This is the best demo I've seen comparing the differences between Mahogany and Rosewood. When people speak of Mahogany=dryer, more mid range, against Rosewood=richer, more complex deeper tones, it's clearly defined here. The more obvious choice might be rosewood but I'd take the mahogany for the clarity and flexibility of picking and strumming.
One thing that is rarely discussed is the impact the kind of pick being used has on the tone of a guitar. For example, a thin, light pick can make a good guitar sound cheap. Well chosen picks have a substantial impact on the tone of a guitar.
@@rodneysnextchapter615There is perhaps no "best" pick. It has more to do with the requirements of the music being played and the nature of the attack on the strings. Sometimes no pick at all is the best choice for the song or the style. The main thing is to be very aware of the tone you are producing by the way you contact the strings. Right hand technique is an art form; it's like the brush of a skilled painter. It brings out the "audio images" of the piece.
Something special about a smaller bodied guitar with Spruce top and Mahogany back n' sides. Rosewood is great on a Dread but makes a small body guitar sound a little boxy... like it can't contain all of the frequencies that Rosewood produces...
Great review as always from these guys. Both beautiful guitars but for me the rosewood looks and sounds the nicer of the two. But both HUGE boom boxes!!
The Martin Sinker 0000-18 was/is Mahogany. Came with both 12 & 14 fret necks. My favorites are the Slotted peghead 12 frets models. Limiter quantities though.
I used to own a Martin 000-42 with a Madagascar rosewood back and sides and high altitude Swiss top, and now own a Martin custom D-42 with an Adirondack top and amazing Guatemalan rosewood back. These two guitars Quinton is presenting seem to have more low end than my D-42. They kill the 000-42 I used to have on all levels, low end, mids, and trebles. And to be totally honest, they kill my expensive custom D-42 on all levels too, even the bass response. If you are looking for the best, most well-rounded Martin model, the quad O is probably what you need. I think it is quite unreal how this particular model and shape is not much more popular than it should be. I just sold my custom D-42 for $13,000. I am about to order a custom 0000 to replace it. From the several quad Os I have tried, I am pretty certain this will not be a regretted decision. For the very discerning acoustic guitarist, the quad O seems to be the ideal guitar.
I ended up with 2 metal plates and 13 2" screws in my left humerus bone after a fall and have a real hard time barring chords and reaching down to the first couple frets now. I compensated by tuning down a half step and whole step and then using the capo up a fret or two. Allows me play for 2 or 3 hours at a time instead of struggling in pain and only playing for an hour. 😀
There are several awesome videos that you two have done together where the discussion of scale length is brought forth in some detail. The only thing I'd like to contribute is a note on string tension. It's been a long time since I looked it up, but the two main drivers behind the differences in playability are scale length and string gage. The difference is not linear. For instance, I use 0.013"s which impose about twice the string tension as is seen when using 0.011"s. The difference in string tension between SS (approximately 24.9, depending on brand) and LS (approximately 25.5", depending on brand), is similarly significant. That's why SS guitars are easier to play on just about all fronts. It's a lengthy subject, so I'll not get into here, but there are also considerable sonic differences between the two most common scale lengths. All other things being (mostly) the same, these can be heard when switching from the 0000 Custom SS and the LS M-36. It's one of the primary contributors, anyway. Probably as significant as the fact that the quad-0 is mahogany while the M-36 is rosewood. As to the overall tonal difference, what I hear straightaway is that the M-36 is janglier and the quad is more balanced across the spectrum. Thanks for all the extremely well-done video comparisons pouring out of Music Villa and the Acoustic Letter!
I've had an M-36 custom for 10 years, and it does in fact sound about like this rosewood 0000, despite scale length differences and an Italian Alpine spruce top on mine. But I could scarily see justifying a mahogany, short-scale 0000 as well.
I am curious, did you get one? I am trying to justify something new. I could use a spruce and rosewood but I really like the CEO 7. I already have a golden era D18, so...
I don't think the M-36 was invented til the '70s. A couple luthiers were converting Martin archtops to flattops, which is what inspired Martin to do it in '77 or something like that.
@@JesseDylanMusic Yes, I stand corrected. I looked it up and the M36 came out in 1978. Like you said, a couple of luthiers were converting Martin arch tops to flat tops before that.
@@joedzekevich2407 People definitely did have the conversions though, as you said, and I think they were very popular not just for recording but even for micing on stage due to having less oomph (although the straight braced D-28s were sometimes okay too--heck, Neil Young always played a vintage D-28 that I think had the Golden Era specs... I bet that thing was hard to mic!)
Nice! I think they both sound great, but i prefer the looks of rosewood and i also like the extra lowend and highs it brings. I didn't know that the M36 had a 3 piece back like the D35. Very cool, looks really good. Thank for a great demo Quinton and Paul 😊
Those dang Martin coated strings they ship with are so brash. I get why they do it, stay fresh longer instead of having a wall of guitars with dead strings, but it's hard to hear the guitar under all that bright coating.
I need a size that is between 000 y dread y found this all solid ovangkol GPC…got dreads om y thinline etc. I only need om28 before I pass away…I am mor3 of a vocalist actually a soloist I learned the guitar piano harp ukuleles etc lol
Alles toll gemacht aber bitte gitarren immer unplugged und ( auch kein Micro davor stellen der ehrliche Natur Klang ist entscheidend angesteckt und ton abnehmen davor da klingt auch ein holz Brett gut 😮😊
I’m in love with that mahogany guitar!!!!!!!
Rosewood is my favorite... My 2003 Martin HD28 was my first rosewood and I still love it. My 1969 00018 was my favorite but now.....
Really like the sound of this model. I'm usually a mahogany guy, but really digging the tighter sound of the rosewood on this model.
This is the best demo I've seen comparing the differences between Mahogany and Rosewood. When people speak of Mahogany=dryer, more mid range, against Rosewood=richer, more complex deeper tones, it's clearly defined here.
The more obvious choice might be rosewood but I'd take the mahogany for the clarity and flexibility of picking and strumming.
Whoah. Beautiful guitars
I'd buy both if I could.
One thing that is rarely discussed is the impact the kind of pick being used has on the tone of a guitar. For example, a thin, light pick can make a good guitar sound cheap. Well chosen picks have a substantial impact on the tone of a guitar.
What's the best pick for acoustics?
@@rodneysnextchapter615There is perhaps no "best" pick. It has more to do with the requirements of the music being played and the nature of the attack on the strings. Sometimes no pick at all is the best choice for the song or the style. The main thing is to be very aware of the tone you are producing by the way you contact the strings. Right hand technique is an art form; it's like the brush of a skilled painter. It brings out the "audio images" of the piece.
Fingerpicking is ‘best’
@@wheninroamfulfinger picking and nails for playing by yourself but pick preference is all up to the individual lol
Something special about a smaller bodied guitar with Spruce top and Mahogany back n' sides. Rosewood is great on a Dread but makes a small body guitar sound a little boxy... like it can't contain all of the frequencies that Rosewood produces...
Great review as always from these guys. Both beautiful guitars but for me the rosewood looks and sounds the nicer of the two. But both HUGE boom boxes!!
The Martin Sinker 0000-18 was/is Mahogany. Came with both 12 & 14 fret necks. My favorites are the Slotted peghead 12 frets models. Limiter quantities though.
I recently played one of these, a custom with sinker mahogany back and sides...gorgeous, great sound!
I used to own a Martin 000-42 with a Madagascar rosewood back and sides and high altitude Swiss top, and now own a Martin custom D-42 with an Adirondack top and amazing Guatemalan rosewood back. These two guitars Quinton is presenting seem to have more low end than my D-42. They kill the 000-42 I used to have on all levels, low end, mids, and trebles. And to be totally honest, they kill my expensive custom D-42 on all levels too, even the bass response. If you are looking for the best, most well-rounded Martin model, the quad O is probably what you need. I think it is quite unreal how this particular model and shape is not much more popular than it should be. I just sold my custom D-42 for $13,000. I am about to order a custom 0000 to replace it. From the several quad Os I have tried, I am pretty certain this will not be a regretted decision. For the very discerning acoustic guitarist, the quad O seems to be the ideal guitar.
I ended up with 2 metal plates and 13 2" screws in my left humerus bone after a fall and have a real hard time barring chords and reaching down to the first couple frets now. I compensated by tuning down a half step and whole step and then using the capo up a fret or two. Allows me play for 2 or 3 hours at a time instead of struggling in pain and only playing for an hour. 😀
There are several awesome videos that you two have done together where the discussion of scale length is brought forth in some detail.
The only thing I'd like to contribute is a note on string tension. It's been a long time since I looked it up, but the two main drivers behind the differences in playability are scale length and string gage. The difference is not linear. For instance, I use 0.013"s which impose about twice the string tension as is seen when using 0.011"s. The difference in string tension between SS (approximately 24.9, depending on brand) and LS (approximately 25.5", depending on brand), is similarly significant. That's why SS guitars are easier to play on just about all fronts. It's a lengthy subject, so I'll not get into here, but there are also considerable sonic differences between the two most common scale lengths. All other things being (mostly) the same, these can be heard when switching from the 0000 Custom SS and the LS M-36. It's one of the primary contributors, anyway. Probably as significant as the fact that the quad-0 is mahogany while the M-36 is rosewood. As to the overall tonal difference, what I hear straightaway is that the M-36 is janglier and the quad is more balanced across the spectrum.
Thanks for all the extremely well-done video comparisons pouring out of Music Villa and the Acoustic Letter!
I sold my OOOO J40 years ago and bought a OOO. I wish I still had it but I’d still keep my OOO.
Perhaps asked already, what are the body dimensions of a 36? Wonderful sound!
Go to the Ruby river by Alder, you will catch some monster Browns!
comparison starts at 10:46
I've had an M-36 custom for 10 years, and it does in fact sound about like this rosewood 0000, despite scale length differences and an Italian Alpine spruce top on mine. But I could scarily see justifying a mahogany, short-scale 0000 as well.
I am curious, did you get one? I am trying to justify something new. I could use a spruce and rosewood but I really like the CEO 7. I already have a golden era D18, so...
OMG. This is THE one. The short scale rosewood!
Never thought id say something quite this heretic but, I like the mahogany a touch better. To me it sounds warmer...
Agree. I'm a Rosewood guy 19/20, but this guitar sounds awesome in Mahogany and would be a great complement to my custom D-35 (Maury Meuhlheisen).
25.4" versus 24.9". It's a half-inch difference.
I like the mahagony model. Has it 5/16th or 1/4 bracing?
Adi top?
Adi bracing?
Sinker mahagony?
Thank you very mucho an cheers.
I prefer the rosewood version.
I’m surprised the Acoustic Letter doesn’t have any giveaways of any of their acoustic guitars
haha, we're giving away a Martin Dreadnought Junior right now… bit.ly/2JygI92
Back in the 60's, when many folkies were playing D-28s on stage, when they recorded, many recorded with the M-36.
I don't think the M-36 was invented til the '70s. A couple luthiers were converting Martin archtops to flattops, which is what inspired Martin to do it in '77 or something like that.
@@JesseDylanMusic Yes, I stand corrected. I looked it up and the M36 came out in 1978. Like you said, a couple of luthiers were converting Martin arch tops to flat tops before that.
@@joedzekevich2407 People definitely did have the conversions though, as you said, and I think they were very popular not just for recording but even for micing on stage due to having less oomph (although the straight braced D-28s were sometimes okay too--heck, Neil Young always played a vintage D-28 that I think had the Golden Era specs... I bet that thing was hard to mic!)
The rosewood. Wow!
What is the nut width on these? Thanks1
Nice! I think they both sound great, but i prefer the looks of rosewood and i also like the extra lowend and highs it brings. I didn't know that the M36 had a 3 piece back like the D35. Very cool, looks really good. Thank for a great demo Quinton and Paul 😊
Whats with the bug crawling out of the guitar at 1:06
Ha! We had some monstrous fly buzzing around the room during the recording :)
I know this has nothing to do with these guitars, but I’m dying to hear what the new Martin 000-12e koa sounds like!!!
What's your.price on your M 36s Rosewood,?
We don't have one in stock right now but they are on order. Send me an email if you would like more info including pricing.... chad@musicvilla.com
Mahogany always beats rosewood in my book.
I wanted to like the rosewood better, but really lean towards the mahogany.
Those dang Martin coated strings they ship with are so brash. I get why they do it, stay fresh longer instead of having a wall of guitars with dead strings, but it's hard to hear the guitar under all that bright coating.
I need a size that is between 000 y dread y found this all solid ovangkol GPC…got dreads om y thinline etc. I only need om28 before I pass away…I am mor3 of a vocalist actually a soloist I learned the guitar piano harp ukuleles etc lol
Mahogany rules...
The first 14 seconds could be interpreted a number of different ways.
Alles toll gemacht aber bitte gitarren immer unplugged und ( auch kein Micro davor stellen der ehrliche Natur Klang ist entscheidend angesteckt und ton abnehmen davor da klingt auch ein holz Brett gut 😮😊