I can’t seem to find a reason to get the 70. Got the 60 from penny lane and I don’t care where I play. I get nothing but compliments. It’s an absolute beast of a cannon and sounds so damn clear. 13-56 all the way on it
This has been my experience in a 35+ year career in music as a songwriter, solo performer, producer, session player. Rosewood sounds great in a living room mic free situation. It just sounds nice. In a miced performance or studio mahogany is more versatile because it fits nicely into a mix and takes eq much better. Rosewood has alot of overtones that have to be dealt with whether live or studio. The best all-around combination of tonewoods I've ever owned was an Ditson clone made by Jan Burda. It was a Red cedar top/black walnut sides/back w/a no trussrod mahogany neck. Forward scalloped bracing and 12 frets to the body. Ditson made the original prototypes for Martin as the D1/D2 which became the D18/D28.
I too have played both and the MD60 was the better of the two to my ear and quite a good bit cheaper. I have the MF60OM which is also solid mahogany b/s and I prefer it to either of them for fingerpicking.
Thanks for the video, this is super helpful with my upcoming decision on which to buy. Everyone has their opinion, I just like how everyone is cordial with their comments. Maturity is key in enjoying channels such as these. Thanks again.
Thank you Will! We now have FaceTime Calling available.If you would like to see and hear an instrument on a live video call and have an iPhone, you can FaceTime us at 954-566-8141 😊
I personally think this would be better if it was 70 then 60, repeated. By the time the 60 comes in it’s difficult to remember what the 70 sounded like… just saying…
I got the Masterworks OM and it's my desert island guitar. I have a Matin om28 and a Taylor 810 that that's been my main squeeze since the mid 90s. I wasn't even looking to get another OM model. I played probably 100 guitars over 2 days and 3 local shops. The inexpensive Alvarez stood out big time. I had to have it. Even better that I went in with a $2500 budget, thinking used. That's 1,700 Left. I would have never guessed. But... better is better. Don't like supporting China, over U.S. at all but... Loved it so much that I baught my first guitar ever, without playing it, from the internet. Got the md60bg shown here. It didn't disappoint. I will say that the truss rod was stupid tight, and backbowed. I almost returned it. Backed it all the way, put 13's on it, and left it in the case for a few days. It's all good. Necks are very subjective, but both have great necks. The OM's neck is sooo good. It inspires me to play more then any guitar I've owned. No, I don't work for Alvarez. Lol
I went to my local shop to get a AMI (sigma) hd-28 and saw a md-60bg sitting there so I tried it. Well it came home with me and I couldn’t be more happy. These are fantastic guitars.
I checked the MD60 against MD70 at my local seller. I found the MD60 far more clear and nicer sounding to my ears. So, I bought the MD60. I recommend to test both guitars. The MD60 is much praised in different online reviews too.
In general rosewood is better for rhythm and mahogany better for lead, though of course individual guitars can vary. That's why you need one of each! LOL
Thanks! I have been waiting for this comparison. I have the MD60BG. I like the clarity of the rosewood on the MD70, however, by my ear, it loses a bit on the low end. I think I will stick with mahogany. I like the dynamic range better on the MD60. I tried the MDA66SHB all mahogany yesterday and was shocked at how much I loved it.
Thank you for your comment Stuart! I totally agree with you, I am a total mahogany guy and it’s funny because I used to play Rosewood for all my life until only maybe a couple of years ago.
Can't tell which I like better! Rosewood is definitely more scooped in the mids while the Mahogany is mid-forward, which is to be expected! Both are equally balanced and volume seems to be roughly the same. Mine will live in a studio and one comment here says the mahogany is preferrable for recording. In my 12 years experience running sound for live shows weekly here in Nashville, I agree I do tend to have a much easier time with mahogany acoustics, but that's via pickup systems. Still, maybe the same logic can apply to studio recording.
this is from a review just a few comments donw it says the ooposite of you lol ''This interesting. The R has way more low mids and mids, but is a little less loud, and the M is scooped with much less mids, a bit more low, and chime-ier top end, at least to my ears.'' its funny how we all hear things differently lol
This interesting. The R has way more low mids and mids, but is a little less loud, and the M is scooped with much less mids, a bit more low, and chime-ier top end, at least to my ears. I have been trying to buy a new, mid-price acoustic, like 1200-2200, and watched a million videos, and it's clear to me that for rosewood, you almost need to spend some money for the build to have that rosewood 'thing' plus have projection and clarity in the mid-lows. However, mahogany and maple seem to be a lot more consistent, and it's clear you can get away with an inexpensive, solid-mahogany guitar that sounds great.
Great demo! Unrelated question: Loved the flatpicking example--seemed bluegrass meets blues to me. Personally not fond of bluegrass that's in a major key or that's too frenetic. Any idea about where online "lessons" (youtube or whatever) might be for that type of playing? Thanks!
Hello John and thank you! There’s a lot of bluegrass that has a lot of blues influences. The greatest one of all of course was Tony Rice whose bluesy licks fit uniquely and incredibly well with bluegrass music changing the idea of bluegrass guitar forever. I teach this style of Bluegrass guitar too many of my students here in Florida and online. Let me know if you’re interested, I might be able to help you. If not, there are plenty of resources online for this kind of bluegrass guitar. I would start with listening to Tony Rice and Clarence White. 🙂
H i have a Recording King RD-318 (Hog) i can hear similarities in the MD60 tone, to me the mahogany has a more interesting tone and is better suited to solo play.
Thank you for your comment Neil, you find me in total agreement. I like the sound of Rosewood but for some reason I always tend to go back to the mahogany.
I can’t seem to find a reason to get the 70. Got the 60 from penny lane and I don’t care where I play. I get nothing but compliments. It’s an absolute beast of a cannon and sounds so damn clear. 13-56 all the way on it
This has been my experience in a 35+ year career in music as a songwriter, solo performer, producer, session player. Rosewood sounds great in a living room mic free situation. It just sounds nice.
In a miced performance or studio mahogany is more versatile because it fits nicely into a mix and takes eq much better. Rosewood has alot of overtones that have to be dealt with whether live or studio. The best all-around combination of tonewoods I've ever owned was an Ditson clone made by Jan Burda. It was a Red cedar top/black walnut sides/back w/a no trussrod mahogany neck. Forward scalloped bracing and 12 frets to the body. Ditson made the original prototypes for Martin as the D1/D2 which became the D18/D28.
The 60 just sounds awesome!
I just ordered the 60 I'm convinced it's the better of the two. It has a little more twang to it.
I too have played both and the MD60 was the better of the two to my ear and quite a good bit cheaper. I have the MF60OM which is also solid mahogany b/s and I prefer it to either of them for fingerpicking.
Thanks for the video, this is super helpful with my upcoming decision on which to buy. Everyone has their opinion, I just like how everyone is cordial with their comments. Maturity is key in enjoying channels such as these. Thanks again.
Thank you Will! We now have FaceTime Calling available.If you would like to see and hear an instrument on a live video call and have an iPhone, you can FaceTime us at 954-566-8141 😊
I personally think this would be better if it was 70 then 60, repeated. By the time the 60 comes in it’s difficult to remember what the 70 sounded like… just saying…
I got the Masterworks OM and it's my desert island guitar. I have a Matin om28 and a Taylor 810 that that's been my main squeeze since the mid 90s. I wasn't even looking to get another OM model. I played probably 100 guitars over 2 days and 3 local shops. The inexpensive Alvarez stood out big time. I had to have it. Even better that I went in with a $2500 budget, thinking used. That's 1,700 Left. I would have never guessed. But... better is better. Don't like supporting China, over U.S. at all but... Loved it so much that I baught my first guitar ever, without playing it, from the internet. Got the md60bg shown here. It didn't disappoint. I will say that the truss rod was stupid tight, and backbowed. I almost returned it. Backed it all the way, put 13's on it, and left it in the case for a few days. It's all good. Necks are very subjective, but both have great necks. The OM's neck is sooo good. It inspires me to play more then any guitar I've owned. No, I don't work for Alvarez. Lol
I went to my local shop to get a AMI (sigma) hd-28 and saw a md-60bg sitting there so I tried it. Well it came home with me and I couldn’t be more happy. These are fantastic guitars.
I checked the MD60 against MD70 at my local seller. I found the MD60 far more clear and nicer sounding to my ears. So, I bought the MD60. I recommend to test both guitars. The MD60 is much praised in different online reviews too.
Interesting comments. I like the slightly more nasal md70.
In general rosewood is better for rhythm and mahogany better for lead, though of course individual guitars can vary. That's why you need one of each! LOL
Sounds Great
Thanks! I have been waiting for this comparison. I have the MD60BG. I like the clarity of the rosewood on the MD70, however, by my ear, it loses a bit on the low end. I think I will stick with mahogany. I like the dynamic range better on the MD60. I tried the MDA66SHB all mahogany yesterday and was shocked at how much I loved it.
Thank you for your comment Stuart! I totally agree with you, I am a total mahogany guy and it’s funny because I used to play Rosewood for all my life until only maybe a couple of years ago.
If I didn’t already have a Martin hd28 I’d definitely buy one of these. Fantastic guitars for the money!
lol you have the very best!!
Can't tell which I like better! Rosewood is definitely more scooped in the mids while the Mahogany is mid-forward, which is to be expected! Both are equally balanced and volume seems to be roughly the same. Mine will live in a studio and one comment here says the mahogany is preferrable for recording. In my 12 years experience running sound for live shows weekly here in Nashville, I agree I do tend to have a much easier time with mahogany acoustics, but that's via pickup systems. Still, maybe the same logic can apply to studio recording.
this is from a review just a few comments donw it says the ooposite of you lol ''This interesting. The R has way more low mids and mids, but is a little less loud, and the M is scooped with much less mids, a bit more low, and chime-ier top end, at least to my ears.''
its funny how we all hear things differently lol
Definitely the 70 has more articulated notes. Louder. Cuts better.
This interesting. The R has way more low mids and mids, but is a little less loud, and the M is scooped with much less mids, a bit more low, and chime-ier top end, at least to my ears. I have been trying to buy a new, mid-price acoustic, like 1200-2200, and watched a million videos, and it's clear to me that for rosewood, you almost need to spend some money for the build to have that rosewood 'thing' plus have projection and clarity in the mid-lows. However, mahogany and maple seem to be a lot more consistent, and it's clear you can get away with an inexpensive, solid-mahogany guitar that sounds great.
My mind say rosewood because I always liked rosewood guitars like the md70, but in this case my ears say mahagony (md60).
Great demo! Unrelated question: Loved the flatpicking example--seemed bluegrass meets blues to me. Personally not fond of bluegrass that's in a major key or that's too frenetic. Any idea about where online "lessons" (youtube or whatever) might be for that type of playing? Thanks!
Hello John and thank you! There’s a lot of bluegrass that has a lot of blues influences. The greatest one of all of course was Tony Rice whose bluesy licks fit uniquely and incredibly well with bluegrass music changing the idea of bluegrass guitar forever.
I teach this style of Bluegrass guitar too many of my students here in Florida and online. Let me know if you’re interested, I might be able to help you. If not, there are plenty of resources online for this kind of bluegrass guitar. I would start with listening to Tony Rice and Clarence White. 🙂
H i have a Recording King RD-318 (Hog) i can hear similarities in the MD60 tone, to me the mahogany has a more interesting tone and is better suited to solo play.
Mahogany is like a banana split, while rosewood is just plain chocolate ice cream.
Hi Neil, which one would you advise to buy, Alvarez MD60BG or Recording King RD-318? :)
Thank you for your comment Neil, you find me in total agreement. I like the sound of Rosewood but for some reason I always tend to go back to the mahogany.
I agree, Doc Watson had Mahogany guitars mostly, I think... Rosewood sounds better maybe with a singer playing... The mids don't get in the way..
What about fingerpicked?
Why does the MD70BG sound..'nasally' with strumming? MD60 it is!
The 60 sounds better to me
Wierd my md60bg dosent have the same symbol at the 12th fret.
Thank you for this vidéo.
What is the name of the second tittle you plays ? Please
Thank you for watching! The second tune is just something I came up with which resembles about 1 million bluegrass tunes lol
What's the difference between these and the MD-80?
Not sure, looks like this model you’re referring to has been discontinued and we never had one in the store.
@@PennyLaneMusicEmporium I see thanks
Too close .... I have the MD60bg I'm gonna pass on the MD70bg ... Both are great ....
Which one do you like better?
Well, I’m a mahogany kinda guy so…. 😊
0:05 1:21
Thank you so much for this! I need to remember to do this when I make the videos and put it at the bottom throughout the whole video