Does Eastman really sound better than Gibson?

[jlwoodall]

I've played probably 10-12 Gibson acoustic in my life. I was only impressed by 1.

I've played probably 8-10 Eastmans and have been impressed with each one.

[jmjohnson]

Not the ones I tried.

[Taylorplayer]

Does Eastman really sound better than Gibson?

That depends on which one you like the sound of better.

[slackjaw]

Originally Posted by rmyAddison

Yes, "YOU" should sell all you Gibsons and any other brand you own and buy Eastmans, you asked..........

Rich, I'm not sure whether you read post # 8.

I'm regretting the title of my OP -I thought it was a clever play on some other thread, where the OP made some assertions about blueridge vs martin. Frankly, I have very little interest in whether Eastman sounds better than Gibson. My OP was not about Gibson. I believe that guitars should be appraised on their own merit, and what subjective value they bring to the table, but not in relative comparison to other brands and certainly not because of the headstock. Virtually all brands bring their own subjective value, or they wouldn't be in business very long. I happened to purchase a guitar by a given company (eastman), and based on that guitar's merits, I perceive great value.

I have and have had guitars from a wide range of makers, and they all have some value to me. So I'll decline your advice, and keep all my guitars. I'm not stuck on just one brand.

[redstick]

I can't speak for Gibson but they sound better than Martin and Taylor.

[Phelonious Ponk]

I love Gibsons, but I can't think of a single good reason why the Chinese can't make great guitars. I have an Indonesean G&L electric that is very nearly the equal of my G&L Custom Creations. This particular model is currently on sale at Musician's Friend for $299 (they normally go for about $450). Lots of people will pass, unable to believe that it can be good at that price and from that place. They will be very wrong.

P

[johes]

I've never played a Gibson but I can say that my E10SS was the biggest surprise of any of my guitars. Love mine.

[Watt]

Originally Posted by jlwoodall

I've played probably 10-12 Gibson acoustic in my life. I was only impressed by 1.

I've played probably 8-10 Eastmans and have been impressed with each one.

I'm with you on the Eastmans - I have owned several and currently have an AC550 that I love - but I have to wonder what Gibsons you have played. I know that there is some variation from one guitar to another, but I have never played an Advanced Jumbo that I did not at least like. And last week I played a truly wonderful Keb Mo.

[Brucebubs]

I `got it` as soon as I read the title.
Made me laugh.

[picassov7]

Slackjaw-your joke wasn't lost on me either. As for the Eastman, Congrats! I really like the E10SS and am thankful that they don't have one in stock at the Eastman dealer in Shanghai else I would probably bring it home

[JohnnyDes]

I got the title too, thought it was funny.

AND I'm already drinking the Eastman Koolaid. As others have said, I'm not sure I've played an Eastman that hasn't impressed me, and my E20 parlor is probably the first guitar I've owned that I am 100% happy with. It's astounding, really.

I may end up going all-in on Eastman. Planning to sell my Larrivee parlor, and possibly my Martin 00-15. Already GASing over the new Eastman 00s.

JD

[Ikeepem]

Mine shocked the heck out of me, I have it and my D-18 usually sitting out side by side and switching then scratching my head, I can't say which different sound I like better, I have to say the neck on the D-18 does suit me slightly better but sound wise, I'm in hog heaven Nice title BTW..lolol

[acousta]

The answer to your subjective question is......"no".

[momanbilly]

Gibsons are pretty good for vocal accompaniment, my brother has 6 or 8 Gibsons dreadnoughts, but I wouldn't trade any of my 6 Eastmans for any of his Gibsons, without enough boot to buy me another Eastman.

[Rmz76]

Had a chance a few weeks ago to play E20SS a few weeks ago and loved it... Got some quite time in the high-end room at the local guitar center and played: J-45 Custom, J-45 Standard, Advanced Jumbo and J-35 models... Honestly the E20SS blew all of them away... That's my opinion it may not be a popular one but the R20SS is a very expressive, lightly built guitar... It feels like one of the higher end Gibson reissue models.

So take that for what it's worth but if your thread title is asking the question "is Eastman a better value the Gibson" the answer is an unquestionable, yes... Players who disagree may not like the smaller nut width (I do get that) but the build quality is on par with the higher ned models.