Martin D42 VS Eastman E20D-MR TC - Acoustic Guitar Shootout

In this video we are comparing some of the similarities and differences between the Martin D42 with Alpine Spruce Top and Madagascar Rosewood back and sides up against the Eastman E20D-MR TC which is a Adirondack Spruce top also with Madagascar Rosewood back and sides.

Both guitars were freshly strung with a set of 13 gauge Stringy Fox Glove coated strings.

The audio samples are conducted blind for fairness. Stay tuned to the end of video where the guitar results will be posted.

Audio gear used in this video Lauten Audio FC-387 microphone placed 10 inches off the 12th fret of the guitar into a Focusrite ISA Two Preamp, into the Line In on Apollo X6 rack unit model into Pro Tools.

Find Eastman for sale online.

Find Martin for sale online (Keep in mind this is the regular spec'd version not the Madagascar Rosewood version)

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0:00 Intro
4:34 Audio Samples
7:46 Thoughts on Sonics and Build/Broll
17:35 The Reveal

[jaimiestead]

The Eastman sounded much better to me. Time for the US companies to up their game on quality control and how their guitars play off the shelf.

[ExperientialTherapist]

Love how you did this comparison! So few comparison videos do the blind test while controlling the variables, so thank you.

[DaddyDIYer]

Great review! So glad to see an honest review between the both.

[stonemeng]

At first I heard “A” is Eastman, and at the end I heard "B" is Martin.
Thank you for your objective comparison. I am your 995th subscriber. I wish you more subscribers!

[pancakesmister]

Great video. i love how you masked guitars until the end. I liked B better before I know which one it is. thanks for your work!

[jimmycricket]

I have an oriental version of the Eastman parlour type guitar and it's a sweet little thing. And beautifully finished. It wasn't cheap but I'm glad I got it. Mahogany neck with rosewood back and sides - complete with abalone inlay and a tight, straight grained spruce top. It's beautiful to look at and it rings like a bell.

[WysteriaGuitar]

I have many EASTMANs and Martins including their top of the line E40D and a Martin D41. I could tell the Eastman was "Guitar A" right away as the trebles are just a tad thinner than on the Martin (though not the case with my E40D, it;s right up their with the D41). Either way I love all my Eastmans and Martins they are all great and we are in another golden age of acoustic guitar construction.

[ericsanders]

I have 4 Eastmans- couldn't agree more!

[shadowmld]

I was surprised how dark the Martin was compared to the Eastman. I thought the Eastman sounded more balanced, but the resonance of the Martin seemed a little richer and longer lasting. Are both guitars all solid back and sides? Great video!

[yrtracingteam]

As a proud owner of the Eastman ca722ce-df (for only four days now) i actually guessed wrong. I really thought that guitar A was the expensive Martin. It sounded way better than guitar B. And I was surprised that guitar A was the Eastman. It made me happy. It sounded so much better. I do understand that this is YouTube with YouTube sound formats. But guitar A sounded way better.
For those whom are searching for a guitar, do check Eastman guitars. And when possible, try my model. I’m really loving it. Tnx for the video 👍🏼

[rodneykitchen]

Thanks for this, I chose “ A”. I’ve owned both brands love Martins -just because ! Also played Sigma are pretty nice thanks again
Rod in London.

[jimmextorf]

Great video, thank you. I love Martin guitars but for the money you can not beat an Eastman. As you mentioned, their QC is fantastic. I own the AC622CE, the AC308CE ltd. and the E16SS and dollar for dollar, the E16SS is the best value on the market. As another commentor wrote, the US builders need to up their game when it comes to QC. Still love Gibson, Martin and Guild (I own a few of these, too) but the prices make it harder and harder to not buy an Eastman.

[ZionForman]

well done, I listed to the audio samples, and before you reveal which guitar is which I am guessing A is the Eastman and B is the Martin. A sounds brighter than B. I liked B for the first two examples, but heard more clarity in guitar A for your third, fingerstyle, example.

[Rickeydenler]

Martin has Sitka spruce that says it all versus Adirondack which has to age to open up properly I would take the Sitka over Adirondack maybe with some Adirondack bracing for its stifness the other things you mentioned could be taken care of by a good Luther dash setup man cheers !

[shawnsnow]

If you know the Martin sound, it was obvious. Both are great instruments, but the Eastman was excusably outclassed imo.

[sbolfing]

Would love to hear a D42 vs E40D! (especially with both played in)

[frankie_CALB]

I was surprised, I really liked the sound from the Eastman better than the Martin. I want one now.

[onlycel]

Hi how did the neck shape differ? Was one slimmer?

[edwardbrock]

I have a D-35 from 2001. Nicely finished but I have to agree they are slipping with their QC in recent years. To their credit, Overseas guitars have picked up their game. Good to see.

[Shroomer]

Definitely could tell Guitar B was the Martin. The Eastman had a lot of overtones going on in the chord strumming portion and at times was undesirable but will likely settle down once it gets broken in. It definitely sounded nice though and for the price discount I’d say it’s a very worthy dreadnought guitar. Currently looking into purchasing one. Nice shootout here.