Thank you for the wonderful video and review. I recently purchased an Eastman E10-00. I couldn't be happier. I also own a Blueridge BR-361. I was so surprised when I put the guitar's side by side. The Blueridge is noticeable larger than the Eastman. I too love playing 12 fret guitars. I've enjoyed your threads/post on AGF for years. Keep the goodness coming.
Hi Mushinco, Thanks for getting in touch. I'd be most interested for your opinion of te two guitars that you have. I understand the the BR-361 is rosewood, but how do you think they compare in build quality and sound? Thanks for watching my videos. I'm not spending as much time on AGF as I so frequently get harassed by one of the moderators that it gets tiresome.
@@SillyMoustache Yeah, I don't think you're the only one struggling with certain moderators. I would say Eastman has a step up in construction quality. I've had the Blueridge BR-361 for seven years. I only flat pick and play mostly old-time and bluegrass music. It really suits my voice and just like the Eastman, it is a pleasure to play. I've only had the Eastman E10-00 for a month. Its neck feels a little slimmer and string spacing feels a little tighter but hardly noticeable. It's loud, has great sustain and is extremely comfortable to play. It feels really tight and new. I'll be ready to give a full report in a year when it gets some playing time. I'm always on the lookout for a Collings DS1, my dream guitar but the prices have gotten a little steep. Honestly, what I have now more than covers my needs, so I'm graetful.
I've read that Eastmans are surprisingly good guitars, and your demonstration/review proves it. Thank you! After owning and playing more than a few Martins of various sizes over the years, I've come to realize I prefer mahogany back and sides to rosewood. I now have a 2017 Martin (custom shop) 12-fret 00-18 with slotted headstock that I dearly love. However, as I listened to your Eastmans, I had to admit that rosewood does have a beautiful resonance that's hard to resist! Still, I'm sticking with my perfect (for me) 00-18.
Recently picked up a E20P, was extremely impressed with the build, materials (great pieces of Adirondack/rosewood), sound and ease of play. I was largely introduce to Eastman by your videos, thanks!
Great comparison, especially towards the end of your video. I hear more "wildness" in the E20P, which I like, the E40-00 sounding tighter and more constrained. I have a D18 from 2015 that I wasn't all that pleased with for the longest time, again sounding tight, stiff. As late as last year (2022) was seriously thinking of selling it, but this summer it has begun to open up - saying, it's hard to know what one has in a new, solid wood acoustic guitar, as they may take time to show what they're capable of!! Thank you for the videos, they help to narrow the focus on which guitars to try in person!
Hi Don,the "Stock" E20-P is louder and more "profound"but the E40-00 is more "musical." The E20-Phas stayed much the same and is fine, but the tonality of the E40-00 is maturing beautifully, and I play it more.
I was able to find an Eastman E 20 OO SB in a local shop. At first I was put off by the high saddle but I went back a week later and purchased it. I sanded down the saddle when I got home and it is a joy to play. Thanks for your excellent reviews!
Hi, glad to be of service! Both of my Eastmans were set up to my specs before shipping, but as my requirements for them werepretty standard, I'm not sure that much needed to be done. Enjoy your new guitar!
I own 2 Eastmans - an E1 OM and an E6 OM. Absolutely remarkable instruments. Both as good, if not better than my Martin 0018v which was exceptional. Top drawer QC, build, playability and tone. They are a revelation in my eyes, considering the price compared to other brands. Enjoy your Eastmans and take care.
Thanks for sharing! I have a standard E20OO and it always amazes me. It’s only about a year off the bench and, being an Adi top it’s inconceivable how much more it will likely open up.
Hi David, Whilst my Collings are wonderful, they are very expensive. Martin has simply abandoned these designs, but Eastman can offer these at a very reasonable price (and increasing) and offer a very competitive quality level. Too good to miss really.
Thank you, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to update due to new Y/T "rules" -I'll try but might need to move it to another video site. In the meantime, should you have any subjects or question that you would like me to comment on, please let me know.
@@doubled5383 I've used an ad blocker for many years. Suddenly they dislike them demanding Money or remove adblocker - I did the latter. They still refuse me access. No reasonable communication possible. Contact attempts ignored.
Nice additions to your collection Andy. I have to work hard to restrain myself from buying more beautiful instruments but I simply have too many and don't cycle them or play them enough. They both look and sound beautiful. Be well and thanks for sharing!
Glad it was helpful! I seem to have created a significant demand for the E40-00! Eastman are making another 40 - 20 for the US and 20 for the EU! ) Where's my free one?
Interesting to hear their sound as well which are to completely different sounds the 0 much darker but very musical the 00 brighter very clear and musical they both sound very even and lively. Very lovely playing by you😍😍
Hello Andy. I owned a wonderful E-20 00 some time ago and in my constant buying and selling I let it get away and later regretted it. By luck I found another and was to find out that it’s owner had removed the pick guard. It turns out it was the one I’d owned and sold. What luck! I’m gladly buying it back. What drew me to the guitar was it’s beautiful top. Had I kept the guitar I would have removed the pick guard anyway. I shopped around for a 00 but find that without spending 3 to4 times the money I don’t believe you’ll get a better sound. Hope all are well. Keep up the good work and be safe. Glenn
Thank you for sharing your excitement and passion for music with the world. The vicarious thrill of a new instrument is almost as good as a first hand experience. Oh, by the way, I set up a new bone saddle for my 12 string after I accidentally lowered one way too far earlier. All tickety boo now. Action is still pleasantly low. All the best to you!
I have a Eastman E10-00, the sound is just great, like both of your's, i have my eye on the parlor for a while but i must say, the E40 sounds fantastic!
Hi, my E20-P is a very fine guitar as I'm sure your E10-00 is. The E40-00 is a whole diffeerent guitar - as one can see from the bracing inside. It isn't as loud or "Robust" as the E20-P but it has more subtley and tone.
Hello from tupelo, MS USA. I’ve got several guitars myself had many martins, gibsons, a Santa Cruz but got into nylon strings a few years ago and through selling and buying like yourself I have a 62 marcelino Lopez classical that is perfection. I’ve been watching all you’re videos and finally got myself a 000 12 fret breedlove revival Martin copy in cocobolo. Anyways thabks for all the info and tunes! Really enjoyed the body size vid!!
That's true. The "P" (which is a size "0" is a little deeper and more prfoundly built. TheE40-oo is much more lightly built, so "sweeter" tonally. I don't see "boxy" as appropriate to any small guitars, its just that the tonality is more focussed than larger the larger designs, that we have become accustomed to.
@@PhilTaylorGuitar As I only pplay 12 rfetters, I can't speak about the Eastman OM's but I'm sure that will have the same qualities as mine, although, technically, they are not "OMs"as thatindicates the longer 25.4" scales and the Eastman OMs are the shorter scale so, following Martin's designs they should be called "000" models, but I hope that in time they might offer a 12 fret wider necked 000 and maybe a 12 fret dread.
I have an E10-P and have had great success in enlarging the sound hole to 3 7/8. Not for the faint of heart, but it has wonderful projection and likes Martin Retro strings for their mellowness.
To my mind, they are not just "good for their price" as many say, but - just plain good. If I were running Martin and/or Gibson, now I'd be seriously concerned.
Well, let us know when Eastman comes out with the "Silly Moustache Signature Model". I can just visualize the moustache fret marker above the 12th fret.
After watch this, and any other of your videos on parlour guitars, I decided on a single 0. Two days after deciding, a trusted salesperson from a trusted vendor, contacted me out of the blue about a PRS P20 (all solid mahogany) which they were selling at reduced price because it was shop worn. (He sent me about 12 high resolution close up photos with two marks on the headstock pointed out. It 'might be from a string change....but I can't see it even in my hands.). I have to say for the price, I am quite impressed, and my daughter has her eye on it if I decided to 'trade up'. Your videos are so much more helpful than playing the guitars yourself. I wish one of us were on the other side of the pond. I'd love to go to the shops with you! I did setup my daughter with a fairly expensive AKG mic....I have to start fooling around doing some recordings. Do you ever break out your mandolin? Isn't there a banjo in your flock-- did you ever start learning that? I hope all of your family are well.
Good comparison video, Andy, as with all your guitar reviews. Both are very nice guitars, I think you were lucky to find that E40 when you did; I commented in your E20 review video that the availability of new Eastman in the UK (new from dealers) seems to have dwindled - certainly for the higher-grade models, although I know you bought the E40 from abroad - and stock doesn't seem to have improved since. It will be interesting to see if more appear. There's a slight discrepancy in your (otherwise excellent) video as you twice state that the E20 is 4 3/4" deep but have wriiten in your notes/display below that it's 4 1/8". I've just measured the depth of my E10P (mahogany version of the 20) and it is 4 1/8" - not that this really matters and not many will notice but it may save confusion for somebody. Best regards, Kevin
Ah, yes, now I remember why I hadn't put this videpo up - as you are quite correct about the body depth, and I'd planned to redo it! I;ll put a note in my details. Thanks for reminding me!
Bought E20P, replaced with Tusk bridge pins & compensated saddle, Gover 18 gear tuners, and medium gage gage strings. 🤗🤗 Just backordered ordered the 40 00 from the Fellowship 🤗🤗
Good for you, upon owning these nice guitars. I also have a guitar made in China-Recording King. It's great and I, too, have owned guitars from some of the most expensive brands as well. No regrets.
Splendid stuff and fine playing, as always. I love the sound of both instruments but, if forced to name a favourite, I'd choose the E20-P (lacquered ebony board notwithstanding!). It's a bit more "even" sounding with more of a mid-focus to my old, cloth-ears, compared to the slightly more scooped, overtone-rich sound of the E40-OO. Then again, ask me tomorrow and I might swap. I'm not that keen on too much "bling" either but it really suits the E40. Bought an Eastman myself in the new year. It's an E10-OO-M. The "M" is for mahogany top and it's a 12-fretter but with a standard, paddle headstock. It's an odd one and not a direct copy of any Martin I'm aware of. A few years ago I tried out the Martin OO-15 and OOO-15 'hog top guitars but was a bit underwhelmed. Maybe I was being too picky (no pun intended) but the Eastman sounds nice enough to me and, bought used, was about half the price of the Martins. These days funds are severely limited so USA-made guitars are an option for me (not that my playing would justify them) but Eastman guitars and mandolins seem like a wonderful option that don't scream "budget" or "inferior" in any way.
I must agree with Brendan! I found the E20-P to have a slightly darker, warmer sound and, as Brendan said, more even and mid-focused. The E40 was much brighter to my ears with the obvious multiple layers of overtones. But both were superb! In the last few years, I found myself gravitating towards the smaller-bodied guitars. I find the size much more comfortable to play and the sounds to be wonderful. I feel that the 12-fret neck is both a pleasure to play as well as putting the bridge in a wonderful spot on the lower top. I went from playing a Roy Smeck homage and a 13-fret Nick Lucas (by Leo Posch) to two Huss & Dalton 00's. The woods and details of the two 00's are different as is the sound. Now I can't part with either!
Hi David, the "standard issue" E20-P is more strident, and for a mall body (Size "0") has remarkable power. The E40-00 has more subtlety, and a more refined tonality, but I'm very fond of both.
Hi, that's interesting. However both sets of tuners seem smooth and effective, someone mentioned that the unbranded ones might be by Ping? Does your E20-P also have the three piece neck?
Nice video, very informative. I had an E10P for about a year and one day while I was playing the saddle flew off the guitar having snapped off a piece of the bridge. Luckily the store still gave me a refund and told me that was a common problem for pyramid style bridges. I don’t know. Anyways, I had originally wanted the E20P but at the time I couldn’t find one so I went with the E10P. I now have an E20P which is outstanding. I just hope the bridge stays on this time!
Hi, bridges lift from time to time. The pyramid bridges have a smaller footprint but I've had them on dreads before and my jumbo currently. Ebony is a beautiful wood but can be a little brittle. I've seen belly bridges lift too, even on one of my Collings - easily repairable by a good tech though. Thanks for watching.
@@SillyMoustache Yes, initially the store repaired the guitar but action was so low it was unplayable. I noticed it had a different saddle and was sloped much higher on treble side. I pointed this out to the salesperson who took measurement and confirmed action was higher on treble side. I asked whether the saddle could have been positioned in reverse and he told me the tech couldn’t have made such a mistake with all his experience. Anyways, when I was offered a refund I didn’t press the point. The guitar is now sitting in their store at less than half price with a sign saying it is only to be used with silk and steel strings.
I come from a background of flamenco and classical guitar for over fifty years. A couple of years ago, during lockdown, I decided to try some fingerpicking styles and therefore started looking for something like a Martin 00-28 VS. I tried one but didn’t like the sound of it, though I liked the wide neck and feel of it. I tried a few other Martins like OMs, 000’s, and 0’s but but nothing stood out to me. They were all a bit pricey too. Last year I bought a Larrivee 00-40 which looked beautiful but the neck felt too narrow and the sound was a bit dead. I sent that back. A few months ago I came across a Martin 000-28 in a second hand guitar shop in Melbourne called The Music Swap Shop. This Martin was made in 1993 and sounds amazing. Condition is also excellent. The only thing I don’t like is the width of the neck at 1 11/16” at the nut. I like the wider 1 13/16” or even 1 7/8” probably due to the fact that I’ve been playing guitars that are 52-54mm most of my life. I’m thinking those Eastman 0’s or 00’s may be the answer for a fingerpicking guitar.
Hi Anthony. The Eastman E20-P or E20-00 have 1 &13/16! nut widths which is just a hair thinner that the original pre-war Martins.I really lobe my two small Eastmans, but you have to get the neck that suits you, and they suit me!
My you’re looking really well Andy. Can’t help notice how well received the guitars are in America? I’ve seen some really good comparison videos where the comments were very positive up against the U.S. makes. I’ve seen some pics of Eastmans Wood yard and it’s like something from the 1940s with huge piles of tonewoods. Doesn’t matter where it’s made if it’s done right imo.
Hi Andrew. Last Friday I had my hospital review and will have a physical review of my throat and head in summer. In Spring next year, I'll have completed my five year of monitoring - then it will just be a matter of contacting the care department if I feel necessary. I agree, that the long held antipathy to far eastern made guitars seems to have faded in the USA as far as I can see from the various forums (fora?) Eastman have really raised the bar and are making instruments in direct competition to the big US brands. Times are changing !
@@SillyMoustache It’s beene a long haul Andy, four years with treatment and now thank goodness recovery. It’s the glass of water that gets me every time but that’s great news from the hospital. It’s been over 30 years since my mum had treatment for breast cancer and she went only last week for her two year check up. I’m still thinking of upgrading my guitar and last week I thought I’d spotted a sleeper as it was the only guitar in the auction. With a come buy me est of 1500 and after doing some research it was a custom J200 from 1963 with the unusual adjustable individual bone saddles. No mention of it’s history but it looked fresh to the market? Anyway as usual I picked the one lot that went way over it’s est for seven plus the 30% commission lol. Anyway I’d still like to see you with either another Collings or a Martin.
@@andrewbowen8122 Hi Andrew, the trouble with cancer is that you are never, again, "feel that you out of the woods" but the chances of it returning are small after five years, I'm told. My cancer is very "rock star" John Prine had it and Levon Helm (whose cancer returned). Perhaps it was due to the songs we sing!) Sorry to hear you missed the SJ200. Check out the Eastman AC630-BD ! I have no further acquisition plans currently. Thanks as always,
Hi Jeffery, thank you for your question. Its a challenging one. To be honest, when I'm playing at home, and/or making videos, I tend to decide at the time. When I perform(ed), I have always used one of my dreads, (two hogs and one rose) but in this last year, I've been playing my 000 and smaller, and frankly, they each have their charms, so its a matter of which one calls to me on the day. You've got me thinking about this. Maybe I'll learn more about this! Thanks for watching.
I have the same reactions when comparing my Eastman e8om to my Eastman e40om. Construction-wise, one is far better but tone-wise, hard to pick a favorite. I alternate between three guitars, every night playing a different one. I have a Martin J40 in the mix. The J40 jumbo rings out like a symphony so it is not fair to compare with the Eastman guitars. It is, however, more difficult to play due to the large size and smaller nut. All three guitars have excellent overtones. I am seriously considering a Martin J40 'Re-imagined' just for the wider nut but am concerned about the effect of the forward shifted bracing on tone. But this is about Eastman. I am now on the hunt for an e10om mahogany back and sides.
Hi Andy, thank you for awesome content on youtube! I fell in love with short scale guitars after having a relatively cheap little 12 fret parlor for quite some time. I planned to buy it simply for traveling and sitting on the park bench with it. It is fully made out of mahagony and the back and sides are even laminated. Still the sound blew away my quite expensive full scale grad concert in terms of loudness, responsiveness and clarity. (At least to my ears!) Everyday when I came home from work, I immediately picked up the parlor. (The smaller scale and low tension that comes with it always feels quite relaxing to my hands after a long day of using them as my main tools as a physiotherapist.) This went to a point of me selling my expensive bigger guitar. Now I'm torn between getting an E20p or an E20 00. Does the 00 give me some more low end and what do I lose for it? Some of that sweet high end and clarity in sound? Right now I am leaning more to the 00. I figured that my right hand just lands on the perfect spot behind the sound hole when the body is just a little bit bigger and my arm is resting on it. Ergonomics are a huge point! (I saw your video talking about that stuff and can't agree more.) As you probably figured I play mostly fingerstyle with some light strumming now and then. Here in Germany it is quite challenging to find a store where I can compare both guitars. I thought you might be just the right person to answer my questions after having both models for quite some time now! Hopefully u don't feel bothered by my endless comment! Kind Regards, Carlo Cologne, Germany
Hi Carlo, as my 00 is very differently and more lightly built than my "stock" E20-P it is unfair to make a judgement from these two. However, my E20-P is remarkably powerful for its size, and the design is slightly less wide but with a deeper body, as per the original Martin designs. I feel that the dimensions of the "00" are more attractive but Eastman have done an excellent job on two great designs that Martin have now abandoned. I'd suggest that you order one, to try, and if you feel you would prefer a larger/smaller, then return it for exchange (or even keep them both!!) Honestly, I believe the necks on both the E20-p (size "0" ) and e E20-00 would be identical. Viel Glück!
@@SillyMoustache Thanks for the answer! In the end I settled with an E20 OM. A local shop had one in stock and gave me an awesome discount on a brand new guitar. It has 14 frets but still the desired short scale. As I am more than pleased with my little mahagony parlor, this is the better addition for me. It's by far the most lovely guitar I ever had and I had some quite expensive guitars. The quality control is top notch compared to many Martins I had in my hands. (I can only talk about the ones that reach the european markets but in the past they didn't really impress) By today I'm an Eastman acoustic endorser! :) Keep up the awesome content! Kind regards Carlo
The E40-00 is made of virtually identical tone-woods but considerably more carefully and finely braced, and therefore more expensive. it has a little more of everything whilst the standard issue is still remarkably good. I dolt think the size makes much difference.
You know what Silly M , I really like you because I trust you and you have a lot of knowledge to share. I am trying to learn Delta Blues very basic easy stuff on a 1997 Taylor 510' I love what I read about Waterloo and know you have one . I want a 12 fret guitar 000, 00, or a 0 or even a parlor which I think is a 0 size. Waterloos cost about 2 to 3 times a Eastman and I have heard mixed reviews about Eastman's but not from a guy like you that really knows old time music and guitars. Is a Waterloo 12 frets guitars worth paying so much more or is Eastman really a great guitar I should be looking more into. I like the varnish look on Eastman and the deluxe Waterloo. I also want a neck that is easy to play. Please get back to me because no one ever has the knowledge or is someone I trust like you. Thank you for your videos I get so excited hearing you play old time music it is beautiful and your skill is great.
Hi Jay, Thanks for your kind words. The Eastmans I have: the special edition/one off 00 and the standard production E20-P (really a size "0" 0are perfectly fie guitars. What they will be like in 20 years , no-one can say -as neck joints bracing and top thicknessing needs to be observed over a long time. The Waterloo is made by Colings and I've been playing Collings since 1999. I believe in them and their after sales service is second to none. My WL12 is certainly not the most attractive guitar but it is made in the image of a down market gibson Kalamazoo or Kel Kroyden but with the build quality and materials of Collings - I guess the Eastman equivalent would be their E10OOSS/v (if you can use a 1 & 11/16" nut width). I think that Eastman are certainly ahead of Gibson, and possible the equal to Martin now, but Collings are definitely at the top of the pile, and at top pricing. I have long had a "romance" with American built guitars but I've had my issues with most US brands and there is no reason why a good instrument should not be built anywhere on the planet. I hope that helps, Andy
@@SillyMoustache Eastman E10OOSS/V Acoustic Antique Varnish I really love the look of this varnished one but your i do not like the nut too small. I have a Taylor and 1 11/16 with a really thin profile(almost 20mm in the 1st fret) 1 1/8 at bridge, I wish it was bigger plus string spacing. What size do yo prefer. You and I both have fat fingers, Ha Ha Ha
@@jaytouvelle2359 Hi, most of my flat tops are 1 & 13/16" but I have a 1 & 7/8" and the Waterloo is 1 &3/4" but with a string spacing of 2 & 3/8" which spreads out the strings fairly well. Then for Eastmans it must be the 12 fret P(0) or 00.
If you like similar guitars you should look at the blueridge 371. Looks identical to the eastman e40 a beautiful sounding and looking every bit as good as the eastman.Plus a sigma 171 again identical to your e40 beautiful guitar. I have an eastman 00 10 Ltd edition great guitars you made the right choice my friend
Thank you for yourconsideration. Some years ago I did get a br371 but somehow we didn't "meld" - I probably didn't give it a chance. As you might see from my other videos, I'm primarily a Collings player and not usually into bling, but this was a one off (at the time) and more of a cheer myself up during lockdown" thing. However, I don't see myself buying any more guitars any time soon.
The word "worse" shouldn't even appear in the video. Both are just totally beautiful! The E40-00. has a deeper tone when you hear them back to back.....but both simply beautiful. Every note is sooooo clear. WOW. Lucky, lucky you!
Hi, did I say "worse" ??? Anyway two very fine guitars and both at a reasonable cost. I play them at home a lot and took my E20-P to my club on Saturday to "test" its projection - no problem. I offered it to some fellow guitarists to demo for me - fine! I think I may do another video about them when I've had one for three years and the other for two.
Hi Andy, thank you for these precious videos. I’m very interested in 46mm (1 13/16) nut width guitars. And also about short scale guitars (I usually tune my normal scaled guitars 1 tone down, from d to d). What do you think about Lakewood? Their lineup is almost completely based on 46 mm nut width guitars.
Quite similr but close up and personal I can hear a tonality that is more superior but not because of the size, just the different, lighter build I think.
Hi George, Well, I suppose I could have ordered two new Collings guitars at, easily three times the price, and if one had appeared used I would probably have jumped at it, but I'm really very happy with these two. Thanks as always.
Do they have adjustable truss rods? I own an Eastman Mandolin and a Mandola, they are excellent. Ive been shopping the parlor and this demo helps in that regard, but i must have adjustable truss rods.
Hi there! love the videos! I found a 'folk12' 12 string guitar (think it's an old Japanese made catalogue model) in a skip earlier today and it needs a new floating bridge just wondering if you have any tips on were to look?
Hi Ruben, thanks for watching my videos. I'm afraid that I'm unaware of your guitar brand , nor how you might obtain a floating bridge for it. I'd consult a local luthier if you can. Regards,
I'm debating among E10P, E20P, E10-OO, and E20-OO. Do you generally prefer Rosewood over Mahogany? I'm just curious, and wondering if there is anything about Rosewood that would make it worth the extra price. Visually, I like the Rosewood.
Hi Gary, firstly mahogany (hog) isn't a second class tonewood. About half of my flat tops are hogs. However, I have a bit of a thing for rosewood (rose) especially on smaller guitars. I "feel" that rose gives a little more complexity whereas hog is more direct. Also ther standard Martin style herringbone trim is a little prettier, but that's about it. Personally I don't think you can go wrong with these small Eastmans!
Hi, I believe they were one or two only built - one for the EU, and one for the US. There is "talk" of them building 20 for both at some time, but I know no more.
Have you had the opportunity to play an E20-00? I don't understand the Eastman numbering scheme completely, but I'm assuming the higher the number after the E somehow relates to quality (and price), so an E40-00 would be a more premium guitar compared to the E20-00. Of course, since you already have the limited build E40-00, you wouldn't be looking for one.
Hi Gary, I haven't. I think that the E20-00 would vbe very similarbto my E20-P (size "0". I won't pretend a profound understanding of Eastman's offerings from my experience of my two but my understanding (so far) is that the E10 indicates mahog b &S, and E20 = East Indian Rosewood B&S along with the Martin type trim one would expect. Then there is the E40 which equates to the Martin x45 type trim but also means a far lighter build and a one piece neck. There's other stuff, sitka tops etc, which I simply haven't got into as I was only interested in the 12 fretters. I hope this helps.
JoAnn, As you see from my many videos, I only lay12 fret design flat-tops. I am not a world expert on all things Eastman, but I see in my two Eastman a very different approach to build / construction. I imply from tis that Eastman have at least two build ethics.or departments - a "custom shop" ethos perhaps for the E40 level. Yes the bling is pretty but the tonewoods are inner the bracing is lighter, and the finish/presentation is (even) better that the E20 level (which is perfectly good). They make relatively few E40 models but I have no further details. You pay a considerable upcharge for them - (50%?) as you would when buying a Martin n OM42 vs an OM28. Obviously dreadnoughts and OMs seem to be the most preferred shapes currently. so maybe tey make more OM than 00. One final point - The difference between a 14 fret 000 and an "OM" is merely scale length. The Eastman "OM" is NOT an OM but a shorter scale "000"
Hello Silly, I've watched this video a few times, and so bought myself an Eastman E20 OO. Not the E40, but the E20. What i noticed is that the bridge is shaped a bit like a wedge. I keep looking at the top from aside, and it seems as if the strings are pulling the top up, and the bridge tilted to an angle. I find it very disturbing as i keep checking it, but nothing seems wrong so far. For now i blame the shape of the bridge, but this anxiety keeps me from enjoying my otherwise lovely Eastman. Question to you is, do you have that same experience, is it indeed the shape of the bridge, or does my guitar need some adjustment? Many thanks! JJ.
Hi Jasper, I've just had a close look at the bridge on my E20-P. It is a "pyramid bridge, and has a very slight slant down towards the soundhole, so not completely parallel to the top. My 2019 bought E20-P still has no appreciable "belly" that is a slight swelling between the bridge and the tail block as is quite common with Martins. Please understand that I am not connected with Eastman, just a buyer, but if you wish, you are welcome to send picks to me, for me to offer an opinion. (chipickers2016@gmail.com). However if your guitar is a new purchase and you have concerns, I would make them known to the dealer. looking on Eastman's website, I see that descriptions have changed to include some "Truetone" additions on this and that. I don't know what that means, but it may be possible that some specs have changed. Regards, Andy.
@@SillyMoustache Hi Andy, so many thanks for your reply and help, very much appreciated. I will make some pictures and send them to you. I don't think it is an end-of-the-world problem, but before i make some adjustments to the guitar, better to learn from people who own and understand such guitar a bit better then me. ;) Best wishes from Holland, and again many thanks. JJ.
Thank you Andy. Unrelated,sorry...are you familiar with "Vintage Viator" 12 string travel guitars? (Designed by Brit Paul Bret). If so, do you know where I might buy one? Not available in the states. Thanks, gary
Is the fretboard lacquered or just highly polished. My two Eastman e6s seem to me to have very polished fretboards. I'm presently lusting after an e8 OM as I'm keen to try rosewood.
No, I'd hoped I'd explained that the E20-"P" is a size "0" and NOT a "P" (the "P" means nothing but people suppose that there is a model called a "parlour" which there isn't. Smaller than the size "0" (called a "concert" by Martin is the size "1" called "standard" and a size "2" - called "amateur" by Martin.there were even smaller but long since forgotten.
Nice comparison. Did I miss string size? I have E20-00 with extra light strings(10-47). I'm a bare finger finger picker. So I like the lighter strings but I'm not getting the volume like you are. What gauge strings do you have on yours? Thanks, Mitch
I quite like the look of the Eastman E1 OM which retails around £500,which is around my price range.Do you have any experience of this model? I dont have your budget but do like the idea of a hand made quality guitar of a smaller size.
I own an E1 OM and it is as good as my old Martin 0018v which was worth 8 times the price. Maybe even better. Absolutely outstanding instrument - it still baffles me how it can be so good for that price. Go for it and enjoy.
Hi Elton, I prefer not to discuss prices here, although I bought the E20-P in 2019 in a closing down sale so got something of a discount. The E40-00 was bought from TFOA in the Netherlands - in 2020 - not cheap but great shop to deal with. That was before Brexit really cut in so more expensive and more complicated now.
Great...been following your videos and they are all great, very helpful and entertaining......I will build a guitar with a luthier and wondering between an OM , or a 00 , either of them will be based on a 42 concept with BR rosewood....(the luthier is from Brasil and there we still find those woods from demolition etc ).....i have already a collings 0-1 , a collings D2H and a palor luthier made based on the specs of the collings parlors.......I’m more towards going for the OM , as it will be a more versatile guitar with 14 fret reach etc (i come from electric guitar background , so soloing in that region is a addiction , hehe )....but I love these 00 so it’s hard to take a final decision......cheers
Hi Aaron, the smaaler one - the E20-P in the standard issue, is more robustly built and can take a more robust hand whereas the E40-00 is far more delicately built and more lightly braced, and has a far finer tonality, perhaps not conveyed with my humble recording gear.
I’m surprised the neck is not solid! To me, that’s extremely key. It’s a huge cost savings for Eastman. Peace (I do really like Eastmans - but I’m a Martin and Guild guy)
Yes it surprised me but back in 1975, I got a Martin D35 that had been owed by two people that I knew be fre and it had an airport fracture (broken neck under the nut) from new. I kept it for 21 years with no issues, and a friend is still playing it almost every night so well glued wood joints don't worry mem, and it does seem a less wasteful way to use mahogany.
@@SillyMoustache Hey Silly Moustache! Thanks for the reply! I’m a huge 12 fret fan, living in the beautiful Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. Half way between Vernon and Kelowna. Love your vids. I’m a trained luthier, and studied under Sergei de Jonge in Quebec back in 2012, when I retired. I’m 64 now. I’m a huge fan of one piece necks, primarily due to the relative ease of doing a neck reset. Multi piece necks can create issues from the steam off process. The steam isn’t “joint specific” and can negatively effect the structural integrity post neck re-set. The multi piece laminated necks (length-wise laminations) are complete nightmares! Guild and Gibson are the main culprits. I totally agree with your assessment of modern glued wood joints - they’re super strong and will almost NEVER break at the glued location again! Martins are soooo easy to work on! Collings, too, and most of the boutique builders, as well. All use solid, carved necks. Peace - please keep creating content! I look forward to new vids from you. PS - I’m a northern Irish born, Canadian raised musician, who took up guitar at 12 yrs old after playing woodwinds for four years. Cheers!
@@cherrypickerguitars Hi Again, Kerri (?) You raise a good point about the three piece necks with the headstock scarfed (?) into the neck, then the heel block face glued (apparently) to the neck piece. I guess the latter could be problematic if steaming off the dovetail joint. However, I'm 74 and rising, so doubt it'll be an issue for me! Thanks for you kind words, and I'm always looking for comments and suggestions for other videos so if you have any ideas then please share them with me. Regards, from the south coast of Ol' England, Andy
@@SillyMoustache Oh boy you do not know her !!! I told her I wanted to buy another drilling machine when I retired and it was an emphatic "HELL NO" !!! Ha Ha ha !! Those guitars from what I have seen are amazing. I believe one of the music stores in Pittsburgh is now selling them if they can get them. I may have to go and work out a deal?? Loved your video! Thank you !
Hi Dennis, I have both, plus maple. The "28" trim has always appealed to me, but tonally I can't say that I definitely prefer one over the other. Either is pretty, hog is ... clean tonally. This for watching.
I own an E10-OO and have to say.. the neck on it really doesn't sit well with me. The parlors are supposed to have the same neck and it's just so massive I don't think it's comfortable at all. What's your take on it?
i haven't played an E20-00 but it does have a 1 & 13/16" nut width so similar, and probably the same as I E20-P but the one piece neck PROFILE on the E40 is quite a lot more shallow.
It is very rarely economic to send instruments from the UK to the US, and certainly not with that budget. Musical instruments and many other things are far more expensive here than in the USA. Best, A
The E40 seems brighter. The E30 seems darker. Both are really fingerstyle guitars. The E20 seems bassy as well. The E40 is more well balanced. That's just to my ears. Both are probably excellent value.
Hi Joel, good to hear from you. The e20 seems louder to me, whilst the E40 is more complex, and better, more finely built. The original Martin designs of both are definitely for fingerstyle, although both handle being carefully flatpicked. Hope you are staying safe in Texas, Andy.
@@SillyMoustache I like both. I could probably control the tone with my hands to some degree, but both are very good. Surprisingly good guitars. I'm impressed!
@@SillyMoustache we had an interesting week. Lost power for 30 hrs and it got to 55F in the house. We were lucky and had no damage. It is now in the high 70's. Welcome to Texas...
I am not sure if I am looking right, but I don’t see an email on your about page. The question I wanted to ask requires sending a picture. I have an Eastman E10P and I am noticing some belly bulge bigger than I see on my other acoustics and wanted to ask about yours.
@@ady102 Hi, A little, yes. These are Adirondack tops, and will most likely be new growth.. They will also be quite thin (i haven't measured) Young guitars are very subject to humidity, and I strive (!?) to keep my instruments between 40-50% RH. Do you have hygrometers in your house? Do you use standard light gauge strings? (I do).
@@SillyMoustache I found you on AGF so sent my email address there. If you can reply to my email I would very much appreciate that. To answer your questions, yes I have light gauge strings and I do my best to keep all of acoustic humidified in their cases, although I don’t have hygrometers in the cases to know the exact humidity.
Thank you for showing us 2 beautiful guitars. I was considering a smaller bodied guitar but was looking at 000 and OM models, especially the Eastman E20 OM and the Furch Vintage 2 OM. Now I’m thinking I’d like to try the Eastman 00 model too. I’d love to consider a Collins or Martin but beyond my budget. Might give the Maton 808 models a look though. Trouble is I live in rural southern France and there are no dealers near me that carry a good selection. Next time I’m back in Blighty I’ll see what I can get to try out. Failing that I might risk ordering from the fellowship guys. They seem a great bunch and I could return it if it doesn’t suit me. The question would then be ‘which one should I go for?’ Have you ever tried the Furch models? I’m really tempted by the Vintage 2 OM.
Hi John, As you might have seen for my other videos I don't play 14 fret guitars as I prefer the wider fretboards of the original Martin designs. I have Collings 12 fret dreads, and a 0002h (12 fret 000) but like you availability and cost of Collings guitars are now prohibitive, for this old pensioner! Martin as lost interest in their finest designs but Eastman has picked up the market. I bought both of my Eastman "mail order and the last one - the E40-00 was from TFOA and their service was fine. Neither Eastman needed any work once received. You would be surprised at the "power" of the smaller Eastmans - given the choice I'd suggest the 00. However the 0 (P) and the 00 and also their mis-named OM are all short scale. I'd love to see them make a 12 fret 000 and dread! Thanks for watching.
@@SillyMoustache Thanks for the information. Much appreciate you taking the time to reply. I used to own a Fylde Ariel 000 with a 46mm nut and 12 fret neck join. It also adds a zero fret. It was very nice but I could never get the playability quite to my liking. I sold it about 30 years ago to by a Yamaha APX `Compas’ series Grand auditorium with a piezo/body mic system as I was playing live gigs and needed a good workhorse instrument. I still have it and gig with it. The new one will be strictly home use only so I’m prepared to pay around £1500-£2000 but beyond that I just can’t justify the cash. The only Martins in that price range look very basic compared to the Eastmans and Furch. I don’t know if it’s a COVID related issue, but nobody seems to have much in stock. If the Fellowship guys had several brands and models in stock I’d make the trip up there but alas they do not. Hopefully things will improve. I’m 60 in January and would like the guitar for my birthday so still got a few months. I might take the train to Paris and check out a few guitar dealers there if I can. It’s such a big decision I’d really like to hear and feel each guitar before buying, but if it comes to it I’ll risk an order with The fellowship and pay the €75 return cost if it isn’t my cup of tea. Look forward to watching future videos. Thanks again.
Enjoy your videos! I have the E20P bought used in 2012 and I feel the guitar has opened up. Disliked the frets (Felt like speedbumps and could not crown) so last year I had it re fretted and now it is a gem to play. I was concerned about the frets when looking at the E10P but they were fine so I purchased back in December. Love playing both and my poor Martin dreads are lonely. I saw the Furch Vintage 1 OOM that has some sound recordings to listen to. If I were to upgrade this would be on my list to consider. Cheers!
Hi, I confess that my Collings 000 is being neglected too, not to mention my dreads. Sorry to hear about the fretos on the 2012, I guess they are improving the product all the time. Thanks for watching my vids.
Do you think Eastman will make more of these E40-00's? Maybe as part of the bourgeois eastman collaboration? (hence the more refined bracing) What have you heard about this?
Very informative. My wife and I are coming up to a 10th wedding anniversary. She is Bluegrass singer, song writer and recording artist, Claire Lynch. I've been looking for a small body that will meet and exceed her needs, and one of these Eastmans might be the fit. We already own a couple of Eastman archtops, as well as a Martin OOO28VS but she is not happy with the soft V neck profile. You have made our exploration of an anniversary gift come into sharper focus. Cheers, mate . Check out Claire singing with Dolly ruclips.net/video/P7NxsYoAVHA/видео.html
Hi, Ian, I am very much aware of Claire in the bluegrass world. I have the "Lovelight" album and the Oh Brother Collective album. The E10 and E20 - P (size 0 ) or 00 are 12 fret original Martin designs with 1 & 13/16" nut width and the shorter scale. I believe that the neck profiles might be seen as quite "chunky." Whilst, theoretically anyone can play any style on any guitar, they are both excellent for fingerstyle but less so for flatpicking. Remember both are smaller than the 000 which I regard as an ideal "crossover, enabling finger and flat picking. My choice for nearly 20 years has been my Collings 0002h. Hope that helps, and regards to Claire.
@@SillyMoustache Thanks, Mate. Claire was gifted a custom 00-18 model by Preston Thompson, having modeled it on Tim O'Brien's signature Martin. Claire had had a spot of financial bother during her first marriage and had to flog her '42 OO-18. Preston's offer of a freebie to suit her dreams was a total surprise and gift. I also have slao long owned a Martin 00028Vs and the two are sweet when we play them together.
@@iangray7410 Glad to hear that she was "gifted" a guitar like that. Tell me, you use British terms like "mate" and "flogged" - that I wouldn't expect from an American. Are you British?
@@SillyMoustache I'm Canadian and was married to a Yorkshire Brit, spent a lot of time there, and our 2 sons speak many languages, including British slang. We all wasted a great deal of time watching "The Beeb" (aka BBC) as well as Australian tv and movies. My eldest is fluent in 4 languages, 5 if your include the Latin and Greek he learned in medical school. And, of course, we are all able to recite Monty Python lines verbatim.
Hi Dennis and thank you for your comment. If you look over my channel, you will see pretty much all of my song repertoire, and I'd welcome your visits to them. As I haven't been gigging for a year since the first lockdown, I have not needed to change or add to my solo repertoire but as I get so many requests to talk about different subjects that the "chatty" videos have tended to take over, plus of course die to these videos I have been quite busy teaching via zoom. However, its always fun finding a new song, so if you have any ideas, then please let me know, and I'll consider them. Regards, Andy
I think the Parlour is a better guitar for what it is. Maybe the 00 is trying too hard to be an OM in sound and balance. But then I'd just buy an OM instead. The parlour on the other hand fits a definite niche in music and does so beautifully. While my nicer guitars are all rosewood, I'm tempted to buy that Eastman Parlour in mahogany just for that robert johnson 1930's blues sound. Hog would sound little more boxy and hollow, but that's exactly the sound I'd be going for.
Well this confused me for some time. You think that because Eastman call it a"P" its a parlour when in fact it is a Concert size. I think you might be thinking of a size 2. Strange concept to me that you think the 1898 Grand Concert design fingerstyle instrument is "trying to be" a 1929 rhythm guitar. BTW the OM (which was a commercial failure originally), was a conversion of the standard scale 000. Whilst probably very good, the Eastman OM isn't a true OM as it has a short scale. Anyway, thanks for watching.
@@SillyMoustacheWell, Eastman calls it a parlour according to their website but parlour is a loose term anyway. But the point is that both are "smaller" guitars but the e20p fits a style of music (based on tone) while Im not sure what style this 00 would fit that a solid 000/OM couldn't do better. I'm my case, I have a dread, an OM and a Jumbo and I would much rather add a mahogany 0/00/parlour such as the Gibson L1 for a specific 1920s blues sound rather than an 00 built like a miniature om-42.
I always go to your channel when I'm feeling a bit down, you always cheer me up.thankyou.❤️🎸.
Wow, really ? Thanks ! You are so welcome!
Thank you for the wonderful video and review. I recently purchased an Eastman E10-00. I couldn't be happier. I also own a Blueridge BR-361. I was so surprised when I put the guitar's side by side. The Blueridge is noticeable larger than the Eastman. I too love playing 12 fret guitars. I've enjoyed your threads/post on AGF for years. Keep the goodness coming.
Hi Mushinco, Thanks for getting in touch. I'd be most interested for your opinion of te two guitars that you have. I understand the the BR-361 is rosewood, but how do you think they compare in build quality and sound? Thanks for watching my videos. I'm not spending as much time on AGF as I so frequently get harassed by one of the moderators that it gets tiresome.
@@SillyMoustache Yeah, I don't think you're the only one struggling with certain moderators. I would say Eastman has a step up in construction quality. I've had the Blueridge BR-361 for seven years. I only flat pick and play mostly old-time and bluegrass music. It really suits my voice and just like the Eastman, it is a pleasure to play. I've only had the Eastman E10-00 for a month. Its neck feels a little slimmer and string spacing feels a little tighter but hardly noticeable. It's loud, has great sustain and is extremely comfortable to play. It feels really tight and new. I'll be ready to give a full report in a year when it gets some playing time. I'm always on the lookout for a Collings DS1, my dream guitar but the prices have gotten a little steep. Honestly, what I have now more than covers my needs, so I'm graetful.
I've read that Eastmans are surprisingly good guitars, and your demonstration/review proves it. Thank you! After owning and playing more than a few Martins of various sizes over the years, I've come to realize I prefer mahogany back and sides to rosewood. I now have a 2017 Martin (custom shop) 12-fret 00-18 with slotted headstock that I dearly love. However, as I listened to your Eastmans, I had to admit that rosewood does have a beautiful resonance that's hard to resist! Still, I'm sticking with my perfect (for me) 00-18.
Hi, I have both hog and rose dreads, however, I tend towards rosewood complexity for my smaller guitars.
@@SillyMoustache Yes, although, of course, given the uniqueness of every guitar a given individual hog or rosewood can surprise! 8^)
Recently picked up a E20P, was extremely impressed with the build, materials (great pieces of Adirondack/rosewood), sound and ease of play. I was largely introduce to Eastman by your videos, thanks!
Great to hear! Enjoy!
Great comparison, especially towards the end of your video. I hear more "wildness" in the E20P, which I like, the E40-00 sounding tighter and more constrained. I have a D18 from 2015 that I wasn't all that pleased with for the longest time, again sounding tight, stiff. As late as last year (2022) was seriously thinking of selling it, but this summer it has begun to open up - saying, it's hard to know what one has in a new, solid wood acoustic guitar, as they may take time to show what they're capable of!!
Thank you for the videos, they help to narrow the focus on which guitars to try in person!
Hi Don,the "Stock" E20-P is louder and more "profound"but the E40-00 is more "musical." The E20-Phas stayed much the same and is fine, but the tonality of the E40-00 is maturing beautifully, and I play it more.
Eastman make fantastic guitars. The same attention to construction and detail right throughout their range.
I can't deny it. Two archtops, and two flat tops would tend to support your point. The American brands must (or should be) a trifle concerned.
I was able to find an Eastman E 20 OO SB in a local shop. At first I was put off by the high saddle but I went back a week later and purchased it. I sanded down the saddle when I got home and it is a joy to play. Thanks for your excellent reviews!
Hi, glad to be of service! Both of my Eastmans were set up to my specs before shipping, but as my requirements for them werepretty standard, I'm not sure that much needed to be done. Enjoy your new guitar!
I'm going to look (or listen) into these a little more. Thanks. Hope this finds you and yours well and God blesses your day. I really like that '0'
Thank you! You too!
I own 2 Eastmans - an E1 OM and an E6 OM. Absolutely remarkable instruments. Both as good, if not better than my Martin 0018v which was exceptional. Top drawer QC, build, playability and tone. They are a revelation in my eyes, considering the price compared to other brands. Enjoy your Eastmans and take care.
Hi Ian, thanks for watching.
Thanks for sharing! I have a standard E20OO and it always amazes me. It’s only about a year off the bench and, being an Adi top it’s inconceivable how much more it will likely open up.
I agree. Thanks for sharing!
Would love to own either of those beautiful guitars, simply gorgeous
Hi David, Whilst my Collings are wonderful, they are very expensive. Martin has simply abandoned these designs, but Eastman can offer these at a very reasonable price (and increasing) and offer a very competitive quality level. Too good to miss really.
Great channel. I am glad I found it.
Thank you, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to update due to new Y/T "rules" -I'll try but might need to move it to another video site. In the meantime, should you have any subjects or question that you would like me to comment on, please let me know.
That’s frustrating. Are guitars too controversial for RUclips?
@@doubled5383 I've used an ad blocker for many years. Suddenly they dislike them demanding Money or remove adblocker - I did the latter. They still refuse me access. No reasonable communication possible. Contact attempts ignored.
Nice additions to your collection Andy. I have to work hard to restrain myself from buying more beautiful instruments but I simply have too many and don't cycle them or play them enough. They both look and sound beautiful. Be well and thanks for sharing!
Hi Jim, I blame covid! Especially for the second one! Thanks as always.
Appreciate your very detailed review!
Glad it was helpful! I seem to have created a significant demand for the E40-00! Eastman are making another 40 - 20 for the US and 20 for the EU! ) Where's my free one?
Interesting to hear their sound as well which are to completely different sounds the 0 much darker but very musical the 00 brighter very clear and musical they both sound very even and lively. Very lovely playing by you😍😍
The "0" is more strident, and the "00" is warmer ... to me.
Hello Andy. I owned a wonderful E-20 00 some time ago and in my constant buying and selling I let it get away and later regretted it. By luck I found another and was to find out that it’s owner had removed the pick guard. It turns out it was the one I’d owned and sold. What luck! I’m gladly buying it back. What drew me to the guitar was it’s beautiful top. Had I kept the guitar I would have removed the pick guard anyway. I shopped around for a 00 but find that without spending 3 to4 times the money I don’t believe you’ll get a better sound. Hope all are well. Keep up the good work and be safe. Glenn
Hi Glenn, and I only recently found a pickguard to add to my E40-00 - by Holter pickguards in the USA. Thanks for watching.
I would love to see you jump back on the drum kit!
Too long ago now ... but I'm still a drummer in my head!
Beautiful sounding guitars!
They are! Thanks for watching.
Thank you for sharing your excitement and passion for music with the world. The vicarious thrill of a new instrument is almost as good as a first hand experience. Oh, by the way, I set up a new bone saddle for my 12 string after I accidentally lowered one way too far earlier. All tickety boo now. Action is still pleasantly low. All the best to you!
Thank you very much!
I have a Eastman E10-00, the sound is just great, like both of your's, i have my eye on the parlor for a while but i must say, the E40 sounds fantastic!
Hi, my E20-P is a very fine guitar as I'm sure your E10-00 is. The E40-00 is a whole diffeerent guitar - as one can see from the bracing inside. It isn't as loud or "Robust" as the E20-P but it has more subtley and tone.
Hello from tupelo, MS USA. I’ve got several guitars myself had many martins, gibsons, a Santa Cruz but got into nylon strings a few years ago and through selling and buying like yourself I have a 62 marcelino Lopez classical that is perfection. I’ve been watching all you’re videos and finally got myself a 000 12 fret breedlove revival Martin copy in cocobolo. Anyways thabks for all the info and tunes! Really enjoyed the body size vid!!
|Hi, thank you for watching, and your kind comments.
The E40-00 is like I would have expected but the E20 P really suprised me in sounding like a larger guitar and not boxy like some parlours.
That's true. The "P" (which is a size "0" is a little deeper and more prfoundly built. TheE40-oo is much more lightly built, so "sweeter" tonally. I don't see "boxy" as appropriate to any small guitars, its just that the tonality is more focussed than larger the larger designs, that we have become accustomed to.
I have to say they do sound remarkabley good Andy.
Thanks Phil, I am having a minor crisis accepting that the Eastman is, in some ways, better than the Collings.
@@SillyMoustache Ha!! The Eastman 'OM' range looked superb when I saw them the other week in Forsythe's. Didn't play them though....
@@PhilTaylorGuitar As I only pplay 12 rfetters, I can't speak about the Eastman OM's but I'm sure that will have the same qualities as mine, although, technically, they are not "OMs"as thatindicates the longer 25.4" scales and the Eastman OMs are the shorter scale so, following Martin's designs they should be called "000" models, but I hope that in time they might offer a 12 fret wider necked 000 and maybe a 12 fret dread.
I have an E10-P and have had great success in enlarging the sound hole to 3 7/8. Not for the faint of heart, but it has wonderful projection and likes Martin Retro strings for their mellowness.
That's radical !
Thank you for the video, a perfect comparison of the very two guitars I’m currently considering.
I think the E20 will suit me best. 🙏
Good choice!
Love Eastman guitars!
Great Video
Thank you.
Excellent review, Andy! I think you have sold a lot of these guitars for Eastman. They should send you a commission check. :0) Great playing, too.
I agree!
Great video. I may have to consider these before my next penultimate guitar purchase.
To my mind, they are not just "good for their price" as many say, but - just plain good. If I were running Martin and/or Gibson, now I'd be seriously concerned.
Well, let us know when Eastman comes out with the "Silly Moustache Signature Model". I can just visualize the moustache fret marker above the 12th fret.
Hi Gary, that would be cool wouldn't it? I reckon I've sold enough of them through my Y/T channel!
After watch this, and any other of your videos on parlour guitars, I decided on a single 0. Two days after deciding, a trusted salesperson from a trusted vendor, contacted me out of the blue about a PRS P20 (all solid mahogany) which they were selling at reduced price because it was shop worn. (He sent me about 12 high resolution close up photos with two marks on the headstock pointed out. It 'might be from a string change....but I can't see it even in my hands.). I have to say for the price, I am quite impressed, and my daughter has her eye on it if I decided to 'trade up'. Your videos are so much more helpful than playing the guitars yourself. I wish one of us were on the other side of the pond. I'd love to go to the shops with you! I did setup my daughter with a fairly expensive AKG mic....I have to start fooling around doing some recordings. Do you ever break out your mandolin? Isn't there a banjo in your flock-- did you ever start learning that? I hope all of your family are well.
Hi Jeffrey, not aware of your guitar, but wish you joy with it.
Good comparison video, Andy, as with all your guitar reviews. Both are very nice guitars, I think you were lucky to find that E40 when you did; I commented in your E20 review video that the availability of new Eastman in the UK (new from dealers) seems to have dwindled - certainly for the higher-grade models, although I know you bought the E40 from abroad - and stock doesn't seem to have improved since. It will be interesting to see if more appear.
There's a slight discrepancy in your (otherwise excellent) video as you twice state that the E20 is 4 3/4" deep but have wriiten in your notes/display below that it's 4 1/8". I've just measured the depth of my E10P (mahogany version of the 20) and it is 4 1/8" - not that this really matters and not many will notice but it may save confusion for somebody.
Best regards,
Kevin
Ah, yes, now I remember why I hadn't put this videpo up - as you are quite correct about the body depth, and I'd planned to redo it! I;ll put a note in my details. Thanks for reminding me!
Bought E20P, replaced with Tusk bridge pins & compensated saddle, Gover 18 gear tuners, and medium gage gage strings. 🤗🤗
Just backordered ordered the 40 00 from the Fellowship 🤗🤗
E40-00 ? when will it arrive ? I'd be most interested to see/hear it! Keep me appraised please! Andy
Good for you, upon owning these nice guitars. I also have a guitar made in China-Recording King. It's great and I, too, have owned guitars from some of the most expensive brands as well. No regrets.
Hi dunno much about the far eastern Recording King guitars, but as long as it fits the bill, why worry about the origins?
Splendid stuff and fine playing, as always. I love the sound of both instruments but, if forced to name a favourite, I'd choose the E20-P (lacquered ebony board notwithstanding!). It's a bit more "even" sounding with more of a mid-focus to my old, cloth-ears, compared to the slightly more scooped, overtone-rich sound of the E40-OO. Then again, ask me tomorrow and I might swap. I'm not that keen on too much "bling" either but it really suits the E40.
Bought an Eastman myself in the new year. It's an E10-OO-M. The "M" is for mahogany top and it's a 12-fretter but with a standard, paddle headstock. It's an odd one and not a direct copy of any Martin I'm aware of. A few years ago I tried out the Martin OO-15 and OOO-15 'hog top guitars but was a bit underwhelmed. Maybe I was being too picky (no pun intended) but the Eastman sounds nice enough to me and, bought used, was about half the price of the Martins. These days funds are severely limited so USA-made guitars are an option for me (not that my playing would justify them) but Eastman guitars and mandolins seem like a wonderful option that don't scream "budget" or "inferior" in any way.
Hi. lots of input there, thanks. I've not seen an E10-00-m, sounds interesting. Is it an "ltd" and if so dies it have a thinner fretboard width?
I must agree with Brendan! I found the E20-P to have a slightly darker, warmer sound and, as Brendan said, more even and mid-focused. The E40 was much brighter to my ears with the obvious multiple layers of overtones. But both were superb! In the last few years, I found myself gravitating towards the smaller-bodied guitars. I find the size much more comfortable to play and the sounds to be wonderful. I feel that the 12-fret neck is both a pleasure to play as well as putting the bridge in a wonderful spot on the lower top. I went from playing a Roy Smeck homage and a 13-fret Nick Lucas (by Leo Posch) to two Huss & Dalton 00's. The woods and details of the two 00's are different as is the sound. Now I can't part with either!
Very nice sounding guitars,,,hard to decide which I prefer
Hi David, the "standard issue" E20-P is more strident, and for a mall body (Size "0") has remarkable power. The E40-00 has more subtlety, and a more refined tonality, but I'm very fond of both.
Nice comparison. It seems you prefer the single 0 as you look more excited when you pick it up and start to play.
No, I fall in love with whichever I pick up, along with my Collings 0002h and my Waterloo WL12.
Great review of two beautiful instruments. My e20p has Gotoh-branded tuners. I got mine new in 2012 so it is possible that they changed by 2019.
Hi, that's interesting. However both sets of tuners seem smooth and effective, someone mentioned that the unbranded ones might be by Ping? Does your E20-P also have the three piece neck?
@@SillyMoustache yes, mine has a three piece neck as well.
Nice video, very informative. I had an E10P for about a year and one day while I was playing the saddle flew off the guitar having snapped off a piece of the bridge. Luckily the store still gave me a refund and told me that was a common problem for pyramid style bridges. I don’t know. Anyways, I had originally wanted the E20P but at the time I couldn’t find one so I went with the E10P. I now have an E20P which is outstanding. I just hope the bridge stays on this time!
Hi, bridges lift from time to time. The pyramid bridges have a smaller footprint but I've had them on dreads before and my jumbo currently. Ebony is a beautiful wood but can be a little brittle. I've seen belly bridges lift too, even on one of my Collings - easily repairable by a good tech though. Thanks for watching.
@@SillyMoustache Yes, initially the store repaired the guitar but action was so low it was unplayable. I noticed it had a different saddle and was sloped much higher on treble side. I pointed this out to the salesperson who took measurement and confirmed action was higher on treble side. I asked whether the saddle could have been positioned in reverse and he told me the tech couldn’t have made such a mistake with all his experience. Anyways, when I was offered a refund I didn’t press the point. The guitar is now sitting in their store at less than half price with a sign saying it is only to be used with silk and steel strings.
I come from a background of flamenco and classical guitar for over fifty years. A couple of years ago, during lockdown, I decided to try some fingerpicking styles and therefore started looking for something like a Martin 00-28 VS. I tried one but didn’t like the sound of it, though I liked the wide neck and feel of it. I tried a few other Martins like OMs, 000’s, and 0’s but but nothing stood out to me. They were all a bit pricey too.
Last year I bought a Larrivee 00-40 which looked beautiful but the neck felt too narrow and the sound was a bit dead. I sent that back.
A few months ago I came across a Martin 000-28 in a second hand guitar shop in Melbourne called The Music Swap Shop.
This Martin was made in 1993 and sounds amazing. Condition is also excellent. The only thing I don’t like is the width of the neck at 1 11/16” at the nut. I like the wider 1 13/16” or even 1 7/8” probably due to the fact that I’ve been playing guitars that are 52-54mm most of my life.
I’m thinking those Eastman 0’s or 00’s may be the answer for a fingerpicking guitar.
Hi Anthony. The Eastman E20-P or E20-00 have 1 &13/16! nut widths which is just a hair thinner that the original pre-war Martins.I really lobe my two small Eastmans, but you have to get the neck that suits you, and they suit me!
@@SillyMoustache Thanks!
My you’re looking really well Andy. Can’t help notice how well received the guitars are in America? I’ve seen some really good comparison videos where the comments were very positive up against the U.S. makes. I’ve seen some pics of Eastmans Wood yard and it’s like something from the 1940s with huge piles of tonewoods. Doesn’t matter where it’s made if it’s done right imo.
Hi Andrew. Last Friday I had my hospital review and will have a physical review of my throat and head in summer.
In Spring next year, I'll have completed my five year of monitoring - then it will just be a matter of contacting the care department if I feel necessary. I agree, that the long held antipathy to far eastern made guitars seems to have faded in the USA as far as I can see from the various forums (fora?) Eastman have really raised the bar and are making instruments in direct competition to the big US brands. Times are changing !
@@SillyMoustache It’s beene a long haul Andy, four years with treatment and now thank goodness recovery. It’s the glass of water that gets me every time but that’s great news from the hospital. It’s been over 30 years since my mum had treatment for breast cancer and she went only last week for her two year check up. I’m still thinking of upgrading my guitar and last week I thought I’d spotted a sleeper as it was the only guitar in the auction. With a come buy me est of 1500 and after doing some research it was a custom J200 from 1963 with the unusual adjustable individual bone saddles. No mention of it’s history but it looked fresh to the market? Anyway as usual I picked the one lot that went way over it’s est for seven plus the 30% commission lol. Anyway I’d still like to see you with either another Collings or a Martin.
@@andrewbowen8122 Hi Andrew, the trouble with cancer is that you are never, again, "feel that you out of the woods" but the chances of it returning are small after five years, I'm told. My cancer is very "rock star" John Prine had it and Levon Helm (whose cancer returned). Perhaps it was due to the songs we sing!)
Sorry to hear you missed the SJ200. Check out the Eastman
AC630-BD ! I have no further acquisition plans currently. Thanks as always,
E40oo is my choice , great job
Well, yes, but both are remarkable instruments. Thanks for watching.
Sir, thanks for your videos! 👍What do you think about 00 Sigma guitars?
Hi Mikhail, I have no experience of recent Sigma guitars, but I have no reason to doubt their quality. Thanks for watching.
That E40 sounds amazing, a class above the E20.
Yes, much more lightly and delicately built but actually I enjoy both equally!
With the wide-ranging guitars you have, are there any particular guitars that pair with any songs?
Hi Jeffery, thank you for your question. Its a challenging one. To be honest, when I'm playing at home, and/or making videos, I tend to decide at the time. When I perform(ed), I have always used one of my dreads, (two hogs and one rose) but in this last year, I've been playing my 000 and smaller, and frankly, they each have their charms, so its a matter of which one calls to me on the day. You've got me thinking about this. Maybe I'll learn more about this! Thanks for watching.
I have the same reactions when comparing my Eastman e8om to my Eastman e40om. Construction-wise, one is far better but tone-wise, hard to pick a favorite. I alternate between three guitars, every night playing a different one. I have a Martin J40 in the mix. The J40 jumbo rings out like a symphony so it is not fair to compare with the Eastman guitars. It is, however, more difficult to play due to the large size and smaller nut. All three guitars have excellent overtones. I am seriously considering a Martin J40 'Re-imagined' just for the wider nut but am concerned about the effect of the forward shifted bracing on tone. But this is about Eastman. I am now on the hunt for an e10om mahogany back and sides.
I had a J40 once - it was what convinced me to go to 12 fretters - for the wider fretboards. God luck with your hunt!
Hi Andy, thank you for awesome content on youtube!
I fell in love with short scale guitars after having a relatively cheap little 12 fret parlor for quite some time. I planned to buy it simply for traveling and sitting on the park bench with it. It is fully made out of mahagony and the back and sides are even laminated.
Still the sound blew away my quite expensive full scale grad concert in terms of loudness, responsiveness and clarity. (At least to my ears!)
Everyday when I came home from work, I immediately picked up the parlor. (The smaller scale and low tension that comes with it always feels quite relaxing to my hands after a long day of using them as my main tools as a physiotherapist.)
This went to a point of me selling my expensive bigger guitar.
Now I'm torn between getting an E20p or an E20 00. Does the 00 give me some more low end and what do I lose for it? Some of that sweet high end and clarity in sound?
Right now I am leaning more to the 00. I figured that my right hand just lands on the perfect spot behind the sound hole when the body is just a little bit bigger and my arm is resting on it. Ergonomics are a huge point! (I saw your video talking about that stuff and can't agree more.)
As you probably figured I play mostly fingerstyle with some light strumming now and then.
Here in Germany it is quite challenging to find a store where I can compare both guitars.
I thought you might be just the right person to answer my questions after having both models for quite some time now!
Hopefully u don't feel bothered by my endless comment!
Kind Regards,
Carlo
Cologne, Germany
Hi Carlo, as my 00 is very differently and more lightly built than my "stock" E20-P it is unfair to make a judgement from these two. However, my E20-P is remarkably powerful for its size, and the design is slightly less wide but with a deeper body, as per the original Martin designs.
I feel that the dimensions of the "00" are more attractive but Eastman have done an excellent job on two great designs that Martin have now abandoned. I'd suggest that you order one, to try, and if you feel you would prefer a larger/smaller, then return it for exchange (or even keep them both!!) Honestly, I believe the necks on both the E20-p (size "0" ) and e E20-00 would be identical. Viel Glück!
@@SillyMoustache Thanks for the answer!
In the end I settled with an E20 OM. A local shop had one in stock and gave me an awesome discount on a brand new guitar. It has 14 frets but still the desired short scale. As I am more than pleased with my little mahagony parlor, this is the better addition for me.
It's by far the most lovely guitar I ever had and I had some quite expensive guitars.
The quality control is top notch compared to many Martins I had in my hands. (I can only talk about the ones that reach the european markets but in the past they didn't really impress)
By today I'm an Eastman acoustic endorser! :)
Keep up the awesome content!
Kind regards
Carlo
As for sound, I really prefer the Double O over the single O. I hear brighter meds and bass.
The E40-00 is made of virtually identical tone-woods but considerably more carefully and finely braced, and therefore more expensive. it has a little more of everything whilst the standard issue is still remarkably good. I dolt think the size makes much difference.
You know what Silly M , I really like you because I trust you and you have a lot of knowledge to share. I am trying to learn Delta Blues very basic easy stuff on a 1997 Taylor 510' I love what I read about Waterloo and know you have one . I want a 12 fret guitar 000, 00, or a 0 or even a parlor which I think is a 0 size. Waterloos cost about 2 to 3 times a Eastman and I have heard mixed reviews about Eastman's but not from a guy like you that really knows old time music and guitars. Is a Waterloo 12 frets guitars worth paying so much more or is Eastman really a great guitar I should be looking more into. I like the varnish look on Eastman and the deluxe Waterloo. I also want a neck that is easy to play. Please get back to me because no one ever has the knowledge or is someone I trust like you. Thank you for your videos I get so excited hearing you play old time music it is beautiful and your skill is great.
Hi Jay, Thanks for your kind words. The Eastmans I have: the special edition/one off 00 and the standard production E20-P (really a size "0" 0are perfectly fie guitars.
What they will be like in 20 years , no-one can say -as neck joints bracing and top thicknessing needs to be observed over a long time.
The Waterloo is made by Colings and I've been playing Collings since 1999. I believe in them and their after sales service is second to none. My WL12 is certainly not the most attractive guitar but it is made in the image of a down market gibson Kalamazoo or Kel Kroyden but with the build quality and materials of Collings - I guess the Eastman equivalent would be their E10OOSS/v (if you can use a 1 & 11/16" nut width). I think that Eastman are certainly ahead of Gibson, and possible the equal to Martin now, but Collings are definitely at the top of the pile, and at top pricing. I have long had a "romance" with American built guitars but I've had my issues with most US brands and there is no reason why a good instrument should not be built anywhere on the planet.
I hope that helps, Andy
@@SillyMoustache Great well thought answer thank you so much
@@SillyMoustache Eastman E10OOSS/V Acoustic Antique Varnish
I really love the look of this varnished one but your i do not like the nut too small. I have a Taylor and 1 11/16 with a really thin profile(almost 20mm in the 1st fret)
1 1/8 at bridge, I wish it was bigger plus string spacing. What size do yo prefer. You and I both have fat fingers, Ha Ha Ha
@@jaytouvelle2359 Hi, most of my flat tops are 1 & 13/16" but I have a 1 & 7/8" and the Waterloo is 1 &3/4" but with a string spacing of 2 & 3/8" which spreads out the strings fairly well. Then for Eastmans it must be the 12 fret P(0) or 00.
@@SillyMoustache I need to use them to really understand what I need. Thank you I am now interests in the Guild M-20 decent price and a nice guitar
If you like similar guitars you should look at the blueridge 371. Looks identical to the eastman e40 a beautiful sounding and looking every bit as good as the eastman.Plus a sigma 171 again identical to your e40 beautiful guitar. I have an eastman 00 10 Ltd edition great guitars you made the right choice my friend
Thank you for yourconsideration. Some years ago I did get a br371 but somehow we didn't "meld" - I probably didn't give it a chance. As you might see from my other videos, I'm primarily a Collings player and not usually into bling, but this was a one off (at the time) and more of a cheer myself up during lockdown" thing. However, I don't see myself buying any more guitars any time soon.
The word "worse" shouldn't even appear in the video. Both are just totally beautiful! The E40-00. has a deeper tone when you hear them
back to back.....but both simply beautiful. Every note is sooooo clear. WOW. Lucky, lucky you!
Hi, did I say "worse" ??? Anyway two very fine guitars and both at a reasonable cost. I play them at home a lot and took my E20-P to my club on Saturday to "test" its projection - no problem. I offered it to some fellow guitarists to demo for me - fine!
I think I may do another video about them when I've had one for three years and the other for two.
Hi Andy, thank you for these precious videos. I’m very interested in 46mm (1 13/16) nut width guitars. And also about short scale guitars (I usually tune my normal scaled guitars 1 tone down, from d to d). What do you think about Lakewood? Their lineup is almost completely based on 46 mm nut width guitars.
Hi I once had a Lakewood M14 (basic) and a 12 string, both OM style bodies. They were very fine instruments. Well built, no issues.
Thanks for this post Andy! The difference and tone are really negligible. Peter 🇨🇦
Quite similr but close up and personal I can hear a tonality that is more superior but not because of the size, just the different, lighter build I think.
At our age we deserve to get the highest quality instruments
we can afford. I liked the first one. George in Montana
Hi George, Well, I suppose I could have ordered two new Collings guitars at, easily three times the price, and if one had appeared used I would probably have jumped at it, but I'm really very happy with these two. Thanks as always.
Do they have adjustable truss rods? I own an Eastman Mandolin and a Mandola, they are excellent. Ive been shopping the parlor and this demo helps in that regard, but i must have adjustable truss rods.
Yes they do double action.
Hi there! love the videos! I found a 'folk12' 12 string guitar (think it's an old Japanese made catalogue model) in a skip earlier today and it needs a new floating bridge just wondering if you have any tips on were to look?
Hi Ruben, thanks for watching my videos. I'm afraid that I'm unaware of your guitar brand , nor how you might obtain a floating bridge for it. I'd consult a local luthier if you can. Regards,
I'm debating among E10P, E20P, E10-OO, and E20-OO. Do you generally prefer Rosewood over Mahogany? I'm just curious, and wondering if there is anything about Rosewood that would make it worth the extra price. Visually, I like the Rosewood.
Hi Gary, firstly mahogany (hog) isn't a second class tonewood. About half of my flat tops are hogs. However, I have a bit of a thing for rosewood (rose) especially on smaller guitars. I "feel" that rose gives a little more complexity whereas hog is more direct. Also ther standard Martin style herringbone trim is a little prettier, but that's about it. Personally I don't think you can go wrong with these small Eastmans!
Love the slot headstock. Can't find the 40 with slot.
Hi, I believe they were one or two only built - one for the EU, and one for the US. There is "talk" of them building 20 for both at some time, but I know no more.
@@SillyMoustache I'd love to see the whole collection. I'd be jealous, but, they're beautiful .
Custom Martin 0-28 and 00-45 are way beyond my price point so those two fine Eastmans will definitely suffice🌹
Precisely.
Have you had the opportunity to play an E20-00? I don't understand the Eastman numbering scheme completely, but I'm assuming the higher the number after the E somehow relates to quality (and price), so an E40-00 would be a more premium guitar compared to the E20-00. Of course, since you already have the limited build E40-00, you wouldn't be looking for one.
Hi Gary, I haven't. I think that the E20-00 would vbe very similarbto my E20-P (size "0". I won't pretend a profound understanding of Eastman's offerings from my experience of my two but my understanding (so far) is that the E10 indicates mahog b &S, and E20 = East Indian Rosewood B&S along with the Martin type trim one would expect. Then there is the E40 which equates to the Martin x45 type trim but also means a far lighter build and a one piece neck. There's other stuff, sitka tops etc, which I simply haven't got into as I was only interested in the 12 fretters. I hope this helps.
Ty for this.. I am searching for an Eastman...The E40-00 is beautiful, but I see E40 OM ...Can you tell me if it is as good?? TY
JoAnn, As you see from my many videos, I only lay12 fret design flat-tops. I am not a world expert on all things Eastman, but I see in my two Eastman a very different approach to build / construction.
I imply from tis that Eastman have at least two build ethics.or departments - a "custom shop" ethos perhaps for the E40 level. Yes the bling is pretty but the tonewoods are inner the bracing is lighter, and the finish/presentation is (even) better that the E20 level (which is perfectly good).
They make relatively few E40 models but I have no further details. You pay a considerable upcharge for them - (50%?) as you would when buying a Martin n OM42 vs an OM28.
Obviously dreadnoughts and OMs seem to be the most preferred shapes currently. so maybe tey make more OM than 00.
One final point - The difference between a 14 fret 000 and an "OM" is merely scale length. The Eastman "OM" is NOT an OM but a shorter scale "000"
Hello Silly,
I've watched this video a few times, and so bought myself an Eastman E20 OO. Not the E40, but the E20.
What i noticed is that the bridge is shaped a bit like a wedge. I keep looking at the top from aside, and it seems as if the strings are pulling the top up, and the bridge tilted to an angle.
I find it very disturbing as i keep checking it, but nothing seems wrong so far. For now i blame the shape of the bridge, but this anxiety keeps me from enjoying my otherwise lovely Eastman.
Question to you is, do you have that same experience, is it indeed the shape of the bridge, or does my guitar need some adjustment?
Many thanks! JJ.
Hi Jasper, I've just had a close look at the bridge on my E20-P. It is a "pyramid bridge, and has a very slight slant down towards the soundhole, so not completely parallel to the top.
My 2019 bought E20-P still has no appreciable "belly" that is a slight swelling between the bridge and the tail block as is quite common with Martins. Please understand that I am not connected with Eastman, just a buyer, but if you wish, you are welcome to send picks to me, for me to offer an opinion. (chipickers2016@gmail.com). However if your guitar is a new purchase and you have concerns, I would make them known to the dealer. looking on Eastman's website, I see that descriptions have changed to include some "Truetone" additions on this and that. I don't know what that means, but it may be possible that some specs have changed. Regards, Andy.
@@SillyMoustache Hi Andy, so many thanks for your reply and help, very much appreciated. I will make some pictures and send them to you. I don't think it is an end-of-the-world problem, but before i make some adjustments to the guitar, better to learn from people who own and understand such guitar a bit better then me. ;)
Best wishes from Holland, and again many thanks.
JJ.
Thank you Andy. Unrelated,sorry...are you familiar with "Vintage Viator" 12 string travel guitars? (Designed by Brit Paul Bret). If so, do you know where I might buy one? Not available in the states. Thanks, gary
aware, but not familiar. Sorry.
Is the fretboard lacquered or just highly polished. My two Eastman e6s seem to me to have very polished fretboards. I'm presently lusting after an e8 OM as I'm keen to try rosewood.
Hi, I've just been told that they fretboards are highly buffed along with the frets - Who'd a thunk?
Hello Mr. Mustache. Is E20P equivalent to Martin 0028 or 028? It looks somehow looks like Martin 00.
No, I'd hoped I'd explained that the E20-"P" is a size "0" and NOT a "P" (the "P" means nothing but people suppose that there is a model called a "parlour" which there isn't. Smaller than the size "0" (called a "concert" by Martin is the size "1" called "standard" and a size "2" - called "amateur" by Martin.there were even smaller but long since forgotten.
Nice comparison. Did I miss string size? I have E20-00 with extra light strings(10-47). I'm a bare finger finger picker. So I like the lighter strings but I'm not getting the volume like you are. What gauge strings do you have on yours? Thanks, Mitch
Daddario EJ16s or Martin MA540. 12-53/4
I quite like the look of the Eastman E1 OM which retails around £500,which is around my price range.Do you have any experience of this model? I dont have your budget but do like the idea of a hand made quality guitar of a smaller size.
Hi, thanks for watching. I'm afraid that I have no experience with any Eastman flat tops apart from these.
I own an E1 OM and it is as good as my old Martin 0018v which was worth 8 times the price. Maybe even better. Absolutely outstanding instrument - it still baffles me how it can be so good for that price. Go for it and enjoy.
What did you pay for each? Great guitars!
Hi Elton, I prefer not to discuss prices here, although I bought the E20-P in 2019 in a closing down sale so got something of a discount. The E40-00 was bought from TFOA in the Netherlands - in 2020 - not cheap but great shop to deal with. That was before Brexit really cut in so more expensive and more complicated now.
Great...been following your videos and they are all great, very helpful and entertaining......I will build a guitar with a luthier and wondering between an OM , or a 00 , either of them will be based on a 42 concept with BR rosewood....(the luthier is from Brasil and there we still find those woods from demolition etc ).....i have already a collings 0-1 , a collings D2H and a palor luthier made based on the specs of the collings parlors.......I’m more towards going for the OM , as it will be a more versatile guitar with 14 fret reach etc (i come from electric guitar background , so soloing in that region is a addiction , hehe )....but I love these 00 so it’s hard to take a final decision......cheers
Hi Vaner, sounds like an exciting plan! Thanks for watching!
@@SillyMoustache do you like OMs ? Have you had one before?
I think the little one has sweeter tone than both, when its played lightly. I heard it start to over load and you sort of adjusted for it.
Hi Aaron, the smaaler one - the E20-P in the standard issue, is more robustly built and can take a more robust hand whereas the E40-00 is far more delicately built and more lightly braced, and has a far finer tonality, perhaps not conveyed with my humble recording gear.
I’m surprised the neck is not solid! To me, that’s extremely key. It’s a huge cost savings for Eastman.
Peace (I do really like Eastmans - but I’m a Martin and Guild guy)
Yes it surprised me but back in 1975, I got a Martin D35 that had been owed by two people that I knew be fre and it had an airport fracture (broken neck under the nut) from new. I kept it for 21 years with no issues, and a friend is still playing it almost every night so well glued wood joints don't worry mem, and it does seem a less wasteful way to use mahogany.
@@SillyMoustache Hey Silly Moustache! Thanks for the reply! I’m a huge 12 fret fan, living in the beautiful Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. Half way between Vernon and Kelowna. Love your vids. I’m a trained luthier, and studied under Sergei de Jonge in Quebec back in 2012, when I retired. I’m 64 now. I’m a huge fan of one piece necks, primarily due to the relative ease of doing a neck reset. Multi piece necks can create issues from the steam off process. The steam isn’t “joint specific” and can negatively effect the structural integrity post neck re-set. The multi piece laminated necks (length-wise laminations) are complete nightmares! Guild and Gibson are the main culprits. I totally agree with your assessment of modern glued wood joints - they’re super strong and will almost NEVER break at the glued location again!
Martins are soooo easy to work on! Collings, too, and most of the boutique builders, as well. All use solid, carved necks.
Peace - please keep creating content! I look forward to new vids from you.
PS - I’m a northern Irish born, Canadian raised musician, who took up guitar at 12 yrs old after playing woodwinds for four years. Cheers!
@@cherrypickerguitars Hi Again, Kerri (?) You raise a good point about the three piece necks with the headstock scarfed (?) into the neck, then the heel block face glued (apparently) to the neck piece.
I guess the latter could be problematic if steaming off the dovetail joint. However, I'm 74 and rising, so doubt it'll be an issue for me! Thanks for you kind words, and I'm always looking for comments and suggestions for other videos so if you have any ideas then please share them with me. Regards, from the south coast of Ol' England, Andy
the fretboard is not lacquerd its polished on a buffing wheel along with the frets
Ah! OK, thanks.
@@SillyMoustache no problem ,,i happen to be a guitar repairman and we feature Eastman guitars happily
I have been thinking about an Eastman 12 fret 00 for my collection. But how to talk the wife into it will be a real test !!!
Take it out of an account that you don't share, or buy her something of similar value!
@@SillyMoustache Oh boy you do not know her !!! I told her I wanted to buy another drilling machine when I retired and it was an emphatic "HELL NO" !!! Ha Ha ha !!
Those guitars from what I have seen are amazing.
I believe one of the music stores in Pittsburgh is now selling them if they can get them. I may have to go and work out a deal?? Loved your video! Thank you !
is the neck of OO wider than the neck of e20p? thanks!
No, both, effectively 1 & 13/16" but the neck profile is shallower on the E40.
thanks alot!!
so you prefer rosewood to mahagony? Why?
Hi Dennis, I have both, plus maple. The "28" trim has always appealed to me, but tonally I can't say that I definitely prefer one over the other. Either is pretty, hog is ... clean tonally. This for watching.
I own an E10-OO and have to say.. the neck on it really doesn't sit well with me. The parlors are supposed to have the same neck and it's just so massive I don't think it's comfortable at all. What's your take on it?
The neck on the E20-P is much deeper than on the E40-00. I find both very comfortable.
Is the fretboard of the E-40 wider than the e20?
i haven't played an E20-00 but it does have a 1 & 13/16" nut width so similar, and probably the same as I E20-P but the one piece neck PROFILE on the E40 is quite a lot more shallow.
I live in the state's. I was wondering if you might have anything for sell. $700.00 to a $1000.00. Double 0, 00, or 000.
It is very rarely economic to send instruments from the UK to the US, and certainly not with that budget. Musical instruments and many other things are far more expensive here than in the USA. Best, A
@@SillyMoustache I understand. Thank you so much. And, I Love your videos. There Great. 👍
The E40 seems brighter. The E30 seems darker. Both are really fingerstyle guitars. The E20 seems bassy as well. The E40 is more well balanced. That's just to my ears. Both are probably excellent value.
Hi Joel, good to hear from you. The e20 seems louder to me, whilst the E40 is more complex, and better, more finely built. The original Martin designs of both are definitely for fingerstyle, although both handle being carefully flatpicked. Hope you are staying safe in Texas, Andy.
@@SillyMoustache I like both. I could probably control the tone with my hands to some degree, but both are very good. Surprisingly good guitars. I'm impressed!
@@SillyMoustache we had an interesting week. Lost power for 30 hrs and it got to 55F in the house. We were lucky and had no damage. It is now in the high 70's. Welcome to Texas...
Hello sir, I too have an Eastman parlor. I do have a question on it and was wondering if I may contact you. Is there a way to email you?
Hi Andrew, you can ask me here, and I'll respond, or write to me using my email address shown on my "about" page (scroll down).
I am not sure if I am looking right, but I don’t see an email on your about page. The question I wanted to ask requires sending a picture. I have an Eastman E10P and I am noticing some belly bulge bigger than I see on my other acoustics and wanted to ask about yours.
@@ady102 Hi, A little, yes. These are Adirondack tops, and will most likely be new growth.. They will also be quite thin (i haven't measured) Young guitars are very subject to humidity, and I strive (!?) to keep my instruments between 40-50% RH. Do you have hygrometers in your house? Do you use standard light gauge strings? (I do).
@@SillyMoustache I found you on AGF so sent my email address there. If you can reply to my email I would very much appreciate that. To answer your questions, yes I have light gauge strings and I do my best to keep all of acoustic humidified in their cases, although I don’t have hygrometers in the cases to know the exact humidity.
Thank you for showing us 2 beautiful guitars. I was considering a smaller bodied guitar but was looking at 000 and OM models, especially the Eastman E20 OM and the Furch Vintage 2 OM. Now I’m thinking I’d like to try the Eastman 00 model too. I’d love to consider a Collins or Martin but beyond my budget. Might give the Maton 808 models a look though. Trouble is I live in rural southern France and there are no dealers near me that carry a good selection. Next time I’m back in Blighty I’ll see what I can get to try out. Failing that I might risk ordering from the fellowship guys. They seem a great bunch and I could return it if it doesn’t suit me. The question would then be ‘which one should I go for?’ Have you ever tried the Furch models? I’m really tempted by the Vintage 2 OM.
Hi John, As you might have seen for my other videos I don't play 14 fret guitars as I prefer the wider fretboards of the original Martin designs. I have Collings 12 fret dreads, and a 0002h (12 fret 000) but like you availability and cost of Collings guitars are now prohibitive, for this old pensioner!
Martin as lost interest in their finest designs but Eastman has picked up the market. I bought both of my Eastman "mail order and the last one - the E40-00 was from TFOA and their service was fine. Neither Eastman needed any work once received. You would be surprised at the "power" of the smaller Eastmans - given the choice I'd suggest the 00. However the 0 (P) and the 00 and also their mis-named OM are all short scale.
I'd love to see them make a 12 fret 000 and dread!
Thanks for watching.
@@SillyMoustache Thanks for the information. Much appreciate you taking the time to reply. I used to own a Fylde Ariel 000 with a 46mm nut and 12 fret neck join. It also adds a zero fret. It was very nice but I could never get the playability quite to my liking. I sold it about 30 years ago to by a Yamaha APX `Compas’ series Grand auditorium with a piezo/body mic system as I was playing live gigs and needed a good workhorse instrument. I still have it and gig with it. The new one will be strictly home use only so I’m prepared to pay around £1500-£2000 but beyond that I just can’t justify the cash. The only Martins in that price range look very basic compared to the Eastmans and Furch. I don’t know if it’s a COVID related issue, but nobody seems to have much in stock. If the Fellowship guys had several brands and models in stock I’d make the trip up there but alas they do not. Hopefully things will improve. I’m 60 in January and would like the guitar for my birthday so still got a few months. I might take the train to Paris and check out a few guitar dealers there if I can. It’s such a big decision I’d really like to hear and feel each guitar before buying, but if it comes to it I’ll risk an order with The fellowship and pay the €75 return cost if it isn’t my cup of tea. Look forward to watching future videos. Thanks again.
Both sound great, but I personally prefer the 00 better
Well its gonna be one or the other, I haven't worked out which one I prefer yet.
weird that the 00 has less depth than the parlor..
Yes, it is bit but only by 1/8" and NOT 3/4" as I foolishly said.
Enjoy your videos! I have the E20P bought used in 2012 and I feel the guitar has opened up. Disliked the frets (Felt like speedbumps and could not crown) so last year I had it re fretted and now it is a gem to play. I was concerned about the frets when looking at the E10P but they were fine so I purchased back in December. Love playing both and my poor Martin dreads are lonely. I saw the Furch Vintage 1 OOM that has some sound recordings to listen to. If I were to upgrade this would be on my list to consider. Cheers!
Hi, I confess that my Collings 000 is being neglected too, not to mention my dreads. Sorry to hear about the fretos on the 2012, I guess they are improving the product all the time. Thanks for watching my vids.
yamaha is really good in that price point, also Furch and Larrive are better choices imho . Nice guitar anyway:)
Fair enough!
How much was each Guitar?
About 4lbs each.
@@SillyMoustache How much were thay. Each Guitar in this video.
Do you think Eastman will make more of these E40-00's? Maybe as part of the bourgeois eastman collaboration? (hence the more refined bracing) What have you heard about this?
Apparently they are, in quite limited numbers, get your order in soon!
American built guitar?
Eastman are made in "downtown" Beijing, China.
I think that 0 sounds bigger than the 00
I "think" it is louder, currently, but the 00 has more tonal depth.
👍🇮🇪💯
???!!!
Very informative. My wife and I are coming up to a 10th wedding anniversary. She is Bluegrass singer, song writer and recording artist, Claire Lynch. I've been looking for a small body that will meet and exceed her needs, and one of these Eastmans might be the fit. We already own a couple of Eastman archtops, as well as a Martin OOO28VS but she is not happy with the soft V neck profile. You have made our exploration of an anniversary gift come into sharper focus. Cheers, mate . Check out Claire singing with Dolly ruclips.net/video/P7NxsYoAVHA/видео.html
Hi, Ian, I am very much aware of Claire in the bluegrass world. I have the "Lovelight" album and the Oh Brother Collective album. The E10 and E20 - P (size 0 ) or 00 are 12 fret original Martin designs with 1 & 13/16" nut width and the shorter scale. I believe that the neck profiles might be seen as quite "chunky." Whilst, theoretically anyone can play any style on any guitar, they are both excellent for fingerstyle but less so for flatpicking. Remember both are smaller than the 000 which I regard as an ideal "crossover, enabling finger and flat picking. My choice for nearly 20 years has been my Collings 0002h. Hope that helps, and regards to Claire.
@@SillyMoustache Thanks, Mate. Claire was gifted a custom 00-18 model by Preston Thompson, having modeled it on Tim O'Brien's signature Martin. Claire had had a spot of financial bother during her first marriage and had to flog her '42 OO-18. Preston's offer of a freebie to suit her dreams was a total surprise and gift. I also have slao long owned a Martin 00028Vs and the two are sweet when we play them together.
@@iangray7410 Glad to hear that she was "gifted" a guitar like that. Tell me, you use British terms like "mate" and "flogged" - that I wouldn't expect from an American. Are you British?
@@SillyMoustache I'm Canadian and was married to a Yorkshire Brit, spent a lot of time there, and our 2 sons speak many languages, including British slang. We all wasted a great deal of time watching "The Beeb" (aka BBC) as well as Australian tv and movies. My eldest is fluent in 4 languages, 5 if your include the Latin and Greek he learned in medical school. And, of course, we are all able to recite Monty Python lines verbatim.
I've always played and recorded with vintage Yamahas. I've thought about getting an expensive acoustic but then find another $150 Yamaha.
Hi Richard, If that what suits you, then that's fine. thanks for watchting
@@SillyMoustache Great videos, I'm sure I'll buy a nice acoustic someday.
Love vintage Yamahas too, but they can't compare to a fine Martin, like a 00015M.
It depends what you use them for.
@@dnauheim Each to his own. We cannot decide, nor judge for others.
Play something besides a G chord!
Which would you prefer?
Fascist
Suggestion: More playing, less talking.
Hi Dennis and thank you for your comment. If you look over my channel, you will see pretty much all of my song repertoire, and I'd welcome your visits to them. As I haven't been gigging for a year since the first lockdown, I have not needed to change or add to my solo repertoire but as I get so many requests to talk about different subjects that the "chatty" videos have tended to take over, plus of course die to these videos I have been quite busy teaching via zoom.
However, its always fun finding a new song, so if you have any ideas, then please let me know, and I'll consider them. Regards, Andy
Actually, I really enjoy hearing your thoughts and review of the guitars. The balance of commentary and demonstration was just right in my opinion.
Appreciate your wisdom, keep doing as the spirit leads you. Thanks
I think the Parlour is a better guitar for what it is. Maybe the 00 is trying too hard to be an OM in sound and balance. But then I'd just buy an OM instead. The parlour on the other hand fits a definite niche in music and does so beautifully. While my nicer guitars are all rosewood, I'm tempted to buy that Eastman Parlour in mahogany just for that robert johnson 1930's blues sound. Hog would sound little more boxy and hollow, but that's exactly the sound I'd be going for.
Well this confused me for some time. You think that because Eastman call it a"P" its a parlour when in fact it is a Concert size. I think you might be thinking of a size 2.
Strange concept to me that you think the 1898 Grand Concert design fingerstyle instrument is "trying to be" a 1929 rhythm guitar. BTW the OM (which was a commercial failure originally), was a conversion of the standard scale 000. Whilst probably very good, the Eastman OM isn't a true OM as it has a short scale. Anyway, thanks for watching.
@@SillyMoustacheWell, Eastman calls it a parlour according to their website but parlour is a loose term anyway. But the point is that both are "smaller" guitars but the e20p fits a style of music (based on tone) while Im not sure what style this 00 would fit that a solid 000/OM couldn't do better. I'm my case, I have a dread, an OM and a Jumbo and I would much rather add a mahogany 0/00/parlour such as the Gibson L1 for a specific 1920s blues sound rather than an 00 built like a miniature om-42.