Actually, no , you do want it under tension ,how else you going to know if your getting into if we gain anything. However, he's doing two thing wrong . No1. The neck probably changed because it come directly from China to get that low price and it's pretty humid there and when he first got it he should have climatized it before putting tension on it. So he should have let it dry out in the winter when its dry. No.2 while tightening it under pressure dont make the truss rod do all the work , hold the body down and press the headstock down as you tighten it. No.3 never overtighten a trussrod like he was doing. Once it becomes hard to crank , don't simply keep cranking until you hear it pop .and then keep cranking. That's a good way to roller coaster the neck , crack the neck , or strip the threads on the trussrod.
@@thefreese1 It's not difficult to loosen the strings make a quarter turn then tune-up and check the relief. Repeat the process and if you go too far you can take it back to get the relief you want.
hi Randy! since we're talking about truss rods do you know if all 70s gibsons have 2 way truss rods or just a 1 way? I'd think so .. I have a 78 RD that could use some relief but I didn't want to screw it up, ja know? thanks
I'm surprised that the fake had a functional truss rod adjustment in it. Love to hear your acoustic playing. The adjustment ended well. Getting excited for you and your Germany trip. All things Turquoise and Purple! God bless and rock on 👍🎸😎
I almost purchased one of those. It said it was Solid rosewood back and sides and solid citrus spruce top, so I almost purchased it. I ended up getting the Recording King RD-328 and haven't looked back As much as I want to support name Brand products, I love the sound and build quality that went into my guitar. So the lesson is, research, research and more research and then make your purchase. Awesome video Sir, keep up the great Videos.
The real shame about these Chinese knockoffs is their need to use fraudulent branding. That guitar sounds lovely and if you ask me shoukd be able to stand on its own merits.
Kev Smith - I think the main reason they sell is BECAUSE of the fake branding. The scary thing is people buying these, and trying to sell them as original Martins.
I have an old Ovation acoustic/electric from 88 and Ovations have a bracing problem that may cause the top to bow up like you thought yours had done.. So, I keep mine tuned down to D to lessen the tension and preserve the top.. I must say that acoustic sounded great.. The builder did use good wood.
I just ordered a 'GIBSUN' (I'm sure it's 'SUN' and not 'SON') jumbo acoustic, mostly for the laugh. But also because the picture made it look Great ! We'll see. Glad YOU did it tho and not me ! lol
I've come to learn that every guitar can be set up to sound decent and be made comfortable and playable. If you took your guitar(s) to a shop and had a luthier do a proper setup of them, I bet they would raise your expectations. I really would like to see some of your guitars revisited after a professional setup and an upgrade to a bone saddle and nut. After switching to bone, have your luthier setup the guitar with the size and type of strings you intend you use. Stick with them. That way, when you swap strings you maintain the custom spacing in the nut and saddle. I think your guitars could really shine; however, I think they all need to benefit from a pro setup. I know it adds expense but without the setup you don't get the same utility from them.
I agree with you mate but I like to do the work myself especially on the Chinese copies. They are a stress free way of learning Luthier and set up skills. I may do a video on making a bone nut and bridge.
This kind of guitar sell for new hand player, not for the skill player, so if you want more you have to adjust many points on it since head to bottom, check every note on fret and its body. For sound out this guitar have to sand paper thinner a little to echo sound because this sound out too flat sound(dumb).It takes time to know what suit your taste if you've never played the best expensive guitar before, so why the expensive guitar sound good even though you're the new hand it gave nice sound out.So fair price, fair gain.Thank you for your offering.
I watched this straight after watching the old video of you un-boxing it 5 years earlier. I have to say, that top has aged and coloured nicely and the difference between the two halves of the top didn't look nearly as bad as when brand new.
I have to be honest too and say that while I remain strongly against counterfeit trade this guitar has aged well too. It has mellowed and improved in tone just as you would expect. It truly pains me to admit that but I will always tell the truth.
geez man, that's some 101 level stuff lol! I was just going to say to wait for it to settle but you beat me to it but it's probably still going to move around some after a week or so so don't go nuts with it right now. if it didn't have a 2 way you can use heat and pressure to straighten a neck out like putting books on top and under it etc.
@@Chinaguitarsceptic any interest in doing a review on the Harley Benton Martinish copy? TheHarley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN In stock within 5-7 weeks $289 €268.07 I've been so close to pulling the trigger so many times but I can't decide.
I would sand the saddle down a bit too. Nice guitar but the really cheap looking pickguard spoils it a bit. Sounds good too, maybe mellowing in over the years now ;0)
I don't claim to be an expert on neck adjustments but if your going to tighten the neck like that you should loosen the strings before hand and then retune.
You can yes and there are for and against arguments for both methods. I grant you this was a pretty major adjustment. I don't recall if I did or didn't loosen the strings and edited it out. I've done it before but just don't recall on this video.
8:11 it seems my memory serves me well. I clearly did detune to adjust. I'm sure I would have with this drastic adjustment. However if you only do a minor tweek it's often more obvious if you've reached your mark if you don't. So rule of thumb - minor adjustments of less that quarter turn you don't need to loosen the strings and major adjustment, definitely loosen. I also have to add that the added tension would have protected me for over tightening too due to the resistance it brings, so for a beginner in adjustment technique this can't hurt and at worst case you might break a string.
Bloody hell! You can drive a double decker bus under that action! Going by the reflections, the soundboard looks surprisingly flat instead of pulling up at the bridge.
P.S. I have checked out a Fender issued booklet on neck adjustment and they recommend someone holds the guitar down and the headstock is pushed down while the truss rod nut is turned to take up the slack and does actually pull the neck down.
If you ever need any questions answered on how do some adjustments let me know. Always check the saddle heights and nut adjustments before you go crazy on tightening the neck that much the body will bow at the saddle end
Sounds like you have this martin d45 copy right on que! Its sounding great and of oem quility sound wise...I have a FAKE chibson j45 model that I have personally setup myself and I must say, these knockoff guitars both martin and gibson are getting better...mine after a good setup (sound wise) sounds as good or better than an OEM j45 from gibson. They are definitely a great guitar to practice setting up and even learning to play...but they will never be the real OEM brand...and I will never advertise them as such. But for the price and a little bit of work on them, you can't beat them for the price for sure
They are the perfect cheap platform to practice setting up and modifying I agree. Great when people get them without the trademarks so they have their own custom logo guitar. 👍😃🎸
Incorrect fret spacing, intonation off, Martin lable in the wrong position or missing, incorrect spelling of the Martin lable, strange multiple joints in the wood. Those are the main ones buddy.
If you put a straight edge across the body of the guitar, just behind the bridge, I'd wager that you'll never find an acoustic that is dead flat. The string tension is always going to cause some degree of bellying and that's just the physics of so much tension pulling on the bridge plate. I'm so happy that excessive bellying wasn't the issue here as I don't like to see an instrument become just a decoration or worse...no matter who or where it was made. :)
This is why they put truss rods in all guitar necks. You're supposed to do exactly what you've done to straighten them out, although first always loosen all of the string so you don't snap one, just to be safe. All guitar necks move to and fro with the barometric pressure and humidity. You may find one day that you're going to have to loosen it to get the neck pulled back down. Just keep an eye on it from time to time to see what it's doing. This is perfectly normal and everyone does it.
Nice and lower action. I like low action myself. I feel the same why ruin a guitar when there is no need to. BTW you are a hell of an acoustic player. My older brother would jam with you because you both can play acoustic very well. Enjoy Germany.
should throw a jld bridge doctor in that thing. gets rid of bellying and brings the top back to dead flat. best 35 bucks youll ever spend on an acoustic guitar. also it gives the guitar a fuller sound by connecting to the tailblock
Well, for me, even if the guitar is a $50 EBay special, I always loosen the strings if I am adjusting out some relief by tightening the rod to remove a bow. It's too easy to break a rod, and that is very bad.
They did a poor job on the neck in another way. It is not stained to match the dark Indian Rosewood back. My Fake D-45 has a neck stained to match the dark back, and it has had no action issues. I did not order through Alleexpress. It is a good guitar, but lacks the clarity and sustain of a real Martin. It cost a heck of a lot less though.
@@Chinaguitarsceptic They have a vague resemblance only, the rest is all contrasts in which the real Martin is vastly superior (wood grain, construction, bracing, sculpting, top board toning, hide glue, dove tail neck joint, wood grade, finishing, sanding and polishing, neck set, quality of material [nut, saddle, pegs, ...], fret details, binding quality, etc.). Add to all that, the real Martin will age well and go up in intrinsic value. Martin tone woods are not just pretty, they are chosen for grain quality as well (close and parallel). I always recommend, save your money and get a real Martin. I love my Martins.
@@Chinaguitarsceptic I bought a Cortez from the 70 d45 copy .up graded the tuners nut saddle bridge mate .put it up next to a real 1941d45 rings like there twins to my ear.it was the best 200 dollars spent. It was in a closet since 1981.
Over dramatic adjustment for sure. Most every acoustic will need a truss rod adjustment overtime. It's not hard to do. Even cheapie guitars come with a truss rod tool! Read or watch videos on how to do this. Just be sure to not over tighten. If you break the truss rod in the neck you pretty much have firewood.
OK, well done. Nice old fake. It needs to stay around until it explodes (glue failure). Based on staying around, I'd put a bone saddle on it and some light Elixir strings, and see where it goes ... :)
I bought a customade Martin copy, I also bought bone nut and bridges pieces only to find bone fitted, the decoration on it is fantastic and I cannot find fault in the craftmanship.
Yeah, in similar boat. Have really nice Taylor 914CE copy w just my Logo. The inlay work is very good and the thing plays fine. Not quite as much sustain as a real Taylor and some of the bell like overtones are muted, but it's a keeper :D
Would you take a real Martin D45 to a park on a humid day? they cost 13 grand. i think this D45 is great it looks good plays well enough and you can take it to the park on a humid day, it really is a beutiful guitar and if it will make you feel any better tell people its the real thing
Loved the video as usual. You should also consider filing the nut slots and sanding the bridge to lower the action as well. Sam deeks (Uk youtuber) has some great intructional videos on setting up guitars.
@@Chinaguitarsceptic Yes absolutely. Proper storage is a key point but there is a problem with quality wood this days especially with cheap Chinese instruments they’re making let’s say guitars from the tree which was growing nicely 3 days before guitar was made. Wood for instruments should be dried for couple of years and then should be seasoned for another 5 years. That’s a reason why some instruments are so expensive
bought a fake one and was made the way I wanted ebony f-board and bridge ,,its new and the dam thing is still fooling people here and yes some Hot Bluegrass pickers..Played it against a 40 yr d 28 the 28 had more bass but the high end the copy was better..Time will tell how it pans out but the bear claw top looks great
To be fair... the title said "Fixing a Fake D45 from China", and he did actually "Fix a Fake D45 from China". This is nothing like a Daily Mail article.
What do you mean you wouldn’t recommend doing it on a real Martin? are you serious ? That’s why Martin installed the adjustable truss rod for goodness sake Also Doing whilst under string tension tells me you haven’t a clue what your doing The clues in the name ‘ adjustable’ DUH !!!
Clue's also in the title - fake D45. On a real one I would not take (recommend) similar short cuts. That was my point Conor. Sorry this triggered you. If its any consolation the edit is misleading.
I have one with no name and find that they should stand on their own merits and forget the Martin name. Why be ashamed of your abilities for money . All guitars are made by humans and/or machines .
You have to wake up to the real world, my friend .. 90% of everything you use, are made in China or contains Chinese made parts! Besides, ALL guitars, made in any country, needs to be set up!
@@Chinaguitarsceptic .. I own a Martin, but I own a few guitars that were made in China. The Martin was set up by the seller. The one's I imported from China had to be set up, and after that was done, the Chinese made guitars were just as good as the Martin, but overall, the Chinese guitars were a lot cheaper than the Martin, even when you add the money for having them set up, and I had to replace the tuners which were not very good quality. After I fitted decent tuners the Chinese guitars, were just as good as the Martin, and the cost, even after replacing the tuners, were considerably cheaper than the Martin.
People are interested in it so I make the content. This is just a cheap fake but it's playable and sounds nice. Does it sound anything like a Martin? Nope. Can you guarantee you will get a playable instrument if you try to buy one? Nope. Is buying fakes in China always a risk? Yup! Point made I hope.
Just adjust the truss rod. Simple. And you can do this on any guitar including real Martin's. Stop making it out a dark art or more than it is And never adjust a truss rod under tension Also cracking sound is normal as its wood sap against the rod Some of the worst advice ive heard right here on this video
You should always loosen the strings when tightening relief. Realize you were also tightening the strings. Thats a lot of stress on the bridge.
Totally agrees, bc the tensions can do damage straight away, I wouldn't gamble this , i would have loosen the strings first.
It's just like tuning up. In my opinion, it won't hurt it. High action however is a killer for playability. I've seen too many that are like this.
Actually, no , you do want it under tension ,how else you going to know if your getting into if we gain anything. However, he's doing two thing wrong .
No1. The neck probably changed because it come directly from China to get that low price and it's pretty humid there and when he first got it he should have climatized it before putting tension on it. So he should have let it dry out in the winter when its dry.
No.2 while tightening it under pressure dont make the truss rod do all the work , hold the body down and press the headstock down as you tighten it.
No.3 never overtighten a trussrod like he was doing. Once it becomes hard to crank , don't simply keep cranking until you hear it pop .and then keep cranking.
That's a good way to roller coaster the neck , crack the neck , or strip the threads on the trussrod.
@@thefreese1, I definitely see an issue too. It may ruin the thread's. I use a straight edge.
@@thefreese1 It's not difficult to loosen the strings make a quarter turn then tune-up and check the relief. Repeat the process and if you go too far you can take it back to get the relief you want.
Its crazy but that actually sounds good
I had to do exactly this last week to a Martin D35, made me VERY nervous but it worked out well. cheers brother!
hi Randy! since we're talking about truss rods do you know if all 70s gibsons have 2 way truss rods or just a 1 way? I'd think so .. I have a 78 RD that could use some relief but I didn't want to screw it up, ja know? thanks
Great video again! With tightening the truss this much it always is preferred to help by pulling the neck backwards whilst turning the wrench.
That is exactly what I do to reset a neck like on one of my Norman B20.
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I'm surprised that the fake had a functional truss rod adjustment in it. Love to hear your acoustic playing. The adjustment ended well. Getting excited for you and your Germany trip. All things Turquoise and Purple! God bless and rock on 👍🎸😎
Thank you brother. 😊🙏
I almost purchased one of those. It said it was Solid rosewood back and sides and solid citrus spruce top, so I almost purchased it. I ended up getting the Recording King RD-328 and haven't looked back
As much as I want to support name Brand products, I love the sound and build quality that went into my guitar. So the lesson is, research, research and more research and then make your purchase.
Awesome video Sir, keep up the great Videos.
Great advice
@hayesTech can you provide a link for purchase bro?
I treat every guitar like its a high end, and they last a longer
The real shame about these Chinese knockoffs is their need to use fraudulent branding. That guitar sounds lovely and if you ask me shoukd be able to stand on its own merits.
Exactly my point bro thank you 👍👍👍
Kev Smith - I think the main reason they sell is BECAUSE of the fake branding. The scary thing is people buying these, and trying to sell them as original Martins.
Great video Mike! I'm glad you got it playing nice again. I do really enjoy your acoustic playing!
Thanks brother 👍
I have an old Ovation acoustic/electric from 88 and Ovations have a bracing problem that may cause the top to bow up like you thought yours had done.. So, I keep mine tuned down to D to lessen the tension and preserve the top.. I must say that acoustic sounded great.. The builder did use good wood.
I think in E Standard you'd have to use the lightest gauge of strings like 9s or 8s
Good shout
Looks like there's loads of saddle left so if it goes any further you can always sand some of that down.
👍
I just ordered a 'GIBSUN' (I'm sure it's 'SUN' and not 'SON') jumbo acoustic, mostly for the laugh. But also because the picture made it look Great ! We'll see. Glad YOU did it tho and not me ! lol
You know what that is a really nice looking guitar ☺️ and the sound is not that bad
Thumbs up from Australia 👍🇦🇺👍
Thanks for watching
I've come to learn that every guitar can be set up to sound decent and be made comfortable and playable. If you took your guitar(s) to a shop and had a luthier do a proper setup of them, I bet they would raise your expectations. I really would like to see some of your guitars revisited after a professional setup and an upgrade to a bone saddle and nut. After switching to bone, have your luthier setup the guitar with the size and type of strings you intend you use. Stick with them. That way, when you swap strings you maintain the custom spacing in the nut and saddle. I think your guitars could really shine; however, I think they all need to benefit from a pro setup. I know it adds expense but without the setup you don't get the same utility from them.
I agree with you mate but I like to do the work myself especially on the Chinese copies. They are a stress free way of learning Luthier and set up skills. I may do a video on making a bone nut and bridge.
Enjoyed the video as i learned from it.😊
This kind of guitar sell for new hand player, not for the skill player, so if you want more you have to adjust many points on it since head to bottom, check every note on fret and its body. For sound out this guitar have to sand paper thinner a little to echo sound because this sound out too flat sound(dumb).It takes time to know what suit your taste if you've never played the best expensive guitar before, so why the expensive guitar sound good even though you're the new hand it gave nice sound out.So fair price, fair gain.Thank you for your offering.
You're most welcome
That mystery music killed me when he went in on the truss rod 😂
I watched this straight after watching the old video of you un-boxing it 5 years earlier. I have to say, that top has aged and coloured nicely and the difference between the two halves of the top didn't look nearly as bad as when brand new.
I have to be honest too and say that while I remain strongly against counterfeit trade this guitar has aged well too. It has mellowed and improved in tone just as you would expect. It truly pains me to admit that but I will always tell the truth.
Hi . I got a feeling you like that martin a lot . Good you fixed it.
I like everything about it but the ip theft.
geez man, that's some 101 level stuff lol! I was just going to say to wait for it to settle but you beat me to it but it's probably still going to move around some after a week or so so don't go nuts with it right now. if it didn't have a 2 way you can use heat and pressure to straighten a neck out like putting books on top and under it etc.
I actually broke the truss rod on my real Martin D-16 …. Leave it to the pros
It sure did yellow nicely in 5 years. Looks gorgeous even for a fake
It kinda did 😏
@@Chinaguitarsceptic any interest in doing a review on the Harley Benton Martinish copy? TheHarley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN
In stock within 5-7 weeks
$289
€268.07
I've been so close to pulling the trigger so many times but I can't decide.
I would sand the saddle down a bit too. Nice guitar but the really cheap looking pickguard spoils it a bit. Sounds good too, maybe mellowing in over the years now ;0)
This copy actually sounds pretty good.
I don't claim to be an expert on neck adjustments but if your going to tighten the neck like that you should loosen the strings before hand and then retune.
You can yes and there are for and against arguments for both methods. I grant you this was a pretty major adjustment. I don't recall if I did or didn't loosen the strings and edited it out. I've done it before but just don't recall on this video.
8:11 it seems my memory serves me well. I clearly did detune to adjust. I'm sure I would have with this drastic adjustment. However if you only do a minor tweek it's often more obvious if you've reached your mark if you don't. So rule of thumb - minor adjustments of less that quarter turn you don't need to loosen the strings and major adjustment, definitely loosen.
I also have to add that the added tension would have protected me for over tightening too due to the resistance it brings, so for a beginner in adjustment technique this can't hurt and at worst case you might break a string.
Glad it was so simple to fix Mike! Not going to lie though, I was really looking forward to seeing you repair the issue with the bellying! 😂
That is a great sounding acoustic
Bloody hell! You can drive a double decker bus under that action!
Going by the reflections, the soundboard looks surprisingly flat instead of pulling up at the bridge.
Fussed over nothing really. This happens with all brands.
None I had
Sounds great, how much did you pay and where did you buy it..? I have a ten year old who I am thinking of buying one for...
Blessings me friend,
Kurt
P.S. I have checked out a Fender issued booklet on neck adjustment and they recommend someone holds the guitar down and the headstock is pushed down while the truss rod nut is turned to take up the slack and does actually pull the neck down.
I have one just like this, great for playing out at small clubs where it might get knocked over or stolen
If you ever need any questions answered on how do some adjustments let me know. Always check the saddle heights and nut adjustments before you go crazy on tightening the neck that much the body will bow at the saddle end
and keep lifting the bridge off the guitar does sound good.cheers mate
Cool. But what caused this? The neckwood not being dry / having settled enough during construction?
It happens to all guitars to a lesser degree but i think not properly dried wood is likely for this extreme
Hope you come to Chicago some day Mike for a visit. Would love to take you to Chicago Music Exchange 🤘
I could see if the relief's wrong but I couldn't do that with the wrench, if I heard a crack...anxiety rules...😨😨. Thanks for showing!
LOL!
A bit of belly is usually built into an acoustic guitar. The top isn't dead flat except on old builds.
Wow! You learn something every day mate. Thanks. 😊👍🙏
Sounds like you have this martin d45 copy right on que! Its sounding great and of oem quility sound wise...I have a FAKE chibson j45 model that I have personally setup myself and I must say, these knockoff guitars both martin and gibson are getting better...mine after a good setup (sound wise) sounds as good or better than an OEM j45 from gibson. They are definitely a great guitar to practice setting up and even learning to play...but they will never be the real OEM brand...and I will never advertise them as such. But for the price and a little bit of work on them, you can't beat them for the price for sure
They are the perfect cheap platform to practice setting up and modifying I agree. Great when people get them without the trademarks so they have their own custom logo guitar. 👍😃🎸
other than high action, what is the best ways to tell a fake Chinese martin d 45 form a real one?
Incorrect fret spacing, intonation off, Martin lable in the wrong position or missing, incorrect spelling of the Martin lable, strange multiple joints in the wood. Those are the main ones buddy.
If you put a straight edge across the body of the guitar, just behind the bridge, I'd wager that you'll never find an acoustic that is dead flat. The string tension is always going to cause some degree of bellying and that's just the physics of so much tension pulling on the bridge plate. I'm so happy that excessive bellying wasn't the issue here as I don't like to see an instrument become just a decoration or worse...no matter who or where it was made. :)
Absolutely. Great comment
Did the same with my acoustic, along with shaving the bridge down a little. Quite nerve racking.
Sounds Cool
Yep... but... is not martin...
This is why they put truss rods in all guitar necks. You're supposed to do exactly what you've done to straighten them out, although first always loosen all of the string so you don't snap one, just to be safe. All guitar necks move to and fro with the barometric pressure and humidity. You may find one day that you're going to have to loosen it to get the neck pulled back down. Just keep an eye on it from time to time to see what it's doing. This is perfectly normal and everyone does it.
Yes of course. It is totally normal and I just did it with the Taylor copy so I have no idea why it didn't cross my mind sooner. I have a lot on... 😂
Nice and lower action. I like low action myself. I feel the same why ruin a guitar when there is no need to. BTW you are a hell of an acoustic player. My older brother would jam with you because you both can play acoustic very well.
Enjoy Germany.
Thanks brother. I'm having a great time. 👍
should throw a jld bridge doctor in that thing. gets rid of bellying and brings the top back to dead flat. best 35 bucks youll ever spend on an acoustic guitar. also it gives the guitar a fuller sound by connecting to the tailblock
It's far less risky if you sacken the strings off first,
Why didn't you relieve string tension first .
I'm curious - is this guitar laminate sides and back or solid? I'm assuming laminate
I'm pretty sure assume right my friend
Well, for me, even if the guitar is a $50 EBay special, I always loosen the strings if I am adjusting out some relief by tightening the rod to remove a bow. It's too easy to break a rod, and that is very bad.
In this instance I probably should have done the same given the amount of adjustment I had to do
Not a problem. Its the first thing to try, then take the bridge down a bit, if its still too high. I've done tis with many guitars.
Me too and I was like 'doh' when I recently did the Taylor copy.
Allways go for the lightest possible strings on an acoustic , other wise they all have a tendency to warp with heavy strings over time.
I hadn't heard that before but it seems logical
It looks like you have very little adjustment left if you need to change the relief in the same direction again...
True! But lighter gauge strings could help some.
It will probably settle and I will most likely have to adjust back the other way.
They did a poor job on the neck in another way. It is not stained to match the dark Indian Rosewood back. My Fake D-45 has a neck stained to match the dark back, and it has had no action issues. I did not order through Alleexpress. It is a good guitar, but lacks the clarity and sustain of a real Martin. It cost a heck of a lot less though.
It's ridiculous if not totally impossible to compare the fakes to the real Martin guitars
@@Chinaguitarsceptic They have a vague resemblance only, the rest is all contrasts in which the real Martin is vastly superior (wood grain, construction, bracing, sculpting, top board toning, hide glue, dove tail neck joint, wood grade, finishing, sanding and polishing, neck set, quality of material [nut, saddle, pegs, ...], fret details, binding quality, etc.).
Add to all that, the real Martin will age well and go up in intrinsic value. Martin tone woods are not just pretty, they are chosen for grain quality as well (close and parallel). I always recommend, save your money and get a real Martin. I love my Martins.
Definitely. No comparison
I'd get one and overhaul the whole thing . And make it sound top dollar.rosewood is rosewood. Guitar makers get the wood from the same place .
Indeed
@@Chinaguitarsceptic I bought a Cortez from the 70 d45 copy .up graded the tuners nut saddle bridge mate .put it up next to a real 1941d45 rings like there twins to my ear.it was the best 200 dollars spent. It was in a closet since 1981.
GOOD save! Sounds nice, but it's NO Martin!
There you have it... a perfect video of how NOT to adjust a truss rod.
Sounds like it has it's own natural reverb.
It's got some interesting dynamics
What!? No hammer? No dumpster? How disappointing. That where this junk belongs.
Indeed
I wouldn't call them fakes, more like a clone.
A Martin Tribute guitar...
Over dramatic adjustment for sure. Most every acoustic will need a truss rod adjustment overtime. It's not hard to do. Even cheapie guitars come with a truss rod tool! Read or watch videos on how to do this. Just be sure to not over tighten. If you break the truss rod in the neck you pretty much have firewood.
How much do these fake Chinese guitars cost?
You call it fake yet you love it 😂😂😂
😆 it is a fake
OK, well done. Nice old fake. It needs to stay around until it explodes (glue failure). Based on staying around, I'd put a bone saddle on it and some light Elixir strings, and see where it goes ... :)
Good shout
I bought a customade Martin copy, I also bought bone nut and bridges pieces only to find bone fitted, the decoration on it is fantastic and I cannot find fault in the craftmanship.
Yeah, in similar boat. Have really nice Taylor 914CE copy w just my Logo. The inlay work is very good and the thing plays fine. Not quite as much sustain as a real Taylor and some of the bell like overtones are muted, but it's a keeper :D
FRET LEVEL AND TRIM THE BRIDGE. I DID MINE AND I'M AT 4/64TH'S NO BUZZ AND PLAYS GREAT.
Would you take a real Martin D45 to a park on a humid day? they cost 13 grand. i think this D45 is great it looks good plays well enough and you can take it to the park on a humid day, it really is a beutiful guitar and if it will make you feel any better tell people its the real thing
Oh, so you kept it. Very cool, too bad the mismatched top still looks a bit meh. Anyway Great video!
Cheers brother. Yeah all fixed up.
Loved the video as usual. You should also consider filing the nut slots and sanding the bridge to lower the action as well. Sam deeks (Uk youtuber) has some great intructional videos on setting up guitars.
THAT SOUNDS REALLY NICE. I AM A BIT NAUTY I HAVE ORDEDR ONE MY SELF.I COULD NEVER AFORD THE REAL ONE .GOOD VIDEO MY FRIEND
Thank you
Think you'll find , that what a truss-rod is for !!
It happens to expensive Martins, too.
Wow!
Reason why it happens is wood and conditions where you keep guitar moisture change wood
Ideally guitars like minimal moisture and a regular temperature.
@@Chinaguitarsceptic Yes absolutely. Proper storage is a key point but there is a problem with quality wood this days especially with cheap Chinese instruments they’re making let’s say guitars from the tree which was growing nicely 3 days before guitar was made. Wood for instruments should be dried for couple of years and then should be seasoned for another 5 years. That’s a reason why some instruments are so expensive
@0:36 Good for SLIDE guitar. DOH !
😂😂
Awesome video thanks for sharing. Would you be interested in selling this guitar?
Cheers bro. Sorry can't it's illegal to sell it even if I wanted to.
Bridge is high too.
Yes. saddle could do with a small trim
A Zero Fret would help
Yes
@@Chinaguitarsceptic The Zero Glide Nut
i got about 1and1/2 turns on my old acoustic, she sounds so much better even with her pot belly, dont tell her i said that.
Norman Blake was attributed as saying never trust a guitar without a belly.
A slight one
bought a fake one and was made the way I wanted ebony f-board and bridge ,,its new and the dam thing is still fooling people here and yes some Hot Bluegrass pickers..Played it against a 40 yr d 28 the 28 had more bass but the high end the copy was better..Time will tell how it pans out but the bear claw top looks great
With such a clickbaity thumbnail I just had to click
Consider me baited 😉
To be fair... the title said "Fixing a Fake D45 from China", and he did actually "Fix a Fake D45 from China". This is nothing like a Daily Mail article.
Cheers 👍I always try to do what it says on the tin.
That's some really high action man. Way to high.
Why too high for you but it seems not for him.
She is a fake Martín but she has real good woods.
It will probably buzz.
quarter turns ...And wait.
Mainly because,ya don't know how much play you have on a rod.
There may be trouble ahead...
You are making it much more difficult by not loosening your strings
What do you mean you wouldn’t recommend doing it on a real Martin? are you serious ? That’s why Martin installed the adjustable truss rod for goodness sake
Also Doing whilst under string tension tells me you haven’t a clue what your doing
The clues in the name ‘ adjustable’ DUH !!!
Clue's also in the title - fake D45. On a real one I would not take (recommend) similar short cuts. That was my point Conor. Sorry this triggered you. If its any consolation the edit is misleading.
You are quite funny 🤣
I got one it plays better than a martin maybe you need to keep it in a different enviroment.
Wjy would you be afraid to adjust a trussrod on any guitar? That's what theyre for! You don't have to be a luthier to adjust a freaking truss rod.
Its fake but the tone is great....
Fixed it? Thats like picking up a turd from the clean end.
😆
had a fake Washburn that did the same thing it was a total joke
I have one with no name and find that they should stand on their own merits and forget the Martin name. Why be ashamed of your abilities for money . All guitars are made by humans and/or machines .
Must loosen strings and not go over 1-1.5 turns a day. Not good for any guitar.
Also, it helps to humidify a bit as well. If you're hearing pops or cracks then you've done damage.
dont buy 1 guys ask cj
You have to wake up to the real world, my friend .. 90% of everything you use, are made in China or contains Chinese made parts! Besides, ALL guitars, made in any country, needs to be set up!
I'm aware of that buddy. You should see how some of these come and many can't ever be set up as players.
@@Chinaguitarsceptic .. I own a Martin, but I own a few guitars that were made in China. The Martin was set up by the seller.
The one's I imported from China had to be set up, and after that was done, the Chinese made guitars were just as good as the Martin, but overall, the Chinese guitars were a lot cheaper than the Martin, even when you add the money for having them set up, and I had to replace the tuners which were not very good quality. After I fitted decent tuners the Chinese guitars, were just as good as the Martin, and the cost, even after replacing the tuners, were considerably cheaper than the Martin.
I have a real Martin that did that and needed a neck reset, sent it in and they fixed it free. Real vs fake viola
Couldn't have said it better 👍👍👍
He denigrates this guitar, "just a cheap fake" but has made 5 videos playing it... methinks he doth protest too much
People are interested in it so I make the content. This is just a cheap fake but it's playable and sounds nice. Does it sound anything like a Martin? Nope. Can you guarantee you will get a playable instrument if you try to buy one? Nope. Is buying fakes in China always a risk? Yup! Point made I hope.
Should have at least had the sledgehammer leaning on the couch beside you... for the sake of suspense : )
Hahaha! 😂👍
Who clicked on this vid hoping to see a fake Martin getting smashed with a sledgehammer?
Just adjust the truss rod. Simple. And you can do this on any guitar including real Martin's. Stop making it out a dark art or more than it is
And never adjust a truss rod under tension
Also cracking sound is normal as its wood sap against the rod
Some of the worst advice ive heard right here on this video