This is a great video. Thank you guys! Very good choice for comparison. Yamaha has a shorter scale length and a slightly shallower body. I really liked the comfort of the FG when I tried it. My FS3 sounds great plugged in or unplugged. It suits my need as a singer for finger-picking and light strumming. Even though it has an A.R.E. Sitka top, the sound of my guitar changed a lot after breaking-in. With the bone saddle and phosphor bronze strings, it sounds much better than when I played it in the store. That Eastman sounds great with more power and boom. If I were a bit younger, taller and had longer arms, I might prefer and go for the Eastman. It sounds more like Martin D18. Both are great affordable guitars! Thanks for the great comparison!
Thanks for sharing your experience! We have found much of the same with the FS line of Yamaha's, we should totally get some reviews done on those. Great smaller body guitars for sure!
Yeah, they are comfortable. The LS16 was just right for me...I'm a bigger guy, and at times small bodied guitars feel real small, but the smaller LS's seem a little chunkier for some reason. Nonetheless, they are comfy.
@@stevebernard221 Yeah, I had a LS16 before, it was very good guitar. Top of LS's seems a bit smaller than 000/OM, but they are slightly deeper, which gives nice low end, and still comfortable to hold. I love LS's, too.
During the blind test, Guitar B was my preferred. When John tried to point out how the Eastman jumped out or cut better in the mix, I agree that it was noticeable. However, when John did the tone samples for the blind test the Yamaha sounded different, and seemed louder, clear and full. The player and attack makes a huge difference. We are dealing with the recording and whatever happens when it's uploaded to the TUBE, but I want to point that out. Both guitars are good, different, and depending on how used they can be just what your looking for!
I agree, because of what John had said about the tone of each, in the blind test, I had them reversed. I much preferred the Yamaha's tone. It is time for Eastman to make those tops thinner!
I totally agree with this. I really thought that the guitar that in the blind test that sounded best would be the Eastman. I was surprised to see that it was the Yamaha.
@dalesearcy5734 I actually guessed that the one which I thought sounded better during the tone test was the Yamaha - and I guessed right! Maybe because I have listened to enough Eastman mandolin to know the distinctive sound of Eastman for guitar A, lol.
I had the chance to try out the Yamaha FG5 and FG3 against the Eastman E6D; they are a very different breed. The E6 tries to emulate a D18, the sound is dry and precise, not too much personality in there. In addition the guitar is very heavy, maybe kind of overbuilt, with a thicker neck. The yamahas are a totally different concept, they have a voice of their own that will suit better players who need a richer and more complex tone. They sound both full like a piano and airy, the top vibrates evry efficiently, it literally jumps under your hands (not as much liveliness on the eastman that feels a lot stiffer) with a powerful bass response (it gets muddier depending on the string set... 80/20s are fine, phospor bronze are too dark imho). The FGs are light guitars, with a larger body, a thinner neck and a shorter scale length (25 vs 25.4). I ended up with the FG5, the difference with the FG3 is noticeable in terms of more harmonic complexity and "piano-like" sound. If you're looking for a very standard traditional-style dread guitar go for the E6D. If you want an instrument with its own character and modern playability get the FG5/3. Trussrod is double-action, very precise.
Ok... This is rather long for a youtube comment, but you might find it interesting: I started playing aged 15, in 1970 in the UK, first steel string an Italian Eros (sort of upmarket Eko). In 1972, I bought a new Yamaha Red Label FG-something in London - and that was the ONLY acoustic I owned, and played literally to death until I was about 30, when it became unplayable ! (Still got it stored away...) And I was 90% an acoustic player in those years... Despite playing other guitars, that guitar still remained my favourite overall - and I put that down mainly to its incredible versatility... I learnt and practiced every guitar style I know on that, struming, picking, fingerstyle, folk, even rock chording (sometimes with soundhole pickup), and even the "electric" lead guitar styles I started to practice on it with light strings, that led to a major late switch to electric guitar in my 30s. In the years since then, I have worked as an acoustic luthier, full time guitar tech, and learned a lot about guitars... Been on a big dive back into acoustics last few years, trying all sorts, including lots of Eastmans. Recently, I finally added an FG3 to my already too large pile of instruments Thought it was amazing, and very surreal to be back with that familiar design, this time with quality solid woods etc. Then just recently, I finally decided I had had my fun, and had to sell off all but 1 or 2 guitars. And it came down to a battle between - ironically - an E6D, the FG3, and a nice E8D... I actually decided to keep only the E6D for my current life needs in the end..BUT ! This is my take on the FG design: It was incredibly clever and well thought back then, how to fill the need in the market.... The large lower bout for Dreadnought-like volume, but tighter upper bout for a certain kind of focus...the mid dize scale length, making it easier for beginners, and easier for fingerstyle... It's no wonder they sold in bucketloads in the UK to both pros and amateurs who couldn't afford v pricey US imports, they were a truly amazing option. So what I'm saying: I reckon the FG3 is THE guitar for any learning or developing player...those exploring styles etc... It will do anything, become a friend, and now *amazing* quality for the price....(and my beloved old one was only laminate..!) Maybe not the king of bluegrass.. but the king of a lot, and based on the instrument without which so much of my life might not have involved guitars...👍 Jeremy is spot on...just a fantastic guitar for an anyone to "have around".. Here endeth the lesson... Please feel free to use this story in your sales pitch...😳🤣🤣 John.
just did this comparison myself in store about 3 weeks ago.. the feel of the eastman is, in my opinion, of much higher quality. even doing something simple like tuning, the eastman feels like its a more expensive insturment. the e6d-tc sounds deeper and more full, more bass but also more balanced. It is impossible to hear the differences on youtube, you need to play in person. For me, it came down to how they felt in the hand mixed with sound and the eastman won hands down.
I definitely would have to say the Yamaha. Eastman sounds great, too, but it largely sounds like a Martin. The Yamaha has its own thing, and if anyone has play one in the store, they know how amazing and beautiful they sound.
I've owned a top Eastman and now have a Yamaha I'll take Yamaha all day long over an Eastman. I prefer the depth and clarity let alone the sustain of the Yamaha's.
I like the tone of the Yamaha ll16m way more than the fg3. More articulate and clarity yet maintains depth in the lows. Especially with dr rares they work great on my ll16m but thinking about trying ghs vintage bronze
Great to finally hear a comparison to the two guitars I am considering buying, along with the Eastman E1D which has the Sapele back and sides. Some weeks ago I was sure the Yamaha FG3 was going to be my next guitar. Then slow but sure that Eastman ringing sound has taken over. And right now I actually prefer the cheaper Eastman E1D. Let’s face it, when you go up in price you are primarily paying for more expensive tone woods, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the higher priced tone woods will sound better than the less expensive ones. Higher priced woods are just not as readily available as the lesser priced woods. Much thanks to The Guitar Shoppe for offering up these comparisons.
Thanks so much for watching, there are so many choices out there, the best choice is always going to be the guitar you believe sounds the best and encourages you to play! We hope this video helped you narrow now a decision!
Very interesting comparison. The lead vs harmony demo was excellent. It would be interesting to hear them both in the hands of a finger style picker too. Maybe it's time for another Everyone Plays video...
As a singer that uses the guitar to back up vocals, I was very impressed with the Yamaha. I thought that the Eastman would win out and was surprised that I liked the tone of the Yamaha more. How about a comparison between the Yamaha FX3 and the Yamaha LL-16? These guitars are close to each other in price so what separates them tonally? Yes, Mahogany vs Rosewood.
So I have a ll16d in black and a FG3.. I love the both . I prefer the Mahogany at times and I love the Rosewood at other times. I won't sell either. The problem is that I always want a D18 or other stuff, but I know that what I have at home is just as good. Or at least I think it is just as good. I will say the LL16 has a more gloss finish and is a tad easier to care for I think. I'm always careful how and what i use to clean the satin finish. I might be paranoid ... IDK.
The L series guitars have a longer scale than the F series (actually fractionally longer than Martin !), and fir some reason stuck to a non-scalloped bracing pattern, different voicing. Ironically, the original F series Red Label guitars used flat bracing, but it's now scalloped ! You might like to read the comment I've just added about my history with and outlook on the FG guitars...👍
My dad did not play a Yamaha and my kids know I have neither of these. I would take the Yamaha and gig with it. It would suit my style and needs better.
Great video, I just compared something similar except the Yamaha was the Japanese Red Label. Ended up with an Eastman E10omsb. They both sounded great but the Yamaha was very modern sounding. The Eastman was more traditional and dry sounding :)
It comes down to who makes the best Martin. A few years ago I treated myself to a pricey Martin, it arrived unplayable, so I had to spend another $300 on set up. I play my Epi Masterbilt far more than the Martin, I’m looking at trading for a Yamaha. Thanks I think you’ve helped me decide on a Yamaha.
Great video but no mention of the short scale on the Yamaha. (25”). I suspect the slightly lower string tension might be rationale for slightly less projection?
I don’t know if you pointed this out in the review; the Yamaha has a 25inch scale length while the Eastman has the full 25.4inch scale length, like the Martin D18. The shorter scale length would contribute to that softer less cutting tone of the Yamaha. Same reason you rarely see a short scale Gibson slope shoulder in bluegrass jam, it lacks the power and cut. By the way the L series Yammies have a 25.5 inch scale and big deep jumbo body. That one does better at a loud acoustic jam, though it has a smooth refined tone from the Engelmann top.
Yamaha has 80/20 Elixer strings. Eastman has D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze. I believe this plays a huge part in the tonal differences. Yamaha is crisp and brighter and the Eastman is warmer. I'd love to hear them both with the same strings. I have a FSX5 and the tone defintely became warmer once I put Phosphor Bronze strings on it. Anyway, appreciate the time and effort you guys put into these reviews.
Love all these videos! Have you played the FG3's Japanese brother, the FG5 yet? Was Wondering how you would compare that to the E10-D which you both really like. Maybe too soon but a 3 way comparison with a D-18 standard would be very cool! Keep up the good work thanks!
Totally! We have had a couple FG5's in and so far they have been incredible. A fantastic step up from the FG3 and definitely comparable to Eastmans. We also have some variations of comparisons in the works - stay tuned!
@@AcousticShoppe Thanks for the fast reply and whilst thats amazing to hear, its also making the choice between the 3 all that much harder :D Looking forward to those comparisons! Cheers!
@@arranatkinson8348 Very true, honestly there's not a wrong answer, just go with the one that sounds the best to you! Also if it helps, you can always request tones samples from our sales team of any instruments we have in stock, rather than waiting for a full review!
Not impressed by Eastman from any perspective. Yamaha has clearly a better sound, a pickup impossible to find in aftermarket, and humble but distinctive looks. If you drop your guitar, a thick clear coat will not protect anything, and dings are more apparent on glossy finishes. Sorry to say this, but I can’t see anything on Eastman that would make me pick over Yamaha.
Great comparison. I would only add that you may be misdirected a bit by your background. It seems to me that the biggest market for these instruments are folks that have played for long enough to know that music making is something they really like and are looking to step up to their first really decent guitar. For that person, many of them will find the $200 add on the Yamaha for the built in pickup to be a chunk o’ change. If you did a true apples to apples comparison, the $200 price difference could be a deal breaker for many of those folks & many of them won’t need a pickup. $200 might seem like chump change to folks that have been in the game of acquiring & trading guitars for awhile, but for folks that are just getting going, it’s a lot of $.
They sounded pretty far apart, until the SAME player did the A/B test. Amazing how much more similar they sounded. Both guys are good players, but the tone is in the fingers. I'd take either...there's pretty slight differences. Both had good low end fundamental. Maybe the Eastman, has a hair, and I mean a hair more note definition, and has less overtones hazing it up? Less zing. As the guy on the right mentioned, sometimes that shimmer is good for strumming with a thinner pick for recording. Maybe... Thanks for the video. You could make a record with either with a good player and a good mic and preamp. Just saying. For a grand? Both are a steal.
I’ve owned both an FGX5 and FGX3 and while the quality of the 5 is certainly higher and has upgraded bone nut and saddle, I feel like they still share similar tonal characteristics.
That Eastman is definitely voiced differently. The gloss finish should actually diminish the sound a bit more. The Yamaha is probably better plugged in. More bass bit muddier.
Do the Yamaha FG3 and FS3 have matte pickguards now? They were glossy before but in this video it appears to be matte. Anyone know what's up with that?
I guess this yamaha still has a protective film of clear plastic covering the pickguard. I have 2 FS3s. I almost forgot about the film, but i am pretty sure I did peel them off.
@@shogi6790 yeah I think you're exactly right. The film does make them look matte. I was kind of hoping they changed it to matte though because I find it looks better.
They are Matte on most models. We do also keep on the protective film on all instruments in our store so the buying customer can remove them when they receive them.
@@ClarkeJDuggan Mine has a glossy surface with scratches and fingerprints. Soon after I bought it, I sanded it a bit with 3M 1200 grit sponge, but it was too fine and I didn't even bother after that. Coarser ones might do the job with proper masking. All the best!
The a5r sounds way better. The takamine sounds weird too tight no character or depth really and too bright overall. Kinda sounds like it has laminated back and sides even though it’s all solid I hear a boxy tone in the tone. The lows suck lol hell my Yamaha ll16m for 799 sounds way better for sure
This is a great video. Thank you guys! Very good choice for comparison.
Yamaha has a shorter scale length and a slightly shallower body. I really liked the comfort of the FG when I tried it. My FS3 sounds great plugged in or unplugged. It suits my need as a singer for finger-picking and light strumming. Even though it has an A.R.E. Sitka top, the sound of my guitar changed a lot after breaking-in. With the bone saddle and phosphor bronze strings, it sounds much better than when I played it in the store.
That Eastman sounds great with more power and boom. If I were a bit younger, taller and had longer arms, I might prefer and go for the Eastman. It sounds more like Martin D18. Both are great affordable guitars! Thanks for the great comparison!
Thanks for sharing your experience! We have found much of the same with the FS line of Yamaha's, we should totally get some reviews done on those. Great smaller body guitars for sure!
Yeah, they are comfortable. The LS16 was just right for me...I'm a bigger guy, and at times small bodied guitars feel real small, but the smaller LS's seem a little chunkier for some reason. Nonetheless, they are comfy.
@@stevebernard221 Yeah, I had a LS16 before, it was very good guitar. Top of LS's seems a bit smaller than 000/OM, but they are slightly deeper, which gives nice low end, and still comfortable to hold. I love LS's, too.
During the blind test, Guitar B was my preferred. When John tried to point out how the Eastman jumped out or cut better in the mix, I agree that it was noticeable. However, when John did the tone samples for the blind test the Yamaha sounded different, and seemed louder, clear and full. The player and attack makes a huge difference. We are dealing with the recording and whatever happens when it's uploaded to the TUBE, but I want to point that out. Both guitars are good, different, and depending on how used they can be just what your looking for!
I agree, because of what John had said about the tone of each, in the blind test, I had them reversed. I much preferred the Yamaha's tone. It is time for Eastman to make those tops thinner!
I totally agree with this. I really thought that the guitar that in the blind test that sounded best would be the Eastman. I was surprised to see that it was the Yamaha.
I agree with these two comments and I'm an Eastman guy.
@@dalesearcy5734 same here.
@dalesearcy5734 I actually guessed that the one which I thought sounded better during the tone test was the Yamaha - and I guessed right! Maybe because I have listened to enough Eastman mandolin to know the distinctive sound of Eastman for guitar A, lol.
I purchased an FG3 several months ago for $630. Could not be happier with it. Such underrated guitars
I had the chance to try out the Yamaha FG5 and FG3 against the Eastman E6D; they are a very different breed. The E6 tries to emulate a D18, the sound is dry and precise, not too much personality in there. In addition the guitar is very heavy, maybe kind of overbuilt, with a thicker neck. The yamahas are a totally different concept, they have a voice of their own that will suit better players who need a richer and more complex tone. They sound both full like a piano and airy, the top vibrates evry efficiently, it literally jumps under your hands (not as much liveliness on the eastman that feels a lot stiffer) with a powerful bass response (it gets muddier depending on the string set... 80/20s are fine, phospor bronze are too dark imho). The FGs are light guitars, with a larger body, a thinner neck and a shorter scale length (25 vs 25.4). I ended up with the FG5, the difference with the FG3 is noticeable in terms of more harmonic complexity and "piano-like" sound. If you're looking for a very standard traditional-style dread guitar go for the E6D. If you want an instrument with its own character and modern playability get the FG5/3. Trussrod is double-action, very precise.
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!
Ok...
This is rather long for a youtube comment, but you might find it interesting:
I started playing aged 15, in 1970 in the UK, first steel string an Italian Eros (sort of upmarket Eko).
In 1972, I bought a new Yamaha Red Label FG-something in London - and that was the ONLY acoustic I owned, and played literally to death until I was about 30, when it became unplayable ! (Still got it stored away...)
And I was 90% an acoustic player in those years...
Despite playing other guitars, that guitar still remained my favourite overall - and I put that down mainly to its incredible versatility... I learnt and practiced every guitar style I know on that, struming, picking, fingerstyle, folk, even rock chording (sometimes with soundhole pickup), and even the "electric" lead guitar styles I started to practice on it with light strings, that led to a major late switch to electric guitar in my 30s.
In the years since then, I have worked as an acoustic luthier, full time guitar tech, and learned a lot about guitars...
Been on a big dive back into acoustics last few years, trying all sorts, including lots of Eastmans.
Recently, I finally added an FG3 to my already too large pile of instruments
Thought it was amazing, and very surreal to be back with that familiar design, this time with quality solid woods etc.
Then just recently, I finally decided I had had my fun, and had to sell off all but 1 or 2 guitars.
And it came down to a battle between - ironically - an E6D, the FG3, and a nice E8D...
I actually decided to keep only the E6D for my current life needs in the end..BUT !
This is my take on the FG design:
It was incredibly clever and well thought back then, how to fill the need in the market....
The large lower bout for Dreadnought-like volume, but tighter upper bout for a certain kind of focus...the mid dize scale length, making it easier for beginners, and easier for fingerstyle...
It's no wonder they sold in bucketloads in the UK to both pros and amateurs who couldn't afford v pricey US imports, they were a truly amazing option.
So what I'm saying: I reckon the FG3 is THE guitar for any learning or developing player...those exploring styles etc...
It will do anything, become a friend, and now *amazing* quality for the price....(and my beloved old one was only laminate..!)
Maybe not the king of bluegrass.. but the king of a lot, and based on the instrument without which so much of my life might not have involved guitars...👍
Jeremy is spot on...just a fantastic guitar for an anyone to "have around"..
Here endeth the lesson...
Please feel free to use this story in your sales pitch...😳🤣🤣
John.
Sold my FG5- no balance. kept the D18
Thanks for your comment. My main guitars are Eastman e10d and Yamaha LL16. I have a RUclips channel where I go into my guitar enthusiasms 👋🇦🇺
just did this comparison myself in store about 3 weeks ago.. the feel of the eastman is, in my opinion, of much higher quality. even doing something simple like tuning, the eastman feels like its a more expensive insturment. the e6d-tc sounds deeper and more full, more bass but also more balanced. It is impossible to hear the differences on youtube, you need to play in person. For me, it came down to how they felt in the hand mixed with sound and the eastman won hands down.
I definitely would have to say the Yamaha. Eastman sounds great, too, but it largely sounds like a Martin. The Yamaha has its own thing, and if anyone has play one in the store, they know how amazing and beautiful they sound.
Thanks for sharing!
I've owned a top Eastman and now have a Yamaha I'll take Yamaha all day long over an Eastman. I prefer the depth and clarity let alone the sustain of the Yamaha's.
It's the Eastman for me. I have an Eastman Parlour guitar and mandolin. I'm just a huge fan, and your comparison hasn't dampened my enthusiasm.
I like the tone of the Yamaha ll16m way more than the fg3. More articulate and clarity yet maintains depth in the lows. Especially with dr rares they work great on my ll16m but thinking about trying ghs vintage bronze
Great to finally hear a comparison to the two guitars I am considering buying, along with the Eastman E1D which has the Sapele back and sides.
Some weeks ago I was sure the Yamaha FG3 was going to be my next guitar. Then slow but sure that Eastman ringing sound has taken over. And right now I actually prefer the cheaper Eastman E1D.
Let’s face it, when you go up in price you are primarily paying for more expensive tone woods, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the higher priced tone woods will sound better than the less expensive ones. Higher priced woods are just not as readily available as the lesser priced woods.
Much thanks to The Guitar Shoppe for offering up these comparisons.
Thanks so much for watching, there are so many choices out there, the best choice is always going to be the guitar you believe sounds the best and encourages you to play! We hope this video helped you narrow now a decision!
Very interesting comparison. The lead vs harmony demo was excellent. It would be interesting to hear them both in the hands of a finger style picker too. Maybe it's time for another Everyone Plays video...
As a singer that uses the guitar to back up vocals, I was very impressed with the Yamaha.
I thought that the Eastman would win out and was surprised that I liked the tone of the Yamaha more.
How about a comparison between the Yamaha FX3 and the Yamaha LL-16?
These guitars are close to each other in price so what separates them tonally?
Yes, Mahogany vs Rosewood.
So I have a ll16d in black and a FG3.. I love the both . I prefer the Mahogany at times and I love the Rosewood at other times. I won't sell either. The problem is that I always want a D18 or other stuff, but I know that what I have at home is just as good. Or at least I think it is just as good. I will say the LL16 has a more gloss finish and is a tad easier to care for I think. I'm always careful how and what i use to clean the satin finish. I might be paranoid ... IDK.
The L series guitars have a longer scale than the F series (actually fractionally longer than Martin !), and fir some reason stuck to a non-scalloped bracing pattern, different voicing.
Ironically, the original F series Red Label guitars used flat bracing, but it's now scalloped !
You might like to read the comment I've just added about my history with and outlook on the FG guitars...👍
My dad did not play a Yamaha and my kids know I have neither of these.
I would take the Yamaha and gig with it. It would suit my style and needs better.
The Eastman wins. I have an FG3 and love it. I make music for myself, but I would love to add the Eastman to my collection.
def prefer the tone of the Eastman at the 6:30 mark. 2,849th listen view.
Nice comparison guys. Next Bourgeois Touchstone vs comparable Eastman
We've done that with the Touchstone Vintage! ruclips.net/video/jY7mS5We_bc/видео.html
Great video, I just compared something similar except the Yamaha was the Japanese Red Label. Ended up with an Eastman E10omsb. They both sounded great but the Yamaha was very modern sounding. The Eastman was more traditional and dry sounding :)
It comes down to who makes the best Martin. A few years ago I treated myself to a pricey Martin, it arrived unplayable, so I had to spend another $300 on set up. I play my Epi Masterbilt far more than the Martin, I’m looking at trading for a Yamaha. Thanks I think you’ve helped me decide on a Yamaha.
Great video but no mention of the short scale on the Yamaha. (25”). I suspect the slightly lower string tension might be rationale for slightly less projection?
I don’t know if you pointed this out in the review; the Yamaha has a 25inch scale length while the Eastman has the full 25.4inch scale length, like the Martin D18.
The shorter scale length would contribute to that softer less cutting tone of the Yamaha. Same reason you rarely see a short scale Gibson slope shoulder in bluegrass jam, it lacks the power and cut. By the way the L series Yammies have a 25.5 inch scale and big deep jumbo body. That one does better at a loud acoustic jam, though it has a smooth refined tone from the Engelmann top.
Yamaha has 80/20 Elixer strings. Eastman has D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze. I believe this plays a huge part in the tonal differences. Yamaha is crisp and brighter and the Eastman is warmer. I'd love to hear them both with the same strings. I have a FSX5 and the tone defintely became warmer once I put Phosphor Bronze strings on it.
Anyway, appreciate the time and effort you guys put into these reviews.
Good observation !
And very true !
Without being able to see John playing, I felt the Yamaha showcased his playing abilities more audibly.
Semper Fi
Both great guitars. I am a huge Yamaha fan. There is a certain sound with Yamaha. Eastman is a great brand.
you guys do the best comparisons
how about the E8D rosewood back and side (non-tc) vs the E6D ?
Love all these videos!
Have you played the FG3's Japanese brother, the FG5 yet? Was Wondering how you would compare that to the E10-D which you both really like. Maybe too soon but a 3 way comparison with a D-18 standard would be very cool! Keep up the good work thanks!
Totally! We have had a couple FG5's in and so far they have been incredible. A fantastic step up from the FG3 and definitely comparable to Eastmans. We also have some variations of comparisons in the works - stay tuned!
@@AcousticShoppe Thanks for the fast reply and whilst thats amazing to hear, its also making the choice between the 3 all that much harder :D Looking forward to those comparisons! Cheers!
@@arranatkinson8348 Very true, honestly there's not a wrong answer, just go with the one that sounds the best to you! Also if it helps, you can always request tones samples from our sales team of any instruments we have in stock, rather than waiting for a full review!
Not impressed by Eastman from any perspective. Yamaha has clearly a better sound, a pickup impossible to find in aftermarket, and humble but distinctive looks. If you drop your guitar, a thick clear coat will not protect anything, and dings are more apparent on glossy finishes. Sorry to say this, but I can’t see anything on Eastman that would make me pick over Yamaha.
Great comparison. I would only add that you may be misdirected a bit by your background. It seems to me that the biggest market for these instruments are folks that have played for long enough to know that music making is something they really like and are looking to step up to their first really decent guitar. For that person, many of them will find the $200 add on the Yamaha for the built in pickup to be a chunk o’ change. If you did a true apples to apples comparison, the $200 price difference could be a deal breaker for many of those folks & many of them won’t need a pickup. $200 might seem like chump change to folks that have been in the game of acquiring & trading guitars for awhile, but for folks that are just getting going, it’s a lot of $.
They sounded pretty far apart, until the SAME player did the A/B test. Amazing how much more similar they sounded. Both guys are good players, but the tone is in the fingers. I'd take either...there's pretty slight differences. Both had good low end fundamental. Maybe the Eastman, has a hair, and I mean a hair more note definition, and has less overtones hazing it up? Less zing. As the guy on the right mentioned, sometimes that shimmer is good for strumming with a thinner pick for recording. Maybe... Thanks for the video. You could make a record with either with a good player and a good mic and preamp. Just saying. For a grand? Both are a steal.
Would the Yamaha gain much more clarity and volume if you added a bone nut & saddle & ebony bridge pins ?
I’ve owned both an FGX5 and FGX3 and while the quality of the 5 is certainly higher and has upgraded bone nut and saddle, I feel like they still share similar tonal characteristics.
That Eastman is definitely voiced differently. The gloss finish should actually diminish the sound a bit more. The Yamaha is probably better plugged in. More bass bit muddier.
Do the Yamaha FG3 and FS3 have matte pickguards now? They were glossy before but in this video it appears to be matte. Anyone know what's up with that?
I guess this yamaha still has a protective film of clear plastic covering the pickguard. I have 2 FS3s. I almost forgot about the film, but i am pretty sure I did peel them off.
@@shogi6790 yeah I think you're exactly right. The film does make them look matte. I was kind of hoping they changed it to matte though because I find it looks better.
They are Matte on most models. We do also keep on the protective film on all instruments in our store so the buying customer can remove them when they receive them.
@@ClarkeJDuggan Mine has a glossy surface with scratches and fingerprints. Soon after I bought it, I sanded it a bit with 3M 1200 grit sponge, but it was too fine and I didn't even bother after that. Coarser ones might do the job with proper masking. All the best!
Yamaha all the way!
I agree
I am going to guess that Guitar A is the Eastman and Guitar B is the Yamaha.
I was right!!!! 😉
The a5r sounds way better. The takamine sounds weird too tight no character or depth really and too bright overall. Kinda sounds like it has laminated back and sides even though it’s all solid I hear a boxy tone in the tone. The lows suck lol hell my Yamaha ll16m for 799 sounds way better for sure
Eastman
Never played a eastman that sounds as good as a yamaha
Personally I don't like either one. They both sound chimmy.
B nicer
9:38 thank me later . Lol
Already in the description...
Ouch The Yamaha is a eye sore. I had no problem picking which was which in the A and B test. The Eastman was the clear winner 🏆