Couple of thoughts. I have the LL16D in natural. It started out bright probably because of the urea nut and saddle. Had them swapped out for Tusq and then got rosewood pins (comes with plastic) and that took the (what I considered excessive and metallic) crispness and made the Yamaha sound older, more broken in. Using Daddario EJ16 strings. I really love mahogany guitars so I can't comment on how my changes would compare to your D28, but I found my experimenting made an improvement for me. It's a keeper and my only rosewood guitar.
I'll take them both, but I'm a huge Yamaha fan. I think the Yamaha has a tad more bass, but it's comes down to what you want to spend and brand. I have had martins and Taylors, but I currently own 4 Yamahas and I'm very happy. I still go to the local guitar store and play the martins though 🙂 to get my fix.
I think the Yamaha sounds louder than the Martin. Both are Excellent guitars! I just ordered a Yamaha A3M! I can’t wait to get it!I currently own a Martin gpca4 n a Yamaha FA-TA which I love besides a Zager mahogany 20 series n a all rosewood Goya made by Martin in the 80’s. Good video ty!😊
With my earbuds in the Yamaha sounds just as good as the Martin. No Doubt. P.S. After hearing them again, Yuma hall sounds a lot better. Those yamaha LL 16 are something else they really are. GREAT VALUE
Great review thankyou! Am I reimagining that the Martin looks shallower in the body than the Yammy? Good to hear the picks too. The thicker one reduces the top end to my ears. The first pick hits the sweet spot on both guitars for me. Last thing, here in Australia a standard D28 is A$4250. The LL16 is $1100.
@thirdgearband You will also want an insurance policy or never take the Martin out of the Bedroom unless you are daddy morebux... If I had $3-8K US that to burn then I would consider a Martin. Not knocken' 'em.. Just for a playout git the LL16 has value IMO....
I have them both...'95 D-28 and a 2016 LL. I think they are both equal sound quality. I find bluegrass picking easier on the Martin because of the 1 11/16 neck vs. the 1 3/4 on the LL. The LL is better for fingerpicking and has more sustain and bottom end at least to me.
Don here from Hamilton NZ on my Wife's tablet-SUSAN, yes Iv'e been playin for over 60 years now and the 2 BEST acoustic guitar's ever ( I think) are Martin DX1 ,and the Yamaha LJ6C, ( I own them both) and I also own 9 others ( solid top Dreadnought's) that are very nice sounding guitars, but just to Repeat- The Martin and the Yamaha are my top 2, it's mainly just the difference in the sound board of them both, the Yamaha has an Adirondack Top,while the Martin is Sitka, from that point it's just a Personal Preference 😊😊😊
Yes, Iv'e noticed the pic can make a big difference to the sound, logical when you think about it, direct contact with the strings it's got to influence the sound 😊😊😊
The D28 sounds more spritely to me with that Sitka spruce top and scalloped bracing. I’m definitely gravitating towards the LL16 base, depth and sustained sound but it’s just my personal preference of sound.
That LL16 is a champ, I'm going to buy one me thinks, Martin blah blah, it's just a word for something way overpriced which is a common problem right through the industry.
just got an old Taiwajapa 1980 fg375 and selling my vintage Martin, not because it’s bad just because I can cover 90% of the tone for 10% of the value and keep a few other rigs around
Definitely louder with the blue chip. I passed on a mint 2018 hd 28 yesterday. Played easily but It had no volume to my ears. It's a really painful decision to buy a Chinese guitar. Nice demonstration, ty
Neither sounds good to me. In my opinion those thicker picks are meant for flat picking (e.g. bluegrass), not strumming. Do the two guitars have the same strings on them? Also, it sounds like you are playing too far back from the sound hole, or maybe it's just the picks you are using.
I believe the Yamaha has a more balanced sound not to mention much louder . Aren’t LL guitars made in Japan ? L series made in China . The LL 16d. In black is a special guitar . Something about them , no one seems to know why . Some say the best , for the money , anywhere .
I was in Yamaha's shop in London some years ago, and played both the Chinese LL16 and the much more expensive Japan made LL26. Honestly there was not a lot between them to my eyes and ears.
Yamaha japan and china really doing great job. Have an LL16D and FS830 they are really great guitars. Giving some thoughts to buying an FG red label they are so nice.
You could just about pick a martin out of any line up with your eyes closed. My fave of all your demos is the Yamaha with Blue Chip. If your're going to have a dread, make it loud!
Good video, I'll trade you my multiac Grand Concert Duet, for any old guitar you have but with metal strings, I need an acoustic guitar with metal strings 😂
I get it.. I just recently played a friend's D28 Hd and while it is a nice guitar, it didn't really blow me away.. fairly high action and the tone was good, but not worth the money, at least in my opinion..
Martin has that genuine Martin sound not that loud and bright Chinese sound. I have a older D28 12 string and it really sings! Deep full and rich unmatched sound that is not overbearing! Plus your Martin will only go up in value and the Yamaha will only go down in value. The key is a great saddle set up by sanding it down to where its excellent action for you. Plus good strings! Don’t forget the Dr. Ducks Ax Wax and string lube!
@@SteveMiller-yw7kv those are the older models prior to having truss rods. They will all need neck resets and most people don’t know how to do that. 80’s on Martin has been putting truss rods in all their models. You’ll be lucky 🍀 to get half of what you paid for on your Yamaha unless you decide to keep it for your lifetime. Either way the Martin will only increase in its value and its sound over the years to come. If you do have a older Martin with no truss rod Martin will do the neck reset for free long as you have your receipt of the purchase. Martin is a standup company ask Wille Nelson, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, just to name a few. Any guitar is fine if it works for you but don’t knock a Martin until you’ve owned one in your lifetime.
Not knocking the Martin's, but it's actually a lot of the newer ones that I'm seeing for sale.. almost daily.. d28s for around 2,500 or so .. depending on the model.. which is quite a bit less than a the new price.. so obviously all guitars go down in value to a certain extent.. now if we are talking about the prewar Martins that is a different story.. I just saw a 1930s model and asking price was around 30,000 grand! Which is a little insane in my opinion.. the factory made ones today will never gain that kind of value.. not in a hundred years..
It's a great sound but for me almost sounds to perfect too clean depends on the person as wel I guess and what level you play - but for me the LL has incredible sound value for the price thought the high ends are a little too crisp but the fucking lower strings are beautiful hard to beat.
I keep looking at these videos comparing Martins to other guitars. To me, there aren't any that compare. Most non Martin guitars are too bright. Hey! Are those mail carrier shorts? I was a mail carrier. Eventually became a postmaster.
Both picks sound too thick and no life when strumming. I’ve tried them all and just end back up with a Fender medium or yellow tortex. It’s just a matter of taste. ✌️
I was told only the Yamaha neck have poly for playability and the body is lacquer. And as a visual please be aware your dirty socks on the floor tend to make it hard to give a honest opinion on much of anything. Maybe it's just me.
Good grief... The Yamaha sounds like two skeletons fucking in a biscuit tin mate... The D 28 wins But... If you want an amazing Rosewood Martin, that sounds as good as a D28.... Try a Martin D16RGT if you can get your hands on one (people just Don't sell them, theyre that good) its basically a D28 with a richlite rather than ebony fingerboard, solid Rosewood back and sides, sitka top, sxalloped X Bracing (same shit as the D28)with a gloss finish, to boot.... You can have a Belting vui5... I bought one in Yorkshire abar 10 year ago for 900 quid .... And they are voing for 12-1600 quid nowadays.... If you ever get to try one you will be amazed !! Getting someone to actually fuckin SELL you one..... Well thats a totally different cup of tea....
Not even close for me in this comparison. I'll take the Yamaha all day long.
Couple of thoughts.
I have the LL16D in natural. It started out bright probably because of the urea nut and saddle. Had them swapped out for Tusq and then got rosewood pins (comes with plastic) and that took the (what I considered excessive and metallic) crispness and made the Yamaha sound older, more broken in. Using Daddario EJ16 strings.
I really love mahogany guitars so I can't comment on how my changes would compare to your D28, but I found my experimenting made an improvement for me. It's a keeper and my only rosewood guitar.
I believe the D-28 is rosewood. Just looked it up....yep
I'll take them both, but I'm a huge Yamaha fan. I think the Yamaha has a tad more bass, but it's comes down to what you want to spend and brand. I have had martins and Taylors, but I currently own 4 Yamahas and I'm very happy. I still go to the local guitar store and play the martins though 🙂 to get my fix.
I love Yamaha I want to get a FG5 to review soon.
@@ryanbloom1738 Yeah those are lovely.
i had heard about this guitar the 16 black it sounds great too me , i own a LL500 and LL400 for me very good but also yamaha fan !
I think the Yamaha sounds louder than the Martin. Both are Excellent guitars! I just ordered a Yamaha A3M! I can’t wait to get it!I currently own a Martin gpca4 n a Yamaha FA-TA which I love besides a Zager mahogany 20 series n a all rosewood Goya made by Martin in the 80’s. Good video ty!😊
With my earbuds in the Yamaha sounds just as good as the Martin. No Doubt. P.S. After hearing them again, Yuma hall sounds a lot better. Those yamaha LL 16 are something else they really are. GREAT VALUE
That yamaha LL16 sound great
Very nice review, I just found a used LL16D in super condition for $800. Can’t beat that guitar especially at that price!
Great review thankyou! Am I reimagining that the Martin looks shallower in the body than the Yammy?
Good to hear the picks too. The thicker one reduces the top end to my ears. The first pick hits the sweet spot on both guitars for me.
Last thing, here in Australia a standard D28 is A$4250. The LL16 is $1100.
Give me the Yamaha and two thousand and you can have the Martin…😎
Trust me; You want the LL16 and USD$2000+ LOL
Yep!!!
I’d take the Martin and never lose any money only gain more in value over time and a unmatched full tonal advantage!
@thirdgearband You will also want an insurance policy or never take the Martin out of the Bedroom unless you are daddy morebux... If I had $3-8K US that to burn then I would consider a Martin. Not knocken' 'em.. Just for a playout git the LL16 has value IMO....
I have them both...'95 D-28 and a 2016 LL. I think they are both equal sound quality. I find bluegrass picking easier on the Martin because of the 1 11/16 neck vs. the 1 3/4 on the LL. The LL is better for fingerpicking and has more sustain and bottom end at least to me.
I have an FG830 that is wonderful and a Martin DX1RAE that has a great sound and plays great
Don here from Hamilton NZ on my Wife's tablet-SUSAN, yes Iv'e been playin for over 60 years now and the 2 BEST acoustic guitar's ever ( I think) are Martin DX1 ,and the Yamaha LJ6C, ( I own them both) and I also own 9 others ( solid top Dreadnought's) that are very nice sounding guitars, but just to Repeat- The Martin and the Yamaha are my top 2, it's mainly just the difference in the sound board of them both, the Yamaha has an Adirondack Top,while the Martin is Sitka, from that point it's just a Personal Preference 😊😊😊
Yamaha B string sound 'off' compared to the Martin? (Single-note playing) Nice comparison playing too - Thanks!
Yes, Iv'e noticed the pic can make a big difference to the sound, logical when you think about it, direct contact with the strings it's got to influence the sound 😊😊😊
Great brief comparison. For the money the Yamaha looks like a winner.
LL 16 every day of the week!!!!
A lot of it is in the hands.A good player is going to sound good on anything.I own 3 Martins 1 Collings and I own a LL16.Love em all.
Good job 👍
Sound wise they are SOOO similar 😊😊😊
I think the yamaha wins. It is brighter, louder, warmer. But the Martin has some classic feel to it.
The D28 sounds more spritely to me with that Sitka spruce top and scalloped bracing. I’m definitely gravitating towards the LL16 base, depth and sustained sound but it’s just my personal preference of sound.
I want em all!
The D28 sounds much better. I mean listen to that thing.
The Yamaha sounds great too but the D28 just sounds amazing
That LL16 is a champ, I'm going to buy one me thinks, Martin blah blah, it's just a word for something way overpriced which is a common problem right through the industry.
Yamaha all day!
yamaha is martin killer at the price point they come , best value at what price they offer
The sweaty, dirty socks lashed on to the floor!!! HA! HA!
People who own Martins overpaid and are desperately hyping them in an attempt to keep the value up.
just got an old Taiwajapa 1980 fg375 and selling my vintage Martin, not because it’s bad just because I can cover 90% of the tone for 10% of the value and keep a few other rigs around
Definitely louder with the blue chip. I passed on a mint 2018 hd 28 yesterday. Played easily but It had no volume to my ears. It's a really painful decision to buy a Chinese guitar. Nice demonstration, ty
I love a comparison between the Martin and a high quality Yamaha, ( the L series are very high quality) 😊😊
Neither sounds good to me. In my opinion those thicker picks are meant for flat picking (e.g. bluegrass), not strumming. Do the two guitars have the same strings on them? Also, it sounds like you are playing too far back from the sound hole, or maybe it's just the picks you are using.
I knew this guy was gonna tell the truth!
i wanted to like the yamaha but the 28 is so much deeper and warmer who cares about the price Martin by alot here! lighter warmer more classic!!!!
I believe the Yamaha has a more balanced sound not to mention much louder . Aren’t LL guitars made in Japan ? L series made in China . The LL 16d. In black is a special guitar . Something about them , no one seems to know why . Some say the best , for the money , anywhere .
The ll26/36/56 are Japanese made the 16's are Chinese but their all rad.Thanks for watching.
I was in Yamaha's shop in London some years ago, and played both the Chinese LL16 and the much more expensive Japan made LL26. Honestly there was not a lot between them to my eyes and ears.
Yamaha japan and china really doing great job. Have an LL16D and FS830 they are really great guitars. Giving some thoughts to buying an FG red label they are so nice.
You could just about pick a martin out of any line up with your eyes closed. My fave of all your demos is the Yamaha with Blue Chip. If your're going to have a dread, make it loud!
Thanks I appreciate your insight. I sold my Martin and Ll16D saving up for something special. In a few months I'm going to post a gibson acoustic.
Good video, I'll trade you my multiac Grand Concert Duet, for any old guitar you have but with metal strings, I need an acoustic guitar with metal strings 😂
Sold my d28 and bought a ll16.
Are you kidding? Surely you jest!
@@SteveMiller-yw7kv the ll16 sounds better and was a third the price.
I get it.. I just recently played a friend's D28 Hd and while it is a nice guitar, it didn't really blow me away.. fairly high action and the tone was good, but not worth the money, at least in my opinion..
Change those plastic bridgepins to bone on that yamaha and see what happens.
Martin has that genuine Martin sound not that loud and bright Chinese sound. I have a older D28 12 string and it really sings! Deep full and rich unmatched sound that is not overbearing! Plus your Martin will only go up in value and the Yamaha will only go down in value.
The key is a great saddle set up by sanding it down to where its excellent action for you. Plus good strings!
Don’t forget the Dr. Ducks Ax Wax and string lube!
That's why the Market is flooded with Martin's that are advertised for about half of their new prices 😂
@@SteveMiller-yw7kv those are the older models prior to having truss rods. They will all need neck resets and most people don’t know how to do that. 80’s on Martin has been putting truss rods in all their models.
You’ll be lucky 🍀 to get half of what you paid for on your Yamaha unless you decide to keep it for your lifetime. Either way the Martin will only increase in its value and its sound over the years to come. If you do have a older Martin with no truss rod Martin will do the neck reset for free long as you have your receipt of the purchase. Martin is a standup company ask Wille Nelson, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, just to name a few. Any guitar is fine if it works for you but don’t knock a Martin until you’ve owned one in your lifetime.
Not knocking the Martin's, but it's actually a lot of the newer ones that I'm seeing for sale.. almost daily.. d28s for around 2,500 or so .. depending on the model.. which is quite a bit less than a the new price.. so obviously all guitars go down in value to a certain extent.. now if we are talking about the prewar Martins that is a different story.. I just saw a 1930s model and asking price was around 30,000 grand! Which is a little insane in my opinion.. the factory made ones today will never gain that kind of value.. not in a hundred years..
It's a great sound but for me almost sounds to perfect too clean depends on the person as wel I guess and what level you play - but for me the LL has incredible sound value for the price thought the high ends are a little too crisp but the fucking lower strings are beautiful hard to beat.
I keep looking at these videos comparing Martins to other guitars. To me, there aren't any that compare. Most non Martin guitars are too bright. Hey! Are those mail carrier shorts? I was a mail carrier. Eventually became a postmaster.
Both picks sound too thick and no life when strumming. I’ve tried them all and just end back up with a Fender medium or yellow tortex. It’s just a matter of taste. ✌️
It seems you have spent a lot of money for what .. The name on the headstock .
The Yamaha sounds too bright compared to the D28
I was told only the Yamaha neck have poly for playability and the body is lacquer. And as a visual please be aware your dirty socks on the floor tend to make it hard to give a honest opinion on much of anything. Maybe it's just me.
Yep I'm a dirty Scotsman you prick.
Good grief...
The Yamaha sounds like two skeletons fucking in a biscuit tin mate...
The D 28 wins
But... If you want an amazing Rosewood Martin, that sounds as good as a D28.... Try a Martin D16RGT if you can get your hands on one (people just Don't sell them, theyre that good) its basically a D28 with a richlite rather than ebony fingerboard, solid Rosewood back and sides, sitka top, sxalloped X Bracing (same shit as the D28)with a gloss finish, to boot.... You can have a Belting vui5... I bought one in Yorkshire abar 10 year ago for 900 quid .... And they are voing for 12-1600 quid nowadays....
If you ever get to try one you will be amazed !!
Getting someone to actually fuckin SELL you one..... Well thats a totally different cup of tea....
No ear....