Are Taylor & Martin Catching Up To Eastman's Value?

🎶Discover which guitar brand offers the best value as we put the Eastman AC122-1CE-DLX head-to-head against comparable models from Taylor and Martin. This in-depth comparison aims to see if the legendary brands of Taylor and Martin are catching up to Eastman’s exceptional value proposition.
💬Let us know! Do you think any brand can beat the bang for your buck you get from an Eastman?
🔗Eastman AC122-1CE-DLX - bit.ly/3USRIg2
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00:44 - Spec Comparison
05:12 - Eastman's Upgrades
06:56 - Are Taylor & Martin Catching Up?
09:07 - Is Eastman Still A Value Brand?
10:00 - Eastman Tone Samples
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#Acousticguitarcover #martinguitars #taylorguitars #Guitarcomparison #Acousticguitarreview #Bluegrassmusic #Guitarperformance #Musiccovers #Eastmanguitars #Coversongs #Classicbluegrass #Guitartonescomparison #eastmandeluxemodels

[@aaronlturner]

I have had Taylors, and when I discovered the Eastmans at TAC, I sold my Taylor and bought two Eastmans. That being said, I believe that the 314 is actually made in California. In my opinion, Eastmans are not just a good guitars for the money, they are just great guitars period!

[@davidmccue3591]

I can't speak for their guitars, but I recently bought an Eastman mandolin (from TAS, of course), and OMGoodness this instrument is so sweet it was love at first sight and true love once I got her tuned and playing. I absolutely could not be happier. There are excellent craftspeople in China too, and they have a longer history of excellent craftsmanship than the US does by approximately thousands of years. Just sayin.

[@andrewhamilton2201]

I think Furch is the real value brand. It's not the cheapest, but the quality and features you get for the money is hard to beat

[@Jeongwon-0101]

Which one do you recommend between Blue series and Violet series? Does Blue series worthy than Violet’s?

[@WysteriaGuitar]

As an acoustic player and collector, I have many Martin, Collings, Taylor, and Gibson high end and low end all solid wood guitars. In the last 5 years however, the majority of my purchases (80%) have been high end and lower end all solid EASTMAN's...that tells you right there how good EASTMAN guitars have become. Not only a great value, but fantastic tone and workmanship.

[@dalesearcy5734]

Eastman is fast becoming a well known brand of guitars. I am seeing a lot more of them showing up where ever I go. Their biggest problem for me in the past has been finding a dealer close to me that carries them and has a good selection in stock.

[@gltam1057]

Another amazing video ❤️.

[@DaGaemeingTimbarKat]

The 300 series Taylor’s are actually made in the USA… the 200 series and lower along with the academy series and GS Mini are made in Mexico.

[@SamFugarino]

I was so surprised by the fit and finish of my Eastman mandolin. You can't feel any of the seams on the instrument. The fretwork and setup were perfect when I received the instrument. That may be due to the Acoustic Shoppe's inspection, but it's an excellent instrument for whatever reason.

[@jacksonsl2h844]

Nice review. Just a note, Taylor 300 and above are made in El Cajon.

[@user-yq9jv4qn7f]

I’m hearing good things about the Yamaha red label series.

[@matthewkaufman2041]

I bought 2 Eastman Archtops several years ago - amazing soind, feel & quality for an affordable price

[@marsharupe8112]

I got a used Eastman and I love it.

[@macdaddyblues1]

I would put my E1D special against any guitar under $1,000... I was even able to put a Baggs Hifi in it and still right at a grand.... Its amazing really.

[@BulldoggerJK]

Eastman, like most Chinese products are hard to compete with. Full disclosure, I’ve bought one and from TAS. It was fantastic. I’d buy an Eastman over a modern Martin or Taylor. That said, I’ve searched for a factory tour and all I can find is the promo video Eastman themselves put out. China doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to labor practices and sourced materials. No one can compete with that. That’s the biggest reason for the value. Same with the phone I’m typing on, the antibiotics my dog is taking and a thousand other things in my house. It is what it is. If you need to be like the NBA and pull this comment, I get it. I don’t blame you.

[@MickyWalnuts]

Don't run away with the idea that its only China with poor Labour practices. As Phil McKnight pointed out on Know Your Gear Fender recently advertised a post for a polishing shop supervisor for less than the going rate to work at a fried chicken chain. Anyone who insists on buying American guitars in the mistaken belief that the higher price point supports decent American wages needs to have a bit of a rethink

[@calvinnapier9977]

When looking into Eastman in the past the info that I was able to find is that the employees are treated good and get a fair wage. They are the only Chinese guitar company that will allow you to see inside of the factory that I've found.

[@TempoDrift1480]

Well you're absolutely correct though. Everyone likes to get drunk out in the yard and talk about how they only buy American and I have to laugh and walk away because I know they don't know what they're talking about. I'm from South East Michigan and I know a thing or two about American manufacturing because being born in 82, I saw when it was and also when it wasn't. There just isn't anything made in here anymore. Well... Not much anyways. And you are also correct about Chinese guitars. They're fantastic. I have $80 and 90 Tele copies and with some fret work and hardware swaps, they can compete with any American Fenders. I also have a "Chibson" Les Paul gold top and I have no shame in taking it out in public. It's outstanding. I prefer it over several other Gibson's.

[@BulldoggerJK]

@@calvinnapier9977 I assume you’re talking about the promo video Eastman made. That’s not exactly being transparent. I’d love to see a KZbin channel take a tour like every other factory or the Pamona facility. I’m not sure what fair wages means in a country that has forced labor. That’s excluding how their materials are sourced. I’d love to think they’re great but it’s China we’re talking about. They provide so much globally they have the power to censor Americans. Just look at how many people won’t even say the word Taiwan. The NBA will kick you out of a game if you write in on a sign. Pretty crazy. Again, I’ve got plenty of their products, including an Eastman at one point. Kind of hard to avoid these days.

[@BulldoggerJK]

@@MickyWalnuts Agreed. I wasn’t running with that idea at all. Not sure if that’s what you meant. If you’re saying Chinese and American labor practices are equal, we’ll have to disagree. You can decide to go to the chicken job that pays more in the US. That’s not always the case in China. In fact, you may be forced to work with no wages. China is always the cheapest. There’s a reason and it’s not because they’re giving products away out of the goodness of their heart. US companies outsource all kinds of things to China for cheap labor. Case in point, it’s cheaper to send a top to China and have them build the rest of the guitar and send it back than to pay Americans to make the whole thing. I’d say it’s just as good as the guitar made entirely here. We actually have both sides of our political system talking about Chinese tariffs right now. Must be bad when those people are agreeing on something. lol.

[@gam1471]

The forgotten guitar among all the names I've seen on scrolling down the comments is Guild. For me, they're up there with the best. Anyone in the market for a top quality guitar should try one before buying anything else. I've owned several USA-built examples (a D25, two D40s, and a D50) and currently own an early GAD50 (made in China) which I bought secondhand. It was made in 2005, towards the end of Fender's ownership of the brand. The workmanship is first class, the wood is beautiful (spruce top with rosewood back and sides), and the sound's excellent. The neck is a nice chunky 'C' shape which suits me perfectly. I had the action professionally lowered to suit me when I bought it, and it's become my 'go to' guitar. I have yet to try an Eastman, and look forward to playing one based on what's been said here!

[@lhvent]

I would take an Eastman over a Taylor or Martin. Just a better bang for the buck.

[@rdjinaz]

Can you guys please check out the Zager ZAD900CE guitar?

[@AcousticShoppe]

We aren't Zager dealers so they can be very hard to get into our shoppe for demos. I can tell you that we honestly haven't had a ton of experience with them to form a proper opinion but to our understanding from others, they don't really stand out. 🤷‍♂️

[@bluegryp]

The Martin 15 series is a great value if you’re looking for a hog top. I was shocked at how good the 000-15 sounded. For just over $1000 its a USA made solid wood Martin. Really hard to beat it at that price point. For rosewood, the Martin 21 series is a great buy as well. Edit: It was pointed out that I’m wrong on the 000-15 prices these days. It seems i forgot to take into account inflation. When I bought mine pre pandemic it was $1300. It is higher nowadays. Now I think you could probably get one around $1500 if you shop around and haggle a bit. Still a great value in my opinion.

[@billimbriale8535]

The Martin 15 series is NOT "just over $1,000", it's way over.

[@charlesbolton8471]

@@billimbriale8535 Maybe he hasn’t been guitar shopping lately or maybe he was talking about used prices. It hasn’t been very long since 15 Series Martins were around $1,200 new and Gibson had budget USA made acoustics (that weren’t what people wanted) for $999.

[@bluegryp]

@@billimbriale8535 Yeah I’m wrong. I bought one new a few years ago and it was like $1300. It’s higher than that now. Obviously Martin list prices are higher than you would typically pay on the street. You can probably get one around $1500 new these days. I still think it’s a great bargain.

[@gam1471]

For transport to gigs, instruments in shell cases can be stacked on top of one another in the back of a car with no worries - not so with so-called gig bags.

[@josuastangl7140]

Yes that's correct, but if you're just a hobbyist playing at home, I guess a gigbag is perfectly fine

[@YSMiracle]

Eastman is absolutely the best when comparing dollar to dollar and punches way above its price. I would always pick them over other mass produced modern guitars with the same specs. However, the very high end ones, like the Martin Authentic and above, do hold their own and worth it if you can afford.

[@TriciaSDavid]

Tricia S David from Trinidad West Indies.

[@highentropy2468]

The legacy brands have never been on my radar. I refer to Taylor and Martin as the Omega and Rolex of the guitar world - reliable and of good quality but mass produced and heavily reliant on marketing/word of mouth. Take Yamaha on the contrary, they quietly go about their business and produce acoustic guitars that genuinely exceed their price tag - at every price point. Yes they too are mass produced but they always keep their prices honest. My Yamaha AC5R is all the guitar I will ever need. It's superb. I am not bothered about the name on the headstock, I want my guitar to play and feel great to. me and that's it.

[@stuschieler7277]

I'm pretty sure the Taylor 300 series is made in the USA, not Mexico. The Taylor 100 and 200 series are imports and 300 - 900 are USA. That being said, If I wanted a great guitar at a great price, I would buy an Eastman over a Martin or Taylor Import. I think that the USA guitars by Martin or Taylor are fabulous, but you are paying for the name on the imports. In my opinion the best Import guitars are Eastman, Yamaha, Breedlove (Premier Pro series, also have faboulous USA built), Guild (100 series, also have faboulous USA built), and Alvarez. There are more, but these are my favorite picks, Breedlove, Guild and Eastman.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for letting us know and sharing your thoughts!

[@4jrbirdman]

I do like my Eastmans

[@rzh3443]

Absent a playing demo , hard to say which is "best". The guitars were included under the 2019 tariffs which increased the price. Not sure if they fall under the latest increases from last week. Based on features alone and TAS demos, it appears Eastman has stepped up its game. Hope to try some out locally in a month. Finally, I don't think China can hide a bot in the pickup circuit (yet)?

[@entemen]

Estman is great but if you shop around, there's good deals on US made guitars. A Taylor AD27e Flame Maple, an awesome guitar, can be had for less than $1500. Gibson, Taylor and Martin supposedly offer budget friendly guitars with satin finishes and less ornamentation.

[@frankfisher4380]

I have a Blueridge BR-140A that I will put up against any Taylor or Martin & it cost me $700 about 8-10 yrs. ago. I also own 3 Martins, 1 Takamine (maple), 1 Larrivee & my Blueridge sounds & plays just as good as any of them. Just as a point, "I wouldn't own a Taylor if you gave it to me !" I have an Eastman mandolin & I love it but haven't played or even seen an Eastman guitar. Don't get around much anymore. That sounds like a good song title. Oh, & I am partial to mahogany guitars.

[@VikingPadre]

Yep, I have a Blueridge BR-243A that I reach for more often than my Martin 000-18, although my Martin 00-15M and 00L-17 are in constant rotation. So far, my only Eastman is an octave mandolin. Cheap guitars (Chinese and otherwise) are soooo much better than they were 30 years ago.

[@lucius2874]

Dont mean to be picky. Lovely balanced sound a beautiful US-ian roots based finger pickin technique and sound. Jist a thought. I realise its not a ' shell ' or jazz genre typically but pwrhaps removing the ringing open chords . Might give a more concise spectrum sonically . Recently bought an archtop Ibanez at a heavy discount. Havmt got yet . If i had a few extra humdred the Eastman or the Guild .

[@zacharyfischer1588]

Martin is a martin is a martin... I've had a D10e and other such as a baby Taylor. I've sold Eastman's, but honestly the consistency in a martin is best.

[@dada1952]

Yes, for consistently having the binding separate...

[@AlexA99423]

There's a better question. Compare a comparably priced Eastman vs those two offshore 'Domestic' brands. If we put aside the emotional attachment, how does $1,500 worth of Eastman compare to the Martin, or $2,000 worth of Eastman compare to that Taylor?

[@AcousticShoppe]

That is a good angle that we can look at comparing one day, for this we decided to pick the best Spec Comparison from both companies. But, very good thoughts! 🤔

[@markinmemphis]

The Taylor 300 series is made in U.S. not Mexico. They can keep the Chinese guitars.

[@dvanolya]

They may be catching up to Eastman in quality and features but at much higher price points. Therefore, they are not a good value vs. comparable Eastman models. Your video illustrates this well. I have an Eastman E6SS-t/c similar to a J35, but at less than half the cost. Eastman is the real deal.

[@andrewboyd1700]

Someone has probably already noted this, but the Taylor 314ce is NOT an import. The 314ce is made in the El Cajón, CA factory.

[@dgarner23]

Taylor 314 is U.S. made. Taylor's 100 series, 200 series, GS Mini's are Mexican Made.

[@superblindeye1]

That Taylor 314 is made in America. It's actually the guitar I currently own

[@tokairic3925]

No chance whatever of Martin or Taylor giving the same value as Eastman - although Eastman have increased their prices lately. I bought an Eastman E20 recently and had to send it back with horrible knots in the wood on the sides. The replacement was better but still had defects. The supplying dealer said they get quite a few Eastman with defects but don't get the same factory support as Martin or Taylor. Prices of both Martin and Taylor have increased enormously in the UK over the last couple of years both up by about 25%.

[@VikingPadre]

That Bourgeois partnered with Eastman says a lot about Eastman quality.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Good point!

[@dada1952]

I just sold my D18 and bought a used Eastman E8d-TC. Couldn't be happier.

[@Lunch_Box_74_]

Eastman all day for the price and value.

[@uvp5000]

For folks determined to hold onto their thoughts and opinions to their deathbed, good for them. For those who must exist within a more limited budget and are open to viable options, then take the time to explore what items are available in the marketplace and make an informed choice. Some folks will factor labor conditions into their purchasing decision, others brand preference. I purchased an affordable Yamaha from a friend and have been very pleased with it (HPL all throughout and it plays and sounds quite nice). I have several other guitars from different price points and manufacturers that I find enjoyable to play as well. As with any decision involving gear, the best gear is what will facilitate what you are setting out to accomplish. Does a beginning guitar player need a Custom Shop Martin D-45 as their first instrument? I wouldn't want one if I were beginning to play. I would want an instrument I can value and care for as well as feel comfortable taking out to play and gig with. A premium instrument may offer freedom in controlled settings such as a recording studio or a friend's place, but discomfort at a cafe. An affordable instrument may facilitate enjoyment in public but be frustrating when recording. Music store sales staff will often assist a buyer finding what will fit their needs best. Once a musician has perspective on what they are doing, most of the time they can figure out what to do for their next purchase. The best (insert gear type here - guitar, camera, bicycle etc.) is the gear you will enjoy using and use often.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, there's lots we agree with here. John has said many many times, the best guitar is the one you're most excited to play, no matter what it is!

[@vls3771]

I recall a photo in a motoring magazine it was a Mercedes and a vw new vehicles taken apart in a chinese car manufactures engineers workshop. Eastman would have done the same they would have all the top brands of acoustic guitars in their design area and pulled them apart copying what they want and making adjustments and changes to suit thats what they do they let the western manufactures pay millions in development and then copy... saving a fortune on advancements on design .

[@AlexA99423]

You know that everyone does this, right? American industry invented technical analysis of competitors products. Did it in the 19th century, did it in the 20th century, still doing it. It's not a failing to study your competition and strive to do better.

[@russellr1509]

The 314 is made in the USA I believe

[@AcousticShoppe]

That is correct.

[@karlcountry2363]

TAYLOR 314 is not made in Mexico. California. I don't currently have a 314 but have owned in the past.

[@ReVeRbx-fe5wr]

Eastman got them Ibanez model numbers 😂😂😂

[@lhvent]

I have been hearing for years that China was catching up with their quality.

[@JosephMorris-jo6ur]

Wouldn’t it. be more useful to compare a Taylor, Eastman, and Martin all in the same price range? We want sound quality, not just “value.” So maybe an extra $500 would be well spent, Also is it fair to play an Eastman on your video and not have the Martin and Taylor models there to compare it?

[@arthurlove1002]

I’d buy a used Martin before I’d buy a new anything else!

[@AcousticShoppe]

Honestly a good option!

[@coolhandluke2310]

John who picks your shirts?😂😂😂

[@adolfo935]

That 300 series Taylor is made in America, the Martin in Mexico and the Eastman in china.

[@RantzBizGroup]

The day will come, in 5 years, or less, where Eastman will own Martin and Taylor. Then, THEN we will see the real price of the Chinese Eastman.

[@steelyguy3635]

The Feds need to slap a much higher tariff on Chinese made instruments. They're costing american jobs.

[@mikeconway727]

The Taylor is American made

[@dada1952]

Did you watch the video? Mexico...

[@AcousticShoppe]

We understand that we made the mistake, apologies!

[@texhaines9957]

What, no tone sample? The Taylor is USA made, workers paying into Social Security and Medicare plus California taxes. There was a time I would not buy anything from our anti-American enemies based on Dad's war experience. I prefer to buy American and support the social security and other benefits of living in America. Eastman jumped ahead in acoustic guitar quality production by buying into Bourgeois guitars. My question: how does each guitar sound, and what price does one put on that? Also, what is the playability like? I know about Taylor, but Eastman and Martin have several neck profiles. I've been playing guitar for decades, and certain things don't work for me. Without a tone sample, I'd assume Taylor is brighter than the others and not fit my voice. The Martin and Eastman may be better, with the Martin having a bit more low-end chug and Eastman more pronounced mids. But who can tell without hearing them. Thanks, John and Jeremy.

[@kennethbransford820]

=== They are not better than my Lowden. === 🪕

[@MickyWalnuts]

But they cost a third of the price

[@kennethbransford820]

== But They also sound better Mr. @@MickyWalnuts. ===

[@MickyWalnuts]

@@kennethbransford820 How many Eastman's have you personally played?

[@kennethbransford820]

=== More than you Mr.@@MickyWalnuts. Actually not. You know the saying. You play one guitar and you have played them all. But they do all sound different. I know beyond any shadow of a doubt, that my Lowden sounds better than any of your beloved Eastman's. But You Already Know That. Tell the truth here. Have you ever played a Lowden ? ===