I just bought an Eastman E20OOSS, double OO, 14 fret. Perfect for playing at home! I totally feel part of the trend on smaller bodies :) By the way, I love your channel, great videos and super interesting content!
Hi Dirk, congrats on your Eastman. Thy do make em well dolt they? Thanks for your kind comments and please subscribe if you haven't. BTW - always happy to receive comments and queries. (All part of the (non commercial) service!
I'm glad it's a trend. When I was a younger player (and even to some extent still) dreads were all you could find. No OOO, no resonator, no parlor. Just dreadnoughts.
Yes, you are correct. Scanning fora such as AGF and UMGF you will see that most only consider dreads, jumbos, and OMs and other options have been limited until, I believe the Covid era, and slow responses by the big two names.
Thanks man! I rarely watch the videos that people speak more than 5 mins but you're an exception, it's not important what is the sobject of your video, you're lovely you tuber.
Hi, and thanks.I realise that many prefer shorter videos, and I understand. Some say that they like my rambling way, well I'm an old guy and we ramble. Thank you fr your kind patience.
You're making me pine for a smaller body! I'm young and slim but I'm a studio guy so I'm only ever recording or playing in the home. I love my dread's tone but definitely could see how a smaller body would be more comfortable for the couch.
Hi, well, that's what the various guitar designs were made for, esp, by Martin. While there never was a "parlour" size, there were size 2, (Amateur) Size 1 (standard) Size 0 (Concert, size 00(Grand concert) and size 000 (Auditorium) all are more "ergonomic" than dreadnoughts and jumbos neither of which were really designed for playing whilst seated.
Hi, my 000 (original 12 fret of course) is a wonderful guitar, and the one I tend to use when teaching. The 25.5" scale gives it a similar feel to my dreads, but with light gauge strings. I love my dreads, but I tend to consider them "performance" guitars more than "home" guitars. Thanks for watching.
Great piece Silly Moustache! I'm 62 and I too have started gravitating to small body guitars. I now have two Martin 000s and a 00 along with two cheap Alavarezes, one of which is a dread and never gets played. Your video has me looking at a couple of Eastmans now because I don't want spend north of 2000.00 dollars on another guitar.
Hi Terry, as you might know from my other videos I love my 12 fret guitars and my search for 12 fret dreads led me into this area. 12 fret dreads are my tool of choice for performing but these continued lock downs have made my dreads almost surplus t requirements and whilst I can still play them, they have been somewhat usurped by my smaller guitars. I'm currently preparing a video comparing my two latest purchases - my Easmtna E20-P (Size "0" an d my E40-00 which are very similar and yet so differnt. Thanks for watching, and now - I must get back to writing my script!
Nice selection of small body guitars you have there! I've become rather fond of the Waterloos; I now have three of 'em and their WL-S 'Stella size 0 slot-head' model is a killer. I recently found an original 1933 Kalamazoo KG-11, in spectacular condition; it is a roughly 00 size 14 fret; coincidentally it was a similar 1930s Kalamazoo that inspired the late, great Bill Collings to create his incredibly successful Waterloo lineup. I also have a rare 1963 Martin model 5-16 which is sometimes referred to as a Terz, being designed to be tuned in G to G standard, or a third (terz) up in pitch. Both Sting and Ian Anderson (of Jethro Tull) are known for playing a Martin Terz. I have several other small body guitars at present, and have gone through at least a dozen more in the last few years. I appreciate them for the orthopedic reasons you mentioned, as well as for their focussed tone. I've yet to try out any Eastmans, but yours look quite good, I might have to give one a go sometime soon!
I have both a 3/4 sized guitar and a concert or auditorium sized guitar as well as a cheap jumbo and newer dreadnought sized guitars. The smaller guitars are my go to models and fit me much better,ergo they help me improve quicker and enjoy playing more.
Hi, I'm not sure what a 3/4 sized guitar is, but it is a matter of the tool for the job, so the more comfortable the instrument is, the better it will encourage your developmenmt as a musician, although we are all constantly learning, at least, I know I am. Thanks for watching.
@@SillyMoustache Its a guitar which is around 3/4 the size of a standard bodied guitar. It has a shorter scale length but the same amount of frets and still has 6 strings,rather than say a ukelele.
Thanks Andy. I agree to the size theory for seniors or heavier folks. I got my first parlor a year ago. It was a dirt cheap Gretsch Jim Dandy. I got hooked on the size, but not on the tone of that model. I recently added an Alvarez solid mahogany parlor to my collection, and that one filles the bill nicely. It's large by parlor metrics, but that's fine. It's a lot smaller than my dreadnaght and still has wonderful tone. Also, I recently dropped 30 lbs. as well so even the dreads are more confortable now too.
Andy, I know you love your 12 fret Martin designs just as I love my 14 fret Martin's. My Couch Noodler is my 000-18 Kenny Sultan Custom, Adi top with Fiddleback Hog back and sides. The Martin Custom Shop only made 109 of these, and I'm lucky enough to own #43. It's a very nice finger picker. Great video on your newest Eastman 12 fret!
I love the dreads too, and have several But there is something to be said for the 000 as the most versatile size Comfortable and good volume I have a Martin with cutaway and pickup (000-16cGTE) and a Recording King solid rosewood 328 ( really nice for an inexpensive guitar) I find the Martin Retro strings quite nice on the smaller body guitars
Nice history lesson Andy. Beautiful collection. I also have a few great sounding 12 fret small bodies guitars including a couple of 12 string beauties in KOA, Hog and EIR. I do find that the 12 feet design tends to confine my playing up the neck but that is probably a result of my playing approach and style as I don't hear this from others. Love the unique sound and tone of each guitar. Thanks for sharing with us.
I'm just starting my guitar collection. So far I own an old '64 Gibson 12 and an Eastman AC522ce (which I love). I've just ordered an Eastman e20p for all of the reasons stated in this video, being an aging, arthritic boomer, so there you go! Enjoy your guitar wisdom very much.
@@SillyMoustache I know! These Eastmans are such an excellent good deal: high quality for such a good price. I find that I can play for hours on my 522. I am excited about the musical potential of this new instrument.
You're right about the reasons for owning smaller acoustic guitars. I enjoy playing my little Ibanez at home. But your conclusions can also apply to motorcycles too as my poor old shoulders cant cope with my touring bike now, so I'm looking to downsize that too. As they say " it aint how big it is, its what you do with it". Lol. Best wishes.
Hi, sorry to hear about your shoulder issues. A common issue for those of a certain ... maturity. It can be limited with shoulder exercises but we lose muscle density as we ... mature. I know.
cheers Andy.You're a wise fellow.i totally agree about your theories concerning smaller bodied guitars.im in my 40s but too many beers and playing sitting puts me firmly within your theory.oh well.c'est la vie.
Hi Tim, Yeah that's the way that the world goes round! Maybe I could help with a zoom lesson or two thinking about posture and hand/shoulder maintenance? contact details on my "about" page.
Thank you for the info on vintage Martins. I just acquired an 1891 2-17 with an Adi top and Brazilian back and sides, great condition and absolutely stunning sound. It has 3 fan braces and my luthier suggests adding 2 more braces to use heavier steel strings, what do you think? I know Martin used a 5 fan brace pattern for the ‘Hawaiian Guitar’.
Interesting ! A 2-17 is an all mahogany guitar. The first 2-17s listed were in 1922. Assuming that your guitar is a size 2, it would be a 2- 28, although according to Martins Technical Reference book, that model was not a listed production model. It is possible that your guitar was a pre-pricelist 2-27 - I'd love to know more! NOTE : steel strings are NOT appropriate for such a guitar.
Those are good points and well made. I'd tend to agree that an older generation of players do, perhaps, not need the cannons they once sported or cannot handle the strains these larger instruments place on their bodies. That's not the whole story though as a lot of young, up and coming players have adopted a smaller guitar too, with the 00 size seemingly dominant among these. I could cite a long list, but notice that Colter Wall, Kenneth Pattengale (huge personal collection of vintage 017 martins), Kris Drever (a former D18 player for years who now uses a Waterloo) and so many others have been playing smaller bodied guitars for some time now. Perhaps the improvement in acoustic pickup technology and associated 'peripheral powered paraphernalia' has a part to play for some? I do think this trend began before COVID-19 turned our lives upside down. It is certainly disappointing that so many smaller models from the Martin catalogue have disappeared recently. I hope next year, and a new CEO brings a fresh look at those treasured 12 fret wonders! Perhaps we should picket the factory?
Hi, I am somewhat cynical of pick-ups in Acoustics but you make a good point and I suppose it doesn't matter so much if you are plugging in as a half decent mixer EQ can make almost anything sound like ... anything else.
Always been a fan of smaller guitars , am a big guy with big hands ! Have a 20 year old Martin type no name 12 fret parlour with torch inlay which sounds great. Was a prototype apparently , and a wee a Lowden which Is great . Like many I started out with Martins , a D35 . Martins reputation took a hammering in the west of Scotland when a very prominent singer / guitar player had major problems with his ! This actually had a noticeable impact as word spread down the folk clubs. I’m a Lowden fan , have two F models one a 12 string . And am putting an order in for a bespoke 12 fret model . I have an old Yamaha I used to gig with, and a hand built by one person mid body Yamaha which sounds great . I think Eastman probably makes the best bang for bucks guitars you can get at the moment . If they only made a 12 fret dreadnaught with peg head !
I played a '73 D35 for 21 years, it was trouble free! I would love to know the story of the player who had the big problem with a Martin. I'd also like to see Eastman make a 12fret dread ... but with a slothead.
Hi baldheaded priest. I am from Edinburgh originally and well remember the awful scandal and the terrible time when almost the ENTIRE west of Scotland almost boycotted Martin almost completely for a short while. Those were dark days indeed for the Martin corporation , who nearly went bankrupt over it IIRC, it sent shockwaves through them that they are still feeling today. The only upside is the little known fact that Scotland is now THE place to get a great deal on a 30 odd year old, but barely used, D35.
I used to believe that as well. I have been using my D28 at home. If I sit properly then I can play it for hours without any discomfort. Keep in mind that I am pushing 80.I play my smaller ones as well...
@@SillyMoustache hardly slim and wiry! I have a gut and am somewhat heavy. Not obese by any means, but old. Sitting properly was a necessity because of elbow and shoulder problems a number of years ago, although those were on 0M sized instruments. I had given up playing the D28. I'm back to it now.
@@joelgevirtz6181 Well, that's good to hear. You had you dread retopped didn't you? It really is about posture and shoulder muscle tone though isn't it?
@@SillyMoustache yes it was retopped by Martin Custom shop in about 1986. Tried to save old top but impossible. They did use many of the old braces. Still sounds great! Yeah, posture and proper sitting makes more of a difference with advancing age..,.
There sure are a lot of people missing the concerts and bands due to covid. I know I am missing the local jamborees for playing and singing with my friends also. Somehow, it's not the same as sitting at home and playing without the other musicians. That abalone design sure is beautiful inlaid on your newest purchase of your Eastman E40 00. I am looking forward to hear you play a whole song on it, rather than just a little tickle. The guitar you got for your birthday(a few years ago) from your wife is really a beautiful instrument also. It's amazing how the sun can change the color of the wood over the years as well. Stay safe Andy, and thank you again for sharing your knowledge and facts about the different sizes and purposes of Martin guitars. Having the different sizes physically demonstrated makes a difference to hear as well as see, the different tones they make, depending on their body size and wood.
Great video my friend You have much knowledge on guitars.I own 2 Martin's. An om42 and a om 18 authentic 1933 .Both are unique to one another. The om 18 has a vintage deep profile neck which I love.Ive had several dreadnoughts over the years but as you mentioned quite uncomfortable when playing sitting down. After watching one of your videos a couple of months ago I noticed your collings 0002h. I played a 002h and the 0002h which both felt and played beautifully. But I went for the 002h in the end.I traded a lowden s35 towards the latest purchase which I was slightly apprehensive as the lowden was great but the collings is absolutely faultless in every way. Its bright, loud ,and does everything I need it to do. Keep posting the videos. And all the very best. 😊🎸
Hi Martin, thanks for watching. I'm jealous of your 002h, but now I have my Eastman E40-00 which is a remarkable little guitar, so In these times, I neglected my dreads considerably. 1st live performance next Saturday!
I have owned, and played, 00 Martins and others such as the Guild M20 since 1961.Perhaps 20 in total. I have also owned my share of dreadnoughts, to include 5-6 Twelve fret models. I like both ends of the scale Dreads and double 00s but currently have a 00-18V ( with flamed mahogany backs and sides) and a 1997 000-1. The 0000 gives my all the bass I need when I want a dread sound without the discomfort. I currently play , and have, played the 00 more. FYI born 1946.
Hello SM from Kirkland Washington, the states. In loving your videos, which mostly (as far as I've discovered) feature American guitars. Well of course, guitar interest is highly subjective and occasionally related to availability and (related) nationality. Therefore ... I might humbly request a video comparing/contrasting/reviewing UK builders, hopefully including Fylde guitars. Thanks for sharing your unique experience!
Hi Mark, I only review the guitars (US and Chinese) made that I have bought and own. no-one sends me instruments to review. As you may see from my song videos, although I am a Brit, I grew up listening to American music and am steeped in various American genres and the guitars that seem to go with them. For sure, there are many fine UK based builders - Lowden in Northern Ireland being probably the most famous. I am aware of Fylde, Brock, Manson, Oddy, Sobell, and know Nick Benjamin, Richard Osborne etc., but don't have access to their guitars, nor do they make guitars of my preferred chosen styles. Your idea is a great one, however, but probably best done by someone in the business who could co-ordinate such a project. Thanks , however for thinking of me in this respect.
I have a Taylor 314 ce and was just thinking this very thing. I use my tele more because it's so easy to play, but intonation isn't as good as the Taylor.
Hi, I don't really know much about Taylors. 314ce looks more like a 000. It seems that Taylors are popular acoustics for electric players. Thanks for watching.
Andy, I can't answer your question as to Why, but I prefer the smaller bodies. I really like your Eastman E20P and the tone is wonderful. And yes I have a larger body Frame (I won't admit to a larger belly). George in Montana
Hi George, Eastman are continually improving and refining their builds and tonalities, however, the E20p wouldn't be that helpful in a bluegrass band. That's when dreads (with medium strings on a std. scale) win over.
@@SillyMoustache Andy, I am not a bluegrasser, even though I ike listening to it. I have been thinking about getting a 0 or 00 guitar and I will have to look closely at the Eastman brand.
Thanks for your videos, really interesting. I play a OOOM with 12 guage strings and old fingers, thinking of using lighter guage strings. I’d be interested in your comments or maybe a video about strings. Thanks again
Hi, I don't really understand 000M - if we are talking about Martin 14 fret designs, then surely 000 means short scale, and OM means 25.4" scale. Regarding strings, you might find this interesting : ua-cam.com/video/96aFHdKo63M/v-deo.html and this one from a few years ago : ua-cam.com/video/wI5WYSpCSB8/v-deo.html Thanks for your interest.
@@SillyMoustache Thanks for taking the trouble to respond. It is definitely a Martin OOOM Auditorium guitar. I only have one acoustic guitar, which I play most days. I watched one of your videos about strings yesterday, which was full of useful information. I’ve only just discovered your channel. Great stuff! Thanks
I have a Washburn model 1915 that is a parlor sized guitar. Adirondack top and rosewood back and sides. It is one loud guitar, but tiny. 12 frets to body of course. It was my first steel string guitar I paid $90.00 for it in 1959 or 1960, don't remember the exact date.
The problem I had when I had too many guitars, was I realized it was a waste of time and money. So I sold all and just kept two most versatile favorites. It was more about collecting than playing them.
love my dreads as well..deeply. However my OM Black Limba with 400 yr old red spruce top 12 fret that i recently acquired literally crushes all my dreads. usually dreads are more dynamic and the OM more focused (imo) but this build has both. even my rosewood parlors arent as dynamic as this om Limba. Black Limba is highly underrated and a superlative choice for back and sides and very synergistic in transfer to the top (imo) ---see ya on agf
@@SillyMoustache yeppers. commissioned build OM 12 fret with 24.9 scale length which gives this hybrid guitar a unique personality in both looks and sound. 15 1/4" and 11 3/8" bouts. 4 1/16" depth at neck and 4 1/2" at end.
Thank you for a great video. Question… I own and play a Martin 00. I’ve had it for 1 year and just truly enjoy it. I don’t think I can ever buy or afford another guitar, do you think that 00 will make me happy for years to come. You’re opinion?
Oh Rob, how could I possible answer such a question? I don't know of your tastes, and needs in the future! If you are referring to a Martin like the 00028VS, I see no reason why is would not be a lifetime affair, as they are fine instruments, but there are many options and differing versions. I was very focussed on my Collings 12 fret dreads for many years, after being unable to find a Martin and later bought a 0002h which I play a great deal at home and when teaching but recently bought two Eastmans - an "0" (e20-P) and 00 ("E40-00" which is a delight - but I can't imagine using them for performance as I'm something of an old bluegrass flat picker. Enjoy your 00 and you will either remain content with it, and why not, or sooner or later, like most of us, you may get a yen for something larger, smaller or ??? Enjoy the ride!
I bought a Eastman e10 00 ltd, some time ago, a wondeful sounding small guitar. I agree, very comfortable to play sitting down, a lot more comfortable than my dreadnought, or 12 string. It als helped me to improve my fingerstyle playin’ i think the small guitars are very good for that! What do you think, are small body’s more suited for fingerstyle?
Hey SM, in your experience do the 12 fret dreads feel a little quieter? I've gotten to play a few 18 and 28 Martin's in that shape and immediately felt like it bridged the gap between the traditional Martin sound and something like a J200, where there's so much top it almost doesn't all move. (I like that)
Hi Tony, not at all. I've held two or three bluegrass bands at bay with both my Hog/sitka and EIR/sitka 12 fret dreads. wioth n trouble -although the hog is loudest, and the EIR is more complex. all my dreads are Collings so don't sound like Martins and certainly nothing like a SJ200. Hope that helps.
Hi, All I'd say is that In November 2016, I went to a great guitar dealers intent on buying an L-00. He had a wide choice of various incarnations. I tried them all but ...well I came home with a Waterloo - no regrets.
The move towards smaller guitars is about comfort. Sometimes dreads aren't all that comfortable, especially for aging baby boomers. While dreads can be really full flavored, there are times when a player doesn't need or want such a large sound. I am 71 now and find I enjoy my 00s more and more.
Hi Patrick, I do understand that. A friend of mine who has had open heart surgery has just sold two lovely Martin dreads as he simply cannot play them any more. For many it is about trying to play dreads/jumbos whilst lounging on a couch - perhaps you didn't watch from 9:20 on?
@@SillyMoustache Me either. But I really liked that Mini SG model sound. Here is a sample by a duo in Brittany. ua-cam.com/video/9hD7rIhQLo8/v-deo.html
@@SillyMoustache Hi again. Here a second. ua-cam.com/video/UKF8xJxteuE/v-deo.html It's only 240p but the sound is good. It's a fairly compact guitar. I got 1 Aria dreadnought and 2 Guild's, and they both are not small. I subscribed to your channel. Seems excellent. Cheers
So did I , no they don't seem to show "40" limited editions. I think that this is no.1 of a run of five. There are other limited editions with high levels of decoration, also not on their website. I think tht this is a short run edition ordered by TFOA.
Hi, I believe that it might have been made for Namm (which didn't happen). I have heard that they might make another ten or so, five for the EU and five for the US. All hearsay of course.
That second Eastman you played (concert size) is what I'm after. Is it Martin quality at a lower price? Your preference for rosewood on smaller guitars is noted, as we both like hogs.
Hi, that is a really difficult call. I can imagnie my head on a stake if I said that Eastmans are as good as Martins, but I can say that they are of constantly improving quality. The "28" style E20-P was remarkably open and resonant out of the box, and is at least a year old now. the far more expensive E40-00 is a very different build throughout, beautifully made but not quite so open ... as yet. I would have bought a used Martin 0028VS if I could have found one but there were none around and Martin has discontinued all their 12 fret models, so they have pretty much handed that (increasing) part of the market to Collings and Eastman.
Sorry to chime in but what Im gonna tell you is coming from personal experience of having owned an Eastman. Now, does Eastman sound like Martin ? Well, not really. Eastman has sort of balanced, bright, and clean tonal characteristics - which is not a bad thing. Some other boutique or smaller USA builders have those tonal characteristics as well, but I wont mention them because the trolls will start popping up. Martin has a real warm, woofy, sweet, and mellow tone that is classic and what they're known for. . And Eastman guitars don't have that "woof" that Martin is know for having. I used to own a E10D and its a great bang for the buck guitar. Im actually a Rosewood guy and IMO, I didn't care for Eastmans Rosewood models as far as tone. To my ears, their rosewood models sound just "ok". But their mahogany guitars to me, sound excellent for their price. Thats being said, I sold it because after a while, I just fell out of love with. And that might have something to do with it having an Adirondack top. Im in the opposite court and enjoy Sitka topped guitars. Would I own an Eastman again? Absolutely. But to me, they're a great additional guitar to add to the collection. If you need that Martin tone from a PACRIM company, Blueridge is where I would look. But Eastman and Yamaha (LL models) are the best when it comes to tone and quality coming from Asia. The quality of Blueridge isn't bad either I might add, but they've had minor issues in the past. But hey, so has Martin.
@@sc12100 Thank you for that comment! I didn't know about Blueridge guitars and their good value for the money! Also thanks to the @SillyMoustache for this nice video!
It's been a long time since I made an album, but I don't remember such issues. Point is the large majority of guitars being sold seems are not bought by recording artists, so I'm thinking about my perception of the market shift. Thanks for watching.
Hello Mr Moustache, I was wondering if Fellowship of Acoustics custom ordered this from Eastman specifically for you or did you find it already in their shop?
I am very skinny and tall, but still the smaller body acoustic guitars are far more comfortable ergonomically. But mainly I got into them because of the round tone of 12-fret design and at the time I was only aware of 12-fret smaller body guitars. The other issue is that the smaller body guitars have much more rounded female-figure shapelyness. And to me, dreads are just plain boxy ugly.
Hi Felix, I watched your video with Debora siniging "I can't wait" -very good1 The acoustic guitar buying world is subjrct totrends, and I find it interesting that the dreanought obsessed baby boomers are now turning to smaller guitars. I love my dreads and my smaller models. Thanks for watching.
Hi Walter, I have .... a few. If you look at my videos starting "My ...." you will see them all discussed. Remember his is a collection which started around 1998 up to 2020 and quite a few were traded to get to these. Also most were bought used.
I agree. I just received a Martin Custom Shop 00-28 12 fret. Great tone and sound output. Short scale & 12 fret helps with my fretting hand that has "heredity " issues and some other damage. Also have a Taylor GS Mini for a smaller guitar.
It is a great guitar. Custom Shop. I have found that the Custom Shop upgrades the wood grade/quality. It's not just looks but sound. For example, the 1933 D-45 used by Gene Autry was a pretty fancy 12-fret. Not quite sure how Eastman does their tone woods for quality. I know many of their Dreadnoughts are going to torrified tops. They find the guitars are more stable in shipping.
@Silly Moustache in addition to the expensive Martin, I've been impressed with the Eastman E20SS-V-sb and E22SS-v-SB: v for vintage varnish (mild aging), SB for Sunburst, and SS for slope shoulder. Both have Adirondack top. The E20 has East Indian Rosewood back and sides; the E22 has Walnut. They look like Gibson J-45 guitars but sound more like Martin's. And at a price that is good.
Yes, I suppose that you can, but all have a purpose sonically. Besides a plugged in guitar never really sounds like an acoustic. and the point of this video is to discuss that older and/or larger folk who only play at home are finding larger guitars impractical for playing seated. (which they aren't designed for anyway), and so many are realising that size 0-00-000 sized guitars are more comfortable and have their own purer tonality.
I built a parlor 0 size blues guitar granadillo (super hard) harder than rosewood and Sitka top. My lady makes fun of me cuz I call it my bed guitar . She says no one plays in bed 🛌 I told er she’d b surprised. Big peanut guitar 12 fret 24.5 scale 3 little ladder braces
Hi Anthony, No, but I've heard some at my club, and they seem very good. As you see from this and my other videos, I am steeped in Martin design guitars, albeit from other builders.
Hi James, that is most interesting. "The Martin Book" by Walter Carter clearly says 1898, and the Martin Guitars Technical Reference (Johnson, Boak and Longworth) says 1897. However, yours might have been a special order, prototype, or a sample???
@@SillyMoustache One obstacle I see is that some people (mostly yuppie and millennial types) have gravitated toward "parlo(u)r" guitars and prices have increased. Always enjoy your videos especially the commentary.
Hi, I'm delighted to hear it! The straight backed chair certainly aids this. Using a large, deep bodied guitar a a "couch" guitar is bound to cause musculo-skeletal issues for many.
Yes, I do. I have also bought Knock offs built in Dripping Springs, Texas, Santa Cruz, California, and Southampton UK. It seems that there are many "knock-offs" made in the USA. Of course if build and material quality can be bought cheaper than American items, then perhaps the American builders should look to their commercial pricing. However, Martin can no longer be bothered to build their original designs focussing on things like the SC13e -so they no longer cater for those who admire their best designs.
I just bought an Eastman E20OOSS, double OO, 14 fret. Perfect for playing at home! I totally feel part of the trend on smaller bodies :) By the way, I love your channel, great videos and super interesting content!
Hi Dirk, congrats on your Eastman. Thy do make em well dolt they? Thanks for your kind comments and please subscribe if you haven't. BTW - always happy to receive comments and queries. (All part of the (non commercial) service!
Just thank you!! in a big way!! You are the first to talk about posture and guitar fitting to the body. Thank You!!!
You're so welcome! Do you have any other ideas that you would like me to speak about?
I'm glad it's a trend. When I was a younger player (and even to some extent still) dreads were all you could find. No OOO, no resonator, no parlor. Just dreadnoughts.
Yes, you are correct. Scanning fora such as AGF and UMGF you will see that most only consider dreads, jumbos, and OMs and other options have been limited until, I believe the Covid era, and slow responses by the big two names.
Thanks man! I rarely watch the videos that people speak more than 5 mins but you're an exception, it's not important what is the sobject of your video, you're lovely you tuber.
Hi, and thanks.I realise that many prefer shorter videos, and I understand. Some say that they like my rambling way, well I'm an old guy and we ramble. Thank you fr your kind patience.
You're making me pine for a smaller body! I'm young and slim but I'm a studio guy so I'm only ever recording or playing in the home. I love my dread's tone but definitely could see how a smaller body would be more comfortable for the couch.
Hi, well, that's what the various guitar designs were made for, esp, by Martin. While there never was a "parlour" size, there were size 2, (Amateur) Size 1 (standard) Size 0 (Concert, size 00(Grand concert) and size 000 (Auditorium) all are more "ergonomic" than dreadnoughts and jumbos neither of which were really designed for playing whilst seated.
Triple O is my favourite size guitar. I have a couple of dreadnoughts, a 28H and a 12 string, a Classical as well. But I play the Triple O's the most.
Hi, my 000 (original 12 fret of course) is a wonderful guitar, and the one I tend to use when teaching. The 25.5" scale gives it a similar feel to my dreads, but with light gauge strings. I love my dreads, but I tend to consider them "performance" guitars more than "home" guitars. Thanks for watching.
@@SillyMoustache a 12 fret Triple O is my next purchase my friend.
Shorter scale provides less string tension and shorter reach, wider neck enhances finger articulation, smaller body accommodates holding on lap🤗🤗
You have just stated truths that would have taken me five minutes to explain. Well done.
Great piece Silly Moustache! I'm 62 and I too have started gravitating to small body guitars. I now have two Martin 000s and a 00 along with two cheap Alavarezes, one of which is a dread and never gets played. Your video has me looking at a couple of Eastmans now because I don't want spend north of 2000.00 dollars on another guitar.
Hi Terry, as you might know from my other videos I love my 12 fret guitars and my search for 12 fret dreads led me into this area.
12 fret dreads are my tool of choice for performing but these
continued lock downs have made my dreads almost surplus t requirements and whilst I can still play them, they have been somewhat usurped by my smaller guitars. I'm currently preparing a video comparing my two latest purchases - my Easmtna E20-P (Size "0" an d my E40-00 which are very similar and yet so differnt.
Thanks for watching, and now - I must get back to writing my script!
I have a Martin 00 sitting beside my desk, and I pick it up all day long. Thank you for sharing!
12 or 14 fret?
@@SillyMoustache 14 I also have a Martin 000-16 and a 1963 D-18 that my Dad bought new...and about 10 other guitars 😞
Nice selection of small body guitars you have there! I've become rather fond of the Waterloos; I now have three of 'em and their WL-S 'Stella size 0 slot-head' model is a killer. I recently found an original 1933 Kalamazoo KG-11, in spectacular condition; it is a roughly 00 size 14 fret; coincidentally it was a similar 1930s Kalamazoo that inspired the late, great Bill Collings to create his incredibly successful Waterloo lineup. I also have a rare 1963 Martin model 5-16 which is sometimes referred to as a Terz, being designed to be tuned in G to G standard, or a third (terz) up in pitch. Both Sting and Ian Anderson (of Jethro Tull) are known for playing a Martin Terz. I have several other small body guitars at present, and have gone through at least a dozen more in the last few years. I appreciate them for the orthopedic reasons you mentioned, as well as for their focussed tone. I've yet to try out any Eastmans, but yours look quite good, I might have to give one a go sometime soon!
Hi glad you found my video interesting. The Eastmans are REMARKABLY good! ,
I always enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you like them! thanks.
I have both a 3/4 sized guitar and a concert or auditorium sized guitar as well as a cheap jumbo and newer dreadnought sized guitars. The smaller guitars are my go to models and fit me much better,ergo they help me improve quicker and enjoy playing more.
Hi, I'm not sure what a 3/4 sized guitar is, but it is a matter of the tool for the job, so the more comfortable the instrument is, the better it will encourage your developmenmt as a musician, although we are all constantly learning, at least, I know I am. Thanks for watching.
@@SillyMoustache Its a guitar which is around 3/4 the size of a standard bodied guitar. It has a shorter scale length but the same amount of frets and still has 6 strings,rather than say a ukelele.
Thanks Andy. I agree to the size theory for seniors or heavier folks. I got my first parlor a year ago. It was a dirt cheap Gretsch Jim Dandy. I got hooked on the size, but not on the tone of that model. I recently added an Alvarez solid mahogany parlor to my collection, and that one filles the bill nicely. It's large by parlor metrics, but that's fine. It's a lot smaller than my dreadnaght and still has wonderful tone.
Also, I recently dropped 30 lbs. as well so even the dreads are more confortable now too.
Hi Patrick, I hope you didn't lose weight due to cancer treatment like I did in 2017! Stay well!
@@SillyMoustache Thankfully, no. I just finally got on a kick to start moving my butt a lot more. Hope you are doing fine now, as well.
Andy, I know you love your 12 fret Martin designs just as I love my 14 fret Martin's. My Couch Noodler is my 000-18 Kenny Sultan Custom, Adi top with Fiddleback Hog back and sides. The Martin Custom Shop only made 109 of these, and I'm lucky enough to own #43. It's a very nice finger picker. Great video on your newest Eastman 12 fret!
Thank Eris, good to know you too have found your ideal home picker! Seems I've been suffering from GAS again!
I love the dreads too, and have several
But there is something to be said for the 000 as the most versatile size
Comfortable and good volume
I have a Martin with cutaway and pickup (000-16cGTE) and a Recording King solid rosewood 328 ( really nice for an inexpensive guitar)
I find the Martin Retro strings quite nice on the smaller body guitars
Totally agree!
Nice history lesson Andy. Beautiful collection. I also have a few great sounding 12 fret small bodies guitars including a couple of 12 string beauties in KOA, Hog and EIR. I do find that the 12 feet design tends to confine my playing up the neck but that is probably a result of my playing approach and style as I don't hear this from others. Love the unique sound and tone of each guitar. Thanks for sharing with us.
Ah - the "up the neck ennui! NOTE: Frets above the 7th are really just for cosmetic purposes!
I'm just starting my guitar collection. So far I own an old '64 Gibson 12 and an Eastman
AC522ce (which I love). I've just ordered an Eastman e20p for all of the reasons stated in this video, being an aging, arthritic boomer, so there you go! Enjoy your guitar wisdom very much.
Hi David, I'm sure you will love the E20-P They make them so well! Let me k ow when you get it!
@@SillyMoustache I know! These Eastmans are such an excellent good deal: high quality for such a good price. I find that I can play for hours on my 522. I am excited about the musical potential of this new instrument.
@@davidwollangk178 Enjoy!
The baby Taylor and big baby Taylor are great guitars, thanks for the video 👍.
Thanks for watching. I'm afraid I know little about Taylors.
You're right about the reasons for owning smaller acoustic guitars. I enjoy playing my little Ibanez at home. But your conclusions can also apply to motorcycles too as my poor old shoulders cant cope with my touring bike now, so I'm looking to downsize that too. As they say " it aint how big it is, its what you do with it". Lol. Best wishes.
Hi, sorry to hear about your shoulder issues. A common issue for those of a certain ... maturity. It can be limited with shoulder exercises but we lose muscle density as we ... mature. I know.
cheers Andy.You're a wise fellow.i totally agree about your theories concerning smaller bodied guitars.im in my 40s but too many beers and playing sitting puts me firmly within your theory.oh well.c'est la vie.
Hi Tim, Yeah that's the way that the world goes round! Maybe I could help with a zoom lesson or two thinking about posture and hand/shoulder maintenance?
contact details on my "about" page.
Thank you for the info on vintage Martins. I just acquired an 1891 2-17 with an Adi top and Brazilian back and sides, great condition and absolutely stunning sound. It has 3 fan braces and my luthier suggests adding 2 more braces to use heavier steel strings, what do you think? I know Martin used a 5 fan brace pattern for the ‘Hawaiian Guitar’.
Interesting ! A 2-17 is an all mahogany guitar. The first 2-17s listed were in 1922. Assuming that your guitar is a size 2, it would be a 2- 28, although according to Martins Technical Reference book, that model was not a listed production model. It is possible that your guitar was a pre-pricelist 2-27 - I'd love to know more! NOTE : steel strings are NOT appropriate for such a guitar.
Those are good points and well made. I'd tend to agree that an older generation of players do, perhaps, not need the cannons they once sported or cannot handle the strains these larger instruments place on their bodies. That's not the whole story though as a lot of young, up and coming players have adopted a smaller guitar too, with the 00 size seemingly dominant among these. I could cite a long list, but notice that Colter Wall, Kenneth Pattengale (huge personal collection of vintage 017 martins), Kris Drever (a former D18 player for years who now uses a Waterloo) and so many others have been playing smaller bodied guitars for some time now. Perhaps the improvement in acoustic pickup technology and associated 'peripheral powered paraphernalia' has a part to play for some? I do think this trend began before COVID-19 turned our lives upside down.
It is certainly disappointing that so many smaller models from the Martin catalogue have disappeared recently. I hope next year, and a new CEO brings a fresh look at those treasured 12 fret wonders! Perhaps we should picket the factory?
Hi, I am somewhat cynical of pick-ups in Acoustics but you make a good point and I suppose it doesn't matter so much if you are plugging in as a half decent mixer EQ can make almost anything sound like ... anything else.
@@SillyMoustache I'm more than cynical, I refuse to buy a guitar with any kind of pickup installed!
@@petergoddard1960 I agree. I regard them as electric guitar looking like acoustics.
Always been a fan of smaller guitars , am a big guy with big hands ! Have a 20 year old Martin type no name 12 fret parlour with torch inlay which sounds great. Was a prototype apparently , and a wee a Lowden which Is great . Like many I started out with Martins , a D35 . Martins reputation took a hammering in the west of Scotland when a very prominent singer / guitar player had major problems with his ! This actually had a noticeable impact as word spread down the folk clubs. I’m a Lowden fan , have two F models one a 12 string . And am putting an order in for a bespoke 12 fret model . I have an old Yamaha I used to gig with, and a hand built by one person mid body Yamaha which sounds great . I think Eastman probably makes the best bang for bucks guitars you can get at the moment . If they only made a 12 fret dreadnaught with peg head !
I played a '73 D35 for 21 years, it was trouble free! I would love to know the story of the player who had the big problem with a Martin. I'd also like to see Eastman make a 12fret dread ... but with a slothead.
Hi baldheaded priest. I am from Edinburgh originally and well remember the awful scandal and the terrible time when almost the ENTIRE west of Scotland almost boycotted Martin almost completely for a short while.
Those were dark days indeed for the Martin corporation , who nearly went bankrupt over it IIRC, it sent shockwaves through them that they are still feeling today.
The only upside is the little known fact that Scotland is now THE place to get a great deal on a 30 odd year old, but barely used, D35.
Thank you, could you do a video on bracing designs ?
Appreciate all your videos.
mmm, Not an aspect that I know a great deal about, but I'll have a think. Thanks for watching.
I used to believe that as well. I have been using my D28 at home. If I sit properly then I can play it for hours without any discomfort. Keep in mind that I am pushing 80.I play my smaller ones as well...
Hi Joel, and if I remember well, you are of slim and wiry build, as you ave just written - you sit properly!
@@SillyMoustache hardly slim and wiry! I have a gut and am somewhat heavy. Not obese by any means, but old. Sitting properly was a necessity because of elbow and shoulder problems a number of years ago, although those were on 0M sized instruments. I had given up playing the D28. I'm back to it now.
@@joelgevirtz6181 Well, that's good to hear. You had you dread retopped didn't you? It really is about posture and shoulder muscle tone though isn't it?
@@SillyMoustache yes it was retopped by Martin Custom shop in about 1986. Tried to save old top but impossible. They did use many of the old braces. Still sounds great! Yeah, posture and proper sitting makes more of a difference with advancing age..,.
There sure are a lot of people missing the concerts and bands due to covid. I know I am missing the local jamborees for playing and singing with my friends also. Somehow, it's not the same as sitting at home and playing without the other musicians.
That abalone design sure is beautiful inlaid on your newest purchase of your Eastman E40 00. I am looking forward to hear you play a whole song on it, rather than just a little tickle.
The guitar you got for your birthday(a few years ago) from your wife is really a beautiful instrument also. It's amazing how the sun can change the color of the wood over the years as well.
Stay safe Andy, and thank you again for sharing your knowledge and facts about the different sizes and purposes of Martin guitars. Having the different sizes physically demonstrated makes a difference to hear as well as see, the different tones they make, depending on their body size and wood.
Hi Angie, thanks for watching this old guy drone on about his obsessions, and crazy theories.
Great video my friend You have much knowledge on guitars.I own 2 Martin's. An om42 and a om 18 authentic 1933 .Both are unique to one another. The om 18 has a vintage deep profile neck which I love.Ive had several dreadnoughts over the years but as you mentioned quite uncomfortable when playing sitting down. After watching one of your videos a couple of months ago I noticed your collings 0002h. I played a 002h and the 0002h which both felt and played beautifully. But I went for the 002h in the end.I traded a lowden s35 towards the latest purchase which I was slightly apprehensive as the lowden was great but the collings is absolutely faultless in every way. Its bright, loud ,and does everything I need it to do. Keep posting the videos. And all the very best. 😊🎸
Hi Martin, thanks for watching. I'm jealous of your 002h, but now I have my Eastman E40-00 which is a remarkable little guitar, so In these times, I neglected my dreads considerably. 1st live performance next Saturday!
@@SillyMoustache Thankyou for your kind reply and Good luck with the gig next Saturday. 😊👍🎸
I have owned, and played, 00 Martins and others such as the Guild M20 since 1961.Perhaps 20 in total. I have also owned my share of dreadnoughts, to include 5-6 Twelve fret models.
I like both ends of the scale Dreads and double 00s but currently have a 00-18V ( with flamed mahogany backs and sides) and a 1997 000-1. The 0000 gives my all the bass I need when I want a dread sound without the discomfort. I currently play , and have, played the 00 more.
FYI born 1946.
Hi, thanks for watching my video.
You hit the nail on the head.
I try. Thanks for watching.
Hello SM from Kirkland Washington, the states.
In loving your videos, which mostly (as far as I've discovered) feature American guitars.
Well of course, guitar interest is highly subjective and occasionally related to availability and (related) nationality. Therefore ...
I might humbly request a video comparing/contrasting/reviewing UK builders, hopefully including Fylde guitars.
Thanks for sharing your unique experience!
Hi Mark, I only review the guitars (US and Chinese) made that I have bought and own. no-one sends me instruments to review. As you may see from my song videos, although I am a Brit, I grew up listening to American music and am steeped in various American genres and the guitars that seem to go with them.
For sure, there are many fine UK based builders - Lowden in Northern Ireland being probably the most famous. I am aware of Fylde, Brock, Manson, Oddy, Sobell, and know Nick Benjamin, Richard Osborne etc., but don't have access to their guitars, nor do they make guitars of my preferred chosen styles. Your idea is a great one, however, but probably best done by someone in the business who could co-ordinate such a project. Thanks , however for thinking of me in this respect.
Thanks SM. Fair enough. Thanks again for the time and passion you share with us all.
You are really the gold.
Thank you.
I have a Taylor 314 ce and was just thinking this very thing. I use my tele more because it's so easy to play, but intonation isn't as good as the Taylor.
Hi, I don't really know much about Taylors. 314ce looks more like a 000. It seems that Taylors are popular acoustics for electric players. Thanks for watching.
Andy,
I can't answer your question as to Why, but I prefer the smaller bodies. I really like your Eastman E20P and the tone is wonderful. And yes I have a larger body Frame (I won't admit to a larger belly). George in Montana
Hi George, Eastman are continually improving and refining their builds and tonalities, however, the E20p wouldn't be that helpful in a bluegrass band. That's when dreads (with medium strings on a std. scale) win over.
@@SillyMoustache Andy, I am not a bluegrasser, even though I ike listening to it. I have been thinking about getting a 0 or 00 guitar and I will have to look closely at the Eastman brand.
@@deblane401 Then tel them I sent you and to send me my referral fee !
The small Eastman single O sounds the best to my ear. 👌
Hi, it is certainly a "robust" sound for a little one! Thanks for watching.
Thanks for your videos, really interesting. I play a OOOM with 12 guage strings and old fingers, thinking of using lighter guage strings. I’d be interested in your comments or maybe a video about strings. Thanks again
Hi, I don't really understand 000M - if we are talking about Martin 14 fret designs, then surely 000 means short scale, and OM means 25.4" scale. Regarding strings, you might find this interesting : ua-cam.com/video/96aFHdKo63M/v-deo.html and this one from a few years ago : ua-cam.com/video/wI5WYSpCSB8/v-deo.html Thanks for your interest.
@@SillyMoustache Thanks for taking the trouble to respond. It is definitely a Martin OOOM Auditorium guitar. I only have one acoustic guitar, which I play most days. I watched one of your videos about strings yesterday, which was full of useful information. I’ve only just discovered your channel. Great stuff! Thanks
I have a Washburn model 1915 that is a parlor sized guitar. Adirondack top and rosewood back and sides. It is one loud guitar, but tiny. 12 frets to body of course. It was my first steel string guitar I paid $90.00 for it in 1959 or 1960, don't remember the exact date.
I'd love to see/hear it!
@@SillyMoustache I'll see what I can do. I'm still learning how to record and do videos.
i just love slotted headstocks
Me too.
@Sullivan Bowen wow, thanks for the info!
The problem I had when I had too many guitars, was I realized it was a waste of time and money. So I sold all and just kept two most versatile favorites. It was more about collecting than playing them.
Hi, please explain this strange concept - "too many guitars" I'm afraid that I can't get my head(stock) around it!
love my dreads as well..deeply. However my OM Black Limba with 400 yr old red spruce top 12 fret that i recently acquired literally crushes all my dreads. usually dreads are more dynamic and the OM more focused (imo) but this build has both. even my rosewood parlors arent as dynamic as this om Limba. Black Limba is highly underrated and a superlative choice for back and sides and very synergistic in transfer to the top (imo) ---see ya on agf
Erm, OM 12 fret ??? I'm old and confused.
@@SillyMoustache yeppers. commissioned build OM 12 fret with 24.9 scale length which gives this hybrid guitar a unique personality in both looks and sound. 15 1/4" and 11 3/8" bouts. 4 1/16" depth at neck and 4 1/2" at end.
Thank you for a great video. Question… I own and play a Martin 00. I’ve had it for 1 year and just truly enjoy it. I don’t think I can ever buy or afford another guitar, do you think that 00 will make me happy for years to come. You’re opinion?
Oh Rob, how could I possible answer such a question? I don't know of your tastes, and needs in the future! If you are referring to a Martin like the 00028VS, I see no reason why is would not be a lifetime affair, as they are fine instruments, but there are many options and differing versions. I was very focussed on my Collings 12 fret dreads for many years, after being unable to find a Martin and later bought a 0002h which I play a great deal at home and when teaching but recently bought two Eastmans - an "0" (e20-P) and 00 ("E40-00" which is a delight - but I can't imagine using them for performance as I'm something of an old bluegrass flat picker. Enjoy your 00 and you will either remain content with it, and why not, or sooner or later, like most of us, you may get a yen for something larger, smaller or ??? Enjoy the ride!
I bought a Eastman e10 00 ltd, some time ago, a wondeful sounding small guitar.
I agree, very comfortable to play sitting down, a lot more comfortable than my dreadnought, or 12 string.
It als helped me to improve my fingerstyle playin’ i think the small guitars are very good for that!
What do you think, are small body’s more suited for fingerstyle?
Hi, is that the all hog one? I bought one but had to return it as the neck was too thin for me but what a beautiful sound! Thanks for watching my vid.
Good logic to your theory
Thank you.
Learned a lot here. Do you recommend Lowden Guitars? We are starting to see more here in Canada and since my Grandad came from Ireland. Thanks.
Hi, whilst I'm very aware of Lowden guitars, I'm very much attracted to pre war American designs, so have little experience of the British designs.
@@SillyMoustache Okay, thanks.
the headstock.. 😍
Hi, What about the headstock?
Hey SM, in your experience do the 12 fret dreads feel a little quieter? I've gotten to play a few 18 and 28 Martin's in that shape and immediately felt like it bridged the gap between the traditional Martin sound and something like a J200, where there's so much top it almost doesn't all move. (I like that)
Hi Tony, not at all. I've held two or three bluegrass bands at bay with both my Hog/sitka and EIR/sitka 12 fret dreads. wioth n trouble -although the hog is loudest, and the EIR is more complex. all my dreads are Collings so don't sound like Martins and certainly nothing like a SJ200. Hope that helps.
I have a guild m20 been pining for a Gibson l00 what are people's experience here with those. I also like the 00-18 & 0-18s I've played
Hi, All I'd say is that In November 2016, I went to a great guitar dealers intent on buying an L-00. He had a wide choice of various incarnations. I tried them all but ...well I came home with a Waterloo - no regrets.
I have An # 1 -18 from 1917 in Brazilin Rosewood a great little guitar at home , but not for concerts.
I'd love to see pics!
The move towards smaller guitars is about comfort. Sometimes dreads aren't all that comfortable, especially for aging baby boomers.
While dreads can be really full flavored, there are times when a player doesn't need or want such a large sound. I am 71 now and find I enjoy my 00s more and more.
Hi Patrick, I do understand that. A friend of mine who has had open heart surgery has just sold two lovely Martin dreads as he simply cannot play them any more. For many it is about trying to play dreads/jumbos whilst lounging on a couch - perhaps you didn't watch from 9:20 on?
I love the Taylor Mini SG Breton guitar player Nicolas Kemener got 🙂
Hi, thanks for watching.
@@SillyMoustache My pleasure. Ever seen his guitar I mentioned?
Greetings from Belgium
@@Melvorgazh Hi, I'm afraid that I'm unfamiliar with Taylors.
@@SillyMoustache Me either.
But I really liked that Mini SG model sound.
Here is a sample by a duo in Brittany.
ua-cam.com/video/9hD7rIhQLo8/v-deo.html
@@SillyMoustache Hi again.
Here a second. ua-cam.com/video/UKF8xJxteuE/v-deo.html
It's only 240p but the sound is good.
It's a fairly compact guitar.
I got 1 Aria dreadnought and 2 Guild's, and they both are not small.
I subscribed to your channel.
Seems excellent.
Cheers
It is disappointing that Concert (size 0) guitars are getting misrepresented as 'parlor'.
I SO agree!!! Almost as bad as Gibson style jumbos being called "slope dreads" !!
I looked at the Eastman site but didn't see the fab model you started the video with - do they still make it?
So did I , no they don't seem to show "40" limited editions. I think that this is no.1 of a run of five. There are other limited editions with high levels of decoration, also not on their website. I think tht this is a short run edition ordered by TFOA.
Just ordered a 14-fret short scale 00. I wanted to try in person but impossible with these times.
Yup, even the groceries are biought online now! My last two guitars were bought online, excellent service with both.
I can’t find an e40oo. Is this only available outside the U.S?
Hi, I believe that it might have been made for Namm (which didn't happen). I have heard that they might make another ten or so, five for the EU and five for the US. All hearsay of course.
That second Eastman you played (concert size) is what I'm after. Is it Martin quality at a lower price? Your preference for rosewood on smaller guitars is noted, as we both like hogs.
Hi, that is a really difficult call. I can imagnie my head on a stake if I said that Eastmans are as good as Martins, but I can say that they are of constantly improving quality. The "28" style E20-P was remarkably open and resonant out of the box, and is at least a year old now. the far more expensive E40-00 is a very different build throughout, beautifully made but not quite so open ... as yet. I would have bought a used Martin 0028VS if I could have found one but there were none around and Martin has discontinued all their 12 fret models, so they have pretty much handed that (increasing) part of the market to Collings and Eastman.
Sorry to chime in but what Im gonna tell you is coming from personal experience of having owned an Eastman.
Now, does Eastman sound like Martin ? Well, not really. Eastman has sort of balanced, bright, and clean tonal characteristics - which is not a bad thing. Some other boutique or smaller USA builders have those tonal characteristics as well, but I wont mention them because the trolls will start popping up. Martin has a real warm, woofy, sweet, and mellow tone that is classic and what they're known for. . And Eastman guitars don't have that "woof" that Martin is know for having.
I used to own a E10D and its a great bang for the buck guitar. Im actually a Rosewood guy and IMO, I didn't care for Eastmans Rosewood models as far as tone. To my ears, their rosewood models sound just "ok". But their mahogany guitars to me, sound excellent for their price.
Thats being said, I sold it because after a while, I just fell out of love with. And that might have something to do with it having an Adirondack top. Im in the opposite court and enjoy Sitka topped guitars.
Would I own an Eastman again? Absolutely. But to me, they're a great additional guitar to add to the collection. If you need that Martin tone from a PACRIM company, Blueridge is where I would look. But Eastman and Yamaha (LL models) are the best when it comes to tone and quality coming from Asia. The quality of Blueridge isn't bad either I might add, but they've had minor issues in the past. But hey, so has Martin.
@@sc12100 Thank you for that comment! I didn't know about Blueridge guitars and their good value for the money! Also thanks to the @SillyMoustache for this nice video!
Dreadnought guitars are hard to record with because they are so boomy. You can ad bottom but its harder to take it away.
It's been a long time since I made an album, but I don't remember such issues. Point is the large majority of guitars being sold seems are not bought by recording artists, so I'm thinking about my perception of the market shift. Thanks for watching.
Hello Mr Moustache, I was wondering if Fellowship of Acoustics custom ordered this from Eastman specifically for you or did you find it already in their shop?
Hi Daniel, yes, they custom ordered it from Eastman, and one or two other level 40 instruments, and No not just for me. Thanks for watching.
Spot on Mr. Moustache.
Thanks Bill,
Love your channel, please join the Acoustic Guitar Canada Group and post your videos here: facebook.com/groups/104450213671082/
@@wrkerrigan Hi I've put in my application. As a Brit, they might refuse me ?
No... I’m the administrator. Thanks for joining, looking forward to viewing your posts.
I am very skinny and tall, but still the smaller body acoustic guitars are far more comfortable ergonomically. But mainly I got into them because of the round tone of 12-fret design and at the time I was only aware of 12-fret smaller body guitars. The other issue is that the smaller body guitars have much more rounded female-figure shapelyness. And to me, dreads are just plain boxy ugly.
Hi Felix, I watched your video with Debora siniging "I can't wait" -very good1 The acoustic guitar buying world is subjrct totrends, and I find it interesting that the dreanought obsessed baby boomers are now turning to smaller guitars. I love my dreads and my smaller models. Thanks for watching.
I think we need small guitars so little people have something to play.
I know that you are joking, as , especially for learners, smaller bodied guitars really help.
How many acoustic guitars do you have?
Hi Walter, I have .... a few. If you look at my videos starting "My ...." you will see them all discussed. Remember his is a collection which started around 1998 up to 2020 and quite a few were traded to get to these. Also most were bought used.
I agree. I just received a Martin Custom Shop 00-28 12 fret. Great tone and sound output. Short scale & 12 fret helps with my fretting hand that has "heredity " issues and some other damage. Also have a Taylor GS Mini for a smaller guitar.
Thanks for sharing! that sounds like a great guitar.
It is a great guitar. Custom Shop. I have found that the Custom Shop upgrades the wood grade/quality. It's not just looks but sound. For example, the 1933 D-45 used by Gene Autry was a pretty fancy 12-fret. Not quite sure how Eastman does their tone woods for quality. I know many of their Dreadnoughts are going to torrified tops. They find the guitars are more stable in shipping.
@Silly Moustache in addition to the expensive Martin, I've been impressed with the Eastman E20SS-V-sb and E22SS-v-SB: v for vintage varnish (mild aging), SB for Sunburst, and SS for slope shoulder. Both have Adirondack top. The E20 has East Indian Rosewood back and sides; the E22 has Walnut. They look like Gibson J-45 guitars but sound more like Martin's. And at a price that is good.
Professor Drew Bypass!
I don't understand.
They're more comfortable,but now you can amplify them and you don't need them big dreadnaughts
Yes, I suppose that you can, but all have a purpose sonically. Besides a plugged in guitar never really sounds like an acoustic. and the point of this video is to discuss that older and/or larger folk who only play at home are finding larger guitars impractical for playing seated. (which they aren't designed for anyway), and so many are realising that size 0-00-000 sized guitars are more comfortable and have their own purer tonality.
I built a parlor 0 size blues guitar granadillo (super hard) harder than rosewood and Sitka top. My lady makes fun of me cuz I call it my bed guitar . She says no one plays in bed 🛌 I told er she’d b surprised. Big peanut guitar 12 fret 24.5 scale 3 little ladder braces
Well that wasn't very boring Jeffrey, I'd like to see it! (maybe not in bed tho')
Alvarez makes a great 00.
Really? That's good tat there is so much choice now,
man you have some selection of great guitars.wonder did you ever try top end LL yamaha acoustics.
Hi Anthony, No, but I've heard some at my club, and they seem very good. As you see from this and my other videos,
I am steeped in Martin design guitars, albeit from other builders.
I have one and love it
I have a Martin 00-28 made in 1895... so your historical dates are a little off.
Hi James, that is most interesting. "The Martin Book" by Walter Carter clearly says 1898, and the Martin Guitars Technical Reference (Johnson, Boak and Longworth) says 1897. However, yours might have been a special order, prototype, or a sample???
Not a new trend. I have been playing smaller body guitars since my first Martin .. a 1939 00-17 bought in 1961. Currently own a 2015 00-18V.
Well somebody had to or there wouldn't be any used ones to buy! Well done!
@@SillyMoustache One obstacle I see is that some people (mostly yuppie and millennial types)
have gravitated toward "parlo(u)r" guitars and prices have increased.
Always enjoy your videos especially the commentary.
I'm 58 have a belly but sit in a straight back chair and use a strap. I can still easily play all my guitars including my dreadnoughts. LOL
Hi, I'm delighted to hear it! The straight backed chair certainly aids this. Using a large, deep bodied guitar a a "couch" guitar is bound to cause musculo-skeletal issues for many.
So reverent and respectful of Martin designs that he plays a Chinese knock off.
You must be Corndog Cabernet
Yeah people buy Chinese products - GET OVER IT!
Yes, I do. I have also bought Knock offs built in Dripping Springs, Texas, Santa Cruz, California, and Southampton UK. It seems that there are many "knock-offs" made in the USA. Of course if build and material quality can be bought cheaper than American items, then perhaps the American builders should look to their commercial pricing. However, Martin can no longer be bothered to build their original designs focussing on things like the SC13e -so they no longer cater for those who admire their best designs.
@@SillyMoustache Dont worry about this prick Andy. He's a complete waste of time. I enjoy your videos and comments on the forums.