The Eastman guitars are getting very popular here in the States . They are making some fine guitars in China ( never thought I would say that ) . Excellent build quality , playability , and tone , which makes them in the same sort of class as American guitars . My point is that you cannot judge guitars on place of origin anymore . They are making great guitars all over the world this last 10 years !
Point well made. Whilst most baby boomers wanted the guitars that they saw on 12" album covers - the younger folk don't have that connection. Eastman in particular have raised the bar. They have become extremely popular as American made guitars have become restrictively expensive here due to price increases, exchange rates, and political uncertainty here. It seems that those dealers that have large stocks are not selling them, and others are not restocking.
Lovely collection and thanks for also sharing the history. I would love to get a Collings. I’ve played a few and they are beyond amazing (and beyond my budget)! The Eastman, though, is likely to be joining my herd. (I also use an Eastman archtop and the tone and build quality are superb).
Thanks for watching! Regarding that Dreamt of Collings. Start saving! After paying ALL your bills put a small amount aside in a savings account Monthly, whilst deciding exactly what you are aiming for and check them our on ebay, reverb etc. Don't look for new, look for used.
Sounds very nice Andy, kinda pleasantly dry on the top end (through cheap headphones on my phone!). I look forward to trying it out this weekend all being well...I shall endeavour to have a hot toddy tomorrow after work and be fighting fit on Saturday. On a side, that Collings 000 is simply the knee of the bees on top of the highest mountain...needless to say I think it’s rather special. In a bit. Cool vid 😎
That's a fine looking and great sounding guitar, good for you Andy. In my books, if an instrument brings you some joy, then go for it! Am sad to hear about Ivor's- bought an Eastman from them also (entry level), and Phil there was most helpful and there was no pressure, unlike in some guitar shops...
I've fallen prey to the guitar collecting bug. I just love what the guitar symbolizes. The joy that acoustic guitar brings. I'm an intermediate player that seems to always want another two or three to add to my small collection of nine guitars right now. I would venture to guess that you are a traditionalist but I must say that the new carbon fiber guitar with the pickup system looks quite impressive. Maybe you could get one just to demo without buying. The "Lava me two" carbon fiber guitar looks very attractive for a number of reasons.
Hi Burt, yes I am a traditionalist. As you will see -all my guitars are pre 1934 designs. I have seen a carbon fibre guitar belonging to a friend and it sounded very .. fulsome, but it isn't my style. I'm also strictly acoustic so don't do pickups. No-one has ever approached me to do reviews of guitars. Thanks for watching.
Beautiful guitar Andy, no disrespect but it looks more standard size to me, but it is as you say a parlour guitar, Amazing sound very middle bright but warm as well if that makes any sense !!!! you are a lucky son of a gun, Thanks must be given to your missus for your guitar contentment. Lovely looking instrument. Sorry to hear about ivor marantz closing, over the years i have bought a few guitars from them, good old fashioned service given by people who really knew what they were talking about, unlike a lot of box shifters these days, enjoy, hope you are well. Cheers. Andy.
Agree with all you say. I have checked and it shares its dimensions with the Martin Style "O" although, maybe the waist it a tad higher. My Missus and I keep our money separate - so when I buy a guitar her only concern is where I'm giong to keep it in our small house! As we discussed over dinner last night, two yeas ago, she didn't even know (neither of us knew) whether she would have a husband by now. I had my quarterly cancer check last week and , seems I'm OK until the next one in March. Besides, we have a new cat to care for now, after my last believed male Burmese died in my hands in the second week of my cancer treatment in 2017.
Silly Moustache, Glad to hear you are well, sorry to hear of your beloved cat passing away at such a hard time for you, sadly that is another lesson in life nothing can be forever, it is heartbreaking losing a loved one and like yourself I too have lost animals in difficult circumstances, can't imagine how you must have felt when this happened while you were so unwell yourself, I am pleased your health is continuing in a positive way and you now have a new bundle of fun to deal with, that will keep you busy lol, I enjoy your uploads and the interesting comments you give. Cheers. Andy.
Lovely, eautiful guitar, I’m still searching for my first ‘serious’ flat top. In a market flooded with electros and big box sellers the choice is quite narrow within my £1000 budget.
Hi pgod, I think that the best advice I can give you is to really work out what guitar body size, scale, fretboard width bet suits your playing style, and your purpose =- i,e, will it be for noodling at home, or playing rhythm in a plugged in combo on a stage in front of hundreds. You might find that the "standard issue" dreads, Oms jumbos etc don't suit you in some way. That's how I ended up with 12 fret dreads with wider than normal fretboards. Think about "the bet tool for the job". see : th-cam.com/video/_Vul7cGoAQM/w-d-xo.html
@@SillyMoustache agreed! I hve two, 12-fret, smaller body guitars, including a Taylor 322ce and a Larrivee p-09 parlor. I love the warm tones and playability of the 12 fret smaller instruments and will probably never own a 14-fretter again. Eastman does have great instruments and u have quite the collection sir ; ) !
Congrats. I hope you enjoy it in good health for many years! Are there any particular songs that you gravitate towards when you pick up a particular guitar? When you're just playing for fun, how do you choose which guitar to play? (I was thinking of a set of guitar stands that would follow me about, so they would all handy.)
Like Neil young and Jackson Browne you mean ? Yeah, my dream! I must admit that whilst I've bought instruments for a specific purpose but this purchase was more the action of a collector, as I'm nt sure if I will be taking it out to play much. If you look at soe of my song videos you'll see that I decide on the guitar that might seem to suit the sog at the time , but I couldn't explain my rationale. when I perform, it is almost always with one of my Collings Dreads. Thanks for watching , Jeffrey.
Yes, I think it is. First time I visited that shop, I was served by Ivor himself. He was the guitarist in the Ted Heath Big band back in the '50s and saw them once - wonderful!
I've tried to love Eastmans. However, I find the combination of the neck profile and fret type doesn't agree with my fretting hand. The frets feel like speedbumps to me. So, I bought a E10-OM back at the end of August, had it perfectly set up, and still the frets were killing my fingers. Sent it back, thankfully 30 day no ? asked refund. Long story short, but I ended up with a Martin D-16GT, which, while not a Standard Series model, sounds amazing and plays beautifully. The Eastman E10OM is in the top 4 OMs that I've ever played, though. It is a shame the neck didn't work for me. Also, that was the 4th Eastman I'd had in my possession over the last 9 years, and they were mostly all the same in that regard. Enjoy your new guitar!
Hi Preacher, I'm sorry that Eastmans don't suit you, but I'm glad that you have discovered what does. It is often a long journey to realise what works best for you.
I bought used E20 in Dec 2012 as an aside when I purchased my Martin D18 Retro. Paid $800. I felt exactly like you regarding the frets ..."speedbumps". I really like everything else about it as it's my couch guitar when my wife is not sitting with me. I dabbled with crowning the frets with no positive results and then I said hell just go ahead with a refret for $225 and yep I am really liking it a lot. I'd buy another Eastman if I knew the frets would not be the same is my original one. Wondered if Eastman changed the type of frets in recent times? Really want 00 soon! Cheers!
No, the frets are the same. I thought of a refret, but it was too much of an unkown outcome, and I'd have lost the right to return it. So your refret worked out for you? What kind of wire, may I ask?
Martins suit me. The 16GT is my 4th Martin. I wanted spruce/hog, would've preferred an OM to a dread, but I am pleased with GT. I tried a 2nd hand D-18, but it was lifeless. I also have 2 Lakewoods, one of which is a custom 12 string. 2 Hanika classicals, and my 'beater' is an all solid Walden I got for a song. That's just my acoustics. The point being, having these great guitars has made me quite choosy, so I was surprised at the 16GT. CHeers...
Andy is the Eastman N 20 P a cost effective model. I think I would be happy with it. Others are more expensive. I have a Taylor solid wood, very nice for me. Any inputs are appreciated. Thank you!
The model is an "E20-p" I got it considerably reduced as the shop was closing down. I find it better than anticipated. The Neck profile is quite clumpy, but it has he 1 & 13/16" nut widh which is a necessity for me.
I have a very nice & playable Eastman E10P & a Collings triple O 2 H . Both different but amongst the most played of those I have & I have more than is sensible.
Hi Jimmy, that is most interesting! Edit : I mis read - thought yuohad a n 02h - but its an 0002h (like mine). I'd "leeerv" to compare an 02h with my E20-P which I am totally satisfied with, but I I'd kinda like to have the full Collings set - DS2h, 0002h (both of which I have) then the 002h and the 02h. Maybe one day. However, I just don't think that Collings can be beat by anyone.
@@SillyMoustache interesting indeed. I've had so many I've forgotten some. It's odd, to me, how a lot of the big names dont really suit my style of playing but I bought the damn things anyway, trading back in along the way. I'm fond of or play the most, Guild Orpheum 12 fret, Jimmy Moon RD3, Bourgeois Slope D, WL25. I've had 8 Gibson, 7 Martin (down to 3 of each at mo) also 2 Collings. The 0002h easily produces the best sound despite a broader neck than usual for me. The rosewood is killer. I've found your posts highly informative for me & also similar style of playing. With thanks.
@@jimmymack6820 Hi Jimmy, you are most welcome, and I would also welcome any queries or suggestions for subjects on which I might make an informative video. (I always credit the suggester!)
@@SillyMoustache Dont know if you have any thoughts on Nylon strings versus Steel. Bought my 1st gittar in sixties, a Framus for £32 pounds that I paid up as was earning £7 10 bob a week at time. Had many since but never a nylon string till this year. Now got 5. May not be worth yr time unless you have any. Best wishes.
@@jimmymack6820 Back in the '70s I knew a girlfriend's sister who had a Levin that I loved and later a Swedish girl with another Levin classical - both just seemed to work for me. I'd be very tempted if I found one!
Hi, thanks for your interest. the maker was Vince Hockey. He sourced all his tonewoods from the Martin factory, and the top was a rejected top for a J-40, I believe, but only because one of the "ears" bits that fit the tops into the assembly machines. It has a strange sort of medullary side grain which I like, and has developed a very attractive "suntan" due to being in my lounge nears a large window which darkened the top, but lightened the EIR sides! It was built with dreadnought thickness struts because he said I was heavy handed! It is remarkably loud. I don't know if Vince is still building.
Great channel and vids amigo! Saludos from Tucson, Arizona. So, now, 2.5 yrs in, how would you describe your experience with the eastman E20? You said the store closing gave you a dealio...could you tell about what $ constitutes a good deal back then? I'm eyeing one locally and it too looks like a good deal . Anyway and regardless, love the videos. Keep 'em coming
Saludos! Ah, I remember my couple of days in Arizona! was it Black Barts in Flagstaff, and of course sore feet from walking around the Grand Canyon, and finding an antelope squirrel in my camera bag demolishing my banana! The E20, has mellowed visually and tonally and is still very much a pleasure to play. Remember that the time between buying and now has bee the time of covid and so I've had very little time to share and play it in company. At the time, I think I paid £1000 new and delivered, and a new one now would be between £1600/£1700. Thanks for the kind words.
@@SillyMoustache Thank you! I just acquired the new (used) E20 oo It does indeed have a big fat neck but the sound is very comparable to super duper high end guitars - Amazing instrument
@@CravenStudiosArt Hi William, as you might have seen I have an E20-P and feel s you do. I also have a very rare E40-00 which is built fr lighter, and it has a finer tonality, but not quite he "power". Its a good pair for me, and I enjoy plying them. (and this comes from a Collings player!)
Black Barts - the one with the singing waiters/college students? -super fun place. Just roll down hill from there ( towards the equator) a few hours and you'll find me, shaving down the neck, turning it into a "soft V" with nary a care...friend said it was "only a thousand dollar guitar" , not like it's a collectible Martin or something ". So yeah, I got some tools. Why not? It's my wife's guitar anyway-she'll never notice (that's how I was able to get this new E20-OO in the first place! "Honey, you need a new guitar-I'll get you one"
@@CravenStudiosArt Hi, it has been a long time since Nanny Jane and I made tat trip from San Francisco to Dallas via a whole stack of kind frinds who put us up along the way. Sadly, my travelling days are over now. Just a thought about that neck - you do realise that you will lose some bass from the tone don't you? I'm about toput up a new vid with me playing my E20-P.
Hi, I do prefer slotted headstocks to solid ones, but that's not the reason for their prevalence. All of my flat tops are 12 fretters - but that's not the reason either - it is because I prefer wider fretboards - 1 & 13/16" nut widths and 2 & 3/8" string spacing. The only guitars with those measurements are pre 1934 designs and most at that time were Martins with slotted headstocks. Thanks for your interest.
'Fraid not Charles, my interest is mainly in the american made guitars, although I do have two Eastman guitars - my recently acquired E20-P and an archtop.
I've never played a 12-fret (none available here in Ecuador that I know of), but I'm pretty sold on them. That's to a large extent because despite playing acoustic steel string for 50 years, I've been concentrating on classical for the last year or so, and have gotten very used to the feel of a wider neck. It would be nice to have a steel string guitar with similar feel, which I suspect a 12-fret would have. A question: have you considered Taylor? They have a few 12-fret models, some even in my budget range.
Hi Gary, thanks for watching my videos! I'm aware of Taylors of course and played a couple but I am very much a "Martin" man - or at least their pre 1934 designs which were the 12 rfet slotted headstock and - most importantly - wider fretboard designs - which evolved from their original European style gut string guitars. I look(ed) for guitarswith nut widths of 1 & 13/16" which tend to suit my style and my hands. I don't know what Taylor offer - and i;'m no longer, really, looking for more guitars. Please check out this video of mone made in 2017 - I hope you can understand my voice - I was recovering rom throat cancer treatment - : th-cam.com/video/kfpMciG92oY/w-d-xo.html
Frankly Adam, you simply couldn't go wrong with the current Eastmans. I seriously rate them on a level with the famous American brands. I still think that Martin missed a trend by discontinuing the VS series, and opened a door for Eastman.
@@SillyMoustache I’m a Taylor guy but their 12 fret guitars are too dear for me right now so to speak. Hence I’m looking for something like the Eastman.
Paul, I am sure tat Martin should be concerned, for some, at least in the USA. there is still resistance to Far eastern products, but Eastman are truly rivalling Martins fit, finish and quality. and also, of course Martin have abandoned all their traditional designs, and focussing on electros and some very odd designs. Collings. Well they are the best source right now for high cost Martin designs, but ...?
First off. Not a racist. I do however have a problem with China's very aggressive expansionist behavior. I live in Canada and have suffered mightily since the beginning of the 1982 world recession and following that, the 2008 financial crisis. At the heart of these debacles has been the steady removal of employment in North America. I don't know how it affected the UK except to say I know many folks in the UK and Ireland suffered from the 2008 real-estate scams of NYC and London financial markets. Along with the steady loss of employment in North America, we have seen the disappearance of products made in the USA and Canada and a Tsunami like wave of Asian made products, mostly from China. Of course, they wouldn't have had as much success as they have had if not for the unscrupulous help of manufactures here who have been steadily closing their home country operations while shipping jobs overseas to not only Asia but Mexico(Martin Guitars) and some South and Central American countries where wages are a fraction of ours and benefits are almost non-existent. I have seen with my own eyes tours of guitar factories in China where working conditions can only be imagined since even companies here who exploit the lower cost, do not attempt to explain that obvious question. I imagine the Chinese are first-rate luthiers as they love music as much as any country does and have a thousand years of experience on everyone else so why not sell guitars, violins, banjos, etc. under their own company names? Because they know that we are two-faced. We are happy to buy an American-branded product as I have(an Epiphone DR-100 made in China)it is ebony with white purfling back and tops including along the fingerboard. All for $150.00 Can/86 pounds sterling but we would likely frown on buying a perfectly good guitar made with the company name Wong. It has all laminated tops and sides, spruce and mahogany. One doesn't get that on a Taylor or Martin until up in the 2000 dollar level. I put Elixers on and changed out the nut, saddle and even pegs with Graphtech TUSQ. It made an instant improvement all around and it plays very nicely for what it is. I should say however that I bought a cheap guitar because I've steadily been in and out of employment since 1982 and 2008, This was what I could afford but believe me when I say I am saving up for a $600.00 made in Canada Seagull or Simon & Patrick acoustic. Not only the Chinese workers but sourcing of the woods used to make the guitars has never been a subject at their board meetings I'm sure. I support the Global market but only so far as I want to see as much employment brought back to Canada as possible and If I can't buy Canadian I look for American in order to support our closest neighbour. Then I do look to the UK but don't see many English products here anymore like I did growing up in the 60s and 70s. After the war, we bought English cars by the thousands to help support the UK, so did Australia. I then look to any country that has a democratically elected government or even a benevolent dictator. lol. I'm sorry if I'm raining on your new guitar but we must realize that Globalization only works when it works for everybody. So, in my long-story, I hope I presented the rest of the story and what we are supporting when we buy Chinese guitars.
Hi BC, I wrote a fulsome response to your comments, detailing my views on international trade etc., but I've since decided that this is not the appropriate place for such discussions. However, should you wish to continue this dialogue, I'd be happy to share my point of view - please contact me by email. (details on the "about" page of my channel) Best Regards,
The Eastman guitars are getting very popular here in the States . They are making some fine guitars in China ( never thought I would say that ) . Excellent build quality , playability , and tone , which makes them in the same sort of class as American guitars . My point is that you cannot judge guitars on place of origin anymore . They are making great guitars all over the world this last 10 years !
Point well made. Whilst most baby boomers wanted the guitars that they saw on 12" album covers - the younger folk don't have that connection. Eastman in particular have raised the bar. They have become extremely popular as American made guitars have become restrictively expensive here due to price increases, exchange rates, and political uncertainty here. It seems that those dealers that have large stocks are not selling them, and others are not restocking.
Lovely collection and thanks for also sharing the history. I would love to get a Collings. I’ve played a few and they are beyond amazing (and beyond my budget)!
The Eastman, though, is likely to be joining my herd. (I also use an Eastman archtop and the tone and build quality are superb).
Thanks for watching! Regarding that Dreamt of Collings. Start saving! After paying ALL your bills put a small amount aside in a savings account Monthly, whilst deciding exactly what you are aiming for and check them our on ebay, reverb etc. Don't look for new, look for used.
Just found your channel. Absolutely fascinating.
Thanks and welcome
Sounds very nice Andy, kinda pleasantly dry on the top end (through cheap headphones on my phone!). I look forward to trying it out this weekend all being well...I shall endeavour to have a hot toddy tomorrow after work and be fighting fit on Saturday.
On a side, that Collings 000 is simply the knee of the bees on top of the highest mountain...needless to say I think it’s rather special.
In a bit. Cool vid 😎
Ok Lewis, Check in with me on Saturday morning, and we'll take it from there.
Great video. Thanks to share your guitars
My pleasure!
Thanks, Andy. Another very informative video. You have a very nice collection of guitars. I always enjoy your commentary.
Thanks Homer, always good to hear from you!
That's a fine looking and great sounding guitar, good for you Andy.
In my books, if an instrument brings you some joy, then go for it!
Am sad to hear about Ivor's- bought an Eastman from them also (entry level), and Phil there was most helpful and there was no pressure, unlike in some guitar shops...
I think it was Phil who helped me. Sad to see a great institution go, and I hope that Phil and his colleagues find other employment.
Gorgeous Eastman guitar. Sounds great too. How long does it typically take for a good guitar to open up?
I've fallen prey to the guitar collecting bug. I just love what the guitar symbolizes. The joy that acoustic guitar brings. I'm an intermediate player that seems to always want another two or three to add to my small collection of nine guitars right now. I would venture to guess that you are a traditionalist but I must say that the new carbon fiber guitar with the pickup system looks quite impressive. Maybe you could get one just to demo without buying. The "Lava me two" carbon fiber guitar looks very attractive for a number of reasons.
Hi Burt, yes I am a traditionalist. As you will see -all my guitars are pre 1934 designs. I have seen a carbon fibre guitar belonging to a friend and it sounded very .. fulsome, but it isn't my style. I'm also strictly acoustic so don't do pickups. No-one has ever approached me to do reviews of guitars. Thanks for watching.
Beautiful guitar Andy, no disrespect but it looks more standard size to me, but it is as you say a parlour guitar, Amazing sound very middle bright but warm as well if that makes any sense !!!! you are a lucky son of a gun, Thanks must be given to your missus for your guitar contentment. Lovely looking instrument. Sorry to hear about ivor marantz closing, over the years i have bought a few guitars from them, good old fashioned service given by people who really knew what they were talking about, unlike a lot of box shifters these days, enjoy, hope you are well. Cheers. Andy.
Agree with all you say. I have checked and it shares its dimensions with the Martin Style "O" although, maybe the waist it a tad higher. My Missus and I keep our money separate - so when I buy a guitar her only concern is where I'm giong to keep it in our small house! As we discussed over dinner last night, two yeas ago, she didn't even know (neither of us knew) whether she would have a husband by now. I had my quarterly cancer check last week and , seems I'm OK until the next one in March. Besides, we have a new cat to care for now, after my last believed male Burmese died in my hands in the second week of my cancer treatment in 2017.
Silly Moustache, Glad to hear you are well, sorry to hear of your beloved cat passing away at such a hard time for you, sadly that is another lesson in life nothing can be forever, it is heartbreaking losing a loved one and like yourself I too have lost animals in difficult circumstances, can't imagine how you must have felt when this happened while you were so unwell yourself, I am pleased your health is continuing in a positive way and you now have a new bundle of fun to deal with, that will keep you busy lol, I enjoy your uploads and the interesting comments you give. Cheers. Andy.
Lovely, eautiful guitar, I’m still searching for my first ‘serious’ flat top. In a market flooded with electros and big box sellers the choice is quite narrow within my £1000 budget.
Hi pgod, I think that the best advice I can give you is to really work out what guitar body size, scale, fretboard width bet suits your playing style, and your purpose =- i,e, will it be for noodling at home, or playing rhythm in a plugged in combo on a stage in front of hundreds. You might find that the "standard issue" dreads, Oms jumbos etc don't suit you in some way. That's how I ended up with 12 fret dreads with wider than normal fretboards. Think about "the bet tool for the job".
see : th-cam.com/video/_Vul7cGoAQM/w-d-xo.html
@@SillyMoustache agreed! I hve two, 12-fret, smaller body guitars, including a Taylor 322ce and a Larrivee p-09 parlor. I love the warm tones and playability of the 12 fret smaller instruments and will probably never own a 14-fretter again. Eastman does have great instruments and u have quite the collection sir ; ) !
@@angelg8445 Thank you.
Congrats. I hope you enjoy it in good health for many years! Are there any particular songs that you gravitate towards when you pick up a particular guitar? When you're just playing for fun, how do you choose which guitar to play? (I was thinking of a set of guitar stands that would follow me about, so they would all handy.)
Like Neil young and Jackson Browne you mean ? Yeah, my dream! I must admit that whilst I've bought instruments for a specific purpose but this purchase was more the action of a collector, as I'm nt sure if I will be taking it out to play much.
If you look at soe of my song videos you'll see that I decide on the guitar that might seem to suit the sog at the time , but I couldn't explain my rationale.
when I perform, it is almost always with one of my Collings Dreads.
Thanks for watching , Jeffrey.
Thanks Andy.. possibly my first 12 Fret!!
Good start!
How exciting a new guitar. I know they very well thought of.How sad about Ivor Maraints.
Yes, I think it is. First time I visited that shop, I was served by Ivor himself. He was the guitarist in the Ted Heath Big band back in the '50s and saw them once - wonderful!
I've tried to love Eastmans. However, I find the combination of the neck profile and fret type doesn't agree with my fretting hand. The frets feel like speedbumps to me. So, I bought a E10-OM back at the end of August, had it perfectly set up, and still the frets were killing my fingers. Sent it back, thankfully 30 day no ? asked refund. Long story short, but I ended up with a Martin D-16GT, which, while not a Standard Series model, sounds amazing and plays beautifully. The Eastman E10OM is in the top 4 OMs that I've ever played, though. It is a shame the neck didn't work for me. Also, that was the 4th Eastman I'd had in my possession over the last 9 years, and they were mostly all the same in that regard. Enjoy your new guitar!
Hi Preacher, I'm sorry that Eastmans don't suit you, but I'm glad that you have discovered what does. It is often a long journey to realise what works best for you.
I bought used E20 in Dec 2012 as an aside when I purchased my Martin D18 Retro. Paid $800. I felt exactly like you regarding the frets ..."speedbumps". I really like everything else about it as it's my couch guitar when my wife is not sitting with me. I dabbled with crowning the frets with no positive results and then I said hell just go ahead with a refret for $225 and yep I am really liking it a lot. I'd buy another Eastman if I knew the frets would not be the same is my original one. Wondered if Eastman changed the type of frets in recent times? Really want 00 soon! Cheers!
No, the frets are the same. I thought of a refret, but it was too much of an unkown outcome, and I'd have lost the right to return it. So your refret worked out for you? What kind of wire, may I ask?
Martins suit me. The 16GT is my 4th Martin. I wanted spruce/hog, would've preferred an OM to a dread, but I am pleased with GT. I tried a 2nd hand D-18, but it was lifeless. I also have 2 Lakewoods, one of which is a custom 12 string. 2 Hanika classicals, and my 'beater' is an all solid Walden I got for a song. That's just my acoustics. The point being, having these great guitars has made me quite choosy, so I was surprised at the 16GT. CHeers...
@@PreacherAtArrakeen Luthier told me new ones are Stewmac Mediums. He was not any more specific than that.
Andy is the Eastman N 20 P a cost effective model. I think I would be happy with it. Others are more expensive. I have a Taylor solid wood, very nice for me. Any inputs are appreciated. Thank you!
The model is an "E20-p" I got it considerably reduced as the shop was closing down. I find it better than anticipated. The Neck profile is quite clumpy, but it has he 1 & 13/16" nut widh which is a necessity for me.
@@SillyMoustache how do u find the glossy necks.? I have owned and played ab 5-6 Eastmans but the sticky necks were terrible.
@@angelg8445 hi, thanks for watching. Glossy,satin - no issues for me. I have very dry hands maybe that's the answer.
I have a very nice & playable Eastman E10P & a Collings triple O 2 H . Both different but amongst the most played of those I have & I have more than is sensible.
Hi Jimmy, that is most interesting! Edit : I mis read - thought yuohad a n 02h - but its an 0002h (like mine).
I'd "leeerv" to compare an 02h with my E20-P which I am totally satisfied with, but I I'd kinda like to have the full Collings set - DS2h, 0002h (both of which I have) then the 002h and the 02h. Maybe one day. However, I just don't think that Collings can be beat by anyone.
@@SillyMoustache interesting indeed. I've had so many I've forgotten some. It's odd, to me, how a lot of the big names dont really suit my style of playing but I bought the damn things anyway, trading back in along the way. I'm fond of or play the most, Guild Orpheum 12 fret, Jimmy Moon RD3, Bourgeois Slope D, WL25. I've had 8 Gibson, 7 Martin (down to 3 of each at mo) also 2 Collings. The 0002h easily produces the best sound despite a broader neck than usual for me. The rosewood is killer.
I've found your posts highly informative for me & also similar style of playing. With thanks.
@@jimmymack6820 Hi Jimmy, you are most welcome, and I would also welcome any queries or suggestions for subjects on which I might make an informative video. (I always credit the suggester!)
@@SillyMoustache Dont know if you have any thoughts on Nylon strings versus Steel.
Bought my 1st gittar in sixties, a Framus for £32 pounds that I paid up as was earning £7 10 bob a week at time. Had many since but never a nylon string till this year. Now got 5.
May not be worth yr time unless you have any. Best wishes.
@@jimmymack6820 Back in the '70s I knew a girlfriend's sister who had a Levin that I loved and later a Swedish girl with another Levin classical - both just seemed to work for me. I'd be very tempted if I found one!
Nice! But I like the sound of your Collings better.
Hi Sannojo, I understand!
Thanks as always for the great show! I'm curious about your British made 00 - what's the top on it? and can you repeat who made it? Thanks!
Hi, thanks for your interest. the maker was Vince Hockey. He sourced all his tonewoods from the Martin factory, and the top was a rejected top for a J-40, I believe, but only because one of the "ears" bits that fit the tops into the assembly machines. It has a strange sort of medullary side grain which I like, and has developed a very attractive "suntan" due to being in my lounge nears a large window which darkened the top, but lightened the EIR sides! It was built with dreadnought thickness struts because he said I was heavy handed! It is remarkably loud. I don't know if Vince is still building.
@@SillyMoustache Thanks Andy! Very helpful and interesting indeed. It's a stunning instrument and well appointed. Love the sun tan!
Great channel and vids amigo! Saludos from Tucson, Arizona. So, now, 2.5 yrs in, how would you describe your experience with the eastman E20? You said the store closing gave you a dealio...could you tell about what $ constitutes a good deal back then? I'm eyeing one locally and it too looks like a good deal . Anyway and regardless, love the videos. Keep 'em coming
Saludos! Ah, I remember my couple of days in Arizona! was it Black Barts in Flagstaff, and of course sore feet from walking around the Grand Canyon, and finding an antelope squirrel in my camera bag demolishing my banana!
The E20, has mellowed visually and tonally and is still very much a pleasure to play. Remember that the time between buying and now has bee the time of covid and so I've had very little time to share and play it in company. At the time, I think I paid £1000 new and delivered, and a new one now would be between £1600/£1700. Thanks for the kind words.
@@SillyMoustache Thank you! I just acquired the new (used) E20 oo It does indeed have a big fat neck but the sound is very comparable to super duper high end guitars - Amazing instrument
@@CravenStudiosArt Hi William, as you might have seen I have an E20-P and feel s you do. I also have a very rare E40-00 which is built fr lighter, and it has a finer tonality, but not quite he "power". Its a good pair for me, and I enjoy plying them. (and this comes from a Collings player!)
Black Barts - the one with the singing waiters/college students? -super fun place. Just roll down hill from there ( towards the equator) a few hours and you'll find me, shaving down the neck, turning it into a "soft V" with nary a care...friend said it was "only a thousand dollar guitar" , not like it's a collectible Martin or something ". So yeah, I got some tools. Why not? It's my wife's guitar anyway-she'll never notice (that's how I was able to get this new E20-OO in the first place! "Honey, you need a new guitar-I'll get you one"
@@CravenStudiosArt Hi, it has been a long time since Nanny Jane and I made tat trip from San Francisco to Dallas via a whole stack of kind frinds who put us up along the way. Sadly, my travelling days are over now. Just a thought about that neck - you do realise that you will lose some bass from the tone don't you? I'm about toput up a new vid with me playing my E20-P.
Hi Andy, noticed your guitar inventory consist of many slotted head stocks. Do you prefer slotted over solid? Beautiful guitars!
Hi, I do prefer slotted headstocks to solid ones, but that's not the reason for their prevalence. All of my flat tops are 12 fretters - but that's not the reason either - it is because I prefer wider fretboards - 1 & 13/16" nut widths and 2 & 3/8" string spacing. The only guitars with those measurements are pre 1934 designs and most at that time were Martins with slotted headstocks. Thanks for your interest.
Do you know anything about Orangewood Guitars? They're supposed to be cheap, but well made.
'Fraid not Charles, my interest is mainly in the american made guitars, although I do have two Eastman guitars - my recently acquired E20-P and an archtop.
love it if only a fella had the money.
Eastman guitars are very reasonably priced!
I've never played a 12-fret (none available here in Ecuador that I know of), but I'm pretty sold on them. That's to a large extent because despite playing acoustic steel string for 50 years, I've been concentrating on classical for the last year or so, and have gotten very used to the feel of a wider neck. It would be nice to have a steel string guitar with similar feel, which I suspect a 12-fret would have. A question: have you considered Taylor? They have a few 12-fret models, some even in my budget range.
Hi Gary, thanks for watching my videos! I'm aware of Taylors of course and played a couple but I am very much a "Martin" man - or at least their pre 1934 designs which were the 12 rfet slotted headstock and - most importantly - wider fretboard designs - which evolved from their original European style gut string guitars. I look(ed) for guitarswith nut widths of 1 & 13/16" which tend to suit my style and my hands. I don't know what Taylor offer - and i;'m no longer, really, looking for more guitars.
Please check out this video of mone made in 2017 - I hope you can understand my voice - I was recovering rom throat cancer treatment - : th-cam.com/video/kfpMciG92oY/w-d-xo.html
Your wife loves you.
Sometimes, yes!
I actually quite like the sound of a flat picked parlor. But I'm a weirdo.
In a place with a mediocre mountain, you don't seem so weird. Thanks for watching.
I'd probably like that Eastman a lot as a fingerstyle player. Its priced well too. Thanks for sharing your 0 guitars with us.
Frankly Adam, you simply couldn't go wrong with the current Eastmans. I seriously rate them on a level with the famous American brands. I still think that Martin missed a trend by discontinuing the VS series, and opened a door for Eastman.
@@SillyMoustache I’m a Taylor guy but their 12 fret guitars are too dear for me right now so to speak. Hence I’m looking for something like the Eastman.
Martin and Collings must be nervously looking in their rear view mirror. Just got the Eastman E 6 OM. Unbelievable value!
Paul, I am sure tat Martin should be concerned, for some, at least in the USA. there is still resistance to Far eastern products, but Eastman are truly rivalling Martins fit, finish and quality. and also, of course Martin have abandoned all their traditional designs, and focussing on electros and some very odd designs. Collings. Well they are the best source right now for high cost Martin designs, but ...?
First off. Not a racist. I do however have a problem with China's very aggressive expansionist behavior. I live in Canada and have suffered mightily since the beginning of the 1982 world recession and following that, the 2008 financial crisis. At the heart of these debacles has been the steady removal of employment in North America. I don't know how it affected the UK except to say I know many folks in the UK and Ireland suffered from the 2008 real-estate scams of NYC and London financial markets. Along with the steady loss of employment in North America, we have seen the disappearance of products made in the USA and Canada and a Tsunami like wave of Asian made products, mostly from China. Of course, they wouldn't have had as much success as they have had if not for the unscrupulous help of manufactures here who have been steadily closing their home country operations while shipping jobs overseas to not only Asia but Mexico(Martin Guitars) and some South and Central American countries where wages are a fraction of ours and benefits are almost non-existent. I have seen with my own eyes tours of guitar factories in China where working conditions can only be imagined since even companies here who exploit the lower cost, do not attempt to explain that obvious question. I imagine the Chinese are first-rate luthiers as they love music as much as any country does and have a thousand years of experience on everyone else so why not sell guitars, violins, banjos, etc. under their own company names? Because they know that we are two-faced. We are happy to buy an American-branded product as I have(an Epiphone DR-100 made in China)it is ebony with white purfling back and tops including along the fingerboard. All for $150.00 Can/86 pounds sterling but we would likely frown on buying a perfectly good guitar made with the company name Wong. It has all laminated tops and sides, spruce and mahogany. One doesn't get that on a Taylor or Martin until up in the 2000 dollar level. I put Elixers on and changed out the nut, saddle and even pegs with Graphtech TUSQ. It made an instant improvement all around and it plays very nicely for what it is. I should say however that I bought a cheap guitar because I've steadily been in and out of employment since 1982 and 2008, This was what I could afford but believe me when I say I am saving up for a $600.00 made in Canada Seagull or Simon & Patrick acoustic. Not only the Chinese workers but sourcing of the woods used to make the guitars has never been a subject at their board meetings I'm sure. I support the Global market but only so far as I want to see as much employment brought back to Canada as possible and If I can't buy Canadian I look for American in order to support our closest neighbour. Then I do look to the UK but don't see many English products here anymore like I did growing up in the 60s and 70s. After the war, we bought English cars by the thousands to help support the UK, so did Australia. I then look to any country that has a democratically elected government or even a benevolent dictator. lol. I'm sorry if I'm raining on your new guitar but we must realize that Globalization only works when it works for everybody. So, in my long-story, I hope I presented the rest of the story and what we are supporting when we buy Chinese guitars.
Hi BC,
I wrote a fulsome response to your comments, detailing my views on international trade etc., but I've since decided that this is not the appropriate place for such discussions.
However, should you wish to continue this dialogue, I'd be happy to share my point of view - please contact me by email. (details on the "about" page of my channel)
Best Regards,