Taylor 314CE V Class Vs Eastman Guitars (Eastman AC122-1CE, AC322CE, AC522CE)
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- Опубліковано 15 жов 2024
- Comparing the Taylor 314CE V Class against the Eastman AC122-1CE (£599), Eastman AC322CE (£900) and the Eastman AC522CE (£1400).
I hope you find this video enlightening and to anyone who owns a Taylor guitar - PLEASE don't take it personally - I am just someone who loves to pass on my experiences in the hope that someone will benefit from it. Its not personal!!!
Taylor is always seen as the benchmark - and thats credit to Taylor.
I find something special in the guitars I recommend and therefore use Taylor as the berometor of quality both in build and tone.
For details on Bourgeois guitars now being made by Eastman click here bourgeoisguita...
You can see the guitars I am playing in the video in the links below...
Eastman AC122-1CE rguitars.co.uk...
Eastman AC322CE rguitars.co.uk...
Eastman AC522CE rguitars.co.uk...
Please do like the video if you find it useful. Thank you!
Update for 2024! If you are looking for an electro acoustic guitar in the £1000 mark its important these days to be looking at Dowina, Furch & Auden too. Each one providing an incredible and unique experience that offers so much more than the mainstream mass produced guitars. Check out our website for more details. Models relating to this video and the guitars shown would be the Dowina Mahogany GAC, Auden Chester Neo Cutaway & The Furch Violet series Gc www.rguitars.co.uk
I just rewatched your video. Could not have said it better. With Eastman you really buy quality stuff. I love my E1OM-SP, fantastic guitar for the money! I would have picked up a nice Grand auditorium model my self like the ac322, ac422 or even the 522. But I have one problem with them. The glossy neck! Just cannot stand glossy necks for playing! It's too bad they didn't do a semi-gloss or satin neck like the cheaper models, or even the pricier OM models! I might consider the ac122 or ac222 one day.
I just bought the Eastman ac122-1ce. I was really impressed the first time I played it. amazing sound and playability. love everything about it. the neck and binding on the Eastman is just beautiful. I didn't pick the guitar, the guitar picked me. if you have never tried an Eastman, then please do. you won't regret it.
I picked an Eastman ac122 1ce for 300.00 that I cannot believe I got for that price. I feel like people sleep on anything that's not a big name brand. What a great guitar
I’ve recently purchased an Eastman E10 SS from Richard ( not got it yet) and was delighted to find out on the day of purchase that Dana Bourgeois had signed a strategic partner agreement with Eastman, if someone of his standing in the luthier community thinks it’s OK to go to Eastman, then who am I to disagree, this recognition of Eastmans manufacturing processes and quality will only increase their brand standing,
I bought a Taylor 414 a week or so ago. It sounded pretty good at Guitar Center. When I got it home, I very quickly became unimpressed with it, and took the guitar back the next day. I was not aware of Eastman until I watched a few of Richard's videos. After watching a bunch of videos, including the Eastman factory tour video, I became almost as excited about Eastman guitars as Richard is. I was interested in the AC522CE or the AC722CE, but absolutely did NOT like the sound port feature. It may be nice to hear how the guitar sounds, but it's just too damn weird for me. I live in Fort Worth, TX, and there are not many dealers around here, and the ones that are don't have much stock. I ended up driving 50 miles to a dealer on Friday, and ended up buying the double top auditorium guitar, DT30GACE. It is quite impressive. It has a much better bass response than the Taylor, even though they are both spruce / rosewood models and very clear, sparkly treble tones. The bass response is nowhere near my Guild F50 rosewood, but then it is a rosewood jumbo. The DT, though, has the nomex in the center of the spruce top. The sustain is PHENOMENAL on this guitar.
Anyway, I like your videos Richard. I like seeing somebody get this excited about what they are selling. You sure you're not an American???? ;)
I’ve owned so many Taylor’s, I’ve had a 414ce rosewood, a v class 714ce, and an Ltd 414 with cedar and walnut and the only one I actually liked was the Ltd 414ce. They are overpriced for what you can get with Eastman and other manufacturers. Eastman has completely changed the game for me I have like 3 now and I don’t think I’ll ever buy a Taylor or Martin again unless it is absolute quality and one of a kind.
I love and appreciate your videos as a brand new guitarist! Did my homework and bought an Eastman E6OM. LOVE it!
Too many people judge a guitar based on the name on the headstock. I have a nice Martin, an all Koa Deluxe Taylor, a high end Takamine and a custom made Zager among others. 36 total actually.
My brother picked up an Eastman with the case for $300 that impresses me more than anything I have. The setup was incredible out of the box and it is so easy and comfortable to play. He changed the strings to his preference and it sounds as well as it looks, feels and plays.
A friend of ours says he won't play a guitar unless it is a Gibson. So he doesn't play......
But everybody has a preference, be it sound, feel, or whatever. Play a guitar, judge it based on your opinion of the instrument, not on the label and you will be pleasantly surprised. Then buy whatever decal you want the headstock to say and put it on. Use the rest of your money for other things.
Eastman is very impressive and I am not a fan of the V-class bracing at all. It ruined Taylor guitars for me. Gibson guitars are all over the place and inconsistent. I keep playing them but never found "the one". And at the prices they want, it would have to be amazing for me. I have 2 Epiphones that do impress me and many others.
It's the guitar, not the label on the headstock!!!
Good job on the video sir! Sorry my reply was so long.
As always enthusiasm personified. I'd always put feel, sound and connection over a name. Keep up the good work.
I love my Taylor and it is not a high end Taylor. I played one that was much more expensive than mine and i was like nope almost instantly. Sometimes it isn't in the brand but the guitar itself. I'm sure Eastman is great, but some times a particular guitar just sings to you and that one is a keeper.
I agree, I find the 100 and 200 series sound better than a lot of their higher end stuff which is odd
I'm listening to this with a THR amp and can easily hear that Taylor isn't cutting it. Richard's summary about buying an Eastman acoustic and a Gordon Smith electric is spot on! Cracking video from an honest, enthusiastic point of view. Well done Sir!
Bless you Graeme - very kind words.
Richards video popped up because iv been researching Eastman guitars, I just bought a Taylor, it's only a Big Baby Taylor, €500, it's good for the house, very comfortable and does play well, but the more I research Eastman the more I'm confident where my next €1200 is going... appreciate the review Ricardo
I own an Eastman AC622CE and it's one of the most stunning guitars I've ever seen. Sounds as good as it looks too. Hate to think what the equivalent Taylor would have cost.
I had been in the market for a new acoustic guitar for about 2 months now. Correction - I'm always looking to add another guitar, but got really serious a couple months ago. I had been to numerous guitar shops, including the big box stores and have played nearly a hundred different ones. But none just screamed take me home. A handful were close, but I still searched. Then, just a few days ago, the wife asks if I had seen this guitar shop not too far from the house. Nope. I go online to check them out, and they've got about a dozen Eastmans in stock including the AC122-1CE. I do some research on Eastman since I wasn't too familiar with them and come across this video. Loved the enthusiasm and info. Great comparison to the Taylor which was also on my radar. More research and I decide to check them out. Spent about an hour up there yesterday playing a variety of guitars, including a handful of Eastmans. I really liked the AC122 and ended up buying it. Spent the rest of the evening playing the newest addition to my collection and love it even more now. Can't wait to break it out tomorrow night at our NYE gig. Thanks for the info and the review!
A breath of fresh air Richard!
Great that someone in the business is genuinely looking at the best interest of the buyer.
I have two Gordon Giltrap signature guitars from Vintage. Fantastic instruments at a realistic price. (If they are good enough for Mr. G. who the heck am I to argue?)
I'm now subscribed, and will be looking at Eastman guitars following your review.
Outstanding.
I would like to say that i am new to your channel and eastman guitars. i would like to say that i totally agree with your comments on the comparison of the eastman verses the taylor guitars. I'm looking forward to visiting your shop in the near future.
I bought a used Taylor 514-CE some years ago and was happy with for some time. It was the most expensive acoustic guitar I ever owned. Then I got a Breedlove Revival Deluxe OM, and now I also own two Lakewood guitars (German brand) and I realize that the Taylor hasn’t come off the wall for 2-3 years. It sounds tiny compared to the other brands. So I decided I might as well sell it.
Thank you! I've got an Eastman PCH1-OM right now (which I love) but was looking to upgrade and considering a Taylor AD17, but your video helped me to see the value in sticking with Eastman!
I own a Taylor, and I really like your video.
Sure you will get criticism from fanboys, but I really appreciate content like this, that is not bias brands, but value for money.
I'll buy an Eastman for sure, but I won't sell my Taylor. After all, I bought it because I always wanted one for years and when I finally got the money to buy one, I didn't look back.
Thanks for the video
Hi. Thank you for considering my view and seeing the integrity in what I do. I have no bias other than having a massive interest in finding great guitars. I have studied them over 25 years in business. I can honestly say there must be very few in the industry that have examined more guitars who are currently in the business selling them! Seeing the cynical angle is very easy to do so I appreciate you see the content for what it is. Just honest information for people to use / ignore / do what they wish! One thing it is though is accurate to my own personal research and opinion.
@@RichardsGuitarshop absolutely.
For me, is more than clear that the Eastmans sound way superior than the 314ce V-class, including the 600 pound one.
I own a 214ce, it has "layered" (laminate) Koa back and sides and it costs 999 USD. I live in Brazil and musical instruments are stupid expensive in here due to abusive taxes. So I rely on traveling to US to buy or asking for friends to pick it up for me.
Im frustrated because this is not a brand that is available in guitar center so I didn't had the choice to buy one when I was in US and bought the Taylor. That would really change my decision. I'll look for them in my next trip to US next month. I was planning to buy an entry level Martin and now I'll search for a ac322.
Thanks
Leonardo Perez Why? I have a 110ce after discount got it for 700 and even though laminate, the layered (layered is way better than most laminates and ached on the bottom for lifetime durability, and that walnut tone wood sounds dream-like. Plus great bass response, i don't care for the overly bright sound of that eastman....not sure how warranty is honored...read stories online where they could not get the company to honor the warranty. This guy lived and breathed on Taylors, sold hundreds and now they are crap? Some other commenter said he lost his Taylor Authorization. Don't go by this crappy audio, the 314ce fir sapelle sounds great in person and intonation is amazing. Listen to the Andy Powers video, and hear a well produced video with decent audio. If Eastman was so great he would only need sell it not continue video after video trying to put down Taylor. The 314 is not tor heavy strumming btw. I feel bad fir Richard but if he could still sell Taylor I bet he would in a heartbeat.
They should sound different, the Taylor is not mahogany as he said. And finally automation gets a precision build every time for a lifetime guitar.
Never heard of bourgeois, never seen one. And why would a small company have the best mahogany in the world.
Dude this is the most biased anti Taylor channel on UA-cam lol, this guy hates Taylor with a passion because they yanked their guitars from his shop, most shops around here go under when Gibson Taylor and Martin won’t deal with them, which is a whole other story, but if you think this is unbiased then look again...
@@robertw1871 if you think taylors are the best guitar of the world, just keep buying them and be happy, I have one and love mine. I just appreciate the Eastman for being gorgeous, sounds great and it's affordable.
In the past I've owned guitars by Martin, Taylor, Maton, Santa Cruz, Larrivée (several) and other highly reputed brands. I'm now down to two guitars only - an 8-year-old Eastman E10 OM-SB (for which I paid just over £1000), and a brand new Eastman E20 OM-TC (Nearly £1500). They are far and away the best guitars I've ever owned/played in terms of tone and playability. The only guitar I've played recently that is comparable is a Collings OM-2H, which retails at nearly £6000, which is well out of my price range. My new secret vice is going around guitar shops and trying the most expensive guitars they stock to see if any of them match up to my two. I haven't had any luck so far...
I've been following your very informative show and i appreciate your honest takes on guitars regardless of their pedigrees. Eastman guitars are hard to come by here Down Under. We are still stuck in unison with the Matons and Cole Clarks. I was on the Gold Coast the other week and there was a Busker playing Eastman AC312 and it sounds heavenly. I have a Guild F47 which i bought for $3700 and it doesnt come close to what the Eastman. Any demo on Eastman AC312 would be greatly appreciated. Keep up your good work Mate.
Hi Richard.... I own an older Taylor 214e amongst others and totally but totally agree with everything you’ve said in your video. I have only just become to realise the quality available from much smaller manufacturers such as Gordon Smith and the many other great brands you sell.... along with the fantastic service you offer. I for one appreciate your candid opinion. Thank you for your honesty and your obvious passion for quality hand built instruments.
I’ve had many guitars and sold off my newer Martins, Taylors, and Gibsons after trying Eastman. I bought 3 Eastmans for one Taylor. I’m from the US and value quality and price over location.
To my ear they both sound good. However, the Eastman does seem to project itself more.
Fabulous video and insight to what's actually out there, unfortunately I have just 2 days ago bought a Taylor 714ce my solace will be found in that it is 5yrs old and in totally as new mint condition and I paid £1700, if it has been played before the owner wore gloves. So Thank you Richard I might just come and have a look at that Eastman AC522ce.
I have a Taylor 314, bought new about 15 yrs ago .. and it's a fabulous playing and sounding guitar. I visited your shop in 2019 (I bought a Gordon Smith) and tried many acoustics and didn't find one I liked better than mine .. personal preference.
Please remember that Taylors made back then had a lot more people involved compared to the automation of today. Taylor guitars built previous to 1996 (not exactly sure of the date) are now prized as the best built Taylors and are considered collectible. The fact remains that as individuals we are subject to the emotional connection to our musical instrument. If a specific guitar regardless of make or price gives us that emotional connection, then you have a prize that goes beyond reason for discussion. Play it, enjoy it, and don't look back.
Well I’m pretty sure if I had anything 15 yrs it would feel more comfortable than anything I’m new too... That said Taylor’s are fantastic!! I own 2 and love them both...
I own a Taylor GA3 that I will never sell. I also just got a Eastman ac122 1ce and i only paid 300.00 for and for the money it cannot be beat. My Taylor was 1200-1500 new my Eastman was 700.00 new for the price difference you're paying for the name and nothing else.
Ive been playing guitar since 1970's and of all the guitars I've played so far Taylor are my favorite. I also lived less than 10 miles from Taylor. La Mesa, CA next door to El Cajon. That being said, I'm now going to try an Eastman AC622CE before I buy a Taylor. I think these two videos I've seen come across as authentic, honest, informative (and passionate lol). I truly appreciate the fact that they are out there.
The one thing I still see as a plus for Taylor is the ability to reset the neck very easily (years down the line, if needed) But Ive only had one guitar need that done in more decades behind me than I have in front of me... so it's not going to be a deal breaker for me if the Eastman I could get 2nd hand is more alive sounding than the Taylors I have to choose from.
Thanks again
It’s great to see someone talking plain common sense
I’ve said the same for years there is a lot of guitar name
Snobbery .well said .
When you made this video, 4 years ago, the 314ce was probably under 2k. But Taylor guitars have skyrocketed. The 314ce is now $2500. With Sapele back and sides, Not Mahogany.
I recently purchased an Eastman AC322CE for $1100 (Solid Spruce / Mahogany). My roommate, the proud owner of a 314ce, just put it up for sale and is looking for a AC322CE, new and pre-owned (Reverb, Facebook Marketplace).
I find your videos very interesting. The market has changed in a good way. This video backs that up. I'm looking for a Grand Auditorium style acoustic and I'll be trying the Eastman brand first.
Hey Richard, thanks for another interesting comparison video. A question for you, how would you compare Eastmans to similar spec Furchs?
That would be a great comparison! I own two Furchs (love them both) and am considering a third but find Eastman intriguing...
MAN if I lived in the UK I would get an Eastman 100%. Their guitars are AMAAAAAAAAZING! I didn't know that they were handmade. I can't believe they're not available in India. :(
New to the channel! I live in the US and I own 2 Taylor’s.. I love them they both play very easy and sound great!! That said you have absolutely got me interested in Eastman.. Thanks for the information I’m going to try a 122 or 222 they look beautiful can’t wait to play one!!
I own a Taylor 310ce that I bought in 2003. I’ve played over 2,000 gigs with that guitar and love it. It is now having some structural issues. I bought an Eastman 10SS last year for recording and it is one of the best acoustics I’ve ever owned. That being said with my 2003 Taylor needing major work I went out and bought an Eastman AC322ce without hesitation. I’m getting my Taylor repaired, but the AC322ce is my new acoustic for work. Martin Music in Memphis TN has Eastman guitars. Great video!
I lived in Memphis for three years (2013-2016). Martin Music is one of my all time favorite music stores and I’ve been to many since I started playing in the 80s. The only stores I would rate slightly higher are my absolute favorite Carter Vintage in Nashville and maybe Chicago Music Exchange. Martin Music is by far the best in Memphis. If Eric Martin sells Eastman then I believe they have quality product and I’ve never even seen one in person. Looks like it’s time to take a trip back to Memphis once this pandemic is over.
I have to agree with you. Plain and simple, then when you add the price point...its a no brainer.
i am looking at buying a Taylor because i like the short scale and ease of use on fingers. Eastmans maybe an option, but what scale lenth is them
I am completely convinced by the quality of Eastman guitars - I now have four acoustics and have my eyes on a Romeo SC (if I can find one!!). I didn't buy from you Richard as I'm not local and have purchased from my local dealer who is also a great Eastman champion. I auditioned my E20SS against a well-known (!) similar slope shoulder model and there is no comparison (admittedly, I bought the Rosewood body, rather than mahogany - but still!) - it's got to the stage where if I'm thinking about a particular type of guitar, I'm thinking 'what do Eastman do in that type?" - maybe I shouldn't but I am now such a fan of these guitars.
The 314 is not Mahogany, it’s Sapele back and sides. The AC122 is Sapele, AC322 / AC522 is Mahogany. All with Spruce tops.
Eastman is a great brand and I'm very interested in their guitars. But, I do not like that there is no explanation about the source of their woods; that's a main drawback for me and I ended up buying a Godin last year (an hollow body). Does Eastman use programs connected to the sustainable uses of forests? I often assume that as musicians we should also be aware of what we buy. But, too often, that's no more the case. Thank you for the great comparison.
Love your passion for Eastman, what is the situation now (2 years since you made this video), is Eastman still producing great guitars? I am looking for a replacement for a Takamine G series dreadnaught, something about OOO size I think, any recommendation ? trying to find a retailer in Australia close to my address in country NSW
Don’t look at the brand, just play it and you find out that Eastmans sound great! That’s how i ended up buying the Eastman e10 00, fantastic sounding 900 euro, the same model from Martin is around 3000! Its good but not three times as good, so the choice was easy and i love it!
Richard, the 314ce is Sapellle. If you want to do a fair comparison, get a 500 series Taylor. The Eastman sounds like my old Alvarez and has those overtones and chaos when the notes in a chord are not all ringing on the money. It is fine, I like my X braced Taylor and many X braced guitars of the years. But I am excited about the possibilities down the road with tweaks to V bracing as has been the case with X bracing over hundreds of years..forward, scalloped etc etc. And I guarantee my 314ce sounds nothing like that in person, it sounds beautiful. I so want the all hog 500 and the cedar topped, hog back and sides 500 series. You should try those.
Nothing against Taylor? It seemed like just a lil bit.
As I said I hope the best for you, you own a guitar shop so you are already a winner to me...that would be pure bliss in my mind...but sometimes life can hold us back in many ways from getting to that place.
I find Taylor guitars to be generally very well made, but in their efforts to get every component accurate to the last micron, Taylor have lost sight of how a guitar should respond and sound. I've played several, and apart from the most costly ones, always found them lacking something that cheaper guitars have.
I was also able to visit Richard's shop during a day out to Stratford (great idea: take the wife to Stratford, walk around a bit, go on the river, go to Richard's, walk around a bit more) and played Eastman, Auden and Furch guitars, all of which were really responsive. The Furch in particular that day was in a different league, and I think, less than £2k. I recommend trying as many guitars as possible before deciding which to buy.
So , I'm in the US and I've never been a a Taylor fan . I've played most from the 1,500 and to 6,000 models .
They just didn't hit the mark , none have until recently . I played a 12 fret Sitka rosewood that was breath taking andvifvI had 4 grand I would bought it no questions asked .
This is the first Taylor ever to do this .
Anyway I've seen a good number of Taylor's in the 3-4 grand mark that had issues mostly neck and finger board .
Now don't take this to any level other then what I am saying .
Shit happens just look at Gibson .
I never bonded with Taylor's tone to mostly to bright to ears but I have also heard many recorded Taylor's that sound great ..
On so to this comparison . First off I think a better recording is needed not a one mic or whatever recording device in a what sounds like a in treated room so echoes and reflections run ramped taking that into consideration recorded as is it's a tough call .
I think the Eastman had a bit Fuller sound ,it was mentioned that Eastman was brighter but that's my beef with Taylor . I'd go as far to say the Eastman was louder not brighter .
Again we need a higher quality recorded comparison as this one was just not defined enough.
I went to store recently and checked out some Eastman acoustics that failed to impress, but maybe it was just a bad day. However I have played some Eastman's before that have mightily impressed, realising the serious completion they offer to more established American makers.
In this argument everyone introduces the theme of price to either justify their purchase, keep within their budget, or simply feel good by putting the big manufacturers down. But like Richard says (and to use a quote from Martin) the quality of a guitar ultimately it comes down to tone, so you've gotta get out an' try em for yourself, let your ears be the judge. And in this comparison, that last figured mahogany Eastman was the winner for tone and build, hands down.
The Martins, Gibsons, Taylors of the world are already taking stock, no longer resting on their laurels. Discerning, experienced musicians are buying Eastman, Faith guitars, not just for the attractive price anymore, they're buying them because of the high build quality and superior tone.
Really, it's never been a more exciting time to get into guitars, for players, retailers and manufacturers alike.
Ac522 is very nice. I was thinking of getting a taylor for playing live. But I think I need to look at some higher end eastman.
Just got the Eastman. Absolutely pleased. The Taylor is just different. Was really what I was after to begin with. But, this was the sound more pleasing to me. Solid wood was key to this. Eastman is somewhere between the 414 and the D18. More toward the Martin in neck feel. Set up impeccable! Friend said it sounded more toward a Gibson. IDK. Have no fear$. Worth it.
Thank you, Richard, for helping me save money. Your videos were very helpful. I hope to visit your store soon to check out some guitars and possibly make a purchase.
A lot of the "BRANDS" built there reputation when there were a lot of bad guitars about, the industry has changed and affordable is the new thing
I've been watching 3 minutes of the video, and sorry, I really like my Taylor guitar...Maybe I wouldn't say love, but maybe I would : and I am French, not American...To those that say that cheap is the word today, and that many guitars nowerday equal the big names for far less money, I'd say that 1) it is rarely true - though the difference may look small -; 2) that I wish them to have to work in the same conditions I suspect those that build these guitars have to do, 3) that every good make has its own style, and then you can't really compare say a Taylor with say a Martin, or say any other valuable make...You may like one better, it may fit your needs or budget better, but not much more, in my experience so far...
The Eastman sounded fuller, maybe due to less jabbing at the strings?
Sounds to me like you are hearing more of the body with the Eastman, the Taylor almost sound like the sound is from the strings without anything being amplified or enhanced by the body. I think Eastman are getting more recognition recently and based on the video, you can see (hear) why. Oddly enough I thought the Taylor would be where I spend my money when my playing improves, I would definitely look at the Eastman guitars before I spend the money.
Goodness me. That Eastman guitar is beautiful. I love the sound as well as the colour. Is it possible to get one in Norway?
Why not a complete review including the pickup system ? Just as important if you want to play your guitar live . Maybe because sonitone really sounds bad ?
Great video. Soundwise, pricewise, the Eastmans come out on top, but I'm not sure it's a fair comparison. If the Taylor's saddle is low, I bet this is not the standard factory set-up, and a low action usually involves some loss of tone. I think this is why the Taylor sounds thin. Go back to the factory settings, with a 10-minute neck reset if necessary, and you'll hear a big improvement. But even then, I'd be surprised if it sounded better than the Eastmans. So the price difference makes all the difference. Mind you, I have nothing against using machines: you don't lose any tone by cutting the top or the soundhole with a computer-guided laser rather than a saw. You don't lose any playability by scanning the most comfortable neck your human hand has ever made and reproducing it perfectly by machine. Guitar-makers now have various ways of customizing individual tops - by hand if you're a small boutique builder, by the latest in information technology if you're, say, Breedlove. But lots of guitarists couldn't, by ear, tell the difference between a tuned top and a top of standard-thickness. I reckon a lot of recent "improvements" made to acoustic guitars are inaudible to the average player. I can't hear the difference between V-class and X-class bracing; I can't hear what's lost by having a cutaway (something must be lost). I think guitarists are simple folk at heart; we just want a guitar that's comfortable to play, holds its tuning, has an appealing sound and suits our style of playing. Taylor are really good at offering this. So are Eastman and lots of others (we're definitely spoilt for choice these days, unless we're fixated on the brand name on the headstock). But it's not just the price that makes the Taylor less desirable. Its ES2 pickup is not a patch on the best pickups (my own favourite is the Baggs Anthem): I don't understand how they can put it on their most expensive guitars. A Taylor is easy to play and easy to record (having little "personality"); but not easy to amplify using their pickup. So, for the price and the pickup, and given the alternatives, it's a thumbs-down for the Taylor from me. BUT, I wish Eastman and the rest would use Taylor's neck joint, shims and all. It really does make the guitar last a lifetime.
Hi Richard, and greetings to you from Ireland. As a customer of yours - and someone who has owned 4 Taylor guitars, including a Florentine cutaway 815 CE - I have to say that I think ALL the Eastman's in this video sound better! When I bought the 815 CE it only came with an under-bridge piezo, as at the time - (very early 90's) - Bob Taylor said he would never "cut into" an acoustic guitar, as it would "spoil" the sound! Keep the video's coming - I enjoy them and your insights very much, but I missed this one 1st time around. Also, it would be very helpful to know what strings are on the instruments.
That was an excellent comparison video Richard 10/10 can`t get better than that.
Thank you!
Is it me it does the inexpensive 122 sound as good or better than the Taylor
I am an old man, but still a beginner. I hear only half of the higher frequencies in my right ear, and none of them in my left, probably the result of a mis-spent youth in rock and roll. Yet, I can hear each string of the AC322CE. There is clean separation. A used model in very good condition is for sale for $879. I'm going to buy it tomorrow, not the Taylor 214 e SB deluxe/. Thank you, sir.
Hi, how do you like it? Welcome to the Eastman family.
Great video. Could hear everything you pointed to. Hadn’t been aware of Eastman, I am now! 😀
What a nice analysis. It is very helpful for me because I am in the process to buy a new guitar and my candidates are Eastman AC122-1CE, Taylor - 112ce-S and Taylor - 114ce-S. Thank you very much!!!!
I’ve spent the past 6 months making a similar decision. Including much higher priced Taylors and Martins. If you like the Taylor 112, Grand Concert body, get the Eastman E10MCE for $879. No comparison. If you prefer the Taylor 114, Grand Auditorium body, get the Eastman AC222CE for $789 or the AC322CE for $1099. No comparison. Also remember any new guitar you should be able to get a 10 - 15% discount.
Great video Richard, Eastman will blow Taylor away and may i say a lot of the Martins as well.
I'd love to see a comparison between the Martin inspired models, the E6D and E8D, maybe even compare them with a D18 & D28 if you can get your hands on one 👍
I bought a Eastman E10P-SB. I have always wanted a 12 fret, slot headstock Martin, but a comparable Martin cost about $4000. The E10P-SB has Adirondack spruce top and mahogany back and sides. Ebony finger board and a nitrocellulose finish (which if my memory serves me correctly isn't a finish you see on a lot onAmerican guitar because of how toxic the process is. Retail the Eastman is about $1200 and I bought mine used for $500. Because it traveled across the USA during January, the finish was very crazed and cracked all over. Much more that the photos showed. But I like it even more and I think it makes the top more responsive. It is the most resonant guitar I have ever played that cost less than $8000. My only complaint is the profile of the neck. I think Eastman guitars are the best value around for quality guitars. Their resale value doesn't hold up next to Martin but that's just because people do not know how great these guitars are.
Eastman sounds twice as expensive for half the price. Richard which 122 do you like more the spruce or cedar
I have the cedar model, it's a bit darker sounding. I would go spruce it's a bit more complimentary
You don't seem to make these kind of videos anymore, I wouldn't mind seeing some more
Eastman guitars are the best deal and sound amazing. For the price, nothing else touches their acoustics OR electrics. Great demo! New to your channel and don't know if you've done it, but a comparison between Martin and Eastman or Eastman and Blueridge acoustics would be awesome!
Hi there! Welcome to the channel. On the Martin front I really want to find an X series Martin so we can strip the veneer off the neck. I have a theory I want to demonstrate!!!!
these days, much of the import stuff is so good and some of the US stuff so ordinary, that I wonder how Taylor, martin gibson keep going - yeah the mind blowingly expensive top of the range models are great but value? nah - just bought a sigma j-100 copy 2nd hand for £200, not a great guitar, but a perfectly playable , nice sounding electro for next to nowt - great vid as ever mate
Played an eastman today and it blew my mindhow beautiful it was
Hey Rich, love the passion you show. Kiddy in a sweet shop springs to mind! Lol! I have an old Taylor and it plays great and sounds great plugged in, but acoustically lacks a bit of soul. I think that’s what your video kind of shows. At the end of the day It’s all subjective and not the perfect test environment, but the Eastman’s seemed to have more balance, warmth and character. I think Taylor introduced the “V” bracing to try and get more soul and character out of their guitars. They wanted to try and compete more with Martin Guitar, which Eastman’s emulate.
Cheers.
Hia! Thanks so much for the kind words and appreciation of the video. It was interested to do and was desperate to get my hands on a V brace guitar after the kicking I got for my Taylor V brace video!!!
Excellent video and my ear agrees with yours. I have a Taylor 224ce-k and love it! That being said I bought the gloss finish and am wishing I would have gone with the satin. I was looking at the Alverez all wood cutaway grand auditoriums because they have nice electronics but although the finish is thin it's still gloss. Now I'm looking at the Eastman AC122-1CE. For the looks and price it seems like a good deal. After watching the video I think the sound is as good as if not better than the Taylor and has a nice satin finish.
Another thing I'd like to say is the other day I walked into a shop looking at a Taylor and fell in love with a Chinese Takamine so you never know lol
tried an Eastman recently, to be fair it played and sounded pretty good but on close inspection the fit and finish wasnt even close to the Martin i actually bought for the same money or the equivalent Taylor. furthermore the Eastman is made in China which to my mind introduces an ethics problem. not sure if Eastman ever did build any budget 'Bourgeois' guitars?
I almost bought a taylor as my first guitar. I went into a little shop and started looking around. The salesman asked me what I knew and I didn't know much, but had heard about taylors. They had some Martins but the salesman was really cool and hit me up to a Yamaha fg830. not pricey at all but man did it ring. I bought it for 250 usd and have loved every time I play it. Now I am looking at an eastman. cool thanks for the heads up.
I am a poor guitar player. I was in the fortunate position of my wife buying a Gibson Hummingbird (£3000 pound guitar) as a wedding present. For me starting out as a guitarist this was the ultimate and I love the sound and tone. Recently I read and watched videos on the Emily Rose Auden. I decided to try it in a great Guitar shop in Southampton. First strum of the Auden was amazing. The feel, the tone, the sustain. I haven't actually compared my Gibson with the Auden (I will soon I'm currently away from home) but my feeling is that the Auden £1300) will at least match the Gibson if not better it. Richard I applaud you for your videos and you are one of the reasons I found Auden. As an additional message the shop owner from above told me that a customer came in to by a Martin D28, an iconic guitar, but before he did he asked him to try similar style Auden. He left with the Auden and came back the next day with his wife's permission to spend the rest of his money (approx £1500), he left with another Auden!
I can understand why people desire a make of something even though an alternative out there may technically be better but doesn’t call them. I always wanted a fender strat. I wouldn’t sell mine even though my ibanez plays so much better and was a third of the price. I always wanted a Gibson Les Paul . Even though when I got it I had to replace the nut and pick ups as they were so bad. Does my PRS play better? Yes it does and was cheaper if you consider how much I had to put into my Gibson to get it to play half decent. And yes I wanted a Martin acoustic...but when I came into your shop and fell in love with my faith scoop then I realised I didn’t want a Martin any more. It’s shops like Richards guitars that show how good the alternatives are. But as I have got older I am realising that there is more to a product than a name. I’ve even sold my jag and drive a Skoda! But that’s a different story!
It was obvious the Eastmans all sounded better than the Taylor by far..Thank you Richard for setting a higher standard and not running with the Herd,,Appreciate you....
I spend money on my Taylor 914ce, because that is the guitar suits me, when it comes to playability and sound. At work, I play a lot of handmade guitars, but none made me want to purchase it. Btw, we have Eastmann, too. You get a lot of guitar for the money you pay for an Eastman. Greetings from Just Music in Berlin, Germany.
Joe Voss Love my Taylor and if you want to hear a really great mahogany with a spruce top try one of the new red label Yamahas they are absolutely awesome
Richard makes a valid point, Taylor have built a brand based upon making well made, attractive, made in America guitars. People assume the that means they are buying the best quality and also that they will be a guitar that will last and maintain its value.
However times have changed and so has guitar making. The instruments that are now coming out of countries like China and Indonesia have a completely different level of performance/price compared to the American made instruments and as Richard pointed out they are often handmade by very skilled craftsmen.
I traded a Taylor 812ce in towards a guitar made by hand in Vietnam about five years ago and haven't looked back.
I had a sound in my head and found it in a Taylor 310ce and I am very happy with it. I paid £1375 for it about four years ago.
It would be really interesting to try some of the males you have in stores though. 👍
Males? LOL Is that predictive text?
Richards Guitars 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🤪🤪🤪😂. Makes!!!
@@tonybrooks476 Thank heavens for that or Richard would have had the men in blue peering through his letterbox!
thank you for your very convincing explanation. I am looking for an affordable guitar under 1000 euros and Eastman will definitely be a candidate. I would love to come and listen and buy it in your shop but I live in Holland and I assume you reside in Great Britain. regards Reinier
I was so obsessed with the Taylor GS Mini that I bought two of those. First the rosewood back and sides which was awful and then the new walnut one which was so so. Got rid of both. Then did a bit of research and picked up the Martin dreadnought junior. It's so much better than the overhyped GS Mini.
You should try the mahogany GS mini, it’s absolutely amazing, everyone that plays mine can’t put it down... by far the most incredible small scale guitar ever made... adjusted the saddle and put some ebony pins in it, made a huge difference to an already great guitar...
robert w
I love my GS Mini. I’ve got the Koa model which is just amazing. I will say though that they are definitely not for everyone. That’s why there are so many different brands and different body styles of guitar so that everyone can have the one(s) that suit them best.
Absolutely spot on, the Taylor definitely sounds flat compared to the Eastman ,, your D28 v equivalent Eastman guitar really surprised me as well , astonishing beautiful voiceings from all Eastman guitars, the £1500 model is next on the agenda for me after your video so many thanks
This guy needs more likes. He deserved it.
Its totally not bias but as per the real comparison.
Thumbs up.
I would love to see an Eastman T58V close up , Richard. If you have already featured it in a previous video , please let me know.
Hi Richard. First of all I love you looking at alternatives but I have a question. For example I have a Gibson LP faded and an Epiphone LP Standard pro, also had 2 Epi SG's. I have to say nothing wrong with the Epi's and extremely great value but without knowing exactly what it is, I find the Gibsons a different level and love them. What is my question for which for me I already have(IMO) is it is worth the difference, I think yes. Epi's are fantastic value without doubt. I also used to own a Gordon Smith which I loved but being down under now no longer available
Controlling marketing is the way of the (USA) world. Money spent telling the world you are the best is worth spending when your competitors spend less and don't get heard as much; the buying public buy it! Not just guitars, many industries have seen good products collapse under the pressure from top-end marketing from the manufacturers of competing but inferior products - the Rolex analogy is spot on (many folks want one, but I suspect they don't know why, other than the fact they saw someone else with one).
Impressed by your belief in the 'smaller guy' - it absolutely shone through in your video and I for one was convinced. Only issue I have with you is that you have too many aces up your sleeve and I could probably spend weeks trying to decide which I wanted most.
Those Eastman's are compelling.
All those big companies were little companies at one time... marketing is one thing, but will all those little companies be around to support their products? Are they masters of quality control, is one guitar they make awesome and the next not so good? Maybe maybe not, but people buy names because they know what they are getting, know that the warranty is good and parts will be available for years to come and the resale value will hold up... those are not important things to everyone, but they matter... if Eastman is really good and they can control their quality then they will be a big company one day with lots of advertising... I’d bet my money on a Chinese brand taking over the world though, as far as cheap quality I doubt anyone will beat them in coming years...
@@robertw1871 I think you nailed it with the comment about those things not being important to everyone ". 30 yrs ago I bought a fenix (heard of them? Probably not) for 250 quid. Solid mahogany back n sides and a spruce top and it STILL plays like a dream. If you buy an instrument based on what it's resale is going to be that's a shame... I'm currently looking for my first guitar round the 1500 mark and I want a GOOD instrument not an investment. I want something I love to play
Buorgeois went to eastman? Didn tknow, interesting. Though, there are some comparisons eastman d20 vs gibson slope shoulder, and seems gib slightly wins. im really into buying Eastman, would be really interesting whats your opinion , how they compare to gib
Say that after you try an Eastman with the TC top. cheers
That last one you played sounded gorgeous - bit too shiny for me tho' with all that golden syrup!
wow this video needed making those are superb,who cares what name they are so long as they quality.
I have an Eastman Romeo LA and love it. I have not played one of their acoustic guitars, but would like to. Thanks for the video.
what model was that Gordon Smith? thanks again for your honest review!
I sold my 314ce because I'd spent too much money on a guitar that I wasn't skillful enough to put to good use, and I was afraid to take it out of the house and possibly damage it. I then bought an AC222ce and banked several hundred dollars leftover from selling the Taylor. And a year-and-a-half later I sold the AC222ce. I can't seem to sell my Eastman AC420ce, though. I really like that guitar. But to fill an empty spot in my mini-collection with a grand auditorium, I keep looking back to the 314ce, not the AC222ce. "Hand-crafted" doesn't always equal "best." To each his/her own.
Excellent video. I appreciate your honesty. I am an American, and I want to love the Taylor guitar, but to my ear they just don't sound great.
I think your video is making a good point about something that all guitar players are guilty of at some point and may or may not be aware of it but it’s having a quality expiation from a certain brand. This might or might not be accurate also . Think about it, we grow up listening to our dad on his Martin or Gibson or someone else who we really enjoyed listening to and it sounded so good. Therefore we get older and we want those brand guitars because whether we are aware of it or not we want that sound. This is of course my opinion but I’m sure that a lot of guitar players if they read this and think about it honestly about whether this is true with them , I imagine a lot are going to agree. So it’s because we grew up listening to that sound and have a high quality expectation with whatever brand we have exposure to… right , wrong or indifferent… anyone else agree with this?
I just played a Taylor 314CE the other day at the big box store here in the US. Didn't like it at all! I prefer the x-brace more. I used to have a used 314CE I think 2010, it was perfectly fine but nothing earth shattering. I then had the all Sapele GA model from Eastman that they used to sell. Paid $459 for it which was almost half what I paid for the used Taylor. Ended up selling the Taylor because I preferred the Eastman. Traded in the GA Eastman for the new E1ss-cla-ltd. Love at first strum! I had to have it. Every guitar is different and not all examples of the same model will be amazing. I'm sure there are plenty of amazing examples of Taylors but there's also amazing examples of Eastmans.
I think your opinions and guitar playing are great. I`m learning so much from you and your videos. I am currently catching up with your lock down guitar lesson`s and saving up for one of your small bodied/parlor acoustics.
Please carry on :-)
I offed my Martin GPCPA5 for an Eastman E10SS a month ago and haven't looked back!
I would have to say that Martin is more of Benchmark guitar than Taylor. The new V bracing is somewhat controversial still. Eastman makes incredible sounding guitars but they are also not consistent in their sound.
Hi Richard. I have a Martin and a Taylor. No hate from me, why would there be, I love music and I love guitars. I'll try an Eastman one day and let you know, if you're interested.
The Eastman sounded fuller, maybe due to more bass and mids.
i lack the vocabulary to explain how much i understand your entire thought process and feeling toward the guitar and service in general
the tTaylor I owned was beautifully playable but very tinkly, "tinkly" I wisj I had n't had to sell it, but the Eastmans seem great
and much cheaper ! always love your vids Richard
What model, year and tone woods please. I have yet to hear of anyone dropping money on a taylor without playing it and loving the sound beforehand. This sounds fishy to me.