What Do Guitars from the 1800s Sound Like?
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- Опубликовано: 2 окт 2024
- A lot of people think that old guitars sound better, but do they really? In this video Dan and Blake explore that question, and demo what two guitars probably sounded like back in the 1800's.
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D'Addario Silk & Steel Folk Acoustic Guitar Strings
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A one hundred year old instrument doesn't survive if it doesn't sound special. I think that's part of the reason people love them so much. The ones that are still around are premium examples of what was available a century ago. I'm sure there was some trash made back then, but nobody took the time to love them like these beauties.
Dan is nothing short of a national treasure!
An international treasure!
I dont think they played “ the blues” in 1872 or whatever
Damn, looks like you're getting aroused.
@@Docante1 Do you know the history of blues music and its connection with West African music?
@@Docante1 Blues is believed to have been invented in the 1860s. Whether or not former slaves would have been able to get their hands on a guitar like that back then is anybodies guess.
Those Silk and steel strings really made that guitar come alive!
It's somewhat astounding that those guitars have survived at all, let alone in the shape they are in. It was a real treat to see and hear them.
Agreed! Thanks so much for checking out the video.
There are recordings of Segovia playing a guitar strung with gut strings. He was able to get some pretty amazing sounds out of them. These are wonderful guitars. Thank you ver much!
Very cool. He could make the best out of ANY strings! Thanks for the comment!
This was a great video idea! Never would I have experienced the sound of those two guitars in my life apart from this. I’ve seen mid-nineteenth century guitars hanging before. Hearing them was a treat. Thank you!
Very cool! Thanks so much!
I've been enjoying all the "young bloods" in your recent videos, but it's so wonderful to see Dan in front of the camera again. I hope he won't mind me saying that he's like the cool, chill grandpa of the entire guitar community.
I have my great uncle's 1920's Tatay, he got it second hand in the 40's or 50's; then when he passed away my grandfather had it for 30 years before giving it to me because he wanted to hear it again. That is a guitar that makes any player sound good and it is just unbelievably good sounding, the most forgiving guitar that I have ever played. Just a priceless wonder.
My guitar teacher 50 years ago, had a 1929 Martin New Yorker, all mahogany. That was an incredible sound. He was big on Eddie Lang and Fats Waller songs. It was a joy to play. And , a friend had a 1892 Gibson mandolin that was sent to Gibson for some repair. Gibson dated it and said that it's possible, Orville Gibson himself may have even worked on it. These guitars here sound incredible.
I have a 1964 Harmony that sounds just beautiful! Sure it’s nothing particularly special but of the 2 dozen guitars I own it just has such a unique and different tone. Most of all I fantasize a bit of all the songs it has been tasked to sing through its life and it inspires me to challenge it with new and interesting demands!
Great video guys! I think you really did a thorough job of experimenting with the different possibilities! Well done!
Your Harmony sounds great! Thanks so much for the comment.
"it’s nothing particularly special".... I don't think so. For all the reasons you give - it sounds bloody spesh to me!
I know what you mean. I've got a 79 Yamaha 000 which is all laminate and I believe a student model but that little thing just blows away any of my other acoustics.
I own a Martin from the 1860's and have chosen to use the DelArte nylons for the lower 3 strings and the Thomastik-Infeld John Pearce folk strings for the uppe 3 strings. Sounds great!
Very cool! Thanks for the comment!
Wow Nathan, sounds amazing I am sure. Thank you for that string recommendation, though I do not have older instruments I may come across them, and if so will try them. Or even on my nylon.
Nathan - listening to this I was struck by the thought of nylon lower 3 strings and gut for the top 3.
@@chipsterb4946 You know what you could use Thomastik KR116 Flatwound Strings which will save the frets from scratches.
@@chipsterb4946 You know what you could use Thomastik KR116 Flatwound Strings which will save the frets from scratches.
I loved the video and the different sounds of strings.
I also love the fact that our listening and expectations change over time. I'm sure players and listened of the time would find the sound of the silk and steel "harsh".
I would love to hear a current made OM model or similar played with all those strings as another comparison.
Keep up the super work
Great presentation comparing the guitars with different strings.
With genuine gut strings the bass strings were muddy on both and they both sounded like toy guitars.
Both improved greatly with nylon strings. The Martin sounded better than the other. It was sounding like a real guitar!
With steel strings, the Martin came alive - clear note separation from all 6 strings. Lovely.
Yes, we loved the silk & steel as well. Thanks for the feedback!
I thought the exact same thing. Thanks for voicing it.
@@stewmac You could've gone w/ Thomastik KR116 Rope Core Flatwounds. The Nylon Strings really improve the Tuning stability & tone of these Guitars, the Gut Strings sounded like Toys.
Having owned many amazing high end, boutique guitars. Nothing compares, sound wise, to my 1891 Martin parlor model 2-17, with light steel strings and drop tuned one whole step. It’s the same model Mark Twain owned.😊
The one that most appealed to my ear the best was the 1872 Martin with nylon strings, it still maintained its brightness but was a tad mellow too and resonated more. Thanks for demonstrating 'em and more importantly putting them back in playable condition. Tip o' the cap gents.
I've got a Yamaha 69 FG 230 12 string that just sings when its played. The guitars tend to age well from what I've seen and heard as long as the guitar is taken care of and kept in a relatively constant environment where it's not subject to extreme temperature swings. The one I have has a really good warm full sound.
WOW!!! I think this is one of the best demos I've seen!!! Thank you!!!
Recently got an Eastman E20 OO with the antique varnish in the shop and that thing is nuts.
Brilliant!
I loved the calm of you two fine chaps.
If you listen to someone that plays any well made guitar there is always something Wonderful coming your way, especially if the player is actually enjoying the experience.
amazing tones from those instruments in headphones, especially with the silk & steels
Stringing these guitars was literally gut-wrenching.
That is a very cool and insightful test! Bravo!
I have several old Brazilian Rosewood parlor guitars to a 2012 Gibson Hummingbird, each of my guitars has it unique sound and feel.
I recently purchased a 1870’s Martin 0-28 guitar and I love the tone and the action with the nylon strings that you used. I’ve really been surprised. When I compare their tone and action with my 1962 Martin 00-18 I like both. Each has its place and I am pleased with the fact that both have been built to the tone that I associate with Martin guitars.
I once got to play Rory Gallagher's 66 Telecaster. I haven't played anything that was even close to how it sounded and played. I think good old guitars stay around because people know they are good and the best players pick the best guitars. The bad ones don't get anywhere and get thrown aside.
Survivorship bias.
It begs the question. Had you not known who’s guitar it was, would it still have sounded as amazing?
@@valentino3191 Well I thought it was a replica or something when I got to play it initially - it was only as I was playing it I was told it was his actual guitar haha. So it did both sound and feel amazing to play before I knew. I played a replica made from an old strat before I got to play the tele but the tele was just another level ^^
I love listening to my Tony Mottola records and hear his sweet gut-string guitar.
That guy knew what to do with that old old guitar. He knew how to play it exactly. I have a 1905-ish classical guitar, and it sounds just like these guitars. ...except mine actually sounds quite a bit better, but it has nylon strings. My guitar has a big booming sound on the bass notes that just resonates so much. StewMac is awesome.
Of course, yours sounds better. We totally believe you, Jeff. 😉
Found my 1862 Ashborn 27 years ago as it was wearing medium gauge steel strings(!), a broken neck and a broken bridge and saddle. Many cracks and filled with dust. $6.50. Located a luthier who is dedicated to historical instruments, not just folk guitars. He lovingly put it back together for several hundred dollars. It is a family treasure and so fun to play. Imagine, this guitar played Stephen Foster tunes when they were new. Holds tune very well.
Amazing! Thanks for sharing.
Same here. Found a pre 1855 Martin 2 1/ 2 24 in a junk pile at a flea market. $10.00. Needs some love to be playable. Fortunately, not much. New bridge and a few separations mended. Wish I knew the history on it. Someone played the bag off of it.
Silk & steel for the win!
What a treat listening to those antiques! Amazing
Glad you enjoyed it!
Actually the low end on ALL the set-ups was amazing, it only got better with the change of strings.
To my ear the Martin is noticably louder with more presence. With either set of strings but really shines with those silk and steels.
I’m still practising guitar I have a Yamaha FG Junior acoustic I’m looking forward to buying a older guitar I have a old guitar from 1971 and it’s a classical and then I have an electric guitar set my grandpa gave me for Christmas I don’t know the brand of it but it sounds amazing
Thank you for a wonderful video!
The three different strings each have their own "flavor," but ALL sounded great.
Nope... you need to choose one...🤨
@@jamiemorgan4146 I manage...
I love my Martin HD-28. Great sound!! It’s new, purchased late February of this year.
You could've used Thomastik KR116 Strings on both of these Guitars they have a Rope Core.
the Ashbourne has such a thick attack.
The martin definitely sounds more martinee. Thank you for this video.
I currently own a PRS SE P20 and I am very actually quite happy with it, considering that all the acoustic guitars I have played since 2002 have been subject to comparison with a unique experience I had then. This happened in London where I stumbled upon a 1926 Gibson that left me just sleepless for a very, very long time... That particular guitar had EVERYTHING I could possibly desire from an acoustic except the price tag, which stated GBP 6000,-.
My favourite guitar is my Seagull Artist Mosaic. It's brand new, and I was not going to buy it that day, but I couldn't let it go after trying it. I got the demo unit that I played. I usually prefer 80/20 bronze, bit I use phosphor bronze D'addario strings on it. It sounds more cozy if that makes any sense :p
Awesome!
I've had my Cedar S6 for 20 years and with phosphor bronzes it absolutely sings.
It’s been my experience that the older guitars “martins in my case cause I’m a bluegrasser” always have this lower, warm full tone. The kind that makes u make sure u perfect you’re right hand movements and wanna stick to that type of music to suit the tone. Newer guitars have a brighter, crispy tone. Some with more low end than others but crisp. More suited for a solo lead picker artist. In summary in 38 years it seem older axes make better rhythm and those old make ya wanna cry slow 3 finger style songs. New, play at 190 bpm and hammer through it. Ain’t it strange how it closely compares to the life of a man! Lol
prewar martins have a bit bigger body than the modern ones
It’s totally up to the sound you’re looking for. But…. I personally wouldn’t give $110 for a set of strings! Not in this lifetime.
Interestingly flatwound bass strings are around $100 a set.
Wow, beautiful playing. And absolutely gorgeous sounding guitars.
I'm gonna have to try Silk & Steel next string change !
I love my Orangewood Ava Mahogany. Of course, I slotted the bridge, reamed the bridge pin holes, and replaced the ebony bridge pins with bone. Such a well balanced guitar.
Very nice!
Back in the early '60s I played my friend's dad's prewar D-28. I've never heard a Martin that sounded better. I've heard quite a few prewar Martins since then and they all have "that" sound. I own 3 Martins. I also own a '65 Gibson J-45 and a sweet sounding Blueridge BR-160 that each have a unique sound but can't match the boom of a Martin. Unfortunately, none of my guitars are that old (except the J-45) and you can really tell the difference between them and a vintage instrument. That also goes for a vintage electric Gibson Melody Maker I own. All the vintage guitars sound better.
I own a Paulino Bernabe hand made Concert Flamenco Blanca that does bring a tear to your eye. 65year old cypress back and sides, 45 year old German Spruce soundboard, mohagany neck, ebony fretboard, bone nut and saddle. This thing is loud, bright and plays really fast. I paid way too much for it, but if the house caught fire, I would save this guitar, for sure. I will NEVER give it up.
Wow. Sounds like an incredible guitar!
I have a Guild 412 from 1980 I’ve been playing it with just 6 six strings. The high strings are bright and the low strings boom. Strum a chord and you can feel the neck and the top vibrate. It’s a thing of beauty. All maple except for the top (spruce) and the fretboard (ebony).
I don't think old guitars actually sound better, but old guitars usually get played a lot and that certainly brings them to life. I believe that you need to "break in" instruments just like shoes, and the instruments that were played over the years shine more brightly than NOS guitars that haven't been touched. Even these ridiculous mechanical gadgets that StewMac sells for playing guitar for you, I think it's legit. I think breaking in guitars is a far more important thing than even tonewoods or the whole vintage thing. The guitar could be vintage or new, but as long as it was played like it's supposed to, that makes all the difference.
How long have you played? I know it took me a few years and actually getting to play the vintage acoustics before I started to understand…and it is absolutely true. There is a combination of tone and feel that does not exist in most guitars.
That being said…only the most devoted artists and collectors can actually use these instruments.
I’ve played over 20 years and I still have trouble touching pre ww 2 martins.
Not worthy. Not skilled enough to deserve the privilege.
Awesome show!!! My Taylor 714 with elixir polywebs is my favorite, can't stop picking it up until the strings start to frey.
My Dad's old Gibson J45 from the 1960s would be a close second but I don't know maybe if I had played some more high end guitars I'd change my mind🤣
Thanks for sharing these amazing vintage guitars guys! Sound amazing! I'm a believer! I have a 72 MIJ Epiphone Bard Acoustic with a bolt on neck that I like more than the 2000 Taylor W-10 NAMM show acoustic that cost 2K more. The Bard plays better than any other acoustic I've had, especially now that I string it with D'Addario 10-46 electrics!
Wow those guitars sound great! I have a hohner acoustic dreadnought I’ve had for 22 years now. I use Daddario phosphor bronze .013-.056 gauge strings and it seems to sound better every year!
Amazing demonstration. Thanks so much, this made my day …big love to both of you ♥️🌹🌹🎸🎸🌟
Hello Dan ... The gut sounds great but I love Nylgut .. I have a 1852 #1 Ashborn that just loves being played percussively .. The mahogany #1 loves strong playing .. The gut strings just need really strong pulling before they settle .. Same with the Nylgut strings from Aquillia ...The original pegs that James Ashborn made are as fine as any modern tuners I have ever used (really better) .. Lots more to say ... . My favorite guitar for my style of playing out is a 1949 018 I have had for 30 years . It looks like a train ran it over (It did before I got her) ... I have the luck of having James Ashborn's shop in my county and Dave Oakes to work on my instruments. Anything you want to know about Ashborn's building ask Dave .I know you guys have talked . :) Things like the interior differences between a #4 and a new #5 . It did not matter to Ashborn if anyone could see his upgrades the instrument was worthy of them .. WHo puts a veneer on a guitar neck :) Amazing joinery ...
Loved a Larrivée PV-09!!!
i use to have a buscarino nylon string chet atkins style..nylon strings..the most crazy beautiful sound and easy going..
After I put on a good pair of headphones the Silk and steel were amazing
That Martin Sounds Glorious!!!
1928 Gibson L-4 Bought for $75 in 1977. Sitka Spruce Arch Top.. Flaming Maple Arched Back... But Now Needs Major TLC....
DOUBLE TOP! My 2019 Jeremy Cooper Double Top blows away my 1966 Manuel Velazquez, using the exact same strings.
Thank you for doing that. It was so interesting. Sadly my oldest guitar is a 1950 Framus so not in that league at all.
I think I prefer the Silk & Steels. I do have a couple of small, older guitars; a 63 Martin 5-16 Terz and a 1910 Washburn 1-15 Braz/Spruce. I have both strung with ultra light steels, they both just had very good neck resets, and they seem to be faring quite well, both in open tunings. I've used S&S before on various guitars, especially 12 strings, and I know them quite well, but it just never occurred to me to try them on either of these...
I am lucky enough to own 4 x acoustic guitars from 4 x different decades (1970’s / 1980’s / 2010’s / 2020’s). And really I wouldn’t say my oldest ones sounds better. I just look for mojo. And that can come in any guitars.
I was flabbergasted to see that John Ashborne guitar. I have a #1 in perfect condition and all original. I wish you would have shown more how it was made but that was not your purpose. I love that guitar but I haven’t tried different strings. Thanks for showing it. I don’t no how to date it other than the company ended in 1867.
Very cool!
This is interesting because the oldest guitar I own is 20 years old.
I chose the nylon on mine. 1992 Peter Daniels and is very comparison in sound.
My favorite acoustic is my Taylor 224ce-k DLX. I was just killing time in my local guitar center one day and decided to pick it off the wall. It sounded and felt so perfect to me that I applied for one of the store credit cards that minute just so I could make sure I left the store with it. No second thoughts, and over two years later absolutely no regrets. It's still my pride and joy amongst my acoustics.
Thats awesome, and I love that guitar too
I do think there is something to the aging of the wood in acoustic instruments that makes them warmer. I think they "can" sound better but it has to be set up right and in the right hands. (It's the Indian, not the arrow). I don't hear it as much in electrics. One thing about old guitars is they were hand made, one at a time, and they each have their own character. Today's assembly line guitars are built to all sound alike. Like a Big Mac, we can debate how good they are but the Big Mac you got is Chicago tastes exactly the same as the Big Mac you got in Singapore.
This reinforced my distaste for "vintage" guitars. "Vintage" is largely a salesmans' gimmick...it's a marketing dream!
I'm so tired of all the B.S surrounding "vintage" guitars.
Peace. 🐰💙🇺🇲🎸🎶✌️
That was awesome. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent show fella's. I definitely liked the modern strings better then the gut. Honestly couldn't tell that much difference between nylon and silken steel. Personally I have never bought the myth that vintage guitars are better than modern particularly with electrics. You could make a case with old acoustics that they had better wood 50 to 100 years ago and that could effect the sound but the difference is slight it is hard for most people to tell.
I had real guts on my classical nearly half a century back; they weren't quite as pricey!
No hundred dollar gut strings for me thanks, after hearing this. the Silk & Steel, wow!
7:27 Only on the Martin not on the Ashborn, it's way too lightly built for that it couldn't handle them, they'll be Silk & Steel. We could've used Thomastik KR116 Strings.
I like the silk and steel, however I would like to know the difference in the fret scales of those two guitars, I think that would make a difference in the sustain for each! thanks Tom
I thought the gut sounded interesting, but the silk and steel made me think "gut sounds like plucking a tennis racket."
Like Timex vs Rolex.Awesome experiment. Thanks for the video guys.🙂👍✌
I enjoyed this demonstration. This question may already have been asked and answered, but here goes. What is the durability of natural gut strings? A full set costs more than some entry level guitar packages! $109 per set is a bit dear for the average strummer. Then again, the average joe will not be able to afford these vintage guitars! 😏 Keep the great vids coming.
I like that Ashborne body style. Is that a Parlor Guitar? Best Guitars I have ever played; '73 Les Paul Custom with thin C neck, and G&L ASAT Tribute Deluxe from Cort Indonesia, with a med C neck and Rosewood board.
4:57 Alright time to switch gears. We'll change those Gut Strings out to Modern Nylon Strings which last many times as long & they liven up the Guitar's sound.
I don't think anybody was playing blues riffs on guitars back in 1852. I would have liked to hear something that dates from the period. Just sayin'.
Does anyone know the difference in tension between the various types of strings used?
Actually I have been waiting for an opportunity to actually build/test/debug a string idea I had a while ago; TLDR, if mushrooms can make alternative leather I'm fairly certain the process could be modified to produce an alternative to gut (with a bit of experimentation).
Wow! Mushstrings?
I use Thomastik KF110 Flatwound Strings cause they'll save the frets from scratches
Man oh man, how much are these worth? Cool video!
I play my dad's Martin 00-16C and it sounds nice. I haven't played any other classical guitar so I don't really have a good reference.
I had the opportunity a few years ago, to play a pair of old, small-bodied Martins and they were incredible. Both were strung with steel strings, I don’t recall the models, but one was from 1928 and the other was from 1933, I believe. They were just flat-out amazing and they played wonderfully and were rich and complex, like no modern guitar. I believe it’s the maturation of the wood that makes them sound that way. As for these guitars, the nylon and silk & steel strings sounded best to me. I have an old 3/4 size Framus from the 1960’s that is similar in size to these two. I have steel strings on it, but it’s also tuned down a whole step, it sounds best with steel strings.
Awesome! Thanks for the comment!
The silk and steel have more chime but there’s something I really like about the thump of the cat guts. But silk and steel feel great under the fingers. Thanks for a very enjoyable video!
Another great video !!
Both sounded dead with gut strings. They sounded a lot better with the nylons. More fullness and brightness. For me both sound inferior to modern guitars..
I’d go with a Martin OOO-style (or comparable brand) with light silk and steel or phosphor bronze strings. The rest is in the fingers.
Silk and steel. I think modern sounds better, but not the same.... if you know what I mean. Thank you guys!!
Interesting, cause the Ashbourne sounded real dull but the Martin sounded great with gut strings. Then the nylon brought both to life.
Good question Dan. I have played a ton of guitars and though I have a few oldies, they are making some mighty good guitars today. I love them all…
Gut strings, from way back in the day... I had no idea. Thanks again guys!
Beautiful. Thank you.
Thanks for tuning in!
Interesting. It would have also been interesting to hear a classically trained guitarist play, say Sharon Isbin if she was in the neighborhood.
it's like the wine, when it's a way to old, don't open it, the tast is away :)
thank's for the test
9:33 That Ashburn is only 2 years older than the Martin from the time it was built, but it's actually way too lightly built to handle the Tension of Silk & Steel Strings it would have to be strengthened to help it. You could use Thomastik KR116 Rope Core Strings.
Stumbled upon this. Wonderful to know these guitars still sound beautiful, and that gut strings are still available. Thank you!
Thanks for watching!
My question is what defines a guitar as Antique, Pre war, post war and vintage. And are there any terms valid to describe guitars built in 80's, 90's or 2000's?
You gotta have guts to play those.
the silk & steel were best hands down 😃
I was about to click away and I’m glad I didn’t. Cool video