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Thank you Thank You Thank You. I This is by far the best and clearest explanation and clarification that I have seen on the breakdown of Martin guitars. Great teacher! I am on my way today to purchase another Martin. I have a 53 year old D28 , and would like a model that is more forgiving of my old fingers..Lol. A 15,16,17 may be the answer.
@freedomvan2970 I bet you don't remain a home player! I am 73, and I play 2 or 3 times a week in Florida.. I have 3 Martin's and I used to play Gibson Acoustics.. I love my 00015M, and I think for the money, it's the most versatile... When I was your age I would have died to own a D18!! Hope you enjoy it for another 39 years... BTW do you ever write songs? That's what I do most of the time but I do about 40% cover songs..
I own a 1965 D35-B (original owner), third one made. Still in pristine shape, and has such a deep, warm, full sound. Still love this model over all my other acoustics.
It was the last FULL year, because they cut over to Indian Rosewood in the middle of 1969 sometime. My '69 D-28 was made early in the year and is Braillian.
I have a D35 Martin., 1968. I bought it from a guy’s brother, who used to play it on the Honky Tonk circuit, in that area. He wore a big bull riders belt buckle, and you can see where he laid it on his belt buckle, as he played over the years. Still very beautiful…
I'm lucky enough to have a 1998 D42K (koa back and sides) and it is spectacular. Warm, articulate and balanced. Best acoustic I've ever played and I've played a lot
I am left handed and ordered a Martin. It came, Made in Mexico, says so on the serial number label. It is POS, the neck is so rough I can use it as an Emery Board for my fingernails. Oposed to my Taylors. Made in Cupertino California, says so on the Serial Number Label. I play them, excellent quality.
@@grog5564 only certain models are made in Mexico it's not dependent on the the right or left hand. What model is it..the model you selected if it was right handed would be made usually in the same factory in Mexico. I went to the Martin Factory in Pa to take mine in for some repairs.There is a little room with the basically budget guitars in there for people to try.The D18 Satin and 00-18 all mahogany sounded very good for the money but the original Martin reputation is in the Authentic Series (not the Indian Rosewood versions)
Buying my first martin today. Used D10e. Only have played seagull and Taylor this far so excited to venture to Martin now. Thanks for the video this was helpful
Thanks for this very informative summary of the features of the different models. It confirmed for me that I made the right choice 52 years ago (1972) when I bought a new 1971 D-28 to step up from my nylon-string student/beginner guitar. I still figure the D-28 is my "forever" guitar, and I haven't bought any others in all those years except for a D12-28 to add a 12-string to my collection. Still not in the market for any more guitars......
I also have a D-12 35. Probably 1971 so I'm told. Don't play on it much and haven't since I got it in 1975. The neck is easy to play on. And the volume is stupendous. Very much like my 0012
Bought a Martin SC 13e, made in Mexico two years ago, for $!,600. Lots of problems! Just bought a Firefly acoustic electric, for $200. IMO, The Firefly outlooks, outplays and outsounds the Martin, HANDS DOWN. Never again will I let a brand name influence my buying decisions.
What kind of problems did you have? I just bought an x2 e 12 string for 950 Canadian dollars and think it’s fantastic! I hope I don’t have any problems with it.
I bought a Road Series 000-12 Koa and it is an amazing guitar !!! I keep the old 00-18G and the OM 21 in their cases most of the time and play the Road Series ! But I have a Blueridge 12 Fret they blows them all away !
Dude you explained things very well, better than any video I've ever seen to date. I'm only 7mins into it and I've learned a ton about Martins so far from this video and others on your channel. If I were to spoil myself I'd go with a 45 but a 28 is more than enough for me. I wonder why they never made a D-38 Special. Now that sounds sweet. Just kidding . . . actually no I'm not. It does sound like a killer model number.
My 1966 O-16 New Yorker was the first re-issue of an old classic (NY shop). It's a 16 with a satin top...mahogany and sitka, wide neck, slotted headstock.. I think they made them from '61-90 I guess it's sort of a custom build....sweet beyond belief....available....
I’ve had my 1978 D28 since 1979…it’s been wonderful to own and play….looking to get a Custom Shop 000-28 possibly…or an Eric Clapton 000-28….we’ll see…I like the traditional beauties…
It should be noted that trubbing against a satin finishes while strumming yields a scratchy sound (that some find a problem) which gloss finishes don't have. I find it especially annoying if a satin finish guitar doesn't have a pickguard because I always am always touching where the pg would be. Another issue with satin is it becomes glossy wherever you do rub against it so the finish often looks splotchy even just after a month of playing. This is generally where your arm rubs over the lower bass bout. Consider a satin finish carefully and play gloss counterparts to see/hear the difference.
I own a Martin 0-18 and love it bought 6 years ago. I was looking at the Martin OM-42 and for $6399.00 they use plastic bridge pins and tusq saddle which is still another form of plastic. Martin standard series should all have either unbleached or bleached cow bone nut, saddle. And the bridge pins should be either real ebony wood or cow bone or water Buffalo horn or fossil walrus ivory or mammoth ivory. The standard series is their high end except if you order a custom model. For that amount of money you can order a custom from an luthier in USA with triple AAA+ 30 year old graded wood. With more wood combinations. Plus get a Spanish Heel Construction which is superior over the Dovetail construction. Martin guitar's are wonderful but the new owner of Martin guitar's is cutting corners to save monies and still have higher prices. I would not buy a Taylor guitar's because they use bolts to connect the body to the fretboard.
@johnoffutt898 I pretty much agree with you. My 2 Martin 6 strings both have bone nuts and bridge. The pins I'm not certain about.. Also have a 12 string Martin but I will have to look to see. Enjoyed your post!
This has been very helpful for me, considering a Martin lately. Just haven't bonded with my Taylor. I know you are focused on purely acoustic tone here, but I would like to see a breakdown of Martins that also have pickups. Thanks for posting, subscribed.
I've owned at least 20. Wish I kept them all. '58 000-18, '59 D-28, '50 D-18, plus some newer ones- D-41, D-45, 000-42 to name a few. Right now they have the modern deluxe series, I bought the 000-18 and 000-42. Those are as good in every way as any I have had.
I've owned six Martins and still have 5. The D-35 I purchased in '79 has been well played and is on the rack. I traded my 000-28EC for a D-42 years ago. I have a '94 J-40 and I purchased the 000-42MD in November '23. I love it so much, when I saw the Martin CEO-10, I had to have it too. They're all fantastic! I need to slow down... Rock on, brother!
Nice to see a left hander behind you. Martin don't charge extra for LH. Actually, the Martin J is bigger and easily as loud as a D and has excellent balance (I have an M40 and an HD35 so I so speak from experience). Regarding, tone, the break point is actually at 35, not 28, because the 3 piece back and 1/4 inch bracing create a whole different tone. There is even an argument that there is tonal difference at the 40 point, because the J40 comes with scalloped bracing (which you don't touch on, but should - everyone should play and D28 and an HD 28 before choosing) as standard. There's no D36 (that's a D35 you got hold of there) except as a custom. There is an M36 (also with a 3 piece back). Ms are great, too. Otherwise, this is the best comparison review I have seen, especially for the new buyer. In particular, you are right on the money with finish. You have to play both and also understand the likely future of the two. A satin guitar simply does not have the same durability as full gloss. Personally, I also don't like how satin guitars sound because you get more body noise (where your body touches the guitar) especially plugged in. As I say, this is the best guide for the beginning guitar buyer, bar none. You can't go wrong with a Martin. I happen to regret the decision to go with HPL (they could have gone with low price solid wood like birch instead), but even these are great guitars. Martin consistently beat the competition, and you do a great job of introducing us to their range.
I have a Road Series SC13-E Special Bursrt. i love it the neck/fingerboard is so nice. I’ve had multiple hand and wrist surgery’s.Because of smaller size you loose some of the deeper tone and I change the electronics to LR Baggs Anthem. Played through a Fishman Performer for gigs. With a Boss Ad-10 really bring out the tone in a room. $2000. I had the bridge slowed and installed liquid metal pins flipped around no slot, sustain is incredible.
Great review! BTW , the 0-18, 00-18, 000-18 & D-18 have Genuine Mahogany back & sides as listed in the specifications. Genuine Mahogany is Honduran Mahogany and is one of the highest quality and most expensive types of mahogany. Other models that are listed as Mahogany back & sides are not made with Honduran Mahogany.
It's the D-35 not 36, and it does have a unique bracing on the inside that does change the sound. It would also be good to mention the H series which features herringbone binding, but also the scalloped bracing that you don't find on the typical D models until you get to the 40+ ones or the ones from the 30s.
I have been loyal to Martin for awhile, but not after being disappointed by some rivals. I have arrived at a standard OM28 with a KnK mini installed. My beater is a modern 000 17 that I have already played the finish off. I dropped it. Now the side is cracked. If it gets too dry, a brace will rattle. I'm cautious with the 28, but I drive the wheels off the 17, and keep her out of the case most of the time. Fussing over gear is a muse killer for me. This guitar feels like good boots that are broke in.
I 've got a martn D15 that I bought second hand 20 yrs.ago,I don't play much but I just drool over it so proud that I bought it without knowing how good the guitar is.
I own a 2006 D -28. also know a Gentleman who owns a 1935 I think it is also a D-28 can't remember. Martin that his Dad bought for him brand new in 1935. I last talked to him at my Dad's funeral in 2008 so he might even be gone now.
I love my Yamaha FG830. A poor man's Martin. Also, my LL6M ARE is amazing. I am a huge fan of the models being made in the Navajo factory. That being said, the guitars made in Nazareth are awesome.
Yammies blow the entry level Martins from Mexico away. So do Alvarez. High end yamaha and alvarez/yairi are at least equal to Martins in the same price range IMO
I bought a GPC OOO road series special from MF. It is solid wood sapele b&S spruce top and ebony fretboard and bridge. Great snappy tone machine. Single cutaway with fishman electronics. Only $699 from the Mexican factory.
Terrific explanation. I recently bought my first Martin. I jumped in by buying a used D-18 model (made in Nazareth in 2019). I couldn't be happier. I wanted the beautiful sound, the quality, the prestige and the company history of a Martin. I got everything I wanted. I agree with you: Above the D-18 ($$-wise) the extra money buys bling. I don’t have anything against bling, except that I just don't want to pay for it, especially for my first and only acoustic guitar. Thanks for this fantastic video. I learned far more from your video than I learned during my Martin factory tour in June. ❤
Congratulations, that's a beautiful guitar! If you call Martin's customer support they recommend waxing the fretboard and the bridge (as they don't have a finish) at least once a year. They told me to use Dr. Duck's AxWax. Play on!
@@tomdaoust Nice! I tried to add a link but couldn't. Do a youtube search on: Cleaning and Polishing your Guitar There is a Martin guy giving a good cleaning demo.
Yesterday I bought my first Martin guitar. Based on your advice I made a great choice. I bought a 2019 D-18 in mahogany. I haven’t bought a guitar since 1969 when I bought a Mosrite sunburst combo hollow body electric. I’m delighted with my D-18 choice. Thanks for your great explanations. Can I get the charts you showed?
I've had my D35 since new in 1973 bought it new when i was young, it's pristine I'm thinking of selling it since at 71 arthritis is kinda taking it's toll. Time to let someone else love this guitar.
I have three Martins. A 98 D35, An LX1E for teaching, and an S1 Ukulele. I’ve owned vintage and new, been to the factory 4 times, bought sold traded around 20 Martins since 2003. Ive owned or played almost every model. I’ve driven from Winnipeg to Nashville to trade a Martin. I’ll tell you, shoulder issues made me sell some great guitars. Just find a way to use a strap and drape it over your right leg vs holding it normally. Smaller guitars just don’t have the boom and the sustaining bass for my music. Truss rods are nice. I’ve had 4 neck resets done on various guitars over the years. I like Martins but also like Gibsons. I bought an Emerald carbon fiber for all the situations I wouldn’t want to put my wood guitars through
I have a D 18 and find it terrific and better than a 00028EC I owned. What I am not sure is are more expensive Martins like the 45 or D 23 better in sound or just fancier and prettier? Thanks 😊
I'm looking at a 00-28. Wish they'd do a proper authentic xbrace joint in the standard series. I really don't know what's stopping them, all of the brands copying them do it better.
000-15 has the sweetest sound . I played in a bluegrass band in the 70's and my bandmate played the the 000-15 . It was, at that time the cheapest Martin , but to me sounded much better than their high end models. However , I have a Rogue acoustic that was $45 new , and it has a brilliant sound too. It's not the brand, it's the guitar.✌
I recently found this out. 1985 is when they started using truss rods instead of the reinforcement rods, and 2007 was the year they started implementing two way truss rods.
I’m struggling with arthritis and hand problems. I don’t need the money but I would like to sell my 1973 D-28. Very nice condition with original blue hard case. What is best way to sell?
I have a Martin Gt-70 electric guitar my dad bought used in 1970. I’m looking for a price as I haven’t performed with it since 1998 for one job and hadn’t been used since 1971 when I bought my 1st Les Paul
Just looking to sell/trade for a Rickenbacker bass guitar. I’m now playing bass and not happy with my Jazz basses. I guess as you get older you get very particular about your sound. ( guess I should be very particular ) NOW lol
Yes, we will be covering all production models including bench specs and performances. We will also be releasing a comprehensive tour of the factory and museum, stay tuned in the coming weeks. Thanks for watching!
I have a 1994 HD-28, which I’ve loved for 30 years. Only problem is cosmetic, with the gloss finish peeling off the neck. Doesn’t affect fingering or play, just wished it hadn’t happened. Any ideas how or where I can get it refinished?
I own a 68 "S" D-28 1 fret/slotted neck. SN 255xxx. Custom built in Nazereth PA. I am trying to attain information of the potential one of a kind guitar.
John, Excellent video with great info about the best brand guitar in the world....Martin !! My wife bought me a D16GT for Christmas in 2001. I love this guitar. What model would you suggest if I want to get a better model for 2 reasons. Improved sound and reinvestment value. Thank you !!!!
Congrats thats awesome! My wife has a D16GTE, great guitar. I think the gold standards are still D-18 or D-28 in the Standard series, but the 16 series are true workhorse and performer guitars that are great. Thanks for watching
Ive had quite a few guitars gibson humming bird a taylor blueridge but nothing sounds like a martin. I settled in 2003 on a hd 28 v and that has been my guitar since but it needed a little shop time recently and i found a 1980 D 35 that i fell in love with tone wise and ive acquired a d 41 as well at some point ill round out my collection with a vintage d18
I have a Martin J-41 that I received as a birthday gift and I’m having difficulty finding more information about them. I’ve not been able to find them on Martin’s website 🤷🏻♂️
Hi I have an HD 28 but it has an Adirondack top and sounds amazing. But you didn’t talk about this model with the addi top. Can I get your thoughts? I want to change the tuner keys to gold but not sure which brand or style to get. Please any advice? Thanks!!!
so , I went to buy the D41 a few years back and it was the new re-imagined, I almost threw it to the ceiling taking it out of the case it was so light... but I didn't buy it because it sounded horribly flat, a $600 Guild sounded way better. I have always loved Martins I have an old DR and D-18 the reason why I wanted to upgrade it was time... but that soured me on spending $6k on something the felt like it was made from Balsa wood.. did I just happen to come across either a fake or something else. its not like you can play 20 different D41's at the store it's hard enough finding one. when I bought The DR I played 20 + of those and it actually sounds better than the D18... so, two things, Am I just stuck looking for an older D41 (without spending extra on making a custom) and 2 what actually is the DR considered a 15, 16 17 or something else entirely..
Incorrect statement when you said back in the 1800's 18 meant $18 and 28 $28.. Neither the D18 or D28 were made in the 1800's--Also there is no D36.. I believe you meant D35. Martin did make an M36.which is 0000 style guitar.
Don't get a Martin OM-21. My new 2017 OM-21 had binding trouble within a year. The neck tilted. Martin repair authorization did a shabby repair with bad bent binding replaced, with staining, and neck joint glue marks. I traded it in to help pay for a new Collings.
I believe (no data to back this up) that if you had ten Martins of one model and you play them all, one might have "the magic" and be fantastic, ,maybe two, some pretty good (do you want to spend thousands for mediocre?), some okay, and one or two not so good. Maybe they'll open up and the magic surface and maybe not. Conclusion: you have to go try them and it's not wise to buy them from an online box.
i am looking for a 12 string acoustic thats not thousands but I want one that is easy on the fingers and is one that will last a lifetime. any suggestions to try out?
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Thank you Thank You Thank You. I
This is by far the best and clearest explanation and clarification that I have seen on the breakdown of Martin guitars. Great teacher!
I am on my way today to purchase another Martin. I have a 53 year old D28 , and would like a model that is more forgiving of my old fingers..Lol. A 15,16,17 may be the answer.
Just bought my first. At 39 years old I've wanted one since I was 14 but I'm just a home player. Picked up a 1973 D18 last weekend
May I ask the condition, and what you paid for it?
@seadeas Fantastic condition. Some evidence of playing around the sound hole and that's all. $2200
congrats! I should have mine next year ")
@freedomvan2970 I bet you don't remain a home player!
I am 73, and I play 2 or 3 times a week in Florida.. I have 3 Martin's
and I used to play Gibson Acoustics.. I love my 00015M, and I think for the money, it's the most versatile...
When I was your age I would have died to own a D18!! Hope you enjoy it for another 39 years...
BTW do you ever write songs?
That's what I do most of the time
but I do about 40% cover songs..
congrats sir
I own a 1965 D35-B (original owner), third one made. Still in pristine shape, and has such a deep, warm, full sound. Still love this model over all my other acoustics.
I'll take a couple of thousand extra dollars and trade you my 1964 Stratocaster!
Just want you to know I’m envious of both of you 😂
I have a 1968 D-35 , Martin said it was the last year, they used Brazilian Rosewood
It was the last FULL year, because they cut over to Indian Rosewood in the middle of 1969 sometime.
My '69 D-28 was made early in the year and is Braillian.
I have a D35 Martin., 1968. I bought it from a guy’s brother, who used to play it on the Honky Tonk circuit, in that area. He wore a big bull riders belt buckle, and you can see where he laid it on his belt buckle, as he played over the years. Still very beautiful…
I chose the D35 years before I got one. Plain styling but nice materials and construction. The sound is delicious. So solid, full and measured.
I have a Martin D35 that I bought new in 1986, and I also have a Martin Dreadnaught Junior that I bought in 2021. I am a real Martin fan.
I have a D42 I bought new in 2002 and it just seems to keep getting better. I love Martin guitars. Thanks for the video!
Plz tell me is it worth the money?
I'm lucky enough to have a 1998 D42K (koa back and sides) and it is spectacular. Warm, articulate and balanced. Best acoustic I've ever played and I've played a lot
I am left handed and ordered a Martin. It came, Made in Mexico, says so on the serial number label. It is POS, the neck is so rough I can use it as an Emery Board for my fingernails. Oposed to my Taylors. Made in Cupertino California, says so on the Serial Number Label. I play them, excellent quality.
Why did you pick the Martin Mexico..it's not a Martin.
@@merseybeat1963I did not pick it, if you are left handed you have to order a guitar to be made for you. That is where Martin had it made.
@@grog5564 only certain models are made in Mexico it's not dependent on the the right or left hand. What model is it..the model you selected if it was right handed would be made usually in the same factory in Mexico.
I went to the Martin Factory in Pa to take mine in for some repairs.There is a little room with the basically budget guitars in there for people to try.The D18 Satin and 00-18 all mahogany sounded very good for the money but the original Martin reputation is in the Authentic Series (not the Indian Rosewood versions)
Very thorough and well explained. Great video. I never knew that thing about the suffix number on Martins.
My 2021 D-18 standard is just an absolute cannon. Well constructed and a tone that’s sweet as pie.
Any issues with the binding yet?
Buying my first martin today. Used D10e. Only have played seagull and Taylor this far so excited to venture to Martin now. Thanks for the video this was helpful
Thanks for this very informative summary of the features of the different models. It confirmed for me that I made the right choice 52 years ago (1972) when I bought a new 1971 D-28 to step up from my nylon-string student/beginner guitar. I still figure the D-28 is my "forever" guitar, and I haven't bought any others in all those years except for a D12-28 to add a 12-string to my collection. Still not in the market for any more guitars......
I also have a D-12 35. Probably 1971 so I'm told. Don't play on it much and haven't since I got it in 1975. The neck is easy to play on. And the volume is stupendous. Very much like my 0012
Bought a Martin SC 13e, made in Mexico two years ago, for $!,600. Lots of problems! Just bought a Firefly acoustic electric, for $200. IMO, The Firefly outlooks, outplays and outsounds the Martin, HANDS DOWN. Never again will I let a brand name influence my buying decisions.
Theres your problem,buy american -made martins
Yeah cheap guitars are a lot better then they used to be.I would never pay thousands for any guitar,they just aren't that much better.
What kind of problems did you have? I just bought an x2 e 12 string for 950 Canadian dollars and think it’s fantastic! I hope I don’t have any problems with it.
I bought a Road Series 000-12 Koa and it is an amazing guitar !!! I keep the old 00-18G and the OM 21 in their cases most of the time and play the Road Series !
But I have a Blueridge 12 Fret they blows them all away !
The most beautiful sounding guitars I have ever played.
D-42 and d-42 koa and the 00-15sm are incredible.
Dream guitars.
Dude you explained things very well, better than any video I've ever seen to date. I'm only 7mins into it and I've learned a ton about Martins so far from this video and others on your channel. If I were to spoil myself I'd go with a 45 but a 28 is more than enough for me. I wonder why they never made a D-38 Special. Now that sounds sweet. Just kidding . . . actually no I'm not. It does sound like a killer model number.
My 1966 O-16 New Yorker was the first re-issue of an old classic (NY shop). It's a 16 with a satin top...mahogany and sitka, wide neck, slotted headstock.. I think they made them from '61-90 I guess it's sort of a custom build....sweet beyond belief....available....
I’ve had my 1978 D28 since 1979…it’s been wonderful to own and play….looking to get a Custom Shop 000-28 possibly…or an Eric Clapton 000-28….we’ll see…I like the traditional beauties…
OM and OOO are the same body size, difference is in scale length snd for some nut width.
OM has deeper, thicker body.
It should be noted that trubbing against a satin finishes while strumming yields a scratchy sound (that some find a problem) which gloss finishes don't have. I find it especially annoying if a satin finish guitar doesn't have a pickguard because I always am always touching where the pg would be. Another issue with satin is it becomes glossy wherever you do rub against it so the finish often looks splotchy even just after a month of playing. This is generally where your arm rubs over the lower bass bout. Consider a satin finish carefully and play gloss counterparts to see/hear the difference.
I own a Martin 0-18 and love it bought 6 years ago. I was looking at the Martin OM-42 and for $6399.00 they use plastic bridge pins and tusq saddle which is still another form of plastic. Martin standard series should all have either unbleached or bleached cow bone nut, saddle. And the bridge pins should be either real ebony wood or cow bone or water Buffalo horn or fossil walrus ivory or mammoth ivory. The standard series is their high end except if you order a custom model. For that amount of money you can order a custom from an luthier in USA with triple AAA+ 30 year old graded wood. With more wood combinations. Plus get a Spanish Heel Construction which is superior over the Dovetail construction. Martin guitar's are wonderful but the new owner of Martin guitar's is cutting corners to save monies and still have higher prices. I would not buy a Taylor guitar's because they use bolts to connect the body to the fretboard.
@johnoffutt898 I pretty much agree with you. My 2 Martin 6 strings both have bone nuts and bridge. The pins I'm not certain about.. Also have a 12 string Martin but I will have to look to see.
Enjoyed your post!
This has been very helpful for me, considering a Martin lately. Just haven't bonded with my Taylor. I know you are focused on purely acoustic tone here, but I would like to see a breakdown of Martins that also have pickups. Thanks for posting, subscribed.
I’m in the market for a Martin. Your guide is great and timely! Thanks. 🙏
See my post. Having to get the binding repaired is a real drag!
This is the 1st vid I have seen like this where every model is explained.
You easily earned my sub sir!
I've owned at least 20. Wish I kept them all. '58 000-18, '59 D-28, '50 D-18, plus some newer ones- D-41, D-45, 000-42 to name
a few. Right now they have the modern deluxe series, I bought the 000-18 and 000-42. Those are as good in every way as
any I have had.
I've owned six Martins and still have 5. The D-35 I purchased in '79 has been well played and is on the rack. I traded my 000-28EC for a D-42 years ago. I have a '94 J-40 and I purchased the 000-42MD in November '23. I love it so much, when I saw the Martin CEO-10, I had to have it too. They're all fantastic! I need to slow down... Rock on, brother!
Nice to see a left hander behind you. Martin don't charge extra for LH. Actually, the Martin J is bigger and easily as loud as a D and has excellent balance (I have an M40 and an HD35 so I so speak from experience). Regarding, tone, the break point is actually at 35, not 28, because the 3 piece back and 1/4 inch bracing create a whole different tone. There is even an argument that there is tonal difference at the 40 point, because the J40 comes with scalloped bracing (which you don't touch on, but should - everyone should play and D28 and an HD 28 before choosing) as standard. There's no D36 (that's a D35 you got hold of there) except as a custom. There is an M36 (also with a 3 piece back). Ms are great, too. Otherwise, this is the best comparison review I have seen, especially for the new buyer. In particular, you are right on the money with finish. You have to play both and also understand the likely future of the two. A satin guitar simply does not have the same durability as full gloss. Personally, I also don't like how satin guitars sound because you get more body noise (where your body touches the guitar) especially plugged in. As I say, this is the best guide for the beginning guitar buyer, bar none. You can't go wrong with a Martin. I happen to regret the decision to go with HPL (they could have gone with low price solid wood like birch instead), but even these are great guitars. Martin consistently beat the competition, and you do a great job of introducing us to their range.
I really like the current SC Martins. They're priced under 2k, give you easy access to upper frets and sound great!
I have a Road Series SC13-E Special Bursrt. i love it the neck/fingerboard is so nice. I’ve had multiple hand and wrist surgery’s.Because of smaller size you loose some of the deeper tone and I change the electronics to LR Baggs Anthem. Played through a Fishman Performer for gigs. With a Boss Ad-10 really bring out the tone in a room. $2000. I had the bridge slowed and installed liquid metal pins flipped around no slot, sustain is incredible.
Slotting with reveresed ebony bridge pins does wonders too 9:14
Great review!
BTW , the 0-18, 00-18, 000-18 & D-18 have Genuine Mahogany back & sides as listed in the specifications. Genuine Mahogany is Honduran Mahogany and is one of the highest quality and most expensive types of mahogany. Other models that are listed as Mahogany back & sides are not made with Honduran Mahogany.
Thanks !!! I was confused . Because at that price something have to be different and special . Now I go for one of the 18 🌹
It's the D-35 not 36, and it does have a unique bracing on the inside that does change the sound. It would also be good to mention the H series which features herringbone binding, but also the scalloped bracing that you don't find on the typical D models until you get to the 40+ ones or the ones from the 30s.
I have been loyal to Martin for awhile, but not after being disappointed by some rivals. I have arrived at a standard OM28 with a KnK mini installed. My beater is a modern 000 17 that I have already played the finish off. I dropped it. Now the side is cracked. If it gets too dry, a brace will rattle. I'm cautious with the 28, but I drive the wheels off the 17, and keep her out of the case most of the time. Fussing over gear is a muse killer for me. This guitar feels like good boots that are broke in.
I 've got a martn D15 that I bought second hand 20 yrs.ago,I don't play much but I just drool over it so proud that I bought it without knowing how good the guitar is.
SUPERBLY explained. Thank you !
This was excellent. Thank you. I'm trying to decide between an SC 10 and an SC 13. 🤔
I own a 2006 D -28. also know a Gentleman who owns a 1935 I think it is also a D-28 can't remember. Martin that his Dad bought for him brand new in 1935. I last talked to him at my Dad's funeral in 2008 so he might even be gone now.
I’m thinking about picking up a D10E this summer, I’ve played a couple and they sound so, so good to me
Choose very carefully and pay attention to the neck angle, get the guys in the shop to set it up for you
Plz buy d18 it is heaven
Very informative video, thanks. Would you consider doing a similar video on Lowden acoustic guitars?
Best guitar revieew/information channel on RUclips.
I love my Yamaha FG830. A poor man's Martin. Also, my LL6M ARE is amazing. I am a huge fan of the models being made in the Navajo factory. That being said, the guitars made in Nazareth are awesome.
Yammies blow the entry level Martins from Mexico away.
So do Alvarez.
High end yamaha and alvarez/yairi are at least equal to Martins in the same price range IMO
I love my LL16D ARE.
Love my LS16
I bought a GPC OOO road series special from MF. It is solid wood sapele b&S spruce top and ebony fretboard and bridge. Great snappy tone machine. Single cutaway with fishman electronics. Only $699 from the Mexican factory.
Terrific explanation. I recently bought my first Martin. I jumped in by buying a used D-18 model (made in Nazareth in 2019). I couldn't be happier. I wanted the beautiful sound, the quality, the prestige and the company history of a Martin. I got everything I wanted. I agree with you: Above the D-18 ($$-wise) the extra money buys bling. I don’t have anything against bling, except that I just don't want to pay for it, especially for my first and only acoustic guitar. Thanks for this fantastic video. I learned far more from your video than I learned during my Martin factory tour in June. ❤
Congratulations, that's a beautiful guitar! If you call Martin's customer support they recommend waxing the fretboard and the bridge (as they don't have a finish) at least once a year. They told me to use Dr. Duck's AxWax. Play on!
@@mikedovsky Thanks. I ordered some Dr. Duck's AxWax from Amazon.
@@tomdaoust Nice! I tried to add a link but couldn't. Do a youtube search on: Cleaning and Polishing your Guitar
There is a Martin guy giving a good cleaning demo.
I have a R-17 built in 1942, Arch-top. Sounds great but low I volume
Yesterday I bought my first Martin guitar. Based on your advice I made a great choice. I bought a 2019 D-18 in mahogany. I haven’t bought a guitar since 1969 when I bought a Mosrite sunburst combo hollow body electric. I’m delighted with my D-18 choice. Thanks for your great explanations. Can I get the charts you showed?
I have the same guitar.
I've had my D35 since new in 1973 bought it new when i was young, it's pristine I'm thinking of selling it since at 71 arthritis is kinda taking it's toll. Time to let someone else love this guitar.
Where you from? I was born in 73, been looking at those years Martin's D-18/D-28 & D-35
I am 69, perfect for me if you decide to part with it. I would hold as an investment
I have three Martins. A 98 D35, An LX1E for teaching, and an S1 Ukulele. I’ve owned vintage and new, been to the factory 4 times, bought sold traded around 20 Martins since 2003. Ive owned or played almost every model. I’ve driven from Winnipeg to Nashville to trade a Martin. I’ll tell you, shoulder issues made me sell some great guitars. Just find a way to use a strap and drape it over your right leg vs holding it normally. Smaller guitars just don’t have the boom and the sustaining bass for my music. Truss rods are nice. I’ve had 4 neck resets done on various guitars over the years. I like Martins but also like Gibsons. I bought an Emerald carbon fiber for all the situations I wouldn’t want to put my wood guitars through
I like Martin guitars but the price increases over the last 3 years is too much. I’ll just buy used guitars from now on.
Great info! The only detail left out is different nut widths... Pretty important spec for some players.
I have a D 18 and find it terrific and better than a 00028EC I owned. What I am not sure is are more expensive Martins like the 45 or D 23 better in sound or just fancier and prettier? Thanks 😊
I'm looking at a 00-28. Wish they'd do a proper authentic xbrace joint in the standard series. I really don't know what's stopping them, all of the brands copying them do it better.
Thank you for this guide! I was hoping someone would make a Martin demystified video! 😊
This was a detailed and incredibly helpful explanation of the Martin line! Thank you!
000-15 has the sweetest sound . I played in a bluegrass band in the 70's and my bandmate played the the 000-15 . It was, at that time the cheapest Martin , but to me sounded much better than their high end models. However , I have a Rogue acoustic that was $45 new , and it has a brilliant sound too. It's not the brand, it's the guitar.✌
I got a OM-28 and like to practice more on my sc13-e. A lot of sound comes out of the sc13.
what years started having a truss rod? Are the newer ones a two way truss rod?
I recently found this out. 1985 is when they started using truss rods instead of the reinforcement rods, and 2007 was the year they started implementing two way truss rods.
My number one pick would be a D-18 for it's simple aesthetics but great tone
It is a preference, but the 28 just has crisper high and a much punchier bass from rosewood. But I feel you, I love them 18s.
I’m struggling with arthritis and hand problems. I don’t need the money but I would like to sell my 1973 D-28. Very nice condition with original blue hard case. What is best way to sell?
Ive got a 1936 R-18. Still sounds sweet
Excellent video, best in class. Thank you.
I wis[h you had included the differences of interior bracing of models . My 1994 HD282R Herringbone has foward bracIng and my 1978 D28 does not.
I have the d-16e and I love love that guitar I take it everywhere played a lot of shows with it !!
I have a Martin Gt-70 electric guitar my dad bought used in 1970. I’m looking for a price as I haven’t performed with it since 1998 for one job and hadn’t been used since 1971 when I bought my 1st Les Paul
Just looking to sell/trade for a Rickenbacker bass guitar. I’m now playing bass and not happy with my Jazz basses. I guess as you get older you get very particular about your sound. ( guess I should be very particular ) NOW lol
Great video really helped clarify things for me
All those budget friendly Mexico made guitars are about to get way more expensive.
Is there a RUclips channel that covers Martin acoustic guitars like Trogly does for Gibson guitars?
Yes, we will be covering all production models including bench specs and performances. We will also be releasing a comprehensive tour of the factory and museum, stay tuned in the coming weeks. Thanks for watching!
I have a ooo 15 and have my eye on the ooo 17 black smoke. How much of a difference is there? I would like to have both cause I love my ooo 15.
I have a 1994 HD-28, which I’ve loved for 30 years. Only problem is cosmetic, with the gloss finish peeling off the neck. Doesn’t affect fingering or play, just wished it hadn’t happened. Any ideas how or where I can get it refinished?
What is a 1996 Martin MTV1 Unplugged worth? Maybe played 5 times at most. Has just been in it's case for years... like new
So what would be the optimal Martin guitar regarding price and performance?
I like my Martin. No problems. 32 yrs
I own a 68 "S" D-28 1 fret/slotted neck. SN 255xxx. Custom built in Nazereth PA. I am trying to attain information of the potential one of a kind guitar.
John,
Excellent video with great info about the best brand guitar in the world....Martin !! My wife bought me a D16GT for Christmas in 2001. I love this guitar. What model would you suggest if I want to get a better model for 2 reasons. Improved sound and reinvestment value. Thank you !!!!
Congrats thats awesome! My wife has a D16GTE, great guitar. I think the gold standards are still D-18 or D-28 in the Standard series, but the 16 series are true workhorse and performer guitars that are great. Thanks for watching
D16 GTR. IS an awesome choice
Ive had quite a few guitars gibson humming bird a taylor blueridge but nothing sounds like a martin. I settled in 2003 on a hd 28 v and that has been my guitar since but it needed a little shop time recently and i found a 1980 D 35 that i fell in love with tone wise and ive acquired a d 41 as well at some point ill round out my collection with a vintage d18
Love my J-21MC, from 1986. Bluegrass BOOMER!
Hi you didn’t talk about the HD28 with the Adirondack top. Please do so thanks.
Isn't there a difference in bracing between the 41 and 42?
Well done video
I own an 018 a djr 10 and an lxk2 - love them all and your description of then was right on
I have a Martin J-41 that I received as a birthday gift and I’m having difficulty finding more information about them. I’ve not been able to find them on Martin’s website 🤷🏻♂️
Hi
I have an HD 28 but it has an Adirondack top and sounds amazing. But you didn’t talk about this model with the addi top. Can I get your thoughts? I want to change the tuner keys to gold but not sure which brand or style to get. Please any advice? Thanks!!!
so , I went to buy the D41 a few years back and it was the new re-imagined, I almost threw it to the ceiling taking it out of the case it was so light... but I didn't buy it because it sounded horribly flat, a $600 Guild sounded way better. I have always loved Martins I have an old DR and D-18 the reason why I wanted to upgrade it was time... but that soured me on spending $6k on something the felt like it was made from Balsa wood.. did I just happen to come across either a fake or something else. its not like you can play 20 different D41's at the store it's hard enough finding one. when I bought The DR I played 20 + of those and it actually sounds better than the D18... so, two things, Am I just stuck looking for an older D41 (without spending extra on making a custom) and 2 what actually is the DR considered a 15, 16 17 or something else entirely..
Incorrect statement when you said back in the 1800's 18 meant $18 and 28 $28.. Neither the D18 or D28 were made in the 1800's--Also there is no D36.. I believe you meant D35. Martin did make an M36.which is 0000 style guitar.
Martin definitely needs more recognition , quality and what's the word context.
Excellent guide, thank you
This is a great video. Thanks for breaking this all down!
This is such an informative video, well done!
HD 28 not mentioned.
best guitar channel🎸
Don't get a Martin OM-21. My new 2017 OM-21 had binding trouble within a year. The neck tilted. Martin repair authorization did a shabby repair with bad bent binding replaced, with staining, and neck joint glue marks. I traded it in to help pay for a new Collings.
Sorry to hear that brother. Hope your new guitar is treating you better!
Thanks helped a lot knowing what’s what
Hi John! Could you talk about my Martin D -!6 M 496393 1975(?) What is your value nowadays? Thank you very much for the information.
Can you explain why there is no professional 000-15 Mahogany model?
I believe (no data to back this up) that if you had ten Martins of one model and you play them all, one might have "the magic" and be fantastic, ,maybe two, some pretty good (do you want to spend thousands for mediocre?), some okay, and one or two not so good. Maybe they'll open up and the magic surface and maybe not. Conclusion: you have to go try them and it's not wise to buy them from an online box.
i am looking for a 12 string acoustic thats not thousands but I want one that is easy on the fingers and is one that will last a lifetime. any suggestions to try out?
I have a couple of Martins. Do you sell resonators?
I have an Eric Clapton 000-28. Love this guitar!
Just subscribed!!!
Nice Marshal Half Stack ya got there!
Having a hard time, deciding between a D18 or D28.
My 2005 DX-1 has a sika spruce top.
So we should avoid D because it is loud but unbalanced?