I`ll take the sound of that Eastman over that Taylor any day. On single notes is was hard to chose, but on chords the warmth and complexity and beauty of the Eastman really shined.
thank you for the video. I'm trying to pick between these two brands and i'm starting to come to the conclusion it comes down more to the individual guitar more than the brand.
I’d say this is definitely the case. They are both well built guitars from reputable companies - You almost have to just sit there with a few different ones and choose among the bunch, haha.
I own two taylors...a high end and mid range. Both are great. I've owned and sold three eastmans....I keep going back to them. Great instruments with awesome sound and feel! Here I am shopping for yet another Eastman...ugh...
You should compare the 314ce to the Eastman AC322CE or even the AC122CE. For similar tone woods. I’ve owned both the 314ce and AC322ce. The 314ce is $2500. The AC322ce is $1100. The AC322 is Superior in every way. The 314ce was quickly sold. Also, please don’t switch guitars so quickly. It’s makes the comparison much more difficult.
Eastman ac222 is about $600 out the door, the Taylor what… maybe $1700. There isn’t a $1k difference between these guitars, in playability, build quality or sound. Amazing what some will pay for letters on a headstock!
I think you’re right in that Eastman tends to fight way above it’s weight class in terms of price point. I have a few Eastman models and all of them compete with their higher dollar counterpart. I will say that I love my Taylor too, though. Maybe it’s because of my sentimental attachment to it, because it’s seen me through a lot of gigs over the years, but what they are doing currently in terms of quality I can’t say I’m too familiar with. If what you say is true about them going down hill, I hope they can turn it around!
You've got it the wrong way around. I'll buy the guitar that gives me goose-bumps when I hear it, the one I feel connected to, that feels alive in my hands, regardless of price. Also, Taylor invented the Grand Auditorium body shape, this AC222 literally wouldn't exist if it wasn't for Taylor. It's a clone, and I'm not saying that's a bad thing, I had a Takamine dreadnaught that was a copy of a Martin D42 and it was godly, but credit where it's due. Martin and Taylor are at the top for a reason.
Did you ever do a video comparing the Eastman AC322 against the Taylor 314 ??? Have you played the AC322? Seems it would be streets above the Taylor 314 seems the AC222 is on par with the 314. Anyone else have any input about this? I am looking at the AC222 and AC322 at the moment. I love the AC222 Classic finish, but also the AC322 in Sunburst is just beautiful. But one thing for sure, i want an Eastman 💯
Hey! So I went back and sat down with both guitars to try to answer your question, and honestly I feel very little difference in the necks between these two guitars. I think the finish on the back of the two contributes to to overall feel, but I’d say the shape is very similar. If anything, the Taylor could be a hair slimmer, but they are quite close.
Very nice comparison, I'm seriously considering the Eastman AC222 as my first quality acoustic guitar, mostly for fingerpicking. Having both in your hands, how do the Eastman compare to the Taylor build quality wise? There isn't any shop selling Eastman in my area so I would have to order it online.
Hey Jean-Michel! Generally speaking, the build quality on an Eastman guitar tends to be pretty good. I own four (an 810ce archtop, an E20OM, an AC222, and a T58), and they all are fantastic guitars. To answer your question more directly -- how the build quality compares to Taylor -- I may not be the right person to answer that. While I'm a player who owns both brands, I cannot say that I have played enough Taylors and enough Eastmans side-by-side to really give an informed opinion. What I can say is that my Eastmans and my Taylors stand up to one another really well. In terms of how they play back to back, I would say my AC222 feels very similar to my 314. Out of the box, the AC222's fretwork was on point, and the guitar needed just about the same amount of setup work as my 314 when I got it (which was VERY minimal). I would say that if you're seriously considering the AC222 as a fingerstyle player, then go for it!
I’d say that’s a fair assessment. As you probably already know, the Eastman has TV Jones pickups, which have a bit of a different characteristic than Gretsch’s filtertrons.
Hey B Cain! That’s very strange, this comment was clearly intended for the video I did where I compared an Eastman T58 to a Gretsch G6120. With it being eight months ago, I cannot say for certain how the mixup happened. HOWEVER, you are 100% correct, this comment has nothing to do with the Taylor vs. Eastman video. Thanks for pointing that out and I hope this helps people who come across this in the future!
The Taylor 314 is a $2,000 guitar vs the Eastman AC222 at $680. In terms of price perhaps a higher level Eastman guitar would be a better comparison? Between these two I found then to be fairly similar in tonal quality while fingerpicking but is strumming, The Taylor clearly had more bass present and with less bass on the Eastman the tone sounded brighter.
That Eastman model sapele or ovangkol? I have issues with both brands, to be honest. Taylor has excellent QC, but their guitars are rather generic and sterile sounding, to me, and I've owned 4 (no more). Eastman is the opposite. Their QC is shoddy. I received an E10D with a broken truss rod; two E10OMs with frets that felt like ladders; a E1OM with a cedar top; another E1OM with rosewood bridge and fretboard instead of ebony. I mean, I think I have a representative sample to make this call. I also notice guitarists who are demo'ing Eastmans rarely do anything vaguely acrobatic on them. Is that because they don't have the skill, or that the guitar is fighting back? Their sound is to die for though, and their standard series and up are all eye-candy. The E10D was a cannon, and slightly larger than my Marty D-28. The OM version, too, could knock you back in your seat, the Adi top and scalloped braces pack a hella wallop, with a huge dynamic range. But it keeps coming back to the necks, for me. If after a proper fret dressing by a pro there's still something off, open strings sounding pinched, etc, fingers stumbling when doing routine runs, there's something not quite right. I keep trying, because if I get a good one, I know I've got an instrument that makes me just as happy as a good Martin (notice how Taylor didn't go very far in my humble opinion? Bottom line; buy a Taylor, you know what you get, like very expensive McDonalds. Buy an Eastman? Why, they're like a box o' chockolates! Lol.
They are definitely tough to tell apart. When I was editing the video, I struggled with hearing a difference in certain portions myself. I think if you're looking for it, the most notable difference is the chord strumming portion near the end. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I`ll take the sound of that Eastman over that Taylor any day. On single notes is was hard to chose, but on chords the warmth and complexity and beauty of the Eastman really shined.
Very cool! I love my Eastmans - it’s really tough to find something bad to say about them.
thank you for the video. I'm trying to pick between these two brands and i'm starting to come to the conclusion it comes down more to the individual guitar more than the brand.
I’d say this is definitely the case. They are both well built guitars from reputable companies - You almost have to just sit there with a few different ones and choose among the bunch, haha.
Great comparison! I am considering the Eastman AC222 but I have to compare it to the Blueridge 143Ce…
I own two Eastmans - just a great value. I still want a Taylor.
I own two taylors...a high end and mid range. Both are great. I've owned and sold three eastmans....I keep going back to them. Great instruments with awesome sound and feel! Here I am shopping for yet another Eastman...ugh...
Haha, I love both my Taylor and my Eastmans, so it sounds like you and I are pretty similar! What Eastman are you shopping for right now?
@@CodyJungGuitar either this ac222ce for the ovangkil, or an e20d
I think either of those are a solid choice! I love the ac222 for fingerstyle.
I ordered an E10ss tobacco burst Eastman , nothing but great reviews
That’s awesome! I think you’re really going to enjoy it. They make a great flattop guitar (not to mention great archtops and solid bodies too, haha).
Thank you for actually playing something, not just messing around like other videos.
You should compare the 314ce to the Eastman AC322CE or even the AC122CE. For similar tone woods. I’ve owned both the 314ce and AC322ce. The 314ce is $2500. The AC322ce is $1100. The AC322 is Superior in every way. The 314ce was quickly sold.
Also, please don’t switch guitars so quickly. It’s makes the comparison much more difficult.
Eastman ac222 is about $600 out the door, the Taylor what… maybe $1700.
There isn’t a $1k difference between these guitars, in playability, build quality or sound. Amazing what some will pay for letters on a headstock!
I think you’re right in that Eastman tends to fight way above it’s weight class in terms of price point. I have a few Eastman models and all of them compete with their higher dollar counterpart.
I will say that I love my Taylor too, though. Maybe it’s because of my sentimental attachment to it, because it’s seen me through a lot of gigs over the years, but what they are doing currently in terms of quality I can’t say I’m too familiar with. If what you say is true about them going down hill, I hope they can turn it around!
You've got it the wrong way around. I'll buy the guitar that gives me goose-bumps when I hear it, the one I feel connected to, that feels alive in my hands, regardless of price. Also, Taylor invented the Grand Auditorium body shape, this AC222 literally wouldn't exist if it wasn't for Taylor. It's a clone, and I'm not saying that's a bad thing, I had a Takamine dreadnaught that was a copy of a Martin D42 and it was godly, but credit where it's due. Martin and Taylor are at the top for a reason.
Which one plays better? Every taylor I've tried at guitar shops have played absolute garbage 212 314 414 mine koa ect
But which guitar is more easier to play out of the box?
And more suitable for fingestyle
Did you ever do a video comparing the Eastman AC322 against the Taylor 314 ???
Have you played the AC322?
Seems it would be streets above the Taylor 314 seems the AC222 is on par with the 314.
Anyone else have any input about this?
I am looking at the AC222 and AC322 at the moment.
I love the AC222 Classic finish, but also the AC322 in Sunburst is just beautiful.
But one thing for sure, i want an Eastman 💯
Eastman said on their site their neck is a traditional C shape. I love the modern shallow neck of Taylor's. Are the Eastman necks as slim or thicker?
Hey! So I went back and sat down with both guitars to try to answer your question, and honestly I feel very little difference in the necks between these two guitars. I think the finish on the back of the two contributes to to overall feel, but I’d say the shape is very similar. If anything, the Taylor could be a hair slimmer, but they are quite close.
Thanks Cody!!!👍🇵🇷🎼
Hardly any difference in sound. Was there a difference in neck, action and playability?
Very nice comparison, I'm seriously considering the Eastman AC222 as my first quality acoustic guitar, mostly for fingerpicking. Having both in your hands, how do the Eastman compare to the Taylor build quality wise? There isn't any shop selling Eastman in my area so I would have to order it online.
Hey Jean-Michel! Generally speaking, the build quality on an Eastman guitar tends to be pretty good. I own four (an 810ce archtop, an E20OM, an AC222, and a T58), and they all are fantastic guitars. To answer your question more directly -- how the build quality compares to Taylor -- I may not be the right person to answer that. While I'm a player who owns both brands, I cannot say that I have played enough Taylors and enough Eastmans side-by-side to really give an informed opinion. What I can say is that my Eastmans and my Taylors stand up to one another really well. In terms of how they play back to back, I would say my AC222 feels very similar to my 314. Out of the box, the AC222's fretwork was on point, and the guitar needed just about the same amount of setup work as my 314 when I got it (which was VERY minimal). I would say that if you're seriously considering the AC222 as a fingerstyle player, then go for it!
@@CodyJungGuitar Thanks for sharing your experience, much appreciated. Seems like an awesome guitar for that price
Most definitely!
@@CodyJungGuitar I just ordered it in "classic" color (which is some kind of sunburst). I really like how it looks
Too cool! PM me some pics of it when you get it in. I think you’ll really enjoy it. Congrats!
taylor maybe slightly warmer and muted compared to eastman wich sounded more open. im a noob just my perspective.
Your opinion, whether beginner or pro, is always valued! Our ears hear what they hear!
Not much difference considering the Taylor is $1000 and made by machine. The Eastman is hand made.
Taylor 314 is closer to 1800-2100 brand new now
How does the action compare between them?
Hey Stephen! I have them both set up as close to the same as possible. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Eastman was crisper and louder. Balance seemed equal.
I’d say that’s a fair assessment. As you probably already know, the Eastman has TV Jones pickups, which have a bit of a different characteristic than Gretsch’s filtertrons.
@@CodyJungGuitar something doesn't make sense here. Your video shows playing through an external mic. Where do the pickups come in?
Hey B Cain! That’s very strange, this comment was clearly intended for the video I did where I compared an Eastman T58 to a Gretsch G6120. With it being eight months ago, I cannot say for certain how the mixup happened.
HOWEVER, you are 100% correct, this comment has nothing to do with the Taylor vs. Eastman video. Thanks for pointing that out and I hope this helps people who come across this in the future!
The Taylor 314 is a $2,000 guitar vs the Eastman AC222 at $680. In terms of price perhaps a higher level Eastman guitar would be a better comparison?
Between these two I found then to be fairly similar in tonal quality while fingerpicking but is strumming, The Taylor clearly had more bass present and with less bass on the Eastman the tone sounded brighter.
Hey Rod, I think comparing a higher level Eastman to the 314 would be a great comparison video as well! Hopefully I can make that happen soon.
Tks man
That Eastman model sapele or ovangkol?
I have issues with both brands, to be honest. Taylor has excellent QC, but their guitars are rather generic and sterile sounding, to me, and I've owned 4 (no more).
Eastman is the opposite. Their QC is shoddy. I received an E10D with a broken truss rod; two E10OMs with frets that felt like ladders; a E1OM with a cedar top; another E1OM with rosewood bridge and fretboard instead of ebony. I mean, I think I have a representative sample to make this call.
I also notice guitarists who are demo'ing Eastmans rarely do anything vaguely acrobatic on them. Is that because they don't have the skill, or that the guitar is fighting back?
Their sound is to die for though, and their standard series and up are all eye-candy. The E10D was a cannon, and slightly larger than my Marty D-28. The OM version, too, could knock you back in your seat, the Adi top and scalloped braces pack a hella wallop, with a huge dynamic range.
But it keeps coming back to the necks, for me. If after a proper fret dressing by a pro there's still something off, open strings sounding pinched, etc, fingers stumbling when doing routine runs, there's something not quite right. I keep trying, because if I get a good one, I know I've got an instrument that makes me just as happy as a good Martin (notice how Taylor didn't go very far in my humble opinion?
Bottom line; buy a Taylor, you know what you get, like very expensive McDonalds. Buy an Eastman? Why, they're like a box o' chockolates! Lol.
❤️🎶🎵👍🎶🎵🙏😎
Taylor is doing a lot of guitars laminated most of the Eastman are withe solid Wood Taylor's Over priced and you get laminated
Eastman is the new Taylor.
Taylor has a richer tone, to my ears.
Thanks for watching!
Sound identical
They are definitely tough to tell apart. When I was editing the video, I struggled with hearing a difference in certain portions myself. I think if you're looking for it, the most notable difference is the chord strumming portion near the end. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Taylors they are over priced the way to go os Eastman.
I have to say, I really do love Eastman’s stuff. It’s tough to argue against them in the market at this point.