Thanks for posting this video Chris, Finely pulled the pin on a CEO-7 after watching this and I could not be happier. I liked my 000-18 but I absolutely love this CEO. Happy playing. CF
I love my CEO-7. Great for fingerpicking and the bass and mid-range response from a smaller body is amazing. Every time I pick that low E string it makes me smile. Not to mention, it's so stinking beautiful! Great video, I appreciated your comments. I also liked that you threw in a little Back Home Again in Indiana!😀
Mine's on a stand across the floor in my living room. When I'm not playing it, I can look at it because as you say 'it's so stinking beautiful' and I have to agree. Had mine now for about 18 months and probably love it more now than when I pulled it out of the car after purchase. When you consider in UK, it costs circa $4000+ and we get one year's warranty, it needs to be good to justify that investment. It is.
Chris - I've watched this video so many times, great stuff. I've been circling the wagons on a CEO-7 and get a little closer each time I watch. I'll be back...
First, THANK YOU for the way you do your sound comparisons. Most channels compare the sound of 2 different guitars by playing one for a minute or two, then playing the other one for a minute or two. The problem with that is that the last 10-15 seconds of guitar #1 is playing something totally different than the first 10-15 seconds of guitar #2. The way you play guitar #1 for a few measures then switch to guitar #2 while playing essentially the same patterns helps the listener hear the differences better. If you want to do a PERFECT sound comparison (aka my preference), play a song with a variety of strumming, picking, etc. and switch guitars every two measures. Yes it would take more editing to get it pieced together, but then you would have the best guitar sound comparison of anyone else on RUclips.
Great video. Even if some of your points are subjective (which are funny), you really point out their main differences in appointments and also, things that one would forget (like the Adirondack spruce top for the CEO 7 and their tuners) . But yeah, I agree on you that it will come down to the neck feel & how comfortable you are playing each of these 2 beauties. Awesome & entertaining review & comparison.
I own both and will be selling the CEO7. It was an amazing guitar until I got a 000-18. CEO7 does several things well, but the 000-18 does everything well, and a little better.
Great review! I had the opportunity a few years ago to demo some guitars in the Martin Picking room at their factory (I only live 15 minutes away so I really should be there every day lol!) I think I played about 8 of them without really looking at the spec sheets as I wanted to be as non biased as I could regarding wood, pricing etc. I could not believe how much I loved the CEO7 by a ton. I mean their was no comparison and they had some wonderful guitars there. I was actually put off by the fact that it was designed by Chris. Don't get me wrong, he's a great guy and I've spoken with him on several occasions. But, geez, I would have thought it was designed by Clapton or someone... however, he hit this one on the head. Truly magnificent, bravo Chris, and good for you to emulate the Gibsonesque features. Going to finally pick mine up at the Nazareth Music Center. They have the absolute best prices on Martins without exception. I'm getting this for $450 cheaper than Sweetwater or any other big box store! So if you are in the area, check them out, I don't think they ship... Now, I love Sweetwater, and use them a lot, you usually get lots of choices you can see, but when you have the chance to support a local store, inspect and play before you buy, AND save $$$, I go that route. Sorry for the long post, thanks very much for the video Chris, you rock! Regards, Mike
@@grcocogr The 00-18 is awesome...I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to buy a not so pristine 1956 00-18G. It's actually the one guitar I would go back into a burning house for lol!
Great video. I have both and like them both. The Gibson L00 and the Martin CEO7 would also make a nice shoot out. As far as sound the 000-18 is louder and the CEO7 is more rounded in my mind. Thanks for sharing. Andy
I have a 1949 000-18, which I've owned for 55 years-- I love this guitar. I only wish I could play as well as you! Thanks for the review and the music.
CEO for me. The overtones are beautiful. It also requires less effort I feel to fingerpick as the top creates more volume. I use only fingertips so the response really matters. The 000 is probably more versatile but I wanted a finger picker to go with my 35 dred. I chose the CEO over other models costing as much as 12g. It is an amazing instrument.
Great shoot out! I've actually been going back and forth between the CEO-7 and the 000-28EC. I opted for the CEO-7 this time, thanks in part to this video. However, I've known me for many years and I know how this ends...Eventually I'll find a way to get them both. Thanks for a thoroughly informative and entertaining review! Subscribed...
I'm between the same right now...with maybe an option for the Gibson L-00. Would you still pick the CEO-7? I have the chance to snag the sunburst 000-28ec for 2600. In mint condition
Thanks so much, it's something I kinda cobbled together between a lead sheet and thinking of Jim Nabors. Maybe I should write it out at some point, if I do I'll drop a link here.
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 very nice! I almost bought a CEO 7 about 5 years ago.....ended up with a 00-15 retro instead.....regrets.....may look into trading it in someday before the 7s go away....
Chris, Well done! My CEO7 is exactly as you have detailed. I LOVE IT! It's unique and my go to when fingerpicking. I also have some other Martins and find it warm and rich sounding. Warm mids and rich high end. Not as boomy lows as my D18 or HD28 but perfect for blues and songs like Jillian Welch, etc. Great review! Cheers Rick Louisville
I had to come back and say thank you. I bought a CEO 7 about 5 months ago and I love it! The neck is great. I like the sound of the 000 18, but I have a D18GE and I don't care for the reimagined neck of the 000. Great playing too!
The 000-18 is 2-5/32" vs. the CEO-7 is 2-5/16'' So a 5/32" difference between the two. The width at the 12th is 2-1/8" on the 000-18 vs. 2-1/4" on the CEO-7. So the CEO-7 is a tiny bit wider further up the neck, but they have the same spacing at the nut.
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 that’s a notable feature when comparing Guitars. I have a CEO 7 and also a OOO28 EC and L00. The CEO 7 is the widest and the L00 the narrower. Just something to note when doing comparisons as with scale length and fretboard radius.
Great review and great playing as well, Chris. As the proud owner of a CEO-7 who, for a time, was also looking at buying a 000-18 your video helped me validate that there’s simply not enough difference between the two models to have both, IMHO. The 000-18 does have great tone, but I still prefer the mid-range of the CEO-7. Regarding the tuners, I actually swapped out the stock Golden Age tuners for a set of Waverly’s with snake wood buttons; the weak point of the guitar is now fixed and it looks pretty darned spanky, too! I also added some bone bridge pins, as the stock plastic pins that Martin provides are a pet peeve of mine. (Guitar snob, I know!...) Again, great job on the review, thanks!
Thanks so much! I agree, I think the only reason to have both would be to keep one in a different tuning. One of these days I'll swap out the tuners, I think I'll follow your lead on the Waverly's.
I like the sunburst finish and the mod-v neck. 00 bodysize and adi top wood equals the larger body volume. The reason I did not buy the CEO-7 was the dull Golden Age Tuners,the $ and effort to change to Waverly tuners could not justify the CEO-7,,😮
Well presented, I would be happy with either one but the adi top just has a little more. Should I expect a discount from the street price for say a HD28, D18, 00018 etc or do dealers stick close to msrp? I realize with these strange Covid times there are inventory issues so this could also affect price.
I don't think anyone should be paying over MAP (minimum advertised price) + tax. With the demand as high as it is at the moment I wouldn't expect a big discount from the dealer going "well, I just need to make a sale" but that doesn't mean there should be a premium on top of MAP. Thanks for watching!
I ended up with a D18 with a k&k. Didn't get to try everything on my list because of short supply but the D18 perfect and a cut above the rest. Thanks again for sharing.
Gotta wonder if he ment the spacing from fret to fret was wider on the triple-o was than the ceo7 or the frets themselves? I guess I'm just wondering if there's less playing room on the neck on the ceo7?
Fret to fret is the same, they are both 24.9" scale. I was referring to the bridge spacing. The 000-18 is 2-5/32" vs. the CEO-7 is 2-5/16'' So a 5/32" difference between the two. The width at the 12th is 2-1/8" on the 000-18 vs. 2-1/4" on the CEO-7. So the CEO-7 is a tiny bit wider further up the neck, but they have the same spacing at the nut. Hope that helps to clarify!
I have wanted the CEO-7 for the longest time. One just came up at a shop in another state. I was about to buy it online until I heard that it has a V-shaped neck. I had a dismal fail with an HD-28V. Bought it, couldn't play it and lost a fortune on it - 2 years ago. It has irritated me since. I recently found an HD28 (used). Bought it online and love it. I've had 2 years of 'Martin mania'. I have a few... The 000 shape and feeling it close up is the total winner for me. I'm sad - I just can't overcome the V-shape neck. Thanks for a great review and for helping me not make another mistake.
It's a bummer that the neck shape doesn't work for you, but it's best to know what works and what doesn't. HD-28V's are among my absolute favorites...but again I think that's highly due to the neck shape. My experience is that the CEO shape can now be a model for customization, so you might talk to a dealer about building one with the neck shape you want, but I'd probably start by seeing if you can find a 00 or 000 that really speaks to you, and then go custom if you're still not finding the right one.
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 Thank you so much for your advice. You're exactly right, I'd love to have a custom 000 but being in Australia it's difficult and very expensive because of our exchange rate. If a 2nd hand CEO-7 came up for a good price I'd take a chance, but not a new one. It's beautiful though.
Thanks for posting this! Super helpful. As far as tone, I’d personally give the edge to the CE0-7…it’s a little less mid-scooped to my ear, and a mid-forward timbre is what I’m looking for in a smaller mahogany back/sides guitar. Both sound killer, though! Great playing, too.
Martin has a scooped mid sound although I consider it perfectly natural for acoustic guitar. The ceo7 is a bit more Gibson L-00 mid focused but still Martin. I own one and like it.
Great review of two great guitars. I have a golden era D18 with Adirondack top. I think that the tone is a push but probably prefer the CEO 7 ever so slightly.
Good comparison. Thanks. I have the CEO-9 and love everything about it and, so, since I'm thinking about a spruce top Martin now, I've been considering the CEO-7 , the 000-28EC and the 000-18 Golden Era 1937. I want to keep that mod V neck! This video highlight the focused Martin low end that the CEO-7 has and the lack of it on the 000. In some of the examples, though, the 000 sounds much better...sounds like it has more sustain and overtones? Is that right?
Those are 3 great options. I love the look of the CEO-9, such beautiful appointments. I did my best to stay in the same range and the mic is on omni, so the bass presence differences are hopefully mostly from the guitars/content being played. I think they're very similar guitars tonally, we're really talking about the last 4% of tone. In the end I feel the biggest item was that I preferred the flatpick tone of the CEO-7 to the 000-18. It had more dynamics overall and complimented my other Martin's the best. Of course, flatpicking is the thing I did the least of in these examples. If I was looking for a compliment to the CEO-9, I might lean 000-28EC (def a bucket list guitar for me) because of the rosewood and the slightly larger body imparting the biggest tonal difference. I don't think you can go wrong with any of those models though, so I think if you can find the specific one that speaks to you, go for it!
Well done review; thanks. Do I sense a hint of Gibson tone in the CEO? Regardless, I prefer the subtlety of the CEO's sound. The 000-18 sounded exactly like a Martin to my ear. I'm giving the nod to the CEO and the fancy schmancy case.
Yes, I believe CF IV described this as something like: What if my grandfather and great grandfather had made a small body, slope shoulder guitar in the 1930's? I think they nailed it while keeping the soul of a Martin.
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 as I look at guitars at this price I can’t understand why more folks don’t buy a bespoke instrument from a luthier. There are numerous superb luthiers in canada where this kind of money puts your name on a label alongside the maker’s. And for our American cousins this represents an amazing deal due to currency differences. That’s likely the route I’ll take. It means I just have to wait a bit. The old El Degas is not ready fir the pasture quite yet.
@@johnmcgurran2084 I believe we're living in the platinum age of guitars right now, there's never been more knowledge, expertise, capability, and availability for what you want. Me, personally, I absolutely adobe Martin and they do what I want them to do, particularly with the ability to customize models from the factory. I do think it's great that there are also bespoke luthiers out there, but I'd be probably going that route for an alternate tone that I couldn't get elsewhere.
Very well done, Chris. The only thing I might add, if it hasn't been mentioned already, is that the binding on the CEO7 is an issue as it can separate from the body. Like mine has. Anyway, I'm told it is easily repairable, so there you go.
Yes, that is a bummer, due to the glue the factory used for a couple of years at the time. They've addressed it now (and it wasn't unique to the CEO, I've seen it reported with so many models in the Martin FB group), and I've heard it is generally covered under the warranty, but sometimes the wait for a warranty service can be pretty extensive. Hope yours was an easy fix.
Nice review - I'll take one of each, please (in lefty configuration). I actually have a 000-18 on it's way, but am also interested in chasing down the CEO-7 someday for the Adi top and body size/shape... thanks for the GAS!
I tried a CEO 7 yesterday for the first time. You’re right, I didn’t notice a volume difference. And I love the V neck. BUT I’m 65 and hesitant to buy a new guitar that won’t “grow into itself” while I’m still alive.
Totally understandable. I will say that part of what I love about my CEO-7 is that the jump to broken in was not long or dramatic, it was already amazing, it's only gotten better.
Just got the ceo-7. Your video definitely helped make my decision between the ceo-7 and the 000-18. I was also looking at the lg2. Love the look and love the sound. By the way, I was worried about the neck, but it is not an issue at all. Thanks for the review.
...never made a comment 'bout this stuff before, still learning and not knowing much of all that technical Chris spoke about. I loved the video and love my CEO-7 more; it just sounds great.
I've had a lifetime flying heavy aircraft so I couldn't discern any sound difference, they both sounded sublime. Thank you. I'm looking at trading my D-28 against the CEO - mainly for comfort reasons. I bought the D-28 new in 2008, so it's had a fair run. [Edit] I bought the CEO-7 and quite quickly swapped the tuners for Gotohs which were drop in replacements and much smoother. The instrument is superb and brings welcome Adirondack/Mahogany to sit beside my Sitka/EIR 000. They are SO different yet both so comfortable and both sound great. You can't go wrong with either of the guitars you've reviewed. Aging Toner to me seems a sad thing to do to a beautiful piece of wood when Nature and Time do such a wonderful job colouring the Sitka (like on my 2008 000-28). The burst on the CEO is just that, it's aesthetic it's not attempting to 'fool you' into thinking the instrument is older than it is.
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 Thanks Chris I’m more of a strummer and do some singing The 07 is really a beautiful sounding guitar For finger style. Cheers My 000 has a cutaway
I’m glad I stuck through the initial attempt at comedy :-) other than that, this is a great video! The V-neck is what did it for me. Sweetwater has one CEO-7 in stock right now, I’m a get it....!
I guess it's a good thing I didn't change into a V neck sweater every time I had the CEO then. ;-) Owning one and having played 4 others, they really are an outstanding design. Thanks for sticking through to the good stuff!
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 Haha...well I'd say always wear the v neck when playing the v neck!! And my comment was MY attempt at comedy, so please don't take it as a critique :-)
The Geib-style case of the CEO-7 seems to regulate humidity better... just my unscientific experience based on how often I change humidipacks in various guitars LOL! I was surprised how much thicker the CEO-7 sounded in all conditions and I've had both guitars at the same time (no longer have either... now have a sinker OM-18). The fur strips inside the body on the CEO-7 is something that should have been mentioned in terms of throwback-type stuff. I did swap out the tuners on my CEO-7 for some Waverly tuners and the feel and stability were so much better.
I agree that the case feels like a really precise fit for the guitar which might be helping it maintain humidity better. And yes, the cloth strip bracing on the side such a cool touch for the vintage feel. Enjoy that Sinker, definitely on my bucket list!
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 The sinkers are nice... really nice. If you like mahogany, you’ll like them. My take on it, it sounds like mahogany with those forward mids, but with a bit of the more dense “zing” on the lows that rosewood has.
Nice picking Dobbs! Nice comparison vid. Tough choice, I like the slightly more compressed bottom of the ce0 fingerpicked. The 000 sounds more open, and little better with the flatpack, more sparkle on top. The ce0 looks cooler, if its that close and the Ce0 has a smaller body then the Ce0 is a better guitar.
Great comparison, but, what's up with the background, alternating LP albums? Not to mention a Bob Newhart album. You're too young to remember Bob Newhart? Thanks JJC
Thanks so much. I've actually got 3 shelves of record display (thanks IKEA) so I try to rotate around with what I've been listening to lately. I was raised on Button-Down Mind, that is actually my mom's copy. "Hi Abe, sweetheart, how are ya kid?"
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 Thanks for responding. Bob Newhart would be canceled in today's culture. I was pleased to see the album. He was a regular on Johnny Carson Show. Love those Martins. They're on my lottery list!
It's a really great video! Thanks a lot for this very useful comparision! Both guitars are awesome! I am currently looking for a complementary guitar for my lovely HD-28 in gorgeous sunburst. I love this guitar, it sounds great! Having a dreadnought already I am looking for a smaller body guitar to develop my fingepicking experience. So far I had two very probable candidates for me: 000-28EC and CEO7. After this video I would like to try the 000-18 as well. I kind of tend a bit more to CEO7: I have already Sitka / Rosewood combination with my HD28 and would like to give other woods a try. What would be your personal preference in such a case? Thanks a lot!
I love the 000-28EC, it's a bucket list Martin for me. But I think if you already have an HD-28, then the CEO-7 would definitely be my pick for the complementary guitar. The mahogany will have a slightly shorter decay time, which doesn't effect sustain as much as it just helps notes cut differently and increases the midrange presence. The slightly smaller body makes it extra comfortable in any setting, and if you do any recording with the two guitars, I think you'll be thrilled with the blend. You can't go wrong with an EC, what a guitar, but I'd lean toward the CEO. Thanks so much for the kind words!
Great comparison. Interesting how some variances can mean absolutely nothing to one person whereas to another, they're they main reason to choose one over the other. For me, I simply don't get on with the modern string spacing at the bridge that Martin are using (2 5/32). I can finger pick that width just fine but it's real estate I'm not willing to give up when my money is on the table. The other thing (nail in the coffin IMO) for most Martins on the market today is the MLO neck - too slim for my taste. My Gibson L-00 reissue and Waterloo with chunky V-neck is where it's at for me. For these reasons, I'm "stuck" with a CEO-7. I know - it's a pity ;) I adore the 18 series, 0-18, 00-18 and 000-18 (with 0-18 being my favorite). The plain vintage toner tops are just fabulous to look at and the 18 series appointments are just timeless!
It's a great point that we all find different features that are our personal "deal-breaker" I wouldn't mind an oversized version of the V, but I also understand that it's a niche item. I'm hoping that eventually some of the Authentic neck shapes will make their way down into the more "affordable" options. Thanks for the kind words and thoughtful comments!
Great shoot out - I am in love with the CEO-7 and I think the overall sound quality on the CEO-7 was better on this video alone. In the movie YESTERDAY, they had the sunburst with a green fur lined HSC. Where the heck did THAT come from? I have never seen one since.
Thanks so much! I still need to watch Yesterday, I've heard enough good reviews that I should give it a shot. The case on the CEO with the red velour is my favorite Martin case...but green is a very Martin interior in my mind from growing up in the 90's.
I think the 18 has a bit more volume in the upper mid-range, the ceo7 has a bit more in the brightness. The dead strings might sound better in the ceo7. I'm really excited about trying these models finally.
Great video. I’ve owned both of these guitars for a number of years and agree (for the most part) with your review. I would say, however, that the 00018 is a much more versatile guitar with a more “open” sound than the CEO7 despite the CEO’s Adirondack top. In my opinion the CEO7 is optimized for finger picking f acoustic blues. Bottom line - both wonderful guitars and they’re Martins - can’t go wrong.
Not sold on CEO though it is really nice. It’s limited and still smaller sounding. It’s a great Gibson. I played on and I’ll take my OOO-18 for all around playing. Records like the perfect acoustic. I may look at trading my LG2 for a CEO at some point but I’m a Martin tone lover. the LG2 is pretty great though it’s fully Gibson voiced.
I would go with the 000 at the moment, but I think a that Adi top ages and opens up some more, in another ten to 15 years of playing and the entire starts checking, that Adi top on the Ceo will sound super.
This is a very good comparison video. IMO: All else equal, I prefer a guitar with Mod-V neck. All else equal, I prefer Adirondack Spruce. Of all the other differences discussed, if I have a preference, then I prefer the choices made for the 00-18.
I kinda thought the same at first, but honestly, I've never actually wanted it to be bigger than it is mostly because it's sounded great in every situation I've put it in.
Outstanding review. I have a 000-28EC (which I love) ...but still lust after a 00 for couch playing and ...well ...they're just cool. ...and Go Cubs!!!
The EC is definitely my all-time favorite 000 design, every single one I've played has been outstanding throughout the years of production...but yeah, a CEO-7 would be the perfect pairing with it. Go Cubs Go!
Excellent a/b...I am surprised the string spacing at bridge did not affect feel. The 000-18 (2.15 vs 2.31 for ceo) seems narrow for a guitar that's going get a lot of fingerstyle.
Yeah, I've gotta think it's about the combination of the bridge spacing with the nut spacing. I think 2 1/8" would feel much tighter combined with a 1-11/16" nut, so maybe on the 000-18 they're looking to mitigate the spacing a bit for picking. Thanks so much for the kind words!
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 if I may, how would you compare the feel of the 000-28EC to these? i've never been able to try one but it looks like sort of the sweet spot, specs-wise..
@@WScott-gd2mj They are very similar in feel particularly with the neck shape. In my lap a Clapton is obviously just a touch bigger, and with rosewood, it's a bit more reverberant...but the CEO-7 is so beautifully crisp. A 000-28EC is definitely on my bucket-list. There are 4 current Martins where I've played enough of them that I'd be comfortable buying them sight-unseen. CEO-7, 000-28EC, D-35, and HD-28. Really any of the Standard Series are likely to be great, but those are the 4 where I feel the design and construction results in a crazy high batting average of getting a truly outstanding Martin.
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 thanks for the thoughtful reply/testimonial....I'll probably keep saving for an EC. Look forward to more good stuff on your channel
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 just as an update, I found a custom spec'd 000-18 at wildwood with adirondack top/bracing and slightly wider 2 1/4 inch string spacing, same as EC...priced above regular stock, of course, but still hundreds less than EC...very very tempting...
I have a lot of guitars including Martins. I demoed both you do here. But call me crazy, I bought an Eastman E10-OMSB. It had an Adi top , but I loved the 12 inch radius fretboard compared to the flatter Martin. I got it for 750 bucks took the savings and bought a new D-18 Amberburst.
I played a 00-18, 000-18, ceo-7 and Eric Clapton 000-28 today at a local music store. For starters, all of the mahogany guitars sounded better than the ec000-28, which was surprising to me. The ceo-7 sounded best, more base than some of the dreadnoughts in the room. But the 00-18 and 000-18 were way better playing guitars up and down the neck imo. Tuners on the ceo-7 are stiff which I didn’t like.
Great feature comparison. I've owned the CEO-7, sold to my son, and a 000-18 which I sold to purchase a OM-28V. The only thing I missed was a discussion of the bracing, e.g., forward shifted and scalloped. To my ears, bracing and tonewood (RW vs Hog) markedly influence guitar sound. I seem to recall the CEO-7 was both scalloped and forward shifted, sort of a Golden Era Martin. I own a early '80's D-19 (hog) with standard bracing and I prefer its articulation and balance to a (forward shifted, scalloped) re-imagined D-18. I sold the re-imagined D-18 to buy a D-21 (RW), with, you guessed it, forward shifted scalloped bracing. This video makes me want to go out and buy another CEO-7...
The X brace has certainly moved around a bit on the Dreadnoughts. The CEO-7 is a technically a new design for Martin, so it's only had the one bracing location. I believe 000's are basically the same, the 14-fret models really haven't had as much variance in the X location. Aside from the construction history, I think the reason the X can be moved around on the Dread so much is that there is a wide space there for variance and Dreads can be so versatile in what the player wants. I'd love to get my hands on a Jason Isbell model as they were rear-braced for more treble presence (makes sense as he bounces between pick and fingerstyle). Great points on bracing, both guitars are scalloped bracing (the 000-18 is from the Reimagined line, so all the 18's there are scalloped). I have an HD-MMV that in non-scalloped and I find it is a bit more of compressed tone, which absolutely has it's benefits. While I generally prefer scalloped bracing as an overall rule, I think straight-bracing still absolutely has a place in the Martin line for the tonal variance. Thanks so much for your thoughtful comments, and yes, you should totally buy another CEO-7.
Thanks for a great video. I’m trying to figure out what to get, and your video helped me figure out that Adirondack top is a must. Not sure whether it’ll be the CEO-7, need to go find one to play the V neck.
I was surprised that you'd make the comparison between a 000 and a 00 body size,I was even more surprised that the output from each guitar was so similar.I have a CEO7 with two modifications 1)Waverly tuners with ebony buttons 2)Abalone inlaid ebony bridge pins.At 73 I find that modified 'V' neck profile to be more supportive of my hand and have no regrets for buying it in PX for a Larrivee OM10
I was surprised too, which was some of the reason I made the video if only so I could also hear the difference while not playing. I think the addition of Waverly's is brilliant because the tuners on the CEO are the one weak spot. Did you have to drill any additional holes for those?
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 The waverleys were an almost fit so with some fiddling I was able to use the same holes (I think),you certainly can't see any holes but they too are a bit stiff.As Martin were kind enough to give the part number of the tuners,I looked them up.At the time they were selling on Stewmac for $45.00!!The waverleys Were about $110.00 also from Stewmac.....................
I thoroughly enjoyed your review. I own a CEO-7 and love it for its tone and looks. Ironically, I don't like the neck. As a retired old coot with bad shoulders and arthritic hands, I purchased Martin 0-18, with a faster neck that is much easier for me to play. It is now my favorite guitar. I won't sell the CEO-7, but I play it less than it deserves.
I actually own both of these guitars myself, exceeeept my 000-18 also has an Adirondack top. Comparing the two side by side, in my opinion the CEO-7 slightly edges out the 18 tone wise. It just projects better. The 18 on the other hand is a little snappier and easier to play. These are both killer guitars and really you can’t go wrong with either. This is a awesome review, especially for those torn between the two. Well done dude!
I bought a d 18 a week ago, kept it for about three days and took it back to the store because of the modified low over neck. I absolutely hated it! Kept hitting the high E string with the fleshy part of my palm and it gives me a cramp because it's too low profile for me. And I don't know if any of you noticed or not but you can't hardly get any Martin guitars with anything but a modified low oval on them. Why did they do that? I called the company yesterday and they told me that they were phasing out v-necks
I certainly hope the Mod-V neck will still be an option, but yeah, the PA taper mod low oval is certainly the primary neck. I don't hate it, but the feel of the V just suits me. If you get the change, play an Authentic with a full V neck, it's just more of a good thing for me.
Team CEO-7 all the way. I have a CEO-7 and a OM-21 (2012 model) with the MLO/PA neck. I much prefer the Mod V neck of the CEO-7. The Golden Age tuners on my CEO-7 we’re swapped out years ago for some Gotoh’s.
I wish they'd bring back the "V" series on a few more models to have the Mod V neck, but I think the Reimagined was their way of doing that visually with the vintage toner, open gear tuners, and 1.75" nuts. It's crossed my mind to swap the tuners at some point, good to know Gotoh's are an option, thanks!
Chris Dobbs Recording Amen on bringing back the V series. After starting with dreads I’ve discovered over the years that 00 guitars short scale guitars with V necks fit me best. I need a suitable Martin 00 Rosewood so I would love it if Martin brought back the 00-28 VS. And while dreaming, I wish Martin would do a 00-28 Authentic 1931. I love the 1931 V neck.
@@mwguzman The Authentics are so amazing. I agree a 00-28 Authentic would be awesome. I know the wait time is up around a year now, but you could probably do a custom shop that would start from a 000-28 (you can move from there to a smaller or bigger size).
I think that both guitars sounds amazing in your hands. I love the V neck and bought a CEO-7. Did not like the tuners that much and switched to waverly's. That made a huge difference. I love my CEO-7. Sounds great and plays great. Thank You for the great shoot out :D
I think the 000 has a bit more bass. I have a used CEO-7 & will soon have a 000-28e Modern Deluxe (VTS Sitka top, EI Rosewood back & sides). It depends on what I'm singing. But my CEO-7 WAS first.
1. Sound of the 000-18, 1 point. 2. Sound of the 000-18, 1 point. 3. Tuners on the 000-18, 1 point. 4. Sound of the 000-18, 1 point. 5. (personal preference) Look of the 000-18 (iconic/classic) 1 point. 6. Sound of the 000-18, 1 point. Drum roll please..."And the winner is...Brooks and Dunn". (Inside joke. Every time I'd watch the CMA I'd have a clear winner in my mind, and then...like clockwork...out of the blue..."BROOKS AND DUNN". Year. After year. After year.)
Whenever I hear Brooks & Dunn I think of high school summer gym when they sent us line dancing at a bar in the middle of the day. I don't know who filled out the paperwork on that one, but hats off to them.
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 Man. You went to the right high school! :-D (Update: I've been listening (on line) to the Recording King RO-318 (a 000-18 clone) with a 30 year old aged adirondack top and solid mahogany back and sides with Grover tuners for $599.00 (no case) and that really gives the 000-18 a run for its money.)
Through my limited headphones, the CEO-7 seems to have more character, more articulate? a certain clarity? (searching for the right words, not sure I found them. I can hear all the strings,. The 18 is very smooth, very beautiful in its own right. There is a homogenous sound to the strum. I think I would take the 18 for bluegrass or folk. I am a more percussive, rootsey player. I think the CEO 7 (before experiencing the feel of the necks) would be my choice
Nice shootout! I've had a CEO-7 for a few years now and I'm still madly in love with it!
A really, really, really, excellent comprehensive and entertaining review. Well done Chris.
Thanks so much, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for posting this video Chris, Finely pulled the pin on a CEO-7 after watching this and I could not be happier. I liked my 000-18 but I absolutely love this CEO. Happy playing. CF
I love my CEO-7. Great for fingerpicking and the bass and mid-range response from a smaller body is amazing. Every time I pick that low E string it makes me smile. Not to mention, it's so stinking beautiful!
Great video, I appreciated your comments. I also liked that you threw in a little Back Home Again in Indiana!😀
Mine's on a stand across the floor in my living room. When I'm not playing it, I can look at it because as you say 'it's so stinking beautiful' and I have to agree.
Had mine now for about 18 months and probably love it more now than when I pulled it out of the car after purchase. When you consider in UK, it costs circa $4000+ and we get one year's warranty, it needs to be good to justify that investment. It is.
Both instruments deserve a thumb up
Can never go wrong with a 000-18!!
Chris - I've watched this video so many times, great stuff. I've been circling the wagons on a CEO-7 and get a little closer each time I watch. I'll be back...
So glad it's helpful and I hope Santa will leave one under your tree!
The fact that he started so professional and came out of nowhere with the “pew pew pew” and then the bandana 😂😂😂
First, THANK YOU for the way you do your sound comparisons. Most channels compare the sound of 2 different guitars by playing one for a minute or two, then playing the other one for a minute or two. The problem with that is that the last 10-15 seconds of guitar #1 is playing something totally different than the first 10-15 seconds of guitar #2. The way you play guitar #1 for a few measures then switch to guitar #2 while playing essentially the same patterns helps the listener hear the differences better. If you want to do a PERFECT sound comparison (aka my preference), play a song with a variety of strumming, picking, etc. and switch guitars every two measures. Yes it would take more editing to get it pieced together, but then you would have the best guitar sound comparison of anyone else on RUclips.
Great video. Even if some of your points are subjective (which are funny), you really point out their main differences in appointments and also, things that one would forget (like the Adirondack spruce top for the CEO 7 and their tuners) . But yeah, I agree on you that it will come down to the neck feel & how comfortable you are playing each of these 2 beauties. Awesome & entertaining review & comparison.
I own both and will be selling the CEO7. It was an amazing guitar until I got a 000-18.
CEO7 does several things well, but the 000-18 does everything well, and a little better.
Did you sell it yet? If not, how much do you want?
@@johnwashburn3793 sold it.
What didn’t it do well? I found it great for both kinds of music: country AND western. Not to mention excelling at blues.
Great review! I had the opportunity a few years ago to demo some guitars in the Martin Picking room at their factory (I only live 15 minutes away so I really should be there every day lol!) I think I played about 8 of them without really looking at the spec sheets as I wanted to be as non biased as I could regarding wood, pricing etc. I could not believe how much I loved the CEO7 by a ton. I mean their was no comparison and they had some wonderful guitars there. I was actually put off by the fact that it was designed by Chris. Don't get me wrong, he's a great guy and I've spoken with him on several occasions. But, geez, I would have thought it was designed by Clapton or someone... however, he hit this one on the head. Truly magnificent, bravo Chris, and good for you to emulate the Gibsonesque features.
Going to finally pick mine up at the Nazareth Music Center. They have the absolute best prices on Martins without exception. I'm getting this for $450 cheaper than Sweetwater or any other big box store! So if you are in the area, check them out, I don't think they ship...
Now, I love Sweetwater, and use them a lot, you usually get lots of choices you can see, but when you have the chance to support a local store, inspect and play before you buy, AND save $$$, I go that route.
Sorry for the long post, thanks very much for the video Chris, you rock!
Regards,
Mike
Your process exactly mirrors my experience in how I finally chose and bought my 00-18 (the perfect guitar🥰)
@@grcocogr The 00-18 is awesome...I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to buy a not so pristine 1956 00-18G. It's actually the one guitar I would go back into a burning house for lol!
Very nice job, thanks!
Man, I love the looks of that CEO7 but the 000-18 sound brighter and fuller.
Yeah it can be a tough call, they should do more standards in sunburst.
Really enjoyed this comparison. Great playing.
This was so helfpul, thank you. I am now a proud owner of a 000-18. Really awesome vid, review and info
So glad it helped and congrats on your new 000-18!!!
My favorite review of the CEO-7!
Thanks so much, I really appreciate that!
Great video. I have both and like them both. The Gibson L00 and the Martin CEO7 would also make a nice shoot out. As far as sound the 000-18 is louder and the CEO7 is more rounded in my mind. Thanks for sharing. Andy
I have a 1949 000-18, which I've owned for 55 years-- I love this guitar. I only wish I could play as well as you! Thanks for the review and the music.
Oh, thanks so much for the kind words!
CEO for me. The overtones are beautiful. It also requires less effort I feel to fingerpick as the top creates more volume. I use only fingertips so the response really matters. The 000 is probably more versatile but I wanted a finger picker to go with my 35 dred. I chose the CEO over other models costing as much as 12g. It is an amazing instrument.
Great shoot out! I've actually been going back and forth between the CEO-7 and the 000-28EC. I opted for the CEO-7 this time, thanks in part to this video. However, I've known me for many years and I know how this ends...Eventually I'll find a way to get them both. Thanks for a thoroughly informative and entertaining review! Subscribed...
I'm so glad this was helpful and congrats on the new axe, hope you're enjoying it!
I'm between the same right now...with maybe an option for the Gibson L-00. Would you still pick the CEO-7? I have the chance to snag the sunburst 000-28ec for 2600. In mint condition
Where can I find your arrangement of Back Home in Indiana......Im using a 000-18 retro.....
Thanks so much, it's something I kinda cobbled together between a lead sheet and thinking of Jim Nabors. Maybe I should write it out at some point, if I do I'll drop a link here.
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 very nice! I almost bought a CEO 7 about 5 years ago.....ended up with a 00-15 retro instead.....regrets.....may look into trading it in someday before the 7s go away....
@@gibby6904 The CEO-7 is phenomenal, but a 00-15 Retro is a fine guitar too.
Great review!! I own a CEO 7 and love it , the 00 size is very comfortable.
Thx
Excellent video. Helped me make a decision. Thank you!
I think the Ceo7 will sound better with time. Once that Adi top opens up it's gonna be a tone monster
Chris, Well done! My CEO7 is exactly as you have detailed. I LOVE IT! It's unique and my go to when fingerpicking. I also have some other Martins and find it warm and rich sounding. Warm mids and rich high end. Not as boomy lows as my D18 or HD28 but perfect for blues and songs like Jillian Welch, etc. Great review! Cheers Rick Louisville
Thanks so much for the kind words!
I had to come back and say thank you. I bought a CEO 7 about 5 months ago and I love it! The neck is great. I like the sound of the 000 18, but I have a D18GE and I don't care for the reimagined neck of the 000. Great playing too!
That's awesome, thanks and enjoy your CEO!
great presentation thanks.
I have been on the fence between these two models for a long time. Just pulled the trigger and ordered a CEO-7. Now I wait!
Congrats on the new ax, I think you're gonna love it!
What’s the string spacing at the bridge on the 00018?
The 000-18 is 2-5/32" vs. the CEO-7 is 2-5/16'' So a 5/32" difference between the two. The width at the 12th is 2-1/8" on the 000-18 vs. 2-1/4" on the CEO-7. So the CEO-7 is a tiny bit wider further up the neck, but they have the same spacing at the nut.
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 that’s a notable feature when comparing Guitars. I have a CEO 7 and also a OOO28 EC and L00. The CEO 7 is the widest and the L00 the narrower. Just something to note when doing comparisons as with scale length and fretboard radius.
Louis C.K. playing guitar?
Great review and great playing as well, Chris. As the proud owner of a CEO-7 who, for a time, was also looking at buying a 000-18 your video helped me validate that there’s simply not enough difference between the two models to have both, IMHO. The 000-18 does have great tone, but I still prefer the mid-range of the CEO-7. Regarding the tuners, I actually swapped out the stock Golden Age tuners for a set of Waverly’s with snake wood buttons; the weak point of the guitar is now fixed and it looks pretty darned spanky, too! I also added some bone bridge pins, as the stock plastic pins that Martin provides are a pet peeve of mine. (Guitar snob, I know!...) Again, great job on the review, thanks!
Thanks so much! I agree, I think the only reason to have both would be to keep one in a different tuning. One of these days I'll swap out the tuners, I think I'll follow your lead on the Waverly's.
I like the sunburst finish and the mod-v neck. 00 bodysize and adi top wood equals the larger body volume. The reason I did not buy the CEO-7 was the dull Golden Age Tuners,the $ and effort to change to Waverly tuners could not justify the CEO-7,,😮
Well presented, I would be happy with either one but the adi top just has a little more. Should I expect a discount from the street price for say a HD28, D18, 00018 etc or do dealers stick close to msrp? I realize with these strange Covid times there are inventory issues so this could also affect price.
I don't think anyone should be paying over MAP (minimum advertised price) + tax. With the demand as high as it is at the moment I wouldn't expect a big discount from the dealer going "well, I just need to make a sale" but that doesn't mean there should be a premium on top of MAP. Thanks for watching!
I ended up with a D18 with a k&k. Didn't get to try everything on my list because of short supply but the D18 perfect and a cut above the rest. Thanks again for sharing.
Gotta wonder if he ment the spacing from fret to fret was wider on the triple-o was than the ceo7 or the frets themselves? I guess I'm just wondering if there's less playing room on the neck on the ceo7?
Fret to fret is the same, they are both 24.9" scale. I was referring to the bridge spacing. The 000-18 is 2-5/32" vs. the CEO-7 is 2-5/16'' So a 5/32" difference between the two. The width at the 12th is 2-1/8" on the 000-18 vs. 2-1/4" on the CEO-7. So the CEO-7 is a tiny bit wider further up the neck, but they have the same spacing at the nut.
Hope that helps to clarify!
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 Thanks for answering my question I really appreciate it. Thank you!
OUTLAW!!! Nice one thanks
000-18, I so wanted to go with the CEO-7 but to my ears the 000 sound richer.
Ahhh man. Been trying to decide between the 2 for awhile now but I can't. I need both😫
I happily accept full responsibility. ;-)
I have wanted the CEO-7 for the longest time. One just came up at a shop in another state. I was about to buy it online until I heard that it has a V-shaped neck. I had a dismal fail with an HD-28V. Bought it, couldn't play it and lost a fortune on it - 2 years ago. It has irritated me since. I recently found an HD28 (used). Bought it online and love it. I've had 2 years of 'Martin mania'. I have a few... The 000 shape and feeling it close up is the total winner for me. I'm sad - I just can't overcome the V-shape neck. Thanks for a great review and for helping me not make another mistake.
It's a bummer that the neck shape doesn't work for you, but it's best to know what works and what doesn't. HD-28V's are among my absolute favorites...but again I think that's highly due to the neck shape.
My experience is that the CEO shape can now be a model for customization, so you might talk to a dealer about building one with the neck shape you want, but I'd probably start by seeing if you can find a 00 or 000 that really speaks to you, and then go custom if you're still not finding the right one.
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 Thank you so much for your advice. You're exactly right, I'd love to have a custom 000 but being in Australia it's difficult and very expensive because of our exchange rate. If a 2nd hand CEO-7 came up for a good price I'd take a chance, but not a new one. It's beautiful though.
You forgot to mention that the CEO 7 comes with a baby - beauty at that! Deciding between these two would not be easy. They are both fantastic.
Great job Chris, thanks.
CEO7 is way better sounding to my ears. Rounded sound, more mids and warmth.
Great review ! thanks
Thanks for posting this! Super helpful. As far as tone, I’d personally give the edge to the CE0-7…it’s a little less mid-scooped to my ear, and a mid-forward timbre is what I’m looking for in a smaller mahogany back/sides guitar. Both sound killer, though! Great playing, too.
Thanks so much for the kind words and I'm very glad the video was helpful!
Martin has a scooped mid sound although I consider it perfectly natural for acoustic guitar. The ceo7 is a bit more Gibson L-00 mid focused but still Martin. I own one and like it.
CEO tone will age better, but I think right now the 000 sounds warmer with still the right amount of punch.
Great guitar playing! The 18 has a brighter tone, crispness to the treble that the ceo7 doesn’t. Thanks for the video
Thanks so much for the kind words!
Great review of two great guitars. I have a golden era D18 with Adirondack top. I think that the tone is a push but probably prefer the CEO 7 ever so slightly.
I will add, I plan to buy the CEO 7, partly because of this video.
Awesome review! Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks!
Good comparison. Thanks. I have the CEO-9 and love everything about it and, so, since I'm thinking about a spruce top Martin now, I've been considering the CEO-7 , the 000-28EC and the 000-18 Golden Era 1937. I want to keep that mod V neck! This video highlight the focused Martin low end that the CEO-7 has and the lack of it on the 000. In some of the examples, though, the 000 sounds much better...sounds like it has more sustain and overtones? Is that right?
Those are 3 great options. I love the look of the CEO-9, such beautiful appointments.
I did my best to stay in the same range and the mic is on omni, so the bass presence differences are hopefully mostly from the guitars/content being played. I think they're very similar guitars tonally, we're really talking about the last 4% of tone. In the end I feel the biggest item was that I preferred the flatpick tone of the CEO-7 to the 000-18. It had more dynamics overall and complimented my other Martin's the best. Of course, flatpicking is the thing I did the least of in these examples.
If I was looking for a compliment to the CEO-9, I might lean 000-28EC (def a bucket list guitar for me) because of the rosewood and the slightly larger body imparting the biggest tonal difference.
I don't think you can go wrong with any of those models though, so I think if you can find the specific one that speaks to you, go for it!
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 Thanks!
Well done review; thanks. Do I sense a hint of Gibson tone in the CEO? Regardless, I prefer the subtlety of the CEO's sound. The 000-18 sounded exactly like a Martin to my ear. I'm giving the nod to the CEO and the fancy schmancy case.
Yes, I believe CF IV described this as something like: What if my grandfather and great grandfather had made a small body, slope shoulder guitar in the 1930's?
I think they nailed it while keeping the soul of a Martin.
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 as I look at guitars at this price I can’t understand why more folks don’t buy a bespoke instrument from a luthier. There are numerous superb luthiers in canada where this kind of money puts your name on a label alongside the maker’s. And for our American cousins this represents an amazing deal due to currency differences. That’s likely the route I’ll take. It means I just have to wait a bit. The old El Degas is not ready fir the pasture quite yet.
@@johnmcgurran2084 I believe we're living in the platinum age of guitars right now, there's never been more knowledge, expertise, capability, and availability for what you want. Me, personally, I absolutely adobe Martin and they do what I want them to do, particularly with the ability to customize models from the factory. I do think it's great that there are also bespoke luthiers out there, but I'd be probably going that route for an alternate tone that I couldn't get elsewhere.
Very well done, Chris. The only thing I might add, if it hasn't been mentioned already, is that the binding on the CEO7 is an issue as it can separate from the body. Like mine has. Anyway, I'm told it is easily repairable, so there you go.
Yes, that is a bummer, due to the glue the factory used for a couple of years at the time. They've addressed it now (and it wasn't unique to the CEO, I've seen it reported with so many models in the Martin FB group), and I've heard it is generally covered under the warranty, but sometimes the wait for a warranty service can be pretty extensive. Hope yours was an easy fix.
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 my 000-18 binding is loose at the waist....on both sides.....
You are correct on the binding issue. I just dropped mine off to be repaired locally. The binding separated at the waist, front and back.
😞
Nice review - I'll take one of each, please (in lefty configuration). I actually have a 000-18 on it's way, but am also interested in chasing down the CEO-7 someday for the Adi top and body size/shape... thanks for the GAS!
Thanks so much and enjoy that 000-18!
I tried a CEO 7 yesterday for the first time. You’re right, I didn’t notice a volume difference. And I love the V neck. BUT I’m 65 and hesitant to buy a new guitar that won’t “grow into itself” while I’m still alive.
Totally understandable. I will say that part of what I love about my CEO-7 is that the jump to broken in was not long or dramatic, it was already amazing, it's only gotten better.
A GREAT REVIEW. LOVED IT.
Thanks so much!
Just got the ceo-7. Your video definitely helped make my decision between the ceo-7 and the 000-18. I was also looking at the lg2. Love the look and love the sound. By the way, I was worried about the neck, but it is not an issue at all. Thanks for the review.
Glad this was helpful, congrats and enjoy yours!
To me, nothing sounds like that 000-18
This.
...never made a comment 'bout this stuff before, still learning and not knowing much of all that technical Chris spoke about. I loved the video and love my CEO-7 more; it just sounds great.
Thanks so much!
I've had a lifetime flying heavy aircraft so I couldn't discern any sound difference, they both sounded sublime. Thank you.
I'm looking at trading my D-28 against the CEO - mainly for comfort reasons. I bought the D-28 new in 2008, so it's had a fair run.
[Edit] I bought the CEO-7 and quite quickly swapped the tuners for Gotohs which were drop in replacements and much smoother. The instrument is superb and brings welcome Adirondack/Mahogany to sit beside my Sitka/EIR 000. They are SO different yet both so comfortable and both sound great. You can't go wrong with either of the guitars you've reviewed.
Aging Toner to me seems a sad thing to do to a beautiful piece of wood when Nature and Time do such a wonderful job colouring the Sitka (like on my 2008 000-28). The burst on the CEO is just that, it's aesthetic it's not attempting to 'fool you' into thinking the instrument is older than it is.
great vid!
Funny, I just traded a CEO-07 for 000-18. Imho 000-18 is more versatile.
I could see that, I'm glad you've got the one you love!
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 Thanks Chris
I’m more of a strummer and do some singing
The 07 is really a beautiful sounding guitar
For finger style. Cheers
My 000 has a cutaway
This is the best goddamned guitar comparison video on youtube
Thanks so much!
I’m glad I stuck through the initial attempt at comedy :-) other than that, this is a great video! The V-neck is what did it for me. Sweetwater has one CEO-7 in stock right now, I’m a get it....!
I guess it's a good thing I didn't change into a V neck sweater every time I had the CEO then. ;-) Owning one and having played 4 others, they really are an outstanding design. Thanks for sticking through to the good stuff!
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 Haha...well I'd say always wear the v neck when playing the v neck!! And my comment was MY attempt at comedy, so please don't take it as a critique :-)
The Geib-style case of the CEO-7 seems to regulate humidity better... just my unscientific experience based on how often I change humidipacks in various guitars LOL! I was surprised how much thicker the CEO-7 sounded in all conditions and I've had both guitars at the same time (no longer have either... now have a sinker OM-18).
The fur strips inside the body on the CEO-7 is something that should have been mentioned in terms of throwback-type stuff. I did swap out the tuners on my CEO-7 for some Waverly tuners and the feel and stability were so much better.
I agree that the case feels like a really precise fit for the guitar which might be helping it maintain humidity better. And yes, the cloth strip bracing on the side such a cool touch for the vintage feel. Enjoy that Sinker, definitely on my bucket list!
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874
The sinkers are nice... really nice. If you like mahogany, you’ll like them. My take on it, it sounds like mahogany with those forward mids, but with a bit of the more dense “zing” on the lows that rosewood has.
@@nicholastotoro7721 That sounds like living the dream.
Nice picking Dobbs! Nice comparison vid. Tough choice, I like the slightly more compressed bottom of the ce0 fingerpicked. The 000 sounds more open, and little better with the flatpack, more sparkle on top. The ce0 looks cooler, if its that close and the Ce0 has a smaller body then the Ce0 is a better guitar.
Thanks so much, I agree it's splitting hairs, but they're nice hairs to split!
CEO is rough and tough, more for the road
Great comparison, but, what's up with the background, alternating LP albums? Not to mention a Bob Newhart album. You're too young to remember Bob Newhart? Thanks JJC
Thanks so much. I've actually got 3 shelves of record display (thanks IKEA) so I try to rotate around with what I've been listening to lately. I was raised on Button-Down Mind, that is actually my mom's copy. "Hi Abe, sweetheart, how are ya kid?"
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 Thanks for responding. Bob Newhart would be canceled in today's culture. I was pleased to see the album. He was a regular on Johnny Carson Show.
Love those Martins. They're on my lottery list!
It's a really great video! Thanks a lot for this very useful comparision! Both guitars are awesome! I am currently looking for a complementary guitar for my lovely HD-28 in gorgeous sunburst. I love this guitar, it sounds great! Having a dreadnought already I am looking for a smaller body guitar to develop my fingepicking experience. So far I had two very probable candidates for me: 000-28EC and CEO7. After this video I would like to try the 000-18 as well. I kind of tend a bit more to CEO7: I have already Sitka / Rosewood combination with my HD28 and would like to give other woods a try. What would be your personal preference in such a case? Thanks a lot!
I love the 000-28EC, it's a bucket list Martin for me. But I think if you already have an HD-28, then the CEO-7 would definitely be my pick for the complementary guitar. The mahogany will have a slightly shorter decay time, which doesn't effect sustain as much as it just helps notes cut differently and increases the midrange presence. The slightly smaller body makes it extra comfortable in any setting, and if you do any recording with the two guitars, I think you'll be thrilled with the blend.
You can't go wrong with an EC, what a guitar, but I'd lean toward the CEO. Thanks so much for the kind words!
This is just a beautiful, nice, and warm sounding guitar - I have one of the 000-18 and played a few Fingerstyle on my channel👍🏻
Lovely sounds from your channel!
Great comparison. Interesting how some variances can mean absolutely nothing to one person whereas to another, they're they main reason to choose one over the other. For me, I simply don't get on with the modern string spacing at the bridge that Martin are using (2 5/32). I can finger pick that width just fine but it's real estate I'm not willing to give up when my money is on the table. The other thing (nail in the coffin IMO) for most Martins on the market today is the MLO neck - too slim for my taste. My Gibson L-00 reissue and Waterloo with chunky V-neck is where it's at for me. For these reasons, I'm "stuck" with a CEO-7. I know - it's a pity ;)
I adore the 18 series, 0-18, 00-18 and 000-18 (with 0-18 being my favorite). The plain vintage toner tops are just fabulous to look at and the 18 series appointments are just timeless!
It's a great point that we all find different features that are our personal "deal-breaker" I wouldn't mind an oversized version of the V, but I also understand that it's a niche item. I'm hoping that eventually some of the Authentic neck shapes will make their way down into the more "affordable" options.
Thanks for the kind words and thoughtful comments!
I agree @justinPaczkowski , the saddle string spacing on the 18 just doesn’t work for me. Wish it did, but it doesn’t.
Great shoot out - I am in love with the CEO-7 and I think the overall sound quality on the CEO-7 was better on this video alone. In the movie YESTERDAY, they had the sunburst with a green fur lined HSC. Where the heck did THAT come from? I have never seen one since.
Thanks so much! I still need to watch Yesterday, I've heard enough good reviews that I should give it a shot. The case on the CEO with the red velour is my favorite Martin case...but green is a very Martin interior in my mind from growing up in the 90's.
I remember reading somewhere that the guitar in the film Yesterday is a custom shop version of the CEO 7 and it is not this version of the guitar.
I think the 18 has a bit more volume in the upper mid-range, the ceo7 has a bit more in the brightness. The dead strings might sound better in the ceo7. I'm really excited about trying these models finally.
Great video. I’ve owned both of these guitars for a number of years and agree (for the most part) with your review. I would say, however, that the 00018 is a much more versatile guitar with a more “open” sound than the CEO7 despite the CEO’s Adirondack top. In my opinion the CEO7 is optimized for finger picking f acoustic blues. Bottom line - both wonderful guitars
and they’re Martins - can’t go wrong.
I think that's a fair assessment of the two, though I think the CEO-7 also really excels as a flatpicked guitar. Thanks for the kind words!
Not sold on CEO though it is really nice. It’s limited and still smaller sounding. It’s a great Gibson. I played on and I’ll take my OOO-18 for all around playing. Records like the perfect acoustic. I may look at trading my LG2 for a CEO at some point but I’m a Martin tone lover. the LG2 is pretty great though it’s fully Gibson voiced.
I would go with the 000 at the moment, but I think a that Adi top ages and opens up some more, in another ten to 15 years of playing and the entire starts checking, that Adi top on the Ceo will sound super.
CEO 7 is for the blues and the 000-18 is more allround (more classical stuff also).
Thank you. Fine video and infos. Fun watching
Like them both but LOVE my 000-18!
This is a very good comparison video.
IMO: All else equal, I prefer a guitar with Mod-V neck. All else equal, I prefer Adirondack Spruce. Of all the other differences discussed, if I have a preference, then I prefer the choices made for the 00-18.
The CEO is one that I would buy, and then later wish I had bought the bigger body. I'm weird that way
I kinda thought the same at first, but honestly, I've never actually wanted it to be bigger than it is mostly because it's sounded great in every situation I've put it in.
Outstanding review. I have a 000-28EC (which I love) ...but still lust after a 00 for couch playing and ...well ...they're just cool.
...and Go Cubs!!!
The EC is definitely my all-time favorite 000 design, every single one I've played has been outstanding throughout the years of production...but yeah, a CEO-7 would be the perfect pairing with it. Go Cubs Go!
Excellent a/b...I am surprised the string spacing at bridge did not affect feel. The 000-18 (2.15 vs 2.31 for ceo) seems narrow for a guitar that's going get a lot of fingerstyle.
Yeah, I've gotta think it's about the combination of the bridge spacing with the nut spacing. I think 2 1/8" would feel much tighter combined with a 1-11/16" nut, so maybe on the 000-18 they're looking to mitigate the spacing a bit for picking. Thanks so much for the kind words!
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 if I may, how would you compare the feel of the 000-28EC to these? i've never been able to try one but it looks like sort of the sweet spot, specs-wise..
@@WScott-gd2mj They are very similar in feel particularly with the neck shape. In my lap a Clapton is obviously just a touch bigger, and with rosewood, it's a bit more reverberant...but the CEO-7 is so beautifully crisp. A 000-28EC is definitely on my bucket-list. There are 4 current Martins where I've played enough of them that I'd be comfortable buying them sight-unseen. CEO-7, 000-28EC, D-35, and HD-28.
Really any of the Standard Series are likely to be great, but those are the 4 where I feel the design and construction results in a crazy high batting average of getting a truly outstanding Martin.
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 thanks for the thoughtful reply/testimonial....I'll probably keep saving for an EC. Look forward to more good stuff on your channel
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 just as an update, I found a custom spec'd 000-18 at wildwood with adirondack top/bracing and slightly wider 2 1/4 inch string spacing, same as EC...priced above regular stock, of course, but still hundreds less than EC...very very tempting...
I have a lot of guitars including Martins. I demoed both you do here. But call me crazy, I bought an Eastman E10-OMSB. It had an Adi top , but I loved the 12 inch radius fretboard compared to the flatter Martin. I got it for 750 bucks took the savings and bought a new D-18 Amberburst.
Eastman's are awesome, I have a 515 mando from them that I love. Great to have the option for folks.
pew-pew! I love it!
Glad you enjoyed it!
CEO has a bit of boxy flavor to it. 000 sounds more open and airy.
Think I'll go with Gibson L-00 mahogany ...but CEO7 is nice, too😎
Understandable, happy hunting!
I played a 00-18, 000-18, ceo-7 and Eric Clapton 000-28 today at a local music store. For starters, all of the mahogany guitars sounded better than the ec000-28, which was surprising to me. The ceo-7
sounded best, more base than some of the dreadnoughts in the room. But the 00-18 and 000-18 were way better playing guitars up and down the neck imo. Tuners on the ceo-7 are stiff which I didn’t like.
The CEO looks really good to me. But anyone who plays Back Home Again in Indiana is pretty rad! 🤘
Gotta have both ! ! ! !
Great feature comparison. I've owned the CEO-7, sold to my son, and a 000-18 which I sold to purchase a OM-28V. The only thing I missed was a discussion of the bracing, e.g., forward shifted and scalloped. To my ears, bracing and tonewood (RW vs Hog) markedly influence guitar sound. I seem to recall the CEO-7 was both scalloped and forward shifted, sort of a Golden Era Martin. I own a early '80's D-19 (hog) with standard bracing and I prefer its articulation and balance to a (forward shifted, scalloped) re-imagined D-18. I sold the re-imagined D-18 to buy a D-21 (RW), with, you guessed it, forward shifted scalloped bracing. This video makes me want to go out and buy another CEO-7...
The X brace has certainly moved around a bit on the Dreadnoughts. The CEO-7 is a technically a new design for Martin, so it's only had the one bracing location. I believe 000's are basically the same, the 14-fret models really haven't had as much variance in the X location. Aside from the construction history, I think the reason the X can be moved around on the Dread so much is that there is a wide space there for variance and Dreads can be so versatile in what the player wants. I'd love to get my hands on a Jason Isbell model as they were rear-braced for more treble presence (makes sense as he bounces between pick and fingerstyle).
Great points on bracing, both guitars are scalloped bracing (the 000-18 is from the Reimagined line, so all the 18's there are scalloped). I have an HD-MMV that in non-scalloped and I find it is a bit more of compressed tone, which absolutely has it's benefits. While I generally prefer scalloped bracing as an overall rule, I think straight-bracing still absolutely has a place in the Martin line for the tonal variance.
Thanks so much for your thoughtful comments, and yes, you should totally buy another CEO-7.
Thanks for a great video.
I’m trying to figure out what to get, and your video helped me figure out that Adirondack top is a must. Not sure whether it’ll be the CEO-7, need to go find one to play the V neck.
Glad to help, happy hunting!
I was surprised that you'd make the comparison between a 000 and a 00 body size,I was even more surprised that the output from each guitar was so similar.I have a CEO7 with two modifications 1)Waverly tuners with ebony buttons 2)Abalone inlaid ebony bridge pins.At 73 I find that modified 'V' neck profile to be more supportive of my hand and have no regrets for buying it in PX for a Larrivee OM10
I was surprised too, which was some of the reason I made the video if only so I could also hear the difference while not playing.
I think the addition of Waverly's is brilliant because the tuners on the CEO are the one weak spot. Did you have to drill any additional holes for those?
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 The waverleys were an almost fit so with some fiddling I was able to use the same holes (I think),you certainly can't see any holes but they too are a bit stiff.As Martin were kind enough to give the part number of the tuners,I looked them up.At the time they were selling on Stewmac for $45.00!!The waverleys Were about $110.00 also from Stewmac.....................
louis CK plays guitar?
hilarious video man
I prefer to think of myself as Gaffigan-esque, but just glad you enjoyed the video. ;-)
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 oh no he is much less funny
Now I wish I would have gotten the CEO-7.
They're both great, you didn't go wrong with what you got! :-)
I thoroughly enjoyed your review. I own a CEO-7 and love it for its tone and looks. Ironically, I don't like the neck. As a retired old coot with bad shoulders and arthritic hands, I purchased Martin 0-18, with a faster neck that is much easier for me to play. It is now my favorite guitar. I won't sell the CEO-7, but I play it less than it deserves.
I actually own both of these guitars myself, exceeeept my 000-18 also has an Adirondack top. Comparing the two side by side, in my opinion the CEO-7 slightly edges out the 18 tone wise. It just projects better. The 18 on the other hand is a little snappier and easier to play. These are both killer guitars and really you can’t go wrong with either. This is a awesome review, especially for those torn between the two. Well done dude!
Nice call on the Adi top for the 18, can't go wrong either way. Thanks so much for the kind words!
I bought a d 18 a week ago, kept it for about three days and took it back to the store because of the modified low over neck. I absolutely hated it! Kept hitting the high E string with the fleshy part of my palm and it gives me a cramp because it's too low profile for me. And I don't know if any of you noticed or not but you can't hardly get any Martin guitars with anything but a modified low oval on them. Why did they do that? I called the company yesterday and they told me that they were phasing out v-necks
I certainly hope the Mod-V neck will still be an option, but yeah, the PA taper mod low oval is certainly the primary neck. I don't hate it, but the feel of the V just suits me. If you get the change, play an Authentic with a full V neck, it's just more of a good thing for me.
Great review. Looking into a mahogany Martin. I’ll never be able to decide. First world problems.
The good news is, whatever you pick you'll be right.
Team CEO-7 all the way. I have a CEO-7 and a OM-21 (2012 model) with the MLO/PA neck. I much prefer the Mod V neck of the CEO-7. The Golden Age tuners on my CEO-7 we’re swapped out years ago for some Gotoh’s.
I wish they'd bring back the "V" series on a few more models to have the Mod V neck, but I think the Reimagined was their way of doing that visually with the vintage toner, open gear tuners, and 1.75" nuts.
It's crossed my mind to swap the tuners at some point, good to know Gotoh's are an option, thanks!
Chris Dobbs Recording Amen on bringing back the V series. After starting with dreads I’ve discovered over the years that 00 guitars short scale guitars with V necks fit me best. I need a suitable Martin 00 Rosewood so I would love it if Martin brought back the 00-28 VS. And while dreaming, I wish Martin would do a 00-28 Authentic 1931. I love the 1931 V neck.
@@mwguzman The Authentics are so amazing. I agree a 00-28 Authentic would be awesome. I know the wait time is up around a year now, but you could probably do a custom shop that would start from a 000-28 (you can move from there to a smaller or bigger size).
I think that both guitars sounds amazing in your hands. I love the V neck and bought a CEO-7. Did not like the tuners that much and switched to waverly's. That made a huge difference. I love my CEO-7. Sounds great and plays great. Thank You for the great shoot out :D
Good call on the tuners, thanks for watching!
I like the sound of the ceo-7 better...
000-18 all day long.
Nothing wrong with that call at all!
I think the 000 has a bit more bass. I have a used CEO-7 & will soon have a 000-28e Modern Deluxe (VTS Sitka top, EI Rosewood back & sides). It depends on what I'm singing. But my CEO-7 WAS first.
Those Modern Deluxe models are very cool, I love the advancement of a titanium truss rod.
1. Sound of the 000-18, 1 point. 2. Sound of the 000-18, 1 point. 3. Tuners on the 000-18, 1 point. 4. Sound of the 000-18, 1 point. 5. (personal preference) Look of the 000-18 (iconic/classic) 1 point. 6. Sound of the 000-18, 1 point. Drum roll please..."And the winner is...Brooks and Dunn". (Inside joke. Every time I'd watch the CMA I'd have a clear winner in my mind, and then...like clockwork...out of the blue..."BROOKS AND DUNN". Year. After year. After year.)
Whenever I hear Brooks & Dunn I think of high school summer gym when they sent us line dancing at a bar in the middle of the day. I don't know who filled out the paperwork on that one, but hats off to them.
@@chrisdobbsrecording9874 Man. You went to the right high school! :-D
(Update: I've been listening (on line) to the Recording King RO-318 (a 000-18 clone) with a 30 year old aged adirondack top and solid mahogany back and sides with Grover tuners for $599.00 (no case) and that really gives the 000-18 a run for its money.)
Through my limited headphones, the CEO-7 seems to have more character, more articulate? a certain clarity? (searching for the right words, not sure I found them. I can hear all the strings,. The 18 is very smooth, very beautiful in its own right. There is a homogenous sound to the strum.
I think I would take the 18 for bluegrass or folk. I am a more percussive, rootsey player. I think the CEO 7 (before experiencing the feel of the necks) would be my choice