Vintage D-28 vs New D-41 Martin
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- Опубликовано: 23 фев 2014
- Martin D-28 vs Martin D-41, side by side sound comparison. Medium strings, MXL 440 Condenser microphone. The D-28 is 1971, East Indian Rosewood, well played. The D-41 is 2013 vintage, just off the shelf.
What do you think? Is the D-41 worth the extra price? 
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The closest analogy would be like watching a grandfather and grandson play together. One is experienced, mellow and soulful. The other is loud vibrant and full of possibilities.
Your wife is the real treasure!
Hahaha no doubt. Can't ever I again my wife saying "just go get it" even though I can afford it. LOL!
Sure is! Any wife into music and just telling you to go get it? Awesome!!
A BIG thumbs up from Jman
Amen
It was an absolute pleasure to watch this, Nothing better than seeing a fellow musician that loves his instrument. For the record, they both sound amazing. Good on ya friend.
I bought my first Martin D-18, brand new, in 1971. I just bought a D-41 in 2024. How fun to see our parallel guitar lives. Thank you for sharing.
Votre D-41 semble si beau (your D-41 sounds so lovely).
The D28 has opened up nicely and has the warmth. The D41 is punchier and louder and will sound better down the road. Right now, I would take the D28 but at the end of the day, I would take either.
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jimmy5634 that d28 sounds clean soft like a guitar should be that d-41 rings to much almost annoying to me like ahhh. Put it away lol
D28 has an old set of strings. D41 brand new strings I think.
@@diidaa769 Why anyone would make a video for YT with old strings is beyond me.
The D-41 sounds much better in my opinion. It has a wider range of tones and higher top end. More lively. The D-28 is more flat and bass sounding, though a beautiful classic.
The 41 has a much fuller tone to my ears, the 28 sounded quite thin and nasal, almost like maple
Michael C have to agree here. d41 sounds much better
Michael C
The 28 is much older ...
Congratulations to your wife !!!
Mine always says: "Why do you need another guitar? You already have so many!"
that 41 sounds like THUNDER
Two wonderful dreads you have there. I could never pick a favorite just by watching a 7 minute video and not playing them myself, but first impression on the sound of that D-41 blew me away. Congrats on your new acquisition!
They both sound great, but I think the 41 was worth the money 😉
I own a 1999 D41. I bought it after having tested several models every day in a week. I initially wanted a D28 but after some testing at the shop I decided to go the extra mile and buy the 41. I am in love with it and your video confirms me that I made the good choice! Your D41 will improve incredibly, will become warmer and louder! It will incredibly adapt to your playing. If you are not so sure now, you will be convinced every year more, believe me! What really impressed me of the 41 was how it vibrates in your stomach when you play it. Enjoy it!!
I love this demo because I can feel the emotion when you are talking about these instruments. I am glad I am not the only person who gets choked up talking about them.
Great comparison. I think D-41 sounds better for me, it is louder, fuller and more bass.
Edwin-E a bit more bite on the top end to my ears as well.
I agree. The D-41 almost makes me forget my personal preferrable acoustic choice, the Epiphone Dove, the D-41 also has that ''extra"rinkle and fuller sound that I like so much.
Agreed. That’s one awesome guitar.
the minute I heard the d41 I said wow cause of the fuller sound wish I could afford it
It's not really a fair comparison. The D41 is a scallop braced guitar which produces greater volume. The D28 does not. That being said, I do like the warmer tone of the D28 in this particular instance.
I love both of their voices. The D28 sounded so breathy that it makes me want a vintage acoustic now. The D41 sounded very crisp and clean. Just something about a guitar that's been played for a long time that gives it "that sound"
What a nice video. So glad you were so thrilled when you opened up that case for the first time. It's a very special moment. :)
The D41 sounds amazing!!!
I want your 28 so bad. It sounds beautiful, and I love the simplicity of it's appearance. The 41 is beautiful as well, but it would be the 28 for me.
... "I took it out of the case and I cried"
I've never owned a Martin .... I guarantee you ... I'd cry too!!!
Beautiful Instruments!!!
I had a similar experience with my Gibson Les Paul..and I one day will own a Martin any style or price range dont care and ill probably get slightly water eyed and look at that d-41 !!!they say new guitars arent as good this one is.
Martins are a real bitch to play. I'm never exactly comfortable. I think it's the flat 16 degree radius of the fret boards. I've been playing for 43 years. My fav's ended up being late 50's early 60's Gibson J-50's.
I love your videos on Martin acoustics. I just purchased a new d41. I currently own a 2017 d28 standard that I bought new. I knew this guitar would stay with me for life, but like you I always wanted a d41. I love hearing about your Martin guitars. God bless you and your wife
Great comparison video, thank you for uploading. I recognise your photo from when you were younger from seeing it on the UMGF!
Hope these great-sounding guitars continue to bring you happiness for many years to come.
Kind regards from France
Your D-28 sounds great ! I´d pick that one as my favorite of the two, without a doubt.
It seems the D-41 har more volume, punch and dynamics over all. Sounds like a new guitar, like it is. But also very big & rich sounding.
For me, the D-28 has a density and a focus that I think is much more appealing. It would record better overall, at least for my taste of sound.
Old guitars seems to have a more gentle dynamic range, whereas the new ones have more jumpy dynamics.
Nice comparison!
Nisse Björn well said
Me too
I think the new one would sound better with a band and the old one sounds better on its own
41 beautiful, 28 beautiful, wife beautiful - lucky man I say.
This is one of the best review/comparisons I've seen ... Good Job
Thanks for posting.
Loved your clip on two lovely Guitars, they both sound fantastic, you are a lucky man. It's nice to see somebody content with their guitars. I've been playing since 1968 and have had many a guitar, but recently have found the holy grail with a 4 year old Martin OMJM, now saving for adding a dreadnought, so found your clip very interesting. Cheers.
I think it's more easy to make the D28 sit nicely in a mix without stepping on any other instruments' frequencies.
The 41 for being a new guitar, sounds amazing. Once it opens up it will be a tone monster. People who say its not worth it and theres no difference are either ignorant or broke and bitter they cant afford it. The higher up you go, yes you get the bling, but what you also get is higher quality wood. The quality of the wood, especially the top is perhaps the single most important factor in its contribution to the guitars tone. Enjoy your 41 man!
Loved the video. Your wife is so cool to give you the go ahead for the 41. Those are both great guitars and that beautiful 41 is just going to continue to improve over time. May it bring you much joy for many years to come!
Thank you for the video. i was deciding between the two and from your video, it is crystal clear that the D41 has an edge over the D28. Alas, i have made up my mind. Thank you again sir.
That d28 is a beauty
D-28 for around the house or camping, and the other for recording and concerts and stuff, I love old guitars because you can kinda hear the age. Martin and Taylor are awesome to me no matter what
I know one thing right now, I'm not taking my D-28 out camping! You can take yours if you want. LOL!
Thanks for the video, well done, your comparisons and video editing is excellent. I finally bought my dream guitar, a used D-28 about 8 years ago when I was 54 years old, it's a 1975 model. I always wanted one but could never afford it. I love playing it.
just came across your video, always wanted a D-28 but man that D-41 sounds so sweet.
great playing BTW .
This is a good comparison. Two completely different animals, to be sure. That D-28 has aged nicely and sounds wonderful, and so does the D-41. I am looking at a barely used D-41 at my local music store and I have never been so tempted by a guitar in my life. The D-41 has a lot of boom, and could be tough for recording, but it will be mostly for my enjoyment at home. I have others that I can take to gigs. I've never bought a guitar that I did not intend to play on stage, so this is new territory for me. Just once I want to acquire something to simply enjoy for myself, and to pass on to my son someday. Thanks for the video.
the d 41 is really beautiful, but i personally loved the sound of your old friend.
That was a great video man! I really liked the comparison and that D-41 is just beautiful. I'm really glad to hear that you cried when you got the guitar home. More people should be that passionate about all things music.
I own a D28 and you convinced me to purchase a D41 2018 Reimagined, just yesterday in fact.
Nice video with the emotion displayed for your great instruments. Thanks for sharing.
41 is crisp and sweet, the 28 is warmer and more bluesy, nice to have both.
I don't know, I gotta be honest. I think in my personal opinion I like the D-28 more. It just has that almost "duller" sound in a way, not in a bad way. Almost like a "patina" if you will. It just has that more down home sound that I'm used to. Don't get me wrong the 41 is a beautiful guitar and has a nice clean, sharp tone. I like it a whole lot too! I would find myself playing the older one more I just know it. Maybe one day I can own a Martin. Can't really afford one at the moment. I'll keep dreaming though! Best guitars in the world! 👍
I just got my new d28 for Christmas,,all I ever wanted so after 6 years I finally got it and I allmost cried also your guitars are beautiful and sound AWSOME..I had to get my d28 setup and I went with Elixer med. gauge ..thank you for doing this and great picking friend ..Jim Hammond Louisiana
Thanks for sharing - I really enjoy the way you play!
After your comparison I can definitively say: I need a Marin D-41.
The 41 has better articulation and more bass. I like its sound better. But maybe it's just new strings?
I was thinking the same. I bet it has newer strings!
I would HOPE that a TEST dictates new strings for both.
strings affect the tune of guitar since d 41 iz newer thats why it has richer sound than d 28
I thought that too.
Thought the same
My brother bought me a MartinD-28 12 string for my 16th Birthday! My dear hubby just bought me a Taylor 224ce K DLX which sounds just as gorgeous! We love all our guitars, and music is the universal language. Our son has his degree in Music and piano performance, so the music will continue to be passed on in our family!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful moment with us
The D-41 sounds better for overall playing, but the overtones on that aged D-28 are hard to beat.
WOW! Both are GREAT...just different GREAT! It seems my favorite is the one you're playing at the time. Nice video.
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Both sound fantastic.Your a lucky man to own both but it's great to see how much you love and appreciate what you have.
Thanks for this video. They both sound amazing. Awesome guitars. I agree with most of the posts, that d-28 is super warm and the age on it has really opened it up, the d-41 is loud and punchy and articulate while still being resonant. It’ll sound better with age too. Again, great video and thanks for posting!
My wife would not say "Go get it!" She would say "No F*!@#~^ way!"
I'm afraid my husband would say that too :) Oh well
Just don't tell her how much it costs. Haha
If a wife dont behave like a wife, a man goes wild. My whole house is flooded with instruments, i already have enough to fill a small room.
Hahaha - That explains the fact that I don't have much room left in my cave from all the guitars... I don't have a wife.. Now it all comes into focus.. Thanks patrick..
Why does your wife decide what you do with your earned money? I'm assuming you're a full grown man.
Good video. You seem a lot like me. I am 50 and just now able to get some of the guitars that I have wanted for many years. Nice job with the comparison. Over the past year, I got a Taylor 614ce and a Martin DC Aura. I plan to get a D41. I also want to get a Gibson Hummingbird. In my defense, I would like to state that I do not own a bass boat.
A Hummingbird True Vintage is the one I'd go for, partly because of the beautiful balanced tone, and also because of the contrast against the others you have listed. They really are so sweet if you can get a good one.
I am thinking about getting the Koa Hummingbird. It has a great sound and I like the natural color.
What a blessing to have both guitars. I definitely appreciated hearing the comparisons and as good as the D-28, the D-41 had better tone. I have a D-18 that's been wonderful, but looking at the D42 as well
I have a Martin Herringbone D-28, 1979. Love the warmth that smooths your heart.
my ears like the sound of the D28 much more. it's a much warmer tone, like aged wine, it's smooth and easy to sip on. not a punchy sound and flows masterfully. I love it too.
Gigi44 I agree. The newer Martin has more snap, is more crackle, has pop, but the older vintage Martin has a mellow, digestible, deeply resonant tone that is perfect. Perfect!
41 sounds brighter ~ Could just be newer strings though. Or the simple fact that wood was better back when the 28 was made. Second, third and fourth generation trees do not exhibit the very tight rings associated with the first generation timber. Years ago the density levels of our forest lands were much more dense than they are today. Trees grew very closely together. Trees grew at a much slower rate because they were all competing with each other for sunlight, water and basic organic nutrients from the forest floor.
If you look at an older piece of wood you will immediately notice more growth rings per inch and the tighter wood mass definitely plays a part in acoustic resonance.
chris bond, good thoughts but the species of spruce, the ribbing, bridges,nut and neck are all part of the tonal package. I buy Sitka spruce for piano soundboards routinely and tight grain is good up to a point . For piano soundboards, 16 to 28 grains an inch is optimal
Very nice video, great comparison, you play well. The notes are clearer and cleaner on the D28. I hope you do another video in the future so we can hear the 41 as it ages, THANKS
I’m frankly surprised but that D41 is so sweet! I thought the seasoned D28 would give it a real run, but the smoothness across the range of the D41 is really something. (D35 owner..)
It's a good horse race, but the 41 wins - it shines in mid-range and bass clarity. I think you made a nice purchase years ago, and I think you did again with the 41...congrats.
I liked the D28 better. But nothing against having 2 guitars you love.
Both guitars are magical in their own way. I just got my D-41 after having owned my 000-028 EC edition and it is indeed magical. You really enjoy playing guitar and it shines through. Keep enjoying these beautiful gifts.
D 41 sounds like heaven. Will absolutely be my next instrument purchase. Unreal
Thanks for the vid!
Both of them sound amazing and suit your playing style perfectly. Sounds like you have got a really cool wife!!
I prefer the sound of the D-41.. warmer.. richer.. brighter...with more sparkle and chime... just a broader spectrum of tone across the board.. more harmonics... Thanks for the demo..
Christopher Freedomطا
ج
Ditto..double ditto
Christopher Freedom Definitely not warmer then that 28
Exactly. Maybe in time.
Thanks for sharing the video, I know that feel when you have your dream guitar before you and we can only express it with tears of joy, the feel of having it and touching it, we can even smell or taste it...God bless
Just got my D41 today... I didn't cry but it does take my breath away. I have another Martin (42 years old) and yes they share the Martin sound that made the brand what is is. .. but the 41 right out of the box is so rich and beautiful sounding I can only imagine what it will grow into. An amazing instrument
I have been playing with medium gauge strings. The D-28 had Martin SP Phosphor Bronze. The D-41 came with Lifespan SP. Those were the strings in this recording. I have experimented with various strings on the 41. I do NOT like Clapton choice. Clapton choice strings were dull and duller. And I purchased a 3 set package of Martin 80/20 Bronze that did not impress me. I think the medium gauge Martin Lifespan SP (MSP7200) sound best and last the longest. While I'm posting- can anyone help me get approved on the Unofficial Martin discussion forum? My membership has not been approved and the members and moderators are either lazy or jerks. If anyone here is a member of Unofficial Martin Forum I would like to post, but moderators will not respond. Thanks for any help. Dick
Try different angles like email addresses you might find on the forum. There are usually more than one moderator and someone else might be available to refer you. A lot of times they just get busy with their lives and don't have time to check the forums.
I just got new strings. I ordered DR, D'Angelico and I'm trying Earthwood (ernie ball). The first two are Phospher Bronze 12. The Earthwood don't come in Phospher so they're 80/20 (GC Sale, 3 for $10). The D'Angelico I've come to like quite a bit. They're cheap (like around $5 a set) and sound great. I don't like the coated strings, but that's my taste. Plus I get to wear them out and change to something else if I decide to. The DR are hand wound and more expensive, but I got a free set of Guild strings (made by DR) and I liked them a lot. My advice is buy a couple of packages of various strings and see what you think. I used Martins (Marquis and SP) for a long time and they';re a good standard string, but they're really not much better than any of the others. D'Addarios are my standard if I can't decide, but for the money the Dangelico PB are really the best buy. DRs are very promising and have a variety of flavors, all hand wound. The good part is they don't last a long time so you can change them if you don't like them. I usually get a month or two of play time out of them before I decide to change them. That's about 2 hours a day or sometimes more now that I'm out of work. Best prices I've found are from JustStrings.com, and they're very quick. Use the USPS shipping option if you go there. Good luck.
taylor beats martin any day--imo
kal Desjarlais I disagree. I own both and love both. Martin acoustics have the classic acoustic sound which is great for strumming and bluegrass music. Taylor acoustics are brighter and better for lead/melodic guitar parts.
Monel strings number one it opens the bass right up btw I like taylor for strumming but I need bass so I like the martins for lead
Hlau Yaj
you're argument stands,
like wet linguine.
bow from the waist,
buy Takamine!
I think the difference with the 41 is that it has scalloped bracing and the 28 doesnt. That's a big difference! Comparing a new hd-28 with a new d-41, we would see little variation in tone I suspect.
White Christmas
I just compared used versions of a D41 and HD28 in a music store; they sounded very different. The main difference was that the D41 had a lot more midrange punch, and the HD28 had the classic scooped midrange sound. As I believe the bracing and wood selections are the same, I don't know why they sounded so different.
I was just handed down. By my late uncle. A 2002-2003 DR. Seeing he's the guy who gave me the gift of playing guitar. I always wanted one of his guitars. To keep his soul alive. I wanted one of his vintage les Paul's or reissues. Beautiful American stratocaster. I never thought about the Martin DR. Now that it's in my possession. I can't put it down. It's all I talk about. My wife is getting tired of hearing me talk about it. Of all my guitars. This has become the pride of my collection. I've never had a guitar that sounds like this one. Thank you uncle mike and god bless
I bet that D-41 has opened up quite nicely by now:) Great sounding guitars!
I can see why you cried. Good for you!
I'm an officiando of old Martins (have a 69 00-21) and the old ones have that "woody" character to them, especially when playing blues/ragtime stuff. That said, the D 41 has far better tone separation and sounds clearer overall. Just my opinion.
What a great video!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful story, and your great guitars. The D-41 is so rich with a full sound, but the 28 has that unmistakable D-28 sound.
Incidentally, I recently acquired a ‘71 D-18 and I love it. 😊
I was checking out guitars yesterday and fell in love with the look of the 15 series. Hopefully I can get one one day
I think you need both sounds.
Ian Bull
That’s what’ I was thinking too.
New and old.
Because the treble strings sound better in the older one.. and the other way around.
a little more Poetry in the 28.....the new martin more powerful forceful boomier
I love both your guitars. I wish you many more years of playing both. Enjoy!
Lovely video and story, thank you for this.
think the 41 has a richer sound
D41 wins, More sustain, better articulated, more volume, better dynamic range, better playability(you seem to struggle on the d28). It could be blamed on factors like the old strings, humitidy issues, age-problem. d28 lost its clearness & deepness with time and sounds more midrangy & thin, which can have its own charm. I have a really nice speaker-setup, so i just tell how i hear it. I have played/heard better martin d28's out there than this specific one. Its just look to me like you were thinking: "Why didnt i just buy this sooner". Just saying.
So glad you got the new guitar too :)
They both sound great .
Great playing too :)
Cheers from NB, Canada
Thanks for that open e progression I'll enjoy working with that!
the only difference i'm hearing is the strings..sounds like old strings on the 28 and new strings on the 41
d28 sounds better maybe cause its worn in
Congratulations on your purchase, love the new guitar, its sounds more alive 🍻
The D-28 is a faithful old friend with a wonderful voice but that D-41 is AMAZING. So bright, clear, and voluminous. The D-41 has so much sustain it's lovely.
D41 has more phosphory sound like strings are newer.
no fair different strings.
Very enjoyable and they both sound great. I have a maple Taylor but I enjoy the depth of Martins as well. Thanks.
Beautiful , have the same year D-28 , such a blessing to own one !
D41 better (richer, fuller. Wider) 🤘😎✨
boomier
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Beautiful review. I have a plywood Martin (DCX1e), a spruce top PRS cutaway (A60E), and an ambertone D41 Martin that makes the others run away in fear. Love them all but the D41 is an heirloom guitar. The others are just good at their best. The dozen or so D28's I've played over the years are somewhere in between.
Awesome sound coming from your D41! I have a HD28 right now and considering adding a D41 to my collection now!
Fascinating comparison and nice presentation.
I feel ya. I've been playing for 41 years and owned guitars from just about every major American manufacturer EXCEPT Martin. I had always wanted a D-28. I finally got one a few weeks ago. I feel so fortunate to own an American icon. I almost cried myself. It's a feeling of all those thoughts and dreams over all those years you've wanted one flashing before your eyes when you open that case and grab it for the first time. I spent the time leading up to getting it (I got it online because I'm left handed) thinking "what is the first thing I should play when I get it"? For me it was Norwegian Wood.
I had a friend who had a d-41, it was a beast, I have never been a 28 guy Love my D-18 1971 I gave it to my son, he loves it,
Wow that new D-41 sounds amazing. I would cry too looking at a guitar like that
WOW... that D41 looks like a piece of art. It is gorgeous.... and it sounds great.
They both sound beautiful and as described so nicely by many here. I would love to hear them both with the same new set of strings as the D-41 sounds like it has newer strings and therefore a bit brighter than the warm and soulful D-28. Thank you for your 'no nonsense' comparison. I am buying my first vintage 1975 D-28 and know how many wonderful recordings throughout history were done on these fine guitars.
I am so happy for you and hope you enjoy them both. The D-28 certainly has that warm fuzzy feeling, but the D-41 is a much more articulate, open, full sound to me.
I came to my D-41 not by desire, but more by chance. I had purchased an HD-28V after playing virtually every guitar in a 50 mile radius, and just had buyer's remorse. The day I returned it, a D41 arrived at the store. I had no idea what it was, how it was made, or what made it different... but one strum made it mine.
That was a load of money back then !!! I almost bought a D 18 for aroud $700 back in the 70's but I settled on another make that sounded as good and played a lot easier !! A friend of mine had a D41 special delivered to the last Martin Owners Meeting we had in 2012 and I got Chris Martin to sign it for him. It was an AMAZING GUITAR !!!!!!!! I believe they are making them better than ever.
That is the kid of wife each and every guitar player should have !!!!
So much fun. They just get better the more they are played.