Martin OM-28 on a Budget? This is the Eastman E20-OM

[@PeekaPeep]

Few things about Eastman that immediately caught my attention while looking up and down related KZbin uploads these past few days: 1) Their well-documented Beijing workshop really has an "old-school" vibe about it, reminding me of how guitars were made back during the pre-CNC days. The fact that much of their work is still done skillfully by hand while other established big-name brands like Martin have already resorted to CNC machinery truly makes their high-end guitars among the very best on the market from a price/value standpoint. 2) While Eastman has their guitar workshop based in China, their QC/inspection plant is actually located in Pomona California where those guitars get their final seal of approval for retail distribution if they end up making the grade there. 3) Unlike other "like-minded" guitar brands such as Yamaha and especially Alvarez, Eastman's actual willingness to reel in the long-neglected left-handed demographic easily earns them my honest respect as far as I'm concerned. As a natural southpaw myself, I can't even begin to tell you what an absolute GODSEND Eastman has been in offering such a fine variety of high-end models at prices even an extremely budget-conscious individual like me can afford. Not a bad deal at all for lefties, I do say 😊! 4) To those who still take issue with these guitars being made in China, just remember what a well-known global foodie here on YT once said: "People are NOT their governments. PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE, PERIOD!!!" And China despite their ongoing government-related issues have some of the most passionate and dedicated hard-working people on the face of this earth, with Eastman proving themelves a shining example of that universal truth. Best to keep that in mind, folks! 😐 That said, nicely-done demo upload. Might look into one of these E20-OMs at some point as I'm quite fond of steel-string acoustics that have Adirondack spruce and rosewood paired together (Sitka spruce/mahogany is still my No. 1 favorite acoustic guitar wood pairing, though)... 😉

[@florianniebauer3705]

That‘s some high quality review, thanks man! Cheers from Germany

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Much appreciated!

[@williambayh1574]

I'm unsure if the E20 sounds that good or how you're playing! I love the reviews and have been circling Eastman guitars for a while. An injury took playing guitar away from me, but God gave me a daughter who showed interest and ability at eleven. Now, my grandsons show great interest, and I intend to find an exceptional guitar. I greatly appreciate your words regarding Eastman and price big help! Subscribed/ liked and another fan.

[@richardredlight7246]

I have two Eastman's, the E10-00 and the E1SS, both great guitars. The longer i have them, the better they sound, hard to beat by any other brand, if anyone considering buying one, you won't be disapointed!

[@AlexPriceMusician]

It really is an incredible instrument

[@brandonknapp3328]

I have the same problem. I didn’t think I would keep the Eastman forever but It’s crazy how the Adirondack has opened and grown into the sweetest sounding guitar.

[@jeffthevideoguy23]

Do they make jumbos?

[@MichaelGrecoGuitar]

Excllent demonstration. I loved the arrangement of "A Day In the Life." I have been really digging Eastman guitars. I just got a t486 and i am amazed by the quality for such an affordable price. Definitely thinking about picking up an e20 OM now. Thanks for the video. Cheers from Philly🍻

[@JuusoHoo]

thanks for an honest review and good quality reconding, it opened a new view for me. Looking for a än affordable "smaller' than Dreadnought, been playing 30 y pro and would like to have a slightly work/paly-economical workhorse instrument for live & studio. This Eastman seems very interesting!🙏

[@masterhorax]

I'd totally love to see the head to head comparison

[@Joe-m6p6b]

I just got the OM 20 TC version. Very good guitar indeed. I also Stil own and owned Martin custom guitars.

[@deplorablepatriot9763]

I own the same Eastman E20-OM. Love it.

[@richardmelella6767]

Great Video - straight talk - informative - your eastman sounds beautiful - as well as your playing.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thank you Richard 🙏🏼

[@jeffthevideoguy23]

Wow, one of the few acoustic demos where there's a mic at the 12th fret, where it's supposed to be.

[@elholt7095]

Nice! You made that Eastman sound really good. I'd have bought that puppy as well! Perhaps it is the mics you are using but others who play/demo the E20OM never captured what you did! Bravo!

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Mic position has a lot to do with it too, maybe those others are just poorly recorded. This Eastman is a workhorse and has been my go-to for the orchestras I play with. Thank you for the compliments!

[@glorioskiola]

I have this Eastman E20 OM. It is gorgeous and sounds fantastic. Keeps getting better the more I play.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

I really dig this guitar - a year later and I’m still playing it just as much as my D-28.

[@wjchivers]

Thanks for a very informative video. New subscriber from Australia here!

[@AlexPriceMusician]

@@wjchivers thank you!

[@McBicbic]

Great informative video with a well organized structure. Thanks for taking the time to share!

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thanks Nathan 🙏🏼

[@michaelreyes6821]

Tried out an Eastman out the other day, and I was very pleasantly surprised.

[@markvonwisco7369]

I've been to Dave's Guitar several times over the years. It's guitar heaven!

[@breadzeppelin2705]

That intro "A day in the life was brilliant"

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thank you !

[@migoosan]

Truly

[@mca56rpa]

@@AlexPriceMusician I was immediately paying attention and very impressed from then on. Really nice rendition.

[@jeffrey.a.hanson]

Just played a new HD28 and that was incredible. I’m a Taylor guy, but that guitar had some real life to hit.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Truthfully I've never been a huge Taylor fan just because they seem to emphasize the amplified tone over the acoustic sound but they make some incredible instruments too.

[@rossdarling5975]

Excellent,truly excellent presentation dude. From Australia, ya brother Roscoe.

[@aaronlarsen7447]

I have a 2018 Martin OM28. It is amazing. The Chinese version is pretty amazing too. I hear a fraction more openness and the Martin is a little smoother sounding. I think the Eastman doesn't have a one piece neck. However it is excellent, plays and sounds great for a third the price. I found a Sigma copy of the OM28 at a pawnshop, for 225.00 and it's pretty awsome. Bottom line is just play, play,play. Even cheap guitars sound better, when you play better.

[@gregpiper8416]

The difference in the woodgrain on the top is to be expected. The Martin is Sitka while the Eastman is Adirondack. Adirondack has a wider, less even grain. I own three acoustic guitars, 1 Martin, 1 Taylor and 1 Eastman. They're all great, but all very different.

[@n1vo]

Great video! Afaik, the grain of adirondack spruce is always wider than with sitka. Not really a quality issue.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Great point! Thanks for sharing that. I also noticed that the grain on the Indian Rosewood back and sides for both guitars were very different too - maybe due to different species of Indian Rosewood.

[@turrafirmaguitarchannel]

I was going to comment on this too. That said Eastman would have a hard time matching Martin’s wood stash!

[@khimaros]

@@AlexPriceMusician None of the Eastman guitars I've looked at on their website say 'Indian' Rosewood, so they will be different species! :)

[@bullshark1152]

I’ve got the same and it is absolute stunning.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Great guitar!

[@simon.taylor.1804]

I read that Eastman reserve their better grained tops for the E40OMs

[@claudetouzel4657]

Good explication! It’s really nice instruments,I have E20om/tc.

[@vyvynylification]

I really wonder how this (or the e40 om) compares to that bourgeois touchstone OM? I had an eastman ac808 for many years and it was an amazing guitar so obviously I'm tempted with eastmans. That said, that bourgeois-eastman touchstone might be a noticeable step up...

[@drkevo1]

Sounds nice, what string gauge are you using on Eastman E20?

[@robmiller3464]

Hello, curious to know, do you think the 24.9 scale length of that Eastman is as good as the 25.4 Martin OM? In your opinion what is the difference between both OM models. How does Eastman call it a OM without it being 25.4 scale. I’m wanting to buy one but need more clarification. Thank you.

[@dimitri043]

nice guitar, loved the intro (it's my favourite Beatles song)

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thank you !

[@stefanrehm2485]

I tested the E40 D,E20-OM,E10 D, E10 SS and the Parlour. Really good guitars. I play the E20-OM. Can I compare with Martin and Boucher. Tomorrow comes my E40 D SB. Respect for Eastman.Greetings from Germany

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Awesome. How have you been liking it?

[@mariodriessen9740]

Sounds great. And I know they do. One question: what mics did you use? I can see them, but I have no idea what they are. They capture the sound of the Eastman perfectly.

[@HC_GUITAR]

Great video! I have been thinking of getting the E10ss slope shoulder model but can't get to try one in person

[@richardredlight7246]

I have two Eastman's one of them is the E1SS very simular to the E10SS, great guitar, played many of them, i'm sure that if you order it you won't be disapointed!

[@Bejaardenbus]

Get one mate. I have the E10-SS (its prototype actually) and it's a wonderful guitar.

[@peterlaidler3895]

Hi Alex, I've only recently come across your video and really enjoyed it. Here I am seeking some advice and hope you would like to respond? I did have a Gibson J45 [bought in the1970's] and after the fact, deeply regretted letting it go. Now I'm retired I was thinking of replacing it and picking up the guitar again. I have looked at the Martin OM 28 but found that it retails here in the UK for around £4,000 which, at my age is a little steep given that I would only use it for casual use. I do like the Eastman guitars, particularly the OM model. I have a smallish hand and wondered if the neck of the guitar is narrow enough for me to play, Sadly there aren't many dealers within reach of where I live and so we are talking mail order. A chance I would have to take! However, one particular dealer offers a guarantee and full set up before despatching. Retail cost less than half the price of the Martin. I am not asking you to commit but I would welcome your thoughts? thank you

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Hey Peter - I've owned a number of Eastmans and have played a ton more in stores. The quality control is excellent - far exceeds any other brand in a similar price range that I've had experience with. I bought this E20-OM sight unseen and felt comfortable doing that because of all of the other Eastmans I've played. This model has a relatively small neck. So full disclosure, the E20-OM is actually more similar to the Martin 000 design than the OM-28 design, but really the only main difference is the scale length of the neck. The 000 is shorter. If you get a setup and a 30-day return window, I think it's worth the shot!

[@peterlaidler3895]

@@AlexPriceMusician Hi Alex, I thank you for your time, patience and invaluable professional advice. I shall definitely get in touch with my dealer. thank you my friend

[@epiphoney2]

I'm on the fence between getting an Eastman or one of the Yamaha transacoustics. Both seem like really great instruments.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

The Eastman is a pure acoustic, the Yamaha is an acoustic built to be amplified. What do you intend to use it for? I’ve heard good things about the Transacoustics

[@TempoDrift1480]

Well Yamaha doesn't fuck around with acoustics. They are always top notch if you like bright guitars. Even the inexpensive ones are pretty nice.

[@wrekkingcru]

Man, Alex...you were right about Eastman guitars been sweet for the money. I stopped by a guitar store in Memphis, TN and couldn't stop playing two dreadnought and cutaway acoustics that they had they. Excellent guitars. Very articulate and great tone and intonation up and down the fretboard.

[@angelg8445]

Cool vid , but addy top will have wider grain than Sitka so not sure if you knew that !

[@mattrichmond9264]

Hi there! I’m looking into buying this guitar. Is there a way to Install a pickup? For example, does the strap button on the bottom screw out? Thanks!

[@Fumblingfingers]

Did you try the TC version? Wondering if worth the upgrade

[@anthonyward8587]

Played one last week. Very, very impressed, great sounding guitar, probably going back to buy it.

[@tanyaking4950]

Having owned a Martin HD28 since 2004, I have become disenchanted with the brand. I bought it new and a couple of years ago the binding started coming off. Since then I have purchased a custom 00 which blows the Martin out of the water. No more Martins for me!

[@angelg8445]

The Martins since 2014 are really much better from what I’ve seen, and I have a custom shop 000 with Addy and hog! I love it!

[@andynovak9838]

If money was no object, would you buy a Martin OM-28 or an Eastman E20-OM? Or does the Eastman quality justify spending much less on a non-major brand?

[@AlexPriceMusician]

For sound quality alone, I would still buy the Martin. The Eastman is great but ultimately it's my live guitar so I went with something cheaper.

[@TWC6724]

Gosh, now I’m second guessing myself. I really have been set on a Yamaha red label OM body. Now I’ve head these Eastman and they sound great as well. I am so indecisive now!! SMH

[@mca56rpa]

you're a great player! I really enjoyed listening to you! I'm an advanced player myself, though you're better overall on much of what you play. I have neuropathy and I'm slowing down on playing. I'm considering an Eastman. Where did you get your guitar and mandolin? I missed that. Nice to know that they deal. I also play mandolin. You can't go wrong with Eastman on lower-priced (but not cheap) mandolins. The best Chinese-American mandolins are built by Northfield. They are truly amazing, but much more expensive than Eastman, and Eastman sounds GREAT for the price. I also have a Collings mando and others. I have two Martin Dreadnaughts I want an OM now because I am playing on my couch more and the dreads are too big. One is a Martin D28 Marquis and the other is a D18 Golden Era (which is my fave). The Marquis should be called an HD28 Marquis because it has herringbone binding but has Adirondack Spruce top and braces like the D18GE. The Marquis has tons of headroom and I have a fairly hard attack. I play lots of bluegrass, newgrass, jazz (poorly compared to you), Celtic, Americana, fingerstyle, classical, light rock (on acoustic- I played lead guitar in bands for years). I use the mandolins for Bluegrass fiddle tunes, Newgrass, Americana and Celtic mostly. I can't play nearly as long as I could 20 years ago, but still play pretty well-not quite as polished because my muscles give out from the exertion. I can play well for 10-15 minutes then it's downhill. So I need an easy-playing great-sounding guitar. I had an OM-28V (Martin) but foolishly sold it. If the Eastman is close to that I'd be delighted. I've heard that these are sold with Madagascar back and sides and an Adirondack top and that would be my preference. BTW, I've been playing for 50 years. I have the impression that you started fairly young, and likely had good lessons- your chords were the most impressive thing that I heard. You use chord melody really well. Sorry so long, but it's late and I get gabby after my meds!

[@AlexPriceMusician]

I've played a few Northfield and Collings mandolins and they're both incredible. Hope I get to own a real good one some day. I bought these two instruments from Dave's Guitar Shop in Wisconsin. I found them listed on Reverb, then went to their site to find a phone number so I could order them directly. I started guitar when I was 13 after playing viola in school for a few years. I appreciate your compliments!

[@mca56rpa]

@@AlexPriceMusician I played violin a little myself. I can't do it now because of my medical problems. The violin is too hard on my shoulders. I love it, though. I loved playing a good viola also. I played a couple at Elderly Instruments that were amazing. You're right about the Northfield and Collings Mandolins. My Northfield is the Big Mon model with the Engelmann top and it is amazing.

[@jackprice7828]

Alex I have to ask this. Are you by any chance related to Ray Price, legacy country singer?

[@AlexPriceMusician]

No relation!

[@robbiecleighmarks3088]

I have a Gibson j15... I'd like one of these OM styles. How is the quality of Eastman being assembled in China? Say compared to Gibson. These look and sound nice

[@AlexPriceMusician]

I’ve owned expensive and inexpensive Eastman guitars. I’ve been impressed with all of them. I have the AR810 archtop, this OM acoustic, a PCH acoustic, and a 400-series mandolin.

[@keestoft250]

They are hand built in China by genuine craftspeople. There are a couple of videos of the factory on KZbin.

[@robbiecleighmarks3088]

@@keestoft250 yeah I went to Sky guitars in Denton, TX (Eastman AD). Fantastic guitars, but unfortunately I WILL NOT support China and refuse to buy anything their hands touch right now (if I can help it).

[@ianjohnston1430]

Do you find that the Eastman feels stiff? I've been looking at Eastmans and Blueridge guitars. The Eastmans I've heard sound like they really need to open up. I prefer the build quality of Eastman over the Blueridge's so I've been looking at the E20D-TC model for that slightly aged sound of the thermo cured top. Thanks

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Not in my case. I really liked this instrument right out of the box

[@brandonknapp3328]

My E20D sounded stiff at first every time I played it and needed a 10 minute warm up. At a year it didn’t need a warm up and sounded better but in year 3 is when It bloomed. But it needed some real playing time, I noticed everyday playing helped a ton, it kept it from getting stiff again. It’s my go too guitar.

[@keestoft250]

Just got an Eastman E1OM and I've found that it is very tight sounding new. Guess it's just ready for the player to get going on all that good quality tonewood and loosen it up.

[@dr.jerilynvogelsang3922]

Did you need to get you Eastman guitar professionally set up?

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Nope, but that’s really just up to luck. The guitar could be perfectly set up in a hot and humid Beijing climate but when it’s shipped to the customer in a cool, dry climate it’ll be way out. In my experience traveling, acoustic guitars are typically a bit more susceptible to this than solid body electrics.

[@mikehoehn1475]

Great review and playing ! What strings are you using?

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Hi Mike - sorry, I don't know. This video was filmed with the strings the guitar was shipped to me with and I bought it used. I didn't recognize the ball ends when I took them out. I do have a ton of recent videos out on comparing string sets with this guitar so maybe that could be helpful to you? They were released between June and August.

[@sidnewman7676]

This is a great guitar. I don’t know how you can say it’s better or worse when it’s quite different from my OM28. I would never trade my Martin for anything

[@noelbell6475]

Good.

[@Bejaardenbus]

Here's something to think about when it comes to resell value: The Martin: Bought for 3200, could sell for 2500: 700 difference. The Eastman: Bought for 1800, could sell for 1400: 400 difference. It's worth finding the Eastman you like, and if you play one for a few years and want a different model: you can, because you haven't paid two or three times as much. The better choice all around.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

I bought this Eastman used… for just under $900 lol. Eastman instruments consistently have terrible resale value for some reason. I’m not someone who is a fan of buying instruments online. This video was an exception because I needed an instrument and I trust Eastman as a company to put out a consistent product. I’ve been pretty patient with the instruments I’ve spent a lot of money on. I’ve traveling 6+ hours to NYC just to be able to try a larger selection than was available near me. I’d rather take my time, find the perfect instrument, and buy once personally.

[@Kau093]

@@AlexPriceMusician damn. Where did you find it for 900

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Dave’s Guitar Shop in Wisconsin. I bought the mandolin I mentioned in this video at the same time and offered a flat price for both of them. You can always negotiate when buying used instruments.

[@brendanlocke3439]

have you noticed a difference in how much adirondack spruce sounds compared to sitka?

[@AlexPriceMusician]

You know, I think between my D-28 and this Eastman there are too many other variables to tell exactly what the tonal difference would be. I have a link in the description to the Eastman site where they describe the differences in woods that they choose to use. It was pretty informative for me

[@brendanlocke3439]

@@AlexPriceMusician just picked up the E2OM and it's an absolute cannon. I think it may honestly be a bit brighter and louder than some of the other sitka 000s i've played. Definitely gonna be sticking with eastman for awhile

[@AlexPriceMusician]

@@brendanlocke3439 Congrats on the new instrument! I've really been enjoying mine since making this video

[@mikelewis2707]

who did you do your deal thru

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Dave’s Guitar Shop in Wisconsin. I found the listing on Reverb and decided to just call them directly instead.

[@mikelewis2707]

Thanks so much

[@HL-OOI]

Martin, Taylor should setup factory in Asia..till today still can’t justify the price ..😁

[@azcharlie2009]

I have a Martin HD-28, too.. Bought it in 1994. The top cracked around 2005. Still sounds beautiful. But, I'm interested in the Eastman OMs. They really sound nice, and much cheaper than Martins. Just no dealers, except Reverb. I won't buy from Reverb. Thanks again to the eviro Nazis for banning everything that's any good.

[@brettgarlick5252]

35 seconds in i had an acid flash back

[@lpjbird]

I bought one of those Eastman guitars but it won’t do what yours is doing…what’s up with that?😉

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thanks!! Keep at it 😎

[@PeterSchuett]

I have an AC330-12E. I like it a lot. But it is rather sensitive to the kind of strings I put on. So better have an eye on that, too.

[@michaelwoods9005]

Eastman's OMs have a 24.9" scale, so it's not directly comparable to an OM-28, It's more like a 000-28.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

As mentioned at 3:35

[@jackprice7828]

Sounds just like a Martin

[@redson425]

Chinese made and they dont like humidity.

[@Bejaardenbus]

1) The Chinese have been making instruments for centuries. 2) No high-quality guitar is too big a fan of too high or too low humidity. So: useless commebt.

[@runnningonempty]

A SMART MAN BUYS A USED OM-21 OVER THIS IMPOSTER!

[@eddiecharlton3173]

not anymore!

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Yeah I don't know about that. A used OM-28 is still $2,500+ This Eastman was $900 and I play it as much as I do my HD-28.

[@456or7strings]

@@AlexPriceMusician I bought mine off Craigslist for just over $400 a few years ago!

[@weaselpopper]

There`s that overpriced name brand mentality rearing it`s ugly head again.

[@morbidmanmusic]

A man with confidence in a point doesn't need all caps....

[@ΚώσταςΒασιλείου-γ2δ]

Really? You bought a 4000 dollar guitar and it cracked? xD I've been playing with 500 dollar solid top guitars and they sounded better than full solid Martins, plus they never EVER cracked. Maybe all of you Martin junkies should start thinking through what you are paying when you're puchasing Martin garbage!

[@shaynme8560]

He just said in the beginning of the vid that he was playing outside, taking his guitar with him when travelling and taking risks with it even though it was a $3000+ Martin. So no surprise it cracked after all this reckless playing. All solid high end instruments need humidification and kept in a humidity controlled environment or locked in their cases when not played. Or else, you get a crack or a belly bump or a significant bow on the neck or something worse than all this… take care of your gear and it will last forever!

[@ΚώσταςΒασιλείου-γ2δ]

@@shaynme8560 I have handmade guitars that don't feel a thing. Yes a solid body guitar is more prone to cracking than a laminated, but it's not as brittle as Martin wants you to believe. Musicians in my country (Greece) are constantly moving their handmade instruments though different areas and different himidities. We have a really humid winter and a really dry summer. It is very unlikely that a top will crack due to weather. What people seem to forget when they blind themselves with the Martin logo, is that martin guitars are made in the hands of assemblers. When an instrument goes through many hands and hands with little experience, chances are that marketing will do the trick for the company. Not quality. I always hear about cracked Martins and to tell you the truth, I don't hear 5.000 worth of sound in any Martin instrument. I can acknowledge that 7.000 or more will buy a really good instrument from Martin, but I am not willing to take the risk. Especially when for Martin the weather is to blame in most cases. Value your money and buy a Goodall or something. See the difference in wood selection. See what Martin will give you with 5.000 and see what real handmade guitars from luthiers will give you for that amount.

[@shaynme8560]

@@ΚώσταςΒασιλείου-γ2δ I totally agree with you. I am not endorsed by Martin btw. Not a fan of them either. I was just giving my two cents about how his guitar got cracked imo. Personally, i dream of having a guitar built by 1 man from start to finish. But for now, i stick with my Yamaha. Never had a problem with it. A real workhorse for a bargain.

[@michaelp8856]

there are reasons why there are environmental laws - not to save money on a guitar - China does not care about the environment - buy from the USA

[@JoelBiger]

Eastman is beautiful. A magnificent copy. But it's just a copy. It's not a Martin...

[@Bejaardenbus]

Exactly, you don't overpay when you get an Eastman, and they age wonderfully.

[@RyanAnthony1987]

Awful take

[@sk20604]

A Collings OM is “just” a Martin copy also

[@rustyrig2764]

Aren't today's Martin's just copies of previous model's? Once done, everything after is a copy no matter who does it....brand snobs can overpay for a name, my dollar has more value to me.