Is the Martin Custom Shop Worth It? Martin Standard 000-18 vs. Martin Custom 000-14F
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- čas přidán 3. 08. 2024
- Today we are comparing two Martin guitars-- one that is a timeless classic standard in their line, the 000-18, and one that is a supercharged inspired-by version from the Custom Shop. Do the additions of hide glue, VTS top, and higher quality components make a huge difference in the tone and value? Take a listen and let us know what you think!
0:00 Intro/Specs
9:35 Demos
16:59 Final Thoughts
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I actually liked the standard one more! But can't go wrong either way
Nuance nothing, that Custom shop sounds much more developed, fuller, better fitting my voice. I've been playing for almost 50 years so a better sounding guitar is great. That 000-18 may sound like the Custom in 20 years but I couldn't afford it 20 years ago. Thanks Chris
Huge difference, the custom resonates so much better! I’m genuinely surprised at the difference in the sounds.
I love your Martin reviews. I couldn't afford even the 000-18. I have the 000-15M which is great!🎶🎶🎶
Me too! The 000-15M is amazing guitar, it’s a keeper for sure.
@@ChrisEffort True.🙂
Same here but I'm very happy with it.
For what the 000-14F costs, you could own a 000-18 AND a 000-15!
I think we're comparing Lamborghinis and Ferraris at this point cause all of these guitars are great😁
Very nice comparison… to my surprise I like better the 000-18. It sounds crispier, has a larger projection and sounds more natural … the 000-14 sounds much tighter and compressed lucking airiness and projection! Definitely the 000-18 by a good margin! Cheers..
Thank you Chris , excellent review...! I was pretty much sold on OOO-18 for its warm Mahogany tone and short scale, but the 14F blew the 18 out of the water on clarity of the overtones, the articulation, and the phenomenal sustain... Im going to have to sell my L-5 I think.
Great comparison! Both sound great. If I heard either one by itself, I’d say it’s a great guitar. Comparing the two, I prefer the sound of the 000-18. It sounds more resonant, while the custom shop guitar sounded tighter, favoring the high frequencies. It’s new, so it might loosen up over time as it’s played. To me, that 000-18 is what a guitar should sound like. Just wonderful.
I agree! the 000-18 seems to have a great tone across the spectrum where the 000-14 seemed quite muted on the highs. It still had a nice sound but to me sounded more like the 000-15M than the 000-18. Don't know how that's possible, but there you go!
Yes I can hear !
More cristaline and woody for the 00018. More depth and a kind of « boxy » sound (sorry) on the 00014.
But as you said , the best difference to notice is always behind the guitar !
My experience is that the most important thing for a musician is the way the instrument respond and feel. For a same kind of model, this is over « the sound or the tone ».
The clear winner is: both ;-)
Fantastic guitars and great demo!
Great demo. Chris, you may know I’m kind of a Taylor-head at the moment, but I gotta say, I love that 000-18! The 000-14F is fantastic but not $2000 worth to me.
Thanks for this comparison. Loved both. Think I prefered the additional warmth of the 000-18 standard. Now in person that might be different. Dang sure love your playing by the way. The fingerpicking is where these two guitars shine
Really enjoy Chris' playing.....Also like he's playing a variety of styles to hear the full range of the guitars....
Love your deep dive explanations,
Thanks so much.
I was only half paying attention to this video and when you played the 000-14f I immediately thought "wow that sounds amazing" and had to see you playing it
Gee, Chris! What a great analysis of the differences and similarities between these two fine guitars. Listening on quality ‘phones, to my ears, the 000-14F has a much sweeter and fuller tone… but, would I pay the difference? Well, I would if I could afford to. Which, regrettably, I can’t. ☹️ My 000 will have to do. 🙂
But it doesn’t stop me appreciating the superb video. Thanks! 👍
Cool video and great explanation of the upgrades, Chris. The hide glue and VTS are good upgrades. If we're playing Pick Your Upgrade, I'd keep the standard Sitka spruce and Mahogany tonewoods, the Grover tuners, and the traditional 18 Style backstrip. With that savings, I'd opt for Golden Era scalloping on the braces. Time to hit the Martin Custom Shop tool to see what the price difference would be...
They are both outstanding!!!!! Dream big
When I had my D28 made 3vyrs ago I waited for almost a year, when I got it it was beautiful, in tune and sounded excellent. Fantastic!!!❤ I love Martin!!!
I got my dream job and now that I'll have a really good income, my first check is going to Martin for my own ultimate instrument, I have and have had my beginner guitar always and will always love it, but now I'm ready to have a custom Martin that becomes my jewel that I'll keep til my time comes.
I hate to say it it but listening with good headphones and headphone amp the Standard series 000-18 sounded fuller and punchier with more bottom end than the custom shop version which sounded brighter and thinner.
Great demo! I am a Martin fan and own 3, all sound and feel different and they all have their place. This was of real interest as many folk say nah no one hears any real difference between similar guitars just paying through the nose for tiny additions. This to me really showed up some differences, both are awesome sounding guitars, I love my D18 more than my 28 at times, but did not expect such a difference between these 0018's. The 14F sounded slightly fuller and more open to me, is it worth the extra? depends on your wallet I guess and whether it feels better to play. Great playing you really gave both a chance to shine which they certainly do.
Great explanations, very thorough. To my ears (with headphones) the custom one has a quite different sound. I would not say fuller though, it' dryer with better separation, great punch and way more sustain. Don't get me wrong: I have a 2019 000-18 and I'm very happy with it but that 000-14F is definitely a step up.
I loved the custom shop one, but both are great. Interesting that so many folks liked the 000-18 better.
Custom shop was cleary better.
Me too
Another great comparo video Chris. These are two beautiful sounding guitars. When you got to the playing part I closed my eyes at first, so I would not know which guitar you were playing, although I knew you would likely start with the 18. I could definitely hear the difference with good headphones. The 14 was more open and resonant, as if it were an older guitar. I heard it particularly in the mid-range tones. Is it worth another $2k? That is up to the individual. Perfectionist/aficionado with a big bank account? Go for it. For most people probably not. Thanks.
Both sound beautiful to me, cheers Chris 😀
I've got really good headphones and I can hear the difference, Chris. In a word, I think you've nailed it. The 000-14F is a "supercharged" 000-18. If you've got the money the 000-14F is by far the choice to make. On the other hand, the 000-18 is an excellent choice. Not being a rich man I'll probably land on the 000-18, but that 000-14F gives me a hardon that's difficult to ignore.
I like the 000-18 much better. I would switch out the nut and saddle for the unbleached bone nut and saddle plus switch out the bridge pins to the persimmon bridge pins. That is what I did on my D28 & 0-18 Martin guitar's. The tonal palette is much fuller sound and timbre colors and sustain are much superior than before. I bought the Martin unbleached bone nut from StewMac and unbleached saddle from MacNohoils guitar's and bridge pins from Maury's music. But That is what I like, Martin makes top quality guitars.
Both sound amazing. I would give the advantage to the custom, but I went a bit tone deaf from sticker shock.
Have to disagree there with ya Chris. Schaller are not better than grovers! Alot of people are having issues with schallers. I went through 2 new sets on my HD-28. Came woth schallers and after only 2 months they got real loose, caps were rattling real loud. Martin sent me new ones had them I stalled and a month later had almost exact same issues. Put grovers on it and never had another issue. They are like butter 🧈. I researched schallers and ALOT of bad reviews for multiple reasons but mostly same issues I was having. Great video Chris. Keep them coming!
Yep. It's a misnomer. They aren't good tuners. Waverly or Grover all the way
that VTS top makes a big difference. It sounds really resonant. You guys are tempting me!
Clearly a difference in sound. The custom shop has a more rounded out sound that comes with an aged top. Didn't hear it ,but assume the custom also has adirondack bracing which would make a difference in sustain? Worth the extra money- seems hard to justify if you look at what Taylor offers for a 1000-1500 less, unless you want the Martin vibe and sound.
Best ever review the 000-18 blows the custom shop out of the water 💦 however I still want a custom shop because I want fancier guitar. I’m a geek that way. I would like to speak with you about maybe ordering one
I have a preference for the 000-18, it’s just that warm tone and the low frequency growl and what I perceive to be a stronger articulation that I prefer.
Both great. But I'd go 000-28 Custom Authentic 1937 and get it over with if I were you. The custom shop definitely resonated better. Drier tho because of the VTS. Depends on what you like. Both sound amazing
What I get from the 000-14F is a tone that’s a lot more similar to a 000-28, but in a mahogany back and sides.
It sounds beautiful.
But I personally am a sucker for that classic 000-18 sound.
I liked the 000-18 better. Glad to know this!
On the standard I heard a nice guitar.
The custom shop I heard an incredible guitar....reminded me of the Eric Clapton Unplugged album.
It’s mostly the torrified top. The benefits of hide glue are pretty hotly contested even amongst very high end boutique builders that sell their guitars for 10s of thousands of dollars. You’re basically paying for a prettier back and sides and a top with a 20 year head start on opening up.
standard sounds great!
Ive got a similar vts custom shop "inspired by 18" 000-14f model, w/addy top, I love it!
I've got one with a vts High Altitude Swiss Spruce top, rosewood fingerboard bridge. Cheers!
Funny how my brain works. I wanted to like the custom guitar more than the standard one, because of all the great specs and the fact that it gives me the feeling of REAL people who worked EXTRA hard to build a HIGHER quality instrument especially FOR ME!!!
But..., the differences weren't that obvious, except in price. So in this case I would go for the 000-18.
Now, I'm actually planning on saving for one, because I think it's most beautiful sounding instrument ever made for what I want in an instrument.
But this is 'funny' in another way as well. See, I also love the 000-17 Black Smoke, because I loooooove the looks of it and when you look at the specs, they should sound very similar. So that's great, because you can get a gorgeous looking guitar (matter of taste!) for a lot less money and you could even argue that the 000-17 Black Smoke should sound a little better because of the open pore finish....., BUT THEY DON'T! I mean, I do like that 000-17 BS, but to my ears it doesn't sound anything like a standard 000-18. Beats me.
I could give you another great example, but this is already a long story for most internet users. 😁
The custom definitely has a more airy tone. It's probably light as a feather, and I absolutely love a light Martin.
Custom sounds a little more 4k vs 1080p on the standard but both are great and comfortable as well 👍🏻
Ignoring cost, the choice depends on what you want to play. The Custom Shop articulates quiet, complex styles much better. The Standard model sounds more 'Martin' than 'Taylor'. The Custom Shop less so. Both are remarkable but significantly different, so I'll end where I started: if money's no object, buy both! A choice I don't have.
000-14F. great, but not $2,000 greater than the 000-18. I like the more mellow sound of the 000-18. It is that simple. Another great demo, Chris!
Price is not an indicator of "better"
Nor is magic baked wood.
These two guitars were very much alike.
Not enough difference to matter or pony up for "custom".
I have had my experience with two very expensive Martin
customs ordered and bought in 2010 and 2011.delivered in 2011.
That cured me. Neither were spectacular nor remarkable in tone
and playability. Both were returned to Martin within days of receipt.
Both were eventually destroyed by Martin as "not repairable"
I hunt for used Martins of extraordinary character and quality.
I will never buy another new Martin.
I f 1 1997 0000-1 ( one of 370 made)
and a 2015 00-18V with highly flamed mahogany backs and sides.
Unfortunately it recently suffered from Martin's material and
workmanship failing of the tortoise binding. This is a universal
problem. It has now been attended to and will be on the market soon
as I do not keep defective instruments, especially when they are the
fault of the maker. And I have seen their "repairs".
Buy by ear not by price. Play before you pay.
I’d be more than happy with the standard. How much is the standard in November 2021?
I like the 000-18 best.....
Was surprised that the 00014F seemed to really accentuate the mid frequencies, (almost brittle in comparison). My preconceived notion would have been that the VTS top might have rounded the sound and accentuated a bit more bottom end and promote a more even frequency response similar to their authentic series guitars I've played.
VTS can create brittle thin trebles
They both sound great. Can I tell the difference? Not so much.
That custom sounds impeccable. Why is there always a "next guitar"?...
I like the 000-18. Not sure if my opinion would be different in the room
Yeah I'm the third person to LIKE this video! 👍😁🎸🎸🎸
Both are great quality guitars. But, the Custom Shop 000-14 F sounded better to me on note articulation, resonance and sustain. Guess it’s true; you get what you pay for. More money, more better. 🙏❤️😎
My Opinion, The 18 is the Hands down Winner. Crisper and Clearer than the Muffled sound of the 14-F.
Custom is a little more defined in its sound.
Shawn mendes uses the 000-18 and OM 18e
The customer shop Martin sounded brighter than the standard 000 model. It sounds like the wood is drier leading to a bigger and brighter sound.
Not sure but maybe 15 per cent more volume. Yea sustain is much better. Yes a purest would say it’s worth it. Acoustic beauty.
At first the 000-14f sounds great. Then I hear that bright sound of a Taylor. I bought a Taylor big mistake, I don’t like the brightness of a Taylor. I prefer the Martin 000-18.
Been a woodworker for 40 years. There is nothing superior to hide glue of ordinary tight bond. In a blind test no one will hear the difference. Same with the Martin's tapered dovetail joint. It is a fine joint but, better than a more common mortise and tension joint? Once glued they are both 100 percent bonded and again no one will hear any difference. The is not a knock on Martine they are as good as any guitars make. This is a defense of the other brands. Taylor, Furch and others are every bit as good as Martin. For me price is what will determine which I buy.
What is the difference in price
the cs blows it away
14:16 - Fingerstyle - Martin 14F Custom - has more Mids and Highs and more separation of the notes. - Better for Fingerstyle
13:00 - Some may prefer the sound of the Standard OOO-18 as it has more lows. Better for strumming.
Chris is a salesman NOT a pro player and his attack is incredibly inconsistent and at times terrible. You highlighted one of the worst sections where contrary to your suggestion that the Standard is warmer he makes it sound like tin by glancing off the string rather than plucking it true.
The custom is warmer.. The difference is like when you compare d28 vs d18.. Its kinda like a darker tone without being less bright if that makes sense.
How much for the 00014?
The custom is brighter and maybe louder but the higher sustain seems muddy up the notes.
I liked the responsiveness of the custom better and it's brightness
If the guitar "opens up", it will get a big hole in it, correct?
I can hear the difference.
Also how does that Custom Shop compare to a similar size/tone wood Collings? Might be similar sound for LESS than the Collings.
They seem close, by the time u get to the custom shop, but Collings are 500-1k more, but have more sparkle and balance, Martin has more power, focus and fundamentals.
@@angelg8445 thank you Angel. Local shop in MT carried both but dropped Collings cause they weren't selling compared to the Martin Custom Shop. Then there are Huss & Dalton & other small luthiers. Thanks
000-14F feels more like an 00018 modern deluxe. brighter, more opening sound.
Custom shop all the way. More harmonics than a mahogany should have.
The custom shop sounds alot more musical too my ear
It's confusing to see guitar shops sell a model called something like the 000-14F and for it to have a price tag more than double that of a 000-18. The lower numbers usually refer to cheaper guitars. It should be called a 000-18 Custom as that's basically what it is. What's special about Martin's torrefied spruce that it's this expensive? Taylor and Yamaha do torrefied spruce on their guitars that are not as expensive as the custom Martins (e.g. the 500 series and Red Label FG5/FS5).
The "14F" is for 14 frets in place of 12 frets.
500 series Taylor is not comparable to a Martin Custom Shop guitar. Certainly not a red label Yamaha either…
The starting point of the wood quality prior to torrefication does matter exponentially. Bracing patterns and overall direction of tones are the differences between builders. If you like Taylors, buy them… don’t think Bob Taylor would compare the 500 series to a custom Martin and assume his is “better”.
Protein glue can be a hide glue, but it can come from other sources.
Much prefer the standard 18. The 14F sounds less “woodie” and with too much dynamic range. still good, but a little ear fatiguing.
Hide glue is not the same as natural protein glue. They are very different.
But is it twice a good?
Candidly, I own a custom shop 00-18 12 fret that sounds no better than my standard 14 fret 0-18.
000-18 sounds the best. Don't mess with Texas.
I like both and they both sound great as you'd expect from Martins. I love Martin guitars. I really do. But I find the company itself really difficult to like. The naming conventions are a pain to try to compare specs against other brands and even within their own catalogue. That and they really don't make as much effort to be up front with what they're using for materials sometimes. It may not be deliberate obfuscation, but golly is it annoying. Like the neck material. "High grade neck," ok fine. But if it's not mahogany, just say what damn wood it is. Argh!
Buy a Cort gold. The top goes through the same process to age it.
Yep great guitar.
PS - if I heard any difference it’s really so small I surely wouldn’t know. They both sounded fantastic.
More difference with headphones on.
You must be deaf. Give up now.
No doubt the custom sounds better. More note separation, more clarity. It has that old guitar sound.
Is it worth 2k more?? Thats a personal decision. Its going to take 20 years for a standard model to get close to that level. Time is money.
Both are a worthy investment.
It's better, but an extra billion dollars...;-) definitely for an artist making real money as a tool...
So basically they're the same, but just a lil different...
Don't Fuck with what works. The Standard is a WAY better sounding and lively guitar! The Custom sounds like mud in comparison.