I played the 42 at Guitar Center for 2 hours....It was unreal....Stunning sound easy playability and beautifully made .I just couldn't get the extra $2500 together for the 45......This 42 is a dream come true
Previous comment is correct, both are indeed amazing. One against the other, the difference is minute, but in a performance such a tiny difference would be undistinguishable.
The D45 to my ears sound like the Draught Horse that you can depend on, it has grunt, it sounds solid and precise always on the tune. The D42 sounds like the Filly, lighter, airy and very pretty! Both are so beautiful.
Both are great, although being a lefty, I’d love to have a D-42. The first D-42 made was left handed which makes the D-42 a little more special to me, but I’d take either one (as long as it’s left handed😬)
every time I go to my local guitar shop I always try to play either the D 45 or the D 42...to my ears it`s always the D 45 that rules the day. Maybe some day...who knows...even I might be lucky enough to one day have and to hold till death do us part...peace on earth.
I'd love to see some kind of shootout between standard X, scalloped X, and forward-shifted scalloped X (and non-forward unscalloped... and rear-shifted... and...) Some kind of ultimate bracing shootout
+muscles662988 Good question! I think "the Martin rosewood dreadnought" basically qualifies. You could get a D-28 with standard X, an HD-28 with scalloped standard X, and there are other variants with 1/4" bracing, both scalloped and not, some variants with golden era bracing... So that would be my pick, would be to get every variety of D-28 (!) and compare the bracing.
Hmmm you could maybe use different gauge settings and a type of wound on the strings fitted to the guitar, string windings can make a affect on the guitar. D45 for me in a recording studio. What would Tommy Emanuel do ?
I'd like to see a blind test shootout between the 45 and some not so expensive similar made solid wood guitars and see who people like without knowing which one it is.
In fact what you say is correct, are tests that I have done in the past of the type (Martin HD28V, Martin HD40, Martin HD40MK Mark Knopfler signature) against Sigma SDR45 YEARS, result of the tests? I sold all my Martins and kept my Sigma SDR45 Years. I understood that Martin pays for the writing on the headstock nothing more, I think the Martin is a beautiful guitar without a shadow of a doubt but overrated by the fact that many famous musicians use it, a bit like the National if it were not for Mark Knopfler the National would have sold very little and so on for Martin, but Martin gave as his guitars to the best musicians in the world and that's it.
I own a custom D41e. I think I like the bass a bit better with the D45. Strings could make up the difference here too. Same strings? I'm using Tony Rice Retro Monel strings, for their deep mellow sound.
I would like to.say D45 as I own a brand new one but I haven't been able to play mine as the spruce top came apart and the bracing inside is loose. Martin says I have to wait to the spring to have them fix it so all I have now is very expensive wall hanger
Was thinking . . . would be nice if you make a video with "acoustic guitar care tips" or something related to it.. action level characteristics. cleaning and stuff of the sort. :) thanks! great videos as always.
THe D-42 sounds so nice and sweet not requiring a heavy hand, while the D-45 is a strong beast ready to handle most anything you throw at it. One of each please!
D45 for me, though they both sounded great. Single strums were very similar, D42 slightly brighter, and slightly more treble- ay on the "tunes". D45 had the better bass to my ears. Now the question is would I prefer X bracing in an OM too, compared to forward shifted bracing. Actually I'm not even sure if both patterns exist in OM's!!! Keep these comparisons coming Tony!
Could not disagree more. I traded my 45 for a 42 straight across. I got the first year 42 when it was reintroduced . The bass end on the 42 was much more present than the 45 . If I was playing bluegrass I would say the 45 as it sounds more like a 28 …
I listen with closed eyes to start. Really prefer the D45. The 42 is more like day one with new strings, with the D45 when that harsh edge breaks in. Felt there was a richer sound with D45 at the expense of the more immediate attack with the 4w. I will leave price alone. D41 vs D45 is also a classic... is it really just window dressing that makes the difference?
This is incorrect, or, Martin has changed their specs. BOTH of these have forward scalloped bracing now. The only thing different on them is the bling. The inlay.
Wow 45 for me large range for my ear Ha! Remember this hearing ear thing is an electrical signal being translated to the brain from first the guitar creating vibrations that travel to the ear then vibrating the ear follicles turning that into electric signals to the brain Ha and then that sample is compared to all of the past input we have subconsciously gathered about all the visual variables. Aged color top vs not. Good Video!
i like most martins but for my money i prefer my Grammar or my SL Mossman,I still have a martin in the stable along with a couple of Taylors. I like the necks equally on both the Martin and the Taylors,the Mossman neck feels like an old friend,got my first one in 1975 as far as Rosewood guitars go The Grammar with Brazillian has more overtones,but as far as mohoganny I love my Guild as it has been hard to date asit is a d40 bluegrass special numbred in the 800s from westerly RI.As I am getting older and not in great health I gave my 1980 D 28 to an old friend a couple of months back he hasa Huss and Dalton but had never had a d28
so many people think they can tell a difference. Both sound very much the same. Its the player that makes it sound what it sounds. it's a matter of taste on the woods, looks and shape.
When u buy it it’s the strings it will be good. But what if u buy a new set after one of the store strings brakes will different strings affect the sound will it still be the same as the original strings.
Hi Tony - I picked up a D41 Special which I believe has the same forward shifted X bracing found in the D42. I made what I believe to be a mistake and put the same light elixir strings on that I use on my HD28. It hadn't been setup since it was new - the action was already too low for my preference making B & top E thin, buzzy and really frustrated me with the light strings. It's at the luthier getting some of that adjusted, and I ordered Martin M550 Traditional Medium 92/8 to try. Do you have a favorite string or several you like for the D4X series?
Eric du Toit I have a D42 and I had the same problem, if the guitar was setup for midium string (13) when it left the martin factory like the martin D and J , you can change to light strings (12), the tension will decrese from about 185 to 165 depends what brand string you are using. if you hear the fret buzz, you can press the string down on the 1st and 12th fret to check on the 7th fret see if the neck is too streight, there are vids on youtube to show you how to do it. if the 7th fret has no gap at all, then turn the truss rod CWW until the buzz goes away.
Hi Mo! Thanks for the reply. I'll update with what I've had done. I sent it to a good luthier (and friend) for some simple setup for bluegrass playing. He built a new bone saddle for higher action, a very minor truss rod adjustment, and some bone pins (not necessary, but I wanted them). I love my D41 Special - it's an amazing sounding guitar.
I heard more harmonics from the 45. It just seems more dynamic. I thought the 42 sounded more muffled and boomy. But that's just me and that's also just two guitars. You'll never really know until you pick one up and play it.
The D42 had a brighter, more articulate response while the 45 was more warm and pronounced on bass. Bc I am primarily a fingerstyle player, I would go with the 42. Also I don't much care for the gauche pretentious appearance of the 45. I do like some abalone but definitely in moderation.
I heard the exact opposite. There was a lot more warmth and midrange presence in the D42 while the D45 was more balanced and articulate. Were you listening on headphones or nice speakers?
I felt the 45 was boomier, deeper, but the 42 had almost the same depth but with more upper overtones, ie more ring. What the 42 lost in boom it gained in overall ring on all strings, and I dig the aged look much better. I picked up an HD7 (Roger McGuinn model) 7 string that I love, now looking for a standard mate. I am torn with the D18, D35, or D42
I MUST say that I've never heard anything like "Last Steam engine train" played on that D42 ; I got one of these babies (D42, 27 yrs old) and all I can say is :be patient, it takes time for such a guitar to give its real sound!
I’m a lefty too. Neat fact. The first D-42 made was left handed, which makes that one a little more special to me being left handed. I have a Custom Shop D-21, which I love. I’ve thought It would be nice to have a D-42 someday, just because of the left handed historical tie-in. Happy picking!
It's interesting to reading people believe the 45 has more bass,and projection than the 42 . The reality is quite the opposite . I've owned a couple of 45s in the 1970s-80s . When they reintroduced the 42 , I think it was early 1990s I tried a few of them. They blew me away. I traded my 45 flat across for the 42, and have never looked back. I don't understand the sound on this video. It made it appear the 45 was both louder,and had more bass response . There are only two issues that could cause this. 1. Different gauge strings. 2. Harder attack by the player. If you used the same strings - I should add Martin has stamped inside the guitar " Only use light gauge strings " something to that effect. I use 45-10 - Had the attack,and strings been the same you would hear the difference. The 42 is so fat sounding. Once you figure out the best gauge strings it's no contest. Consider the 45 will come from factory with heavier gauge strings, and you naturally play with a harder attack it will sound loud,and even bass response ,and action will be harder . The 42 is easier to play via the lighter gauge strings,and the forward bracings mean you don't have to attack the guitar as hard . Also you're paying an extra $2000. for the abalone purfling . From the front of the body they look the same ,although I briefer the darker spruce top on the 42 . The only I changed was I put a compensated bone bridge on mine as well as changed machine heads to Schaller GrandTune which are as good a Waverley's . I also got the top of the line alligator case . The Schallers ,and bridge only cost me an extra $225. If you're not aware of the Grande Tune machine heads you may want to look them up. They're like the Waverley's only made in Germany .
There is a 3K difference in price. This is getting excessive - the 45 woods might be higher grade (as someone said, but I doubt that's really the case), but this is $200-300 max all-in for the wood and it should make no difference for the sound. Call it another 200-300 for some extra abalone inlay, and in no way does this justify the cost difference. The sound surely does not justify being able to buy D-42 and almost a 000-28EC for the cost of a D-45. My 2 cents...
Kroum Sourov Agree, Martins are way waaay overpriced, that's why I stick w/ my Gibsons. SJ-200 Custom Mystic Rosewood still sounds better than any D-40+ Martin and it costs 4.5k $ w/ all those pearl inlays, great beast for the buck
In fact what you say is correct, are tests that I have done in the past of the type (Martin HD28V, Martin HD40, Martin HD40MK Mark Knopfler signature) against Sigma SDR45 YEARS, result of the tests? I sold all my Martins and kept my Sigma SDR45 Years. I understood that Martin pays for the writing on the headstock nothing more, I think the Martin is a beautiful guitar without a shadow of a doubt but overrated by the fact that many famous musicians use it, a bit like the National if it were not for Mark Knopfler the National would have sold very little and so on for Martin, but Martin gave as his guitars to the best musicians in the world and that's it.
I expected to like the 42 but the 45 - this one anyway- sounded better. More bass and more treble. Midrange on the 42 gets the edge. Both great. Thanks Tony. At a few parts of the video they actuslly sounded very close, most of the time clearly different.
If I could have one (pricing not a factor) I'd go with the 45. However I don't think it sounds particularly better than the 42 to warrant the extra 3 grand pricing...so realistically I'd go with the 42
Apart from the sound it's also very much a matter of playability and feel. From what I have experienced they feel very differently: D-45 feels sort of massive and somewhat rough (not necessarily in a bad way!), d-42 feels a little more delicate when playing.
What are you talking about they are the same size? Unless you played an old d45 that doesn’t have the “performing artist taper” on the neck But the bodies are identical
@@Rossdink It's not about body size, I guess. It might have to do with responsiveness, string tension or something about the neck - the two guitars definately don't play the same. And neither do they sound the same.
@@Frederob interesting. I thought they were almost exactly the same except maybe the d45 has slightly better select choices of wood used by the luthiers cause it’s their top priced guitar
@@Rossdink I thought so too. But there is a difference. I've heard somebody say that the D-45 seems to be slightly better suited for the somewhat heavier handed - and maybe that's a good description. It's a matter of taste, I guess.
I have an genuine question. What’s the point of buying a D-42 instead of a reimagined HD-28? Aren’t they the same top, body, and same bracing. To me it sounds like the only differences is in the binding, gold tuners, and inlay. That doesn’t justify a $3000 price increase in my opinion
A very predominant difference between these two guitars, is the wider fretboard on the D-42 - made for fingerpicking. It should have been mentioned, as it clarifies a few things! I think the D-42 is a great "all-rounder", and a winner for fingerstyle. For strumming and flatpicking, the D-45 is second to none...
You'd have a much bassier instrument with much less "sparkle" in the high notes. If you have the chance play them side by side in a store. The 40s models are somewhat different from the 20s series.
Certainly there are instruments/devices available to analyze and chart intonation, pitch, range, etc. Thus, why not compare guitars with technology vs. ear?
Thanks so much, that's a pro tip. Now I'm actually leaning on buying that one, or a Takamine P3DC. I admire your videos! Very interesting to hear all of the guitars and your thoughts on them.
Very informative review. I have just come out of a guitar shop. I was trying out Martin 000-28EC. While I was there I decided to compare it to the "Martin" dregnaught. I asked for the price and the guy said " that s a Sigma D42" I was amazed. There was €2000 in the difference. The 28ec cost €2600 the Sigma d42 €600!!!
Кино
D-45 must he played in person...so many wonderful overtones to it. Truly special guitar
I played the 42 at Guitar Center for 2 hours....It was unreal....Stunning sound easy playability and beautifully made .I just couldn't get the extra $2500 together for the 45......This 42 is a dream come true
Did you buy it
Thanks for an very enlightening and helpful video! Your comparison model playing is most appreciated.
42 for a picker ... 45 for a singer
I like the D42 more than the D45 ..
thanks for comparing the two tony
Beautiful guitars and beautiful playing
D-42 sounds a bit warmer and softer while the 45 has a more balanced tone.
Personally i think the HD28 is the best sounding guitar Martin makes. The HD28 is a utility guitar you can play most any genre of music on it .
Previous comment is correct, both are indeed amazing. One against the other, the difference is minute, but in a performance such a tiny difference would be undistinguishable.
The D45 to my ears sound like the Draught Horse that you can depend on, it has grunt, it sounds solid and precise always on the tune. The D42 sounds like the Filly, lighter, airy and very pretty! Both are so beautiful.
Both are great, although being a lefty, I’d love to have a D-42. The first D-42 made was left handed which makes the D-42 a little more special to me, but I’d take either one (as long as it’s left handed😬)
every time I go to my local guitar shop I always try to play either the D 45 or the D 42...to my ears it`s always the D 45 that rules the day. Maybe some day...who knows...even I might be lucky enough to one day have and to hold till death do us part...peace on earth.
I'd love to see some kind of shootout between standard X, scalloped X, and forward-shifted scalloped X (and non-forward unscalloped... and rear-shifted... and...)
Some kind of ultimate bracing shootout
+Jesse Watson Is there one Martin model that offers the whole bevy of bracings? That would be an excellent video to watch.
+muscles662988 Good question! I think "the Martin rosewood dreadnought" basically qualifies. You could get a D-28 with standard X, an HD-28 with scalloped standard X, and there are other variants with 1/4" bracing, both scalloped and not, some variants with golden era bracing... So that would be my pick, would be to get every variety of D-28 (!) and compare the bracing.
Jesse Watson That would probably be the best way to address it.
i love the way this guy explains things
Hmmm you could maybe use different gauge settings and a type of wound on the strings fitted to the guitar, string windings can make a affect on the guitar. D45 for me in a recording studio. What would Tommy Emanuel do ?
Really helpful video I think I prefer the 42 sound to be honest.
According to to my ear pods ,, the D-45 has slightly crisper or sparkly highs ,, but they both have nice deep bass ..🤷♂️
I'd like to see a blind test shootout between the 45 and some not so expensive similar made solid wood guitars and see who people like without knowing which one it is.
In fact what you say is correct, are tests that I have done in the past of the type (Martin HD28V, Martin HD40, Martin HD40MK Mark Knopfler signature) against Sigma SDR45 YEARS, result of the tests? I sold all my Martins and kept my Sigma SDR45 Years. I understood that Martin pays for the writing on the headstock nothing more, I think the Martin is a beautiful guitar without a shadow of a doubt but overrated by the fact that many famous musicians use it, a bit like the National if it were not for Mark Knopfler the National would have sold very little and so on for Martin, but Martin gave as his guitars to the best musicians in the world and that's it.
D45 all day long!
i concur
You're so lucky to get to play those powerhouses! I'd like to see how they sound against my 73 D-28
I own a custom D41e. I think I like the bass a bit better with the D45. Strings could make up the difference here too. Same strings? I'm using Tony Rice Retro Monel strings, for their deep mellow sound.
Both awesome...but the 45 is the one I'd pick.
I would like to.say D45 as I own a brand new one but I haven't been able to play mine as the spruce top came apart and the bracing inside is loose. Martin says I have to wait to the spring to have them fix it so all I have now is very expensive wall hanger
RC Price sorry to hear that, why are they making you wait?
Was thinking . . . would be nice if you make a video with "acoustic guitar care tips" or something related to it.. action level characteristics. cleaning and stuff of the sort. :) thanks! great videos as always.
THe D-42 sounds so nice and sweet not requiring a heavy hand, while the D-45 is a strong beast ready to handle most anything you throw at it. One of each please!
D45 for me, though they both sounded great. Single strums were very similar, D42 slightly brighter, and slightly more treble- ay on the "tunes". D45 had the better bass to my ears. Now the question is would I prefer X bracing in an OM too, compared to forward shifted bracing. Actually I'm not even sure if both patterns exist in OM's!!! Keep these comparisons coming Tony!
Could not disagree more. I traded my 45 for a 42 straight across. I got the first year 42 when it was reintroduced . The bass end on the 42 was much more present than the 45 . If I was playing bluegrass I would say the 45 as it sounds more like a 28 …
Very good review brother, please keep it up.
Both sound wicked
Both sound great but I think I'll keep my D35
Wow! D42!!! Not as blingy, however, sounds better imo!
I listen with closed eyes to start. Really prefer the D45. The 42 is more like day one with new strings, with the D45 when that harsh edge breaks in. Felt there was a richer sound with D45 at the expense of the more immediate attack with the 4w. I will leave price alone.
D41 vs D45 is also a classic... is it really just window dressing that makes the difference?
Yup. I have a D41 and do not hear any difference with a D45. What people miss is the top aged. A 25 year old D41 sounds better than a new D45 to me.
Hi have you done a similar critique on the Sigma Dr42 versus Martin d45 or whatever!! Thank you.
here in austria (europe) there no martins like this in the stores...
The D42 is brighter to my ears. Therefore I like it more.
This is incorrect, or, Martin has changed their specs. BOTH of these have forward scalloped bracing now. The only thing different on them is the bling. The inlay.
Please note the date on this video. It was made in 2015, yes the specs have changed since then.
Wow 45 for me large range for my ear Ha! Remember this hearing ear thing is an electrical signal being translated to the brain from first the guitar creating vibrations that travel to the ear then vibrating the ear follicles turning that into electric signals to the brain Ha and then that sample is compared to all of the past input we have subconsciously gathered about all the visual variables. Aged color top vs not. Good Video!
They're both great, but I gotta go with the D45
Pretty amazing sustain on the D-42 but I'd still go for the other one if I was faced with the choice.
You failed to mention the 42 has an extra set of black and white lines around the edge of fretboard and heel cap .
If the d 45. Had the aged spruce what would that sound like... The aged Sitka spruce sounds warmer
@MeS&W OK thanks...
i like most martins but for my money i prefer my Grammar or my SL Mossman,I still have a martin in the stable along with a couple of Taylors. I like the necks equally on both the Martin and the Taylors,the Mossman neck feels like an old friend,got my first one in 1975 as far as Rosewood guitars go The Grammar with Brazillian has more overtones,but as far as mohoganny I love my Guild as it has been hard to date asit is a d40 bluegrass special numbred in the 800s from westerly RI.As I am getting older and not in great health I gave my 1980 D 28 to an old friend a couple of months back he hasa Huss and Dalton but had never had a d28
Most interesting - and, as always an excellent way of comparing. For me he D42 was way ahead sonically (sp?) and also more tasteful bling.
I would love to see a D-28 vs D-45 shootout :D
d 45 CRUSHES IT EVERY TIME...I DID THE COMPARISON
great as always Tony, you must get tired of those tunes though ;-)
so many people think they can tell a difference. Both sound very much the same. Its the player that makes it sound what it sounds. it's a matter of taste on the woods, looks and shape.
The 45.... Only because I’ve wanted one for 45 years 😁
I have a Martin D-42 Peter Framton. Super guitar! Now I met a good offer - Martin D 45 V to buy for $ 7,200. Sell 42 or collect and buy another 45 V?
When you plug into an amp for an acoustic guitar, what are the better amps you would recommend looking at to buy?
The Fishman Loudbox is a great acoustic Amp.... -Chad
I liked the D-45 better at some parts, and the D-42 better at other parts.
Nice video & playing 👍
I much preferred D45, more open and resonant
D42 is more fundamental in its tone and doesn’t project overtones like 45.
When u buy it it’s the strings it will be good. But what if u buy a new set after one of the store strings brakes will different strings affect the sound will it still be the same as the original strings.
Elixer
The brightest sounding one (the blonde) for me is the best.
Hi Tony - I picked up a D41 Special which I believe has the same forward shifted X bracing found in the D42. I made what I believe to be a mistake and put the same light elixir strings on that I use on my HD28. It hadn't been setup since it was new - the action was already too low for my preference making B & top E thin, buzzy and really frustrated me with the light strings. It's at the luthier getting some of that adjusted, and I ordered Martin M550 Traditional Medium 92/8 to try. Do you have a favorite string or several you like for the D4X series?
Eric du Toit I have a D42 and I had the same problem, if the guitar was setup for midium string (13) when it left the martin factory like the martin D and J , you can change to light strings (12), the tension will decrese from about 185 to 165 depends what brand string you are using. if you hear the fret buzz, you can press the string down on the 1st and 12th fret to check on the 7th fret see if the neck is too streight, there are vids on youtube to show you how to do it. if the 7th fret has no gap at all, then turn the truss rod CWW until the buzz goes away.
Hi Mo! Thanks for the reply. I'll update with what I've had done. I sent it to a good luthier (and friend) for some simple setup for bluegrass playing. He built a new bone saddle for higher action, a very minor truss rod adjustment, and some bone pins (not necessary, but I wanted them). I love my D41 Special - it's an amazing sounding guitar.
Eric du Toit very cool !
I heard more harmonics from the 45. It just seems more dynamic. I thought the 42 sounded more muffled and boomy. But that's just me and that's also just two guitars. You'll never really know until you pick one up and play it.
The D42 had a brighter, more articulate response while the 45 was more warm and pronounced on bass. Bc I am primarily a fingerstyle player, I would go with the 42. Also I don't much care for the gauche pretentious appearance of the 45. I do like some abalone but definitely in moderation.
I heard the exact opposite. There was a lot more warmth and midrange presence in the D42 while the D45 was more balanced and articulate. Were you listening on headphones or nice speakers?
i prefer the sound of the D45 . . . but very interesting! thx for th review :)
They both sound okay to me. I'll take either one.
The Custom Shop who built my D-42 said only cosmetic differences..It's a dream
Different models for different songs. D45 for "Steam powered airplane" D42 for "Crossing Big Sandy".
What is the title of the 5th tune that is played in this video? Thanks
I felt the 45 was boomier, deeper, but the 42 had almost the same depth but with more upper overtones, ie more ring. What the 42 lost in boom it gained in overall ring on all strings, and I dig the aged look much better. I picked up an HD7 (Roger McGuinn model) 7 string that I love, now looking for a standard mate. I am torn with the D18, D35, or D42
I thought you had a video comparing the D-41 and the D-42, could you point me to it?
What song is in the 5:00 mins of the video?
anyone know what song he played at the end ? 5:44
D 45, but love both.
D42 seems slightly quieter but not by much. D45 sounds brighter as well.
o-k , if I had these guitars, i could figure it out in a few decades...
lol
i reckon it would take me 10 years!
42 sound a little smaller and less projection but sweeter in quality.
D45 is a wild guitar. Very powerful.
Tony got the talent to make all guitars sound the same.
what string do you use in the video? It looks nice
How is it for playability? Im torn between the D42 and J45 even with the price difference, I'm looking for an all rounder.
I MUST say that I've never heard anything like "Last Steam engine train" played on that D42 ; I got one of these babies (D42, 27 yrs old) and all I can say is :be patient, it takes time for such a guitar to give its real sound!
I’ll take which Ever you’ll send me ! Lefty version please !
I’m a lefty too. Neat fact. The first D-42 made was left handed, which makes that one a little more special to me being left handed. I have a Custom Shop D-21, which I love. I’ve thought It would be nice to have a D-42 someday, just because of the left handed historical tie-in. Happy picking!
I go for the D-45.
It's interesting to reading people believe the 45 has more bass,and projection than the 42 . The reality is quite the opposite . I've owned a couple of 45s in the 1970s-80s . When they reintroduced the 42 , I think it was early 1990s I tried a few of them. They blew me away. I traded my 45 flat across for the 42, and have never looked back. I don't understand the sound on this video. It made it appear the 45 was both louder,and had more bass response .
There are only two issues that could cause this. 1. Different gauge strings. 2. Harder attack by the player. If you used the same strings - I should add Martin has stamped inside the guitar " Only use light gauge strings " something to that effect. I use 45-10 -
Had the attack,and strings been the same you would hear the difference. The 42 is so fat sounding. Once you figure out the best gauge strings it's no contest. Consider the 45 will come from factory with heavier gauge strings, and you naturally play with a harder attack it will sound loud,and even bass response ,and action will be harder . The 42 is easier to play via the lighter gauge strings,and the forward bracings mean you don't have to attack the guitar as hard . Also you're paying an extra $2000. for the abalone purfling . From the front of the body they look the same ,although I briefer the darker spruce top on the 42 . The only I changed was I put a compensated bone bridge on mine as well as changed machine heads to Schaller GrandTune which are as good a Waverley's . I also got the top of the line alligator case . The Schallers ,and bridge only cost me an extra $225. If you're not aware of the Grande Tune machine heads you may want to look them up. They're like the Waverley's only made in Germany .
There is a 3K difference in price. This is getting excessive - the 45 woods might be higher grade (as someone said, but I doubt that's really the case), but this is $200-300 max all-in for the wood and it should make no difference for the sound. Call it another 200-300 for some extra abalone inlay, and in no way does this justify the cost difference. The sound surely does not justify being able to buy D-42 and almost a 000-28EC for the cost of a D-45. My 2 cents...
Kroum Sourov Agree, Martins are way waaay overpriced, that's why I stick w/ my Gibsons. SJ-200 Custom Mystic Rosewood still sounds better than any D-40+ Martin and it costs 4.5k $ w/ all those pearl inlays, great beast for the buck
.My martins were reasonably priced than my Gibsons because they dont stick it to you if you are a lefty. Gibson does. Love them both though
In fact what you say is correct, are tests that I have done in the past of the type (Martin HD28V, Martin HD40, Martin HD40MK Mark Knopfler signature) against Sigma SDR45 YEARS, result of the tests? I sold all my Martins and kept my Sigma SDR45 Years. I understood that Martin pays for the writing on the headstock nothing more, I think the Martin is a beautiful guitar without a shadow of a doubt but overrated by the fact that many famous musicians use it, a bit like the National if it were not for Mark Knopfler the National would have sold very little and so on for Martin, but Martin gave as his guitars to the best musicians in the world and that's it.
It's interesting that with most of these excellent vids, the split on preference is usually about 50/50. All down to personal preference I guess
50/50 oh no,the D45 wins hands down for me it's all about response and brightness.
I expected to like the 42 but the 45 - this one anyway- sounded better. More bass and more treble. Midrange on the 42 gets the edge. Both great. Thanks Tony. At a few parts of the video they actuslly sounded very close, most of the time clearly different.
D42 is a wonderful guitar, D45 too but too much bling for me and i cannot understand the price difference cause of the absolut same materials.
If I could have one (pricing not a factor) I'd go with the 45. However I don't think it sounds particularly better than the 42 to warrant the extra 3 grand pricing...so realistically I'd go with the 42
I played d41 couples weeks ago and not impress specially being so expensive
great!!!
What's the difference in the cost and is it worth the difference?
D-45 $11,000....D-42 $9000
@@msmithrandir561 false
What they cost
Apart from the sound it's also very much a matter of playability and feel. From what I have experienced they feel very differently: D-45 feels sort of massive and somewhat rough (not necessarily in a bad way!), d-42 feels a little more delicate when playing.
What are you talking about they are the same size? Unless you played an old d45 that doesn’t have the “performing artist taper” on the neck
But the bodies are identical
@@Rossdink It's not about body size, I guess. It might have to do with responsiveness, string tension or something about the neck - the two guitars definately don't play the same. And neither do they sound the same.
@@Frederob interesting. I thought they were almost exactly the same except maybe the d45 has slightly better select choices of wood used by the luthiers cause it’s their top priced guitar
@@Rossdink I thought so too. But there is a difference. I've heard somebody say that the D-45 seems to be slightly better suited for the somewhat heavier handed - and maybe that's a good description. It's a matter of taste, I guess.
I have an genuine question. What’s the point of buying a D-42 instead of a reimagined HD-28? Aren’t they the same top, body, and same bracing. To me it sounds like the only differences is in the binding, gold tuners, and inlay. That doesn’t justify a $3000 price increase in my opinion
The 42 will have a slightly higher grade wood selection.
@@musicvilladotcom still to me idk if it justifies $3000 more
both great. I like the 45 More
A very predominant difference between these two guitars, is the wider fretboard on the D-42 - made for fingerpicking. It should have been mentioned, as it clarifies a few things! I think the D-42 is a great "all-rounder", and a winner for fingerstyle. For strumming and flatpicking, the D-45 is second to none...
A reminder that this video is from 2015. The nut width of the D-45 and D-42 available today, in 2021 are both the same, 1 3/4".
@@musicvilladotcom I did not know that, and thank you for a great video :-)
i prefer d 45..base response is ok..very rich tone....sustain is good than that of d 42....
buddy he's checking out that 42 he's looking that thing over I'm sure he like it more oh he just said he liked it more lol...
The 42 sounded a lot _tighter_ and articulate than the 45, the 45 sounded like it . It wasn't a hard decision for me, 42 won.
Agreed.
45 for me.
If I wanted this tone I would buy a D28, and with the money left over, perhaps a 00018.
You'd have a much bassier instrument with much less "sparkle" in the high notes. If you have the chance play them side by side in a store. The 40s models are somewhat different from the 20s series.
D 42 hands down as far as bluegrass sound goes.
D45 of course
Coooool...!
Km184s???
Certainly there are instruments/devices available to analyze and chart intonation, pitch, range, etc. Thus, why not compare guitars with technology vs. ear?
They are d28s made to look good
Can someone recommend a guitar, maximum 1500$ price, that sounds as close as possible to the D-45?
That's a tough one... perhaps the D-16RGT.
Thanks so much, that's a pro tip. Now I'm actually leaning on buying that one, or a Takamine P3DC.
I admire your videos! Very interesting to hear all of the guitars and your thoughts on them.
David - buy a used D-28. They are fantastic Martin dreads.
Very informative review. I have just come out of a guitar shop. I was trying out Martin 000-28EC. While I was there I decided to compare it to the "Martin" dregnaught. I asked for the price and the guy said " that s a Sigma D42" I was amazed. There was €2000 in the difference. The 28ec cost €2600 the Sigma d42 €600!!!
Where's Whitney?