Yamaha’s nice but the string spacing at the bridge is ridiculously tight @ just under 2”. Too bad. Eastman is nice too with a nitro satin finish, bone nut/bridge & better spacing with 1 3/4 - nut & 2 5/8 - bridge... . Both sounded similar but the Eastman sounds just a tad bigger. The Yamaha TIGHT string spacing is a deal breaker for me.
You can't knock Yamaha's build quality but their narrow nuts and/or tight string spacing is a no-no for me. I have owned three of them but had to sell them.
@StriderCX 2nd The thing is I am not a big guy! 5'8" and getting shorter. My very first acoustic was a Yamaha Red Label FG140 which I found really difficult to play. Then I tried my pal's Harmony Sovereign which had a much roomier neck. I could not believe how much easier it was.
You would love my Martin d15m..I might sell...fresh setup,high saddle..one of the gotoh tuner s should use a upgrade.but other than that it plays killer!
My main beef with the Yamaha guitars, and I have owned this model, is the very narrow width of the string spacing. I like to finger style within chords and mainly the Cowboy chords. The spacing is quite tiny, tight. Otherwise it is a really, really nice guitar.
This is ironic. I just bought a new Yamaha LL-16D. I had my Tech make a new nut for it because it was too wide and I would pull the E strings off the fretboard. The new nut puts the spacing right between 1 3/4" and 1 11/16". It is just right for me.
Both sound good, but think I'd give the nod to the Eastman...a bit more richness to its tone. If I was starting to play guitar I'd get one of these guitars. Great starters!
I have high end Martin's, Taylor's, Collings, and Gibson, and in the last 3 years a collection of Eastman all solid wood guitars and mandolins....they are phenomenal for the price.
I’ve been playing guitar for 28 years and I’ve had many different acoustic guitars. Taylor’s, Martins, etc. out of all those my favorite is the Yamaha FS guitars. They have a beginner price but they are amazing guitars. They are true work horses and will get the job done every time. I’ve never had an issue with my Yamahas.
Both sound really good. But Eastman sounds a little bit "stringy" for my taste (but can be fixed with different sets of strings). I prefer the sound of Yamaha. Yamaha sounds woodier, has good overtones, and smooth low-end response.
To my ears, the Yamaha has a slightly fatter, more rounded sound while the Eastman is a bit more chimey and articulate. Both sound great, and are great values for the money.
Yamaha is the best bang for the buck on the planet up/down the lineup. I've had many over the years incl. the famed FG-300 red label. The 830 has great boom for a low end & looks great. I agree w/ another commentator, the Yamaha LL6 is a better use of your money for a solid spruce top, laminate rosewood guitar. I bought one, liked it so much I sold it & bought its big brother, the LL16 which is my main fingerpicking guitar to go along with my Martins. I love listening to two friends discuss guitars on these videos; Paul should change his name to Allan or Andy so they can be Q&A.
I own both an Eastman PCH-3-D and a Yamaha FG830. I have to give it to Eastman, the quality of workmanship is incredible for the money. I think the top is significantly higher quality on the Eastman. That being said, the Yamaha is still a fantastic guitar and is totally worth the money.
Interesting! What makes the Yamaha not as high quality? Currently looking at the FS830 but it's quite unavailable, and a seller recommended the PCH1 GACE over the FS. The PCH2 looks good too
I bought the Yamaha FS830 sight o seen from Amazon. It was just to small for me. It killed me to return it because it was such a nice guitar for a great price.
Hope you get the E10P and some 00's in soon. Looking for smaller bodies. I already have the E20P and love it so looking to get the little brother with Mahagony. Or a 00 . Cheers!
Very nice. Being a left handed player, nice smaller body, shorter scale affordable guitars are non-existent. I have dreds from both these makers but these old hands could benefit from shorter scale models. Good demo, as always.
I had an AC508 that was very well handcrafted. Had to sell it to pay for some bills, but man, I would have kept otherwise. Wonderful overtones for fingerstyle. I was thinking of picking up the PCH-GACE model for fingerstyle/strumming.
Awesome sounding/looking guitars and great prices. A friend just bought the Yamaha FS 800 for $229. Great set up out of the box. Sounds / looks similar to a Martin 00-18 ! ! 🎸🎸🎸
Laminates don't change much across the wood types. I wouldn't pay extra for a particular back and side wood at this price point. The 800 range are all excellent value.
@@banjo1434 Yeah, definitely wouldn't pay extra for laminate types, but as it wasn't stated if it was laminate I was hoping by some miracle that it was solid ha! Feel there's a huge difference between the sound of laminate and solid wood in my experience when it comes to acoustics. I'm guessing as the price point is so low it's laminate, but would be nice to have it clearly stated. Also, doesn't sit well with a lot of people and comes across as untrustworthy and sly to present laminate as solid wood by just saying it's rosewood and not stating the distinction. There's a good reason most Solid wood back and side guitars cost around a thousand dollars more, if this was one I'd be interested in checking it out.
Eastman has a lower but muddy sound. Yamaha is brighter and more distinctive in the middles. Both are great. I like Eastman more in that video but would buy Yummi instead)
toss up -- I like them both. I have an Eastman 305 mandolin and it's a super instrument. Great sound and playability and the price was right. For a couch or outdoor guitar, or to play in a crowded venue (someday?) where you don't want to risk dinging your "good" guitar, either of these works fine.
I tried the PCH series alongside the all solid E1 series. Frankly, you would have to be crazy not to pay the extra for the latter. The price difference is small, but the tonal difference is massive. If you don't have the extra cash, get an E1 range guitar used.
@@soofitnsexy lmao bet you never picked one up…. I own a Larrivee LV09 and a Martin HD28. I use a Eastman PCH3om-cb at my camp as a backyard / campfire guitar and it’s a great instrument for what it is ….. I’d think I’d know I’ve been playing for 40 years!
The Yamaha has better projection, and it also has a bit more bottom end that appeals to. Both are great guitars and offer exceptional value. To me I fell in love with Yamaha's nut width. I have some nerve damage in my hands, and that narrower width really allows me to fret much cleaner.
I feel the Yamaha has a more even and mellow tone but the Eastman would cut through a mix better. So, the Yamaha may be better suited for the campfire-style playing and the Eastman for larger group jams.
Interesting, I watched this once before after they uploaded it, now coming back for another listen with good headphones, I surprised how much better I lived the Yamaha tone, way deeper and more full.
What an idiotic comment. You do realize probably 70% of the products you use are made in China right? I own 2 Eastman's and they're fantastic guitars. They are every bit as good as the big brands. At least their all solid acoustics. And about 1/3 the price of a Martin or Taylor for same quality tonewoods and build quality.
I am always amazed at how strong Yamaha stands up against its competitors
I have a 1968 Yamaha FG-300 red label that looks like new and sounds amazing. But I love Eastman also.
Yamaha’s nice but the string spacing at the bridge is ridiculously tight @ just under 2”. Too bad. Eastman is nice too with a nitro satin finish, bone nut/bridge & better spacing with 1 3/4 - nut & 2 5/8 - bridge... . Both sounded similar but the Eastman sounds just a tad bigger. The Yamaha TIGHT string spacing is a deal breaker for me.
You can't knock Yamaha's build quality but their narrow nuts and/or tight string spacing is a no-no for me. I have owned three of them but had to sell them.
@StriderCX 2nd The thing is I am not a big guy! 5'8" and getting shorter. My very first acoustic was a Yamaha Red Label FG140 which I found really difficult to play. Then I tried my pal's Harmony Sovereign which had a much roomier neck. I could not believe how much easier it was.
@@kingstumble Same here. I do fingerstyle.
Agree 100%
You would love my Martin d15m..I might sell...fresh setup,high saddle..one of the gotoh tuner s should use a upgrade.but other than that it plays killer!
My main beef with the Yamaha guitars, and I have owned this model, is the very narrow width of the string spacing. I like to finger style within chords and mainly the Cowboy chords. The spacing is quite tiny, tight. Otherwise it is a really, really nice guitar.
This is ironic. I just bought a new Yamaha LL-16D.
I had my Tech make a new nut for it because it was too wide and I would pull the E strings off the fretboard.
The new nut puts the spacing right between 1 3/4" and 1 11/16". It is just right for me.
I'd go with eastman due to the wider nut.
Me too. I just can't get along with Yamaha's tight string spacing.
me too!!!
Both sound good, but think I'd give the nod to the Eastman...a bit more richness to its tone. If I was starting to play guitar I'd get one of these guitars. Great starters!
In the strumming the Yammie us deeper and more resonant. I prefer it.
I think the Yamaha sounds slightly better but agree that the narrow nut width is a let down.
I have high end Martin's, Taylor's, Collings, and Gibson, and in the last 3 years a collection of Eastman all solid wood guitars and mandolins....they are phenomenal for the price.
Both seems awesome guitars! Thanks for the video! Have a nice day! From Chile.
I’ve been playing guitar for 28 years and I’ve had many different acoustic guitars. Taylor’s, Martins, etc. out of all those my favorite is the Yamaha FS guitars. They have a beginner price but they are amazing guitars. They are true work horses and will get the job done every time. I’ve never had an issue with my Yamahas.
What mic is that? BTW, Eastman!
Both sound really good. But Eastman sounds a little bit "stringy" for my taste (but can be fixed with different sets of strings). I prefer the sound of Yamaha. Yamaha sounds woodier, has good overtones, and smooth low-end response.
To my ears, the Yamaha has a slightly fatter, more rounded sound while the Eastman is a bit more chimey and articulate. Both sound great, and are great values for the money.
Cool demo guys! Eastman sounds better to my ears and i also prefer the 1 3/4" nut width.
Yamaha is the best bang for the buck on the planet up/down the lineup. I've had many over the years incl. the famed FG-300 red label. The 830 has great boom for a low end & looks great. I agree w/ another commentator, the Yamaha LL6 is a better use of your money for a solid spruce top, laminate rosewood guitar. I bought one, liked it so much I sold it & bought its big brother, the LL16 which is my main fingerpicking guitar to go along with my Martins. I love listening to two friends discuss guitars on these videos; Paul should change his name to Allan or Andy so they can be Q&A.
😂
Great stuff, Eastman for me, more comparisons needed guys!!!
Where can I buy the eastman at
The Eastman E2OM cedar is a ridiculous bump in value for the extra $100!
I own both an Eastman PCH-3-D and a Yamaha FG830. I have to give it to Eastman, the quality of workmanship is incredible for the money. I think the top is significantly higher quality on the Eastman. That being said, the Yamaha is still a fantastic guitar and is totally worth the money.
Interesting! What makes the Yamaha not as high quality? Currently looking at the FS830 but it's quite unavailable, and a seller recommended the PCH1 GACE over the FS. The PCH2 looks good too
I bought the Yamaha FS830 sight o seen from Amazon. It was just to small for me. It killed me to return it because it was such a nice guitar for a great price.
what do you mean small? did you expect or prefer a dread?
Hope you get the E10P and some 00's in soon. Looking for smaller bodies. I already have the E20P and love it so looking to get the little brother with Mahagony. Or a 00 . Cheers!
Eastman tone is a bit fuller. Wonder how it compares to an E1OM?
Both sound great.
Stores in my area do not have Eastman guitars .
Is one easier to play?
Is there a significant difference in the necks?
Very nice. Being a left handed player, nice smaller body, shorter scale affordable guitars are non-existent. I have dreds from both these makers but these old hands could benefit from shorter scale models. Good demo, as always.
Where can I get the eastman
Love both Eastman handmade
I had an AC508 that was very well handcrafted. Had to sell it to pay for some bills, but man, I would have kept otherwise. Wonderful overtones for fingerstyle. I was thinking of picking up the PCH-GACE model for fingerstyle/strumming.
Awesome sounding/looking guitars and great prices. A friend just bought the Yamaha FS 800 for $229. Great set up out of the box. Sounds / looks similar to a Martin 00-18 ! ! 🎸🎸🎸
When you say with Rosewood, you mean laminate? That's Just a solid top, not solid back and sides?
yep, at that price, laminate...
The top might not be solid on many low end guitars, which really surprised me. I don't know if these are or are not.
@@jimdoner3443 it's a solid spruce top.
Laminates don't change much across the wood types. I wouldn't pay extra for a particular back and side wood at this price point. The 800 range are all excellent value.
@@banjo1434 Yeah, definitely wouldn't pay extra for laminate types, but as it wasn't stated if it was laminate I was hoping by some miracle that it was solid ha! Feel there's a huge difference between the sound of laminate and solid wood in my experience when it comes to acoustics. I'm guessing as the price point is so low it's laminate, but would be nice to have it clearly stated. Also, doesn't sit well with a lot of people and comes across as untrustworthy and sly to present laminate as solid wood by just saying it's rosewood and not stating the distinction. There's a good reason most Solid wood back and side guitars cost around a thousand dollars more, if this was one I'd be interested in checking it out.
I have a Yamaha LS6 and for the money it an absolutely phenomenal guitar
I think FS stands for Folk Symphony - not 100% certain though
FS folk small
FG folk guitar.
Nitro finish on the Eastman isnt it????
relax
@@soofitnsexy relax???? No!!!!!
@@Gunslinger320 chillll
@@soofitnsexy you chill! I will not chill!!!! I caaaaant!!!!!!
@@Gunslinger320 hahaaa u are awesome!!!!
Eastman has slightly more depth to it's sound...to me.
Eastman has a lower but muddy sound. Yamaha is brighter and more distinctive in the middles. Both are great. I like Eastman more in that video but would buy Yummi instead)
toss up -- I like them both. I have an Eastman 305 mandolin and it's a super instrument. Great sound and playability and the price was right. For a couch or outdoor guitar, or to play in a crowded venue (someday?) where you don't want to risk dinging your "good" guitar, either of these works fine.
Eastman !
The Eastman sounds great. Incredible value for under $400.
Yamaha has a sweet clear sound
Play that fancy hummingbird Gibson behind you LOL
I tried the PCH series alongside the all solid E1 series. Frankly, you would have to be crazy not to pay the extra for the latter. The price difference is small, but the tonal difference is massive. If you don't have the extra cash, get an E1 range guitar used.
pch is trash i agree
@@soofitnsexy lmao bet you never picked one up…. I own a Larrivee LV09 and a Martin HD28. I use a Eastman PCH3om-cb at my camp as a backyard / campfire guitar and it’s a great instrument for what it is ….. I’d think I’d know I’ve been playing for 40 years!
@@LA-zc9rg ive been playing longer then u...Eastman is garbage...trash
@@soofitnsexy Lmao sure you have….
The Yamaha has better projection, and it also has a bit more bottom end that appeals to. Both are great guitars and offer exceptional value. To me I fell in love with Yamaha's nut width. I have some nerve damage in my hands, and that narrower width really allows me to fret much cleaner.
Thank!
The Yamaha FG830 is my great campfire guitar
I feel the Yamaha has a more even and mellow tone but the Eastman would cut through a mix better. So, the Yamaha may be better suited for the campfire-style playing and the Eastman for larger group jams.
Interesting, I watched this once before after they uploaded it, now coming back for another listen with good headphones, I surprised how much better I lived the Yamaha tone, way deeper and more full.
All Eastman`s come with a gig bag or case. I prefer the Eastman.
Eastman's are amazing for the $$
Eastman makes some great Asian made mandolins too.
Tops are not same color ? Split in middle
It’s called book matching - part of the beauty of solid wood guitars is how they are all unique
Yamaha.
Eastman ,all day ,but both good
I would give Eastman the winner but just barely
Yamaha has a 10mm string spacing unfortunately
Yamaha all the way, though, for $100 the LS6R is a much, much better choice.
no comparison.....Eastman
Eastman all day! I played couple of Yamaha before and they played weird
Communist made guitars. Hell no.
Save your nickles and dimes and buy an American guitar.
What an idiotic comment. You do realize probably 70% of the products you use are made in China right? I own 2 Eastman's and they're fantastic guitars. They are every bit as good as the big brands. At least their all solid acoustics. And about 1/3 the price of a Martin or Taylor for same quality tonewoods and build quality.
Global economy