That is some absolutely fantastic playing. Everytime I watch Ben play I remember why I bought a thumb pick. I then go and try to play with my thumb pick and am instantly reminded why I never do it.
Some of you might be wondering why Pete isn’t doing this video… can you imagine Pete going on about the problems of getting wood as he gets older, the quality of his 'wood' etc etc the limitless 'wood' innuendo would mean this video would never be finished.
Yes, but that is exactly what makes it so enjoyable to watch. Without Pete these videos are just missing that unpredictable or should I say Predictable humour.
I agree, everybody says that Rosewood is warmer… This might scientifically be true since there’s more sound in general, but my ears perceive mahogany as being warmer. I had a Martin D-16, rosewood, and I only was able to keep it for about two weeks before getting rid of it because I didn’t like how much of the metal of the strings you could hear. It almost sounded kind of bright in my opinion. Lots of treble and metal type sound I now have a D-18, and it sounds really warm and just beautiful. It’s perfect.
Since these are acoustic instruments, very probably yes. But I recall reading that the CEO himself of Martin guitars said that construction is more important than the wood selection. Anways, curious to watch the video:)
Yeah of course, take the same piece of wood and make your average acoustic guitar on one side, an archtop on the other... Compare both of them and that's the impact construction has
Yes construction matters, but if the wood is bad, then the guitar will be bad. You need both. good construction and good wood, good luthiers test and refine the wood they use to make instruments,
I have an all Koa Harley Benton acoustic and of course the construction is probably of a lower quality than Martin or Gibson or what have you. But the sound of it is glorious. Koa has its own special sound. I also own a Taylor 910 (Indian rosewood) so have a good idea what a nice acoustic guitar sounds like. My guess is it's a combination of the specific wood and use and how well it was put together.
Bracing inside affects the tone along with the decay of the note. The finish too. These are like 5% contributions sometimes but done together can make one spruce a goose over another.
What a video guys! This is the kind of videos that I want to see (I love all of yours), but this particular video nailed it… 3 same brand guitars, same model, same PLAYER, same MIC, just different woods.
I played a Martin D28 at an open mic once.The owner was happy to allow others to have a try out. I played a handful of songs and I have to say, I have NEVER played a guitar like it! The "feel" of it is just unbelievable, that old, "it plays itself", is not far from the truth! Just a magical experience. Then the tone, my goodness, there is, IMHO, no better acoustic guitar on the planet! When I win the lotto a Martin D28 is at the top of my buy list!
A good acoustic is a magical experience. Time and space stops and it's just you and the magic. The only caveat I would add is that you should check out some other brands and boutique builders if you get the chance. I am not taking anything away from Martin, they build a great guitar, but so does Atkin, Boucher, Bedell, Bourgeois, Collings, Furch, Huss and Dalton, Santa Cruz, Yairi, Yamaha, and plenty of others.
Guitars, acoustics more so than electrics, are really a one of a kind thing. I’ve got a D15m and it stands up to a good D28 any day of the week, but I’ve also played a D15m that sounded pretty damn wimpy. Make sure when you get a D28 you actually play it cuz the best guitar I ever played was a 1958 or 1959 D18 and the D18s in the shop didn’t sound anything like it but I bought my D15m cuz it sounded pretty close to it. Not that line in general but that specific guitar. Also one of the best Strats I’ve ever played is my old mexi standard. Everyone who’s played it agrees, it’s magical and stands up to the most expensive guitars out there. Not mexis in general but once again that specific guitar. Honestly out of the 15 guitars I own, only 6 of them are what I consider special , as in they’re just a cut above the rest. I couldn’t give you reason why, some guitars just come with magical pixie dust
@@blueveinriver3253 Totally agree! I would be wanting to try any acoustic before buying! My Epi EJ200 is a one off, to me, it has an incredibly soft tone. My special strat is a Squier I picked up 2nd hand as a fixer upper for 40 euros. My special to me MIM Strat hasnt seen the light of day for years now. Some guitars do have that pixie dust and it doesnt matter then name on the headstock!
Great video, always enjoy Bens playing. Tone Wood definitely makes a difference. I have a DC15, all mahogany, and have played many D28s and D18s, all superb instruments that all have different tonal characteristics. Like most things, its all down to personal preference.
I really enjoy these kinds of videos. It would also be nice to hear the comparison with the different guitars editing together and interspersed without breaks, playing the same thing. It's really hard to tell the difference when there is a break between playing.
I’ve been working on developing my “ear” lately, and I’m happy, if not a bit surprised, that I got it on the first go! All three are pretty great though!
I had them all right, but I’ve been listening to these types of videos for years and I have all three combinations at home. The fact that all three of them are basically identical except for the combination of wood makes it slightly harder, but all the hints are still there. Although it’s funny that both Ben and Lee seem to get the perception of the D-28 with rosewood back and sides to be the loudest of the three, while I always perceive that feeling of loudness coming from the combination spruce and mahogany, like the D-18. The D-18 sounds more focused in the midrange. The D-28 sounds more sparkly, for the lack of a better word. And the D-15m just sounds softer and sweeter. Because of the Dreadnought size there’s still a fair bit of low end, but it’s just not as loud. Another thing that’s typical of all mahogany guitars is the feeling of them having a natural form of compression, which becomes more audible with smaller sized guitars. I have a 00-15m. Gorgeous little thing. My first acoustic was the J-45. It took me eleven years to save enough money for a Martin. I always wanted a Martin, just because. This was a weird moment. And not even that long ago. I really preferred the sound of the D-18, but I decided to go for the D-28, because that would be the tonal opposite of my J-45. And I still don’t know if I did the right thing. I sold a bunch of old electrics and bought a second hand 000-18. Best sounding guitar I ever heard and played. I guess I am ‘a hog guy’. Then again, if I would have bought the D-18 instead of the D-28 I’d probably still be wondering weather I made the right choice or not. One thing I do know. Acoustic guitars are even more addictive than electric guitars. 😵💫
Alway when I see and hear Ben playing it is so motivating to grab my guitar and play. Love this guy, also such a nice person. The captain is the captain of course 😊
Great playing by Ben! And yes, the wood makes a difference; also the guitar's construction, whether solid or laminated. My preference is for the top to be a different wood from the back and sides, with Engelmann spruce paired with Rosewood my favourite, and all-solid construction (although laminated back & sides is acceptable).
The wood choice makes all the difference. I recently bought my first all solid wood acoustic, solid spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides. I always thought it was only the top that mattered, but the all solid wood guitar just sounds so much better with incredible resonance. It's not that cedar, mahogany, rosewood, maple tops etc are bad, certainly not, they just sound different. Rosewood does look great of course, but I think mahogany sounds better. It's all very subjective of course. The wood really is the major aspect of the guitar, much more important than the nut, saddle, bridge pins etc. Of course it is possible to go way over the top with the intricacies of these things, but wood really is the most important thing.
I am a SOLID MAHOGANY guy too but the Adorondack Solid spruce with mahogany back n sides on a parlour guitar which PAUL DAVIS showed on his similar video was epic cant afford it but was that a good guitar I am a finger picker so parlor is my choice of shape.
I think rosewood should be better in a mix, as it's a bit more focused. The mahogany guitars probably are more rewarding when playing at home when you can enjoy that additional warmth.
I did the test blindfold and preferred the sound of the last guitar over the other two. I thought it was the D28, rather than the D15, which just goes to show what astonishing value the D15 is. However, the lack of binding on a guitar does concern me slightly as the edges are always vulnerable to knocks and damage.
There are so many factors that change the tone of a guitar, different combinations of woods, the quality of components, the care and attention given to the fit and finish, the type of finish, body styles, the age of the wood, the humidity of the wood...the list goes on. A small slim body guitar with maple back and sides and spruce top will obviously be a bright tone with lots of highs...but if had the same guitar with a dreadnought body, you will have more mids and more bass. That could be completely different again depending on how much love and care has gone into the construction. Then you also have other factors like the age of the person playing or listening because some people in their mid life will have hearing that's completely shot. And just as I type that, Lee mentions the ability of the player. Yet another variable. That's why in order to tick all the tone boxes, we should all have one of each type of guitar. Just as an experiment, I would love to see a premium guitar company like Martin or Taylor make a guitar out of the palett wood that their wood gets delivered on.
I could hear subtle differences between all 3 but not enough to be worth a damn. All 3 are wonderful sounding guitars and Ben’s a top notch player. Enjoyed the video.
The D18 and D28 both having spruce tops (otherwise known as the SOUNDBOARD) mean they sound broadly similar - the player probably hears more of a difference as they're behind the board. The D15 on the otherhand sounded completely different. Glad to have a 'tonewood' test on guitars that use the wood to make the sound!
One of the reasons I think many players prefer a dreadnought with rosewood back and sides is that the instrument often has a good balance between having a blended group of notes ringing together, and having individual notes ring out. The Dreadnought shape tends to promote the blending of notes into a sonic mass, whereas for example, an OM shape tends to promote a sound made up of clearly individual notes. I think the woods can also tend to lean one way or the other. To my ear, mahogany tends to produce a more blended sound, and rosewood tends to produce notes which are more individually defined. For that reason, I think a lot of people like a dreadnought with rosewood because it gives you the best of both worlds, some blending and some clarity. A dreadnought with mahogany can lack some of that clarity, even though tonally it sounds great.
Definitely, everything makes a difference.. wood type & thickness, pick, flesh, string type, string gauge, bracing, where you play on the strings, position of bridge, 12 or 14 fret neck joint, type of neck joint, type of glue, wood grain, wood age, scale length, humidity, if plugging in.. then pickup type, brand & EQ makes a huge difference, if recording then mic type, position, amount of mics & EQ all play a huge factor, again speakers make a massive difference.. this list could go way further.. But... but.. the most important thing is to be inspired & keep playing with whatever you have access to.. keep it fun, connect with your emotions & let them come through your playing (your dynamics will shine) & where possible, play with others as much as possible.. All factors play a role & each has more importance to one person than another & vice versa.. Enjoy the never-ending journey of guitar & music.. it's the best & can be so good for your soul & mental health & can also bring so much joy to others hearing you play.. X
there are so many factors to take into account when your talking tone woods for acoustics. because the bracing inside will dictate how the wood reverberates, you cant always claim oh it has a spruce top it will sound like this. on electrics.. its only really the neck wood that influences tone. but acoustics. its the wood and how its constructed..
I correctly guessed them, and confirmed that I do prefer mahogany to rosewood. Honestly, I preferred the D15’s strumming tone slightly above the D18, but liked them both much more than the D28.
I got it right, but then I am a spruce/rosewood player. Listening with eyes shut, the 2nd guitar (D28) had that typical internal 'reverb' and almost-clashing overtones you get from Rosewood. That's why sound engineers prefer the mahogany backs, because they can add reverb but not take it away.
I did the blindfold challenge at home and nailed all 3. It's probably a lot easier to tell through the mics rather than being in the room with them since they are quieter and you can pick up more on the nuances.
I eventually bought a D28 after years of playing Taylors. (I love both) Luckily my local shop had two D28's in and I was suprised how different they sounded to eachother. 🤔
These guitars are truly wonderful instruments, but I'm far more impressed by Ben's playing! He can switch from fingerpicking to flatpicking to country thumb picking (with a thumb pick) with disarming ease. In a world where spoiled kids 'rapping' with autotune are glorified, he should be much better known and appreciated internationally. Huge talent! 👏
I'm on my 4th time watching this video. First, because of Ben, I am convinced that any difference at all is due to the phenomenal playing from Ben! The D15 is distinguishable fairly easily. But, between the D18 and the D28 it is very tough but the differences are observable, although I can't put quality verbal descriptors to it. I always want the D18 when people describe the sound but I end up choosing the D28. If not for Ben's playing, I'd be buying a Disney plastic guitar from Walmart!! Simply amazing playing and I'm no slouch at all...ok, that's a total lie, I'm not even worthy of the Walmart guitar. But, one must dream to stay relevant and in my dreams I play like Ben! Thank you for doing this video, it is very helpful to all! :)
Was surprised at how much I liked the D-28 more than the D-18. I had been thinking about a D-18. But I much preferred the D-15M to the D-18 too. At the moment I have a Guild D-140 (the Westerley solid-body ones, made in Asia). It's really nice, so I think I'll keep it. I must try a Martin 00-15M and compare it to a Guild M20 someday, along with maybe a smaller body Yamaha FS3/FS5 Red Label and a Furch Blue OM. I think likely one of those £1-1.5k area small bodies would be my thing, for fingerstyle and blues.
Do yourself a favor and try an Eastman as well. I've compared them to quite a few Furch models and thought the Eastman models were quite a bit better overall.
@@n1vo Will do, they do seem nice too. They are a bit rarer in Europe, but they do show up. In truth, I possibly lean a bit more towards either second-hand Guild USA, on the upper end, or new Yamaha FS3 Red Label, if I decide to go cheaper. Once it gets up toward 1100+, it seems to be worth saving up for a second-hand Guild or Martin. But, will try the Eastman, it's always worth trying everything.
@@compucorder64, there are a quite a few dealers in Germany, Switzerland or the Netherlands afaik. I know of at least three in my region near lake constance. I think you can‘t go wrong with either of your choices above!
I’ve gained the opinion - it’s all the world in acoustic guitars. It’s an instrument that solely relies on what it’s made of to make its own sound. Here’s where people will get butthurt. Acoustic guitars are more like the realm of classical instruments. Violinists will spend easily 5 grand on a violin so some view acoustic guitars as a deal for 2-3 grand. It’s hard, not impossible, to get a good sounding and playing acoustic under a grand, but you gotta step it up to 1500+ if you want a good wood and craftsmanship. That’s just how it be with these instruments. Don’t feel the same about electrics entirely. Diatribe over.
paul reed smith said bracing and wood choices werent originally to make better tone, it was to make the guitar as loud as possible theres also not much difference in bracing patterns dude just forward shifted x bracing for bass end. if it wasa jumbo with maple thats different
Its a very reasonable point. An artist I know has, now he's been gigging for about a decade, relies on an Adkin. Those suckers are classy instruments but not cheap, but theres no reason why they should be. I on the other hand, have a 10 year old Martin GPCPA5 which I got from Andertons and does eveyrthing I need it to.
The rosewood back is brighter, noticeably cutting in nicely. I'd love to hear it with a string band. The all mahogany would be lovely to play and lovely to listen to solo. It's very dramatic. The feel of the 15 is more powerful, more dynamic.
I have a laminate Martin, spruce top. And it’s awesome, that being said, I’m in the states where the humidity is a real thing to consider. Topping out at 90% ang in the winter around 40%. The laminate was a no brained for me.
I find that playing slower finger picking tunes is when I can most easily discern between my mahogany and rose wood guitars. Try playing some James Taylor type stuff next time. That cacophony of sound is kind of a brain overload I think. Beautiful playing from Ben as always.
My girlfriend and I have pretty much the same Ukuleles from the same brand - the only difference is the woods used. Hers is made of Dao and mine is made of Mahogany. These ukes sound COMPLETELY different to each other. Hers sounds very bright while mine sounds very warm. Woods can make a huge difference but I guess it also depends on the woods that are being compared. Some woods sound more similar than others.
The D18 wins for me. Mahogany just sounds right. I love the D28 as well, but rosewood backed guitars always sound like they’re missing something. It’s the midrange I like, I suppose.
This is my opinion. Most will say that 2 identical D18's or D28's will sound different because of the different moisture content and other build differences. Even how much caffeine you've had that day impacts how you hear. So, how can you tell if the difference in woods is due to wood species or differences in build and moisture etc? The same argument applies to cutaway vs non-cutaway. I will say, I am usually drawn to mahogany.
For a dreadnought guitar Spruce + Rosewood is the nirvana! The amount of upper harmonics is on another level. I can also say that I almost hate the D15 sound...but... But I had the chance to hear (not tried yet) a 000-15M and I think that that guitar has something magic...more compressed sound and less harmonics than spruce+rosewood but it sound so warm without being muddy and "lifeless" like the D15
On RUclips it all sounds very similar the d15 however did sound more rounded which was surprising i am fortunate to own a d18 vintage that i acquired back in 2007 and i have to say it is ,with time, becoming my favourite acoustic guitar ,i also have a 1999 Taylor 810 which has the best neck ever they really nailed it on that but the sound is a lot brighter than the Martin , the Martin just sounds like every song i heard as a kid .
I knew that was a D18 instantly. It's the only guitar I wish I never sold. I currently enjoy Om28 and a 00017. I've had Taylor and Gibson over the years, but I'm a loyal Martin guy.
I think a solid top is very important and makes a difference for sure, other than that, construction is everything. In the 800-1k range nothing beats Yamaha in my opinion and to me, the most amazing innovative acoustic electric in ages is the Yamaha Transacoustic, the built in system is absolutely outstanding
I have an all solid mahogany wood guitar that I got new for $197 well on sale normal price is $320. It’s one of the best guitars I’ve ever owned or tried. It sounded just as good as the $1500 Martin I tried
To be a strictly accurate test, you need guitars of exactly the same shape, size, and construction/bracing---differing *only* in woods. The D-18, D-28, and D-15 differ in more ways than just their types of wood. These differences may not matter much or as much as wood. But they are variables.
paul reed smith said bracing and wood choices werent originally to make better tone, it was to make the guitar as loud as possible theres also not much difference in bracing patterns dude just forward shifted x bracing for bass end. if it wasa jumbo with maple thats different
@@CocoKoi321go look at flamenco bracing. More like a fan and the edges of the soundboard are feathered down. Way different. Makes loud but also very fast attack.
I own Cort Earth 70 with spruce top and mahogany back and sides. My dad has the same guitar with the only difference being the mahogany top. Everything else is identical. And they do sound different.
Nice job Captain! That wasn’t as straight forward as I thought it would be. My near new D18 gets a huge amount of hard playing but my guitar has a bit broader treble-bass range than the test D18 here. Similar but different. At the time I auditioned my current guitar I played a new D28 as well and it was so muted and closed up I wasn’t sure when I’d get decent sound out of it. Didn’t sound anything like the nice sounding model you have here. Then there’s the D15, wow it’s a bass monster but don’t show up to Bluegrass jam with it. You could play it hard but no one will likely hear you over the mix. Great test!
The mahogany/spruce is like the rhythm guitar, rosewood/spruce is like you’ve plugged it into lead mode. It cuts through the top end if playing with a friend.
Given up on wood and went to Carbon fiber... they are beautiful!!! (audio wise). I brought 3 Maton 3k guitars from Australia with me to the USA, and all of them keep going out of tune due to hydration issues. My carbon fiber guitar NEVER goes out of tune, and I can play outside in the blazing sun, then go inside and there is no effect on the guitar. The sound is BETTER than my best wooden guitars in their prime and I highly recommend them. Just my two cents.
AD-18 sounds sharp, precise and slightly hollow. D-28 is a full sound wall. D-15 sounds like the darker warmer version of the D-18 to me. For me great strumming guitar working more in the perimeters of the spectrum to give room for the voice in the middle. The others punch and land more in the middle challenging the voice. Maybe that‘s aproper characterization of application for Magagony.
Martin has a power that, I don't even play acoustic, but it pulls you into itself, and make you wish to have one some day, by it's beauty, and sound. Only I wish it didn't have bone materials, and had brass or Tusq kind of bridge and nut...
You don't play acoustic? That's such an odd thing to hear a guitarist say. Everyone my age started on acoustic- then eventually went to electric as well, but we never stopped playing acoustic. Meeting ppl now who just started out on electric guitar is a trip to me. The reason we all started on acoustics is because back then, cheap electric guitars were a nightmare. So everyone bought a cheap acoustic- which actually played and sounded pretty good- and then, if they took to it and played well, they saved up and bought an electric guitar that was actually playable. Now it's just the opposite- there are very few good cheap acoustics- and an ocean of great budget electric guitars. So now ppl start on electric instead of acoustic. It makes sense, but it still feels odd to ppl like me.
@@stoneysdead689 Yes, makes total sense. My case was a bit different too, started at 30, which is 4 years ago, and I have limited practice time due to health issue. I went straight with electric to aim rock/metal/blues. Still loving the acoustic, and have respect for acoustic players, and yesss I haven't worked on the finger picking, neither playing a lot of cleans so really I am a novice when it comes to acoustic noone can deny that haha :D. Some day, maybe If I recover... Thanks for the reply! Have fun playing
@@stoneysdead689 I did for the same for same reasons, However my daughter rang me saying our grandaughter wanted to learn guitar, my daughter sa "shouldnt she start with an accoustic" knowing thats all i play, she's got her eye on a strat copy "get her what she wants it will encourage her to just learn a little" your thinking is "old school" but i said its hard enough in the early stages without her wish it was an electric, and all her problems would have been solved, just get her playing and she'll take it from their, so a strat copy duelly arrived,
@@JohnNaylor-x4xI started playing 22 years ago on an electric because I wanted to play metal. If I started on an acoustic I would have not stuck with it. Now I play mostly acoustic 😂 a lot of finger picking
@@DeffoZappo Oh man, both have their beauty, I am playing Metal, but I love Jazz as well, also Acoustic guitar, maybe I'd consider learning those at some point in life, I hope.
Mahogany is more thrashy. I’ve noticed that with my guitars too. The mahogany guitar goes to multiple guitar player jam sessions as it can be heard over all of the other players. My my rosewood Guild is sweet sounding.
The coffe beans from Ethiopia that I can purchase locally are not the same coffe beans from Ethiopia that you can purchase locally, assuming we are living in different parts of the world. The difference in which height they grow at allready makes a huge difference in how they will taste.
@@DoctorMandible Nopes, I watch on the TV and listen via HiFi, so hearing the difference too. Although I can hear much more of a difference when the size of the chamber isn’t the same, like on a Hummimgbird with and without the cutaway or a smaller sized copy made with the same materials and bracing.
There seemed little difference between the 18 and 28. The 15 was noticeably "thinner" sounding. Keep in mind that this only applies if playing totally acoustically - into a mic with no effects. If using a pickup/plugged in, then it doesn't matter at all - you can adjust any guitar to sound however you want it to sound.
There's a thing that needs to be said I remember there was a video where Paul went to a vintage acoustic guitar shop and hung out with these guys and they did a whole Vlog of him going through the store looking at old old guitars and he said the original purpose of the wood selection and bracing was not to create the best sounding guitar it was to create the most loudest projecting guitar as possible and just over time as the seasons went by the guitar is just kind of developed a character of tone as their own but it wasn't originally to create a certain sound at all or tone necessarily I think that there is a certain tone thing to certain Woods as well if you were to look at a Steinway grand piano they use nothing but Adirondack Spruce and that translates into some of the best sounding grand piano is all time . The thing is that I hate more than anything is that people will just use the whole tone wood thing as a way to just argue and argue and argue when it has nothing to do with that I think that when a acoustic guitars there is most definitely a part where the certain Woods create a certain sound like mahogany having more mid-range and Rose would being loud and glass like or something but the thing is is that there are reasons why people do not use other Woods like balsa wood or hickory for an acoustic guitar cuz they just don't have that certain character Maybe for sound or just musical instruments because I mean if we if there was a reason to use them they would have been using hickory to make violins hundreds of years ago but they haven't they used Maple and Spruce maybe there is 10% of a difference when it comes to an electric guitar as well but I think that people just need to shut up about the whole tone with debate because it's more of just people flexing their egos more than anything else when they aren't even guitars luthiers People who argue there's no such thing as tonewood aren't guitar makers and are just pretentious people
Have to say all of those sounded kind of mid scooped to me which must be the shape/strings I guess? But it definitely sounded like there was a change in the low mids, like there was a low pass filter on the body with the frequency set at different points for each guitar. I've always found I like the sound of guitars that embrace none wood components like ovation and garrison
I think the mahogany and spruce guitar had the nicest sound overall. The rosewood and spruce seemed more focussed and sounded like it would be easier to record with while the all mahogany one just seemed to lack treble to me.
Man, Ben is an amazing player
yes
Unbelievable
That is some absolutely fantastic playing. Everytime I watch Ben play I remember why I bought a thumb pick. I then go and try to play with my thumb pick and am instantly reminded why I never do it.
I do exactly the same thing. Same when I see Joey Landreth play slide
Me too.
@@DeltaJazzUK 🤣so true!
Some of you might be wondering why Pete isn’t doing this video… can you imagine Pete going on about the problems of getting wood as he gets older, the quality of his 'wood' etc etc the limitless 'wood' innuendo would mean this video would never be finished.
Yes, but that is exactly what makes it so enjoyable to watch. Without Pete these videos are just missing that unpredictable or should I say Predictable humour.
Or any humour whatsoever
1:55
“I’m going to see once I don’t have any sight”
That’s deep, man.
I agree, everybody says that Rosewood is warmer…
This might scientifically be true since there’s more sound in general, but my ears perceive mahogany as being warmer.
I had a Martin D-16, rosewood, and I only was able to keep it for about two weeks before getting rid of it because I didn’t like how much of the metal of the strings you could hear. It almost sounded kind of bright in my opinion. Lots of treble and metal type sound
I now have a D-18, and it sounds really warm and just beautiful. It’s perfect.
agreed......mahogany is king
Ben should be a regular guest on Andertons 2 with all sorts of Martin Guitars ❤
He pretty much is and is superb value for whatever Andertons are paying him.
The D18 sound fantastic! Great player !
Since these are acoustic instruments, very probably yes. But I recall reading that the CEO himself of Martin guitars said that construction is more important than the wood selection.
Anways, curious to watch the video:)
Yeah of course, take the same piece of wood and make your average acoustic guitar on one side, an archtop on the other... Compare both of them and that's the impact construction has
Yes construction matters, but if the wood is bad, then the guitar will be bad. You need both. good construction and good wood, good luthiers test and refine the wood they use to make instruments,
I have an all Koa Harley Benton acoustic and of course the construction is probably of a lower quality than Martin or Gibson or what have you. But the sound of it is glorious. Koa has its own special sound. I also own a Taylor 910 (Indian rosewood) so have a good idea what a nice acoustic guitar sounds like. My guess is it's a combination of the specific wood and use and how well it was put together.
@@becketcolon9013 I haven't claimed anything to the contrary.
Bracing inside affects the tone along with the decay of the note. The finish too. These are like 5% contributions sometimes but done together can make one spruce a goose over another.
What a video guys! This is the kind of videos that I want to see (I love all of yours), but this particular video nailed it… 3 same brand guitars, same model, same PLAYER, same MIC, just different woods.
I have a D-28 and it doesn’t sound like that! Turns out it’s the player that matters most 🤦♂️❤🤘 10:04
That D-18 sounds incredible! 😍
I could listen to that drop D fingerstyle forever
1st guitar is the D28
2nd guitar is the D18
3rd guitar is the D15
Ben, you rock dude!
Edit after reveal: I did what Lee did, haha!
I played a Martin D28 at an open mic once.The owner was happy to allow others to have a try out. I played a handful of songs and I have to say, I have NEVER played a guitar like it! The "feel" of it is just unbelievable, that old, "it plays itself", is not far from the truth! Just a magical experience. Then the tone, my goodness, there is, IMHO, no better acoustic guitar on the planet! When I win the lotto a Martin D28 is at the top of my buy list!
A good acoustic is a magical experience. Time and space stops and it's just you and the magic. The only caveat I would add is that you should check out some other brands and boutique builders if you get the chance. I am not taking anything away from Martin, they build a great guitar, but so does Atkin, Boucher, Bedell, Bourgeois, Collings, Furch, Huss and Dalton, Santa Cruz, Yairi, Yamaha, and plenty of others.
Guitars, acoustics more so than electrics, are really a one of a kind thing. I’ve got a D15m and it stands up to a good D28 any day of the week, but I’ve also played a D15m that sounded pretty damn wimpy. Make sure when you get a D28 you actually play it cuz the best guitar I ever played was a 1958 or 1959 D18 and the D18s in the shop didn’t sound anything like it but I bought my D15m cuz it sounded pretty close to it. Not that line in general but that specific guitar. Also one of the best Strats I’ve ever played is my old mexi standard. Everyone who’s played it agrees, it’s magical and stands up to the most expensive guitars out there. Not mexis in general but once again that specific guitar. Honestly out of the 15 guitars I own, only 6 of them are what I consider special , as in they’re just a cut above the rest. I couldn’t give you reason why, some guitars just come with magical pixie dust
@@blueveinriver3253 Totally agree! I would be wanting to try any acoustic before buying! My Epi EJ200 is a one off, to me, it has an incredibly soft tone. My special strat is a Squier I picked up 2nd hand as a fixer upper for 40 euros. My special to me MIM Strat hasnt seen the light of day for years now. Some guitars do have that pixie dust and it doesnt matter then name on the headstock!
Ben's flatpicking on that D28 was KILLER!!!
it was all great. mate
Great video, always enjoy Bens playing. Tone Wood definitely makes a difference.
I have a DC15, all mahogany, and have played many D28s and D18s, all superb instruments that all have different tonal characteristics. Like most things, its all down to personal preference.
I really enjoy these kinds of videos. It would also be nice to hear the comparison with the different guitars editing together and interspersed without breaks, playing the same thing. It's really hard to tell the difference when there is a break between playing.
Always a pleasure watching Ben play. All the guitars sound great as well, Martins are incredible.
I’ve been working on developing my “ear” lately, and I’m happy, if not a bit surprised, that I got it on the first go! All three are pretty great though!
I had them all right, but I’ve been listening to these types of videos for years and I have all three combinations at home. The fact that all three of them are basically identical except for the combination of wood makes it slightly harder, but all the hints are still there. Although it’s funny that both Ben and Lee seem to get the perception of the D-28 with rosewood back and sides to be the loudest of the three, while I always perceive that feeling of loudness coming from the combination spruce and mahogany, like the D-18. The D-18 sounds more focused in the midrange. The D-28 sounds more sparkly, for the lack of a better word.
And the D-15m just sounds softer and sweeter. Because of the Dreadnought size there’s still a fair bit of low end, but it’s just not as loud. Another thing that’s typical of all mahogany guitars is the feeling of them having a natural form of compression, which becomes more audible with smaller sized guitars. I have a 00-15m. Gorgeous little thing.
My first acoustic was the J-45. It took me eleven years to save enough money for a Martin. I always wanted a Martin, just because. This was a weird moment. And not even that long ago. I really preferred the sound of the D-18, but I decided to go for the D-28, because that would be the tonal opposite of my J-45. And I still don’t know if I did the right thing. I sold a bunch of old electrics and bought a second hand 000-18. Best sounding guitar I ever heard and played. I guess I am ‘a hog guy’. Then again, if I would have bought the D-18 instead of the D-28 I’d probably still be wondering weather I made the right choice or not.
One thing I do know. Acoustic guitars are even more addictive than electric guitars. 😵💫
Alway when I see and hear Ben playing it is so motivating to grab my guitar and play. Love this guy, also such a nice person. The captain is the captain of course 😊
always a pleasure hearing Ben playing. the best on Andertons for acoustic guitar players. not only on andertons. he is great.
Great playing by Ben! And yes, the wood makes a difference; also the guitar's construction, whether solid or laminated. My preference is for the top to be a different wood from the back and sides, with Engelmann spruce paired with Rosewood my favourite, and all-solid construction (although laminated back & sides is acceptable).
The wood choice makes all the difference. I recently bought my first all solid wood acoustic, solid spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides. I always thought it was only the top that mattered, but the all solid wood guitar just sounds so much better with incredible resonance. It's not that cedar, mahogany, rosewood, maple tops etc are bad, certainly not, they just sound different. Rosewood does look great of course, but I think mahogany sounds better. It's all very subjective of course. The wood really is the major aspect of the guitar, much more important than the nut, saddle, bridge pins etc. Of course it is possible to go way over the top with the intricacies of these things, but wood really is the most important thing.
"The wood choice makes all the difference"- funny, my wife said the same thing. ; )
I am a SOLID MAHOGANY guy too but the Adorondack Solid spruce with mahogany back n sides on a parlour guitar which PAUL DAVIS showed on his similar video was epic cant afford it but was that a good guitar I am a finger picker so parlor is my choice of shape.
I think rosewood should be better in a mix, as it's a bit more focused. The mahogany guitars probably are more rewarding when playing at home when you can enjoy that additional warmth.
@@akshaysharma2786 Is there a guitar Paul Davids use and a normal person can afford?
@@mylogify 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I did the test blindfold and preferred the sound of the last guitar over the other two. I thought it was the D28, rather than the D15, which just goes to show what astonishing value the D15 is. However, the lack of binding on a guitar does concern me slightly as the edges are always vulnerable to knocks and damage.
There are so many factors that change the tone of a guitar, different combinations of woods, the quality of components, the care and attention given to the fit and finish, the type of finish, body styles, the age of the wood, the humidity of the wood...the list goes on.
A small slim body guitar with maple back and sides and spruce top will obviously be a bright tone with lots of highs...but if had the same guitar with a dreadnought body, you will have more mids and more bass.
That could be completely different again depending on how much love and care has gone into the construction.
Then you also have other factors like the age of the person playing or listening because some people in their mid life will have hearing that's completely shot.
And just as I type that, Lee mentions the ability of the player. Yet another variable.
That's why in order to tick all the tone boxes, we should all have one of each type of guitar.
Just as an experiment, I would love to see a premium guitar company like Martin or Taylor make a guitar out of the palett wood that their wood gets delivered on.
I could hear subtle differences between all 3 but not enough to be worth a damn. All 3 are wonderful sounding guitars and Ben’s a top notch player. Enjoyed the video.
I love hearing Ben play! Such a master of the guitar.
The D18 and D28 both having spruce tops (otherwise known as the SOUNDBOARD) mean they sound broadly similar - the player probably hears more of a difference as they're behind the board. The D15 on the otherhand sounded completely different. Glad to have a 'tonewood' test on guitars that use the wood to make the sound!
One of the reasons I think many players prefer a dreadnought with rosewood back and sides is that the instrument often has a good balance between having a blended group of notes ringing together, and having individual notes ring out. The Dreadnought shape tends to promote the blending of notes into a sonic mass, whereas for example, an OM shape tends to promote a sound made up of clearly individual notes. I think the woods can also tend to lean one way or the other. To my ear, mahogany tends to produce a more blended sound, and rosewood tends to produce notes which are more individually defined. For that reason, I think a lot of people like a dreadnought with rosewood because it gives you the best of both worlds, some blending and some clarity. A dreadnought with mahogany can lack some of that clarity, even though tonally it sounds great.
Some phenomenal playing there!
got all three correct. D15 sounds warm, the D18 bright and the D28 somewhere in the middle
Definitely, everything makes a difference.. wood type & thickness, pick, flesh, string type, string gauge, bracing, where you play on the strings, position of bridge, 12 or 14 fret neck joint, type of neck joint, type of glue, wood grain, wood age, scale length, humidity, if plugging in.. then pickup type, brand & EQ makes a huge difference, if recording then mic type, position, amount of mics & EQ all play a huge factor, again speakers make a massive difference.. this list could go way further..
But... but.. the most important thing is to be inspired & keep playing with whatever you have access to.. keep it fun, connect with your emotions & let them come through your playing (your dynamics will shine) & where possible, play with others as much as possible..
All factors play a role & each has more importance to one person than another & vice versa..
Enjoy the never-ending journey of guitar & music.. it's the best & can be so good for your soul & mental health & can also bring so much joy to others hearing you play.. X
there are so many factors to take into account when your talking tone woods for acoustics.
because the bracing inside will dictate how the wood reverberates, you cant always claim oh it has a spruce top it will sound like this.
on electrics.. its only really the neck wood that influences tone.
but acoustics. its the wood and how its constructed..
Precisely. Not only do each of these guitars have different bracing, but one even has a totally different neck joint.
Recently picked up a Martin D-10e. The Spruce and Sapele models do sound different. I went with Spruce and absolutely love it.
I correctly guessed them, and confirmed that I do prefer mahogany to rosewood. Honestly, I preferred the D15’s strumming tone slightly above the D18, but liked them both much more than the D28.
Me too. You can really hear the difference between rosewood and mahogany in acoustic guitars. I usually do prefer mahogany.
Got it right! And yeah, great playing. Inspiring actually. Thanks again Lee for bringing it to us.
Andertons has a 54 reissue Les Paul. It is white, black trimmings, and slight VOS. Most beautiful guitar I have ever seen.
I got it right, but then I am a spruce/rosewood player. Listening with eyes shut, the 2nd guitar (D28) had that typical internal 'reverb' and almost-clashing overtones you get from Rosewood. That's why sound engineers prefer the mahogany backs, because they can add reverb but not take it away.
I did the blindfold challenge at home and nailed all 3. It's probably a lot easier to tell through the mics rather than being in the room with them since they are quieter and you can pick up more on the nuances.
Awesome video thank you Anderson's
Ben is such a wicked player it honestly doesn't even matter what the video topic is, just have to listen in.
I eventually bought a D28 after years of playing Taylors. (I love both) Luckily my local shop had two D28's in and I was suprised how different they sounded to eachother. 🤔
These guitars are truly wonderful instruments, but I'm far more impressed by Ben's playing!
He can switch from fingerpicking to flatpicking to country thumb picking (with a thumb pick) with disarming ease.
In a world where spoiled kids 'rapping' with autotune are glorified, he should be much better known and appreciated internationally.
Huge talent! 👏
I'm on my 4th time watching this video. First, because of Ben, I am convinced that any difference at all is due to the phenomenal playing from Ben! The D15 is distinguishable fairly easily. But, between the D18 and the D28 it is very tough but the differences are observable, although I can't put quality verbal descriptors to it. I always want the D18 when people describe the sound but I end up choosing the D28. If not for Ben's playing, I'd be buying a Disney plastic guitar from Walmart!! Simply amazing playing and I'm no slouch at all...ok, that's a total lie, I'm not even worthy of the Walmart guitar. But, one must dream to stay relevant and in my dreams I play like Ben! Thank you for doing this video, it is very helpful to all! :)
Was surprised at how much I liked the D-28 more than the D-18. I had been thinking about a D-18. But I much preferred the D-15M to the D-18 too. At the moment I have a Guild D-140 (the Westerley solid-body ones, made in Asia). It's really nice, so I think I'll keep it. I must try a Martin 00-15M and compare it to a Guild M20 someday, along with maybe a smaller body Yamaha FS3/FS5 Red Label and a Furch Blue OM. I think likely one of those £1-1.5k area small bodies would be my thing, for fingerstyle and blues.
Check out the road series d-10s 🎉
@@nubisnotstump Will do, it's in the right price bracket.
Do yourself a favor and try an Eastman as well. I've compared them to quite a few Furch models and thought the Eastman models were quite a bit better overall.
@@n1vo Will do, they do seem nice too. They are a bit rarer in Europe, but they do show up. In truth, I possibly lean a bit more towards either second-hand Guild USA, on the upper end, or new Yamaha FS3 Red Label, if I decide to go cheaper. Once it gets up toward 1100+, it seems to be worth saving up for a second-hand Guild or Martin. But, will try the Eastman, it's always worth trying everything.
@@compucorder64, there are a quite a few dealers in Germany, Switzerland or the Netherlands afaik. I know of at least three in my region near lake constance. I think you can‘t go wrong with either of your choices above!
Love hearing Ben play
Excellent job parsing this one out, gents-- Eliminated all extraneous variables that you could. Excellent results from a well conducted "experiment!"
I’ve never heard Ben play and not been mesmerized
I’ve gained the opinion - it’s all the world in acoustic guitars. It’s an instrument that solely relies on what it’s made of to make its own sound.
Here’s where people will get butthurt. Acoustic guitars are more like the realm of classical instruments. Violinists will spend easily 5 grand on a violin so some view acoustic guitars as a deal for 2-3 grand. It’s hard, not impossible, to get a good sounding and playing acoustic under a grand, but you gotta step it up to 1500+ if you want a good wood and craftsmanship. That’s just how it be with these instruments.
Don’t feel the same about electrics entirely. Diatribe over.
paul reed smith said bracing and wood choices werent originally to make better tone, it was to make the guitar as loud as possible
theres also not much difference in bracing patterns dude just forward shifted x bracing for bass end. if it wasa jumbo with maple thats different
Its a very reasonable point. An artist I know has, now he's been gigging for about a decade, relies on an Adkin. Those suckers are classy instruments but not cheap, but theres no reason why they should be. I on the other hand, have a 10 year old Martin GPCPA5 which I got from Andertons and does eveyrthing I need it to.
The rosewood back is brighter, noticeably cutting in nicely. I'd love to hear it with a string band. The all mahogany would be lovely to play and lovely to listen to solo. It's very dramatic. The feel of the 15 is more powerful, more dynamic.
For me, I liked the D-18 for strumming, the 15 for fingerpicking, and the 18 for flatpicking.
I have a laminate Martin, spruce top. And it’s awesome, that being said, I’m in the states where the humidity is a real thing to consider. Topping out at 90% ang in the winter around 40%. The laminate was a no brained for me.
How thick and strong your wood is is something you have zero control over.
Not true- I've been drinking milk....
Not if you get a saw
That's what she said.
(Aah come on, _someone_ had to say it)
Ooer Missus...
Use Blue Rhino wood treatment and you’ll be surprised
I only know for classical guitars, many players have spruce and cedar for their very different characteristics.
He plays brilliantly! I love the Rosewood.
I don't see the link Lee mentioned to the video about laminate vs solid. Need to see if it's worth upgrading from my Martin 000-12E Koa. :D
I find that playing slower finger picking tunes is when I can most easily discern between my mahogany and rose wood guitars. Try playing some James Taylor type stuff next time. That cacophony of sound is kind of a brain overload I think. Beautiful playing from Ben as always.
My girlfriend and I have pretty much the same Ukuleles from the same brand - the only difference is the woods used. Hers is made of Dao and mine is made of Mahogany. These ukes sound COMPLETELY different to each other. Hers sounds very bright while mine sounds very warm. Woods can make a huge difference but I guess it also depends on the woods that are being compared. Some woods sound more similar than others.
Beautiful playing and wood certainly makes a difference in acoustics!
The D18 wins for me. Mahogany just sounds right. I love the D28 as well, but rosewood backed guitars always sound like they’re missing something. It’s the midrange I like, I suppose.
D18 has a clearer sound because the mids are scooped. D28 has less treble and more mids relative to the D18.
This is my opinion. Most will say that 2 identical D18's or D28's will sound different because of the different moisture content and other build differences. Even how much caffeine you've had that day impacts how you hear. So, how can you tell if the difference in woods is due to wood species or differences in build and moisture etc? The same argument applies to cutaway vs non-cutaway. I will say, I am usually drawn to mahogany.
I bought a d 15 from 2004 and love it. I have a Taylor 314 and it’s sits in the case
For a dreadnought guitar Spruce + Rosewood is the nirvana! The amount of upper harmonics is on another level. I can also say that I almost hate the D15 sound...but...
But I had the chance to hear (not tried yet) a 000-15M and I think that that guitar has something magic...more compressed sound and less harmonics than spruce+rosewood but it sound so warm without being muddy and "lifeless" like the D15
Alvarez made a mid range budget solid mahogany o style guitar that had a dark but piercing sound that was great for soloing in an acoustic group
On RUclips it all sounds very similar the d15 however did sound more rounded which was surprising i am fortunate to own a d18 vintage that i acquired back in 2007 and i have to say it is ,with time, becoming my favourite acoustic guitar ,i also have a 1999 Taylor 810 which has the best neck ever they really nailed it on that but the sound is a lot brighter than the Martin , the Martin just sounds like every song i heard as a kid .
Sounds incredible, thanks.
Nice to see some love for acoustics.
I knew that was a D18 instantly. It's the only guitar I wish I never sold. I currently enjoy Om28 and a 00017. I've had Taylor and Gibson over the years, but I'm a loyal Martin guy.
Absolutely YES ! Always been partial to Mahogany.
Wow they all sound great!
Wonderful playing thanks.
I think a solid top is very important and makes a difference for sure, other than that, construction is everything. In the 800-1k range nothing beats Yamaha in my opinion and to me, the most amazing innovative acoustic electric in ages is the Yamaha Transacoustic, the built in system is absolutely outstanding
I have an all solid mahogany wood guitar that I got new for $197 well on sale normal price is $320. It’s one of the best guitars I’ve ever owned or tried. It sounded just as good as the $1500 Martin I tried
Could you do a video about the 15 series? I've been looking to buy one, but I haven't really found any comparison video. Thank you
And the 14 series needs a comeback
15 series sounds better when it's a smaller body
The all mahogany has a smooth sound that makes me think of stones polished by a river.
more than a thousand times, heard a guitar sounded different according to player's touche.... and Ben is a great player😎
To be a strictly accurate test, you need guitars of exactly the same shape, size, and construction/bracing---differing *only* in woods. The D-18, D-28, and D-15 differ in more ways than just their types of wood. These differences may not matter much or as much as wood. But they are variables.
And don't forget the strings, they also have to be the same.
paul reed smith said bracing and wood choices werent originally to make better tone, it was to make the guitar as loud as possible
theres also not much difference in bracing patterns dude just forward shifted x bracing for bass end. if it wasa jumbo with maple thats different
@@CocoKoi321go look at flamenco bracing. More like a fan and the edges of the soundboard are feathered down. Way different. Makes loud but also very fast attack.
I own Cort Earth 70 with spruce top and mahogany back and sides. My dad has the same guitar with the only difference being the mahogany top. Everything else is identical. And they do sound different.
Nice job Captain! That wasn’t as straight forward as I thought it would be. My near new D18 gets a huge amount of hard playing but my guitar has a bit broader treble-bass range than the test D18 here. Similar but different. At the time I auditioned my current guitar I played a new D28 as well and it was so muted and closed up I wasn’t sure when I’d get decent sound out of it. Didn’t sound anything like the nice sounding model you have here. Then there’s the D15, wow it’s a bass monster but don’t show up to Bluegrass jam with it. You could play it hard but no one will likely hear you over the mix. Great test!
The mahogany/spruce is like the rhythm guitar, rosewood/spruce is like you’ve plugged it into lead mode. It cuts through the top end if playing with a friend.
Given up on wood and went to Carbon fiber... they are beautiful!!! (audio wise). I brought 3 Maton 3k guitars from Australia with me to the USA, and all of them keep going out of tune due to hydration issues. My carbon fiber guitar NEVER goes out of tune, and I can play outside in the blazing sun, then go inside and there is no effect on the guitar. The sound is BETTER than my best wooden guitars in their prime and I highly recommend them.
Just my two cents.
Martin and high-end Washburn acoustic guitars are my favorite guitars because of the wood and sound. Yamaha acoustic is my third choice
1986 D28 here, just lovely.
But 1 11/16 th… narrow nut?
@FreeEngland1 my friend has a late 70's with no TR, I really don't no a date they added. mine does have one.
@FreeEngland1 Thanks, will be playing her later tonight.
AD-18 sounds sharp, precise and slightly hollow. D-28 is a full sound wall. D-15 sounds like the darker warmer version of the D-18 to me. For me great strumming guitar working more in the perimeters of the spectrum to give room for the voice in the middle. The others punch and land more in the middle challenging the voice. Maybe that‘s aproper characterization of application for Magagony.
Martin has a power that, I don't even play acoustic, but it pulls you into itself, and make you wish to have one some day, by it's beauty, and sound. Only I wish it didn't have bone materials, and had brass or Tusq kind of bridge and nut...
You don't play acoustic? That's such an odd thing to hear a guitarist say. Everyone my age started on acoustic- then eventually went to electric as well, but we never stopped playing acoustic. Meeting ppl now who just started out on electric guitar is a trip to me. The reason we all started on acoustics is because back then, cheap electric guitars were a nightmare. So everyone bought a cheap acoustic- which actually played and sounded pretty good- and then, if they took to it and played well, they saved up and bought an electric guitar that was actually playable. Now it's just the opposite- there are very few good cheap acoustics- and an ocean of great budget electric guitars. So now ppl start on electric instead of acoustic. It makes sense, but it still feels odd to ppl like me.
@@stoneysdead689 Yes, makes total sense. My case was a bit different too, started at 30, which is 4 years ago, and I have limited practice time due to health issue. I went straight with electric to aim rock/metal/blues. Still loving the acoustic, and have respect for acoustic players, and yesss I haven't worked on the finger picking, neither playing a lot of cleans so really I am a novice when it comes to acoustic noone can deny that haha :D. Some day, maybe If I recover... Thanks for the reply! Have fun playing
@@stoneysdead689 I did for the same for same reasons, However my daughter rang me saying our grandaughter wanted to learn guitar, my daughter sa "shouldnt she start with an accoustic" knowing thats all i play,
she's got her eye on a strat copy "get her what she wants it will encourage her to just learn a little" your thinking is "old school" but i said its hard enough in the early stages without her wish it was an electric, and all her problems would have been solved, just get her playing and she'll take it from their, so a strat copy duelly arrived,
@@JohnNaylor-x4xI started playing 22 years ago on an electric because I wanted to play metal. If I started on an acoustic I would have not stuck with it. Now I play mostly acoustic 😂 a lot of finger picking
@@DeffoZappo Oh man, both have their beauty, I am playing Metal, but I love Jazz as well, also Acoustic guitar, maybe I'd consider learning those at some point in life, I hope.
Real nice Chops My Man!
I just love the D28. It is what I hear when I think of an acoustic guitar.
''It's the Wood, that makes it Good''
Newman
Mahogany is more thrashy. I’ve noticed that with my guitars too. The mahogany guitar goes to multiple guitar player jam sessions as it can be heard over all of the other players. My my rosewood Guild is sweet sounding.
7:20 Duuude, coffee beans from Sumatra and Ethiopia are wildly different. Way more different than the sound of these woods could ever be.
The coffe beans from Ethiopia that I can purchase locally are not the same coffe beans from Ethiopia that you can purchase locally, assuming we are living in different parts of the world.
The difference in which height they grow at allready makes a huge difference in how they will taste.
As long as they haven't been through the digestive system of a civet cat, they are all the same to me.
I agree the beans are quite different. I happen to have both in my cabinets. That said, the guitars sound very different too. Were you on headphones?
@@DoctorMandible Nopes, I watch on the TV and listen via HiFi, so hearing the difference too.
Although I can hear much more of a difference when the size of the chamber isn’t the same, like on a Hummimgbird with and without the cutaway or a smaller sized copy made with the same materials and bracing.
He didn't say the 2 types of coffee beans weren't different. He said both are great in their own way and it's up to personal preference.
Wood doesn’t matter, as long as it’s a Martin is what matters lol 🤣. These all sounded super good 👍🏽 I’ll take one of each please 😊
man, I just really love the airy, brighter sound of the D-28, which is a damn shame considering how expensive they are lol
I had a j15 once all mahogany. I loved that guitar! I sad I ever sold it
There seemed little difference between the 18 and 28. The 15 was noticeably "thinner" sounding. Keep in mind that this only applies if playing totally acoustically - into a mic with no effects. If using a pickup/plugged in, then it doesn't matter at all - you can adjust any guitar to sound however you want it to sound.
There's a thing that needs to be said I remember there was a video where Paul went to a vintage acoustic guitar shop and hung out with these guys and they did a whole Vlog of him going through the store looking at old old guitars and he said the original purpose of the wood selection and bracing was not to create the best sounding guitar it was to create the most loudest projecting guitar as possible and just over time as the seasons went by the guitar is just kind of developed a character of tone as their own but it wasn't originally to create a certain sound at all or tone necessarily I think that there is a certain tone thing to certain Woods as well if you were to look at a Steinway grand piano they use nothing but Adirondack Spruce and that translates into some of the best sounding grand piano is all time .
The thing is that I hate more than anything is that people will just use the whole tone wood thing as a way to just argue and argue and argue when it has nothing to do with that I think that when a acoustic guitars there is most definitely a part where the certain Woods create a certain sound like mahogany having more mid-range and Rose would being loud and glass like or something but the thing is is that there are reasons why people do not use other Woods like balsa wood or hickory for an acoustic guitar cuz they just don't have that certain character Maybe for sound or just musical instruments because I mean if we if there was a reason to use them they would have been using hickory to make violins hundreds of years ago but they haven't they used Maple and Spruce maybe there is 10% of a difference when it comes to an electric guitar as well but I think that people just need to shut up about the whole tone with debate because it's more of just people flexing their egos more than anything else when they aren't even guitars luthiers
People who argue there's no such thing as tonewood aren't guitar makers and are just pretentious people
Not just wood, but thickness, bracing finish plus more all matter
Filth
Also like to add the type of strings to this list
"I can flatpick a bit" he says.
That was him “rusty” 😂
The type and quality of wood definitely has an impact. But it will be useless if you use an undersadle or magnetic pickup.
Have to say all of those sounded kind of mid scooped to me which must be the shape/strings I guess? But it definitely sounded like there was a change in the low mids, like there was a low pass filter on the body with the frequency set at different points for each guitar. I've always found I like the sound of guitars that embrace none wood components like ovation and garrison
I think the mahogany and spruce guitar had the nicest sound overall. The rosewood and spruce seemed more focussed and sounded like it would be easier to record with while the all mahogany one just seemed to lack treble to me.
I got them all correct and preferred the D-28 - quite a relief really, because I've got an Alvarez MD70BG with rosewood back and sides.