High praise for a guitar when folks who can play whatever guitars they want put their own money down to buy it. I'm a new guitar player (about 7 months), and Blackbird is my favorite song to play. My jaw hit the floor when Quinton started to play it. It amazes me how a very talented musician (and a great guitar) can elevate a song I know so well. Good stuff!!!
I love the CEO-7, always has been a contender for my one guitar. Has just enough bass to keep it interesting and man can it handle alternate tunings. the sound just pops out of it.
@Oded Hen bass compares more to a 000. It does have more bass and a more direct tone from the Adirondack top. If I had my choice between the models you have listed the CEO-7 would be my pick. I say this as I have played the models you listed side by side with a CEO-7. But it does have a little more substantial neck to it than the standard Martins with the Mod V neck. But I have no problem with it and actually prefer it to the slimmer necks found on most newer guitars on the market.
My man Quinton's totally got that CEO look to him, even more so while holding this beaut of a guitar! You guys keep up the good work, and thank you for all the entertainment you've been bringing to our homes during this quarantine!
You can tell when a guitar player is digging a guitar, it's not so much what they're playing but how they're playing, a kind of feeling around and into it, and with that serious concentration face on while doing it... ;-)
Superb action? I want and need a Martin. My Gibson j45 has the easiest action of any guitar I've ever played bar none. If I'm to pay over 2k for a guitar, it has to be much smoother than butter on the action. Thanks.
@@juana1483 yep... Like a hot knife through butter. Plays so smooth. It has a slightly enlarged spacing between strings on the neck which took some getting used to but feels totally normal now. It also has a big sound. For a smaller bodied guitar it plays in all the dynamics. It's truly a great Martin.
Some guitar players, like me, are happy to always be looking for the next "inspiring" guitar, with that special sound. I have several guitars and they each have place in my music life, otherwise I sell it. I bought the CEO 7 in the summer of 2014, not too long after they came out (#259). I was looking for a smaller guitar with a short scale. The sound projects very, very well for its size and still has that warm Martin tone. It feels comfortable to sit with for an evening. Its just fun to play - especially blues. And although the tuners could be a little more fluid, I haven't had any issues with anything. Love it.
CF Martin's homage to the Gibson L-00. But it has that Martin sound - you can tell it's not a Gibson. Great guitar for a lot of genres! I'm trying to decide between a 00-18V and a CEO-7 - but don't think you could go wrong with either! Great playing Quinton!
The story behind the CEO series goes back to the playful rivalry between Martin and Gibson. Most of the CEO models, including the CEO-7 are inspired by Gibson models in some way, or as Chris Martin IV says "our non-trademark infringing interpretation of one of their models". CEO-7 is unique to itself in many ways, but inspired by Gibson L-00 and their take on building an L-00 type guitar the Martin way. I'm a Gibson guy, but having played both the CEO-7 and the L-00, I'd take the CEO-7 any day. One of my favorite Martin models.
I'm thinking about the l-00 .. standard or original or deluxe was my issue ... but after quintin buying that and your comments .... unfortunately cant see me getting to play them before buying one ...
A few days ago I scored a ticket to the Barrett-Jackson car auction that is in the Las Vegas Convention Center, literally right next to where I work. So a stroll in to see some amazing vehicles and who is on stage doing an acoustic set? Robin Wilson and Jesse Valenzuela of the Gin Blossoms! Needless to say, I forgot all about the cars. Jesse Valenzuela was playing this model Martin and I was absolutely Blown Away by it. They finished their set and I approached the stage and asked him about the guitar and without hesitation, he put it right in my hands. It was butter! Just a beautiful Martin, all around.
When I bought mine, the store had an early production one (I'm guessing its one that didn't pass initial Q/C and Martin had to tweak it), and and the one I actually bought (S/N around 1500). The later one has a different mahogany, almost striped (beautiful), and the sunburst is slightly thinner around the lower bout. When A/B testing the two; no difference in sound. I bought the later one, because it was prettier. Quinton's appears to be an earlier one, or Martin has returned to their original specs for this guitar. I'm having binding de-lamination like a lot of people are having with recent Martins. Doesn't matter, I still love it. Martin hit a Grand Slam Home Run with this model. I wonder how many production run's they've had and what the production numbers are up to. A part of me want them to stop making them, but that wouldn't be fair to others.
Quinton and Paul, the neck profile is a “modified V,” or a softer V if you will. It is a great little guitar. Mine is “used” and has a K&K Mini pickup. The guitar has a lot of sound, and great with or without a pick. I like the bronze coated Martin strings. Thanks for the update. Keep ‘em coming.
Congrats Q, yea I understand why you fancied this one. I've been drawn to smaller bodied shapes for a while too, resulting in three 12 fret parlours, spruce/mahog, spruce/rose, cedar/mahog, all so different tonally and gorgeous. You can hug em. Beatles? Well you struck the right note there too, also I'm English, it's personal. From buying the Twist and Shout EP in 1963 and hooked all the way through, I simply love playing the acoustic arrangements. My favs on guitar, Mother Nature's Son, Michelle, Blackbird, Something, Sixty-Four, Yesterday, Prudence, Here Comes The Sun, 909, My Love.....Macca, Lennon, Harrison, Starr can do no wrong.
This is a great guitar,wise choice Quinton.I bought mine new years ago it is #512 in the series.The only problem I had was the binding coming loose at the waist.
Uuuuuuugggghhhh I need one. I played one at my local shop a lot until they sold it. I WILL have one. Sooner than later. Somehow. Such amazing low end without being woofy, excels at Blues AND Country. Feels great. The easiest playing acoustic I’ve ever touched. Loud and articulate. And that BODY. Good lord, she’s hot.
Nothing against Paul, I believe he brings great wisdom and insight to the table, but MAN if y’all would just let Quinton get in front of the camera with each guitar for 15-20 minutes and gush about what he loves/play whatever comes to his mind, y’all would absolutely skyrocket to the next level. Players would adore that as well because Q obviously has a special connection with the guitar and we appreciate his perspective!! ❤️
Hi All - I'm sorry to break the news, but this guitar is no longer available. Some spectacled, bald, yet oddly attractive middle-aged guy walked into Music Villa yesterday and after some in depth haggling with Paul, walked out with this particular CEO-7. I have on it on good authority that his fingers are getting sore because he can't put it down . . .
@@rickcar94 - Thanks Rick - thoroughly enjoying it so far! Regarding posting on a vid before it lists - I don't pretend to understand how the UA-cam works, but sometimes I can see videos as "unlisted" - not sure how/why that's the case, but appears Tex saw and commented while the vid was in the "unlisted" status.
Quinton, i also own a ceo-7 and absolutley love it!! Congrats on a great little guitar with big sound!! Do u know which strings are on yours? Sounds great!! Ive favored the retros on this guitar lately, but always looking for options. Thnx buddy!!
@@imgonnasmokeu I use Elixers Med and Lights PB on my Martins. What do you like about the retros assuming these are Monel strings? Tell me about the feel and sound etc. Elixers are easier on my old fingers Cheers!
I had a 2016 CEO-7. Bought it used from a dealer. Sweet sounding guitar and played well. But... after about a year it developed a bridge lift on the low E side, a belly bulge, and the ABS binding started to separate from the body at the waist on both front and back. I keep my guitars in a humidity-controlled studio here at home and they never go outside or travel anywhere, so humidity was not the issue with this guitar. I found out through various channels that binding separation at the waist is a known flaw with the CEO-7. Since the guitar was sold to me used, Martin would not cover any part of the repair. I had to pay $300 to a local luthier to fix the flaws. Because of this bad experience, I probably won't buy another Martin guitar ever again. Happy ending to my sad Martin guitar story: I traded a guy even-up my CEO-7 for his mint Taylor 712e 12-fret.
Hi Kevin - thanks for this info - as noted above, I walked out of MV with this guitar yesterday, so good to know what to be on the look-out for; will get that warranty on file with Martin. Also, nice playing - like your resonator stuff!
@@quintonking9960 Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the CEO-7, right up until the problems started. If you do see any issues with yours, be sure to get that remedied right away. And thanks for checking out my tunes!
I had one, stunning guitar but the binding peeled away at the waist. Such a shame. Shop took it back saying it is extremely common with this model and they had seen at least one other with the same issue. Otherwise a truly remarkable guitar, probably my favourite Martin model.
Quinton must have built an extension or moved to a bigger house :) .. I thought he would have gone for the gibson l-00 original if he got a bigger pad :) I'm still edging towards gib l-00 .. standard .. original or deluxe .. but i'll have to put a bit more thought into it after listen to this ...
So my question is this, is this particular CEO-7 top of its class? Or does it just fit Quinton's playing style perfectly? I ask because it really doesn't sound half as good in any of the other online reviews.
Hope Quinton sees this, am seriously considering a CEO 7 as well. Now that you’re around 2 years in owning one, what do you think now regarding that guitar? I’ve been wanting a 00 sloped shouldered sunburst guitar, I’ve tried Gibson LG and L00 and just did not like the tone. I’ve been playing Martins for 40+ years and was intrigued when I saw this model. Thank you
..."The are for everyone. They just don't know it"? Not if you had to live through the first 5 years of that mop-headed, pointy li'l boots, excessively screaming fans group ;-)
Yesterday is a great movie and this guitar should get a nomination for the best supporting role!
High praise for a guitar when folks who can play whatever guitars they want put their own money down to buy it. I'm a new guitar player (about 7 months), and Blackbird is my favorite song to play. My jaw hit the floor when Quinton started to play it. It amazes me how a very talented musician (and a great guitar) can elevate a song I know so well. Good stuff!!!
😬
Beautiful and insightful comment!
I love the CEO-7, always has been a contender for my one guitar. Has just enough bass to keep it interesting and man can it handle alternate tunings. the sound just pops out of it.
@Oded Hen bass compares more to a 000. It does have more bass and a more direct tone from the Adirondack top. If I had my choice between the models you have listed the CEO-7 would be my pick. I say this as I have played the models you listed side by side with a CEO-7. But it does have a little more substantial neck to it than the standard Martins with the Mod V neck. But I have no problem with it and actually prefer it to the slimmer necks found on most newer guitars on the market.
My man Quinton's totally got that CEO look to him, even more so while holding this beaut of a guitar! You guys keep up the good work, and thank you for all the entertainment you've been bringing to our homes during this quarantine!
When Quinton isn’t wearing a hat he’s serious and is about to buy a guitar... congrats on your CEO-7, I hope Paul gave you a good deal.
Great segment. It’s so great to hear such good picking by Quentin.
You can tell when a guitar player is digging a guitar, it's not so much what they're playing but how they're playing, a kind of feeling around and into it, and with that serious concentration face on while doing it... ;-)
Love everything about this guitar.
Ive owned a CEO-7 for 5 years. I call her Martina and she plays like a dream.
Superb action? I want and need a Martin. My Gibson j45 has the easiest action of any guitar I've ever played bar none. If I'm to pay over 2k for a guitar, it has to be much smoother than butter on the action. Thanks.
@@juana1483 yep... Like a hot knife through butter. Plays so smooth. It has a slightly enlarged spacing between strings on the neck which took some getting used to but feels totally normal now.
It also has a big sound. For a smaller bodied guitar it plays in all the dynamics. It's truly a great Martin.
@@acefrehley28 Thank you!!! I do believe I know which guitar is next!!
it has a lovely sound, so balanced and clean. very nice.
Some guitar players, like me, are happy to always be looking for the next "inspiring" guitar, with that special sound. I have several guitars and they each have place in my music life, otherwise I sell it. I bought the CEO 7 in the summer of 2014, not too long after they came out (#259). I was looking for a smaller guitar with a short scale. The sound projects very, very well for its size and still has that warm Martin tone. It feels comfortable to sit with for an evening. Its just fun to play - especially blues. And although the tuners could be a little more fluid, I haven't had any issues with anything. Love it.
CF Martin's homage to the Gibson L-00. But it has that Martin sound - you can tell it's not a Gibson. Great guitar for a lot of genres! I'm trying to decide between a 00-18V and a CEO-7 - but don't think you could go wrong with either! Great playing Quinton!
That is a tough choice. The 0018V is stellar.
The story behind the CEO series goes back to the playful rivalry between Martin and Gibson. Most of the CEO models, including the CEO-7 are inspired by Gibson models in some way, or as Chris Martin IV says "our non-trademark infringing interpretation of one of their models". CEO-7 is unique to itself in many ways, but inspired by Gibson L-00 and their take on building an L-00 type guitar the Martin way. I'm a Gibson guy, but having played both the CEO-7 and the L-00, I'd take the CEO-7 any day. One of my favorite Martin models.
Thanks for the background info - a Gibson made by Martin hands - Excellent!
I'm thinking about the l-00 .. standard or original or deluxe was my issue ... but after quintin buying that and your comments .... unfortunately cant see me getting to play them before buying one ...
Imitation is the greatest form of flattery! Gibson inspiring Martin and visa versa makes better guitars overall.
Waterloo (Collings) and B&G (Caletta) are similar modells.
I was thinking the same thing. Do you have a preference between the Waterloo and Caletta?@@lebe220
A few days ago I scored a ticket to the Barrett-Jackson car auction that is in the Las Vegas Convention Center, literally right next to where I work. So a stroll in to see some amazing vehicles and who is on stage doing an acoustic set? Robin Wilson and Jesse Valenzuela of the Gin Blossoms! Needless to say, I forgot all about the cars. Jesse Valenzuela was playing this model Martin and I was absolutely Blown Away by it. They finished their set and I approached the stage and asked him about the guitar and without hesitation, he put it right in my hands. It was butter! Just a beautiful Martin, all around.
When I bought mine, the store had an early production one (I'm guessing its one that didn't pass initial Q/C and Martin had to tweak it), and and the one I actually bought (S/N around 1500). The later one has a different mahogany, almost striped (beautiful), and the sunburst is slightly thinner around the lower bout. When A/B testing the two; no difference in sound. I bought the later one, because it was prettier. Quinton's appears to be an earlier one, or Martin has returned to their original specs for this guitar. I'm having binding de-lamination like a lot of people are having with recent Martins. Doesn't matter, I still love it. Martin hit a Grand Slam Home Run with this model. I wonder how many production run's they've had and what the production numbers are up to. A part of me want them to stop making them, but that wouldn't be fair to others.
Sounded grate, that is the way Quinton, also getting the Beatles under the skin of your kids. Beautiful !
Great guitar for alternative tunings.
Quinton is an amazing player !!! These CEO's are amazing guitars !!
Quinton and Paul, the neck profile is a “modified V,” or a
softer V if you will. It is a great little guitar. Mine is “used” and has a
K&K Mini pickup. The guitar has a lot of sound, and great with or without a
pick. I like the bronze coated Martin strings. Thanks for the update. Keep ‘em
coming.
How did you comment yesterday when they have just dropped this video? 🤔
@@rickcar94 I'm subscribed & it showed up & I clicked on it. Then had his answer.
Congrats Q, yea I understand why you fancied this one. I've been drawn to smaller bodied shapes for a while too, resulting in three 12 fret parlours, spruce/mahog, spruce/rose, cedar/mahog, all so different tonally and gorgeous. You can hug em.
Beatles? Well you struck the right note there too, also I'm English, it's personal. From buying the Twist and Shout EP in 1963 and hooked all the way through, I simply love playing the acoustic arrangements. My favs on guitar, Mother Nature's Son, Michelle, Blackbird, Something, Sixty-Four, Yesterday, Prudence, Here Comes The Sun, 909, My Love.....Macca, Lennon, Harrison, Starr can do no wrong.
This is a great guitar,wise choice Quinton.I bought mine new years ago it is #512 in the series.The only problem I had was the binding coming loose at the waist.
Did Martin take care of the issue?
@@JB-hq9yj Yes,Martin will repair it if you are the original owner,and have kept the guitar humidified.
Uuuuuuugggghhhh I need one. I played one at my local shop a lot until they sold it. I WILL have one. Sooner than later. Somehow. Such amazing low end without being woofy, excels at Blues AND Country. Feels great. The easiest playing acoustic I’ve ever touched. Loud and articulate. And that BODY. Good lord, she’s hot.
Nothing against Paul, I believe he brings great wisdom and insight to the table, but MAN if y’all would just let Quinton get in front of the camera with each guitar for 15-20 minutes and gush about what he loves/play whatever comes to his mind, y’all would absolutely skyrocket to the next level. Players would adore that as well because Q obviously has a special connection with the guitar and we appreciate his perspective!! ❤️
Holy shit that thing sounds good.
Love mine, such a great music maker!
the handsome guitar
That sounds SWEETER than my 2016 Gibson loo standard!!!
Hi All - I'm sorry to break the news, but this guitar is no longer available. Some spectacled, bald, yet oddly attractive middle-aged guy walked into Music Villa yesterday and after some in depth haggling with Paul, walked out with this particular CEO-7. I have on it on good authority that his fingers are getting sore because he can't put it down . . .
Haha, I already knew that from Instagram! Congratulations on your purchase man, may you enjoy it for many years to come 🤟
@@rickcar94 - Thanks Rick - thoroughly enjoying it so far! Regarding posting on a vid before it lists - I don't pretend to understand how the UA-cam works, but sometimes I can see videos as "unlisted" - not sure how/why that's the case, but appears Tex saw and commented while the vid was in the "unlisted" status.
@@quintonking9960 Possibly 🤔 Anyways, when will we be able to follow you on Instagram? 😄
Quinton, i also own a ceo-7 and absolutley love it!! Congrats on a great little guitar with big sound!! Do u know which strings are on yours? Sounds great!! Ive favored the retros on this guitar lately, but always looking for options. Thnx buddy!!
@@imgonnasmokeu I use Elixers Med and Lights PB on my Martins. What do you like about the retros assuming these are Monel strings? Tell me about the feel and sound etc. Elixers are easier on my old fingers Cheers!
They've built 4100+ CEO-7s (including left handers) so far.
I had a 2016 CEO-7. Bought it used from a dealer. Sweet sounding guitar and played well. But... after about a year it developed a bridge lift on the low E side, a belly bulge, and the ABS binding started to separate from the body at the waist on both front and back. I keep my guitars in a humidity-controlled studio here at home and they never go outside or travel anywhere, so humidity was not the issue with this guitar. I found out through various channels that binding separation at the waist is a known flaw with the CEO-7. Since the guitar was sold to me used, Martin would not cover any part of the repair. I had to pay $300 to a local luthier to fix the flaws. Because of this bad experience, I probably won't buy another Martin guitar ever again. Happy ending to my sad Martin guitar story: I traded a guy even-up my CEO-7 for his mint Taylor 712e 12-fret.
Hi Kevin - thanks for this info - as noted above, I walked out of MV with this guitar yesterday, so good to know what to be on the look-out for; will get that warranty on file with Martin. Also, nice playing - like your resonator stuff!
@@quintonking9960 Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the CEO-7, right up until the problems started. If you do see any issues with yours, be sure to get that remedied right away. And thanks for checking out my tunes!
Authentic
Gonna go to a shop this week, think I'm walking out with this or an 0-18. Not sure how the 0-18 compares with other small body guitars.
I had one, stunning guitar but the binding peeled away at the waist. Such a shame. Shop took it back saying it is extremely common with this model and they had seen at least one other with the same issue. Otherwise a truly remarkable guitar, probably my favourite Martin model.
Hello, are you talking about the white edge of the table? I have this default on mine.
My type of guitar! 😱😬
Quinton must have built an extension or moved to a bigger house :) .. I thought he would have gone for the gibson l-00 original if he got a bigger pad :) I'm still edging towards gib l-00 .. standard .. original or deluxe .. but i'll have to put a bit more thought into it after listen to this ...
I love mine and would recommend it to anyone, especially if you fingerpick.
So my question is this, is this particular CEO-7 top of its class? Or does it just fit Quinton's playing style perfectly? I ask because it really doesn't sound half as good in any of the other online reviews.
Nice! I want to see Quinton compare his new baby with and Eastman 00 Mahagony B/S. Thanks!
I want this guitar so bad… 😪
This and the 00-L17 are similar , but each are different sounding.
Not a big guitar guy but damn....i saw that from the start.
Hope Quinton sees this, am seriously considering a CEO 7 as well. Now that you’re around 2 years in owning one, what do you think now regarding that guitar? I’ve been wanting a 00 sloped shouldered sunburst guitar, I’ve tried Gibson LG and L00 and just did not like the tone. I’ve been playing Martins for 40+ years and was intrigued when I saw this model. Thank you
Stay well everyone. :-) Play your guitars !
Was this guitar model was used in the movie Yesterday? Oops came in late and wrote my comment before I read what everyone else said
Yes, Yes it was!
How’s the action of CEO-7? How is its playability compared with Taylor guitars?
Martin Guitars are generally have a touch higher action than Taylor guitars but the action can be adjusted.
Great action. Very easy to play.
Did Quinton buy that guitar??
Yes, he did!
What is the name of the guitars on the back?
New Martin X Series… video coming soon.
Acoustic Letter thank you
You watched that Beatles movie yesterday, and your kids were singing Beatles songs for 3 days after that?
How is that possible?
It's not rare since the guitar is still in production...😬
❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
I thot it was Elvis or the Beatles ⚓️
Let it be completed y let it heard in full…fool lol..omg why held the tune for mucho hablo (:…I might buy this instead of om28…really
Guitar is great...just needs to be "in tune"!!!!!
he did tune it in the last part of the video
i pp
Social distancing from your hat Quinton?
Just wanted to see how shiny my head actually looked on camera :)
..."The are for everyone. They just don't know it"? Not if you had to live through the first 5 years of that mop-headed, pointy li'l boots, excessively screaming fans group ;-)