The strings on the Boucher are supporting each other like voices in a great choir. As a result, the sound is better balanced and rich in stacked overtones. Sometimes the bass strings on the Martin overpower the treble strings, and they don't always sing together.
I’d have to go with the Martin in this demo. I still find the Martin projects a thickness and distinct tonal character that I don’t hear from the a lot of competitors. I personally own a 2006 HD-28 that even when compared to a D-45 in my living room the HD-28 had more volume and bottom end. It’s an absolute cannon. However the Boucher did sound fabulous. But may I also add that if I could play guitar like J.P Cormier a plywood guitar would sound great.
The Boucher is much better over all. The Martin has a muddy bottom but that is the "Martin" sound. You get it even more on a D35. Which is my opinion is the best Martin there is. You can make that Boucher sound like the Martin with the right pick but you will never get that Martin to sound like the Boucher.
Ya know something JP. When you say you love us, I believe it. I also believe you're reviews and trust your word. I surely appreciate you and all you stand for. Thanks for just being you.
Boucher, hands down. I totally agree, Martin has the history and nostalgia, but Boucher has the quality of wood and craftsmanship that shines throughout their lineup. Had the privilege of having a great conversation with J.P. at the 12th Fret in Toronto after a great showcasing of a huge variety of Boucher guitars. When you hear them live and play them, you'll know. Thanks for sharing, keep the strumming coming.
I have had 2 D-41 Martins and they are awesome , but that Boucher is unbelievable , wish I had one of each and all of them ! Love you and all your stuff JP !
That D41 sounds magnificent ; the Boucher to my ears sounds close to a D28 wich has always been my favourite but my Lord that D41 is something special..
I'm just an ole hacker, and both those gitboxes sound beautiful.. I've had many guitars in my hands over the years... I've met many great guitar players Tommy emmanuel who I consider the best of the best, And he has said, play whatever guitar makes you want to play... Everyone has a different ear and desire .. Keep on pickin n grinnin folks 👋😎👍🎶🎶🎶
They are both glorious guitars. I chose Boucher over most of the competition for its musical qualities, but also in no small part because it is made in Canada. I have BG-52.
How come I missed this channel before? This is an incredibly truthful, inspiring, soul-warming approach to any type of review . Simply fantastic ! Thanks JP.
On full stereo Jvc system I’m hearing a warmer beautifully toned Martin when strumming. The Boucher is slightly more articulate which gives it a colder tone blend when strumming. Boucher has more punch on the bottom and top in finger style. Regular picking they seemed pretty even. I’d have to play them personally if I were to deciding to buy.
Man…they both sound so good. Trying to pick a favorite is like trying to pick your favorite kid. The Boucher has incredible clarity and a beautiful sound. The Martin has those classic “undertones” and a somewhat percussive quality to each individual string. Even if it didn’t have the name “Martin” on the headstock it would be my first pick because that sound appeals to me.
Love this. Martin is the sound I grew up with and it sounds like home. I love that bass and resonance. The Boucher is gorgeous balanced, can do anything with sweet tones. Nostalgia aside, the Boucher wins.
Both beautiful, I prefer the Martin but openly admit Brand bias! In second listen, I’d say the Boucher is brighter and loud, and beautiful. I may prefer the D-41 because I’m a rock player and like the darker tone, but rest assured, I would love to own both ❤
My dream guitar when I was young was an HD28 Martin which my husband bought for me in 2004. I prized it until it started to lose some of its character and finally let loose the plastic binding. I had that repaired and promptly sold it. I since have bought a custom OM built by a luthier near me that shamed the Martin. It’s truly in the builder. My luthier briefly apprenticed with Erwin Somogyi and the tone and sustain is ethereal. Thanks for the work you do JP
I bought my dream guitar, a Martin D41 in 1972. Two years later I played a Gallagher G70 that blew the Martin into the weeds, and then into Jerry Jeff Walkers hands. My experience was much like yours in this video. I really enjoyed it!
Thank you JP! Two great guitars! A comparaison that many have waited for. An interesting factor to consider is the age of both guitars. The Boucher seems to be only a few months old. The Martin is at least four years old. The Boucher is still pretty “green” so still a lot of time to open and settle. Thank you very much JP!
I haven’t played a Boucher yet, I plan to eventually get my grubby paws on one. I have a very unique and heavily modified or heavily repaired Martin D28 that is featured a few times on my channel. But I also have in my possession a 1978 John Greven guitar made of Brazilian rosewood and some old growth spruce. It’s easily the most powerful guitar I’ve ever heard. But on stage I play Eastman guitars almost exclusively these days because they are much more affordable and easily equipped with a pickup.
My pick is the Boucher …… Listening through focal speakers my opinion is …. I don’t hear a significant volume ( db ) difference between the two. The Martin seems to have a louder lower tone (which is really only problematic in a studio) but the Boucher is right there with it but with more of an ultra clarity response. If you pick only one string to listen to it’s so easily distinguished from the others. Where as the Martin as awesome as it is doesn’t seem to stay in its own lane at the buffet. Kudos on a great video.
To be fair Martin isn't 'hand voiced' or torrefied like the Boucher. Martin only does VTS(baked/torrefied top) after 2015 and doesn't do them on ALL of their standard guitars. Martin is worth it if u go Custom Shop, used and get the torrefied vts too! Ive got a Custom Shop 000 w/VTS and its well worth it.
Awesome playing. Volume sounded the same on this side over RUclips. Martin had more chime and thump on open string runs. Boucher had more mid punch as you go up the neck. Great comparison!
I'm glad you express your opinion. Many don't when comparing. Wish I was there in the room. As delivered via youtube and your mic I liked the Martin more. Both sounded great.
Ok. I just bought a Boucher last July and shortly after I had the chance to visit the shop where Robin Boucher (my guitar maker god) and his team make those great guitar. I bought a SG51. Rosewood. I tried many many guitar (Gibson, Martin, Taylor ) in every price range. Didnt matter to me. I focused only on the result , the emotion , the projection of the sound. All sounded good but not as great as Boucher dreadnought or om. It took me 4 years to decide as I wasnt in a hurry (already had a guitar). As a guitar player I do not deserve that instrument. It s only a reward for many years of doing home improvment myself. But what I can tell you is that they do sound better. Here , this will sound strange but, I think the Martin was slightly better. Great video. Thank JP. Update. The Boucher is better. After listening the video for the third time.
I own a 2018 Ambertone D41 and it’s a phenomenal guitar. I also own a 2019 Bourgeois AT Vintage D Banjo Killer that owns the 41 in every category, except that rumbly bottom-end.
Wow. That Martin just has a more weighty sound, bags of power, I’m surprised that you say the Martin is quieter as it doesn’t sound like it in your video. The Boucher is lovely with a very sweet sound.
Can't say I heard much of a difference between either guitars, through my computer, I did think the Boucher had a sweeter sound, which is important to me. Cheers.
You hit the nail right on the head. The Martin has a unique sound, it was made for 'Bluegrass'. I own a 1965 J50 and a 1967 J45 Gibson. I play a 1982 Stelling Bellflower. , not that well, lol, I'm a guitar player at heart, but, the Martin sound was made to play along with the banjo, hence 'Bluegrass' sound. I would not part with my Gibson's for either, especially my J45. The Gibson sound is all together different. "My" sound, as is every guitar, that hits some one's heart strings. Like fine wine , 'preference'...Now, I gather the insults will be arriving to me. That's , ok. I love the 'Old' Gibson sound. '"My" heart strings'...Great episode. Love your RUclips programs...👍
This was quite the demonstration ! Thank you. I have played Martins and a Bouchet. The Bouchet was positively alive. The ringing sustain of notes and chords was incredible. I have a Martin now, but the next guitar I want to buy is a Bouchet.
Both excellent and different from one another. Investment value is a factor as well. I have had my D41 for 49 years. I have handmade dreads I hand picked. They are all different. My fav of all is is a 1964 Martin D28 SW. comparisons are sooo personal! Great vid, thanks so much.
They both sound great. The Boucher to me sounded brighter and clearer with more note separation. The Martin sounded darker with a nice mellow tone. I’d be happy with either one 😊
I'm not a good player, but have owned martins and played many that weren't that big sounding. but that one is huge. what I get from those recorded (could sound different in the room) is the boucher is more airy and a little more even. the martin has huge mids and bottom. It's a cannon. I would gladly play either -they're both wonderful.
Got to clear something up. In the states a Martin D41 is 5000Us at sweetwater. At Sound Pure in North Carolina a Studio goose Torrified Addy Indian rosewood is 5500Us. I will say Martin is ripping you guys up North though for sure but in the States they are pretty close.
Based on your video, I bought a Boucher BG 152 GM and could not be happier. The balanced sharp clarity through all the strings. It's as loud as I need to be. Boucher makes a fine guitar. Thanks for the great video!! Still haven't stopped thinking about that Martin D41 for one day.
We do not get Boucher guitars on the west coast, but I saw a 2nd hand one for sale last summer and could not believe how nice it sounded. I love my two Martins but the sound of this guitar was a way up there. Hopefully the guitar maker will expand his guitars to the west coast soon.
Each of the twp guitars have their own voices, each is unique to itself...It's a matter of opinion to the player and what they're looking for in a guitar...I have 5 guitars: Maton EBG808TE (Tommy Emmanuel series, signed by Tommy Emmanuel) Gibson Songwriter Deluxe Studio Edition, Taylor 314 CE, Takamine (Glen Frey edition, signed by Glen Frey), Martin D16-RGT (signed by Tommy Emmanuel) All guitars are played through an AER 60 Compact Amplifier. Thanks to JP for taking the time to demonstrate these two great guitars. Heard JP play at the Hullabaloo in Perth Andover a couple of years ago and also played with Dave Gunning... Great concert and funny stories.....
I sat through it until the end. My decision was Martin . The Boucher came squeaky close to the finish line . A close photo finish . Mr. Robin has a high quality build standard and he seems to be in control of all aspects of luthiery. The best to both companies ! ! ! !
The Boucher is brighter, but the Martin sounds fuller to me. The Martin also has more bass which appeals to me. I do not hear that big sustain difference that you described. I like the sound of the Martin better.
Both guitars sound amazing. The Martin speaks to me. Nothing sounds like a Martin to me. Something about the classic distinct tone of the Martin does it for me. I’d take these guitars until I could get a Santa Cruz. Lol
I bought a Boucher SG-21, several upgrades and the wider nut as well very similar to yours (never having played one either, going largely on your videos). Love it, immensely, but it is a very different animal than my D41 style Collings and really couldn't compare the two at all.
They are both amazing, the Boucher, had a touch more high frequency, but that could just be the condition of the strings. I have been experimenting a lot with strings lately. For not that much money, I have settled on the Ernie Ball Earthwoods as delivering the sound that best suited my ear. And it is uniform on my different acoustics.80/20 Medium Light Phosphor Bronze. Cleary JP has a riches of guitars and how much fun it must be to play them, and have his skills... Thanks JP!
Great video as are all your videos. Both sound great hard to choose. Martin wins by a hair. Of course I might feel different if I heard them in person. Thanks for all you do.
I think the Boucher only sounds louder to you in the room because of the larger sound hole sending sound up to your ears. The levels on the recording are almost identical with a slight edge to the Martin in terms of SPL into the mic.
Each guitar has it’s own unique characteristics and each is valid and intensely beautiful in sound tone craftsmanship. The musician playing these guitars is rather talented and is far far away from amateur!! Enjoy!
Resonates better....? Huh... That is literally the last thing I would say between these two guitars. It's like watching the Yairi Masterworks video showing the difference between 12 and 14 fret neck joints where the 14 fretter has notes that are like 5 times as long and walking away saying.. "WoW.. I can't believe that 12 fret design had longer sustain"...but when you actually time it...its the other way around....So weird that sound is a defined unchanging force of nature but people perceive it differently..
A very respectful and fair description of these two extraordinary instruments. I have a Martin D-41 since 1972. Year of construction 70/71? Unfortunately typical neck break, but professionally by Prof. Luthier repaired. Gray original case that now tends into the gray - greenish in excellent condition. Except for the break and the reddish reeling of the guitar ceiling, except for a tiny quirk in almost new condition. Really unbelievable, I know. Tone: indescribable! Thanks for your great video - greetings from Germany - Manfred
Great playing and good review. Proud that a fellow Canadian is presenting it so well. I agree the Boucher has better sustains articulate like Collings. But what I don’t buy is that you cannot afford the Martin. At that price range you can easily make up the difference if you really like the guitar. You own several Bouchers and even though they are reasonable price they are still not cheap. Maybe what you’re really saying is that Martin’s are not worth more money than a guitar that in your ear is the best you’ve ever played. Cheers
Yeah i went to check boucher at my local shop and well north of 5k canadian minimal is out of my budget. JP flagship guitar is well north of 6k. I guess people reasonably price is different.
Like you say it’s what sits with your heart . For many years I have bought and sold my guitars and never being happy, my last one I sold was the Maton 808 and I was bitterly disappointed with that guitar . It was great though an amp but acoustically no volume and didn’t feel right. So I went I told a guitar shop in Birmingham uk my problem just could not find a guitar to satisfy me. So because of a permanent shoulder injury I have to have a smaller bodied guitar. They bought me out the Matin 0m28E and said it’s the best one of that Martin size that they played , so I had a good play on it and wow it just sang , I couldn’t believe how good it was and the neck is like silk so easy to play. Well I bought it . At last I Owen a guitar I want to keep , it’s just beautiful, no beautiful decor on the guitar just a beautiful, beautiful sound fantastic, thank you Martin.
A great comparison. I have to vote for the Martin. To me it sounds a little warmer with more bottom end. They’re both great, but if I had to choose between the two, it would be the Martin.
I bought the guitar shop owner a pizza so I could play every guitar in his shop. 2 days later, and once again, the best sounding and most playable and most responsive was a Martin. There's lots of great guitars out there, but Martins are the best. Quit fighting it. And yes, I'll pay extra for superior sound. Call me crazy for wanting the best.
I prefer the Martin. I love the bottom end that every Martin has. I had an HD-28 that was awesome..... until I bought a D-42, and the D-42 had 3 times the volume as the HD-28. It was a killer guitar. I had to sell all of my guitars due to not having work for 3 years. Now I have nothing to pick on. You still are too easy on them to really show which has the bigger sound. You need to pick them as hard as you can like a bluegrass player trying to project over a banjo.
Your BG 52 is crisper and your D41 is warmer, but my old custom shop D28 sounds better than both of them. I'm glad you finally have that Martin you wanted. Thanks for all your videos and all you have done for the music world. You are an amazing talent.
Holy hell, what a laser gun. Good name for that thing; “Laser”. The Martin sounds so crisp it’s hard to imagine you’d be playing something better in comparison.
JP! Thank you for comparing these two stellar Dreds. It may be just as difficult to for You to hear my thoughts as it is for Me to hear your personal assessments you just made! To my point: the microphone/recording/my speakers/the room I'm in - all contribute to the overall experience of sound - and they both were rich and resonant and surprisingly similar to my ears. Not the same mind you, but both great sounding. What bothers me is for you to be as bowled over by one - over the other ... and has to mean it's all "live dynamics". Tough to make me feel relevant to make any choice! Another thing that draws them both together in their sweet tone ... is you. As a listener I'm mostly hearing your unique "coaxing" out, of the two guitar's "voice" - which blends them fairly even-sounding, I'm thinking. My son bought a BG52 in the last year and I have owned an early 70's D-41 (though now sold) but now play a custom 000-28 VS 1928 spec 12-fret slot-head. I have owned many fantastic vintage Dreds, and hear in my son's BG52 a more "modern" tone/volume/resonance than a typical Martin build. From 1964 to fairly recent I've felt Martin built too heavy, but you can now run into a custom that is very lively and open - and that is how the BG52 sounds (torrified helps). Anyway; thanks again - If you ever have a chance - play a Martin Woody Mann Sig. It will leave a mark! Love your effort and love your heart (and your playing) - and applaud your appreciation for Alvarez (of all makers!!). God bless us all!!
I liked the the Martin for drop D and the thumb picking stuff. It was tighter and more focused. For everything else, BOUCHER! That guitar sounds absolutely enormous. It has halos around the notes. My little 0-18 has that roundness but at a low volume. Love your channel! You’re real as it gets! Keep up the good work.
Wow - I'd love either of these guitars. Funnily enough, I think the Boucher would be cheaper, but for me it just pips the D41. It's a much more complex guitar, and sounds much nicer on the top strings than the Martin, and it's got some extra warmth, and that sustain you mention. I'm definitely dreaming of a Boucher at the moment.
Ok, so now that you have a D41, are we going to see this thing shot out against the Sigma in the same back to back video cuts? THAT would be interesting…
Robin Boucher is building great guitars. I got rid of my D28 to buy my BG152 Boucher and I’d do it 1000 times over again. I’m a HUGE Martin fan but none of them I’ve played can beat my Boucher!
I was on the fence til I heard the strumming and the capo sounds. That pushed me in the Martin camp .
The strings on the Boucher are supporting each other like voices in a great choir. As a result, the sound is better balanced and rich in stacked overtones. Sometimes the bass strings on the Martin overpower the treble strings, and they don't always sing together.
My vote is for the D41. Thanks for the comparison!
I’d have to go with the Martin in this demo. I still find the Martin projects a thickness and distinct tonal character that I don’t hear from the a lot of competitors. I personally own a 2006 HD-28 that even when compared to a D-45 in my living room the HD-28 had more volume and bottom end. It’s an absolute cannon. However the Boucher did sound fabulous. But may I also add that if I could play guitar like J.P Cormier a plywood guitar would sound great.
The Boucher sounds darker to me almost like a D-18
The Boucher is much better over all. The Martin has a muddy bottom but that is the "Martin" sound. You get it even more on a D35. Which is my opinion is the best Martin there is. You can make that Boucher sound like the Martin with the right pick but you will never get that Martin to sound like the Boucher.
Preferred the Martin sound ever so slightly
WOW that Martin ! She Special For sure!
Ya know something JP. When you say you love us, I believe it. I also believe you're reviews and trust your word. I surely appreciate you and all you stand for. Thanks for just being you.
I appreciate that
Egmond. Aaaah. Now thats a guitar. A laminate dream. I bought it 69. Sounds great now. If your fingers don't bleed...its no good.😁😷🥴
Agreed, you can feel the love and care. Just discovered this channel today, and I’m eager to see more!
I gotta go with th3 martin. Particularly when strummed, much fuller sound.
Would love to see a Yamaha LL56 in the mix. That said, Boucher seems cleaner, Martin seems deeper.
Boucher, hands down. I totally agree, Martin has the history and nostalgia, but Boucher has the quality of wood and craftsmanship that shines throughout their lineup. Had the privilege of having a great conversation with J.P. at the 12th Fret in Toronto after a great showcasing of a huge variety of Boucher guitars. When you hear them live and play them, you'll know. Thanks for sharing, keep the strumming coming.
I have had 2 D-41 Martins and they are awesome , but that Boucher is unbelievable , wish I had one of each and all of them ! Love you and all your stuff JP !
You scored a D41 , that`s freaking bad ass . Good on you man .
That D41 sounds magnificent ; the Boucher to my ears sounds close to a D28 wich has always been my favourite but my Lord that D41 is something special..
It’s what our ears are used, a matter of taste:)
I'm just an ole hacker, and both those gitboxes sound beautiful..
I've had many guitars in my hands over the years...
I've met many great guitar players Tommy emmanuel who I consider the best of the best,
And he has said, play whatever guitar makes you want to play...
Everyone has a different ear and desire ..
Keep on pickin n grinnin folks
👋😎👍🎶🎶🎶
They are both glorious guitars. I chose Boucher over most of the competition for its musical qualities, but also in no small part because it is made in Canada. I have BG-52.
Another great episode. Thank you
The first demo of playing was a wonderful buttery sound by Martin. I’d choose that one.
...mmm...buttery....
How come I missed this channel before? This is an incredibly truthful, inspiring, soul-warming approach to any type of review . Simply fantastic ! Thanks JP.
Have to go with the Martin as I like the deeper richer tone, however I think the Boucher has better note separation and more defined.
On full stereo Jvc system I’m hearing a warmer beautifully toned Martin when strumming. The Boucher is slightly more articulate which gives it a colder tone blend when strumming.
Boucher has more punch on the bottom and top in finger style.
Regular picking they seemed pretty even.
I’d have to play them personally if I were to deciding to buy.
Man…they both sound so good. Trying to pick a favorite is like trying to pick your favorite kid. The Boucher has incredible clarity and a beautiful sound. The Martin has those classic “undertones” and a somewhat percussive quality to each individual string. Even if it didn’t have the name “Martin” on the headstock it would be my first pick because that sound appeals to me.
Love this. Martin is the sound I grew up with and it sounds like home. I love that bass and resonance. The Boucher is gorgeous balanced, can do anything with sweet tones. Nostalgia aside, the Boucher wins.
Both beautiful, I prefer the Martin but openly admit Brand bias!
In second listen, I’d say the Boucher is brighter and loud, and beautiful. I may prefer the D-41 because I’m a rock player and like the darker tone, but rest assured, I would love to own both ❤
My dream guitar when I was young was an HD28 Martin which my husband bought for me in 2004. I prized it until it started to lose some of its character and finally let loose the plastic binding. I had that repaired and promptly sold it. I since have bought a custom OM built by a luthier near me that shamed the Martin. It’s truly in the builder. My luthier briefly apprenticed with Erwin Somogyi and the tone and sustain is ethereal. Thanks for the work you do JP
Your playing appears so effortless. Both are superb instruments.
I wonder if the Martin will open up with play?
I think we have the right man to do it.
I bought my dream guitar, a Martin D41 in 1972. Two years later I played a Gallagher G70 that blew the Martin into the weeds, and then into Jerry Jeff Walkers hands. My experience was much like yours in this video. I really enjoyed it!
Thank you JP! Two great guitars! A comparaison that many have waited for. An interesting factor to consider is the age of both guitars. The Boucher seems to be only a few months old. The Martin is at least four years old. The Boucher is still pretty “green” so still a lot of time to open and settle.
Thank you very much JP!
The Boucher top is torrified though
I haven’t played a Boucher yet, I plan to eventually get my grubby paws on one. I have a very unique and heavily modified or heavily repaired Martin D28 that is featured a few times on my channel. But I also have in my possession a 1978 John Greven guitar made of Brazilian rosewood and some old growth spruce. It’s easily the most powerful guitar I’ve ever heard. But on stage I play Eastman guitars almost exclusively these days because they are much more affordable and easily equipped with a pickup.
My pick is the Boucher …… Listening through focal speakers my opinion is …. I don’t hear a significant volume ( db ) difference between the two. The Martin seems to have a louder lower tone (which is really only problematic in a studio) but the Boucher is right there with it but with more of an ultra clarity response. If you pick only one string to listen to it’s so easily distinguished from the others. Where as the Martin as awesome as it is doesn’t seem to stay in its own lane at the buffet. Kudos on a great video.
To my untrained ear, the Boucher had an incomparable warmth. Could I be biased? What a great review!
To be fair Martin isn't 'hand voiced' or torrefied like the Boucher. Martin only does VTS(baked/torrefied top) after 2015 and doesn't do them on ALL of their standard guitars. Martin is worth it if u go Custom Shop, used and get the torrefied vts too! Ive got a Custom Shop 000 w/VTS and its well worth it.
@@ToyotaFJOntario bias ….. Never !!! Are you saying that we are brainwashed? Lololol. Hope all is well.
@@angelg8445 I bet that’s a honey of a rig you got there ! Great response too !
@@CamMacMastermusic Its a lovely guitar! Thanks!
Awesome playing. Volume sounded the same on this side over RUclips. Martin had more chime and thump on open string runs. Boucher had more mid punch as you go up the neck. Great comparison!
I'm glad you express your opinion. Many don't when comparing. Wish I was there in the room. As delivered via youtube and your mic I liked the Martin more. Both sounded great.
I gotta go with Martin. Both incredible guitars
If you do buy a Martin you will need also a tube of glue to hold them together.
@@crazycat1345 I've been playing Martin guitars for 40 years. Never had a problem. Play on Crazy Cat
Ok. I just bought a Boucher last July and shortly after I had the chance to visit the shop where Robin Boucher (my guitar maker god) and his team make those great guitar. I bought a SG51. Rosewood. I tried many many guitar (Gibson, Martin, Taylor ) in every price range. Didnt matter to me. I focused only on the result , the emotion , the projection of the sound. All sounded good but not as great as Boucher dreadnought or om. It took me 4 years to decide as I wasnt in a hurry (already had a guitar). As a guitar player I do not deserve that instrument. It s only a reward for many years of doing home improvment myself. But what I can tell you is that they do sound better. Here , this will sound strange but, I think the Martin was slightly better. Great video. Thank JP.
Update. The Boucher is better. After listening the video for the third time.
I own a 2018 Ambertone D41 and it’s a phenomenal guitar. I also own a 2019 Bourgeois AT Vintage D Banjo Killer that owns the 41 in every category, except that rumbly bottom-end.
Wow. That Martin just has a more weighty sound, bags of power, I’m surprised that you say the Martin is quieter as it doesn’t sound like it in your video. The Boucher is lovely with a very sweet sound.
According to JP our ears are lying to us.
just starting the video now, but I fee like it's about to get lit. two nice guitars here.
The way you play my friend, you deserve any guitar in the world, at any price ❤ and keep on with your great eye opening comparisons. Cheers
Martin won in my ears
You wrong
Congratulations on the dream guitar man!! Thanks for all you do and your wonderful music.
Can't say I heard much of a difference between either guitars, through my computer, I did think the Boucher had a sweeter sound, which is important to me. Cheers.
You hit the nail right on the head. The Martin has a unique sound, it was made for 'Bluegrass'. I own a 1965 J50 and a 1967 J45 Gibson. I play a 1982 Stelling Bellflower. , not that well, lol, I'm a guitar player at heart, but, the Martin sound was made to play along with the banjo, hence 'Bluegrass' sound. I would not part with my Gibson's for either, especially my J45. The Gibson sound is all together different. "My" sound, as is every guitar, that hits some one's heart strings. Like fine wine , 'preference'...Now, I gather the insults will be arriving to me. That's , ok. I love the 'Old' Gibson sound. '"My" heart strings'...Great episode. Love your RUclips programs...👍
This was quite the demonstration ! Thank you. I have played Martins and a Bouchet. The Bouchet was positively alive. The ringing sustain of notes and chords was incredible. I have a Martin now, but the next guitar I want to buy is a Bouchet.
Such great videos, Thank you from Moses Lake Washinton
Martin has a little more balanced tone, Boucher is a bit treble. I'd go Martin but a Santa Cruz got my heart.
Both excellent and different from one another. Investment value is a factor as well. I have had my D41 for 49 years. I have handmade dreads I hand picked. They are all different. My fav of all is is a 1964 Martin D28 SW. comparisons are sooo personal! Great vid, thanks so much.
Your the 1 that changed my thinking on this thank you . And your exactly right on the money.
They both sound great. The Boucher to me sounded brighter and clearer with more note separation. The Martin sounded darker with a nice mellow tone. I’d be happy with either one 😊
I'm not a good player, but have owned martins and played many that weren't that big sounding. but that one is huge. what I get from those recorded (could sound different in the room) is the boucher is more airy and a little more even. the martin has huge mids and bottom. It's a cannon.
I would gladly play either -they're both wonderful.
Got to clear something up. In the states a Martin D41 is 5000Us at sweetwater. At Sound Pure in North Carolina a Studio goose Torrified Addy Indian rosewood is 5500Us. I will say Martin is ripping you guys up North though for sure but in the States they are pretty close.
It was close but when you used the capo the Martin had it , it was just beautiful.
Martin all the way!
I would like to hear both of these guitars against that Yairi you played many months ago. That was amazing!
I agree, that Yairi was king.
I own the Yairi. I would never buy the Martin. 😂
Based on your video, I bought a Boucher BG 152 GM and could not be happier. The balanced sharp clarity through all the strings. It's as loud as I need to be. Boucher makes a fine guitar. Thanks for the great video!! Still haven't stopped thinking about that Martin D41 for one day.
Boucher, especially with capo. I’d have either but the clarity of Boucher is amazing! Thanks!!
We do not get Boucher guitars on the west coast, but I saw a 2nd hand one for sale last summer
and could not believe how nice it sounded. I love my two Martins but the sound of this guitar was a way up there. Hopefully the guitar maker will expand his guitars to the west coast soon.
Each of the twp guitars have their own voices, each is unique to itself...It's a matter of opinion to the player and what they're looking for in a guitar...I have 5 guitars: Maton EBG808TE (Tommy Emmanuel series, signed by Tommy Emmanuel) Gibson Songwriter Deluxe Studio Edition, Taylor 314 CE, Takamine (Glen Frey edition, signed by Glen Frey), Martin D16-RGT (signed by Tommy Emmanuel) All guitars are played through an AER 60 Compact Amplifier. Thanks to JP for taking the time to demonstrate these two great guitars. Heard JP play at the Hullabaloo in Perth Andover a couple of years ago and also played with Dave Gunning... Great concert and funny stories.....
I sat through it until the end. My decision was Martin . The Boucher came squeaky close to the finish line . A close photo finish . Mr. Robin has a high quality build standard and he seems to be in control of all aspects of luthiery. The best to both companies ! ! ! !
When you drop down to d the boucher won hands down,both sound so similar,but the clarity of the boucher takes the cake.
The Boucher is brighter, but the Martin sounds fuller to me. The Martin also has more bass which appeals to me. I do not hear that big sustain difference that you described. I like the sound of the Martin better.
The Martin had a more rich, crisp tone in my opinion.
I like your channel,because you tell the truth,and tell it like it is.
You have a wonderful day.
Your paintings always create the aura of what you make .
the MARTIN!!
Both guitars sound amazing. The Martin speaks to me. Nothing sounds like a Martin to me. Something about the classic distinct tone of the Martin does it for me. I’d take these guitars until I could get a Santa Cruz. Lol
I bought a Boucher SG-21, several upgrades and the wider nut as well very similar to yours (never having played one either, going largely on your videos). Love it, immensely, but it is a very different animal than my D41 style Collings and really couldn't compare the two at all.
Wild hair Tuesday! Perfect! I just came from driving home with all the windows down. I'm Perfect! Lol
Totally agree buddy! Well done.
They are both amazing, the Boucher, had a touch more high frequency, but that could just be the condition of the strings. I have been experimenting a lot with strings lately. For not that much money, I have settled on the Ernie Ball Earthwoods as delivering the sound that best suited my ear. And it is uniform on my different acoustics.80/20 Medium Light Phosphor Bronze. Cleary JP has a riches of guitars and how much fun it must be to play them, and have his skills... Thanks JP!
Sir you did earn my sub, both guitars epic!
I own both of these guitars and both are great. But I’m with you JP, the Boucher is my preference as well, but I love them both.
Great commentary Thanks John
Great video as are all your videos. Both sound great hard to choose. Martin wins by a hair. Of course I might feel different if I heard them in person. Thanks for all you do.
I think the Boucher only sounds louder to you in the room because of the larger sound hole sending sound up to your ears. The levels on the recording are almost identical with a slight edge to the Martin in terms of SPL into the mic.
Each guitar has it’s own unique characteristics and each is valid and intensely beautiful in sound tone craftsmanship. The musician playing these guitars is rather talented and is far far away from amateur!! Enjoy!
Both sounded incredible.
I love the Martin. Slightly brighter. Rings and resonates better then the Boucher. Thanks JP
Resonates better....? Huh... That is literally the last thing I would say between these two guitars. It's like watching the Yairi Masterworks video showing the difference between 12 and 14 fret neck joints where the 14 fretter has notes that are like 5 times as long and walking away saying.. "WoW.. I can't believe that 12 fret design had longer sustain"...but when you actually time it...its the other way around....So weird that sound is a defined unchanging force of nature but people perceive it differently..
The martin sounds awesome 😎
A very respectful and fair description of these two extraordinary instruments. I have a Martin D-41 since 1972. Year of construction 70/71? Unfortunately typical neck break, but professionally by Prof. Luthier repaired. Gray original case that now tends into the gray - greenish in excellent condition. Except for the break and the reddish reeling of the guitar ceiling, except for a tiny quirk in almost new condition. Really unbelievable, I know. Tone: indescribable! Thanks for your great video - greetings from Germany - Manfred
Oh baby this is gonna be a good one
The Martin has deeper, well defined bass. It’s super rich.
Don't think twice it's Allright. Keep both of them, you'll be glad you did:) I need a D41 grinding teeth
Great playing and good review. Proud that a fellow Canadian is presenting it so well. I agree the Boucher has better sustains articulate like Collings. But what I don’t buy is that you cannot afford the Martin. At that price range you can easily make up the difference if you really like the guitar. You own several Bouchers and even though they are reasonable price they are still not cheap. Maybe what you’re really saying is that Martin’s are not worth more money than a guitar that in your ear is the best you’ve ever played.
Cheers
Yeah i went to check boucher at my local shop and well north of 5k canadian minimal is out of my budget. JP flagship guitar is well north of 6k. I guess people reasonably price is different.
Like you say it’s what sits with your heart . For many years I have bought and sold my guitars and never being happy, my last one I sold was the Maton 808 and I was bitterly disappointed with that guitar . It was great though an amp but acoustically no volume and didn’t feel right. So I went I told a guitar shop in Birmingham uk my problem just could not find a guitar to satisfy me. So because of a permanent shoulder injury I have to have a smaller bodied guitar. They bought me out the Matin 0m28E and said it’s the best one of that Martin size that they played , so I had a good play on it and wow it just sang , I couldn’t believe how good it was and the neck is like silk so easy to play. Well I bought it . At last I Owen a guitar I want to keep , it’s just beautiful, no beautiful decor on the guitar just a beautiful, beautiful sound fantastic, thank you Martin.
A great comparison. I have to vote for the Martin. To me it sounds a little warmer with more bottom end. They’re both great, but if I had to choose between the two, it would be the Martin.
I bought the guitar shop owner a pizza so I could play every guitar in his shop. 2 days later, and once again, the best sounding and most playable and most responsive was a Martin. There's lots of great guitars out there, but Martins are the best. Quit fighting it. And yes, I'll pay extra for superior sound. Call me crazy for wanting the best.
Both sound fantastic, but the D-41 takes the trophy IMO.
I prefer the Martin. I love the bottom end that every Martin has. I had an HD-28 that was awesome..... until I bought a D-42, and the D-42 had 3 times the volume as the HD-28. It was a killer guitar. I had to sell all of my guitars due to not having work for 3 years. Now I have nothing to pick on. You still are too easy on them to really show which has the bigger sound. You need to pick them as hard as you can like a bluegrass player trying to project over a banjo.
Your BG 52 is crisper and your D41 is warmer, but my old custom shop D28 sounds better than both of them. I'm glad you finally have that Martin you wanted. Thanks for all your videos and all you have done for the music world. You are an amazing talent.
The richness of the martin is obvious, and I perfered it
Unless I could hear them both live ,but through my speakers ,the Martin is better ,brighter,and more balanced .
I prefer the D-41..just seems to have the right balance of tone. Classic sound that we all know and love.
i have a 2010 model Wild Goose (D) ..and i wouldn t change it for any other guitar ..thanks robyn and guys at Boucher guitars ...merci
Martin cleaner and more dialed in. Boucher sounds great but slight overtones possibly?
Holy hell, what a laser gun. Good name for that thing; “Laser”. The Martin sounds so crisp it’s hard to imagine you’d be playing something better in comparison.
I heard a little more high end jangle from the Martin, but love the overall balance and warmth of the Boucher
JP! Thank you for comparing these two stellar Dreds. It may be just as difficult to for You to hear my thoughts as it is for Me to hear your personal assessments you just made! To my point: the microphone/recording/my speakers/the room I'm in - all contribute to the overall experience of sound - and they both were rich and resonant and surprisingly similar to my ears. Not the same mind you, but both great sounding. What bothers me is for you to be as bowled over by one - over the other ... and has to mean it's all "live dynamics". Tough to make me feel relevant to make any choice! Another thing that draws them both together in their sweet tone ... is you. As a listener I'm mostly hearing your unique "coaxing" out, of the two guitar's "voice" - which blends them fairly even-sounding, I'm thinking. My son bought a BG52 in the last year and I have owned an early 70's D-41 (though now sold) but now play a custom 000-28 VS 1928 spec 12-fret slot-head. I have owned many fantastic vintage Dreds, and hear in my son's BG52 a more "modern" tone/volume/resonance than a typical Martin build. From 1964 to fairly recent I've felt Martin built too heavy, but you can now run into a custom that is very lively and open - and that is how the BG52 sounds (torrified helps). Anyway; thanks again - If you ever have a chance - play a Martin Woody Mann Sig. It will leave a mark! Love your effort and love your heart (and your playing) - and applaud your appreciation for Alvarez (of all makers!!). God bless us all!!
I liked the the Martin for drop D and the thumb picking stuff. It was tighter and more focused. For everything else, BOUCHER! That guitar sounds absolutely enormous. It has halos around the notes. My little 0-18 has that roundness but at a low volume. Love your channel! You’re real as it gets! Keep up the good work.
Wow - I'd love either of these guitars. Funnily enough, I think the Boucher would be cheaper, but for me it just pips the D41. It's a much more complex guitar, and sounds much nicer on the top strings than the Martin, and it's got some extra warmth, and that sustain you mention.
I'm definitely dreaming of a Boucher at the moment.
Ok, so now that you have a D41, are we going to see this thing shot out against the Sigma in the same back to back video cuts? THAT would be interesting…
Came here to say this
Robin Boucher is building great guitars. I got rid of my D28 to buy my BG152 Boucher and I’d do it 1000 times over again. I’m a HUGE Martin fan but none of them I’ve played can beat my Boucher!
Solid video! What do you think of James Olson guitars (James Taylor Signature Model)? James Deagle
Happy wild hair Tuesday, nice reviews.