Martin vs Collings Shootout HD35 vs D2H
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- Опубліковано 16 вер 2024
- Patreon: / timguitartime
Pick I'm using in this lesson: amzn.to/2GNGMuj
D'Addario XT strings I'm playing: amzn.to/2QBpUdO
Recording interface I'm using: amzn.to/2N1tpuz
Recording mic I'm using: amzn.to/2YolA3N
This is a side by side, head to head comparison between a Collings D2H guitar and a Martin HD35 guitar. Both have sitka spruce top, Indian rosewood back and sides, mahogany neck, ebony fretboard, bone nut and saddle. The Collings has a 2 piece back, the Martin has a 3 piece back.
#collingsguitars
#martinguitars
Thanks, Tim! I know it took you a while to set this up so smoothly. What a great comparison! To me, the Martin was deeper and the notes were less distinct, making for almost a wall of sound when strummed. The Collings was well balanced with more individuality in the notes of a strummed chord. It also had sweet, bell-like highs. I own a 1977 D-35, which I gigged with for years when I was younger. I am just learning about Collings, so this video is really helpful for me in my possible decision to pick one up.
Thanks for the thoughts! I'm glad you enjoyed the comparison!
Collings definitely clearer, more balanced & can hear better string separation. Martin more forgiving to blemishes in playing , but play the Collings well & it’s more precise. With age & playing the Collings will get warmer. Collings for sure
Thanks for the comment! The difference in vibration is very noticeable through the fingers as you play it... the Martin (2003) is about 10 years older than the Collings (2014) and I'm the original owner of the Martin. I put SO many hours on that Martin in the years before I got the Collings (I'm the second owner of it). I know those hours on the Martin has given it a vibration advantage.
@@TimGuitarLessons what’s your fav of the 2 & why?
No acoustic guitar has a low end like a Martin but that collings sounds great.
Thanks for the comment Bradley!
As an HD-35 owner and lover, the first couple comparisons made me nervous, but as the video progressed into some other styles, I started preferring the Martin for everything. Some of those early riffs though, that Collings fit really nicely with the playing. I'm still thrilled to own an HD-35. And you have both, lucky!
The HD35 is definitely a very certain sound to me... I love it.
I’m a novice singer song writer and I have been playing on a koa Taylor for a few years. I just went to guitar center to check out possibly getting a new guitar. I tried out the D28 and immediately liked how I had more room on the neck than my Taylor. Then… I picked up the D35. One strum and I looked up at the salesperson and said “oh, I like this one”. It’s so warm and full sounding. I want it now bad. I wish there was a cheaper alternative lol. But the bracing it has seems to be pretty unique. But all that to say, I agree. When he first started playing, the Collings sounded a bit better, but by the end, I still liked the 35 a bit more. Buttttt I’ll take em all.
Martin without a doubt!
Thanks for the comment Randy!
FYI , that bass the Martin has isn’t coming from the 3 piece back , it’s the lighter bracing , the 35 uses 1/4” bracing opposed to 5/16ths on say a D28, that’s why it’s boomier , the 1/4” bracing is usually reserved for the smaller bodies guitars like the 000-28 etc but the 35’s got it , just so you know , nice guitars you have …. Enjoy !
i agree.
I owned a HD35. As stated, big warm bass, BUT the high strings did not "cut" through the mix, compared to the D28 and comparable models such as your Collings. I thought it was great for rhythm, but I was never satisfied with soloing in a bluegrass ensemble.
Absolutely correct, although some have suggested the 3 piece is stiffer, and so reflects more. I don't think that would differentially affect brace frequences. I've got one and the also have a very balanced tone for fingerpicking, especially for vocal accompaniment.
Thanks for posting this. I’ve narrowed my choices between these two models. I had some bias toward the Collings before listening, but I like the sound of this D-35 over the D2H. Thanks again!
I'm glad it helped you out Dan, thanks for the comment!
Collings is so much the better choice.. D35, 42, 45, whatever, thie higher number is only booming the price & some more bling bling on it.. Then you pay 10000$ and don't even have a premium tonewood like Adirondack lol.. While Collings is handmade & very exclusive, heard great things about it. Alltho I'd go for a natural, thermal top, preferably Adi combined with Cocobollo :)
@@bekeneel I might add, Bekeneel, the boom of a Martin dread is not recording friendly. It's great for solo guitarist/singers though, as the bass is an asset in that situation. But for recording and for that matter, in a band situation, the bass can get lost in the mix. But man, are the Collings guitars expensive.,
Sounds like that Martin is considerably older and therefore matured. Both great great guitars!
The Martin is about a decade older
Ya, I was gonna say. Once that Collings ages it's gonna have the projection with the depth.
2:07 we have a Jason Isbell fan among us! I know you’re playing it down a few keys but still an amazing song nonetheless. Great playing as well!
Hahaha Jason Isbell is my favorite songwriter for sure... I’ve got a ton of lessons for his songs on my channel if by chance you’re looking to learn any of his stuff! Thanks for the comment Harvey!
That Collings sounds great. I'm definitely a fan, but when played next to a Martin, there's a distinct lack in the low end. Really noticable when you opened with single chord strums. Not so much with single notes. Wouldn't be a disqualifying factor against the Collings, unless the player is looking for a really sorrowful sound to ring out, especially with 6th and 5th string rooted chords. There's a mournful element in the bass that I don't think the Collings can ever reach. It's not far off mind you. Just a few rungs short on the ladder, but still noticable rungs. And was that Elephant I heard by Jason Isbell or something close to it? Played on the Martin HD35 right?
Great analysis Louis... and yes that’s Elephant by Jason Isbell! It was on the HD35 for the first few rounds and then jumped over to the Collings for the last few.
I wouldn’t say the Collings lacking anything. While the D35 amplifies the low frequency tones, the D2 has well balanced tones across all frequencies; Martin D41/42/45’s tones are well balanced like that too and I wouldn’t call out Martin D40s for lacking anything. It’s personal preference and taste. People like Gibsons and Guilds for their huge bass volume.
Its the Collings for me. But just by a notch!!! Both just sound so sweet! 👍👍😍😍
Collings way clearer, and projecting more. However, that dark coffee with a splash of milk Martin edgy sound is unique. Depends what you like rather one is better than the other. But what do I know I have a Yamaha FG5, FG730s, APXT2. 😂 But seriously if you can enjoy your playing all good.
I do have to agree that the Martin sounds a little bit fuller on the low end.
They're both beauties, though!
Thanks for the comment Ian!
There is a clarity with the Collings guitar im a huge fan of. Super clear mid/high tones.
Thanks for the comment!
I’m a big Collings fan, but every time I hear an HD-35 my ear just says, “yes, that’s exactly what I want.” Maybe after I get a K-35.
The HD35 has a certain sound that, I agree, is just very specific... and specific in a way that I love
Nice comparison. I love both. Nearly bought a 1967 Martin D-35 a few years ago because it sounded amazing, but my two current acoustics are Collings because I prefer their greater clarity for most things. My Collings warmed up after a year of playing.
Thanks for the comment!
I went through 2 walls of acoustic guitars at a local guitar shops - high end guitars. Without any doubt at all the HD35 was by far the best! For me this clip re-confirms my thoughts. The HD35 is an outstanding instrument. You're lucky to own one. For me it's a bucket list item. Excellent clip. Thank you.
I do LOVE a 35! Great choice.
Nice comparison. Big difference between them, surprisingly. The Collins sounded dark and distant compared to the Martin. I’d heard the 3 piece back of the HD-35 was supposed to make the guitar much more bass heavy, especially compared to the HD-28 but yours was so much brighter and clearer than the Collins. I could listen to the Martin all day as the tone is so much more colorful than the Collins. Both guitars are beautiful but I prefer the Martin. Small wonder my only acoustics are an OM-28V and OMC-18LJ!
Thanks for the response Joseph!
Colins, slightly louder and slightly clearer or cleaner .. both sound amazing
The Collings definitely sounds a bit cleaner and "tighter" to me
It’s the 1/4” forward shifted scalloped top bracing that gives the MARTIN its unique sound, not the back so much…
I have an HD 35, love it!
35 has incredible bottom end awesome collings more of higher treble notes.
Both awesome
Thanks for the comment Dave!
Tim great Video.. I recently picked up an 2020 hd 35 . My question is what gauge strings ? and pick did you use is this video ? Both guitars sounds great !!!!!!
Thanks Don, these would have been D’Addario XT light gauge that I played in this video
These are very different sounding guitars. I’m not a particular fan of the D35 and even less so the HD. The common criticism I hear of the HD is that it has too much bottom end. Too much of a good thing, but their is something alluring about their sound, it’s just not for me, but they have lots of devotees who love them. Playing live, the Collings gives me more of what I’m after. Clarity and punch. Both are fabulous, expensive instruments and it’s not a case of which one is the best, but which one suits your needs.
Nice demo Tim... I liked how you switched over quickly between both guitars while continuing the tune. It gave us a great comparison... to me the Collings sounded brighter than the Martin but hey - you couldn't go wrong owning either, or in your case both! I'm thinking of acquiring either a Collings OM or a Martin OM Deluxe as my next guitar. I sort of look at it as not which is better than the other but which 'voice' I like best.
Thanks for the comment Dave!
So which OM did you end up with, Dave, and how do you like it!
@@rosewoodsteel6656 I ended up getting a Boucher OMH. They are made in Quebec and actually supply the Adirondack tops to both Collings and Martin amongst others. The ‘H’ stands for Hybrid, it has a bit more depth to the body than a standard OM size which increases the base response. I’m super happy with the Boucher, they are an amazingly beautiful instrument and, at least when I purchased, much better value than Collings (who charge an extra $1K just for an Adi top). All Boucher guitars come with Adirondack tops as they have the luxury of being located in one of the last Adirondack forests on the planet. Their woods these days, from what I can gather, are sourced responsibly from landowners who have fallen trees on their properties. I don’t think they just go chopping at random. The prices for Boucher guitars have gone up considerably in the last year or so - but so has everything I guess, including Collings.
Because of the prices of these guitars I decided, as an experiment, to have a look at a Chinese manufacturer called HsingMo. I’m currently waiting on an ‘F’ shape (Lowden-style) with Sinker Redwood top and African Blackwood back and sides from them. I haven’t heard any negative reviews from people who have purchased these guitars, so I thought I’d buy one just to see what it’s like. I’m thinking of recording an unboxing when I get it and comparing it briefly to my own Lowden, Boucher and Maton Messiah guitars (for a bit of fun). I think to be honest, buying a new Lowden these days is beyond my bank balance - their version with the same woods as the one I’m waiting on costs, in Australia, $17K, the one from China is costing me US$3K. I know it opens up a whole other can of worms about rip offs and copying other guitar makers styles etc. but I think most guitars makers have been copying Martin and Gibson styles for years just making their own tweaks here and there, HsingMo are no different in this regard, will see what it’s like, at least I won’t be needing a mortgage to buy it as in the case of a Lowden (with exotic woods) and Collings these days.
It’s turned into a longish reply to your question. Hope you don’t mind, always happy to chat.
@@poguie Wow! Sounds like you have been very busy cornering the market on acoustics! :) Interesting you settled on a deep body OM. I am kicking around the idea of getting a Collings, OM2H Custom, which is a deep body OM. If I pull the trigger, it will have to be for a used one, with the prices I've been seeing for new. I have a Martin D-18GE, which has an Adirondack top, so I can see why you went in that direction. It was great "talking" to you!
@@poguie Dave, since reading your reply, I've been watching video's on Boucher OM's, as well. They look like real nice guitars and are priced well (if you can call dropping 4-6K on a guitar, inexpensive. :) I'm hoping to find something used, no matter the brand, to limit the damages to my wallet. Thanks for opening my eyes to Boucher.
-John
If I had to choose I would pick that Martin. It just sounded like an old friend.
First off, you’re a lucky man.. both amazing guitars truly. Martin wins in my book but just barely. I love the high end on that collings
Thanks for the comment Nathanael!
My take is that your Martin definitely has a fuller sound, the notes during your strumming blend together to create a really rich chord. What your Collings has going for it is that you can hear every single string individually. It’s a very precise sounding instrument. They’re both great, but I’m betting that with flatpicking that Collings has a much cleaner low end.
Thanks for the comment Stephen!
Collings but love them both! You're very lucky! Who wouldn't want the Martin or the Collings the fact that you have both is awesome
I'm definitely fortunate in the guitars I've been able to get. Glad you liked the comparison, and thanks for the comment!
Coming from playing quite a few HD35s, I have to say I'd go with the Collings. To my ears, the HD35 just has too much bass and I would prefer the D-35 over it. I own a few Martins and they all have that desirable Martin tone, but Collings also has its own distinct and desirable tone as well. And Ive never played a Collings that didn't sound great.
I tend to agree... I love both of these guitars for different tonal reasons, but for my current preference of sound the Collings wins
@@TimGuitarLessons Yup - and the HD35 is a great guitar.
Nowadays, being in the golden era of acoustic guitars, everyone can be picky when it comes to tone. There are so many great builders out there that we're all not stuck with only three or four top builders like it used to be.
It's a great time for acoustics right now.
I think the Collings has more articulation, the Martin is a bit mellower.
Agreed... the Martin definitely sounds less punchy but in a good way, not necessarily in a better way, just... in a good difference of sound that I appreciate way
My goodness. The HD-35 is both brighter and deeper. To my ear the HD-35 is the winner hands down. You say both guitars have the same appointments, but I wonder if the Collings has 1/4" scalloped bracing, as does the Martin HD-35.
The Martin has a more pronounced low end where the Collings gets a little lost under the high end. I think the Collings would be more suitable for fingerstyle players where the low end will have a better chance to ring out and not get lost under the strumming of the high end. The Martin is perfect for the strumming singer/songwriter type. That's my $0.02. What's your opinion?
Thanks for the response! I agree that the Martin is a great strummers guitar. Feels right for a solo acoustic artist who wants to fill space. The Collings sounds a lot tighter to me and more evenly balanced. The bass, mids, and highs don’t sound to be competing with one another for space, they’re just all there, focused, and doing what they should.
Both are equally as resonate, great sustain, both top shelf acoustic guitars. Which sounds better is subjective to the player and listener. However, objectively C.F. Martin's acoustic guitars have been on Gold, Platinum and Diamond albums going back to the dawn of the record industry. So objectively the Martin tone has carved its name into history and established itself as a standard. Every builder with the flagship models will have their nuanced differences when it comes to sustain, natural acoustic EQ balance, volume and decay. So while a player may prefer the Collings tone, often I think that preference is influenced by the high price point and prestige of the brand. As amazing as my ears tell me boutique builds sound, they don't have the history
A louder, bigger sound is not synonymous with better!!
WHAT AMAZES ME ABOUT MARTIN EVERY TIME AND IN EVERY VIDEO beyond how the guitars are recorded or with which microphones or devices for equalizing or anything else; every time the Martin, whether it is a D28 or a D35 or D42 etc...etc...always comes out with the most balanced sound between high and low mids and it always comes out as the guitar which causes less discomfort and is less intrusive than even to this Collings who has a totally different voice from this D35 which I honestly prefer for the balance of the sounds!!
P.S. I don't know if it was done in this test but I believe that to do an even more reliable test it would be necessary that the instruments, in addition to being similar in terms of wood characteristics and construction, the strings should also be the same; a very small detail but which sometimes really changes the sound or the voice of a guitar!
Thanks for the comment!!
That martin guitar is astounding..
Thanks for the comment!
From value to tone overall the Martin wins but to each their own. The Collings sounds incredible and has a distinct bit more note definition but as everyone else has mentioned lacks in bottom end as a result so the Martin sounds a bit sweeter especially on strumming but the Collings would be a dream for fingerstyle or flat picking.
The Collings is an absolute powerhouse. the Martin is more nuanced. They're honestly both excellent top tier guitars but the tone is extremely different. In quieter settings the martins extra overtones would shine through. When competing with other loud instruments the Collings would cut better and shine though. By the way, gorgeous Isbell licks!
Wow man I like how you took care of your guitar, so well I do take decent care of mine as well, but I hate the hell out of them so I don’t mind somewhere
Thanks for the comment!
I like the sound of your Martin more. Age may have helped it out, but I just tried a few for the first time and my ear is drawn to Martin more than others. Too bad, since so many other brands have prettier looking guitars for the money.
Thanks for the comment Kofi!
Collings. The Martin is probably more forgiving but the Collings had a better balance and probably feels better under the fingers. Give the Collings a few years and it will have that forgiving ambiance but with a better tone. I love martins but Collings are perfectly built guitars and the stiff unforgiving tone will mature into a perfect instrument as far as tonality and feel. Bill Collings has talked about the philosophy behind the extremely clear voicing of his guitars and what that will mean 20+ years down the Rd. Both great guitars. I myself own both a Martin D-28 authentic and a Collings D2h BbA. They both are special. The Collings makes me have to play cleaner with my pick hand. It’s the best guitar teacher I’ve ever had.
the 3 piece back has nothing to do with the sound. it's purely cosmetic. The lighter bracing at 1/4'' AND the fact that they're scalloped is what lets so much bass response through.
both are beautiful, sounding guitars, but it's just impossible to get away from those Martins!!❤️
Thanks for the comment!
To me the Martin sound more organic. Not as boxy pitch. As if the sound vibrated a bit more.
Both sounds good, but I would prefer the Martin this time.
Great video- thanks for sharing. I have a Martin D 18 and a Collings D1 and I feel like the differences are similar to yours. I can't play them both at the same time though!
Now that's funny!
They are both great but I like the Martin a little bit more. I am a big Martin fan and own a D-18.
Thanks for the comment!
The Collings projects a little more and that makes it sound fuller.
Ive had a Martin D-12-35 most of my life and that is what I am accustomed to hearing, so I’m unfairly biased. But I love the sound of the Collins,too. I just love the Martin more.
Thanks for the comment Daniel!
Amazingly close!
Thanks for the comment!
Thx for the short Isbell tune. I would go for MARTIN. But I could be blinded by the brand name MARTIN. Seems to sound a bit ritcher imho.
Gotta love the little Isbell interludes! Hahaha
Nothing like that bass boom of a martin, that Collings is brighter, almost more comparable to a Gibson J45. In my opinion. Still both are in my wish list
The Martin sounds like what a great acoustic guitar should sound like. I'll pass on the Collings and maybe look at Gibson acoustics instead
Thanks for the comment!
Verrrrrrry nice guitars. Tim do you have any plans of doing some Justin Townes Earle song tutorials? Guy had some wicked fingerpicking patterns
Man I was so sad to hear of his passing... I've gotten a few requests for songs from him but like you said, he's got some wicket fingerpicking patterns. A lot of times those become the downfall in my feeling comfortable enough to teach a song... my finger picking capabilities are pretty one dimensional unfortunately.
I play a D15-S,it’s a 12 fret and nothing compares to the bottom end I get out of it but sometimes it’s a bit too much. Ive been toying with getting a D28 but that Collins sounds amazing all the way through,very impressed.
What are you playing @1.41 please?
I have a Collings D2H and I was thinking of selling it and getting a Martin D-28 or D-35 and a nice, 12-fret parlor. I can pick up a clean used D-28 or D-35 & a nice solid-wood parlor for about the selling price of a Collings in excellent condition like mine. I guess the question I would have would be about the necks. I love the feel of the Collings neck, that modified V-shape just works for me. How would you compare the necks of the two and the play-ability?
The Collings is wonderful and all..but I believe the HD35 is the one my heart wants and has for a long time. Maybe someday money and opportunity will finally intersect.
Thanks for the comment Michael!
I think the Collings has a little more mid-range, but the Martin has an overall better tone
Thanks for the comment Joe!
Great video. What’s your thoughts on the J45?
does the hd 35 have forward shifted scalloped braces?? what year is it?? so full and balanced
Would like to know also. What year HD-35
Tim.....strange times prevents us from trying out guitars before purchases and I want to buy from local brick and mortar to thank them for years of great service. Wanted to treat myself to a martin 00018 and wonder if you've had an opportunity to play and had an opinion about that models neck (modified low oval) in terms of easy playability. Any thoughts appreciated
I'd love to be able to give you some info on that model, but I've never played an 00018
Collings wins to my ears 👂
Thanks for the comment Pete!
I more like collings in something and Martin in another...but collings is not bad at all if you compare with kings
THX Tim...I can't hear the difference. I have the Martin D-28 HD thanks for the heads up
Thanks for the comment!
What would you say is the fit/feel difference? That’s always the thing that I find striking when I pick up a Collings
The feel is very similar to me in terms of the feel of "quality." Both guitars feel very responsive and easy to interact with. In terms the necks, the 35 has a modified low oval neck and a slightly wider nut width at 1 and 3/4 as opposed to the Collings 1 and 11/16 with a modified v shape neck... so the Martin had a chunkier neck on it, and could be thought of as "more difficult to play" if you have very small hands or the Collings "more difficult to play" if you have very large hands.
Tim I have a D-18 with a low oval that’s 1 11/16 I love that feel. My Larrivee has a 1 3/4 and I tend to find that faster... I realize that’s counterintuitive but I have really long fingers doesn’t feel as crowded. I feel the same when I pick up my L-00 (which is an oddball at 1.725 not quite 3/4 but so close it’s hard to notice)
No, that totally makes sense about the finger crowding... the Collings is the guitar I've been playing the most lately, and in this head to head after I played the Martin and then immediately would switch to the Collings I would think "this fretboard feels crowded now."
Collings have a choice of nut width and neck shapes, including a fat vintage neck. Other options include Adirondack instead of Sitka and baked tops. These can be ordered when buying new, but beware, these ‘upgrades’ come at considerable cost. With Martin, you can custom order pretty much anything you like from the Martin Custom Shop, but like the Collings, the price will take a jump. For example my 2010 Collings OM1 with Adirondack and Varnish finish was over 6K back then. The Adirondack was £800 and the Varnish was £1800 on top of an already expensive guitar. I bought it two years ago in new condition for £3200. Used is the only way I can afford a Collings guitar.
Yeah Martin has got this one. Oh yeah tell your parents my birthday just past and a D-35 says happy birthday!😂
Amazing guitars. What year is your hd 35 from? I am debating buying a 1998 one off reverb but can only find sound demos on recent year models
Thanks Luke! This is a 2003 model... I suspect it should sound pretty similar in tone to what a 98 model would sound like in terms of the wood having opened up more than what you’d hear on a newer mode
@@TimGuitarLessons got it thanks. That would make sense. Hopefully my graduation gift will be as nice as yours was
I definitely won’t be getting a collings until I get a real job haha
High school or college?
@@TimGuitarLessons college
Traditional series Collings dread would be a better comparison to the Martin.
Collins seem to be a bit brighter and fuller to my ears. But both are badass guitars!
Thanks for the comment Eric!
I had been wanting the d35 for a while now until I heard this. The Collins is the clear winner.
Thanks for the comment!
Can u please please please please please please please please please please please please please do a tutorial on My Only One by Sebastian Yatra 😭😭😭😭😭
Both great.
Thanks for the comment!
Martin woodier with more sustain and not as bright and ringy
With my untrained ear I think collings is a brighter sound but I prefer the martin more reserved sound
I listened through AirPods MAX , and to me it’s the MARTIN…I know I’m a year late to your cool video , it’s because of research..tomorrow I’m dropping $3400 cash for a D35 ☺️ I played them all, Gibson , Taylor etc..Martin is the one.
I absolutely love the sound of my 35, did you buy it?
Both sound nice, but I believe the is a bit brighter
Thanks for the comment Gary!
When strumming a chord on the Martin it sounds like one note whereas the Collings sounds like several notes when a chord is strummed
Thanks for the comment!
The Collings has a sweeter sound for me.
I preferred the Collings on all except the last piece.
Thanks for the comment Jason!
the collins was punchier in the mids but the martin had the low end and perfect balance. Martin.
Thanks for the comment!
You should do happy reunion by Colter Wall
Hey Tim, if you haven't already check out Colters new album "Western Swing & Waltzes"
I’ve been listening to it, good stuff! I’m wanting to let it sink in more before I try lessons on them
@@TimGuitarLessons looking forward to it my friend!
Meiner Meinung nach ist die Martin vom Klang her unspektakulär und die einzelnen Töne wenig variantenweich wohl aber kongen sie sehr angenehm im Ohr und sind rund und im Zusammenspiel voluminös und eher baslastig. Die Collings entwickelt die einezelnen Töne glockenartig und moduliert sie variantenreicher wobei hier der Wohlklang der Martin nicht ganz erreicht wird dafür aber die Collings konzertiver und lebendiger zu Werke geht. Ich würde mir keine davona anschaffen, weil ich keiner mit meinem Spiel gerecht werden könnte, somit begnüge ich mich mit einer Taylor 322ce 12fret die dann so einiges verzeiht, transparent klingt und super gut bespielbar ist auf grund ihrer Größe, Griffbrettbreite und Ihrer niedrigen Saitenlage . :-)
Thanks for the comment!!
Is there compression going on?
Martin is better in my opinion but I could definitely tell the difference collings had a sharper tone
Thanks for the comment!
To my ears, Martin sounds real nice... but that Collings (in fact pretty much all Collings), well, they're just a cut above... Problem is, Colling's knows it and they charge WAY TOO DAMN MUCH. Martins are far from affordable as well. And no, it doesn't "have" to be "you get what you pay for". A really good guitar can be affordable, and still sound just as good. Gee, what a novel concept of not dashing away the dreams of so many guitarists out there that want a Martin or Collings - or Taylor, or any other boutique guitar, but doesn't want to give up their first-born in order to get one.
Thanks for the comment!
After i heard the Collings and Santa cruz. Martin comes third place unless its a vintage but you cant buy that for money.. I would say in this video the Martin is the winner. But if you go for an Om guitar the others win.
Thanks for the thoughts, I'm glad you liked the comparison!
Still hoping to snag a hd-35
They're really such great guitars... I won't ever be getting rid of mine.
What year is your HD35?
@@lane_11newt50 Hey Lane, my HD35 is a 2003
😎
Thanks for the comment! Or rather, the emoji!
For me….Collings for the win!
Both great sounding guitars, although I'm biased since I'm an HD-35 owner. Also, to really tell a difference I'd need to hear both live. Recording through a microphone, saving as a digital file, then replaying through my computer speakers is not nearly good enough to discern the subtle variations between the guitars.
the martin is good for lives while collings sound the best studio
The Martin definitely has a tendency to sound like it is filling a bigger space to me than the Collings with a more focused tone... which makes sense to the live/studio application you mentioned
The Martin has a beautiful maturity. Like a fine wine. The Collings sounds like an over anxious teenager with no depth or personality.
But has volume and projection and clarity
If money is no object go with Collings, no brainer
Nice guitars but it's hard to beat a Collings!
Hahaha says the man with a Adirondack/Madagascar Collings OM42 sitting beside him
@@TimGuitarLessons My parents gave me an Ambertone D-28 when I graduated from HS in 1976. I still have it and I still love it.
Very nice! Mines slightly newer than that (2003...) But I remember when my parents gave it to me, the first time I strummed it I could feel it in my chest... And, while I was blown away by how great it sounded, I almost immediately thought "holy crap I'm excited to hear what this thing sounds like in 40 years"
@@TimGuitarLessons I sent mine back to Martin in 2017 for extensive repairs, neck set, bridge and saddle replacement, bridge plate replacement, new open gear tuners, new fret board with diamond and squares and a Fishman pickup system. They had it for almost a year but it came back better than ever. It could be the most expensive 1975 D-28 on the planet. Not the most valuable (except to me), but the most expensive!
And I love the Jason Isbell stuff!
martin, by comparison, sounds more muffled. collings is much clearer and cleaner.
Thanks for the comment!
Collins is brighter, sounds like a Taylor
If the string were the same, Martin all day ❤
Same strings! Thanks for the comment!
What guitar is between the two?
I guess I dont know what you mean... between in what sense of the word?
Martin
D35 is bass-ier , i like everything about the collings better
👍
Collings highs drown out the intricacies of the mids. Prefer the Martin