Thanks for this, I think the one thing I'd change about format is it would be interesting if you did things back to back, like Martin chord strumming immediately followed by Guild chord strumming, etc. then move on to flatpicking going through each guitar once again and so on.
I'm surprised to give the Guild first place. Eastman in close second. D28 sounds like I always every one I've ever played. Many talented people love that sound of the D28. Comes down to taste and everyone gets to love what they love, and I (sorry) just can't find a way to love that D28 sound. Thanks for the awesome demo.
With this particular recording I thought the Eastman has the most ‘personality’ seems loud and solid... and lord knows it’s affordable? You wonder when they will raise the price. I was in a guitar store the other day with all the major brands represented. I resisted the Eastman at first because of their plain appearance etc. but when I worked my way to them, it was clear they are special. They honestly played and sounded the strongest out of all the high priced guitars I strummed that day. Crazy.
Good and thorough demo, thank you. I really wish players did not have their strumming/picking hand glued to the back edge of the sound hole. That may make sense fir flat picking to cut through in bluegrass but fingerpicking becomes more alive near the centr of the soundhole and strumming can travel all over the place from even the end of the fretboard (more controllable and compressed sound for hard strumming of a softer sound for lighter strumming), over the sound hole for volume swells or emphasis to the rear for bite or mid strum appeggios. Just staying at the rear of the sound hole for everything can give a strident sounding impression. Like demoing a Telecaster with only the saddle pickup and max on the tone knob engaged.
They are every bit as good as martin or gibson. I had a 1980 guild d40c and they have everything. D40 is just below the d55 in guild terms. My cousin has a martin d18 ge and I currently have a gibson j45. I love it. But I wish I never traded my guild.
What a great job comparing these guitars, thanks! To me the D-28 is superior in the strumming, flatpicking, and fingerpicking with the Guild in 2nd. The Guild does sound slightly better with a capo, with the Martin a close 2nd. The Eastman just doesn't wind my clock any.
The guild is on another planet, the eastman and the martin are quite similar, perhaps the eastman seems more pronounced on the bottom ends, it sounded nicer to my ears and considering it's half the price of the martin, the eastman is the real winner. I tried quite a few martins, even the top shelf ones, I've never got really impressed, they sounded ok at best, they're waaaay overpriced!
Guild D-55, no doubt. I compared the D-28 vs. Guild D-55 versus Taylor 914e. The guild guitar had the biggest, woodiest, voice. Many videos on UA-cam kill D-28s when compared to a D-55 face to face. Owner of a high end Martin (Adirondack and Madagascar) and high end Taylor (914ce). Just wish Guild would make its guitars with a 1.75" inch nut. A D-55 sunburst with a 1.75 inch nut is all I would need to enjoy my olden days. She'd be my cherished queen. Am about to check if Guild's custom shop could do this.
I went to buy a Martin the sellsman asked me if I ever played a Guild I play the Guild and the Martin walked out with the Guild. Loved the sound and it has been a great guitar.
Guilds always have the best low end. Not a huge fan of d28's in general, this one was no exception. I'd actually like to hear the Guild against a D35 if you ever get the chance.
28s break in beautifully though because of the regular strait bracing. Just takes time. I'm an 18 man myself. But the 28s do age very well. Especially the new guys with the bracing being foward shifted. Fair comparison would be against an hd28. The d35 has 1/4 inch bracing so it would be slightly different. Id like to see ir against the HD-28
I own a guitar from each of these brands. The guild definitely seemed to have more pronounced bass. The Martin had its special woody/balanced tone and The Eastman sat in the middle tonally, to my ears.
I love all 3. For the money, the Eastman of course. If I were younger, I might pick the D-28 because I know it will sound wonderful in 5 years. That Guild sounds great even brand new, and is much easier to play than the Martin. I have 4 Guilds now, but none are rosewood. Guilds do have their own particular Guild sound however, and I might pick one of the other 2 just for something different.
I feel like most acoustic players want some deep bass and some sparkly top end, but I just want some nice clear warm full lower mids honestly and the martin and the Eastman do it for me. The Guild sounds huge but when capo'd it seems to loose some of its bass in that register where as the other 2 don't seem to.
I've got a bunch I like. On the lower end, I like Dunlop Ultex, and the heavy Martin faux tortoise. Moving up, Dunlop Primetones, and I do have a few Blue Chips that I love....
You should have compared the Martin hd 35 or 28.They both have scalloped bracing the d28 does not. The Guild does,and it’s their top of the line guitar.Dare you compare the Martins top of the line d45 to it:)
@@ianmeadows6351 No they don't. Just foward shifted on the re imagined d28. Big difference. The big change was to foward shift the d28. But they didbt scallop it. Would make no sense as it would basically be a HD28. Check it out, trust me.
Hell my '17 Guild D-140 NAT, holds its own against my friends '03 D18., that D55 just kills it. The 140 is from their Budget line, could have fooled me. All Solid, Sitka top with a light flame. African Mahogany that looks great. Excellent build quality and setup. Perfect action/Intonation and no buzz anywhere. It is a boomer sounds great playing light or just pounding on it. I also recently got a Bluesbird Ice Tea and wow what a guitar.
Eastman is the best value for sure. Slight difference in tone with each, but a large difference in price. All three are top of the line pro acoustics. Love it.
The guild was spectacular here. The martin may have edged it out slightly in flat picking, but the guild sounded so full and rich. I can't really decide which I like better.
The Guild reigns supreme. The Martin sounds grumpy. The Eastman has better sustain than the Martin; but that might be the strings. It has no character though. It sounds generic. The Guild though made me instantly smile, it sounds alive and happy to be played.
Thanks Ian. I really enjoy your videos. For me Martin, Eastman, Guild. Guild had beautiful highs but not enough bass. Martin better balanced. For the money Eastman is great.
Ian as good as you are at demonstrating these different guitars, in my opinion you are taking way too long with one guitar. by the time you switch over we forget what the previous guitar sounded like. sorry mate but it is a fact.
@@ianmeadows6351 Ian i hope you did not take offence mate as you in my opinion are the master!!!!! Guild d 55, then the Eastman then the Martin. then again, i am only listening through shit computer speakers.
Mike, Eastman is a Chinese company. I did not compare Yamaha's because I don't have access to any! They are fine guitars though, I have played several of the new red label models and enjoyed them
I think that these comparisons take to long just simply pick one string and measure the length of the ring. I think the strings on the eastman were too new. and I think the player just felt more comfortable with the guild.
What kind of issues with the nut and frets? I have two Eastmans and they are great, and I prefer them both to the D28 I had, but every guitar is different. The D28 was a great guitar too. Would like to know what to look out for....
This is not a good Martin represented here. Sounds like it just came out of the factory, reason I prefer well used ones. More than other brands it seems they change a lot over time. Not sure why.
Martin is the CLEAR WINNER! That guild had a decent clarity response to it but ZERO bass. Lol. The G string on my HD-28 has more bass than that guilds low E lmao 🤣
Guild is too boomy. Eastman is a little muddy. Martin is just right. (Articulate & great projection with perfect low end). I do like the sound of a Guild D-40 Traditional better than all three of these. It's all subjective.
Thanks for this, I think the one thing I'd change about format is it would be interesting if you did things back to back, like Martin chord strumming immediately followed by Guild chord strumming, etc. then move on to flatpicking going through each guitar once again and so on.
Man...the D55 sounded so huge I thought you dubbed a second guitar in the mix! Great playing btw!👍
The Martin and Eastman are very comparable, but that Guild is amazing.
I'm surprised to give the Guild first place. Eastman in close second. D28 sounds like I always every one I've ever played. Many talented people love that sound of the D28. Comes down to taste and everyone gets to love what they love, and I (sorry) just can't find a way to love that D28 sound. Thanks for the awesome demo.
Great playing as usual. All the guitars sound good, but different. I prefer the Guild....so rich and deep.
Wow, they ALL sounded GOOD! But one can FEEL that Guild resonating!
It sure is a special one...
That guild is amazing! Absolutely my choice!
With this particular recording I thought the Eastman has the most ‘personality’ seems loud and solid... and lord knows it’s affordable? You wonder when they will raise the price.
I was in a guitar store the other day with all the major brands represented. I resisted the Eastman at first because of their plain appearance etc. but when I worked my way to them, it was clear they are special. They honestly played and sounded the strongest out of all the high priced guitars I strummed that day. Crazy.
Just took delivery of my new Eastman today. An OM model. I am in love! 😍
Good and thorough demo, thank you. I really wish players did not have their strumming/picking hand glued to the back edge of the sound hole. That may make sense fir flat picking to cut through in bluegrass but fingerpicking becomes more alive near the centr of the soundhole and strumming can travel all over the place from even the end of the fretboard (more controllable and compressed sound for hard strumming of a softer sound for lighter strumming), over the sound hole for volume swells or emphasis to the rear for bite or mid strum appeggios. Just staying at the rear of the sound hole for everything can give a strident sounding impression. Like demoing a Telecaster with only the saddle pickup and max on the tone knob engaged.
I feel like the Guild is a hot rod of a dread. Sounds very powerful.
They are every bit as good as martin or gibson. I had a 1980 guild d40c and they have everything. D40 is just below the d55 in guild terms. My cousin has a martin d18 ge and I currently have a gibson j45. I love it. But I wish I never traded my guild.
Thank you for making these videos!
What a great job comparing these guitars, thanks!
To me the D-28 is superior in the strumming, flatpicking, and fingerpicking with the Guild in 2nd. The Guild does sound slightly better with a capo, with the Martin a close 2nd. The Eastman just doesn't wind my clock any.
The Guild is amazing and it's more balanced plus irs neck is slight narrower and it has a comfortable 12" radius!
I thought the Guild sounded more balanced. Thank you for your videos they are very informative.
Guild sounded best to me.
As good as the Martin is, i thought how can you get any better than that? Then he hit that G chord on the Guild.
U serious? The guild sounded like it had a blanket over it
@@spada60 perhaps the blanket is over your ears
The guild is on another planet, the eastman and the martin are quite similar, perhaps the eastman seems more pronounced on the bottom ends, it sounded nicer to my ears and considering it's half the price of the martin, the eastman is the real winner. I tried quite a few martins, even the top shelf ones, I've never got really impressed, they sounded ok at best, they're waaaay overpriced!
Martin strum: 0:01, Guild strum: 6:34, Eastman strum: 13:32
Yeah Im getting a d55 for my next guitar.
Superb picking, Ian! THX
Thanks my friend
Guild D-55, no doubt. I compared the D-28 vs. Guild D-55 versus Taylor 914e. The guild guitar had the biggest, woodiest, voice. Many videos on UA-cam kill D-28s when compared to a D-55 face to face. Owner of a high end Martin (Adirondack and Madagascar) and high end Taylor (914ce). Just wish Guild would make its guitars with a 1.75" inch nut. A D-55 sunburst with a 1.75 inch nut is all I would need to enjoy my olden days. She'd be my cherished queen. Am about to check if Guild's custom shop could do this.
I went to buy a Martin the sellsman asked me if I ever played a Guild I play the Guild and the Martin walked out with the Guild.
Loved the sound and it has been a great guitar.
Awesome Robert, keep enjoying it.
Yeah that Guild though... but are they consistent? Anyone have any experience or input?
Superb my 79 F50R and D55 aged marvelous.
Can't play dreds anymore(shoulder problems) but if I could I'd be selling some blood and organs for a D-55. :0)
Sounds like you need to sell some organs to get that shoulder fixed... Then sell a few more organs for the guild :p
@@DrCowinabox I did have surgery on it many years ago but now at age 72 it does get cranky.
Same here. Isn’t aging a bitch?!? I just gave up my dread for an OM model. An Eastman!
Guild D55 is much more comparable to a Martin D41 than a D28. I have all three (actually a HD28). Guild is a cannon compared to the D28.
Guilds always have the best low end. Not a huge fan of d28's in general, this one was no exception. I'd actually like to hear the Guild against a D35 if you ever get the chance.
I'll add this to the list Todd. Thanks for tuning in.
28s break in beautifully though because of the regular strait bracing. Just takes time. I'm an 18 man myself. But the 28s do age very well. Especially the new guys with the bracing being foward shifted.
Fair comparison would be against an hd28. The d35 has 1/4 inch bracing so it would be slightly different. Id like to see ir against the HD-28
I own a guitar from each of these brands. The guild definitely seemed to have more pronounced bass. The Martin had its special woody/balanced tone and
The Eastman sat in the middle tonally, to my ears.
wow, mega thanks for such a unique comparison
thank you for checking in my friend
I love all 3. For the money, the Eastman of course. If I were younger, I might pick the D-28 because I know it will sound wonderful in 5 years. That Guild sounds great even brand new, and is much easier to play than the Martin. I have 4 Guilds now, but none are rosewood. Guilds do have their own particular Guild sound however, and I might pick one of the other 2 just for something different.
I loved the Guild
I feel like most acoustic players want some deep bass and some sparkly top end, but I just want some nice clear warm full lower mids honestly and the martin and the Eastman do it for me. The Guild sounds huge but when capo'd it seems to loose some of its bass in that register where as the other 2 don't seem to.
I have to give this one to guild !
With that Guild, you did an F Maj thing where you went to a minor and I'm gonna fuckin steal that.
2:39 9:38 15:57
That Guild. I mean it’s almost a no brainer. Dang.
Sweet Guild tone...
What's your pick if your gonna chose one?
I've got a bunch I like. On the lower end, I like Dunlop Ultex, and the heavy Martin faux tortoise. Moving up, Dunlop Primetones, and I do have a few Blue Chips that I love....
@@ianmeadows6351 i tried them all but man the jazz 3 still works great
@@ianmeadows6351 🤪
Especially tasty licks, Ian! THX
Thanks my friend!
The Martin D35 is my second favourite guitar..3rd probably is the Martin D28, but of course number 1 is the Guild D55.
You should have compared the Martin hd 35 or 28.They both have scalloped bracing the d28 does not. The Guild does,and it’s their top of the line guitar.Dare you compare the Martins top of the line d45 to it:)
All the re-imagined Martin's have scalloped bracing as of 2017.
@@ianmeadows6351 No they don't. Just foward shifted on the re imagined d28. Big difference. The big change was to foward shift the d28. But they didbt scallop it. Would make no sense as it would basically be a HD28. Check it out, trust me.
Eastman shines!
Hell my '17 Guild D-140 NAT, holds its own against my friends '03 D18., that D55 just kills it.
The 140 is from their Budget line, could have fooled me. All Solid, Sitka top with a light flame. African Mahogany that looks great. Excellent build quality and setup. Perfect action/Intonation and no buzz anywhere. It is a boomer sounds great playing light or just pounding on it. I also recently got a Bluesbird Ice Tea and wow what a guitar.
Eastman is the best value for sure. Slight difference in tone with each, but a large difference in price. All three are top of the line pro acoustics. Love it.
they are definitely awesome values.
Martin & Gibson $$$$...Eastman $$...so it was an easy choice for this po boy...bought and love the Eastman
Sweet! They are great guitars. Play the heck out of it
The Guild sounds so deep..
@MrLizardisle That might be why..
the other guitars are about 4.5" deep. The Guild is 5", thus it resonates more and has more bass.
The guild was spectacular here. The martin may have edged it out slightly in flat picking, but the guild sounded so full and rich. I can't really decide which I like better.
The late Richie Havens use a Guild 55 with the most unorthodox style of playing but the best 🙏🙏👍🏻❤️
2:39
9:37
15:57
0:29
7:03
14:01
Eastman sounded muddy to me.
Martin 0:00
Guild 6:33
Guild’s D-55 is miles ahead
Thanks for your perspective, the D55 is an awesome guitar for sure.
That Guild rattles the bones
Ian, how would rank them ? )
Guild!! It’s a pleasant sound reminiscent of a Gibson just not as barky.
It's a sweet guitar...
The Guild reigns supreme. The Martin sounds grumpy. The Eastman has better sustain than the Martin; but that might be the strings. It has no character though. It sounds generic. The Guild though made me instantly smile, it sounds alive and happy to be played.
Guild - D55 win
9:38
2:39
15:58
Adirondack top always has a little something more especially with rosewood.
I do love me some adi spruce
Which ones has adironback top.
Eastman, Guild, Martin.
Thanks Ian. I really enjoy your videos. For me Martin, Eastman, Guild. Guild had beautiful highs but not enough bass. Martin better balanced. For the money Eastman is great.
Guild
You Don,t have to. It’s pretty easy to move back and forth in the video.
Ian as good as you are at demonstrating these different guitars, in my opinion you are taking way too long with one guitar. by the time you switch over we forget what the previous guitar sounded like. sorry mate but it is a fact.
Ok Eddy
@@ianmeadows6351 Ian i hope you did not take offence mate as you in my opinion are the master!!!!! Guild d 55, then the Eastman then the Martin. then again, i am only listening through shit computer speakers.
Sorry ian, what are your thoughts?
Guild all day long
I pick the Martin number 1.
If u all notice they did not dare to compare this American brand with Yamaha high end series acoustic guitar, I wonder why😁?
Mike, Eastman is a Chinese company. I did not compare Yamaha's because I don't have access to any! They are fine guitars though, I have played several of the new red label models and enjoyed them
?Cue in the silly conspiracy nuts
D55 para mi…Eastman or Martin lol
I think that these comparisons take to long just simply pick one string and measure the length of the ring. I think the strings on the eastman were too new. and I think the player just felt more comfortable with the guild.
thanks for weighing in Robert.
Guild sounds great but has a pretty weak bass response, at least that's what is sounds like.
I’ve had 2 Eastman’s and have had nut & fret issues on both. Buy American.
What kind of issues with the nut and frets? I have two Eastmans and they are great, and I prefer them both to the D28 I had, but every guitar is different. The D28 was a great guitar too. Would like to know what to look out for....
lol
Sure you did. Shut the fuck up.
Lying is a sin.
Yup I already have a hump at the 14th fret.
This is not a good Martin represented here. Sounds like it just came out of the factory, reason I prefer well used ones. More than other brands it seems they change a lot over time. Not sure why.
Martin is the CLEAR WINNER! That guild had a decent clarity response to it but ZERO bass. Lol. The G string on my HD-28 has more bass than that guilds low E lmao 🤣
Wow the Guild makes the Martin sound like a joke
I think the Guild sounds like poop
lol@@davefan16
The Martin D28 is $3199 made in America, the Guild is a $3800 guitar made in California, and the Eastman is $1600 and Chinese, yuck.
Guild is too boomy. Eastman is a little muddy. Martin is just right. (Articulate & great projection with perfect low end). I do like the sound of a Guild D-40 Traditional better than all three of these. It's all subjective.