Just picked up a Crafter 620n this afternoon. I went into a local store here in Germany looking to play the few Taylor’s they had on hand. I randomly picked up the Crafter and was absolutely blown away at the tone and aesthetics for a $425 acoustic. Bought it on the spot. Odd that I’ve never heard much of the brand until now. It’s an excellent little guitar.
For the price Crafter can't be beat! They build these very consistently good. My TCM-035 still is my main player, will have to get it regretted someday, it sounds so good.
thanks for the great post here! Came across some videos with Crafter Guitars and I'm impressed with the quality and the sound! I'm on the market for a Taylor 414 CE or a Crafter?
I have a 7 yr old crafter ta-050 and 20ish yr old GA-45(that I bought from a shop in Japan) and they’re very nice guitars. I feel like more people should know about them here in the US.
When you strum a chord on the Martin it sounds like one note but when you strum a chord on the Crafter it sounds like six individual notes to my ears..
Thanks for your observation, I hadn’t noticed this till I read your comment, I believe the overtones on Martin become more dominate when being strummed other than finger picked. The Crafter has less overtones so the individual strings are more noticeable.
Martin has WAY more bass. But I love Crafters, I've got about 6, and for the money they are great. And every Crafter I've played has low action and very playable.
Thanks for your comment, yes definitely a deeper sound with the Martin, the Crafter never disappoints me, it's been my player guitar for over 14 years.
Wow, Both guitars sound awesome. When you played with the thumb pick I was leaning toward the Crafter. But when you played with the flat pick the Martin sounded much better. That three-piece back gives the guitar a much louder bass sound. I bought a new Martin D35 in 1975. Sadly someone robbed my house in stole it in the 80s. In 2002 I bought a new 2001 Martin D35. It's awesome sounding and playing guitar. I still have it and I'd never sell it. My brother also owned two Martin D35s and one Martin D45. Sadly he passed away and his daughter sold them. But I did read that the three-piece back gives them a much stronger bass sound. I only live about three hours from the Martin factory. They have an awesome music room & Museum. If you ever get the chance go visit them. In the music room, they have every Martin guitar they ever built on the walls. You can take them down & play them. You can sit for hours playing them. I have been there several times. But call ahead before you go. They have changed things some since the Colvid. Btw, You can take a factory tour also. Watch how they build the guitars. You have two nice guitars there. Stay well & safe my friend.
Thanks TT, yes I like both guitars, I have a pastor begging me to sell the OM 35 to him. For a small body guitar that bass response is amazing. She is mighty fun to play also.
I'm really sorry to read that your house got burgled. I found 2 teenage girls trying to smash my kitchen window so I was lucky enough to stop them from stealing anything. The police did nothing really. I would have been devastated if they'd taken any of my guitars. This is the UK today! Hope you keep your house safe, especially your D35. I've got a more humble D15, but it's a beautiful guitar in my eyes. Cheers
@@jezza73 I'm happy that you caught the girls. It is like that here also. The D15 is a nice guitar. I don't play much anymore. I have carper tunnel in my hands it hurts like hell at times. Thank you for responding to my post. Stay well and safe.
Hi There...Glad to see you back again...I came on a little trip with you your wife last year as you sat by a Forrest fire and played your guitar 🤣😊😅 Glad to know you are keeping well...I couldn't decide between the guitars, THEY are both nice to listen to, If I say I prefer the Martin, it is because I am Biased ( because I own and LOVE MY MARTIN 000x1AE It is entry level, but I bought it years ago, it's my go to guitar...I also own a MATON EBG808 TE...I bought it after going to see Tommy Emanuel at St Albans UK...Sadly I can't really play either of them, due to arthritis in my thumbs, so can't stretch to play more difficult chords, so if you can think of any finger picking songs in just the top 4 frets I would love to see a tutorial maybe...Anyway glad you have resurfaced, I always enjoy your videos, although I don't always comment, Just thought I would give you a thumbs up 👍ouch 😂🤣😅
Brilliant review, thank you. I've just bought a 2010 TM035 with the engleman spruce top, should be here in a couple of days... can't wait. I already have a 2011 TR060 12 Fret southern jumbo, brilliant guitar. I do think Crafter guitars are very underated. Take care and thanks again for the review 👍
My TMO35 never disappoints! Just shimmed the saddle with .010” brass shim, nice clarity and very playable. She’s a keeper, I value it as much as some of my higher end guitars.
First of all nice Mombasa version!, rusty or not, is never easy to play a Tommy song. Im just starting up to finger picking/travis picking (44 years old), having discovered Tommy a month ago, I think I heard almost 25 to 30 of its songs already several times. Im in love with "Its Never Too Late". Because of where I live (Argentina) and how hard it is to travel outside I think I will never be able to see Tommy live, really sad. Anyways. Back to the video, the Martin sounds really nice, but the Crafter does sounds very good to. I believe when you play an instrument that you love you can make it sound better than it should, sorry its really hard for me to express this the right way (english is not my natural language. I have Fender classical guitar (CG-11e), which far as I know is all laminated, and its has been with me for +25 years, its a heavy intrument of course, but it sounds better and better with every year. You can feel the body vibrate in your arms and belly with the lows, mids and highs.
Thanks for stopping by to listen and comment. While in Iowa I noticed Crafter guitars first at YE OLDE GUITAR SHOP in URBANDALE, IA. I proceeded to buy a TM035 on EBay which Tommy Emmanuel signed when I met him back stage in DesMoines. Since then I purchased many more and furnished many of my guitar students with great guitars like the TCO35, TO35, etc. Now those guitars are out of production, used they are bringing as much as $700, I purchased them for around $300 back around 2010.
@@MrGibbyguy Thanks for your quick reply. I’ll keep looking. They are not easy to find. Congrats and thanks for your comparison. I seek value because that is what I can afford. I really appreciate a Martin, the Martin sound and made in USA. But the prices make it unrealistic for me.
I can definitely tell the difference in low end between the two the Martin has a more robust bass and an earthy tone to my ear. The overtones are also more noticeable on the Martin. That being said the crafter sounds great too!
Crafter TM-035/N = cool little guitar, still can buy these in thailand, the trouble is they all come with massive 9v pre-amps installed, degrades the beauty, i see yours doesn't have a pre-amp! lucky
@@MrGibbyguy cool, i prefer to put a sound hole pickup which i have done in many guitars, so these rare other than thailand, i may have buy one while these are still available
Dude, your thumb picking just ain't happening. Sorry. You're dragging it. Everything else 100% BTW, the TM sounds more like a 00- something or an other. Has allot of character.
Just picked up a Crafter 620n this afternoon. I went into a local store here in Germany looking to play the few Taylor’s they had on hand. I randomly picked up the Crafter and was absolutely blown away at the tone and aesthetics for a $425 acoustic. Bought it on the spot. Odd that I’ve never heard much of the brand until now. It’s an excellent little guitar.
For the price Crafter can't be beat! They build these very consistently good. My TCM-035 still is my main player, will have to get it regretted someday, it sounds so good.
Own quite a few Crafters , Im impressed in there Quality and price dont think you'll get a better Guitar bang for Buck. In my opinion !
I certainly cannot disagree. Honestly, I have not found a bad crafter guitar.
thanks for the great post here! Came across some videos with Crafter Guitars and I'm impressed with the quality and the sound! I'm on the market for
a Taylor 414 CE or a Crafter?
The Anniversary series of Crafters are hard to beat for quality, solid woods, good straight necks, w LR Baggs.
eu particularmente gosto muito dos vilões Crafter tem um som incrível e um custo benefício ótimo!
Yes, I agree, thanks
I have a 7 yr old crafter ta-050 and 20ish yr old GA-45(that I bought from a shop in Japan) and they’re very nice guitars. I feel like more people should know about them here in the US.
Amen! Crafters are way under the radar of great guitars for the money!!!!
Nice comparison. I really like how you slid from the B-flat to the a chord when picking that blues number.
I love that song, thanks for watching and commenting!
When you strum a chord on the Martin it sounds like one note but when you strum a chord on the Crafter it sounds like six individual notes to my ears..
Thanks for your observation, I hadn’t noticed this till I read your comment, I believe the overtones on Martin become more dominate when being strummed other than finger picked. The Crafter has less overtones so the individual strings are more noticeable.
Martin has WAY more bass. But I love Crafters, I've got about 6, and for the money they are great. And every Crafter I've played has low action and very playable.
Thanks for your comment, yes definitely a deeper sound with the Martin, the Crafter never disappoints me, it's been my player guitar for over 14 years.
Both sound great. Like that Crafters mid/treble brightness-Probably due to the laminate B&S. The Martin is little warmer
Totally agree, thanks for your comment, God Bless
Wow, Both guitars sound awesome. When you played with the thumb pick I was leaning toward the Crafter. But when you played with the flat pick the Martin sounded much better. That three-piece back gives the guitar a much louder bass sound. I bought a new Martin D35 in 1975. Sadly someone robbed my house in stole it in the 80s. In 2002 I bought a new 2001 Martin D35. It's awesome sounding and playing guitar. I still have it and I'd never sell it. My brother also owned two Martin D35s and one Martin D45. Sadly he passed away and his daughter sold them. But I did read that the three-piece back gives them a much stronger bass sound. I only live about three hours from the Martin factory. They have an awesome music room & Museum. If you ever get the chance go visit them. In the music room, they have every Martin guitar they ever built on the walls. You can take them down & play them. You can sit for hours playing them. I have been there several times. But call ahead before you go. They have changed things some since the Colvid. Btw, You can take a factory tour also. Watch how they build the guitars. You have two nice guitars there. Stay well & safe my friend.
Thanks TT, yes I like both guitars, I have a pastor begging me to sell the OM 35 to him. For a small body guitar that bass response is amazing. She is mighty fun to play also.
I'm really sorry to read that your house got burgled. I found 2 teenage girls trying to smash my kitchen window so I was lucky enough to stop them from stealing anything. The police did nothing really. I would have been devastated if they'd taken any of my guitars. This is the UK today! Hope you keep your house safe, especially your D35. I've got a more humble D15, but it's a beautiful guitar in my eyes. Cheers
@@jezza73 I'm happy that you caught the girls. It is like that here also. The D15 is a nice guitar. I don't play much anymore. I have carper tunnel in my hands it hurts like hell at times. Thank you for responding to my post. Stay well and safe.
Hi There...Glad to see you back again...I came on a little trip with you your wife last year as you sat by a Forrest fire and played your guitar 🤣😊😅 Glad to know you are keeping well...I couldn't decide between the guitars, THEY are both nice to listen to, If I say I prefer the Martin, it is because I am Biased ( because I own and LOVE MY MARTIN 000x1AE
It is entry level, but I bought it years ago, it's my go to guitar...I also own a MATON EBG808 TE...I bought it after going to see Tommy Emanuel at St Albans UK...Sadly I can't really play either of them, due to arthritis in my thumbs, so can't stretch to play more difficult chords, so if you can think of any finger picking songs in just the top 4 frets I would love to see a tutorial maybe...Anyway glad you have resurfaced, I always enjoy your videos, although I don't always comment, Just thought I would give you a thumbs up 👍ouch 😂🤣😅
Thanks so much for coming back and commenting. I’ll see what I can do In a finger style using first 4 frets! Thanks!
Suena muy bien, yo tengo una crafter mod. 1972, muy bien conservada
Gracias! Amigo
Brilliant review, thank you.
I've just bought a 2010 TM035 with the engleman spruce top, should be here in a couple of days... can't wait.
I already have a 2011 TR060 12 Fret southern jumbo, brilliant guitar.
I do think Crafter guitars are very underated.
Take care and thanks again for the review 👍
Thanks so much for watching and sharing your thoughts. 👍
The Crafter offers great sound for little money. I own one and fitted a BBand pickup system, it sounds great.
My TMO35 never disappoints! Just shimmed the saddle with .010” brass shim, nice clarity and very playable. She’s a keeper, I value it as much as some of my higher end guitars.
First of all nice Mombasa version!, rusty or not, is never easy to play a Tommy song.
Im just starting up to finger picking/travis picking (44 years old), having discovered Tommy a month ago, I think I heard almost 25 to 30 of its songs already several times. Im in love with "Its Never Too Late". Because of where I live (Argentina) and how hard it is to travel outside I think I will never be able to see Tommy live, really sad. Anyways.
Back to the video, the Martin sounds really nice, but the Crafter does sounds very good to.
I believe when you play an instrument that you love you can make it sound better than it should, sorry its really hard for me to express this the right way (english is not my natural language.
I have Fender classical guitar (CG-11e), which far as I know is all laminated, and its has been with me for +25 years, its a heavy intrument of course, but it sounds better and better with every year. You can feel the body vibrate in your arms and belly with the lows, mids and highs.
Thanks so much for stopping by to have a listen and your generous comment. Mombasa is always fun to play. God Bless you RM!
Sounded good to me. Thanks for the video.
You’re welcome, thanks for stopping by to have a listen.
There is a video on you tube a tour of the factory where crafter are made…..seems manufacturing quality is very high
I think I saw that video a few years ago, was good.
No other guitar can match a Martin for powerful lows, but in all other respects, the Crafter acquits itself quite nicely.
@@johnbgood52 I enjoy both of these guitars, I do play the Crafter more, don’t want to wear down Martins frets
@@MrGibbyguy I have a '91 D35 that I had every intention of "babying" when I first got it, but it sounds too good to not play. ;-)
Jesus loves you too. Thanks for this.
Amen
The Crafter is better Value, I have a TA050/AM Crafter Parlour its awesome👏
Yes I think I paid around 350 for my TM035 12 + yr ago
God bless you, too!
Because I am a Hawkeye fan myself and midwesterner, where in the world did you buy the Crafter?
Thanks for stopping by to listen and comment. While in Iowa I noticed Crafter guitars first at YE OLDE GUITAR SHOP in URBANDALE, IA. I proceeded to buy a TM035 on EBay which Tommy Emmanuel signed when I met him back stage in DesMoines. Since then I purchased many more and furnished many of my guitar students with great guitars like the TCO35, TO35, etc. Now those guitars are out of production, used they are bringing as much as $700, I purchased them for around $300 back around 2010.
@@MrGibbyguy Thanks for your quick reply. I’ll keep looking. They are not easy to find. Congrats and thanks for your comparison. I seek value because that is what I can afford. I really appreciate a Martin, the Martin sound and made in USA. But the prices make it unrealistic for me.
I can definitely tell the difference in low end between the two the Martin has a more robust bass and an earthy tone to my ear. The overtones are also more noticeable on the Martin. That being said the crafter sounds great too!
I believe you got it. Love both guitars. The Crafter gets played more.
Crafter TM-035/N = cool little guitar, still can buy these in thailand, the trouble is they all come with massive 9v pre-amps installed, degrades the beauty, i see yours doesn't have a pre-amp! lucky
Interesting note on the installed preamp, this one has a JJB 3 disc transducers glued directly to the bridge plate which I installed 10+ yr ago.
@@MrGibbyguy cool, i prefer to put a sound hole pickup which i have done in many guitars, so these rare other than thailand, i may have buy one while these are still available
The Crafter sounds nicer to my ears. 💓🎸.
It’s hard to beat that Crafter. Thanks.
Crafter😅
Dude, your thumb picking just ain't happening. Sorry. You're dragging it. Everything else 100% BTW, the TM sounds more like a 00- something or an other. Has allot of character.
Thanks, this I know. The ol’ thumb.
I thought your playing was great.