I work at martin guitar for 16 years I love the people that I work with we have fun and talk about everything it is fantastic place to work at. Greg Jackson
Could u plz tell me where i can buy a 028 with rosewood back n sides like the one in the video, I found no info neither on Martinguitars.com nor on elderly, Thanks!!
I have a 1917 O-18K handmade by C. F. Martin himself for the Southern California Music Company (SMC) It is one of only 11 guitars made that year with a koa wood top. These were made exclusively for SMC. 1917 was the first year C. F. Martin & Co. made any guitars with koa tops and it still is gorgeous and perfectly playable with a straight as an arrow neck! C. F. Martin marketed the new koa tops through SMC because that was Martin's ukulele-making facility and they had a large market for koa wood instruments. Plus, the ukuleles from Martin had either 4 or 8 strings. The wider neck of the 8 string version was used for the first steel stringed guitar. They reasoned that, if the neck could take 8 sheep-gut strings, perhaps it could withstand 6 steel strings. The wider neck 6 string with koa wood was thought to market better where the ukulele playing crowd (already used to the wide neck and koa wood) might be enticed into the guitar market. It also got the guitar market introduced to the koa wood of the ukulele players. C. F. Martin & Co. made these guitars in Nazareth PA (on the back of my headstock) and sold them through SMC, so they gave them SMC serial numbers. You will not find 103 on the regular Martin guitar serial number list - it is from the SMC serial number list. The "K" in O-18K stands for "koa" which was a strong enough top to make the first ever experiment with six steel strings. I OWN THE VERY 1ST STEEL STRING GUITAR ever made by any manufacturer. Over 50 years ago the back was professionally replaced and it looks perfect. These are amazing, beautiful-sounding DURABLE instruments. Mine is worth a fortune - it was made as an all solid koa wood beauty, numbered 103. My 103 is 103 (this year)! This was the first year for steel strings on a production model guitar and they did it on the koa topped models ONLY. No one knew if spruce would hold up long term against steel string tension. I have one of the FIRST 11 made. How many 1917 O-18K's are left? How many are still perfectly playable? Mine is. OK - back replacement doesn't sound like a good thing - but if I didn't tell you, you might not have noticed, it was repaired so well, and it saved the guitar. Does anyone have one of those 11 in better shape? Doubtful indeed! What price should I ask for it if I can bear to part with it? Let me know: potpoetry@hot(you know the rest).
I have a 1917 O-18K handmade by C. F. Martin himself for the Southern California Music Company (SMC) It is one of only 11 guitars made that year with a koa wood top. These were made exclusively for SMC. 1917 was the first year C. F. Martin & Co. made any guitars with koa tops and it still is gorgeous and perfectly playable with a straight as an arrow neck! C. F. Martin marketed the new koa tops through SMC because that was Martin's ukulele-making facility and they had a large market for koa wood instruments. Plus, the ukuleles from Martin had either 4 or 8 strings. The wider neck of the 8 string version was used for the first steel stringed guitar. They reasoned that, if the neck could take 8 sheep-gut strings, perhaps it could withstand 6 steel strings. The wider neck 6 string with koa wood was thought to market better where the ukulele playing crowd (already used to the wide neck and koa wood) might be enticed into the guitar market. It also got the guitar market introduced to the koa wood of the ukulele players. C. F. Martin & Co. made these guitars in Nazareth PA (on the back of my headstock) and sold them through SMC, so they gave them SMC serial numbers. You will not find 103 on the regular Martin guitar serial number list - it is from the SMC serial number list. The "K" in O-18K stands for "koa" which was a strong enough top to make the first ever experiment with six steel strings. I OWN THE VERY 1ST STEEL STRING GUITAR ever made by any manufacturer. Over 50 years ago the back was professionally replaced and it looks perfect. These are amazing, beautiful-sounding DURABLE instruments. Mine is worth a fortune - it was made as an all solid koa wood beauty, numbered 103. My 103 is 103 (this year)! This was the first year for steel strings on a production model guitar and they did it on the koa topped models ONLY. No one knew if spruce would hold up long term against steel string tension. I have one of the FIRST 11 made. How many 1917 O-18K's are left? How many are still perfectly playable? Mine is. OK - back replacement doesn't sound like a good thing - but if I didn't tell you, you might not have noticed, it was repaired so well, and it saved the guitar. Does anyone have one of those 11 in better shape? Doubtful indeed! What price should I ask for it if I can bear to part with it? Let me know: potpoetry@hot(you know the rest).
I have a 1917 O-18K handmade by C. F. Martin himself for the Southern California Music Company (SMC) It is one of only 11 guitars made that year with a koa wood top. These were made exclusively for SMC. 1917 was the first year C. F. Martin & Co. made any guitars with koa tops and it still is gorgeous and perfectly playable with a straight as an arrow neck! C. F. Martin marketed the new koa tops through SMC because that was Martin's ukulele-making facility and they had a large market for koa wood instruments. Plus, the ukuleles from Martin had either 4 or 8 strings. The wider neck of the 8 string version was used for the first steel stringed guitar. They reasoned that, if the neck could take 8 sheep-gut strings, perhaps it could withstand 6 steel strings. The wider neck 6 string with koa wood was thought to market better where the ukulele playing crowd (already used to the wide neck and koa wood) might be enticed into the guitar market. It also got the guitar market introduced to the koa wood of the ukulele players. C. F. Martin & Co. made these guitars in Nazareth PA (on the back of my headstock) and sold them through SMC, so they gave them SMC serial numbers. You will not find 103 on the regular Martin guitar serial number list - it is from the SMC serial number list. The "K" in O-18K stands for "koa" which was a strong enough top to make the first ever experiment with six steel strings. I OWN THE VERY 1ST STEEL STRING GUITAR ever made by any manufacturer. Over 50 years ago the back was professionally replaced and it looks perfect. These are amazing, beautiful-sounding DURABLE instruments. Mine is worth a fortune - it was made as an all solid koa wood beauty, numbered 103. My 103 is 103 (this year)! This was the first year for steel strings on a production model guitar and they did it on the koa topped models ONLY. No one knew if spruce would hold up long term against steel string tension. I have one of the FIRST 11 made. How many 1917 O-18K's are left? How many are still perfectly playable? Mine is. OK - back replacement doesn't sound like a good thing - but if I didn't tell you, you might not have noticed, it was repaired so well, and it saved the guitar. Does anyone have one of those 11 in better shape? Doubtful indeed! What price should I ask for it if I can bear to part with it?
You should call Elderly Instruments, and let them sell it on consignment. They will get the most for it, what it is really worth, and have a 50 year, world wide reputation that attracts literally everyone in the world who buys guitars in that high price range. You shouldn't even consider trying to sell it yourself, they will get more for it (and sooner) than you can on your own. They have sold more guitars in that 6-figure range than anyone, and they are the most honest people you will ever deal with. In Michigan, but people come from all over the world to shop there.
When you listen with good headphones, you'll truly appreciate the differences size, shape, and tonewoods have on a beautifully-crafted instrument. This should be mandatory viewing/listening for anyone buying their lifetime guitar.
I thought the same. I have three rosewood guitars and one mahogany (but it is my favorite- D-18 Golden Era 2001). But in this demo the 0-28 had the best clarity and balance. I’m not sure that would be my choice if I was playing it or someone was playing them for me in the same room. Mics can favor certain frequencies and the distance you record at count, too. Having ears in the room is different, but this was a grest test and it was not biased. I have bought at least four instruments from Elderly over the last 25 years or so.
I thought the same. I have three rosewood guitars and one mahogany (but it is my favorite- D-18 Golden Era 2001). But in this demo the 0-28 had the best clarity and balance. I’m not sure that would be my choice if I was playing it or someone was playing them for me in the same room. Mics can favor certain frequencies and the distance you record at count, too. Having ears in the room is different, but this was a grest test and it was not biased. I have bought at least four instruments from Elderly over the last 25 years or so.
Have a 1937 000-18 that I bought in 1968 and I just bought a 1984 D-28. I’ve tried D-18 and they just don’t sound that much better than my 000. The only way I could get a significantly better sound was with the 28. The 000 records great, is oh so light and just has an awesome sound. The major recommendation I would make if your considering any of the 0 series models is to never use anything but light gauge strings. Mediums make even the 28 sound muddy. Buy and enjoy. You won’t be disappointed.
What a great demo this was. I was hoping to find something by one of the super-reputable dealers like Elderly and there you were! 😍 I will send to my son who is trying to figure out what to buy for his first nice acoustic. Thanks again! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you. I love my 2014 Martin 000-18. It's a joy to play, super-responsive and rich. I love parlor guitars as well. I have a circa 1900 x-braced Brazilian rosewood/european spruce parlor that is truly a great instrument. I don't know who made it, but it makes tones too beautiful to describe. It brings tears to my eyes. So many wonderful guitars are available today! Even some moderately-priced guitars are fine instruments.
Hands down the best video I've seen demonstrating comparisons for Martin guitar build sizes and tone woods. Thank you very much. Also, I appreciate your playing, it was very nice. I like the 0-18 Mahogany the best by far, and the 00-18 is the runner up for me.
One of my most memorable days was the day I walked into Elderly Music in Lansing Michigan! The folks at Elderly are beyond courteous! Service and PR are on point....
Excellent comparison! Very well done. Beautiful playing. The 28's not only had a different tone, but also seemed louder as well. Anyone else hear it that way???
yes, but I think it was only the bass that seemed louder and only on the 00 and 000. I find loudness very difficult to isolate from clarity and timbre.
FYI - At 5:11 he describes the difference between mahogany and rosewood (back & sides). His description of mahogany is actually what rosewood is and vice versa.
Wow is this an excellent video. You did an extremely good job demonstrating the differences. It even came across on my cell phone speakers. No wonder I've seen you recommended so many times on acoustic guitar forums.
my last martin was a d-28 made in 1970. my understanding, was that they were overbraced that year for warranty reasons. never fell in love with the slightly boxed in sound so i sold it. however, i always missed the sound when it was strummed hard. as i am mostly fingerstyle now, these smaller bodied beauties, have changed my mind about what my next guitar will be. now the hard part. which one. they all sound heavenly in your hands.
Thank you for this great comparison - you have a fabulous touch to your playing! My favourite would be the 000-18 followed by the 0-28 if that makes sense.
Very Comprehensive and helpful. Tone woods are quite different, mahogany and Rosewood, but each offer very unique characteristics. Martin does a great job with Both. Thank you Elderly for this Video. I own a 1997 000-28 rosewood, and always preferred the tone wood, but the D-18V, I also own, has a bright clear sound, the HD-35, my fav, for rhythm and finger-style, sill my favorite, but .. Elderly has them all and a great shop! Thank you again!! Bill G. Melrose Ma
Thank you for having this skill and good taste to play a piece of music that enables the listener to discriminate between the differences in the various instruments.
Very nice and informative. I started with a Guild D4 in the mid 90’s and fell in love with it to this day! If I ever buy another I promise to give Martin a chance........#GuildGuy
Very clear video. I have a passion for 0 guitars, but I read they're more suited to fingerpicking than strumming. But the 0 in mahogany had a very pleasant sound in strumming mode, too.
When you began to play I just didnt want to know about the comparison anymore, I just want to learn how to play that piece of music and play it for my girl.
My cousin and I started playing guitar together. My dad was our teacher.. Cousin is deceased preacher. I took up bluegrass genre he country. I chose Martins he chose Chet Atkins Gretch guitars. Before he died he and I had discussed my buying the 000-18 he owned but never finalized the sale. His wife died one month after he passed. I'm assuming it was left to one of his grandsons. Betting that grandson sold it on EBay or Craigs List for 10 cents on the $. I shoulda approched him sooner. My BIL Jerry owns 1974 Gibson J45. I tried to buy that guitar as well. Offered $1,800.00. He doesn't even play the guitar. Bought it for his son Will to learn on. Why am I always unlucky?
Thank you so much for this video! Really gives an rare opportunity to listen side by side. Definitivetly big differencies, not really a clear favorite. Impressed with the 0 sizes. Looking forward to get my hands on some. Cheers!
Nice....would love to have seen a 12 fret included to show how the tone is affected....but I guess you have to stop somewhere. Like most, I grew up with nothing but Dreadnought guitars, but with age, fell in love with the 00 size. Just always been in love with the sound of rosewood guitars, and I know how it is more difficult to record a rosewood dreadnought, and I sometimes get wolf tones....I love wolf tones....whenever I hit a sour note, I tell people it's just a wolf tone. lol
Very well done comparison. I agree with your description of Mahog vs Rosewood. I prefer mahogany, but some day I will get a rosewood one just to have the other sound!
Thank you for doing this video..clear and concise. Assume regardless of manufacturer this applies though I find Martins not as "bright" as similar Taylors.
Thanks for your comments! Exact specifications vary from maker to maker, but overarching principles in this video apply to most. As guitars are made from natural materials, the sound often varies some even when comparing multiple guitars that are the same model made at the same time from the same maker.
I of course concur regarding the Taylor sound. That bright, almost tinny sound is preferred by many. I however much prefer the depth, projection and presence of a Martin. The bass of the Martin allows it to be used more readily on stage with other instruments. But to each their own. It’s the sound of the guitar that we all love.
Fantastic quality video, worthy of Martin themselves. They should put this on their site. I love the Rosewood back and sides and the 00 or 000 size. I have a Martin 000XAE which I like a lot.
We have made a video about that actually! Here's a link time stamped to the point where we talk about the differences: czcams.com/video/aWVJt8coL2Y/video.htmlm37s
You're welcome! The depth is very similar between the three: The 000/OM and 00 body sizes have a 3 and 11/32" depth at the upper bout and a 4 and 1/8" depth at the lower bout. The 0 body size has a 3 and 13/32" depth at the upper bout and a 4 1/4" depth at the lower bout. Thanks for watching.
Hi, I noticed a difference in color of the tops between the 18's and 28'S. The 28's being a lighter color. Do the 18's have sitka spruce and the 28's German spruce (Adirondack spruce). If so that would account for the difference in sound between the 18's and 28's. For me the 28's sounded clearer and had a stronger base. And not quite as warm. I prefered all the 28 models. Interesting how not all spruces are the same. Cheers, Brent
I have a number of parlors from late 1800's to early 1900's. It's hard to compare to a video, but it sure seems like the old wood has opened up a lot more (and of course there is less bracing) in my old parlors than the ones in this video. If you're looking for a small guitar with a more wide open sound, go with the vintage parlors.
Great video. Looking at a Custom Shop Martin. The Martin 'build your guitar " estimated a 000-28 would fit my needs & singing. This video confirms it. Thanks
Glad we could help! Here's a link to our 000-28's we have in stock. If you have any questions, email us at web@elderly.com. www.elderly.com/search?q=000-28&type=product
Forgive me but I could only detect the smallest of difference in all three sizes and tonewoods with perhaps the most being in the single O bodies. I think you play so well that they all sounded good. To the average ear, I doubt they could ever tell the difference.
I think if you can affort, you need both, mahagony and rosewood. Both tonewoods have their own special sound that makes a difference. It' s maybe like the difference between a Telecaster with one piece maple neck and one with rosewood fingerboard.
I'm surprised no one has pointed this out, but each guitar is slightly out of tune from one another. The early 000 has an out of tune D string and high E string. Hard to compare when the pitchs shifts that much. That said, I really appreciate hearing the timbre differences. I prefer the mahogany for this gently picking style myself. :) Thanks guys!
That might be what's making the single 0 style sound sweeter and warmer. It's the most in tune of the three mahogany backed guitars, at least for this piece.
Great video but one thing , umless I missed it, you never mentioned the depth sizes of the guitars. No one ever talks about thedepths of the acouctics and I think it makes big difference on how it sounds and also how it lets you play the guitar. Thank you
Thank you! Seems like I tend to prefer rosewood for more finger style, and mahogany for more strumming.... Except on the OOO I think I like mahogany both accounts. Rosewood really shines on the O the most and OO also.
We're glad to hear our video helped with your decision! If you have any more questions or need help finding the perfect guitar, just use our chat function at elderly.com. Thanks for watching!
In my opinion the older Martin's we're very fine instruments.now not so much..laminent is the order of the day I'm afraid.. Taylor and takamini are miles ahead in natural accoustic sound and pick up quality.
The tune is called "Fanny Power" and it was written by Turlough O'Carolan, an 18th-century Irish harp player and composer of tunes. His music is still well-loved and widely played; Fanny Power was his landlady's name. That's the story! -Chris
Outstanding, objective, almost clinical trial. Do you think the sound varies much across two or three examples of the same instrument? I am contemplating my first 0028 and wondered if it's worth travelling around to listen to different examples of the exact same model? Thanks for sharing your expertise.
Very informative, sounds good! You should think about your backdrop though, I think with all the rooms you guys have you could do more, or even make something different, the blank black background just seems too bland. Either way, good videos!
Thanks for the feedback Mike, I'm glad you liked it. The tricky part about using the store as a backdrop is that we record these while we're open to the public. That said, I'll definitely look into spicing up the back drop! ~Michael Erlewine
And so I am getting a "0" w/ solid rosewood back and sides with a sitka top. Forward and scalloped X-bracing, too. I do wonder how a mix of rosewood back with mahogany sides ( and visa versa) would sound.
I prefer the Mahogany back and sides OOO Martin. I kind of regret buying a Martin OM28 with the Rosewood back and sides, I prefer the sound of Mahogany back and sides.
This is the most effective video I have watched regarding the difference in guitar sizes and tone woods.
Thanks! We're glad you enjoyed it.
Agreed. Well done on their part.
Sardu Setrakian
YES... YES...YES!!!
ElderlyInstruments
I work at martin guitar for 16 years I love the people that I work with we have fun and talk about everything it is fantastic place to work at.
Greg Jackson
Could u plz tell me where i can buy a 028 with rosewood back n sides like the one in the video, I found no info neither on Martinguitars.com nor on elderly, Thanks!!
You’re going to have to look for a used one, I think.
I have a 1917 O-18K handmade by C. F. Martin himself for the Southern California Music Company (SMC) It is one of only 11 guitars made that year with a koa wood top. These were made exclusively for SMC. 1917 was the first year C. F. Martin & Co. made any guitars with koa tops and it still is gorgeous and perfectly playable with a straight as an arrow neck! C. F. Martin marketed the new koa tops through SMC because that was Martin's ukulele-making facility and they had a large market for koa wood instruments. Plus, the ukuleles from Martin had either 4 or 8 strings. The wider neck of the 8 string version was used for the first steel stringed guitar. They reasoned that, if the neck could take 8 sheep-gut strings, perhaps it could withstand 6 steel strings. The wider neck 6 string with koa wood was thought to market better where the ukulele playing crowd (already used to the wide neck and koa wood) might be enticed into the guitar market. It also got the guitar market introduced to the koa wood of the ukulele players.
C. F. Martin & Co. made these guitars in Nazareth PA (on the back of my headstock) and sold them through SMC, so they gave them SMC serial numbers. You will not find 103 on the regular Martin guitar serial number list - it is from the SMC serial number list. The "K" in O-18K stands for "koa" which was a strong enough top to make the first ever experiment with six steel strings. I OWN THE VERY 1ST STEEL STRING GUITAR ever made by any manufacturer.
Over 50 years ago the back was professionally replaced and it looks perfect. These are amazing, beautiful-sounding DURABLE instruments. Mine is worth a fortune - it was made as an all solid koa wood beauty, numbered 103. My 103 is 103 (this year)! This was the first year for steel strings on a production model guitar and they did it on the koa topped models ONLY. No one knew if spruce would hold up long term against steel string tension. I have one of the FIRST 11 made. How many 1917 O-18K's are left? How many are still perfectly playable? Mine is. OK - back replacement doesn't sound like a good thing - but if I didn't tell you, you might not have noticed, it was repaired so well, and it saved the guitar. Does anyone have one of those 11 in better shape? Doubtful indeed! What price should I ask for it if I can bear to part with it?
Let me know: potpoetry@hot(you know the rest).
I have a 1917 O-18K handmade by C. F. Martin himself for the Southern California Music Company (SMC) It is one of only 11 guitars made that year with a koa wood top. These were made exclusively for SMC. 1917 was the first year C. F. Martin & Co. made any guitars with koa tops and it still is gorgeous and perfectly playable with a straight as an arrow neck! C. F. Martin marketed the new koa tops through SMC because that was Martin's ukulele-making facility and they had a large market for koa wood instruments. Plus, the ukuleles from Martin had either 4 or 8 strings. The wider neck of the 8 string version was used for the first steel stringed guitar. They reasoned that, if the neck could take 8 sheep-gut strings, perhaps it could withstand 6 steel strings. The wider neck 6 string with koa wood was thought to market better where the ukulele playing crowd (already used to the wide neck and koa wood) might be enticed into the guitar market. It also got the guitar market introduced to the koa wood of the ukulele players.
C. F. Martin & Co. made these guitars in Nazareth PA (on the back of my headstock) and sold them through SMC, so they gave them SMC serial numbers. You will not find 103 on the regular Martin guitar serial number list - it is from the SMC serial number list. The "K" in O-18K stands for "koa" which was a strong enough top to make the first ever experiment with six steel strings. I OWN THE VERY 1ST STEEL STRING GUITAR ever made by any manufacturer.
Over 50 years ago the back was professionally replaced and it looks perfect. These are amazing, beautiful-sounding DURABLE instruments. Mine is worth a fortune - it was made as an all solid koa wood beauty, numbered 103. My 103 is 103 (this year)! This was the first year for steel strings on a production model guitar and they did it on the koa topped models ONLY. No one knew if spruce would hold up long term against steel string tension. I have one of the FIRST 11 made. How many 1917 O-18K's are left? How many are still perfectly playable? Mine is. OK - back replacement doesn't sound like a good thing - but if I didn't tell you, you might not have noticed, it was repaired so well, and it saved the guitar. Does anyone have one of those 11 in better shape? Doubtful indeed! What price should I ask for it if I can bear to part with it?
Let me know: potpoetry@hot(you know the rest).
@@PotPoet That seems highly doubtful, as C. F. Martin died in 1873.
Fabulous demo, my goodness that 0-28 was just surprisingly full, wow. All of the were gorgeous but that 0-28 was amazing.
1st play “finger picking”
Mahogany B&S
01:31 000-18
02:05 00-18
02:40 0-18
Rosewood B&S
03:14 000-28
03:47 00-28
04:21 0-28
2nd play “Struming”
05:39 000-18
05:50 000-28
06:02 00-18
06:14 00-28
06:28 0-18
06:40 0-28
Thanks
Thank you so much !
Fyi guitars were much smaller in the past. The 0 was designated as a 'Concert' guitar, 00 was the 'Grand Concert' and the 000 was 'Auditorium'
I have a 1917 O-18K handmade by C. F. Martin himself for the Southern California Music Company (SMC) It is one of only 11 guitars made that year with a koa wood top. These were made exclusively for SMC. 1917 was the first year C. F. Martin & Co. made any guitars with koa tops and it still is gorgeous and perfectly playable with a straight as an arrow neck! C. F. Martin marketed the new koa tops through SMC because that was Martin's ukulele-making facility and they had a large market for koa wood instruments. Plus, the ukuleles from Martin had either 4 or 8 strings. The wider neck of the 8 string version was used for the first steel stringed guitar. They reasoned that, if the neck could take 8 sheep-gut strings, perhaps it could withstand 6 steel strings. The wider neck 6 string with koa wood was thought to market better where the ukulele playing crowd (already used to the wide neck and koa wood) might be enticed into the guitar market. It also got the guitar market introduced to the koa wood of the ukulele players.
C. F. Martin & Co. made these guitars in Nazareth PA (on the back of my headstock) and sold them through SMC, so they gave them SMC serial numbers. You will not find 103 on the regular Martin guitar serial number list - it is from the SMC serial number list. The "K" in O-18K stands for "koa" which was a strong enough top to make the first ever experiment with six steel strings. I OWN THE VERY 1ST STEEL STRING GUITAR ever made by any manufacturer.
Over 50 years ago the back was professionally replaced and it looks perfect. These are amazing, beautiful-sounding DURABLE instruments. Mine is worth a fortune - it was made as an all solid koa wood beauty, numbered 103. My 103 is 103 (this year)! This was the first year for steel strings on a production model guitar and they did it on the koa topped models ONLY. No one knew if spruce would hold up long term against steel string tension. I have one of the FIRST 11 made. How many 1917 O-18K's are left? How many are still perfectly playable? Mine is. OK - back replacement doesn't sound like a good thing - but if I didn't tell you, you might not have noticed, it was repaired so well, and it saved the guitar. Does anyone have one of those 11 in better shape? Doubtful indeed! What price should I ask for it if I can bear to part with it?
You should call Elderly Instruments, and let them sell it on consignment. They will get the most for it, what it is really worth, and have a 50 year, world wide reputation that attracts literally everyone in the world who buys guitars in that high price range. You shouldn't even consider trying to sell it yourself, they will get more for it (and sooner) than you can on your own. They have sold more guitars in that 6-figure range than anyone, and they are the most honest people you will ever deal with. In Michigan, but people come from all over the world to shop there.
Jeez...they all sound great. Especially in the hands of such a good player! I think I'll take one of each!
I'm shocked at how different the rosewood sounded vs the mahogany! Great video!
When you listen with good headphones, you'll truly appreciate the differences size, shape, and tonewoods have on a beautifully-crafted instrument. This should be mandatory viewing/listening for anyone buying their lifetime guitar.
What a great comparison. The 0-28 really shocked me at how fantastic it sounds! What a difference! (and I'm a mahogany guy)
This is exactly why Martin makes guitars in both rosewood & Mahogany, I prefer the 18 over the 28. In the 0, 00 & 000 series & the D series guitars.
@@trudaroof I prefer rosewood in 000 everytime. Dreads, I prefer Hog
I thought the same. I have three rosewood guitars and one mahogany (but it is my favorite- D-18 Golden Era 2001). But in this demo the 0-28 had the best clarity and balance. I’m not sure that would be my choice if I was playing it or someone was playing them for me in the same room. Mics can favor certain frequencies and the distance you record at count, too. Having ears in the room is different, but this was a grest test and it was not biased. I have bought at least four instruments from Elderly over the last 25 years or so.
I thought the same. I have three rosewood guitars and one mahogany (but it is my favorite- D-18 Golden Era 2001). But in this demo the 0-28 had the best clarity and balance. I’m not sure that would be my choice if I was playing it or someone was playing them for me in the same room. Mics can favor certain frequencies and the distance you record at count, too. Having ears in the room is different, but this was a grest test and it was not biased. I have bought at least four instruments from Elderly over the last 25 years or so.
One of the Best comparisons of tonewoods and sizes I have seen/heard. I have a better idea what I need to play with. Thank you very much.
You're very welcome John, so glad you found it helpful!
nice comparison...well done...those quick 5-sec jumps from one to the other are the best to compare while the tone of each is still in the memory.
Have a 1937 000-18 that I bought in 1968 and I just bought a 1984 D-28. I’ve tried D-18 and they just don’t sound that much better than my 000. The only way I could get a significantly better sound was with the 28. The 000 records great, is oh so light and just has an awesome sound. The major recommendation I would make if your considering any of the 0 series models is to never use anything but light gauge strings. Mediums make even the 28 sound muddy. Buy and enjoy. You won’t be disappointed.
What a great demo this was. I was hoping to find something by one of the super-reputable dealers like Elderly and there you were! 😍 I will send to my son who is trying to figure out what to buy for his first nice acoustic. Thanks again! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you for the kind words! We're glad you found it helpful. We look forward to helping your son pick out his first guitar!
Thank you. I love my 2014 Martin 000-18. It's a joy to play, super-responsive and rich. I love parlor guitars as well. I have a circa 1900 x-braced Brazilian rosewood/european spruce parlor that is truly a great instrument. I don't know who made it, but it makes tones too beautiful to describe. It brings tears to my eyes. So many wonderful guitars are available today! Even some moderately-priced guitars are fine instruments.
Hands down the best video I've seen demonstrating comparisons for Martin guitar build sizes and tone woods. Thank you very much. Also, I appreciate your playing, it was very nice.
I like the 0-18 Mahogany the best by far, and the 00-18 is the runner up for me.
One of my most memorable days was the day I walked into Elderly Music in Lansing Michigan! The folks at Elderly are beyond courteous! Service and PR are on point....
Nice comparison and discussion good choice of tunes. Reminds me why I am such a Martin groupie. Thank you for producing and posting this.
Thanks for the kind words, Cliff!
Excellent comparison! Very well done. Beautiful playing. The 28's not only had a different tone, but also seemed louder as well. Anyone else hear it that way???
yes, but I think it was only the bass that seemed louder and only on the 00 and 000. I find loudness very difficult to isolate from clarity and timbre.
I also noticed that. Mahogany is brighter and more clear it seems, but I think rosewood mixes the different tones in chords better.
FYI - At 5:11 he describes the difference between mahogany and rosewood (back & sides). His description of mahogany is actually what rosewood is and vice versa.
Excellent demo! You really clarified the differences for us. Thanks so much! Beautiful playing too!!!
Wow! Why can't more videos be like this?
Wow is this an excellent video. You did an extremely good job demonstrating the differences. It even came across on my cell phone speakers. No wonder I've seen you recommended so many times on acoustic guitar forums.
w my headphones on, the last set of comparison, the rosewood ring and sustain sounds more brilliant than the mahogany across all sizes. Well done!
my last martin was a d-28 made in 1970. my understanding, was that they were overbraced that year for warranty reasons. never fell in love with the slightly boxed in sound so i sold it. however, i always missed the sound when it was strummed hard. as i am mostly fingerstyle now, these smaller bodied beauties, have changed my mind about what my next guitar will be. now the hard part. which one. they all sound heavenly in your hands.
Thank you for putting the time into this worthwhile demonstration.
Thank you so much for this VERY important video.
Thank you for this great comparison - you have a fabulous touch to your playing!
My favourite would be the 000-18 followed by the 0-28 if that makes sense.
Best video I've ever seen comparing woods and sizes. Many thanks..
I really like the smallest ones - love that dry sound
Very Comprehensive and helpful. Tone woods are quite different, mahogany and Rosewood, but each offer very unique characteristics. Martin does a great job with Both. Thank you Elderly for this Video. I own a 1997 000-28 rosewood, and always preferred the tone wood, but the D-18V, I also own, has a bright clear sound, the HD-35, my fav, for rhythm and finger-style, sill my favorite, but .. Elderly has them all and a great shop!
Thank you again!!
Bill G.
Melrose Ma
nice choice of tune. written by O'Carolan, a blind harper from ireland
Any chance you know the song name?
Thank you for having this skill and good taste to play a piece of music that enables the listener to discriminate between the differences in the various instruments.
Very nice and informative. I started with a Guild D4 in the mid 90’s and fell in love with it to this day! If I ever buy another I promise to give Martin a chance........#GuildGuy
Very clear video. I have a passion for 0 guitars, but I read they're more suited to fingerpicking than strumming. But the 0 in mahogany had a very pleasant sound in strumming mode, too.
Honestly, the 0 and 00 sounded better than I was expecting in the low end. Now I am tempted to get a smaller guitar.
Now that's how you present model comparisons. Thanks sir.
When you began to play I just didnt want to know about the comparison anymore, I just want to learn how to play that piece of music and play it for my girl.
I have purchased my last dreadnought. Unless you need the massive (unbalanced) bass, the magic is in the small bodies.
My cousin and I started playing guitar together. My dad was our teacher.. Cousin is deceased preacher. I took up bluegrass genre he country. I chose
Martins he chose Chet Atkins Gretch guitars. Before he died he and I had discussed my buying the 000-18 he owned but never finalized the sale. His
wife died one month after he passed. I'm assuming it was left to one of his grandsons. Betting that grandson sold it on EBay or Craigs List for 10
cents on the $. I shoulda approched him sooner. My BIL Jerry owns 1974 Gibson J45. I tried to buy that guitar as well. Offered $1,800.00. He doesn't
even play the guitar. Bought it for his son Will to learn on. Why am I always unlucky?
Nice demo. Thanks for taking the time to put this together!
Thank you so much for this video! Really gives an rare opportunity to listen side by side. Definitivetly big differencies, not really a clear favorite. Impressed with the 0 sizes. Looking forward to get my hands on some. Cheers!
Nice....would love to have seen a 12 fret included to show how the tone is affected....but I guess you have to stop somewhere. Like most, I grew up with nothing but Dreadnought guitars, but with age, fell in love with the 00 size. Just always been in love with the sound of rosewood guitars, and I know how it is more difficult to record a rosewood dreadnought, and I sometimes get wolf tones....I love wolf tones....whenever I hit a sour note, I tell people it's just a wolf tone. lol
12 frets have more something - nicer tone, imho!
Very well done comparison. I agree with your description of Mahog vs Rosewood. I prefer mahogany, but some day I will get a rosewood one just to have the other sound!
Thank you for doing this video..clear and concise. Assume regardless of manufacturer this applies though I find Martins not as "bright" as similar Taylors.
Thanks for your comments! Exact specifications vary from maker to maker, but overarching principles in this video apply to most. As guitars are made from natural materials, the sound often varies some even when comparing multiple guitars that are the same model made at the same time from the same maker.
I of course concur regarding the Taylor sound. That bright, almost tinny sound is preferred by many. I however much prefer the depth, projection and presence of a Martin. The bass of the Martin allows it to be used more readily on stage with other instruments. But to each their own. It’s the sound of the guitar that we all love.
i really liked all the rosewoods, especially that triple 0.
Great video! Love my 00018, best thing you can do to a Martin guitar is get elixir strings for it.
Fantastic quality video, worthy of Martin themselves. They should put this on their site. I love the Rosewood back and sides and the 00 or 000 size. I have a Martin 000XAE which I like a lot.
Would have been nice to have included the 0000 or M series guitar in the mix.
Fantastic. I now know what I'm going to look for.
Chris - I'd love to see a comparison of the Martin 000 size and the OM size.
We have made a video about that actually! Here's a link time stamped to the point where we talk about the differences: czcams.com/video/aWVJt8coL2Y/video.htmlm37s
Thank so much for the link! One question - is the depth (distance from the top surface to the back surface) the same for the 000/OM, 00, & 0 sizes?
You're welcome!
The depth is very similar between the three:
The 000/OM and 00 body sizes have a 3 and 11/32" depth at the upper bout and a 4 and 1/8" depth at the lower bout.
The 0 body size has a 3 and 13/32" depth at the upper bout and a 4 1/4" depth at the lower bout.
Thanks for watching.
Late to the party, but this is one awesome comparison video.
Hi, I noticed a difference in color of the tops between the 18's and 28'S. The 28's being a lighter color. Do the 18's have sitka spruce and the 28's German spruce (Adirondack spruce). If so that would account for the difference in sound between the 18's and 28's. For me the 28's sounded clearer and had a stronger base. And not quite as warm. I prefered all the 28 models. Interesting how not all spruces are the same. Cheers, Brent
Very informative and a clear, concise presentation. Thanks for posting.
I have a number of parlors from late 1800's to early 1900's. It's hard to compare to a video, but it sure seems like the old wood has opened up a lot more (and of course there is less bracing) in my old parlors than the ones in this video. If you're looking for a small guitar with a more wide open sound, go with the vintage parlors.
Very nice video to compare these different body styles Thank you
Great video. Looking at a Custom Shop Martin. The Martin 'build your guitar " estimated a 000-28 would fit my needs & singing. This video confirms it. Thanks
Glad we could help! Here's a link to our 000-28's we have in stock. If you have any questions, email us at web@elderly.com. www.elderly.com/search?q=000-28&type=product
Forgive me but I could only detect the smallest of difference in all three sizes and tonewoods with perhaps the most being in the single O bodies. I think you play so well that they all sounded good. To the average ear, I doubt they could ever tell the difference.
I think if you can affort, you need both, mahagony and rosewood.
Both tonewoods have their own special sound that makes a difference.
It' s maybe like the difference between a Telecaster with one piece maple neck and one with rosewood fingerboard.
Well done! Very good comparison. Thank you so much. Best regards from Switzerland
What a great presentation of this topic! Very well done guys!
I'm surprised no one has pointed this out, but each guitar is slightly out of tune from one another. The early 000 has an out of tune D string and high E string. Hard to compare when the pitchs shifts that much. That said, I really appreciate hearing the timbre differences. I prefer the mahogany for this gently picking style myself. :) Thanks guys!
That might be what's making the single 0 style sound sweeter and warmer. It's the most in tune of the three mahogany backed guitars, at least for this piece.
Thanks a lot ! What's the name of the piece ? So beautiful
Great video but one thing , umless I missed it, you never mentioned the depth sizes of the guitars. No one ever talks about thedepths of the acouctics and I think it makes big difference on how it sounds and also how it lets you play the guitar. Thank you
018 mahogany is the loudest as in its tone dynamics…imo
Very very simple explanations. loved it .
Thank you! Seems like I tend to prefer rosewood for more finger style, and mahogany for more strumming.... Except on the OOO I think I like mahogany both accounts. Rosewood really shines on the O the most and OO also.
I was contemplating getting the ooo 28 but after watching this video I think the oo 28 sounds better, more balanced.
We're glad to hear our video helped with your decision! If you have any more questions or need help finding the perfect guitar, just use our chat function at elderly.com. Thanks for watching!
Excellent comparison. Thanks!
Very interesting video, great guitars and nice playing. Thanks for sharing it
I love rosewood acoustically, but it seems the mahogany is a tad easier on the microphone than the rosewood. Thank you for the comparison.
I thought so too.
Wow thanks for the explanation and demo. I now understand better
What a great video. Learned so much. Thank you!
How does Joan Baez achieve such strong base tones on her vintage Martin 0-28 guitar?
She didn't, the guitar did. Age and the specific cut of wood make a difference. Even these specific Guitars will sound different over time.
Excelente video, de gran ayuda para el que tenga que elegir su guitarra acústica.
Nothing (nothing) sounds as good as a martin. Would love to own one in the future. I'll stick with my sigmas for now, great quality guitars too
In my opinion the older Martin's we're very fine instruments.now not so much..laminent is the order of the day I'm afraid.. Taylor and takamini are miles ahead in natural accoustic sound and pick up quality.
At 1:18 there is a small mistake at the plan. But anyway, very nice video. Thank you!
00-18 for me. My only beef is where his pick hand was located… it was not consistent thus changing the tone
Nice comparison. Ma favorit is Rosewood ! Dark, tonal and deep !
Joel Biger VT XE me
Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!
What is the name of tune that you were playing?? By the way: Great video!!
The tune is called "Fanny Power" and it was written by Turlough O'Carolan, an 18th-century Irish harp player and composer of tunes. His music is still well-loved and widely played; Fanny Power was his landlady's name. That's the story! -Chris
Perfect Comparison, perfect playing, perfect sound quality, subscribe ^^ ! I like mahogany because he sound round, medium and more traditionnal
Best music store in the USA!
They all sound great!
Thanks for the info.
Great demo!
Thanks Michael!
Damn, that 0-28 blew me away
Outstanding, objective, almost clinical trial. Do you think the sound varies much across two or three examples of the same instrument? I am contemplating my first 0028 and wondered if it's worth travelling around to listen to different examples of the exact same model? Thanks for sharing your expertise.
The O-28 Rosewood was killer. What is the classical tune he was playing? I know I have played it but can’t remember the name.
Great video great playing.
Very informative, sounds good! You should think about your backdrop though, I think with all the rooms you guys have you could do more, or even make something different, the blank black background just seems too bland. Either way, good videos!
Thanks for the feedback Mike, I'm glad you liked it. The tricky part about using the store as a backdrop is that we record these while we're open to the public. That said, I'll definitely look into spicing up the back drop!
~Michael Erlewine
Awesome demo!!! Very well thought out!!
And so I am getting a "0" w/ solid rosewood back and sides with a sitka top. Forward and scalloped X-bracing, too.
I do wonder how a mix of rosewood back with mahogany sides ( and visa versa) would sound.
the best review and has the best reference value!
So glad you found it helpful, thanks!
If I were playing solo I'd pick the rosewood...
if in a group with other instruments I think the mahogany would stand out better.
Great and informative video. Very helpful, thanks.
Awesome comp demo!
A Size 0 & a Parlor are two different sizes I would have figured you would have know that
Very nicely done
I prefer the Mahogany back and sides OOO Martin. I kind of regret buying a Martin OM28 with the Rosewood back and sides, I prefer the sound of Mahogany back and sides.