Needless to say, very nice guitars and I don't have much to add there. Worth stating, though, what an asset Ben is for Andertons. Always seems to genuinely enjoy being there and is a good presenter, as well as an excellent player.
WoW!!! My head exploded. Soooo jealous. Just received a #Martin 000-18 Ambertone Custom Shop in 2023. Tips on specing a Martin Custom Shop Acoustic Guitar. #Martin has an online configurator. But you have to manually update the specs with your #Martin Dealer....so many mistakes. - The best neck finish it typically satin. But the body looks best in gloss. A Sinker Mahogany body is an option. - Bone Nut and Bridge Pins (White or Black) with a abalone dot. #Martin has optional Liquid Metal Bridge Pins. - Gold Waverly Open Back Tuners are the #HolyGrail. - Add the gold strap buttons installed or in the case. Skip this if using strap locks. - There is a battery box hole cut out of the bout near the end pin. Tell them not to do that and install a battery bag in the neck joint in the sound hole. It looks so bad. - Ambertone is the nicest Martin Finish. I think with a natural finish you can add a tint that looks great. - A back stripe is a must. Light colored maple or blue would look great. - Abalone Rosette at the sound hole please. - Get an Adirondack Spruce top. Torrified Spruce Tops are an option that simulates aging. - The CMF Headstock Logo in abalone goes best with a gloss finish. I think they use a rosewood veneer. A white binding is also best, but some models, like a 000-18, have no binding. If the headstock has a binding, I think you must add a neck/fingerboard binding. - The Martin CS says they can't source tortoise binding any more, so the only options are white/ivory or black. Black binding look great with an Ambertone finish. White/Ivory binding look great with a natural finish. - That Koa Binding looks insane!!! The Koa covers the body top and back, plus the headstock and neck/fingerboard. Add the Abalone to the Koa binding and you have an incredible looking unique Acoustic Guitar.
I'd be more than happy with the lowden, easily comparable, maybe better in some cases. Smaller operation, better general outcome. That company knows how to build a guitar.
@johnelcanrab2114 I have 2 Lowdens already, I'll never move them on, they are superb. A D28,though, is the sound of my teenage years and a dream I've always had. I play folk, but I do love a bit of Neil Young.
I should have said in my original comment unless you're casing a sound or a totally different size or model. Yea I get you man and glad you live the lowdens! Great taste, which ones do you have?
Great guitars and lovely playing but I couldn't help notice the acrylic nails on your picking hand. Would be interested to know more about your routine, maintenance, cost and more importantly, feel. You should do a video on the subject.
I know you’re looking for Ben’s feedback but in case he doesn’t see this. I’ve had natural nails for years that I keep shaped like like a jazz pick (short with a rounded tip just off center on each and the thumb short up top and long down towards the strings). I’ve found this to fit me perfectly and balances the thick sound of the finger pad with a hint of bright nail to it. Plus it gives me great clarity when strumming or fingerpicking. I shape them once a week when the point rounds over and have only had one or two broken nails which came when I let them get needlessly long. I have never tried acrylic because natural nails work for me and I keep them short enough that breakage isn’t an issue. I tried the classical shaped nails but I didn’t like the sound of the nail riding along the string so I got rid of all the trailing material until it sounded right. Hopefully you find this helpful in some way
They are beautiful...but, I went to buy a D18 & ended up with a Bourgeois, very impressed by Lowden too, and Atkin, however, no doubt these are great guitars too.
These are absolutely beautiful! I’m more of a 000/OM guy, but the Dreadnaught was the winner for me. What an unbelievably good sound!!! ❤ Talking ‘bout good sound…, what microphone(s?) did you use to record this? Please tell me. Maybe someone else can tell me? Thanks! 😊
I found out when I was 8 that there's no better sounding for the money than a martin. I hung out in the local music store all the time (poor kids way of jamming) the old man would never let me play a martin only cheaper ones then one day he says here try this and my face dropped, so he let me try every acoustic there and the first martin was balling, all the martins were but ones was just too nice to be true.
I really liked alvarez for acoustics. 12 string version was really warm sounding. For 6 atring I had an old cheap blue guitar branded hondo. That was the brightest clearest acoustic I ever had
I think it’s a ratio of the length of the string compared to which fret meets the body and where the bridge rests on the body shape. My understanding is that larger bodies tend to have longer scale lengths so the bridge is placed optimally to make the body resonate
Hmmmm.... Certainly "interesting" value for money at £8699. If anyone would like to take the Pepsi challenge, I would be more than happy for your to purchase a guitar from me and pop over to Andertons to see whether the £4000 you saved was worthwhile! . I am all for people spending their money on the very best but I see this as daylight robbery. Naturally if you are a loyal Martin fan, based on the history and heritage - who is anyone to tell you how to spend your money - but if you are watching this video in the belief that this is what you need to pay for a guitar of this style, quality and tone then youd be very misinformed - and no you dont even need to spend half as much for a genuine hand made instrument that supersedes the quality, tone, materials - of the ones shown. Are those bridge pins plastic? Its tragic that such instruments are still being sold to end users as benchmarks when everyone and their dog who touches one - including the chap in the video - knows - they are not. Ben is a perfect example of the kind of player who would make a £100 guitar from Argos sound just the same - so its not easy to look at these videos and not get drawn into the memories / quality of the playing - than the guitar.
If one wants to order the DREADNOUGHT model what is it called?? It's easy to say this D42 or this D35 is beautiful but I'm a bit confused here; what is this model called?? "Forgive my ignorance" :) Do you also deliver to Italy??
Needless to say, very nice guitars and I don't have much to add there. Worth stating, though, what an asset Ben is for Andertons. Always seems to genuinely enjoy being there and is a good presenter, as well as an excellent player.
Best guitarist at Andertons by a country mile.
I always love Ben's playing...he's the dude !
Ben is such a gifted and fantastic guitar player. I would have liked to see him jam with Ariel Posen.
They sound glorious. Can't argue the fact. The harmonics and resonance is crazy
Ben, I am very impressed by your Guitar Playing. The guitars , Well that goes without saying. ❤
Beautiful guitars, and beautiful playing by Ben as always.
You can tell how natural these have to feel to play. That much fun only comes when the set up is so good that you can't stop playing
Martin's always sound and look majestic.
WoW!!! My head exploded. Soooo jealous. Just received a #Martin 000-18 Ambertone Custom Shop in 2023.
Tips on specing a Martin Custom Shop Acoustic Guitar. #Martin has an online configurator. But you have to manually update the specs with your #Martin Dealer....so many mistakes.
- The best neck finish it typically satin. But the body looks best in gloss. A Sinker Mahogany body is an option.
- Bone Nut and Bridge Pins (White or Black) with a abalone dot. #Martin has optional Liquid Metal Bridge Pins.
- Gold Waverly Open Back Tuners are the #HolyGrail.
- Add the gold strap buttons installed or in the case. Skip this if using strap locks.
- There is a battery box hole cut out of the bout near the end pin. Tell them not to do that and install a battery bag in the neck joint in the sound hole. It looks so bad.
- Ambertone is the nicest Martin Finish. I think with a natural finish you can add a tint that looks great.
- A back stripe is a must. Light colored maple or blue would look great.
- Abalone Rosette at the sound hole please.
- Get an Adirondack Spruce top. Torrified Spruce Tops are an option that simulates aging.
- The CMF Headstock Logo in abalone goes best with a gloss finish. I think they use a rosewood veneer. A white binding is also best, but some models, like a 000-18, have no binding. If the headstock has a binding, I think you must add a neck/fingerboard binding.
- The Martin CS says they can't source tortoise binding any more, so the only options are white/ivory or black. Black binding look great with an Ambertone finish. White/Ivory binding look great with a natural finish.
- That Koa Binding looks insane!!! The Koa covers the body top and back, plus the headstock and neck/fingerboard. Add the Abalone to the Koa binding and you have an incredible looking unique Acoustic Guitar.
Gorgeous guitars, superbly played! 😎
Incredibly good, especially the dreadnought. Thanks for the wonderful demo of these gorgeous Martin guitars.
My personal preference is Taylor, but there's no denying Martin's quality! Ben, of course, is a fantastic ambassador for the acoustic guitar
So glad to see acoustic paradiso again!! Keep em coming!
Ben is a great player and brilliant presenter on the channel. I’d love to see him cover even more acoustics on the channel 🙌
😍 Wish there was a “heart ears” emoji. Sounds great and great playing as always from Ben
I watch Ben's video as a guitar lesson , inspirational, wonderful playing, thanks Ben.
What gorgeous guitars and channeling Davey Graham today.
Good job Ben!
Very iconic, American and classic Martin sound. I love my Lowden, but these are on my dream list
I'd be more than happy with the lowden, easily comparable, maybe better in some cases. Smaller operation, better general outcome. That company knows how to build a guitar.
@johnelcanrab2114 I have 2 Lowdens already, I'll never move them on, they are superb. A D28,though, is the sound of my teenage years and a dream I've always had. I play folk, but I do love a bit of Neil Young.
I should have said in my original comment unless you're casing a sound or a totally different size or model. Yea I get you man and glad you live the lowdens! Great taste, which ones do you have?
You need to be more on Andertons TV, even though you are showing what Andersons has in shop, but your playing amazes me.
Ah, Ben having a guitargasm... and why not, they're beautiful. I'll have the triple-0, thank you 😊
Great playing once again. The 000 is my favorite.
I've always loved the triple 0 ❤ and the d18 if I wanted a dreadnought. Function over fancy for me any day.
Wonderful demo.
You really are a stunning musician
Great guitars and lovely playing but I couldn't help notice the acrylic nails on your picking hand. Would be interested to know more about your routine, maintenance, cost and more importantly, feel. You should do a video on the subject.
I know you’re looking for Ben’s feedback but in case he doesn’t see this.
I’ve had natural nails for years that I keep shaped like like a jazz pick (short with a rounded tip just off center on each and the thumb short up top and long down towards the strings). I’ve found this to fit me perfectly and balances the thick sound of the finger pad with a hint of bright nail to it. Plus it gives me great clarity when strumming or fingerpicking. I shape them once a week when the point rounds over and have only had one or two broken nails which came when I let them get needlessly long.
I have never tried acrylic because natural nails work for me and I keep them short enough that breakage isn’t an issue. I tried the classical shaped nails but I didn’t like the sound of the nail riding along the string so I got rid of all the trailing material until it sounded right.
Hopefully you find this helpful in some way
Nice guitars, but wow Ben, sweet playing.
Beautiful playing 👏👏
Would love to own that DN but love my handcrafted LL series Yamaha more and may get a Martin or Gibson some day.
They are beautiful...but, I went to buy a D18 & ended up with a Bourgeois, very impressed by Lowden too, and Atkin, however, no doubt these are great guitars too.
These are absolutely beautiful! I’m more of a 000/OM guy, but the Dreadnaught was the winner for me. What an unbelievably good sound!!! ❤
Talking ‘bout good sound…, what microphone(s?) did you use to record this? Please tell me.
Maybe someone else can tell me? Thanks! 😊
Drop D picky type stuff ? ... Incredible .. Holy sh!t. Loved it. Now ... to sell the car ! Cheers Ben. Great stuff !
The sound of a well played Martin is in a league of its own.
considering buying one of these and luring you into becoming the resident musician of my local pub.
how long is your commute to germany?
How come on custom/high-end Martins, the outer white ring of the rosette is not covered by the pickguard? Is this a premium thing?
What is the microphone used in this demo?
The third one has a monster tone.
I want one.........!
Please do a favorite guitar in the store shootout
Nice playing
No one in thier straight mind don’t enjoy playing the Martin guitars the tone is unmatched to this day!
I found out when I was 8 that there's no better sounding for the money than a martin. I hung out in the local music store all the time (poor kids way of jamming) the old man would never let me play a martin only cheaper ones then one day he says here try this and my face dropped, so he let me try every acoustic there and the first martin was balling, all the martins were but ones was just too nice to be true.
Try Santa Cruz or Bourgeois man
I really liked alvarez for acoustics. 12 string version was really warm sounding. For 6 atring I had an old cheap blue guitar branded hondo. That was the brightest clearest acoustic I ever had
Why different scale lengths, what difference do they make? They all sound great as does your playing!
Short scale length has less tension in the strings can be better for bends
I think it’s a ratio of the length of the string compared to which fret meets the body and where the bridge rests on the body shape. My understanding is that larger bodies tend to have longer scale lengths so the bridge is placed optimally to make the body resonate
@@mrcards169 what is then the advantage of the longer scale length?
@@zerosiii more space between frets for 1
Andertons sound like The Killer without busting the bank video is long overdue.
Km184 for the win!
My god Ben can play
I HATE Soundhole Labels on Martins. Would Pay a premium for not having it FYI
Fantastic playing on a great sounding guitar. You, won't sound like that unless you stop looking at UA-cam and put in the hours practicing & playing.
Shades of Davey Graham’s Angie in the opening piece I hear
The great Ben Smith strikes again. 😎
Mmm
😍😍😍
Que pasa
Ahhh my heart! So beautiful but "alas" unaffordable for this o'le poor boy 😂👍
OH GOD Martin PLEASE STOP with the soundhold labels, you RUIN the guitar with it
So cheap!
Compared to that Grateful Dead Strat :D
Prs. Series are better
The classical shape is a fraud. What do I mean? Well, it is extremely uncomfortable, not to forget difficult - to try to reach the lower frets.
Hmmmm.... Certainly "interesting" value for money at £8699. If anyone would like to take the Pepsi challenge, I would be more than happy for your to purchase a guitar from me and pop over to Andertons to see whether the £4000 you saved was worthwhile! . I am all for people spending their money on the very best but I see this as daylight robbery. Naturally if you are a loyal Martin fan, based on the history and heritage - who is anyone to tell you how to spend your money - but if you are watching this video in the belief that this is what you need to pay for a guitar of this style, quality and tone then youd be very misinformed - and no you dont even need to spend half as much for a genuine hand made instrument that supersedes the quality, tone, materials - of the ones shown. Are those bridge pins plastic? Its tragic that such instruments are still being sold to end users as benchmarks when everyone and their dog who touches one - including the chap in the video - knows - they are not. Ben is a perfect example of the kind of player who would make a £100 guitar from Argos sound just the same - so its not easy to look at these videos and not get drawn into the memories / quality of the playing - than the guitar.
If one wants to order the DREADNOUGHT model what is it called?? It's easy to say this D42 or this D35 is beautiful but I'm a bit confused here; what is this model called?? "Forgive my ignorance" :) Do you also deliver to Italy??