The Martin vs Alvarez Question!
Vložit
- čas přidán 11. 11. 2019
- This is a comparison video I was asked to do by the kind folks on the Bluegrass Guitar group on Facebook. It was so cool and was received so well I decided to put it on CZcams channel and also the follow up to it.
- Zábava
I’ve always appreciated the sound and build quality of Alvarez! I purchased two of them in 1970 and bought another for my Grandson in 2018. Dollar for dollar, one of the very best guitars!
Martin #1 & Alvarez #2. I've been playing Alvarez since the early 70's when I bought Alvarez's version of the Gibson J-200. An absolute monster voiced guitar. About a year and a half ago I bought a MPA66SHB, the parlor. All I can say about it is "Oh my." Every single person that has picked it up and played it has loved it and know six people that played mine went out and bought one.
Thanks for the video. I subscribed.
If I run across any Alvarez in a pawn shop or yard sale I buy it... and usually still sound beautiful and have great playability... just a damn good brand
Thank you for sharing your valuable experience with us. There’s a lot guitar snobism going around and this is a great cure for that
I’ve never played a Martin or an Alvarez but I can tell you they both sound beautiful. Your first one sounds like a Martin and your number 2 sounds like Alvarez
I agree
Newish player (18 months) and totally new to this 'Martin vs anything' question. Ill in bed doing some research on purchasing my first serious guitar upgrade from my £250 Tanglewood Superfolk. I have no idea which guitar is the Martin, but the sound of guitar two (and your playing) put a big old smile on my face!
Thanks for the time you take and the thought you put into it Mr. Cormier. #1. They are all voices in the "choir." #2. There has never been more, excellent acoustic guitars available in the world. #3. "It's personal." Keep up the great work. Love it.
I’ve been using Alvarez guitars since 2013. I was in the market for a Parlor sized guitar and visited the local guitar center in Columbus Ohio when I lived there. I found the Artist series AP710SB model there which is a cosmetic blemish model rather than the standard AP70. I played it for about 30 minutes and fell in love with it. I wanted to get it professionally setup so I took it to the Fret Shop. They did their magic and really changed the way it played for the better. 6 years later I have 11 different Artist series models covering different styles and applications. I understand that Martin, Taylor and others are big names for a reason but I’m not one to buy for a name. I’ve been very pleased with all the Alvarez guitars I have. Everyone has been setup by the Fret Shop in Columbus, even shipping my news ones to them from Texas where I’m at now. Manufacturing has improved over time that entry level models are at pro gear levels from a few years back.
I love the sound of number 2. Great videos you are putting out. Stay blessed.
Thank you for this video JP! Love your explanations and that you share your rich experience with us. It's super helpful. They both sound great as do you! First was more balanced overall sound. 2nd had a more bass but less balance and less overall definition. Great video! I will now follow and subscribe.
Without looking at your answer video, I was very sure #2 was the Martin. Once I checked your answer video, I am just blown away that #2 was the Alvarez. I loved the Alvarez. Looking to find this model soon or something close to it.
I thought the same. The note separation was clearer I thought in the second guitar.
Yes, #2 has that more yielding, sweeter sound that typically Martins have against others in comps. That character for my tastes isn't better or worse.
The problem is global trade can't be justified by the quality of products that we get, nor the prices that we pay, for guitars and everything else. We don't pay less due to global trade, and the quality is generally worse for everything. There shouldn't be a 5x difference between US and import. The lack of tariffs isn't to help the consumer with low prices in the big picture, but to fleece the public and break down nations. There's no reason we should tolerate a situation where US companies have to set up overseas and send guitars back here so we're not getting ripped off.. I'd be happy to pay more than $899 for US labor, but I'm never paying used-car prices for a f'ing guitar.
@@guyincognito320 At certain point the law of diminishing returns become so obvious. I believe $500 - $1000 range is where all the best guitars at best value stays. Beyond that point people are mostly paying for brand name, collectors obsessions, and sometimes ignorance.
@@guyincognito320 13:07
#1 Alavaraz, even if I'm wrong loved everything about that sound, clear and defined
I thought #1 sounded way better - more bluegrass:)
Thanks so much for doing these videos. I had the itch so bad, every day I had to talk myself out of buying a Martin. Last night I was paying and I decided that my 'Marlboro Martin' from early 2000's actually sounds and feels great. It's real spruce/rosewood and I've played it a lot for 20 years. Thanks for saving me $5,000!
Thank you JP, I really appreciate your no-bullshit reviews and honest appraisal of guitars and guitar equipment. I've recently installed a K&K Mini after one of your vlogs and am certainly not regretting it...it just sounds great. While I own a Martin, I get a bit tired of all the Martin evangelism that goes on because of the strength of their marketing. The reviews you do on Yamaha's, Fenders and now the Alvarez are spot on. I'm particularly impressed by the Alvarez...at any price they are phenomenal.
Excellent vid! Subscribing as a result! I have been playing Alvarez since 1985, 1st 12 string 5021 handmade in Japan; life long guitar. Still amazing, never a problem! Medium strings on for 36 years! Subsequently got a hog 6 string in 1986, a custom 12 string as a gift for my son when he graduated college which was stolen and replace with the EMD 711c.... which led me to your vid!!! Have taylors and gibsons, but Alvarez holds a well earned spot in my heart.
Its about the heart if the man behind the fingers that lay so perfectly and precisely upon the frets. You would sound phenomenal on a broom strung with two untunable strings. We all are here in this spinning rock for a reason. Im hear to listen and appreciate and you are here to master the stringed instruments. Keep on keeping on and thank you for penning Afgahannnnistannn! Pro patria!
Always a pleasure to listen to "the guitar man"👌🏼
J P thank you so much for your videos. Love your playing and I have to tell you I have an Alvarez hanging on the wall that blows my Martins away. I had Martin reset my bridge on my 00 18 G but it is a '53 model. Now that is a guitar if you like the nylons.
Thanks for posting i have a Alvarez purchased 1980 dy75 and love it.
I Always enjoy and respect Your honest opinions on guitars ,Thank You
Alvarez and especially Yairi are really great guitars. I have played Martins and Taylors, only owned Alvarez. About 10 years ago I got a Yairi Masterworks and it has really spoiled me because I can not really find anything else I enjoy beyond another Yairi Masterwork.
I just purchased the Alvarez based on your take. Just outstanding. It is the best guitar I have ever played in the $500 range, and I have spent a lot on acoustics in the past. Thank you very much for this.
What model is the Alvarez he’s talking about?
I believe it's the MD60
Yes, MD60. Buy it. @@bradbaker4679
First one was the Alvarez and the second one was the Martin or I'll eat my capo! This was a very fun video do more of these if you like, I subbed.
So..did you eat your capo dude?
Yesss. The video that really launched this channel. I still have my 60BG and play it more than any I own. I currently searching for a used 70BG Rosewood Version. I love these new Alvarez Guitars!
This was so valuable, thank you.
Well you could’ve fooled me you’re an amazing guitar player you’re right about the mind my number one I’ve read number two but still they were very close and he sounded really good can’t wait for your next video
Just found your channel. It great. Thank you for your work.
I had several Alvarez when I was younger. Didn't play for about 15 years. Recently I decided to start again so I went to the shops with the intent to find a Martin or Taylor. I picked up an Alvarez and immediately fell back in love. To me, the sound is just so good and the quality is beautiful for the prices.
I Have a Martin D18 , HD 28 and an Alvarez Yairi DYMR70SB included in my collection and I really love them all.
I’ve been a subscriber for a couple of years now and just came across this video. I agree with almost everything you say and your philosophy. I was there , thinking I needed to have all of the Big 3 American made guitars. I haven’t played thousands but I have owned about 150 acoustic guitars at my advanced age. I still have a dozen various makes. Two Martins l love, along with two Breedloves, Alvarez, Eastman, 50 year old Epiphone , Gibson and Yamaha. Each one I’ve hand picked to keep over the past 15 years.
Some are $4000 guitars, and several as low as $600.
You can definitely find well made guitars by many brands. Just ignore the label, close your eyes and let your ears and hands decide. Thank you for your videos. Great stuff
I bought a Colling C10 about 10 years ago, it’s doubled in price since but is the only guitar I’ve played since… I used to play Yamahas and have some signature Taylors and I’ve recently gone back to playing that for practice but the Collings is just amazing. Louder than everything else in the room, half the size etc and amazing!
#2 reminded me a lot of my long ago stolen 1956 J50 ... whichever that was i liked that one
I just bought an Alvarez AMP660ESHB parlor. I've owned many great acoustic guitars in the past 45 years and this one just amazed me. In my opinion it rings out, plays, feels as good as any on the market.
I'm starting to try to get back into learning acoustic guitar after a long layoff. I know I want a guitar with some good bass, so I think I need a dreadnought. I've had Taylors and Martins in the past but I don't want to spend lots of money this time. I am considering this Alvarez or one of the Yamaha Red Label guitars. The Alvarez is less expensive for a new one, so I really appreciate this video and your expert advice. Thank you J.P.
thank you so much for sharing your experiences and thoughts. gained a new subscriber
#1 Alvarez. I always pick guitars by sound & feel. One of my best guitars is a $135 Washburn made of Basswood. It did need some finish fretwork, which I perform myself, but other than that it’s a great guitar.
Alvarez won me over about 5 years ago. I have a 6 string, and 8 string baritone, and a 43 year old 12 string and I don’t regret it.
I own two alvarez guitars The AD60 not real expensive but sounds and plays great. Also have a lesser known ABT60 E Barritone also sounds great. I believe 1 us Martin 2 is Alvarez. Both sound great.
I remember trawling around london guitar shops and being left dismayed by the tone of the instruments vs the price. I then stumbled into a shop that sold furch and Eastman. The tone put a big grin on my face and when I realized they were half the price of the big name equivalents I was stunned. Not only that but these brands seem to be getting better by the year. Played a couple of these Alvarez in Australia and it's the same story really brilliant guitars that everyday folk can afford
A year since your presentation I listened well with ear buds. #1 had more ambience more bottom end albiet a bit muddier. #2 was clearer, sharper. Both are fabulous guitars. My personal preference was #1. If I was to step into a guitar store under the same blind test conditions I would have picked #1 but would have leapt back immediately upon seeing the price difference.
Martin's are great but the Alvarez is very impressive. John, thank you for another excellent video!
Purchased an MF60CEOM 20 minutes ago from Sweetwater. Long time Martin player, and I still have them, but I wanted a quality electric acoustic for recording. My dad pointed me in this direction. He has an arsenal of amazing guitars, and explained to me the exquisite features packed into such a great value. Why not? Loved your video.
I've had a Martin 000M since 1998. In '98 it was a $1000 guitar (Canadian), exopensive for a guy sittin' on the couch.
I also have a Yamaha FG75 from the early 60s. I've had it since 1976. I've never had to repair it.
I've been trying since 1998 to like the Martin better than the Yamaha and it hasn't happened yet. I've also had to have the Marting repaired because it can take the rigors of laying in a case in my livingroom.
So which one is the Alvarez you ask... Not sure but I'll trade you a Martin for it. 😁
I've found that Yamaha, Alvarez, and Epiphone have been just as good and in many cases better than my Martin and Taylor. I was shocked at the playability of my Epiphone when compared to the Taylor. It has been my go to as of late. My Alvarez AF66CE is my favorite and I payed 500 bucks for it. It's beautiful and plays so easily. The mids and lows are on point. Great video man. This is becoming a more popular line of thinking. Now you have other small brands like Orangewood who are putting out amazing instruments for incredible prices.
You can add Ibanez to your list.
After a certain price point, maybe. My kid works in a music shop and say every single entry level Ibenez has a crook in the neck. Every one.
Been contemplating getting a 70’s Alvarez 5044. This is getting me closer to taking the leap
I have a solid wood Alvarez and one with lam sides and back.....I love them both.
Huge Alvarez fan! Great video!
The difference is what you’re comfortable with and the courage of your convictions to stand by your choice regardless of what everyone else thinks or says. 😇
I have a D28 Martin that my Mom bought about 76 I love the guitar mom played it so much the varnish has her handprints in the neck,I wanted my own Martin went and looked at a Martin D15m I had the money to buy the Martin for 1200.00 then right under it was an Alvarez M60 I played it was too pretty not to and to my surprise I bought the guitar but I got a 700.00 guitar for 550.00 and I love it honestly.Im not a great guitar player but this guitar makes me sound goo really
You persuaded me to buy the Alvarez as I was on the hunt for a medium priced acoustic for my pub and bar work. I already have a J45 but don’t want that being knocked about and drinks spilled on. It’s arrived yesterday and it’s great! Very nice rounded and full bodied sound, nice treble and is brighter than my J45 which is what I wanted. The neck is a nice feel too, not as fat as Gibson acoustics (which as a female I would rather a thinner neck!) needs playing in but so far so good! Thanks for this video and you definitely have a point with companies that are building better guitars for a better price without the big brand name! I’m over it!
I have four Alverez’s, they’re all wonderful. I also have a 1967 Martin D 28, it’s also awesome but in a different way.
You're awesome. I saw you perform in north Carolina years ago.
Brother I get the feeling you can make any guitar sound awsome.
The Alvarez was # 2. Sounds newer to me.
#2 sounds like the Alvarez to me...
More proof that it's the player, not the guitar, that makes the real difference. Nice playing, man.
Fact.
My first guitar was an early 80's Alvarez that I got as a graduation present... great instrument, but I traded it for a cheap Gibson electric a couple years later. Been trying to buy it back ever since!
Love everything about this. Thanks for sharing your fun!
100% agree with everything you said i played today an Alvarez MD60 EBG in my lokal musik Shop and this guitar sounds like an 2500 grand guitar this is impressiv for 769 Euro here in Germany
mine came with an LR Baggs pickup...very scooped, but I really like it
I am going to guess that #1 is the Martin because it sounds broken in and has a bit more depth in the tone. But it would not shock me to be wrong. I have played a whole lot of guitars in the last couple of years trying to find the right one and what you say is true. But I want to toss in an important caveat based on having exclusively played a $350 Washburn D-25/SN from 1988 for 30 years. Everything is about the right mix of sound and playability for you personally. I'm always surprised to pick up a 3k Martin and find that my old Washburn sounds at least good and it always did. But it's a high action guitar with a chunky neck and good setup only brings it down to the stiff end of normal. It always held my playing back because it's hard for me to play more than cowboy chords on it and bar chords are outright painful. I couldn't prioritize a new guitar for a long time but finally added a Godin 5th Ave. a few years ago and than an Alvarez masterworks a year ago and found that both pushed me past limits I thought I had for decades. The trick is to find a guitar that is comfortable to play and you want to play for hours. That's how you get good. And when you practice technique on an easier to play guitar and improve you find that a guitar that may have a particularly interesting tone due to high tension gets easier to play as well. And all that said I found after trying tons of other stuff that Martin 15 series and Gibson j-45 models more consistently play better for me than other things so I managed to add those to my collection this yet. But my old hard to play Washburn is still the best sounding guitar I have.
My guess would be #1 Martin and #2 Alvarez. Both played by Doc Watson. Actually I just made that up. Years ago I had a Taylor 514 and a Breedlove Stage Concert that I was trying to choose between. I stumbled across a 1970s Yairi DY 90 online and bought it. When it arrived I unpacked and it was incredibly gorgeous. I played the Breedlove then the Yair and strummed one chord on the Yairi and my thought was " Why would anyone ever buy a Taylor? Since then I have been a Japanese fan. Thanks for this. Now I will go see what I picked.
Are Alvarez Masterworks also made at the Yairi workshop in Japan, just with some design differences and different branding? Or are these actually made elsewhere?
Fantastic playing! 😎#2 sounded bigger and more "open". I'm hoping it was the Alvarez, because I've just bought one and it's due to arrive tomorrow!
Totally agree on the Dr. 👍
Can someone tell me where the initial demonstration of his Alvarez guitar took place? Was it a Facebook group?
I believe that Martin is #1...
#2 sounded somewhat brighter, crisper, and a little louder..Alvarez.
Martin #1 Alverez #2 they both sound great, but I think I catch The Martin darkness in #1. Great test though even if I'm wrong.
About half a month ago I bought a Recording King rd126 for $250. All solid and it plays and sounds amazing! Only problem is the neck is bowed slightly.
I was watching the video where he comes back and talks about the results and thought I should watch this first before he revealed which was which. Idk which one was what, but for just picking lines i preferred guitar 1, and strumming i preferred guitar 2. I dabble with guitar. I'm actually a saxophonist, my current guitar is an old entry lvl Alvarez and love it, but I think its time for an upgrade.
Greetings. I just bought an MD60EBG. It came with a LR Baggs VTC Element System, not a Fishman. All of the listings I have seen show the Baggs. BTW - this is another Alvarez. I also have a DY40 with the direct coupled bridge, and a DY80 (12 string) Canyon Creek. They are all outstanding guitars!!! Keep on pickin'!!
Last month I paid 539 new for an Alvarez abt60ce black 8 string baritone. I use it as a 6 string baritone. This is a great guitar. Quality is superb. Design is great. Sounds great. Sounds super great with the very cool LR Baggs preamp with 3 band eq. This preamp is great and has great tone shaping with the broad range individual eq knobs. Very good eq. Also super great feedback suppressor adjustable sweep knob. Quashes feedback quickly. The tone of this guitar is great. This is a great baritone acoustic and super inexpensive.
You could hear that Martin sound straight away. That's the reason I play (one of many guitars I have) a Sigma. The Dr 28 V, is a dreadnought solid top, laminated back and sides. Takes the Boom out. Wonderful guitar both up and down the neck. My 2014 D 28 Martin is all low down and nothing up top. I recently bought a 000 41 style Sigma Limited edition for £898.00. All solid wood, number 20 out of 60. Wonderful guitar.
wondering if its better to just get the md60bg and put a pickup on it instead of paying extra for the BGE then tearing it apart.. ?
without having looked at the answer... I would say #1: Martin, #2 Alvaraz. Both guitars sound great. #1 is a bit warmer and rounder, and a bit more mid-range, #2 has a lot of sparkle without sounding harsh. If I could steal one from you, I'd go for #1, because it's less hot-blooded and a bit more balanced and relaxing. If I had to pay for it, I would go for whichever one is the cheaper (Alvarez) and be perfectly happy.
BTW: very true what you said about Doc Watson.
#1 is perfection, I love it!
#2 is not quite as bright sounding, but still very nice. I prefer #1.
JP I love this, love this. #1 has that muddy low end sound just like a Clarence White recoding... certainly my guess for the Martin. #2 Sounds like a crisp clean modern guitar of the shelf at the music store. Do each of these guitars have Adirondack/red spruce tops? My guess is that the first one does and second one does not. Both amazing guitars. I am trying to figure out if my next guitar should be a red spruce top, or if that is not so important.
I bought an Alvarez 2 weeks ago for £500. £85 for my guy to set it up. Believe me, it's a dream. I can't stop playing it. Quality no brainier. Don't waste your money ☝🏻
What a true statement. Let me share a short story. We have Yamaha acoustic, we donate it, we will find & buy new acoustic, we try Martin, Taylor, Sheeran Lowden, with USD 1500 - 2500 price range, then we find Ibanez AE1 that lying unsold since 2019. Got the discount, so it cost us, USD 1,000. Hardcase with brown vintage color included, got AGP10 included, and this Ibanez can beat other major acoustic brand sound out of it…. The moral of this, trust your ear, your heart, and protect your pocket as much as you can 😊😊😊
Both beautiful sounding guitars.Not enough difference to justify price difference. I wound think # 1 was the Alvarez.I would love to own either one.
I’ve had an Ibanez acoustic since the 90s, bought it second hand. Got a Tanglewood which I had to fix up because it was unplayable. Two nice guitars which proper players have asked to borrow for gigs. I’ve set them up nice and they’re good workhorses. Now I just bought an Alvarez MD60ce, really,really cheap 😎Even with 3-year-old strings (it’s been sitting a while) it still sounds and plays amazing. I went after it because I’d watched a few reviews, including yours J.P. Keep up the good work. And the excellent playing.
I play my Alvarez AF66CE every day. Love it.
Hi J.P ,Been looking at that Alvarez and my question is,,, is it very heavy? Thanks
I don’t have a good enough ear to determine either way but both sound very good
I’m extremely interested in trying an alverez
Can you suggest a location to see and play these beautiful instruments
Thanks in advance
Andy in Cape Breton!
Agree. I bought a LL16 yamaha last year for 900$. Great guitar for the money.
Have you played the Collins CW Indian A? I have one and not that impressed with the volume and projection. Maybe it needs to break in more. The bridge is lifting up a bit too, does that affect the sound?
Thank you J.P., great video. Let me ask you this question - if we take money out of the equation, do you think Alvarez quality is lower than, say, a Martin or high-end Taylor? I have a Martin 000-15M, which has a really amazing all-mahogany tone but I have my eye on the Alvarez MFA66 all-mahogany. The Martin retails for about 1,700 dollars and the Alvarez about 700. Without taking the price difference into account, which do you think is the better quality or is it negligible? I was also thinking of a J-200 at some point in the near future but obviously they cost a wedge at about 4k, and the Alvarez AJ80 Jumbo looks and sounds great at about 600 dollars! Hope you see this message and can shed some light on this issue as it is very difficult to find like for like comparisons with Alvarez. Thanks for a great video
Thanks pal I was considering buying a Alvarez
#1 clearest and full.
absolutely. I'm a long time musician and my fiance wanted to learn to play . so I bought her a cheap Alvarez from a pawn shop. I think I payed around 150 for it. it was a starter guitar on the low end of thier price range. that being said the action on that guitar was amazing. I enjoyed playing it more than my higher end guitars . I would actually use it for lead more than anything. it was just so fast and smooth. I was amazed that they could build such a great playing guitar in such a low price range. I don't know if it's just that they have an amazing group setting g those guitars up at factory or what the fretwork was perfect. definitely something you would expect on a high end guitar. I just couldn't get over how fast it was. it wasn't a dreadnought. it more of a concern model so didn't have a large low end sound but for a lead it was amazing.
I got caught up in buying these expensive over the top high end acoustics to impress people that I don't know or even care about. I recently purchased one of these used Alvarez bluegrass guitars for $400. It's now the only acoustic that I will ever need... sometimes letting go can be the most liberating thing that you could ever do.
I've gone back and forth a few times, but I am going to stick with #1 being the Martin since it sounds like the tone has mellowed. But...dang it...that was some smoking picking...and both guitars sound good.
Yep, I agree.
I'm a little late to the party and I didn't know which guitar was which but as soon as I heard the second guitar I loved it and after just hearing like 30 seconds of it I just wanted to know which guitar it exactly was.
OMFG my Alvarez abt60 baritone is a joy to play and the huge spruce top is just gorgeous.
First one is the um CW Martin? Which would leave my guess for second one the Alvarez BG? I'm stumped already that they sound well almost identical!! Can't wait to listen to the revealing! God bless you JP this is very informative and valuable as a family man who works semi pro at my music and don't have a ton to spend on just the brand!
Don't know much about brands, am 77 years old recently retired bought my first stringed instrument from a man getting ready to go into a pawn shop $40. Us d it was a Woods acoustic, that was February 2022, I was in our local music store last week they recommended a Alvarez MP66 parlor acoustic $550.
usd liked it bought it. All that being said I liked the sound of #2. You sir are a fabulous guitar player.
I don't know, there's something about guitar #2 that just amazes me. Both have really 3D sounds, like you can feel different parts of the sound (treble, mid, bass) each have their own job, yet come together as one whole drama really well and effortlessly. #1 has the 3d-ness as well, but everything felt a bit more muffled compared with #2
Hey JP, enjoy the video that Alvarez surprise me I have an idea for a comparison I'm looking into either a Blue Ridge or an Eastman I think that would be a great comparison if you can look into it I mean the Bluegrass models the ones that or whatever you think will match up the best? For example.
Eastman D20 vs Blueridge A180 ??
Really enjoy your videos as always,
Clearance White what an awesome man flying with the Byrds
I say one is the 28. Because i hear the bass more. But it is rosewood vs mahogany so that is expected. If it is not then I am very surprised. I can get an md90 and a md 60 for 350 with case used. They are great values. They were just Black Friday for 290! It was one model only , a 60 and likely a special make for guitar center but still.
Love your attitude and honesty. I just subscribed. So many reviews won’t aay what they think so they can get more free guitars to review I suppose :)
Would love for you to try a top of line orangewood or Eastman. Both get great reviews. The orangewood is 645 direct without preamp
Ever tried takamine. I have a tnv360 I like
I play Taylor,, have a couple of nice Takamine's,, Yamaha's and others but no Martin just to rebel against the world. Oh course I got this wrong LOL. Wow. Listened to the answer video and was shocked. Thanks for doing this. :) Great player by the way
The Martin was the 1st. guitar. They both sound great the Martin had a little more definition especially on the low end to me. Of course I'd be buying the Alvarez because I could nver spend that kind of money for the Martin.
As someone that daily drives a Martin DSR, the 1 sounded like the Martin to me. It had the same distinct booming bass that I get from my rosewood model, but lacked quite a bit of clarity especially in the lower and top end.
The number 2 guitar sounded significantly better. It was considerably more articulate with a wider spectrum of tones, and it seemed like you were able to play it smoother. It did lack that bottom string bass oomph that I crave, though.
I’ve owned many Martins over the years and sadly was very disappointed with every one of them: CEO7, John Mayer OM, HD-28, 000-15. I’m just came a Across an Alvarez at a local shop that I have my eye on.
Martin was #1
Alvarez was #2
Thank You !!