I own all 3 of the Ed Sheeran little martins, I was thinking of getting the Sheeran W04, but I'm considering the S model now just to have something a little different.
Should try to compare similar body sizes ie the Sheeran Lowden W series. The S series is bigger than the Martin the LX1E and the Sheeran By Lowden W series should be the interesting comparison.
Hi Aaron, I just saw your video today and I'm not sure if my comment is still relevant (I haven't checked your other, newer videos). As a background, I own Little Martin (LX1E) and Sheeran W02 model. I have used LX1E since 2017, while I have just got the W02 around 2 weeks ago. Here's my take on them in comparison. In term of sound/tone, Little Martin is generally boxier. When played acoustic, the volume is not as loud. However, it does still have the Martin sound. I think it's bassier and heavier. This is also a sound which I'm more accustomed to when it comes to guitar sound. Meanwhile, Sheeran guitar is crisper or clearer and lighter. This is certainly a new sound to me, but I've grown to like it too. I cannot tell which one I like better in regard to sound/tone. In fact, I like both and think they just have two different kinds of tones. When it comes to guitar, I think we need to consider playability too. I play with loop and try to emulate what Ed does. Sheeran W02 just works better than Martin LX1E to. To produce the same sound I want, it's much easier to do it with Sheeran W02. Whether it's to make the drum or snare drum sound or to play the riff, I just find it easier with Sheeran W02. I can do the same with Martin LX1E, but with more efforts and carefulness. Since they are both basically one of the cheapest in the line of the brand, they are of course incomparable to the older, pricier siblings. Therefore, I kinda think it's unfair when people say these both are crap. For their price point, I think they are fine. I own Martin D13E and yes, it sounds better, but well, it comes with higher price. I can't tell about more expensive Lowden guitars since they are out of my range now. I think Martin LX1E and Sheeran W02 are perfect IF one especially wants to play the way Ed does. And that's one thing people tend to forget when reviewing these guitars. They are generally great, but they are perfect when that particular way of playing is considered. I tried playing Ed's songs with Martin D13E and it just sounds off. The boxier feels/sounds that come with these smaller/cheaper guitars are better. One last thing. If the question is whether Sheeran W02 worth the price, I would say, yes. With the quality-however mediocre it is for some people-it is still a huge improvement in comparison to Martin LX1E and its price, and thus, the price warrants it. I hope this helps to whoever is interested in Sheeran guitars. I'm sure they are way less good than the pricier, 'true' Lowden. But, considering the price point, the quality that it comes with, and the purpose of use (try using it to emulate Ed's playing), it's great.
Thanks for this. You make an excellent point. Like all signature guitars they are suited for that artists way of playing which may or may not suit your way of playing. I also don’t think they are going for a ‘guitar for the masses’ with the Ed Sheehan signature. After all he chose Martin and Lowden, two of the most premium brands. There are many excellent affordable guitars now which has led to the Sheehan guitars facing more criticism than they may deserve...
not comparable guitars, the Martin LX1e has a smaller body than the Lowden S03, so the S3 would naturally sound louder; the Sheeran S03 is closer to size to a Martin Dreadnought Junior and Taylor GS Mini; a more accurate comparison is between the Martin LX-1E (or a Baby Taylor) and the Sheeran W series (not the S series)
I think the fact they’re both Ed Sheeran versions still makes for an interesting comparison, even though those guitar types aren’t really in the same class.
I have all 3 Ed Sheeran Martins and just got a Sheeran W03 myself. I think the out of the box Sheeran outplays the re-setup Martins and sounds much better all the way around. Nice comparison video!
Hi man. So the sheeran w is bigger tan the little martin (and better sounding)? I want a very travel friendly acoustic and im thinking on getting the little martin but the w01 or 03 looks nice too.
my only problem is that the body sizes are different, i'd expect any smaller body guitar to have less mid and lows in comparison to larger body guitars, #respect to the comparison, suggestion: comparing guitars with the same body size and fret length for proper sound comparison?
Did you use the same strings? Also do a comparison of a $1,100 guitar from some other manufacture as compared to this $1,100 Sheeran. I would put up a Martin JrD against this any day, everyday and HALF THE PRICE of that Lowden
@@aaronshortmusic that's like putting a plastic guitar with Mickey mouse on the top and compare it to the Martin Sheeran. exaggerated but i hope you get my point.
Tony Ward I agree but they are both Laminate back and sides. The body shape is different though. Definitely apples and oranges but I was interested to compare them anyway.
The Martin is very Boxy in sound. The Lowden is much fuller, though a bit too toppy in the lead lines oddly. I have a Martin already in a different finish, would not really be able to afford the Lowden SO3, though it does seem a better package.
TBH they both are a compromise in acoustic design to get to the overall size. To me they both sound boxy and deadish. If not for the Sheeran association and "fashion" I don't think many would bother with this type of bland guitar.
Im sorry but this is a ridiculouse comparison, the martin should be compared to the sheeran 'W' range, which like the Martin to me sounds extremely boxy.
@@aaronshortmusic Ohh I see, fair enough, well in that case to me the S03 sounds like a real guitar, how do you like the S03? Have you ever had the chance to play a Lowden S in comparison to the sheern S?
Sean c Yeah the Sheeran is obviously a larger body and most people will prefer that sound. I have not really sat down with a Lowden but the Sheeran makes me want to! They are not the easiest guitars to find in the USA.
thesecretpolice Dreadful guitar matched with appalling customer service. Don’t even think about it! Action 7mm and Bridge lifting. Truss rod not even connected. After 4 months I finally received a replacement. Guess what? Bridge lifting on the new one. Refused a refund- ongoing fucking Saga....
I own all 3 of the Ed Sheeran little martins, I was thinking of getting the Sheeran W04, but I'm considering the S model now just to have something a little different.
Cool!
Buy one for me😁
Should try to compare similar body sizes ie the Sheeran Lowden W series. The S series is bigger than the Martin the LX1E and the Sheeran By Lowden W series should be the interesting comparison.
Hi Aaron, I just saw your video today and I'm not sure if my comment is still relevant (I haven't checked your other, newer videos). As a background, I own Little Martin (LX1E) and Sheeran W02 model. I have used LX1E since 2017, while I have just got the W02 around 2 weeks ago. Here's my take on them in comparison.
In term of sound/tone, Little Martin is generally boxier. When played acoustic, the volume is not as loud. However, it does still have the Martin sound. I think it's bassier and heavier. This is also a sound which I'm more accustomed to when it comes to guitar sound. Meanwhile, Sheeran guitar is crisper or clearer and lighter. This is certainly a new sound to me, but I've grown to like it too. I cannot tell which one I like better in regard to sound/tone. In fact, I like both and think they just have two different kinds of tones.
When it comes to guitar, I think we need to consider playability too. I play with loop and try to emulate what Ed does. Sheeran W02 just works better than Martin LX1E to. To produce the same sound I want, it's much easier to do it with Sheeran W02. Whether it's to make the drum or snare drum sound or to play the riff, I just find it easier with Sheeran W02. I can do the same with Martin LX1E, but with more efforts and carefulness.
Since they are both basically one of the cheapest in the line of the brand, they are of course incomparable to the older, pricier siblings. Therefore, I kinda think it's unfair when people say these both are crap. For their price point, I think they are fine. I own Martin D13E and yes, it sounds better, but well, it comes with higher price. I can't tell about more expensive Lowden guitars since they are out of my range now.
I think Martin LX1E and Sheeran W02 are perfect IF one especially wants to play the way Ed does. And that's one thing people tend to forget when reviewing these guitars. They are generally great, but they are perfect when that particular way of playing is considered. I tried playing Ed's songs with Martin D13E and it just sounds off. The boxier feels/sounds that come with these smaller/cheaper guitars are better.
One last thing. If the question is whether Sheeran W02 worth the price, I would say, yes. With the quality-however mediocre it is for some people-it is still a huge improvement in comparison to Martin LX1E and its price, and thus, the price warrants it.
I hope this helps to whoever is interested in Sheeran guitars. I'm sure they are way less good than the pricier, 'true' Lowden. But, considering the price point, the quality that it comes with, and the purpose of use (try using it to emulate Ed's playing), it's great.
Thanks for this. You make an excellent point. Like all signature guitars they are suited for that artists way of playing which may or may not suit your way of playing. I also don’t think they are going for a ‘guitar for the masses’ with the Ed Sheehan signature. After all he chose Martin and Lowden, two of the most premium brands. There are many excellent affordable guitars now which has led to the Sheehan guitars facing more criticism than they may deserve...
I think #1 is nice but it’s not as full. #2 is full and louder. The cost is where it’s challenging.
Brilliant video.. Lowden wins for me ... Lower end sweetness....Thank you Sir..
For me the martin. The sheeran projects more, but too much highs and boxy.
The lowdown seems louder and bigger. Also the top on the Martin looks mahogany which I think means warmer? But a good way to demo 2 guitars
Yes the Martin is Sapele but it also has a smaller body.
not comparable guitars, the Martin LX1e has a smaller body than the Lowden S03, so the S3 would naturally sound louder; the Sheeran S03 is closer to size to a Martin Dreadnought Junior and Taylor GS Mini; a more accurate comparison is between the Martin LX-1E (or a Baby Taylor) and the Sheeran W series (not the S series)
I agree. It’s apples and oranges but I just thought it would be interesting.
I think the fact they’re both Ed Sheeran versions still makes for an interesting comparison, even though those guitar types aren’t really in the same class.
number 1 is my kind of guitar
2:11 2:37
I have all 3 Ed Sheeran Martins and just got a Sheeran W03 myself. I think the out of the box Sheeran outplays the re-setup Martins and sounds much better all the way around. Nice comparison video!
That’s awesome I’m glad you like it!
Cool review Jonny. I'm considering getting the W04 myself!
Hi man. So the sheeran w is bigger tan the little martin (and better sounding)? I want a very travel friendly acoustic and im thinking on getting the little martin but the w01 or 03 looks nice too.
my only problem is that the body sizes are different, i'd expect any smaller body guitar to have less mid and lows in comparison to larger body guitars, #respect to the comparison, suggestion: comparing guitars with the same body size and fret length for proper sound comparison?
Of course - the two guitars are different sizes and woods. The comparison is that they are both Sheeran signature guitars that is all.
Definitely Prefer "2" But I would not want either one personally.
Matt Chulka from Eddies guitars said he’s gonna do a comparison with a Taylor. I presume he’s on about the baby Taylor, should be interesting?
I would presume the GS Mini.
Yes that’s the one.
Where can I buy the martin one from?😞
I believe it is discontinued.
The Martin sounds better. The current Martin Lx1e sheeran spec is even better with a Sitka top.
Thanks, I’ll have to check those out!
Did you use the same strings? Also do a comparison of a $1,100 guitar from some other manufacture as compared to this $1,100 Sheeran. I would put up a Martin JrD against this any day, everyday and HALF THE PRICE of that Lowden
Yep same strings. I was mainly comparing the fact that they are both Ed Sheeran guitars.
@@aaronshortmusic that's like putting a plastic guitar with Mickey mouse on the top and compare it to the Martin Sheeran. exaggerated but i hope you get my point.
2 👏🏼
Now, compare the S03 to a Lowden O32C or Wee Lowden. No contest.
Totally different price points though...
Great video tha KS
I returned mine. I couldn’t justify the cost for what I got. The back and sides are laminated for $1200. Nah.
I'm sorry to hear that. Laminate is preferred by some people and not others. I will have a full review coming soon.
@@aaronshortmusic The Martin is nearly half the price! Put it up against another guitar in the same price bracket and compare it to a solid body.
Tony Ward I agree but they are both Laminate back and sides. The body shape is different though. Definitely apples and oranges but I was interested to compare them anyway.
Aaron Short Music My Takamine makes my Sheeran sound like a toy. They’re the same price bracket which is the problem.
Tony Ward I haven’t tried a Takamine yet but that’s a fair point.
2🤘🏻
2 is better no doubt.
The Martin is very Boxy in sound. The Lowden is much fuller, though a bit too toppy in the lead lines oddly.
I have a Martin already in a different finish, would not really be able to afford the Lowden SO3, though it does seem a better package.
Thanks for watching Paul!
Wow the opposite to what I was imagining it would be
Well I guess its a matter of taste, but to me the Martin sounded like a 200 dollar guitar.
i love martin give, lowden sound sharp
TBH they both are a compromise in acoustic design to get to the overall size. To me they both sound boxy and deadish. If not for the Sheeran association and "fashion" I don't think many would bother with this type of bland guitar.
Im sorry but this is a ridiculouse comparison, the martin should be compared to the sheeran 'W' range, which like the Martin to me sounds extremely boxy.
Hey Sean. I agree it’s not a scientific comparison. It was just a bit of fun as I happen to have two Ed Sheeran models.
@@aaronshortmusic Ohh I see, fair enough, well in that case to me the S03 sounds like a real guitar, how do you like the S03? Have you ever had the chance to play a Lowden S in comparison to the sheern S?
Sean c Yeah the Sheeran is obviously a larger body and most people will prefer that sound. I have not really sat down with a Lowden but the Sheeran makes me want to! They are not the easiest guitars to find in the USA.
Lowden sounds better than the Martin imo.
I think it sounds bigger but then it is a bigger guitar...
C
thesecretpolice
Dreadful guitar matched with appalling customer service. Don’t even think about it!
Action 7mm and Bridge lifting. Truss rod not even connected. After 4 months I finally received a replacement. Guess what? Bridge lifting on the new one.
Refused a refund- ongoing fucking Saga....
Sorry to hear that. I’ve had no issues with mine after 9 months of having it.
Bruv, I’ve seen u on every sheeran guitar video. Just pls don’t
Both guitar sucks