of course, and thank you.
I think that the first one was for a Hawaiian performer. Ditsons ordered a very small number but they didn't sell and then the company failed in , I think, 1929. I try to make videos of interest, and try to resist retelling the well documented Martin history.
Thank you for another great video. Agree with you re. demo style. A talented player can make anything sound good to an untrained ear like mine. Id rather just hear the instrument.
Yes, quite. Thanks for watching.
What is the wrap on your wrist and thumb if I may ask ? And where can I get one ?
Hi John, I have developed very painful arthritis on my thumb CMC joint and my doctor recommended this thing. Not available from NHS so cost me about £50 from Amazon - it's called a Push CMC thumb brace. it is possible to play with it on, unless you need to damp the strings.
Apart from the appointments, the Eastman looks like an E20 OO. Does it sound about the same as yours?
As said at the start of the video the Eastman is an E40-00 which is a considerably more sophistically and lighter built 00. it is mine - i only show videos of my own guitars.
@@SillyMoustache Thanks. I could not find an Eastman E40-00 on the Web on on the Eastman site. So I would have to make due with an E20P.
@@appleturnover519 : I search Google and found a couple of used ones.
Nice guitars. I prefer the Eastman.
Well that was kinda the point of the comparison! I confess that I'm torn as the Eastman is sooo good!
Eastman is making some nice guitars.
Remarkably true!
=== Do a demo for Lowden guitars one day that I own as they are great sounding guitars. The warmer sounding guitar for Lowden use Cedar tops in case anyone was wondering. I am a Sitka top man, brighter sounding. ===
Hi Kenneth, if you send me one, I'll make a video.
Interesting. I found the Collings to be more balanced and less harsh in the trebles than the Eastman, although both sound very good indeed. The difference might be due to the age difference. I always feel that a full demo of any guitar should also include closed chords and keys not associated with open guitar chords (Bb, Eb, etc). If you are going to compare using scale tone chords, you should keep a consistent voicing (drop 2 or drop 3). You actually know all of these chords because I have seen you play them in context of tunes and you just used the drop 2 version of the bm7b5 (the 7 chord in C major). Feel free to disagree...
Hi Joel, thanks for this, and not disagreeing. You will know from our meetings that I'm a complete failure in terms of "closed" chords, sock style etc., so if I were to play in Eb or Bb, I'd use a G or C 1st position shapes with a capo on 3rd fret. Not sure what you mean by drop 2 or drop 3. I shall research! All the best for 2024!
@@SillyMoustache My point was that I have played some Martins and Collings that sounded great with open chords and licks, but when played in "closed keys" were very disappointing. There are some that play well in all keys and positions. BTW, most drop 2 and 3 voicings you already know. Google this, you'll see.
Collings has the right mids. Eastman sounds like it has a newer set of strings maybe.
Hi, no, I just checked, both had D'addario PB light gauge XS strings. both put on the same day about 12 days earlier. I must say that I suspect that the Collings bought in October '23 has not been used for some time by the original seller.
Does the Eastman have a fatter neck than Collings ?
No, slightly thinner if anything.
Point taken, yes I know what you mean.
Thank you, Happy new year!
Thanks very much ; chinese guitars are now very good and can compare to any other brand imho
Hi, on the basis of my two Eastman guitars, I must agree. Thanks for watching.
Well done video. Tonally we are splitting hairs, craftsmanship we are splitting hairs. It comes down to two things price, and whether you want to buy an American product or a Chinese product. The American guitar, Collings, is significantly more expensive than the Chinese built Eastman. Most people will not be willing to pay that price increase for essentially the same guitar. That being said if it was within my budget I’d buy the Collings. If the Collings was not within my budget, I’d buy the Eastman.
Hi, and yes. I had recorded this video mentioning the price difference new, which here in the UK is a differential app £2.4k to 6.5k. I did buy the Eastman new but the used Collings was about half the current new price.
There used to be considerable antipathy to far eastern brands on the various fora that I tend to read, but it would seem that Eastman have largely overcome that with both value for money and quality. I kinda left Martin for Collings as I couldn't find a 12 fret, wide necked Martin for three years, until 1999, when I got my first Collings. I bought the E40-00 after "giving up on finding a 002h, and of course, eventually this one came along! Thanks for watching.
The Collings is more open.
I confess that I have mixed feelings.
Eastman , no doubt are good but I just can't bring myself to buy anything from China.
When Eastman first started "making waves" I saw some antipathy on the forums, I have a 2007 Eastman archtop which has a fine neck, great sound but lacks a little in presentation. From what I see of their flat tops - those issues are resolved. I think that there was negativity to Japanese instruments at one time - how do you feel about Yamaha?
Nice sounding guitars... I prefer Not buying Chinese Guitars
Why is that?
=== I forgot to add. The Eastman sounded better. Was very surprised by that. === Collins are good guitars but here Eastman stole the show. Maybe because it is getting harder and harder to find old growth woods these days. It is a shame with the pillaging and raping of our planet earth for the sake of profit and greed and living life for making shelters. Wood is amazing also by that of design. Revelation 11 : 18 But the nations became wrathful, and your own wrath came, and the appointed time came for the dead to be judged and to reward your slaves the prophets and the holy ones and those fearing your name, the small and the great, and to bring to ruin those ruining the earth.” ==== Daniel 2 : 44 “In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. And this kingdom will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it alone will stand forever, ==== Evolution = Self Assembling Atoms = Impossible ====
Thank you for your opinion on the guitars.
you're comparing a $6K dollar guitar to a $1,600 dollar guitar. I'm guessing at the numbers here, but I'm probably not that far off. I know that the Eastman is a good deal, and so is the Collings if you're Bill Gates.
That Eastman is more likely 2000-2500.
then the Collings is probably $8K...@@LegsON
Hi, I was going to mention money but decided not to ... but a New Collings sitka/EIR in the UK is about £6500 (inc tax) app USD 8250 and the Eastman, was in 2020 about £2300inc tax (USD 3000). The Collings is 25 years old and was a private sale. Everything bought from a dealer, or from outside the UK has 20% "VAT" added which is included in the selling price - what you see on the label is what you pay.
this comparison just seemed a bit unfair...compare the Collings to Martin or Santa Cruz or some other hideously expensive boutique axe.@@SillyMoustache
@@freddymclain Good idea, you send them to me and I'll review them.
Its not about the quality of the instruments. I am just anti China guitars, washing machines car parts or what ever. I nearly bought a Guild made in China but bought an american made one in the end. Every time I would have picked the guitar up I would have seen that " made in China" lable. Nothing against Japan though, would love a Yairi.
Yes indeed, but for some of us ( and may I say sincerely, I Really appreciate your videos, comparison's particularly) we simply can't afford those 'Made in America ' one's so we just settle for cheaper ones, BUT Iv'e found anyway they sound as good. But just my experiences, Don from Hamilton NZ ( on my Wife's tablet-SUSAN) Kind regards,Don 😊😊😊
Well, I'm British, and so instruments made in China, the USA and Japan are equally foreign made to me. However I do recognise that the guitar, which evolved in Europe from North African origins were developed significantly by German immigrants to the USA especially when Europe was destroying much of the European musical instrument industries with a couple of world wars. Delving ever deeper into the history of the guitar, it seems to me that there is no musical instrument magic peculiar to any single nation.
@@SillyMoustache Well said
A Gibson, like a Smith & Wesson 😉 , both are friends for life. Just give it away with a cold hand. Touch them, hear them, you can feel the spirit of freedom. Both made in god's own country, take a look at every one buck note. In god we trust. A chinese guitar, made by commies has never any spirit of freedom. I like your channel UK dude 😉@@SillyMoustache
So you own absolutely nothing from china? No imports whatsoever in your household? That’s bs on so many levels. Why are you so anti-china?
thanks bro love the playing and the guitars .me D45
Thanks for watching and the best for 2024!