New Martin vs Vintage Martin : 000-18 Acoustic Guitar Comparison
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 29 янв 2020
- What sort of difference does 65 years make?
////2019 000-18\\\\
Strumming 0:01 Flatpicking1 3:21 Flatpicking2 5:23 Fingerpicking1 7:32 Fingerpicking2 9:58 Capo 12:59 Capo2 12:11
////1955 000-18\\\\
Strumming 1:48 Flatpicking1 4:12 Flatpicking2 6:28 Fingerpicking1 8:51 Fingerpicking2 11:35 Capo 14:04 Capo2 16:22
Today we're comparing a 2019 Martin 000-18 to a 1955 Martin 000-18. The 000-18 has a Spruce top, Mahogany Back and Sides, and 24.9" scale length. Both are strung up with D'addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Strings.
It's always cool to be able to compare a vintage guitar and it's current equivalent. The 000-18 is one of my (many) favorite guitars, I find that the 000/OM Body size doesn't sacrifice much headroom for strumming or flatpicking from the larger body dreadnought, and for my hands the short scale makes quite a big difference in playability. Mahogany is also my go-to back and side choice for tonal versatility.
Thank you for watching this comparison/sonic documentation!
Recorded with Shure KSM32, Focusrite Saffire Pro 40, Logic Pro, no additional processing.
Ian’s Favorite Guitar Stuff:
1. Nickel Bronze Strings - amzn.to/2qDOwty
2. Phosphor Bronze Strings - amzn.to/2YtzjHS
3. Shubb C1 Capo - amzn.to/2rrAfAs
4. American Stage Cables - amzn.to/2E1dmXj
5. Acoustic Soundhole Tuner - amzn.to/355bPLw
6. String Winder & Cutter - amzn.to/2P1Z5Qe
7. Boss Pedal Tuner - amzn.to/38kuGV1
8. String Winder & Cutter - amzn.to/2PElHpp
9. Snark Headstock Tuner - amzn.to/2YEW4sF
Things Used In This Video:
4k Camera - amzn.to/357AFuo
Shure Condenser Mic - amzn.to/36mQrlv
Microphone Stand - amzn.to/2Ytag7G
Camera Tripod - amzn.to/38mdf6E
My Original Songs - • My Music 
Видеоклипы
It's interesting because the newer one is actually closer to prewar specs than the 55 with its scalloped braces and ebony bridge and fingerboard. The scalloped braces let the top vibrate more so you get a boomier sound with more overtones. The straight braced 55 will have a tighter more focused sound which is why it sounded fantastic on the bluesy stuff he played. Both sound great. Imagine what the 19 is gonna sound like once it's had 60 years to open up.
Very nice comparison, thank you so much. I bought a 000-18 in 1963 and kept it for 30 loving years. I now own a 2018 000-18, and as much as I Ioved my ‘63, the 2018 is what I really wished for all along. To be honest the new one didn’t impress me all that much, the first time I heard it. When I went back to the music store a month later, I was encouraged by how much it had opened up. I’m sure part of it sounded like it originally was overly humidified, to be fair. I decided at that point that I wanted it, and in the time I have had it, it has been played several hours a day. It is now incredible, and by far my favorite out of the 6 or 7 Martin’s I have owned.
If I could play like you, I'd be complete, mate. Lots of respect from Sydney, Oz.
I have played many old 000-18's without the scalloped bracing and have to say that after you have played one you will favor it over the new scalloped ones. They just have a magical growl and sustain about them as well as player response that you can feel as a player that the new scalloped ones just don't have even though the new scalloped ones are great sounding guitars.
Thank you so much for finally changing to the back-to-back comparison format. It really gives an immediate perspective. That 55 sounds amazing (well, they both actually do, lol)
Haha, thanks my friend. Still got a few more with the old format that I'm going to release, just for the sake of sonic documentation. But I really appreciate your feedback through this process, expect all newly filmed videos to be shot this way.
@@ianmeadows6351 My friend, I remember when I was subscribed #29. You're doing so well. Onward and upward!
Hi Ian, wondering if you could review a Martin 00-18 sometime soon if one is available. Thanks, keep up the great work. Thanks Rob
I love your channel!!
I prefer the "reimagined" sound. The 2019 was probably less sensitive to mic placement than the 55. Both sounded great, just different. Great video and playing as always. Thank you very much for your efforts.
I've got one from 2017 and it sounds like the 2019. Just like in your demo. I highly recommend.
I have well worn 55' 000-18 that I love. It sounds like history. Deep tone but nice sparkly highs...very similar to yours. V-neck so a very different feel. I tend to play it fingerstyle and let it tell so many stories. And I have a 2005 000-16GTE that I bought used at GC for $650 that had been played to hell. Repaired crack on the side, bruised, battered, and obviously had some tough love...and I reach for it 90% of the time. It sounds vintage because it's done a lot of living in it's earlier years. Plays smoother than the ol' 55', so sweet and easy. Some guitars just have that mojo. Love having both but I write, play and perform with the 16GTE. Sometimes price tag has little to do with anything.
The 2019 model definitely sounds better to my ears. More low end fuller sound.
I just bought a 2022 - Its fantastic and I wouldn't trade the wider nut width or scalloped bracing for anything - its my new lifetime friend
To me, the 55 sings out for a different type of strings. Great picking, Ian!
Hard to compare these equally. 2019 has forward shifted, scalloped braces. 1955 could have rear or middle shifted bracing and is not scalloped. 2019 vs WWII or earlier 000-18 would be interesting! Its a great video though with great playing! Keep it up!
I love coming here! Great job. Again.I don't know if this makes sense...but in several ways I think the 2019 sounded "better", but the 1955 sounded more soulful. I think it all depends on what sound you're looking for. Best solution? Get both. LOL. (NOTE: 15:11 reminded me of John Prine.)
This is a hard one if I had to pick either/or.
I think the 2019 just edges out the vintage for more modern music, but I think there are a few genres where the growl of the vintage would be just the ticket.
Important to listen attentively to all of Ian's playing styles to make an assessment.
At first it seems the '19 model is better, louder, clearer. Certainly a better strummer. But folks don't buy triple 0's principally for strumming. Then listen to to fingerpicking, esp blues fingerpicking, that's where the '55 takes it, and what this size Martin is all about. Sweet sounds from the the '55, and all that vibe.
My money's on the '55, love to have that one as my best buddy.
I thought the bluesy playing also really highlighted how great the '55 is.
And you're absolutely right about listening to all the playing styles.
Nah, the '19 sounded better all-around but, there are probably better ($$$$$) vintage specimens around.
I just bought a killer 1962 000-18. Great sound, but the playability is amazing. Small v neck and shorter scale make it easy to play for hours at a time. Hard to put down.
I find the forward brightness of the 2019 fatigueing. The 55 is easier on the ears. Has long sustain too. Much more overtones. The 2019 is more like a pure sinewave and projects more due to its singular sound.
Thanks as I was quick to judge by only listening to the chords. My 0-18 2017 seems to share the clarity features of the vintage 000-18.
IMHO- they both sound very good and not all that far apart from one another. Obviously the 1955 has its advantages due to its age. I can see and hear the potential in the 2019 as it’s played and ages in the years to come. CFM is building their guitars better nowadays then in years past with more consistency and playability. Btw- Very nice demo and presentation. Thank you. Play on.
Alongside age I think we are hearing the difference in rosewood vs ebony fretboards and fingerboards. The 55 just sounds a bit warmer in general (65 years will add that too). And I wonder what the 19 will sound like in 65 years. I have a feeling it will be a monster!! I like the 55 but the 19 is great.
Liked the newer model better, fuller & broader sounding has nice bass-mid-treble vs the 55' but hey just my preference 😁
The '55 is lovely, but I've gotta go with the '19.
They both sound good... can't help but wonder what the newer 000-18 will sound like after it has some time to season. If they are this close now, would a newer model be a better buy than vintage?
Perhaps I felt deeply before playing, but the difference in tone between the two guitars is the difference in weight. I understand that I had the same model from 1956. The tone that the whole guitar vibrates well as the tree has withered for more than half a century was wonderful. So it's easy to see that in recent years many guitar makers have developed wood drying techniques.
Ian, for a "Shootout" comparison, I'd be curious to know if you can get your hands on a new (or used) Martin 000-42 and a new Modern Deluxe 000-28MD to
sound-compare?
I had my local Martin dealer arrange for me to compare the 000-28MD vs the 000-42. For several weeks, I was sure that I'd leave with the 000-42, while waiting for the comparison. After playing both back and forth for a good 3 hours, I walked home with the
(2 Grand-cheaper) Modern Deluxe.
I'd love to hear you compare those two models, both short-scale and same 000 body size, width, height and depth. Both have very similar woods, if you consider the 40 series uses top grade woods, but the Modern Deluxe torrefies the top and braces with their VTS system? Just a thought! Keep on pickin' mate!
The old one sounds like gold
My 2014 000-18 took 8 years to mature to its peak. It sure sounds nice.
Its reassuring to know that in recent years Martin has made several improvements to the range, tone, playability and intonation of its guitars? Even so, the tone of your 65 year old ‘55 is still captivating and sweet!
Hi Ian. Your channel is awesome! I’ve enjoyed watching a lot of your videos! 🤗 If possible, I (We) would love to watch a comparison between the Martin 000-18 vs Yamaha FS5 Red Label. Thanks! 😉
Thank you for the kind words. I will see what I can do
A really interesting experiment Ian. I love the sound of the 2019 and I love the sound of the 1955. But I have to say that I have heard some cheap 000 guitars with plywood b/s sound closer to the earthy, dry old 1955 000-18 than the new 2019 000-18 sounds. And there lays the problem. Folks say they want that "vintage" sound but actually don't. So high end guitars are beautifully built and incredibly rich in tone and harmonics. Whereas vintage guitars like this 1955 one probably started life sounding quite different to the new Martin and have continued to move further away given time and aging.
I love both these guitars, but it would be the 1955 that would suit me better. It is a shame that they are so prohibitively expensive for something that really should be your "reach for" instrument that lives out on a stand at home and goes to the pub for folk nights.
I've had my '51 000-18 since '62. It's kinda weird, but it sounds different (and a bit "better") after playing for 15 minutes or so. Or maybe it's just me.
I listened to this on my air pods and didn't get much wow out of the 1955, However... Just listened with my recording headphones, and both guitars sound amazing, very different. Ian is a great player in time, technique, and feel as well so very easy to tell the difference and enjoy it all! Pretty sure by the sound the '55 is non scalloped bracing, which gives more separation on the notes, and more compression but leaves out some sustain. Pretty sure you'll miss out on quite a bit by, not being there in person, not wearing a headset or listening on monitors. The 2019 sounds beautiful and has way more Bass from what I can tell, would likely be a better strummer for that reason. The 1955 appears to have sharper treble chime, and a lot of clarity, while the 2019 sounds warm, and maybe a little bit muddier (not a bad thing, just a certain sound). After listening on my headset, I prefer the 1955 which was the opposite when I listened on the headset. The comparison is kind of like going between a d-28 and hd 28, due to the difference in bracing. The 1955 is going to be a harder instrument to play but offer more control over volume and tone in the players picking hand, while the 1955 is going to be less forgiving of an awkward strike, but rewarding for someone who flatpicks or fingerpicks and wants to control the intensity and tone of the strike. Also the 1955 is going to sound sweeter, than a non scalloped 000 18 from 7 years ago, as the top is warmer and played in. Ian is this accurate from your playing experience on these two guitars?
Read somewhere that Martin changed the bracing position sometime after the older one was made, I have a '64 with the same older bracing, very similar tones. I find the newer machine punchier for sure but gimme that olde tyme rich sounding Martin any day.
2019 sounds much nicer, clearer and more articulated to me. Seems you struggled a bit with the tired old string spacing to me on the 55. However, everyone has their own ear for what they love. Love the colour of the Sitka on the 55 after al the years of aging 😎 I just sold my 2019 000-18 and replaced it with the 2019 D-18. Just because I love the resonating bass from the dread. I miss he comforting playability of the 000
How so, "comforting playability," GK?
I can see why people might prefer the sound of the new model--it's slightly louder with a little more low end--but that '55 has that really great woody, mahogany rasp of an aged guitar. Its got so much character.
That being said, the '19 was a really great guitar too.
It's hard to beat a couple of nice Martins, vintage or new.
I have a 2019 and what a machine it is. I am hooked on its sound. Martin is making great guitars today👍👍
They really are. I think every player would be well served with a new Martin standard series...
Just goest to show you that Martin is going a long way to recreate that old Martin tone, and are very successful in doing so.
The 2019 sounds better to me.
The vintage by a long way , that tone , hope my 000-18 sounds like that 55 before I pass
I love them both but I think the vintage has more vibe with headphones on. I think they get sweeter with age if you take good care of them. My Taylor seems to sound beter than I remember it after not playing it for a year and stinging it up n playing it does sound beter than before. Who knows why but it seems to. 😊
Love the newer one! Probably against popular opinion.
My 000-18 is a 2016 and its still opening up! It seemed a little anemic the first year and I was really disappointed but it has more than made up for it in the last couple years so don't give up o. Them at first.......a few years really make a difference....
They really do need some time to develop their sound... its part of the fun.
@@ianmeadows6351 Ian....what are your thoughts on owning both a 000-18 and an OM? Are they too similar? I've never played an OM but the scale length intrigues me.....would owning both be overkill? I have a 00-15 retro that I've never bonded with that Im thinking about trading for an OM......any thoughts?
Sweeeeeeet 🤘
I sold a 71 and bought a 21. Happier now. The new one is more versatile more bass and sustain in the lows. Trebles can’t be beat on the old ones
More bass on the 19 but DAMN that vintage sounds good too
Hey Ian great playing as usual.
I'm just real curious how you get access to all the axes you compare on your Channel? Friend of a Vintage Instrument shop?
Keep comparin' axe to axe! I'll be watchin'.
Hi Tim. I work at Acoustic Music in CT and we get all sorts of cool axes in. You can check out our inventory on reverb or at www.acousticmusic.org
Thanks for the kind words my friend.
@@ianmeadows6351
Far out. I will definitely check out the link to your shop in CT. I'm not far from you, in North East PA. I own some beautiful acoustics: 1969 Martin D-28;
2015 Martin OM-28E-Retro; 2019 Martin 000-28 (Modern Deluxe); 2016 Eastman E10SS; 2008 Washburn Parlor; 1979 Gibson Hummingbird; and Epiphone EJ-200e.
Thanks for doing what you do mate.
Check out my Tim McGurl RUclips Channel to hear my originals and covers of my favorite artists.
Is is me, or does the Martin 000-18 have better balance than a Dreadnought Martin like a D-28. Better highs?
I would say 18 series Martins do have better overall tonal balance for sure.
2019!!!!!
All around the 19 is perfect... but the 55 is perfect for blues or old school blue grass, has a very distinct sound.
Yes, but wouldn't you only play it at home?
Both sound amazing. The ‘55 is more resonant and should be.
I don't know, if it is the age, but the '55 sounds warmer and woodier, better to my ears, opinions, oh, opinions ☺
I don't know what it was but it looked like the '55 was fighting you a bit...like you had to finger the strings in a way that you're not used to. Made me wonder if the spacing on the old one is very much different from the modern guitar. Also the 55 wasn't as loud as the newer one.
Made me wonder if the 55 had been damaged somehow. The modern guitar is obviously superior to the 55.
Slotted bridge??
To my ears the new one is the clear winner. Bet it plays better too and has an adjustable truss rod and is cheaper.
2019
1955 model feels like home, sounds warmer, more character. In my opinion.
2019 all day long for me.
It's not the quantity. It is the quality! 2019 is louder, but 1955 has more balanced and seasoned tone. Maybe 2019 will sounds similar in 20-30 years when it will have sung enough.
Unlike the Gibson SJ's you compared, the Martin really improved with age. Not always true, but is in this case.
Right on Dan
I think the old guitar sounds better. They both sound awesome though. That old top just resonates better.
I love them both, but I prefer the 2019, it is brighter and more articulate, the 55 sounds like the 2019 with old strings.
El Bolillo The 55’ is likely more balanced and broken in. The 19’ is going to sound excited in the highs and lows naturally due to being new but also with that mic placement, it’s going emphasize it even more. Some people like that nice high and low end but personally i don’t because it doesn’t sound as woody. I also found the new Yamaha FS5 (aged top) better than than the new 000-18.
Louder!
The 2019 sounds full and rich, while the older one sounds thin and muted.
Maybe the rosewood bridge?
As opposed to the 2019 ebony bridge
Glad you said this, I thought the same.
@@jamescarter6025 Also the newer one has scalloped braces like their prewar guitars used to have. That makes a big difference.
Sorry guys, I like the warmer tones of the '55 the newer 000-18 sounds like it was made for the world of 'electric guitar' ears...
I'm all for the '55 - BTW super chops guy on either guitar...
The older sounds more balanced, high and lows complement each other, it sounds more contained. The newer sounds more energetic on the high frequencies, but sort of all over the place. I can see why it can be more desirable for certain things, while the older one sounds richer and warmer in mellow passages.
The 2019 sounds woofier and shinier to me on the flatpicked and strummed examples, which wouldn't translate well in a mix. It's louder, which is good, and the shiny treble adds something to the fingerpicking, BUUUT....
.....the mic isn't in the same place. It's consistently a couple frets closer to the soundhole on the 2019 examples, and that could easily explain a lot of the extra bass and louder volume.
The 55 has a more pronounced character. It sounds like a classic 000.
2019 -high 1955 -middle
The new one is more scooped and the vintage one has a mid-range bump.
I like the 55. I think the brightness of the 19 would get tiring on the ears.
but the more you play it, the less bright it gets :)
The new Yamaha FS5 Red Label gives the 000-18 a run for its money.
I'll have to check one out.
old one has good woody tone.
I prefer the newer.
it's what/how you play
Nah way can a new guitar sound better imo. Old wood opens up and sings and sustains so much nicer. It has to be played in person to hear the true difference.
I feel like I"m committing blasphemy but I like the 2019 better.
la 55 ha piu "naso" midle