Chris and Cooper are absolutely the best reviewers of guitars. Their descriptions of the specs and capabilities of each guitar are impeccable. Their demeanor is so laid back and comfortable, their credibility is off the charts. Their demos and reviews are very honest. Don't change a thing! The Martin Authentic Series is phenomenal!
I had a D-28 1937 Authentic with the Madagascar Rosewood. IT SOUNDED FANTASTIC. My issue became the neck was too thick for my wounded fretting hand and the hand would spasm and not release for the whole day or longer. Sooo, I have found some Custom Shop folks make an "almost" authentic with same tone woods, an adjustable truss rod, modified low oval (or modified V) and a few other updated specs. Thanks Chris and Cooper.
Too bad their regular formula for D28 now turned to shit, I mean if you pay 2000-2500$ and you only got a basic guitar, that is stripped of the great features it has like the forward shifted bracing, adirondack, special rosewood, thermal top etc.. That's why these old guitars are popular however, u can still get a guitar like that only if you want a Martin like that it will cost you a fortune.. Me personally I'd go for a TAkamine custom shop which would still be affordable, underestimated.. This pre-war guitar is great tho and you can't see it's that old, but the prices are quite ridiculous. It looks good tho I have to say Cocobollo looks better, stunning really and also it's a bit different than brazilian rosewood like and one of the best out there.
Beautiful! I love the D18 Chris did in his top 5 and this D28 is right with it. Those clear, deep, “throaty” bases and the clear, ringing trebles are soothing and satisfying.
Nice review, nice playing. Authentics IMHO are Martin at its best, a branch of Custom Shops to me. The thick necks started on GE's, some were fantastic, then came the Authentics. One of my retirement "keepers" is a first year OM-18 Authentic, with 10 years on it, zero neck move so far. If folks can handle the beefy necks Authentics are beasts.................keep the reviews coming !!
Sounds like a great D-28, but I’ve always preferred the D-18 GE and Authentic models. The rosewood on that specific guitar is truly beautiful, something I’d be very particular with if I were to buy one. The D-28 has that brighter sound that cuts through the mix with less midrange, allowing space for the singer.
Been playing a circa 1990 HD-28 since it was new. Still sounds great. I’ve had some work done to it because it was out of specs in a couple of places. My luthier says that’s not at all uncommon. Still, for bluegrass, there’s nothing better.
I would appreciate Cooper playing the same music for each guitar. Was going back and forth between your 1937 D28 and when he played the 1937 D18 to hear the difference, but he's not playing the same music, as Chris always does. Also, comparing the two 1937s would be awesome!
It’s a great guitar. I own one of the 2020 models. By far the richest sound, but that D-18 is great too. Going back and forth between the mahogany and rosewood is going to always be a choice…I chose both! Ha!
Your comment about Guatemalan rosewood at the beginning of the video was interesting because I called the Martin factory yesterday and they told me that many prefer Madagascar rosewood because of its dark color and how it more resembles Brazilian rosewood. They said that Guatemalan rosewood is generally lighter in color. One thing to note is they also said Madagascar rosewood is now almost impossible to get, thus beginning with the 2022 model, they are now made with Guatemalan. On the neck size they said that in 1937 they built them beefy and with a somewhat high action to minimize the effects of movement due to environmental changes. I wish you could do a longer demo on this fabulous guitar.
It's not the looks that makes me prefer Madagascar to Guatemalan, it's the sound. Madagascar has much more of an echo to the tone, whereas the tone of Guatemalan is basically flat. Guatemalan is a loud guitar rather than a beautiful tone.
i'll have to stick to my 000-18 and D28 i'm sure that this is like 6 GBP or so. Today i played my Gibson J200 VOS Limited Andorack spruce top : ) Mmm jummy tones
I love my Authentic VTS stage I aged Martin, but it came with the usual high Martin action. All the Authentics I tried before buying mine (7 total) had high action. I am surprised the one Cooper played had perfect action. If you can buy an Authentic, be ready to have its action adjusted professionally. Also, the new L.R. Baggs Hifi pickup looks like a decent option if you wish to amplify it.
I think Cooper would have been the perfect host for Headbangers Ball. I could see him with horns up and thrashing about. Come to think of it Cooper is an amalgamation of Young Zach Wylde and Old Zach Wylde. Young looking but with old Zach's beard! Love you, guys!!!
Yes it's very complicated to add an undersaddle pickup because the saddle is glued! A friend of mine, who is crazier than Chris did this crazy thing on his D18 authentic 1939: he had the saddle removed (don't ask me how) by a luthier to put the undersaddle pickup! 😅 Everything worked fine btw, the guitar is still phenomenal, thanks God.
I skipped to the sound demo and the comments to hear it's got a fairly authentic sound considering it hasn't been around for 84 years and isn't brazilian but doesn't have a truss rod. It's no doubt going to be cheap enough that you could play it at church or a barn dance. But would Molly Tuttle or Billy Strings be happy to gig with it?
These non adjustable necks are the best thing ever. The neck is so super stiff so it drives the box that much harder. If the neck is made correctly, and is super stiff, adjustment should never be necessary. I believe we were duped by the adjustable truss rod as a sellable feature. I plan on building a couple of electrics with non adjustable truss rods to see if that does anything. I build one like Leo did in 1950 with out a truss at all and its been surprisingly stable, but it does sound really different.
Every few decades or so they do need a neck reset usually, nothing is stable forever. But they certainly do have their benefits tonally, and it is probably worth it.
"Why would you not just buy a vintage Martin, if you want one?" FFS! Well, the cost for a start! I doubt I could afford this 'authentic' Martin guitar either. :(
I’m finally ready to pull the trigger and possibly get a D 28 , i’ve been watching nonstop video after video of D-28 demos.. all of a sudden something hit me out of the blue , all the greatest guitar players on UA-cam , Andy McKee , Calum Graham , Antoin Dufure , Kent Nishimura , ect ect ect… they are all incredible. They all have different styles, but they all have one thing in common… not a single one of them play Martin guitars… why ? You would think that out of all the greatest guitar players in the UA-cam world, at least one of them would play the supposedly greatest guitar in the world ? It really has me thinking now of spending almost 4K on a Martin
I love my Ambertone HD28 so much, it's already opening up and sounding better everyday. I could not see paying 5k+ for an Authentic or a Collings, Huss and Dalton, Larivee, etc
Hey guys I have the HD28 Adi top and it’s the most powerful sounding guitar I have ever played. Love it and it’s beautiful. I am wondering how to lower the action slightly as I am not the worlds greatest guitar player but I am decent. What would you suggest? All in all I’m learning quick as I have a 000-18 too that Martin just is the best guitar brand out there. I sold my Taylor’s. I just don’t think their sound compares. I so have a GS mini tho. Thanks -Ryan
Start with a truss rod adjustment. There will certainly be a video on the tube with instructions. This should be all that you need and you can easily do it yourself. This adjustment has the effect of moving the neck angularly ever so slightly thereby helping with action. Only small movements are typically recommended.
Do NOT start with the truss rod unless the neck relief is off. If the neck isn’t out of adjustment you’ll want to lower the saddle. The truss rod _can_ affect action but that is not what it’s for.
@@G_Demolished How pretentious. Sure....this fellow will be analyzing " neck relief" and quantifying that in some way? Give your head a shake. Every guitarist starts with the truss because they have no clue about "relief" and there will be no harm structurally with a small quarter turn move. If he's playing a Martin...and has no idea - he can take it into a luthier.
@@MelodyMaker With all due respect, not all guitar players start with a truss rod adjustment. I only adjust my truss rod if I'm encountering buzzing. G Demolished is absolutely correct that the saddle adjustment is the way to lower action.
@@robchiappe9253 if a material adjustment is required, sanding the saddle makes sense but the truss rod is in place to facilitate seasonal moves. Manufacturers install a saddle sized for the purpose of providing proper action for their instrument so therefore a saddle shave should not be the first place to turn for correction. How many guitarists do you know who have shaved a saddle square?
Ive had problem with this issue before buying my om18 authentic too. But after buying it i found the neck to be a lot more stable than my other guitar with adjustable truss rod. The neck just stays how it is ever since i got it.
If you listen to Chris carefully, he confirms that it has a truss rod… he called it the “Martin T-bar” truss rod I believe, and said it makes the neck very stable… a non-adjustable truss rod, is still a truss rod.
wanted to say to Chris .... like your mojo and knowledge .... I think you "ARE" alamo music ... keep on doing it brother.....oh and one other thing... you and cooper should switch sides... your always on the left!!!
At the end of the day, the best guitar in the world will be the one with an adjustable truss rod. It's no doubt a wonderful instrument, but at such an eye-watering price, I will never buy one. And I'd want an adjustable turss rod if I did!
If Chris wasn't a guitar god, he'd be smuggling Coca-Cola from Mexico. (Check the trunk of his car or under the tonneau cover of his pickup just to be sure.)
I guarantee you he don't like that fat neck while he's playing it they don't say anything because they're Martin dealers they mostly describe guitars they don't have unbiased reviews but thsy are pretty informative on there discussions
Chris and Cooper are absolutely the best reviewers of guitars. Their descriptions of the specs and capabilities of each guitar are impeccable. Their demeanor is so laid back and comfortable, their credibility is off the charts. Their demos and reviews are very honest. Don't change a thing! The Martin Authentic Series is phenomenal!
Absolutely. They compliment each other and don't fight for attention. Plus, both of them (especially Cooper) are good guitarists.
I had a D-28 1937 Authentic with the Madagascar Rosewood. IT SOUNDED FANTASTIC. My issue became the neck was too thick for my wounded fretting hand and the hand would spasm and not release for the whole day or longer. Sooo, I have found some Custom Shop folks make an "almost" authentic with same tone woods, an adjustable truss rod, modified low oval (or modified V) and a few other updated specs. Thanks Chris and Cooper.
And whom may these folks be?
@@gosman949 Empire Music Pittsburgh and Music Villa Bozeman MT
how is that sound compare to the D28 Golden era?
@jacky boy deeper more rounded bass and low mids, not muddy; treble clear, not tinkle. Full
that is one sweet sounding guitar. Cooper's playing is always top tier!!!
Thank you very much. So do you mean a nonadjustable truss rod is better?
Too bad their regular formula for D28 now turned to shit, I mean if you pay 2000-2500$ and you only got a basic guitar, that is stripped of the great features it has like the forward shifted bracing, adirondack, special rosewood, thermal top etc.. That's why these old guitars are popular however, u can still get a guitar like that only if you want a Martin like that it will cost you a fortune.. Me personally I'd go for a TAkamine custom shop which would still be affordable, underestimated.. This pre-war guitar is great tho and you can't see it's that old, but the prices are quite ridiculous. It looks good tho I have to say Cocobollo looks better, stunning really and also it's a bit different than brazilian rosewood like and one of the best out there.
Beautiful! I love the D18 Chris did in his top 5 and this D28 is right with it. Those clear, deep, “throaty” bases and the clear, ringing trebles are soothing and satisfying.
Most of us kept that private. Y
Nice review, nice playing. Authentics IMHO are Martin at its best, a branch of Custom Shops to me. The thick necks started on GE's, some were fantastic, then came the Authentics. One of my retirement "keepers" is a first year OM-18 Authentic, with 10 years on it, zero neck move so far. If folks can handle the beefy necks Authentics are beasts.................keep the reviews coming !!
All I can say is, it sounds amazing. What a cannon.
Some real slick pickin’ Cooper 👍🏻
Sounds like a great D-28, but I’ve always preferred the D-18 GE and Authentic models. The rosewood on that specific guitar is truly beautiful, something I’d be very particular with if I were to buy one. The D-28 has that brighter sound that cuts through the mix with less midrange, allowing space for the singer.
Yes, guys, please do an in depth review of easy, simple pickup options for an acoustic stringed instrument.
I recommend the Lyric. My D28 records well with it. On stage you need to notch out the G it will Howl just sitting there
Been playing a circa 1990 HD-28 since it was new. Still sounds great. I’ve had some work done to it because it was out of specs in a couple of places. My luthier says that’s not at all uncommon. Still, for bluegrass, there’s nothing better.
I would appreciate Cooper playing the same music for each guitar. Was going back and forth between your 1937 D28 and when he played the 1937 D18 to hear the difference, but he's not playing the same music, as Chris always does. Also, comparing the two 1937s would be awesome!
It’s a great guitar. I own one of the 2020 models. By far the richest sound, but that D-18 is great too. Going back and forth between the mahogany and rosewood is going to always be a choice…I chose both! Ha!
I was a rosewood guy until I got my 2006 D-18A in 2010. It changed everything lol!
@@thesjkexperience the d-18 authentic 2006 year?
Your comment about Guatemalan rosewood at the beginning of the video was interesting because I called the Martin factory yesterday and they told me that many prefer Madagascar rosewood because of its dark color and how it more resembles Brazilian rosewood. They said that Guatemalan rosewood is generally lighter in color. One thing to note is they also said Madagascar rosewood is now almost impossible to get, thus beginning with the 2022 model, they are now made with Guatemalan. On the neck size they said that in 1937 they built them beefy and with a somewhat high action to minimize the effects of movement due to environmental changes. I wish you could do a longer demo on this fabulous guitar.
It's not the looks that makes me prefer Madagascar to Guatemalan, it's the sound. Madagascar has much more of an echo to the tone, whereas the tone of Guatemalan is basically flat. Guatemalan is a loud guitar rather than a beautiful tone.
Also wonder how close this gets to an actual prewar D28. WOuld be great to have two compared side by side.
i'll have to stick to my 000-18 and D28 i'm sure that this is like 6 GBP or so. Today i played my Gibson J200 VOS Limited Andorack spruce top : ) Mmm jummy tones
I love my Authentic VTS stage I aged Martin, but it came with the usual high Martin action. All the Authentics I tried before buying mine (7 total) had high action. I am surprised the one Cooper played had perfect action. If you can buy an Authentic, be ready to have its action adjusted professionally. Also, the new L.R. Baggs Hifi pickup looks like a decent option if you wish to amplify it.
I think Cooper would have been the perfect host for Headbangers Ball. I could see him with horns up and thrashing about. Come to think of it Cooper is an amalgamation of Young Zach Wylde and Old Zach Wylde. Young looking but with old Zach's beard! Love you, guys!!!
Gr8 stuff, guys. I just looked at the price of the geeta and 🤑
Wow this D28 sounds sooo goood 😍
Great guitar and video! Ill keep my Yamaha LL36 A.R.E. Someday may get a 66 Martin.
Yes it's very complicated to add an undersaddle pickup because the saddle is glued! A friend of mine, who is crazier than Chris did this crazy thing on his D18 authentic 1939: he had the saddle removed (don't ask me how) by a luthier to put the undersaddle pickup! 😅 Everything worked fine btw, the guitar is still phenomenal, thanks God.
I have one too. I removed the saddle and just didn't glue it back. It just sits in there like a normal guitar and changed nothing in tone.
Are you two fighting? Haven’t seen you together in a while
You Guys are the Best
Anyone else wish they offered this exact guitar w an adjustable truss?
KILLER DEMO.
Love the demo! Too often it's only bluegrass/flat picking. This guitar is too versatile to pigeon-hole in just one category
WRT pickups: try several LR Baggs, a K&K and K&K Trinity, and ?
Lowdon’s don’t have adjustable truss rods and I haven’t heard of any issues
I skipped to the sound demo and the comments to hear it's got a fairly authentic sound considering it hasn't been around for 84 years and isn't brazilian but doesn't have a truss rod. It's no doubt going to be cheap enough that you could play it at church or a barn dance. But would Molly Tuttle or Billy Strings be happy to gig with it?
Of course they would be
Yes a very nice guitar and true icon, but give me a Boucher dreadnaught any day of the week.
The guitar sounds fantastic but I would prefer an adjustable truss rod in it..
These non adjustable necks are the best thing ever. The neck is so super stiff so it drives the box that much harder. If the neck is made correctly, and is super stiff, adjustment should never be necessary. I believe we were duped by the adjustable truss rod as a sellable feature. I plan on building a couple of electrics with non adjustable truss rods to see if that does anything. I build one like Leo did in 1950 with out a truss at all and its been surprisingly stable, but it does sound really different.
Every few decades or so they do need a neck reset usually, nothing is stable forever. But they certainly do have their benefits tonally, and it is probably worth it.
Amazing guitar very awesome, someday would like to own a d-28. Gave up dream of coke ever being fixed and drink dr pepper. Life has many compromises.
Try a real sugar coke in a glass bottle. It's way better. But I drink DP personally for it's synergy with makers mark.
Lr baggs hifi would be good
You guys ever heard of Faith Guitars?
i have the 2014 version without VTS. I prefer it to the baked top by a wide margin.
Looking for CHD28…Cedar top?
"Why would you not just buy a vintage Martin, if you want one?"
FFS! Well, the cost for a start!
I doubt I could afford this 'authentic' Martin guitar either. :(
Took me ages to get used to that neck. Its a tapered neck carve
This is also the first new model with the original D body shape..
How sensitive is this for fingerstyling?
I’m finally ready to pull the trigger and possibly get a D 28 , i’ve been watching nonstop video after video of D-28 demos.. all of a sudden something hit me out of the blue , all the greatest guitar players on UA-cam , Andy McKee , Calum Graham , Antoin Dufure , Kent Nishimura , ect ect ect… they are all incredible. They all have different styles, but they all have one thing in common… not a single one of them play Martin guitars… why ? You would think that out of all the greatest guitar players in the UA-cam world, at least one of them would play the supposedly greatest guitar in the world ? It really has me thinking now of spending almost 4K on a Martin
I love my Ambertone HD28 so much, it's already opening up and sounding better everyday. I could not see paying 5k+ for an Authentic or a Collings, Huss and Dalton, Larivee, etc
Hey guys I have the HD28 Adi top and it’s the most powerful sounding guitar I have ever played. Love it and it’s beautiful. I am wondering how to lower the action slightly as I am not the worlds greatest guitar player but I am decent. What would you suggest? All in all I’m learning quick as I have a 000-18 too that Martin just is the best guitar brand out there. I sold my Taylor’s. I just don’t think their sound compares. I so have a GS mini tho. Thanks -Ryan
Start with a truss rod adjustment. There will certainly be a video on the tube with instructions. This should be all that you need and you can easily do it yourself. This adjustment has the effect of moving the neck angularly ever so slightly thereby helping with action. Only small movements are typically recommended.
Do NOT start with the truss rod unless the neck relief is off. If the neck isn’t out of adjustment you’ll want to lower the saddle. The truss rod _can_ affect action but that is not what it’s for.
@@G_Demolished How pretentious. Sure....this fellow will be analyzing " neck relief" and quantifying that in some way? Give your head a shake. Every guitarist starts with the truss because they have no clue about "relief" and there will be no harm structurally with a small quarter turn move. If he's playing a Martin...and has no idea - he can take it into a luthier.
@@MelodyMaker With all due respect, not all guitar players start with a truss rod adjustment. I only adjust my truss rod if I'm encountering buzzing. G Demolished is absolutely correct that the saddle adjustment is the way to lower action.
@@robchiappe9253 if a material adjustment is required, sanding the saddle makes sense but the truss rod is in place to facilitate seasonal moves. Manufacturers install a saddle sized for the purpose of providing proper action for their instrument so therefore a saddle shave should not be the first place to turn for correction. How many guitarists do you know who have shaved a saddle square?
Coca-Cola from Mexico uses real cane sugar. Chris wants the 'original' Coca-Cola (with coke in it)? Go for the Dr. Pepper.
I'd buy that one.... I'd bet there are ladies all over Texas with broken hearts now that Cooper got married.....
No thank you . a truss rod is a good invention. Depriving a guitar from that just because people like vintage is not a wise idea .
Ive had problem with this issue before buying my om18 authentic too. But after buying it i found the neck to be a lot more stable than my other guitar with adjustable truss rod. The neck just stays how it is ever since i got it.
@@oatgibson so then let’s get rid of truss rod on all Martin guitars:)
If you listen to Chris carefully, he confirms that it has a truss rod… he called it the “Martin T-bar” truss rod I believe, and said it makes the neck very stable… a non-adjustable truss rod, is still a truss rod.
They have a steal truss rod. I own one and love it. Mine is a 2020 model and is one of 114 made.
I bought a stock d28 in 77 and neck has been issue but you work hard to play it anyway
If this is old coke, the hide glue is the cane sugar.
wanted to say to Chris .... like your mojo and knowledge .... I think you "ARE" alamo music ... keep on doing it brother.....oh and one other thing... you and cooper should switch sides... your always on the left!!!
ear honey.
Adjusting the truss rod is right where I want to pay someone.
At the end of the day, the best guitar in the world will be the one with an adjustable truss rod.
It's no doubt a wonderful instrument, but at such an eye-watering price, I will never buy one. And I'd want an adjustable turss rod if I did!
If Chris wasn't a guitar god, he'd be smuggling Coca-Cola from Mexico. (Check the trunk of his car or under the tonneau cover of his pickup just to be sure.)
Calling it prewar to add value seems like some bougie bullshit to me. As a working class millennial.
Must be a cool addition for a collector tho
I guarantee you he don't like that fat neck while he's playing it they don't say anything because they're Martin dealers they mostly describe guitars they don't have unbiased reviews but thsy are pretty informative on there discussions
Is the guitar that good or is it just Cooper? Damn!