im not a pro.. and i own an Eastman E10D. I love the guitar but I didnt even try to play a Martin because it was out of my price range. There is a huge price difference between the Eastman and the other guitars in this comparison. For me, If I wanted a D18 sound without a budget, im playing a bunch of Martins and picking my favorite D18. However I have a budget, so i searched alternatives and found a used E10D for less than $1k and it is awesome!
Martins are increasingly becoming a Blues Dentist brand. I own Eastman, Gibson, Martin and Takamine. American made instruments can not compare with quality and variety to Asian made brands unless the consumer is willing to shell out 2 or more times the money for an (almost) identical guitar.
@@georgeargon5113Eh, kinda. Eastman already switched from Nitro to the same old Poly style crap you'd expect of any other overseas offering that isn't comparably priced. Chinese guitars also tend to stick to exact specs a little less than they do the aesthetic. My Paramount sounds good and has really pretty appointments but the fretwire is crap, the press fit bushings like to pop out of the headstock and it gets a belly almost every summer. A lot of American guitars are overpriced at least to some degree; but American craftsmanship is more expensive and Gibson's G series isn't exactly a slouch in the 1k range if you can forgive the lack of trim and faux mahogany.
A stunning achievement by Martin. Even if my phone speakers, it sounds like the guitar that makes the most sense. It delivers across the spectrum of possibility. Like a home base. The others are great sounding, but they’re just different.
brilliant comparison video with nicely timed cuts and consistent playing!! Now please start a series on "Who makes the best...."! J-45, D28, etc etc =D
My Alvarez Yairi DYMHD60 is awesome. I am saving up to go on a search for a D-18. I bought the Yairi during the pandemic, because I couldn't go in store shopping. I have seen huge inconsistencies in the D-18's. I love the DYMHD60. amazing craftsmanship.
Save your money unless you're saving up for an old D-18. The Alvarez-Yairi DYM60HD is far superior to a new or recent D-18. Adirondack top, greater projection, rounder highs, better build quality overall.
I was fortunate enough to meet Doc Watson after watching him perform once at Stuart Auditorium. He signed my concert ticket afterward with his own hand, in his own signature. Make of that what you will ;)
I am a d18 Martin fan but out of the bunch for tone to the ear the Atkin stands out from all in this video it stood out to me when compared in your guitar review.
Thank you for this excellent comparison video! Your comments and conclusions are objective and very usefull, espacially the difference between a stand alone situation and a band situation. I would love to see and hear a similar comparison with the D28, the rosewood back and sides dreadnoughts.
I love martin and Atkin guitars so much but really like the tone of the Gallagher.Many thanks for this video plenty of banter between you both which is just as entertaining as listening to you play .Martin from Cambridge uk
My 2018 Martin D-18 doesn't lie. Best is a terrible word to describe top-of-the-line acoustic guitars. Best at what, comes to mind. Favorite or 'best-for-me' are how I speak of guitars; after 60+ years of owning, playing, restoring and repairing great guitars. Thank you for your presentation.
I found the Guild to be an interesting sound. It sounded great, but also sounded like a guitar that needs to be played a lot and open up, and then it will be incredible. But it's really got its own voice and I'm interested in trying some out.
The Eastman competed way above its price class. The Bourgeois was different than the rest for sure. They were all great but I have to go with the D18 classic sound. I think it has a 5 inch nut width. hahaha I do hear a difference in tone between the standard D18 and my custom shop D18 with Adirondack top. Mine sounds closer to a vintage D18. I saw the D18 master series has a carbon fiber bridge plate. That's sacrilegious! I like the comparison guys. Thanks!!
I got an Atkin D-37 and love it. I probably would’ve loved an essential if one would’ve been in the shop. I loved my Atkin so much I bought an Atkin EOM which is their version of an OM18. People have been freaking out at how this OM sounds like a dreadnought. I’m freaking out about it too. Pretty crazy.
Which guitar had the most comfortable neck or the fullest feel, I’m not too sure about the MLO on the D-18, I hear some people feel some cramping on the first three frets. Thanks!
For availability, consistency, price, warranty, playability, and the overall best sound, I’m going with Martin. Are there better sounding guitars? Probably, but I’m sure all of the markers have stand outs that the stars just aligned with. Your listers won’t be able to tell the difference anyway! :) As usual great video!!
Going by Sound alone: 1. ATKIN 2. Martin 3. Guild 4. Eastman 5. Bourgeois 6. Gallagher. Then, I would need a narrow nut (less than 1.75"). I like them all as my 1st guitar was a spruce mahogany dreadnought (Airline / Harmony Sovereign Regal H6600). Currently, my A Loprinzi LM-15 (1974 spruce mahogany, the "NJ Martin") fills the D-18 bill. Thanks
would be nice to throw in a cedar top. my Yairi d61 keeps up with my d18-v.. but has a different tone . then i threw a new ToneBar into the yairi and now it has a expanded sound and sustain. Then theres my Guild D46- ASH.. a guitar never matched for its sound and action. loved them all. thx 4 the review.
These are all great sounding dreads. What I hear here is my own personal preference for Rosewood dreads coming through. I liked the sound of all of these instruments, but I don't love it like I do from a Rosewood guitar. Great video. THe Bourgious sounded particularly clear.
@@larrydunn4626 Descriptions and perceptions are purely personal - if I perceive it as beefy, then I'll say it sounds beefy as that's my perception of it compared to the others and there's nothing wrong with that. How would you describe how it's 'supposed' to sound? Is it 'supposed' to sound a specific way?
Yes maybe do the different Martin dread comparison please! Do a comparison of the -d18, D28 and the hd28 addi top, and the d28 etc… that would be amazing to hear since Martin really remains supreme. Can you do this? Thanks 😊
I bought a Bedell 1964 special edition square shoulder from the acoustic Shoppe back in October. Ive never heard a d18 anything with as much volume or midrange cut. Ive owned all the d18s from standard to custom shop sinker. No comparison.
@@ManchurianCounterweight Really? I’m guessing I’ve a 100 since then and liked 2. The weekend I bought my Atkin I played 13 Collings. They were consistent and great sounding. Hard to tell apart. That same weekend I played about that many Martins and don’t think any of them sounded good. Taylor isn’t my sound but they were consistent as well. Maybe they’re sending all the duds to MO.
I was not familiar with the Adkin but was impressed with its tone. I have a 14 yr old E10D that gives D-18 a run for the money. However, I’m a fan of Adi tops and my Martin Custom Shop D-18 Adi is hard to beat.
I’m like the other commenter; I have an e10d as the other ones are out of my price range, at least for now, and the Eastie hangs with the US big boys. The dread I have got my eye on is the Recording King Series 11 dreadnought. I have the 000; the series is very lightly built and responsive. Interested to hear what people think about them.
I just really like the sound of the Gallagher, so full to me.(I am totally deaf in my right ear since birth so I hear things differently.)I own a Martin D-28.
They are all very good pro quality instruments . A few years ago I, the local shop had a Collings D1 in on trade. We tried that against some other mahogany dreadnoughts and it was clearly superior , but at a much higher price. Whatever floats the boat and also leaves the credit card paid.
They all sound excellent - still favor the balance of the Martin overall. There's no wrong or bad choice here; whatever suits your own ears, and makes you wanna pick it up and play it.
There’s still something in the overall Martin tone for me. There’s that roundness with that jangle in the high strings that all the competition here seem to lack and I heard it again in this video in the first part where the high strings were accented. And the bottom end is legendary. Next for me in this video would be the Atkin. That sounded great too.
Collings D1A are a premier guitar. I've played many of them. Also would throw in Goodall as a top brand. I wound up with a Santa Cruz Vintage Southerner J-45 type guitar, stock sitka top. Light as a feather, piano resonance on A and D strings... Totally took me by surprise. I returned a Martin D28 S in favor of it 16 years ago and never looked back. The best D-18s I have ever played were the Golden Eras and the absolute best was the D 18 1937 Authentic from the 2000s. Touched by angels.
Yes, but the Moustache reminds us that this was done quite a while ago. These guys are great at what they do and make amazing videos. Their post production is a tad slow. Just my observation and not a complaint. No "mean things"
Of course! I wasn't directing this at you, just pointing out that their videos take so long that the guitars have sold before we see the video. But they do a fine job when they do post stuff.
Update: a Martin D-18 re-imagined sounds to have clearer, cleaner notes compared to an Alvarez Yairi DYM60HD and Yamaha FG9 mahogany. These other guitars are great
Thanks for the comparison, guys! Perhaps I missed it, but I didn't hear the price point for the Atkins or the D-18. Also, were the same types of strings being used on all of the guitars are were they all the same age? I agree that a brighter guitar will definitely cut through a band mix better in a purely acoustic situation, but many may prefer a richer (darker?) sounding instrument if they are doing a solo or singer/songwriter type of gig. Also, I would like to hear a D-18 with an Adirondack top in future comparisons. Thanks again for the great playing and all the editing work that went into this video. Great job!
As a nearly blind man who has an actual affinity for light coloured binding (no joke) I find your doc Watson comment 51% hilarious and 49% borderline offensive lol so I demand a free Gallagher guitar :-)
I recently purchased a Martin D18, satin finish. To me, the sounds that this guitar produce are absolutely stunning! But when it arrived it was nearly unplayable. Martin ships these out with a high action, and with what they call medium gauge strings! I think you could suspend a bridge with those strings! Anyway, I ordered a string action tool, and a truss rod wrench, and made a few minor adjustments, and also switched to light action Elixir strings! Hugh difference in playability, especially finger picking! Martin gets my vote, but they all sound great! Would like to hear a Yamaha in this mix! The FG9, or the FG5! Next time. Thanks!
What a great comparison. It’s amazing how different such similar looking guitars can sound. It’s good to hear the E10D holding its own (I own a 2012 model). What string gauge was used? I assume it would be the same on all. I wonder how much the comparison might have changed if the mic were in a somewhat different location. A guitar that might not be quite what you’d like in that mic configuration might sound great with a small change. And of course a mic’ed guitar will never sound the same as an unamplified acoustic performance. That’s not criticism, just an observation. Good job.
They all sounds great I love how the Atkin sounds it's sound surprised me being the only brand I'd never heard of. Would have loved to see a dereadnaught Gibson or Taylor in the mix though for reference.
1. Martin for sure 2. Bourgeois 3. Atkin believe it or not 4. The rest were ok just random order. They all sound great but I’m always putting my money on the Martins. This was totally an awesome show. Do this with the other body styles and compare please. Super cool.
I have a Vintage Bourgeois and it sounds great. I live in bluegrass country in Virginia and many good guitarists and Martin owners have played it and say they couldn't imagine a better sounding guitar. It does have an Adirondack top though. I'm selling a Martin D18 GE which is a great bluegrass guitar but my Bourgeois is special.
When I was looking for a d18 style a few weeks ago, it came down to the Martin and the Atkin. The Atkin impressed more so I bought it. The Martin was also very nice indeed. I also tried one of the non-torrefied Eastman E10s, nice guitar for the money but was not a patch on the Martin or the Atkin.
I recently sat and played pretty much the whole line of eastman dreads side by side with quite a few martins. The eastmans were impressive, I think they even beat martin for me in playability and honestly looks as well. I think the martins still sounded a little better to me. But the sound difference is not as big as the price difference. I was there for a cutaway so I bought the martin sc18e. But a couple eastman guitars are now definitely on my wishlist.
The bottom line is they all sound great with only small differences between them. The majority of what's the most important, is in the hands of the player. Most wouldn't notice of even care about those small differences.
Good point, highlighting Adirondack, I'm from NZ and there's only been 1Eastman Iv'e played played was the equal (soundwise) to the Martin, I forget which model, BUT I didn't forget the price, it was very similar, whereas the cheaper Eastman's, to my ears ,are just nice guitar's that's all ,But just my opinion 😊😊😊
I’m not bagging on your opinion. They are all great I know. But if the ones here I just don’t see how the Eastman isn’t last. Martin and the Bourgeios are clearly better to me. Just to me. I liked the Atkin actually surprisingly. Maybe the Gallagher was last but Eastman to me is nice but I dunno I just don’t see how anyone would thing the Eastman sounds better than the 2 I Mentioned. I’m not a big Taylor fan myself but they have some models that are very good like the 414 and 914 series. I sold My Taylor’s though and bought a Martin HD 28 custom addi top and it’s just completely amazing. Bro I am Not putting down your opinion. I’m not the world’s expert on sound. I’m Not even that great of a player but am I missing something? I just don’t hear anything better than the first 2 they just seem to separate themselves from the rest. 😅 🤷🏼😊
@R.L.Humpert it's just a name, that addy top once it has been played in, or broken in, it's probably going to be the best. I'm not taking anything away from bourgeois, they build some amazing guitars, Dana Bourgeois has collaborated with Eastman, and even before, they were building awesome stuff, but now there as probably as close to bourgeois as you can get. So do you want to pay 6 grand or 2 grand for a great acoustic guitar.
My mahogany guitars are a 1971 J50 and a 1963 Epiphone Cabellero. My Martins are either rosewood or ovangkol. I also own a 80's vintage Vantage 12 string MIJ guitar with an ash back and sides. They are all VERY different in their sound profile. No such thing as a 'best' guitar. Find the instrument with the voice you want and you have found YOUR best guitar. The guitar I play out most often is a 1977 Takamine F400 12 string I bought for $100 in a pawn shop and restored fully. I have 5 12 strings in total including a D12-28 and Cole-Clark Fat Lady 2 12 string. I just love the voice and playability of the Takamine and I get a LOT of positive comments from audience and other players on its tone.
I replaced my d-18 ge with an Atkin essential 18 custom 45mm nut, mod v neck and relic finish. I loved the Martin but the Atkin is just somehow better, sweeter sounding, better intonated and has incredible sustain.
I owned a D18 and a D40 back in the day. Both great. The Martin to me had more soul. The Guild had great sustain and was very even. And that Guild sound. Better neck, but neither were as playable as some modern acoustic neck profiles.
the guild to me doesn't come off as well when compared back to back with the martin, but it may just be because their tones are so different that the guild doesn't sound great to me against the nice round sound of the d18. sounds a bit too "nasal" to me, like somebody put it on the bridge pickup 🙂
I don’t think we think of how a guitar sounds in a room full of nice guitars. The sound goes into, bounces around in, and comes back bigger. We rarely get to play alone in a room. These videos are all utilizing nice microphones a couple feet from the instrument. While that levels the playing field it doesn’t seem like it represents real world conditions. I’d also like to hear a Yairi Alvarez in this mix.
Larivee make nice guitars and herd some good things about orangewood guitars. It would be interesting to do a video on how to make your own (Willie Nelson)Trigger and what guitars are available to do so. I see prismatonepickups now sell the pickup and a guitar w the pickup.
The Martin still wins for me, the D-18 Standard is my favorite acoustic by a mile anyhow, but in the sound test it just had that little bit extra clarity and body in the tone. The Bourgeois was the closest, followed by the Guild IMO. I just love the Martin sound - they mostly came close, though the latter were definitely the closest in tone quality.
There all good guitars . I have owned 3 Martin D18 standard series one modern deluxe D18 , a custom shop sinker hog D-18 and a 2023 1937 Authentic D-18 of these my authentic sounds the best but each person has there own opinion
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
im not a pro.. and i own an Eastman E10D. I love the guitar but I didnt even try to play a Martin because it was out of my price range. There is a huge price difference between the Eastman and the other guitars in this comparison. For me, If I wanted a D18 sound without a budget, im playing a bunch of Martins and picking my favorite D18. However I have a budget, so i searched alternatives and found a used E10D for less than $1k and it is awesome!
Martins are increasingly becoming a Blues Dentist brand. I own Eastman, Gibson, Martin and Takamine. American made instruments can not compare with quality and variety to Asian made brands unless the consumer is willing to shell out 2 or more times the money for an (almost) identical guitar.
@@georgeargon5113Eh, kinda. Eastman already switched from Nitro to the same old Poly style crap you'd expect of any other overseas offering that isn't comparably priced.
Chinese guitars also tend to stick to exact specs a little less than they do the aesthetic. My Paramount sounds good and has really pretty appointments but the fretwire is crap, the press fit bushings like to pop out of the headstock and it gets a belly almost every summer.
A lot of American guitars are overpriced at least to some degree; but American craftsmanship is more expensive and Gibson's G series isn't exactly a slouch in the 1k range if you can forgive the lack of trim and faux mahogany.
I’d be proud to own any of them.
The Atkin though.. it sounds different than the rest, in an excellent way!
Great Review ! Great playing ! That took a lot of editing ... Thank You !
Thanks for the feedback!
A stunning achievement by Martin. Even if my phone speakers, it sounds like the guitar that makes the most sense. It delivers across the spectrum of possibility. Like a home base. The others are great sounding, but they’re just different.
brilliant comparison video with nicely timed cuts and consistent playing!! Now please start a series on "Who makes the best...."! J-45, D28, etc etc =D
We may have to start that series, thanks so much for the feedback!
My Alvarez Yairi DYMHD60 is awesome. I am saving up to go on a search for a D-18. I bought the Yairi during the pandemic, because I couldn't go in store shopping. I have seen huge inconsistencies in the D-18's. I love the DYMHD60. amazing craftsmanship.
I'll take that over a D18
Save your money unless you're saving up for an old D-18. The Alvarez-Yairi DYM60HD is far superior to a new or recent D-18. Adirondack top, greater projection, rounder highs, better build quality overall.
Yairi makes dy18 awsome
@@kurt8805Agreed. The Yairi will sound better than ANY standard Martin. MAYBE you’ll find an Authentic but it will cost you $5k used and $7k new.
I was fortunate enough to meet Doc Watson after watching him perform once at Stuart Auditorium. He signed my concert ticket afterward with his own hand, in his own signature. Make of that what you will ;)
I am a d18 Martin fan but out of the bunch for tone to the ear the Atkin stands out from all in this video it stood out to me when compared in your guitar review.
Thank you for this excellent comparison video! Your comments and conclusions are objective and very usefull, espacially the difference between a stand alone situation and a band situation. I would love to see and hear a similar comparison with the D28, the rosewood back and sides dreadnoughts.
the Martin and Eastman sounded the best for me
Jeremy Chapman keeps me laughing on every video! You guys are great together!
I just ordered a chicken and an egg from Amazon.
Waiting to see which one comes first!
Let us know! 😂
Item not in stock
Eggs. Scrambled please with bacon.
Enjoy your suffocated chicken and your broken egg ;-)
Lost in transit. Please wait 10 days in case it shows up before asking for a new product to be sent or a refund
To me, the Atkin sounded really excellent and the Martin sounded correct. Great playing! A real joy to listen to.
There's no best. Only different. As a musician, there have never been more good options👍Pick one you like and play it👍
My top picks are the Martin and the Guild. I prefer the tone of the Martin, but I like the narrower neck width of the Guild.
I love martin and Atkin guitars so much but really like the tone of the Gallagher.Many thanks for this video plenty of banter between you both which is just as entertaining as listening to you play .Martin from Cambridge uk
Thanks so much Martin!
I'm going to go with Martin for the win guys!!🤠 Guild was definitely impressive as well!
My 2018 Martin D-18 doesn't lie. Best is a terrible word to describe top-of-the-line acoustic guitars. Best at what, comes to mind. Favorite or 'best-for-me' are how I speak of guitars; after 60+ years of owning, playing, restoring and repairing great guitars. Thank you for your presentation.
I found the Guild to be an interesting sound. It sounded great, but also sounded like a guitar that needs to be played a lot and open up, and then it will be incredible. But it's really got its own voice and I'm interested in trying some out.
With an Adi top it will need time to fully open up.
Great comparison!
Thanks for letting us know!
Gallagher, Martin, Atkin. Great video.
The Eastman competed way above its price class. The Bourgeois was different than the rest for sure. They were all great but I have to go with the D18 classic sound. I think it has a 5 inch nut width. hahaha I do hear a difference in tone between the standard D18 and my custom shop D18 with Adirondack top. Mine sounds closer to a vintage D18. I saw the D18 master series has a carbon fiber bridge plate. That's sacrilegious!
I like the comparison guys. Thanks!!
They all sound great.
Your posture is clearly different with the Atkins and Eastman. So much more relaxed and natural than with all the others.
1. Martin, 2. Bourgeois, 3. Atkin…. Excellent video!!! Would love to see the same comparison only with Martin D28 Standard against others….
That’s a great idea, hopefully one day we can!
@@AcousticShoppe thankyou for replying. Can’t wait for that comparison!!!
YES this is exactly what I came to the comments for!
Will you be doing this for rosewood dreads as well? I'd love to see that.
We would totally love to!
I got an Atkin D-37 and love it. I probably would’ve loved an essential if one would’ve been in the shop. I loved my Atkin so much I bought an Atkin EOM which is their version of an OM18. People have been freaking out at how this OM sounds like a dreadnought. I’m freaking out about it too. Pretty crazy.
How deep is that OM18?
I'm not ready to make a firm decision on this.. I'm gonna have to re-watch.
Guild - Westerly, RI all the way. I've had mine since 1986. It rings.
I have a 1975 d35 thats a banjo killer
Cool comparison the guild sounded more like a martin than the martin. Would have liked to hear the fg5 in the mix even though its half the price
Love the vid, but why not just keep everything sitka and mahogany and demo the E6D?
Which guitar had the most comfortable neck or the fullest feel, I’m not too sure about the MLO on the D-18, I hear some people feel some cramping on the first three frets. Thanks!
For availability, consistency, price, warranty, playability, and the overall best sound, I’m going with Martin. Are there better sounding guitars? Probably, but I’m sure all of the markers have stand outs that the stars just aligned with. Your listers won’t be able to tell the difference anyway! :)
As usual great video!!
Going by Sound alone: 1. ATKIN 2. Martin 3. Guild 4. Eastman 5. Bourgeois 6. Gallagher. Then, I would need a narrow nut (less than 1.75"). I like them all as my 1st guitar was a spruce mahogany dreadnought (Airline / Harmony Sovereign Regal H6600). Currently, my A Loprinzi LM-15 (1974 spruce mahogany, the "NJ Martin") fills the D-18 bill. Thanks
You should have included the Blueridge. They're amazing.
would be nice to throw in a cedar top. my Yairi d61 keeps up with my d18-v.. but has a different tone . then i threw a new ToneBar into the yairi and now it has a expanded sound and sustain. Then theres my Guild D46- ASH.. a guitar never matched for its sound and action. loved them all. thx 4 the review.
These are all great sounding dreads. What I hear here is my own personal preference for Rosewood dreads coming through. I liked the sound of all of these instruments, but I don't love it like I do from a Rosewood guitar. Great video. THe Bourgious sounded particularly clear.
My Collings D1A seems to hold its own in the mix.
Wish they could be a dealer. I know they do too. Top of the line guitars.
I like the Guild D-40 - it's beefy.
I’m waiting for my d40 to arrive!
D40 is a great guitar! Love mine. Great overtones and neck plays great ❤
*Guild for the win*
@@Magnum_Opus_Music so much better than martin
D18 sound isn't supposed to be beefy, but if you prefer beefy, then great.
@@larrydunn4626 Descriptions and perceptions are purely personal - if I perceive it as beefy, then I'll say it sounds beefy as that's my perception of it compared to the others and there's nothing wrong with that.
How would you describe how it's 'supposed' to sound? Is it 'supposed' to sound a specific way?
Great review and playing guys! What is the name of the song starting ~9:10?
That's Blackberry Blossom.
Yes maybe do the different Martin dread comparison please! Do a comparison of the -d18, D28 and the hd28 addi top, and the d28 etc… that would be amazing to hear since Martin really remains supreme. Can you do this? Thanks 😊
A full Martin line comparison would be awesome and we do really hope to do it one day. It’s just a matter of getting the guitars in!
@@AcousticShoppe yea that’s quite a load of expensive guitars. Maybe people could
Lend their Martin for the show locally. Hehe 😉
I bought a Bedell 1964 special edition square shoulder from the acoustic Shoppe back in October. Ive never heard a d18 anything with as much volume or midrange cut. Ive owned all the d18s from standard to custom shop sinker. No comparison.
That’s a great model!
I want a Bedell Coffee House Dreadnought so bad !! I am jealous of you!!
@user-lz9xz6lu3u someone just listed for sale here in Idaho for 2800 bucks! Killer deal. Immaculate shape
How does that Martin D-18 compare to another Martin D-18?
That’s no lie. I’ve played a bunch and they’re not very consistent.
@@BulldoggerJK I think that since 2018, they have been incredibly consistent. Like super duper ultra mega consistent.
@@ManchurianCounterweight Really? I’m guessing I’ve a 100 since then and liked 2. The weekend I bought my Atkin I played 13 Collings. They were consistent and great sounding. Hard to tell apart. That same weekend I played about that many Martins and don’t think any of them sounded good. Taylor isn’t my sound but they were consistent as well. Maybe they’re sending all the duds to MO.
We personally feel like this one was above average and could definitely hold its own.
I have a Circa D-18 style guitar. It’s phenomenal. I wish I lived close to your shop, I’d bring it to you for a test drive.
I was not familiar with the Adkin but was impressed with its tone. I have a 14 yr old E10D that gives D-18 a run for the money. However, I’m a fan of Adi tops and my Martin Custom Shop D-18 Adi is hard to beat.
That guild has some fire in it
Thank you! Nicely done.
Why didn’t you also compare the Collings?
I’m like the other commenter; I have an e10d as the other ones are out of my price range, at least for now, and the Eastie hangs with the US big boys. The dread I have got my eye on is the Recording King Series 11 dreadnought. I have the 000; the series is very lightly built and responsive. Interested to hear what people think about them.
The Martin seems like it is better through the mid range…every other one sounded scooped to me
Why wouldn't you add the Alvarez md60 in the mix?
Lol you guys are hilarious! Warning: don’t try to eat a sandwich while watching the banter portion of this video! Haha
Lol thanks!
I just really like the sound of the Gallagher, so full to me.(I am totally deaf in my right ear since birth so I hear things differently.)I own a Martin D-28.
They all had their own voice. I liked the Atkins, it sounded opened and woodie.
They are all very good pro quality instruments . A few years ago I, the local shop had a Collings D1 in on trade. We tried that against some other mahogany dreadnoughts and it was clearly superior , but at a much higher price. Whatever floats the boat and also leaves the credit card paid.
They all sound excellent - still favor the balance of the Martin overall. There's no wrong or bad choice here; whatever suits your own ears, and makes you wanna pick it up and play it.
I really like the Boucher BG-42 personally.
Definitely a contender.
There’s still something in the overall Martin tone for me. There’s that roundness with that jangle in the high strings that all the competition here seem to lack and I heard it again in this video in the first part where the high strings were accented. And the bottom end is legendary. Next for me in this video would be the Atkin. That sounded great too.
Collings needs to be in any best d-18 conversation, they make the best among Martin/Bourgeois/Huss and Dalton/Santa Cruz etc
Collings D1A are a premier guitar. I've played many of them. Also would throw in Goodall as a top brand. I wound up with a Santa Cruz Vintage Southerner J-45 type guitar, stock sitka top. Light as a feather, piano resonance on A and D strings... Totally took me by surprise. I returned a Martin D28 S in favor of it 16 years ago and never looked back.
The best D-18s I have ever played were the Golden Eras and the absolute best was the D 18 1937 Authentic from the 2000s. Touched by angels.
@@harveycan5820Agree on the last point - and to be fair a D-18 standard isn’t a suitable comparison for a torrified Atkin to Bourgeois
I would love to have seen the Yamaha fG9 mahogany in the mix
Yes, but the Moustache reminds us that this was done quite a while ago. These guys are great at what they do and make amazing videos. Their post production is a tad slow. Just my observation and not a complaint.
No "mean things"
yes sir I did not mean this, as a criticism In anyway. I love these videos!
Of course! I wasn't directing this at you, just pointing out that their videos take so long that the guitars have sold before we see the video. But they do a fine job when they do post stuff.
Actually funny that you mentioned this, we have that exact comparison on the way!
@@AcousticShoppe looking forward to that!
Update: a Martin D-18 re-imagined sounds to have clearer, cleaner notes compared to an Alvarez Yairi DYM60HD and Yamaha FG9 mahogany. These other guitars are great
Could you test smaller body guitars, guild OM 240 and a like please ?
Thanks for the comparison, guys!
Perhaps I missed it, but I didn't hear the price point for the Atkins or the D-18. Also, were the same types of strings being used on all of the guitars are were they all the same age?
I agree that a brighter guitar will definitely cut through a band mix better in a purely acoustic situation, but many may prefer a richer (darker?) sounding instrument if they are doing a solo or singer/songwriter type of gig.
Also, I would like to hear a D-18 with an Adirondack top in future comparisons.
Thanks again for the great playing and all the editing work that went into this video. Great job!
Please include Larrivée as well!
They would definitely be in the mix, great guitars!
Friend of mine bought a new D-18 in 1965. It was fine then, and I'm sure it is magnificient now.
As a nearly blind man who has an actual affinity for light coloured binding (no joke) I find your doc Watson comment 51% hilarious and 49% borderline offensive lol so I demand a free Gallagher guitar :-)
I recently purchased a Martin D18, satin finish. To me, the sounds that this guitar produce are absolutely stunning! But when it arrived it was nearly unplayable. Martin ships these out with a high action, and with what they call medium gauge strings! I think you could suspend a bridge with those strings! Anyway, I ordered a string action tool, and a truss rod wrench, and made a few minor adjustments, and also switched to light action Elixir strings! Hugh difference in playability, especially finger picking! Martin gets my vote, but they all sound great! Would like to hear a Yamaha in this mix! The FG9, or the FG5! Next time. Thanks!
i have a MORRIS MD-507. its solid spruce and mahogany back and sides. sounds beautiful. no looking back
What a great comparison. It’s amazing how different such similar looking guitars can sound. It’s good to hear the E10D holding its own (I own a 2012 model). What string gauge was used? I assume it would be the same on all.
I wonder how much the comparison might have changed if the mic were in a somewhat different location. A guitar that might not be quite what you’d like in that mic configuration might sound great with a small change. And of course a mic’ed guitar will never sound the same as an unamplified acoustic performance. That’s not criticism, just an observation. Good job.
They all sounds great I love how the Atkin sounds it's sound surprised me being the only brand I'd never heard of. Would have loved to see a dereadnaught Gibson or Taylor in the mix though for reference.
1. Martin for sure
2. Bourgeois
3. Atkin believe it or not
4. The rest were ok just random order. They all sound great but I’m always putting my money on the Martins.
This was totally an awesome show. Do this with the other body styles and compare please. Super cool.
We’re always trying to do more comparisons! Thanks for watching!
The Bourgeois was easily the best sounding one, especially the treble strings! But that Martin sounded great, too. Those would be the top two for me.
I have a Vintage Bourgeois and it sounds great. I live in bluegrass country in Virginia and many good guitarists and Martin owners have played it and say they couldn't imagine a better sounding guitar. It does have an Adirondack top though. I'm selling a Martin D18 GE which is a great bluegrass guitar but my Bourgeois is special.
When I was looking for a d18 style a few weeks ago, it came down to the Martin and the Atkin. The Atkin impressed more so I bought it. The Martin was also very nice indeed. I also tried one of the non-torrefied Eastman E10s, nice guitar for the money but was not a patch on the Martin or the Atkin.
I wouldn’t say no to any of them❤
Eastman's wood selection is crazy good.
I recently sat and played pretty much the whole line of eastman dreads side by side with quite a few martins. The eastmans were impressive, I think they even beat martin for me in playability and honestly looks as well. I think the martins still sounded a little better to me. But the sound difference is not as big as the price difference. I was there for a cutaway so I bought the martin sc18e. But a couple eastman guitars are now definitely on my wishlist.
The bottom line is they all sound great with only small differences between them. The majority of what's the most important, is in the hands of the player. Most wouldn't notice of even care about those small differences.
Considering new D18 or new HD28.
I have Martin D-16 GT and it will hold its own. Sounds very good. It lots of volume.
On eastmans website is says their guitars are 1.72 now…. Can you feel the .03 inch difference?
That Doc Watson Herringbone joke was amazing. HAHA
My 3 favourites in order are #1 Atkin #2 D18 #3 Eastman
The Atkin is something else, amazing!
we voted the same.
Out of the bunch, I'll take the Eastman. I think once they are played in the Eastman is going to be the best. The addy top will make the difference
Chinese junk!
Good point, highlighting Adirondack, I'm from NZ and there's only been 1Eastman Iv'e played played was the equal (soundwise) to the Martin, I forget which model, BUT I didn't forget the price, it was very similar, whereas the cheaper Eastman's, to my ears ,are just nice guitar's that's all ,But just my opinion 😊😊😊
I’m not bagging on your opinion. They are all great I know. But if the ones here I just don’t see how the Eastman isn’t last. Martin and the Bourgeios are clearly better to me. Just to me. I liked the Atkin actually surprisingly. Maybe the Gallagher was last but Eastman to me is nice but I dunno I just don’t see how anyone would thing the Eastman sounds better than the 2 I
Mentioned. I’m not a big Taylor fan myself but they have some models that are very good like the 414 and 914 series. I sold
My Taylor’s though and bought a Martin HD 28 custom addi top and it’s just completely amazing.
Bro I am
Not putting down your opinion. I’m not the world’s expert on sound. I’m
Not even that great of a player but am I missing something? I just don’t hear anything better than the first 2 they just seem to separate themselves from the rest. 😅 🤷🏼😊
Which Eastman? The one that says “Eastman” or the one that says “Bourgeois” on the headstock?
@R.L.Humpert it's just a name, that addy top once it has been played in, or broken in, it's probably going to be the best. I'm not taking anything away from bourgeois, they build some amazing guitars, Dana Bourgeois has collaborated with Eastman, and even before, they were building awesome stuff, but now there as probably as close to bourgeois as you can get. So do you want to pay 6 grand or 2 grand for a great acoustic guitar.
My mahogany guitars are a 1971 J50 and a 1963 Epiphone Cabellero. My Martins are either rosewood or ovangkol.
I also own a 80's vintage Vantage 12 string MIJ guitar with an ash back and sides.
They are all VERY different in their sound profile.
No such thing as a 'best' guitar. Find the instrument with the voice you want and you have found YOUR best guitar.
The guitar I play out most often is a 1977 Takamine F400 12 string I bought for $100 in a pawn shop and restored fully.
I have 5 12 strings in total including a D12-28 and Cole-Clark Fat Lady 2 12 string.
I just love the voice and playability of the Takamine and I get a LOT of positive comments from audience and other players on its tone.
No bedell? Absolutely phenomenal guitars. Pricey
...Never heard of Atkin before !! I have a Martin D-18 GE my self. The Atkin is way above them all at my opinion.
I replaced my d-18 ge with an Atkin essential 18 custom 45mm nut, mod v neck and relic finish. I loved the Martin but the Atkin is just somehow better, sweeter sounding, better intonated and has incredible sustain.
I've owned a bunch of Martins, still have a late 90's D-41. My Eastman 10D easily holds its own.
Guild and Atkins are my favorites. Nice dark lows, and clarity in the highs.
I think I like the Atkins the best
I owned a D18 and a D40 back in the day. Both great. The Martin to me had more soul. The Guild had great sustain and was very even. And that Guild sound. Better neck, but neither were as playable as some modern acoustic neck profiles.
What is tbe Atkin price?
$4,200
the guild to me doesn't come off as well when compared back to back with the martin, but it may just be because their tones are so different that the guild doesn't sound great to me against the nice round sound of the d18. sounds a bit too "nasal" to me, like somebody put it on the bridge pickup 🙂
I don’t think we think of how a guitar sounds in a room full of nice guitars. The sound goes into, bounces around in, and comes back bigger. We rarely get to play alone in a room. These videos are all utilizing nice microphones a couple feet from the instrument. While that levels the playing field it doesn’t seem like it represents real world conditions. I’d also like to hear a Yairi Alvarez in this mix.
Not a bad one in the bunch. Different sounds but they are all fantastic!!
I maybe a bit prejudiced. I like Martin. I own a D18 😅
Larivee make nice guitars and herd some good things about orangewood guitars.
It would be interesting to do a video on how to make your own (Willie Nelson)Trigger and what guitars are available to do so.
I see prismatonepickups now sell the pickup and a guitar w the pickup.
I liked the Atkin and Martin sound
The Martin still wins for me, the D-18 Standard is my favorite acoustic by a mile anyhow, but in the sound test it just had that little bit extra clarity and body in the tone. The Bourgeois was the closest, followed by the Guild IMO. I just love the Martin sound - they mostly came close, though the latter were definitely the closest in tone quality.
wow, not a bad one in the bunch. Martin for my ears.
1. Bourgeois touchstone
2. Martin
3. Eastman
4. Guild
5. Atkin
6. Gallagher
There all good guitars . I have owned 3 Martin D18 standard series one modern deluxe D18 , a custom shop sinker hog D-18 and a 2023 1937 Authentic D-18 of these my authentic sounds the best but each person has there own opinion
I like you guitar choices! I have a standard d18 and would love an authentic. I have a d28 that never gets played.
I am with most, they all sounded great. To me though, I still liked the Martin, then the Guild, then the Gallagher.
The Martin and the Atkin for me please.
Would be interesting to see a comparison of spruce top guitars created for fingerstyle players, like the Gallagher G-60 and the Martin 000-28.