Gibson J-45 vs Eastman E10SS

Slope D Shootout!
Recorded with Shure KSM32, Focusrite Saffire Pro 40, Logic Pro, no additional processing.
J45 0:01 - Sitka Spruce Top, Mahogany Back and Sides
E10SS 3:03 - Adirondack Spruce Top, Mahogany Back and Sides
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[@bleedingear1952]

I bought the Eastman E20ss to set up as a gigging guitar that i would not have to worry too much about road wear , scratches and dings ect , but the guitar is just stunning in both its finish and sound i am now worrried about scratches , dings and road wear. Haha. The fact they can push out such high quality instruments for the price is very very impressive. I certainly would not hesitate purchasing another Eastman Guitar.

[@Muhlenburger]

I love your comparison videos, sir. You really help the guitar buyer make decisions about how the guitars really sound. Thank you

[@fourocker]

Just picked up an Eastman E6SS-TC, it looks like a J35 but sounds like a D18, win win for my ears, I love it, the Mahogany midrange is really full and resonant, it's beautifully made and plays great, I've watched a lot of your demonstrations, thanks for putting them up.

[@jimmy5634]

They both sound great. The Gibby has more jangle at the top and more thump at the bottom which is what the J45 is known for. The Eastman was a more “balanced” voicing, a little muffled in the lower mids only by comparison. The J45 had the twang.

[@chrislombardi8870]

Great comparison and one of the best ending licks ever at the end of the video. Nice!

[@angelg8445]

1:49 Gibson fingerstyle 4:58 Eastman

[@cminty6805]

You helped me decide on the Eastman, I can't possibly afford the real deal and it's certainly a step above the cheaper J45s you also demo'd. I feel good about it thanks to all your comparisons 👍

[@DeepFriedHallelujah]

This video saved me tonight. A guy wanted to trade an E10ss for my Gibson L-00 studio. Been eyeing J45’s but need that fundamental tone and the Eastman has more shimmer and an odd resonance I wouldn’t want in a guitar that price. For my money I’d go J45 studio walnut. It’ll sound a little different but that heavy fundamental is why I love Gibsons.

[@tomformanek3312]

The part many viewers don't get is that these are two different tops. The J45 is Sitka. The Eastman has Adirondack, which is more of a Martin wood. In my limited experience, Adirondack takes longer to open up. I have two Eastmans (e10ss and e20d) for less than the cost of a single Gibson. I traded in my Gibson WM45 without hesitation. After two years the top on the e10ss is opening up a lot more, revealing nice overtones and sustain. I switched to 80/20 EXR strings too. After 6 months, the e20d is opening up as well. Keeping phospher bronze EXRs on that one. Don't buy an Eastman if you want a Gibson though. Eastman is a major player with its own tone just like Guild.

[@sircusboy351]

I agree I have played many J45s and I own a decent southern jumbo. The e10ss I own with the adirondack top is an absolute tone beast and a sound canon. I was in a shop that holds 10k dollar guitars. I was at another shop playing 5k southern jumbos and custom j45's. This was the best sounding guitar I played all day. Nothing sounded like it. This audio playback doesn't do it justice. This has a much thicker neck than most acoustics. It oddly has a more narrow string spacing to my feel of it. Not the easiest if you have smaller hands. This isn't a j45 and that is a good thing. Now, if you sing... this will be difficult to sing over it's volume. It's very loud, but I manage. I may never get over how good this guitar sounds. I don't have to nitpick over bass or treble or mids. It has so much over everthing and I'm impressed to the core when I strum on it. It's almost distracting how good it sounds. Another con about this guitar is it will not cover up bad playing. Some guitars are great at this. This sounds like uncompressed sound and you will hear mistakes very easily. When I play guitars that are like that I can hear the guitar go out of tune quickly. So I feel like I'm tuning it all the time. Not cause the tuners are bad. I can just hear it go out of tune in just the slightest. I don't think that's a bad thing, but I do a lot of fine tuning after each song

[@stavrospapadimitriou7631]

Remember, folks, this is one particular Gibson against one particular Eastman. All I can say is that this morning I had both. I sold the Gibson on Ebay today, and several hundred in pocket and kept the better guitar.

[@hogopogo7616]

You should have put it like : and kept the better guitar IMHO.

[@stavrospapadimitriou7631]

@@hogopogo7616 Sorry. Do you do coherent?

[@RockytopVFL]

Well, you got the crappy end of the deal lol.

[@stavrospapadimitriou7631]

@@RockytopVFL Seeing as you never played either of them, I don't see how your opinion could be of any value whatsoever.

[@RockytopVFL]

@@stavrospapadimitriou7631 I’ve owned both of them so stfu and eat a bowl turds.

[@brucemarrs2596]

Eastman is bright on the trebles and a bit woofy on the bass strings. That may change over time. The J45 sounds balanced at the get go. And yes, for the money the Eastman is close enough to love it.

[@holywell5649]

Thanks for the video. Proud Eastman e20ss owner here. My take on the comparison is the Gibson sounds dryer with more mid range push. The Eastman sounds more lush with more overtones. Hard to tell relative volume. So they are different. I really like my e20ss. It has a beautiful rounded tone, great balance and lovely top end. Not nearly as loud as my Eastman e10d but tone is captivating.

[@ianmeadows6351]

The e20ss is a great guitar. Haven't spent a ton of time with one but I like em a lot

[@becomeaudible1]

Holywell nailed it. And at about $1800 cheaper, the Eastman wins hands down.

[@RSinobadOfficial]

@@becomeaudible1 you have rosewood back&sides, that's different tone. I believe that eastman is good in the hand and breeze to play, j45 is legendary that's why it's so expensive.. It won't get cheaper tho..

[@brucemarrs2596]

I've got an Eastman E10 OM ordered, really can't wait. I have a J45. So no brand bias. The J45 wins again and again and again. If you can't afford the J45 then get the Eastman. J45 maybe later?

[@cherrypickerguitars]

I’ve watched Eastman since introduction. They began strong and got better! I feel they represent the pinnacle of Chinese guitar manufacturing. It’s time to recognize the Eastman “sound” just as we have embraced theCollings sound, the Santa Cruz sound, the Taylor sound, etc. No matter your view point, Eastman is knocking it out of the park re: value for $ spent. (It’s only the wage paid difference that allows this quality at this price point) Peace

[@ianmeadows6351]

They definitely are putting out some great axes. Good values all around.

[@timmcgurl]

Cherry Picker Guitars I have a 2016 Eastman E10SS and I love it. I got it 2 years ago, used (with an LR Baggs Anthem already in it). Wow, what a deal. I got it, Anthem et al, for only $899. (Anthems, alone, with the cost of installation would be well above $300, more like $350 to $375, if you factor in luthier installation). So, I reckon that works out that I actually got the E10SS used for ballpark $500! The Eastman 5-Latch HSC it comes in is top shelf stuff too. The axe fits in the case so snuggly, where the top sits flush to the top sides of the case. I've never seen a better fitting guitar/case match-up like it. A comparable HSC of its caliber would easily cost $200....no question! Plus, you can't beat the quality of the build, sound, resonance, tone, etc. Enough so, that Dana Bourgeois has gone into partnership with Eastman to further each company's marketing spread in North and South America, Canada, Europe and Asia. That's a win-win for Bourgeois and Eastman. Excuse all my Yada, Yada, Yada. Cheers to Adirondack Tops!

[@cherrypickerguitars]

@@timmcgurl what a deal! I recommend Eastman to all my students looking for a pro guitar on a limited budget! For electrics my “homies” (I’m a Canuck) at Godin gets my recommendation. They’re the best budget minded, built in North America, guitars you can get. Peace - happy pick’n!

[@jamescoughlan8193]

Depends on individual choice the Gibson is beautiful and warm sounding , the Eastman is beautiful and bright sounding to my ears , it's amazing to think you could maybe get two Eastmans for the price of one Gibson .

[@jamescoughlan8193]

@Ron Roast play base?

[@admiralrng6506]

as an acoustic Gibson fan I would say that price is only worth it if you think its well worth it, I'd take either guitar for a spin but man does that Gibson sound lovely

[@tomformanek3312]

I might try Daddario NB on my e10ss.

[@matthewchristian8274]

Love these videos. Keep them coming. Any chance you could do a comparison using the Eastman E10SS/V. I think the vanish one has a different tone. Maybe against a J-45 and even the E10SS you have here. The vanish might just unleash the beast a little more.

[@brandonburdick7820]

These guitars are definitely going to have a different sound based off of one key component regardless of anything else. The Adirondack Spruce Top On the Eastman. The top makes the biggest difference in sound and Adirondiack tops are going to be much more concise and loud than a sitka spruce top. Also have much less room for error on the attack with an Adirondack top. The J-45 True Vintage would be a much more straight up comparison on specs

[@1bagger35]

J45 is a touch more full, the Eastman is missing just a touch in the midrange in comparison. For half the cost though? Man, Eastman is such an incredible value.

[@kommi1974]

Great content, I wish you would only go back and forth right after each passage so we can hear the difference instead of waiting half way through and forgetting.

[@skyout19]

@kommi1974: open a new tab and set this to where the eastman starts, then you can compare the two

[@brucemarrs2596]

Eastman, more bass punch, brighter. Gibson, better string balance, makes chord strumming, well, perfect. thank you Ian.

[@anthonyroach7974]

No better but different tones ..great review demo to ..have any of them ..totally happy ..

[@Jam-m7m]

That Gibson J-45 sound excellent i don’t know about the 2016 and newer Gibson’s but the ones made before that are awesome wonderfully made guitar Hide Glue necks and the wow factor

[@ianmeadows6351]

This is a 2019 model, QC out of Montana over the past year has been great as far as I'm concerned

[@Jam-m7m]

Ian Meadows I ave three Gibson acoustic guitar a Nick Lukas a Southern Jumbo Special 12 fret and a J15

[@tiemanschnitzel7940]

Both sounded good, but I'd take Eastman.

[@chrismonroe4855]

My 2015 Eastman was a big step up, and it's improved with age. But it had a descending fretboard slope/hump above the 12th fret, brand new. It worsened until it affected action & intonation, so I gave to a luthier for some shaving. But the hump came back quickly, and the luthier ruined the nut (uneven and over-filed), sanded the saddle to nothing, and left hammer or vise marks on the neck. Maybe I should've left it alone, but I think the hump was 'baked into' the build. They're handmade, after all. I've replaced the saddle, and despite the hump, it still sounds amazing. Be careful who you let fix it.

[@rickfifield9805]

0

[@incognito2246]

I’m a huge fan of Gibson J45. In this video, the two guitars are different in tone, and I prefer the Eastman : it blooms with pick attack , more woody and resonant to my ears. .... BUT when it comes to sing with, the Gibson will be more sweet, and will settle perfectly just below a human voice !

[@danielmanriquez3232]

I heard this through an Apogee element interface through yamaha hs7's, and you guus who are saying the j45 has more low end are probably listening through your cell phones cause the eastman has way more low end and thats very very clear listening to it here in the studio. I wish a better mic had been used but for comparison sake it works. What the 45 has going for it is that it is clearer and has a classier sounding mid range. But I would really like to hear that eastman once that Adi top opens up! Actually I think a better comparison would be the j45 true vintage vs the Eastman e10ss. The true vintage has an Adi top just like the eastman. That would be interested to see :)

[@peterpicker850]

The KSM32 is a perfectly fine mic and incredibly transparent. Can’t imagine a much better mic for these tests without spending lots more dough.

[@larryoneal9944]

The Gibson has the edge all around but is it worth the additional cost? Let's look at resale value down the road. Gibson it is.

[@PreacherAtArrakeen]

That is the first Gibson acoustic I've heard that I liked. Every J-45 I've tried sounded like they had a blanket stuffed in them. Have to give the nod to the Gibson.

[@nelsonc6173]

The J45 IMO is the best Gibson acoustic! Plays so easily and smooth! If you haven't tried one you should! Price for me though makes it out of my reach unfortunately.

[@ssmedz4335]

As a recreational player, the Eastman sound differential is marginal. I am seriously considering one. Beautiful burst too.

[@ianmeadows6351]

You will not be disappointed. They are a tremendous value.

[@Banjonaut1995]

The Eastman is cool, but sounds way brighter. I think if you like Martins but want the look of a slope shoulder this is the way to go.

[@billbarhorst8369]

Very nice comparison and good playing! That is a nice sounding Gibson J45. I would say that the Eastman is also an excellent sounding guitar and has a little bit of Martin quality in the tone.

[@ianmeadows6351]

Thanks for the kind words Bill, and thanks for weighing in.

[@Gratefulman1965]

Both lovely guitars. I do own a new 50’s J-50 and it’s all I could ever want. I do want to add a Martin DSS-17 and the Eastman E-10SS to round (Pun intended) out my slope shoulder corral. Nice comparison thank you!

[@LesPaulVOS]

I owned a J45 standard and now own the Eastman E10ss/v. I’ll take my Eastman over the J45 every day of the week. Better sustain and tone period. I was really disappointed in my J45. Could be I purchased a lemon.

[@gutbucket260]

Gibsons are hit or miss. I had to play a lot of them before I found a decent sounding one.

[@LesPaulVOS]

gutbucket yes agree with you. I have a fabulous j200 and hummingbird. Could be I got lucky with my Eastman.

[@USNAVDC]

I love the Gibson....but really nice playing on both. Great demo video.

[@chilipeet4610]

I really wanted to like Eastman because of all the praise and their price tag as well so I went to my local dealer and picked up the E10ss and some other models. They sounded nice but they didn't have a personality as much as a Gibby had with that typical thump. Also with the Gibson the mids are so clear. The Eastmans on the other hand were kind of all over the place. Now I'm a proud owner of a J15 which I wouldn't trade for anything tbh. :)

[@samk4801]

First off, great picking and comparison demo. I used to own a vintage (1956) J-45 and I was always in love with the warmth, the iconic mellow sound when finger picking, and the cannon projection when really hammering the chords. OTOH, I always leaned more towards the D-18 sound because to my ear it just sounded more clean and honest. Ideally, it would be great to have both, then pretty much all acoustic bases would be covered. The dilemma I have with the Eastman is this: It it built to be a J-45, right down to the scale length. And if you're just looking for a nice guitar with a hard shell case made out of all solid woods, then the Eastman should fit the bill nicely. However, I know the entire time I'd be playing it I'd be thinking: "No, this just isn't a J-45". And that would suck.

[@stucarr2912]

Woohoo!! I'm a new member of the j45 owners club, it was overpriced but if I had got the Eastman I'd have been forever looking at the gibson so I've made an investment in my most expensive toy ever. Also, couldn't be happier with it 👍👍

[@ianmeadows6351]

Good choice Stu. I have experienced that same situation several times over the course of my guitar obsession. Congrats on a fine purchase. Play the snot out of it.

[@cherrypickerguitars]

Good choice ! I’m a dyed-in-the-wool Martin guy, but you’ll never regret buying a “classic” ! Especially if you want to sell/trade for something different down the road. Peace - and happy pick’n

[@PaulWilliamGibson]

The Eastman sounds darker, woodier to me. I’m going to look at one a guy near me is selling next week, good price, if I like it I’ll probably take it.

[@nickv3674]

Well did you buy it?

[@PaulWilliamGibson]

@@nickv3674 no sadly not., it wasn’t in a good state. Better to walk away

[@hobiecat901]

I like the Warm sounding Gibson over the Brightness of the Eastman. Although the Eastman is no slouch.

[@ianmeadows6351]

right on russell

[@bobaldo2339]

I totally agree.

[@cmoreno12345]

I like the Eastman and I usually like Gibson. Lol. Just seems more lush.

[@robthompson9486]

Are both sets of strings new and the same. Sounds like brand new strings on eastman and older ones on gibson

[@mikelewis2707]

PERFECT.... Thanks

[@toneyrockstv]

Okay so sounds to me like the J45 is more balance from Low to High and the highs are tighter... a bit sweeter. Sounds like there's a gentle low and high shelf. The E10SS is a bit more open and the high end pokes out a bit almost kinda J50 ish. It's not as tight as the J45. I dunno that I would get the Eastman if I'm chasing the J45 sound... I'd just get the J45, but if I'm wanting a kinda Martin meets Gibson thing... I'd grab the Eastman.

[@clintontomlinson413]

The J45 has that zing when bending the notes that no other guitar has. It is just a J45 thing.

[@late4suppa1]

I just got an Eastmen E10SS for Christmas and am dying to learn the last song you played on this video. I can come close but I'm not fitting the bass notes in at the right time. Is there a name to that tune or are you just noodling around. Either way any help would be appreciated.

[@ianmeadows6351]

Hi Amber, I'm just noodling around in this one. What can I clarify for you?

[@late4suppa1]

@@ianmeadows6351 I'm trying to learn the last jam you did. The E A and B7 thing. I'm trying to learn that picking pattern. I can follow the rest of what you did up and down the neck.

[@steveshepard5522]

Where I prefer the J45 is the neck. The Eastman E10SS and the E20SS I have played sounded terrific but just didn't like the neck feel. If the neck is comfortable get both an E20SS and E10SS great sounding instruments and Adirondack top with play will open up.

[@ianmeadows6351]

Neck preferences can certainly make a huge difference!

[@bobs2809]

I agree. I was thinking of having the neck on my Eastman E1d altered.

[@akfisher7138]

In what way are the necks different?

[@DeltaJazzUK]

Very close when flatpicked but the Gibson is sensational when fingerpicked

[@teumuarikit601]

I listened several times with headphones. The Gibson tipped it slightly for me although the Eastman is a primo guitar too and looks great. I like the rosewood fretboard of the J45 aesthetically. I think I would pine for a J45 if I bought the Eastman so I'd have to buy both. I own a couple of Martins, HD 28 and D 18. Overall I prefer the mahogany solid bodies, more versatile.

[@jmar5785]

I have an Eastman e6om tc. I do not pine for a Martin 00018. Maybe a little pining for a modern delux version but more than 3x the cost. Nah.

[@2musiclover534]

Does Eastman make this in wider nut? 1 11/16 is just too narrow for some....

[@ianmeadows6351]

They don't, unfortunately. They tend to make up with the narrow nut with a chunkier neck.

[@2musiclover534]

@@ianmeadows6351 thank you.

[@tomformanek3312]

I own 2 Guilds. You get used to the slimmer spacing.

[@michelm306]

What kind of strings were you using on the Eastman? And thank you for a great comparison video as always. Wish everyone were doing them like this.

[@HossWhite]

Thank you for this video. This video is what made me buy the Eastman over the Gibson. Both are great guitars, but the Eastman’s tone is a better fit for me. Great video!

[@abcdefgh456789]

J-45 Number1. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@defaultuser6498]

wha would you recommend? gibson j45 or eastman e45d? thanks

[@stucarr2912]

My j45 is killer

[@timmcgurl]

Lix mainUser Eastman's Dreadnought version of a Martin D-45 is called the E40-D, (not e45d) and if the top is torrified, it's an E40-D-TC. However, it's closer to Martin's D-42, as the fingerboard inlay has 42 series Snowflakes and unlike the D-45, it only has pearl/abalone inlay on the top, not on the sides and the back has nice Herringbone trim on the corners.

[@anthonyroach7974]

Just listening again .,the Eastman sounds richer ..beautiful tone ..it would be down to feel of the guitars not sound ..Top strings on the Eastman are saw rich ..stunning guitar

[@brin57]

Anthony Roach you need to play a j45. Then you’ll understand

[@anthonyroach7974]

Brian H yes I’m looking at one of those ..gorgeous to played the standard yesterday .stunning guitar what a sound ..tne neck was gorgeous..have to try the J45 studio ..ta ya right .

[@brin57]

@@anthonyroach7974 Yes. The videos do not portray the feel and the sound of the j45 even close to how they are in real life. There's a richness that has to be experienced to understand. Hope you find one you like.

[@tushardeshmukh99]

Can u tell me something about Eastman..what accessories you got along with Eastman ..and for how much price you bought it

[@timmcgurl]

The Eastman E10SS has a solid Adirondack Red Spruce top with Forward shifted scalloped braces, with Mahogany back and sides. It sells new for about $1,195. The Gibson J-45 has a Sitka top and sells for closer to $1,950 new. Gibson usually includes the LR Baggs Element VTC system with the price. For my money, I own the E10SS with its Adirondack top. Got it used, in absolute "Mint Condition", including an LR Baggs Anthem pickup installed for $899, plus Eastman's sturdy and plush 5 latch hard shell case. It's a keeper.

[@rosslynemrys5829]

@@timmcgurl a Gibson j45 standard sells for $2,799 US.

[@timmcgurl]

@@rosslynemrys5829 True, I just looked at Gibson's own web site and they list their J-45 Standard @ $2,749, (50 bucks off your noted price). The $2,749 price is mirrored across GC, Sweetwater, Musician's Friend. The cheapest I saw was a Canadian store, Long & McQuade, with another 50 bucks off, @ $2,699 (USD). You can find better deals on very new "used models" in the mid to upper $1,500 to $1,975 range. I still love my Eastman E10SS, with all solid woods: Adirondack Red Spruce Top, Forward-shifted Scalloped Braces, Solid Mahogany back and sides; solid Mahogany neck; Rosewood fingerboard and belly-up bridge; Ebony Headstock Veneer; Butterbean Open Gear Tuners; 1 11/16" bone nut width, 24:75" Scale and it came equipped with an LR Baggs Anthem pickup already installed, in a 5-latch 1-1/2" plush lined HSC, all for only $899! Damn, $899 would've been decent if it came non-electric. But it came WITH the $300 Anthem, that would've cost another $75 to $100 to have installed by a Luthier. Check out my (Tim McGurl) KZbin Channel to see quite a few of my recent videos from the past two years where I'm playing my 2016 Eastman E10SS. One in particular is my cover of Dylan's "Tryin' To Get To Heaven Before They Close The Door". Cheers! kzbin.info/www/bejne/a37dk62ii8h3b5o

[@rosslynemrys5829]

@@timmcgurl thanks, I will check out your music videos!

[@RSinobadOfficial]

Gibson sounds more open, but for the price eastman is damn close !

[@jswearengen7109]

Hey there! I bought the Eastman used and it has some top belly. I read that some is normal, but the guy who sold it to me said slope shoulders have a little more than a dread. Is he yanking my chain for a sale? Does the Gibson have a little arch to the top at the bridge area? Thanks!

[@jazzlehazzle]

Eastman sounds a little brighter/harsher to me. J45 wins me w that lovely warm thunk. But for over a grand less, most of the time it’s gotta be the Eastman. Lotta guitar for that money,

[@Charlie-hp2oh]

the E20SS doesnt have a fretboard supportblock under the soundboard. In 2 years time it ll have a hump at the 14th fret. Does the Gibson have fretboard supportblock ?

[@timmcgurl]

What year is that E20SS? 'Cause I own a 2016 Eastman E10SS and it most certainly has a support block under the soundboard, from the 1st brace in front of the soundhole up to the neck block. It's a block of spruce about 3"x3"x5/8", with a hole thru it to access the truss rod..

[@Charlie-hp2oh]

@@timmcgurl 2016. Pitty i cant post a photo here

[@timmcgurl]

Wow, that's the exact same year as my E10SS and mine has one? Must've slipped thru QC? Or, built at 4:30pm on a Friday? That's likely to be a "divil" aiming the Truss Rod Tool thru the 1st Brace up to the next whole and into the fretboard to access the Truss Rod Hex Nut. The Soundboard Block helps guide the Rod straight thru, but then, it's still hit n' miss sometimes actually getting the Allen Tool into the Rod's Hex Nut on the tip of the rod? I like to use my same sized 4mm Martin Truss Rod Tool (same size used for my Modern Deluxe 000-28MD, 'cause, most other Martin's use a 5mm tool) that has a rounded tip on its end that makes it easier slipping into the Rod's Hex Nut. I'm sure it wouldn't cost that much for your go-to local luthier to fashion you a support block with a pre-drilled hole in it and glue it in place, (keeping the Truss Rod Wrench in the hole and locked into the Hex Rod while it's being clamped to dry in place) with perfect alignment for the tool later on for your necessary adjustments? Worth looking into to avoid the soundboard "hump raising issue" you described. Good luck with that.

[@Charlie-hp2oh]

@@timmcgurl i returned the Eastman. Ended up with yamaha red label FG5, after trying lots of others.

[@richardbenjamin775]

Ian what mic are you using?

[@MrBallynally2]

Well, that J45 is nigh on perfect! The Eastman is different, very different. Im not saying bad but, like others have said, you will always think about the J45 if you buy the Eastman because of the money factor. Some seem to like the Eastman. I think it's..well..ok but it is missing the vibe of the J45. You can talk frequencies etc but in the end we all know about what sounds great. Some will prefer the Eastman. That's grand. I have no argument there. Buy what you like, just don't dish the J45. Some are better than others..

[@jimmycollette9209]

I'm aware of the price difference but for my ears the j-45 has that Gibson sound and will keep its value because of its reputation. Why do you think people try to copy it? Not knocking the Easton. It looks and sounds close to the j-45 but is not a j-45. Just the history of the j-45 and the people that plays them is astonishing. I have two martins hd-28 and d-35 and the j-45 holds it's own with them. I would like to play the Eastman just to compare. I would not buy either without playing them side by side. I played the j-45 and the Martin d-18 side by side that's why I chose the Gibson.

[@jimmy5634]

The Gibby has the famous bottom end "thump" and the nasal sounding bluegrass mids strummed. The highs on the Gibson are very zingy as is customary on a J45. The Eastman is more of a "balanced" instrument throughout the tonal spectrum. It doesn't have the thump, the nasal mids or zingy highs. It is a nice sounding guitar though.

[@ianmeadows6351]

Good breakdown, thanks Jimmy

[@smartacus88]

It doesn't matter who builds it, as long as it's built right. Eastmans are built right.

[@jboughtin7522]

A couple of years ago I went out trying a bunch of different acoustics brands & models. I settled on a new J-45. It sort of stood out to me. Gibson is still making excellent quality acoustics. I have played some Eastman acoustic before as well and was impressed with them and their price point.

[@ianmeadows6351]

Cant go wrong with a J-45.

[@markschultz8492]

So much more focus and articulation in the J-45.

[@defaultuser6498]

If you had 20ss or 40 model

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

The Gibson sounds much more open in this video. The Eastman sounds very "muffled" to my ear. The Gibson is 2.5X the cost so is it that much better sounding? I would say no. The other thing is that the Gibson will hold/increase in value whereas the Eastman won't. When I purchase guitars I would rather have fewer of them but have a higher quality with a better resale value than an overseas instrument. I think of my guitars as in investment, but I realize not everyone can do that and afford a $3,000+ instrument.

[@paulliversidge1083]

The Eastman everytime.

[@scuddahey8361]

You can have it.

[@stucarr2912]

I guess you've never played a j45

[@paulliversidge1083]

@@stucarr2912 i own one..next question.

[@paulliversidge1083]

@@scuddahey8361 yep..i have it.

[@defaultuser6498]

Which j45 is it? Standard?

[@DENIEL381]

I THINK THEY BOTH SOUND GOOD ON THERE OWN ARE THE SAME STRINGS ON BOTH GUITARS ??????

[@ianmeadows6351]

Yes, D'addario EJ16's

[@WurzHurz]

The Gibson sound much better in my ears. The Eastman is great especially for the price, but the Gibson is perfect.

[@ianmeadows6351]

You can't beat a J45.

[@WurzHurz]

@@ianmeadows6351 Just bought a Gibson J-45 because of this video: Wonderful sounding Guitar! Just as good as my Martin D-41, just very different. I was playing the J-45 next to the Eastman E10SS in this video as well and I must say, it's also VERY good! Just not as big sounding as the Gibson, but not at all bad or not as good. For the money it's no brainer!

[@hotlov72]

Took a bit of time for me to adjust to my Gibson J-45, something didn't sound right and I be had two more in the past. Then I bought a Martin D-16RGT and a Martin Dss17 Black Smoke.and went back to my Gibson J-45 and it made sense to me now, I get it, seems strange but once I compared it to the other two I see why I need a J-45, its mellower than then the clear Martin sounds and fits well in my collection

[@davidarnold6376]

Listening here through my highend headphones, I do hear that classic J-45 Gibson jangle, but the Eastman outshines the Gibson in clarity, definition, volume and balance. It is quite obvious when you are playing single lines and fingerstyle the Gib is a touch muted comparably. Some of this has to do with woods used. Eastman using quality ebony vs rosewood, their bracing pattern and the thermo cured Adirondack top, vs Gibs Sitka, there is just no comparison. Also the J-45 probably has a mass of Baggs pickup installed? BTW I have both of these guitars a 2009 J-45 and a 2020 E10SS, while both sound great, the Eastman really has it's own tone signature that kills J-45. The value, craftsmanship and materials of the Eastman is icing on the cake and the tone is really stunning, especially for half the price. One of the reasons Bourgeois is using them for their Touchstones series.

[@jaylee3925]

Thanks for the input. Thinking of buying e10ss seriously.

[@zaphod-x]

Half the price? I regularly see excellent condition used j45s for $1,900 or less. And a new e10 SS/v is about $1,500 or so depending on where you buy it. That's not half. Also have to disagree on the tone. The j45 wins here. However of course, it's extremely subjective, but this half the price talk is not real-world true.

[@davidarnold6376]

fine if you want a used J45....but if you want a used E10ss/V they go for less that a grand!

[@zaphod-x]

@@davidarnold6376 I've been looking for quite a while and have yet to find a used e10ss/v for under a grand or even a grand. Also, there are tons of used j45s floating around. There are very, very few used e10ss/v. Good luck in finding one and good luck in finding it for under a grand. Also, don't buy it and have it shipped when it's hot because the varnish finish gets damaged in transit. Personal experience that the dealer and Eastman admitted after the purchase.

[@garrisdom]

Eastman sounds thicker, more lush. This is due to the Adirondack. In five years, it will be incredible. Addy takes longer to warm up

[@turrafirmaguitarchannel]

I have an e20ss and it was tight and not so inspiring for a year or so. Now it is really opening up and has superb tone and louder. Absolutely true you need to be patient with Adirondack

[@DieEgoMusicandMore]

I played both recently in a music store. No doubt, the Eastman sounds way better, built quality is superior and the price is almost half. Anyway, everybody has to decide for himself.

[@dljohnsonii2610]

I liked the Eastman…surprised me.

[@zaphod-x]

The j45 wins here. Not by much though. However, you can pick up an excellent condition used j45 for under two grand and a new e10 SS/v for about $1,400, so for the extra few hundred bucks it maybe worth it to you to get the j45.

[@LUCKYB.]

I love the 1940s D45 Martin and D28 and the J45 .. that Eastman has that old 1920 - 1930s old Blues tones it be good for Country pickin and slide Id lI'd like to hear im an American Boy by Steve Earl on it ..

[@danhutchinson8649]

An Eastman E10SS @ $1500 vs Gibson J45 @ $2750......not really a fair comparison unless you're trying to prove how much better a cheaper Eastman is than an expensive Gibson is. I would like to see another comparison with the J45 and an Eastman DT30D @$2650......here we could see a fairer comparison for both Brands.........How about it Ian?

[@ianmeadows6351]

Sure Dan, I can do that. I'm not necessarily doing "fair" comparisons, just interesting ones.

[@live4christ297]

But he's comparing a J-45 and her Eastman "copy". That was the point no? The DT30d seems to be more like a Martin...

[@danhutchinson8649]

@@ianmeadows6351 Great! I look forward to seeing that one! I get the concept, Interesting vs comparable. These ARE very interesting, regardless of which guitars you are showcasing. I really enjoy your talent playing these beautiful guitars.....wish I was half as good... Subscribed!

[@SuperSwitt]

Le son son de la J45 Gibson semble plus profond . L'autre est pas mal non plus .

[@Mr_Lightheart]

Nice burst on the E/M. I own a 2011 E10SS and the burst isn't as nice as this one. The finish on mine is brittle and easy damaged but I understand that those problems were fixed years ago. It is good sounding guitar w/ lots of bass.

[@trevorfromengland]

Impressed bt the Eastman

[@brin57]

The Gibson sounds expensive, and the Eastman sounds like a guitar !!

[@incognito2246]

Good punch Line !

[@scuddahey8361]

Eastman sounds like a lesser guitar.

[@brin57]

Scudda Hey Well yeah!! Anyone who has played a J-45 knows that a copy just wont match it. It’s got a uniquely special kind of sound.

[@jmar5785]

I prefer the Eastman for the price and the ebony fretboard. The Gibson will have higher resale. But for just playing and enjoying, the Eastman wins.

[@sugarlife485]

fantastic video which do u prefer...what year is that j45?

[@ianmeadows6351]

J45 is from 2019. I don't think I have a clear preference, I've played e10SS that I've really liked and J45s that I've really liked, there's always a lot of variables... You really can't beat Eastmans value though, all the other companies are starting to catch on.

[@sugarlife485]

@@ianmeadows6351 thanks so much I am currently looking for my first j45 or eastman gibby style ..being a martin man all my life

[@RSinobadOfficial]

@@sugarlife485 hey man look for Martin DSS-17, something New and different

[@turrafirmaguitarchannel]

SUGAR LIFE the short scale on the slopes is really nice alternative to the dreads.

[@ioodyssey3740]

They sound almost as good as the Epiphones!

[@ChiknEatnBaptist]

They practically sound identical but to me ears the Eastman sounds slightly more resonant almost like a martin in a way. Plus the Eastman looks better and is cheaper.

[@Big.E]

The Eastman has a stunning mid range but the bass of the 45 is just unmistakable and if heard blindfold I would guess it right. J45 for me. Both beautiful guitars though 👍

[@holywell5649]

The Eastman sounds slushier, but maybe it has newer strings? Gibson sounds better to me.

[@SimpleTheist]

Gibson sounds tight and quacky. Reminds me of a direct piezo sound. Eastman hands down!

[@vespass225]

I think the J45 sounds a lot better in most respects. More open, full in sound, more life and "zzzinnngg" to the picked notes. It definitively sounds louder to my ears.

[@ianmeadows6351]

Hi Magnus, while I acknowledge there could be a few inches in variance in microphone positioning between takes, the whole point of the channel is to have a consistent recording setup from guitar to guitar. I literally make sure the gain control on the interface is placed at exactly the same spot for each demo that I do. There is no additional processing done to the raw signal, I just bounce it from Logic and add it to the video.

[@vespass225]

@@ianmeadows6351 Hi Ian and thanks for your answer! When I wrote my comment I was so into the listening impressions that I even was not aware it could very well be percieved as offending to a serious and skilled guy as you. I hope that was not the main outcome of my comment, though, and if, I apologize. I wrote it mainly since I have seen countless comparisons of music gear through the years, where people clearly find the one contender being slightly, slightly louder the better sounding one. Not because of sound quality/character but recording/mix volume..... That fact is of course why you spend time and effort getting rid of those differences, I realize that. Best regards, Magnus

[@IckoDio]

Gibson is the real deal. I will everything trade for it. It range and punch are unique. I played it and fall in love instantly. Eastman was way far from Gibson.

[@tomformanek3312]

My 2022 e10ss is not very bright. With Daddario EJ16 phosphor bronze lights in fact it is very warm with outstanding bass. The trebles remind me very much of my Guild D20 with nice Guild-like mids. I plan on replacing the ebony pins with black horn to see if I prefer the new tone. I have no need to spend funds I don't have on essentially a headstock. The J45 is indeed a great guitar on it's own merits, but musicians are a conservative and fickle lot, many of whom try very hard to impress others with a brand name. No manufacturer hits a homer every time. So cover your eyes and go buy the tone you can afford. No apologies.

[@bigpike08]

Eastman sounds -2000$ better.

[@mr.k905]

Wow, what a difference! Gibson clearly wins. Never have thought the difference would be so clear/huge.

[@sugarlife485]

of course but for the people that wanna save a grand not bad

[@mr.k905]

@@sugarlife485 Sure.

[@sugarlife485]

@@mr.k905 im actually shopping for my first Gibson acoustic ever! had about 7 Martins

[@mr.k905]

@@sugarlife485 I play mainly electric guitars so I only had mediocre acoustics so far. Looking for a proper acoustic lately I have tested a few Martins and a few Gibsons. To my surprise I liked the Gibsons a bit more. ...although the Martins are great guitars as well (of course!) It's just that I found the Gibsons to have a more distinct sound, more unique maybe. Still I can't decide really ...besides I'm pretty broke again at the moment ; ))

[@sugarlife485]

@@mr.k905 haha Im deciding between a j45 and hummingbird ! I sold 2 guitars to unbroke myself

[@mojoefelix]

Gibson = tone in spades. Eastman = nice but nowhere near the Gibson. The difference is huge. I had expected them to be much closer.

[@brums3940]

J45 forever !!!

[@DessieTots]

Regardless of what subtle differences in sound you might hear, I would recommend the Eastman unless you want to pay for a complete neck reset on the Gibson once you’ve figured out why it’s being a complete bitch to play.

[@jaylee3925]

lol

[@emersonleao]

Ian, can you demo an Eastman E20SS? Thanks, mate!

[@emersonleao]

(Or the Eastman E10SS/V)

[@ianmeadows6351]

I'll do my best to snag one

[@waccamaniac]

Eastman E20SS

[@metalguyn]

the eastman is too bright. shame because im looking for a full sounding guitar.