THE RIGHT MARTIN GUITAR FOR YOU! - WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
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- Опубліковано 16 чер 2019
- Martin Guitars offers a wide array of acoustic guitars to fit any playing style and budget but sometimes have selection makes it difficult when making a decision. Which guitar should I get? Which series is the best one? Can I afford the one I want. And the biggest question of all.... will I regret my purchase. Our goal is to give you some guidance from a high level overview of Martin guitars tiers and how to go about choose the right one for you. No one wants buyers remorse so after the video follow the link for expert advice on picking the guitar of you dreams!
Play A Note, Change Your Life!
*Martin X Series 1:30
*Martin Road Series 3:48
*Martin 15 Series, Made in the USA 5:48
*Playing Demo 8:35
*Recap 15:45
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Another outstanding video, Chris. Very informative. I will be checking out the merchandise.
Awesome rundown and I think you nailed it. I have to tell you, your YT channel was key in helping me drill down to the the right guitar purchase recently. Ultimately ended up with a pre-owned Martin (DSS-17), but overall helped me tremendously in understanding the similarities & differences in the different manufacturers & models.
We are very fortunate to have (all brands) make wonderful guitars at all price points. All sound great !
Just bought my first Martin, a 000-15m, because of your videos. Best acoustic guitar videos around!
I got the 000-15M in November 2020 after long wait because of covid-19. I friggin love it. I chose to pass on the streetmaster model of it because i wanted the regular model. I am so glad i did. Thank-you for sharing and please stay safe and be well. 62 from Newfoundland Canada here.
The one I can afford is the right one. Jokes aside, I just bought the D-X2E. I wasn’t even looking to buy another acoustic (my other being a Yamaha) but I picked it up at my local music store, played it and couldn’t leave without it. It was $599 and included a very nice gig bag. I know it isn’t considered high end but it’s high end for me. It certainly sounds and feels like it too.
Trucker_Pete
I have a similar story to my D-X What I truly enjoy is I can take my Martin to the beach, camping or wherever I think I'm gonna have the urge to play AND I don't need to baby or be anal about using it for mine and others listening enjoyment.
That's the greatness to me of the D-X. The solid wood guitars can stay at home now and will definitely last and look great on through their playing days. ✌️
I want the one he's holding... Been eyeing it for a while... I go to guitar center like Wayne's World to remind me to keep saving
Great video sir! The way you compared each guitar let their natural voice come through. I own a OOORS1 and I love it. I’ve played electric for nearly 40 yrs and in recent times started playing acoustic. I couldn’t see spending $1200 or more so I went “middle of the road”. I’m gonna upgrade to the Grover open gear tuners soon. I like the vintage vibe of them better. As far as tone and playability are concerned the OOORS1 is killer.
I bought a spruce top DX1 March 2010 and it's wonderful. One of the key words you mentioned is comfort. I've played a number of other brands, but for me, the Martin is it. The necks, especially for those of us with smaller hands, are just right.
Listening to that 000-15, I kept forgetting I can barely afford a Road Series.
Haha l same
Greetings from Vancouver British Columbia Canada I watch your show all the time absolutely love it as a question to my Martin because of affordability but still a great quality little guitar made in Mexico the dreadnaught Junior I absolutely love it
always excellent reviews. thanks!
A good friend of mine bought a used X series Dread and he is now playing it more than his better Martin Cherry Dread which was absolutely AMAZING !
Thank you guys for videos this one very informative and enjoyable . TXS hello from Ireland.
Excellent video!
Thank you for this presentation Chris. My first Martin was a DCX1E and I must say it was a great instrument. I had a lot of good memories with it and there came a time that I had to change it because there is just a difference with an all-solid wood guitar hence me getting the DRS1. The Road Series is such an great line for Martin as it gave us players an affordable option to get an all-solid Martin.
Thanks for sharing and for watching!
Had the 000RS1 and now the 15M. 15M is much more resonant and dry-wood sounding. the 000RS1 was very sweet sounding and had beautiful harmonics. both are great
I bought a cut-away GPC 11E. Lowered the saddle a hair and adjusted the neck rod and it plays amazingly. I love Martin guitars.
I got the ooo-15m. I love it! Sweet babe...great for the blues, strumming, or finger picking 👍👍👍🎵!
I purchased a 00015sm because of one of your videos and it is my take everywhere guitar, to lessons, friends houses, front porch, it sounds great, easy action.
So glad that we could help you find a guitar you liked!
Some tasty playing there. A guitar lesson included as well as the reviews.
The 15m out classes the Road and X series easily. I have four Martins, an X and a 15m among them and Martin prices them appropriately. They know what they are creating. I love my DXM. It's bulletproof and sounds great, but my 00-15m is by far superior. I've had the X for years. It's what I could afford. When I could afford to go up in class I bought my 15m. The X is not a Road Series, the Road Series is not a 15m, and the 15m is not an 18 or 28 or 45 etc, etc. Enjoy what you have!
I came into the down town San Antonio store a week ago looking to buy a Road series Martin and ended up leaving with a D16E for $1700 and i absolutely love it! More than I had intended to spend but a beautiful sounding and playing guitar! Thank y’all!
Had a 000-15M but had to sell it. Probably the best sounding guitar I've ever owned and really easy to play
Great video and very informative :)
Glad you liked it!
I took years to finally settle on a D-28 Marquis. Totally love it.
Your so right Chris, the road series is very good.
Just the video I needed
Thank you Chris for the most helpful and insightful video on the RS1 and 15m. I currently own a RS1 and I really love it. Thinking / dreaming of a 15m though ;-)
Sadly Martin guitars are more expensive in The Netherlands. Currently $1 = € 0.9. So you would expect a $1200 Martin to be around €1080, but in fact in The Netherlands expect to pay a whopping €1800 ($1990) ... Still .... one day maybe ;-)
I appreciate all these side-by-side playing videos, it really helps to narrow down what I am looking for!
Getting the 15! Thanks
I've had my Road Series for a few months now and I'm super satisfied with it. I love playing this guitar.
Hello from Penticton, British Columbia, Canada 🇨🇦. Always great videos and info, advice. Appreciate your honesty. I love the Martins, Taylors etc but am I right in saying that I can get a great guitar in Yamaha for a better price? I'm in the market and know what I want, cut away with a decent pickup and a cool color. Something that has a deeper sound that I'm going to own for a long time. Any suggestions? Thanks 👍🇨🇦🇺🇸
Great video Chris! I’d like to point out that the 000-RS1 I believe has been “replaced” with the 000-10E which is practically the same guitar except the model number is more in line with the rest of Martin guitars and the pickup is what they’re calling a Fishman MX-T. I’m not sure if that’s supposed to be better or worse
It is the same pickup with a new tuner is my understanding. - Chris
I just bought a Martin D-10e all sapele and pick up and tuner. Under 800 on sale at Sam ash debacle. Perfect sounds between bass and treble lightweight durable love it.
I had to listen to an old video to get my Chris fix. Cooper is great too, but...
Thanks. Buy the best you can afford and keep the great ones!
it serves a very particular purpose particularly if your planning to purchase...
Just had to type that one out
I've always wanted me one ,i've been playing since july 04 ,went through few guitar brand names now i have a takamine GD20CE NS G20 Series Dreadnought Cutaway i've been playin it for probably 5 to 6 years now probably my best guitars i've ever had unplugged it kinda has that martin sound ,its good plugged to with my marshall 50 watt amp,but i would love to know how you do those bluegrass licks ,
I can't thank you enough for this video. You totally demystified their VERY confusing lines and naming conventions.
I would like to watch something like this comparing all the American martin series. what's the difference between the 15, 16, 17 and 18 series? thanks for the videos
I have played for years but actually very little. I have an import Carvin Cobalt jumbo made in Korea. It is big but fairly easy to play. I just don’t know enough to make an educated decision on an upgrade now that I am back in the game. Need more education, so I am watching as many of your videos as I can find.
Well we hope it helps!
I enjoy your videos, thank you!
What I got out of this was the more I spend, the better it is, and the better it sounds.
I pretty much figured that much out before I watched it.
Again, thanks for the video..keep it up!! 😀
Up to a point, beyond which your returns drastically diminish. E.g., going from $3000 to $5000 is really just flex.
I picked up the 000RS1 and love it. There was a difference between the 15m and the RS1. I don't think it's construction but a slightly better tone wood.
I think there is a construction difference to them. The neck joint for one is different but the 000-15M is a lot lighter. - Chris
@@AlamoMusic thank you! I could tell there was a difference but I don't have the experience to know what. For the past three months, not knowing the difference, has been bothering me.
At my local music store here in Anchorage Alaska, I was able to play a D-18, D-28, HD-28, D-35, and a D-45. I was able to buy any of them I wanted (thankfully). I wanted deep bass that sounded like a freight train. I ended up with the D-18.
OM-42. If you have the bucks I guess that one might hit home most closely to can-do-all excellently :D
Finally going to take the plunge and buy me the acoustic of my dreams, after extensive research I’ve decided on the Martin GPC 28E in Sunburst.
The final deciding factor was the neck shape offered on that model along with the Ebony bridge and fretboard. I will hit you guys up in a few weeks when I’m ready for pricing and availability etc.....
Your videos are informative, just kinda wish you guys can come right out and say something kinda sucks when it does but I understand you can’t do that either haha!
Did you get it yet?
@@jasonm444 yes.
I have expensive electric guitars but it gets annoying trying to care for them and being cautious all the time. So i decided to get an acoustic but a quality one that was under 700. I got the Martin x series and I love it because it sounds great and I don’t really worry about mishandling it in truth. I
I just purchased the Road Series D10E Sapele and it's worth every penny. Wonderful sounding guitar and priced right. Homerun Martin!
I bought the same guitar recently. I’m totally obsessed with it - best decision ever. Beautiful instrument Martin quality and sound
Me too love it!
I just bought it under $800 at the Sam ash nightmare
That 15 sounds gorgeous! The road series sounds great too and its below 1000 dollars. If I could give anyone advice, if you want a martin, hold out to get a road series, better value and sound for a little more dough.
So if you can finance any of them, but have imperfect temp changes like Pennsylvania (north east weather) and you play for yourself and want something that can handle alittle neglect, what would you get? I feel like I love the idea of all solid wood, but the hpl stuff might hold up better? 🤔🤷🏻♂️
I’m waiting on my Furch yellow Masters series
I am reading that there is a string break angle advantage when using a slotted headstock. I ask if this is true? Is it more expensive to make a guitar with a slotted headstock?
Had my eyes on that 000-15M for a while now.. it may be about time to pick one up!
just got one like a week ago, highly recommend.
Thank you ! I love this video!
You made it easy for me to make a selection 🌟 000 15 m
What is that first chord run called you guys always play?
What is the best martain for 1,500 pounds sterling for using a pick some advice please Colin uk
The Road Series GPRS1 was the best sounding, looking, and feeling Martin I have ever played. So warm and balanced. It was on sale for $659.00 and I was broke!
My only concern is I’m very small. I’ve been using a mini Taylor for a while and I love it but getting more serious I really want the Martin sound but I guess I have to go with a full size to get that and it’s soooo hard for me to play.
I have a DX1RAE and it is a great dread.
I went to a shop to try both the 000-10e and 000-15. While the 15 was light and nice to play. The 000-10e was heavier but sounded very nice too, very nice rich tone from the sapele, exactly what i was after, it also had a pickup, a built in tuner (the 15 did not)... it was €1000... the 15 was €2000. I left with the 10e... absolutely no regrets.
I went into a guitar shop thinking I was trying to decide between $500 guitars and the sales guy handed me a OOO-15M and aaaah it's so nice. If I didn't know I would have been happy.
Is the 000-15m available with electric’s? And is the 000-15 the same size as my 0m-28 reimagined? Thankyou
What's the first (faster) song you are playing?
Is the D 1 Custom the new D15?
I have another question which is better the Martin 000-15 or the Furch blue mahogany?
Awesome video! To my ear the RS1 wins. The X series doesn’t project as well, the RS1 for me is a no brainer. It’s well balanced, beautiful tones high and low and the projection is perfect. The 15M is slightly more balanced and makes a bit more projection on the high end. Basically he’s right if you can afford the American made version great, but for the money the Mexican made RS1 is a gem in disguise! Granted in 100 years the 15M will only go up in value because it’s All American made!
Appreciate the comment!
The right Martin for me will be one with solid mohogany top for £300
What does it take to get a natural top without any of the toners?
i have the 00018...it is getting better tone with age!
Do a taylor series!
Will I get respect if I buy the Martin GPC 16 e acoustic guitar???🤔🤔🤔🤔
17:47 when he says 799$! you can hear the sustain of that guitar! :)
they all sound like Martins..really good..I heard very little difference...
I have a epiphone sj and its a plywood box lol not so great , hes right
The X series all have a 'spruce top, mahogany sides' classic sound, so they sound more balanced & less bass heavy, even when they look just like an all mahogany 15. A laminate guitar does the job for any amateur guitarist and they are superior to solid wood guitars from a durability stand point. If you want to take a guitar camping, play around the fire, not baby it all the time, the Martin X series is the guitar for you.
The 15, of course, sounds the best. You do get what you pay for. I may be able to get one soon if I pay it off. It will be my first solid acoustic, but I will be trying to source a solid case for it. It disappoints me that you only get a gig bag with them now, no matter how plush it might be. Solid body guitars need protection!
The 15 & the road series are much, much closer together in the way they sound than I would have ever expected. That to me makes the Road series the most sensible choice by a long way. By far and away the best value for money. If you can get over the Sapele having that streaky look, and the few other minor details like white plastic bridge pins instead of ebony ones, than you can get a solid Martin guitar that sounds damn near as good as a 15 for way less money. I may even get one of these instead of a 15. Great guitar.
Great video!
I've had the 15m street master dreadnought for a year now and it's absolutely amazing. I put a LR Baggs Anthem system in it and it's perfect. I gig 3-5 times a week and it's my work horse. My Taylor backs it up when I break a string and believe me I can't change that string fast enough..... go the 15m!!
Yep, just a smidge less bottom end and volume than the dread. I've played both and they're both excellent U.S made guitars.
I bought the GPC 15 ME Streetmaster , and a D Special Ovagkohl , both for less than an HD28 , both handmade in Nazareth, all solid wood , and the D special can hang with the HD28 and the D 28 all day long , it’s even a little brighter and a little deeper in some tones as well !
Chris - is the 000RS1 the same guitar as the GPRS1? The only difference that I see in the specs is that the GPRS1 has a wider nut - 1.75” vs 000RS1 1.69”. Otherwise it’s the same darn guitar. I prefer the GPRS1 1.75” Width since I’m getting older and with health issues that effect my joints, I actually find playing a wider neck to be easier on my fingers.
The GPRS1 is a larger body size. More like a Grand Auditorium. It was recently updated as the 000-10e which has a bag instead of a case. We have some of the last 000RS1 models left in stock. -Chris
How does the size of the GPRS1 Grand Auditorium compare to a DRS2 Dreadnought? About the same size? Or is one smaller? Thanks for the review!
I'm more a Taylor dude, but I gotta hand it to Martin for usually consistently offering better looking pleasing to the eye guitars. Taylor can learn a lot from Martin.
I'm also a Taylor guy and I prefer the way the Taylor's look, although I'm considering a D28 Modern deluxe in the near future to join my Taylor 914
Well aesthetics are very personal, some peopl will prefer Taylor’s modern look instead of our preference for more traditional instruments
My Yamaha FG700S will be a great friend until I'm ready for the D28 :)
I know what you mean. I have the Yamaha FG730s and it’s a fine guitar. Especially after upgrading the nut, saddle and bridge pins to bone. But I made the mistake of walking into my local music store yesterday, picked up the Martin D-X2E and couldn’t put it down. It’s only twice what I paid for my Yamaha but it sounds and feels like so much more. I fell in love and brought it home. Looks like you’re holding out for a much higher tier than I did. I’m sure it’ll be worth it though.
Yamaha FGx5
000-42 modern deluxe or 000-45?
I recently purchased a Martin OMC 15ME street master for 1k. Made out of Nazareth PA. Whats the true difference between the American Martins and the ones made out of Mexico. Martin states there is no difference of course as quality is the same but able to save the consumer money. However, if it saves the consumer money and the quality is the same why are they not make the 15 series and so forth in Mexico also. The quality in the USA has to be better then Mexico but then again I am not a professional. What is the true difference can anyone with the knowledge let me know. Thanx.
You should check out acousticguitarforum . Com. I have a Martin GPCRSGT that’s also made in USA. There’s a lot of ppl on the forum saying they have road series that are made in Nazareth and some are made in Mexico. From the research I’ve done on mine no one really noticed any building differences or mistakes
I'm not a big fan of hardwood tops, so am not interested in any of these guitars BUT listening to the first, HPL guitar and hearing its price, you should really test it against a BREEDLOVE Pursuit Concert guitar, which is less expensive - the plain solid cedar/layered mahogany goes for about $500, with pickup and cutaway. It is simply an amazing sound for the price - solid neck and no kitchen-top fretboard/bridge either. The Pursuit is a terrific guitar AND solid enough to take to the beach or gig with!
I think the GPC sounded best when strumming chords and the 00015 had better sound picking
Interesting take! Appreciate the comment (:
I agree too, when it comes to that little bluegrass tune he just did.
If only Martin catered for the working man who happens to be a fingerstylist. To get a Martin with a 1.75" nut width and a rosewood fingerboard you have to go to the expensive guitars. Shame. A Martin with laminate back and sides, solid top, x scalloped bracing and a rosewood fingerboard with a 1.75" nut for less than a £1000 would be great. But no. They don't think about that. Richlite fingerboard with 1 11/16 is all that's on offer. Taylor are just as bad. As with everything else in this world - you need money! Love your channel though. Great vid.
These have the narrower nuts? Bummer!
Do you carry the 17 series?
We do! Just received some of the new models that were shown at NAMM. DSS17 and 00017e. - Chris
You get what you pay for with Martins. Once you reach the D18 and D28 variants you have pretty much reached the top in regard to sound. Anything more expensive than those is mostly about eye candy.
My first Martin was a DXME I bought new for 700 bucks. I had no idea it wasn’t made out of real wood and was made in Mexico. But I kept it several years anyway. It played and sounded good. But once I bought a D28 it was VERY clear why it was so much more expensive. Quality cost money
The Martin 16 special is best value out there right now. It’s basically a HD28 without the herringbone trim and gloss finish. The 16 special is more plain looking and has a satin finish. Same spruce top, same rosewood back and sides, and same bracing as HD28. Made in USA. 1899 new at guitar center. Sold exclusively by them and one other place. I call it the poor boys HD28 👍🏻. The satin finish, no fancy trim, and no hard case makes it cheaper than the HD28. But in regard to sound and quality…it IS a HD28. I don’t know how long they will sell them though. They are a guitar center exclusive.
I can’t believe how much better the Road sounds over the X despite being virtually the same price
First two sound identical but the third one blew them out of the water.
MARTIN D2XE....excellent tone and great loudness...but the one i bought, the string height is too high and cant take it down much or else its buzzing..and as i stay in Inida, so no authentic Martin repair person i can find here... ALAS...!!!
You can take it to most music store and just ask them to adjust the action. Most good technicians know how (:
8:36
9:16
9:51
Wow! That *is* helpful. Especially jumping between the RS1 and 15m for these particular licks the difference in sound is not that big as I believed from just watching the vid entirely.
Currently own a RS1 and thinking of upgrading to the 15m. Sadly I can't try and test them back to back locally.
I really love my RS1 though! Thinking of upgrading the ugly tuners to Grover open 'beanies' for esthetics only, because the ugly ones do a good enough job. Also the rosette around the soundhole is to white to my taste. If anyone knows a good way to tone that down, that would be great.
This is now out of date. You can get a Road Series SC-13E in a cut-away!
What’s songs are played in this video?
New to playing guitar and I liked those song parts. Can you name them?
@@BL-gc6tv
It’s likely just what he made up
Lmao he even said it. "If you cant afford a Martin buy a X series". Like
a x series isnt a Martin. I owned a x series Martin a few years back. Those are really great sounding guitars. And i personally feel you wont buy another brand guitar that sounds that good for that price. I just bought a D-28 yesterday and i cant wait for it to arrive. Its my first true Martin. Ive never played a Martin outside the x series i had. So based off that im sure the D-28 is going to sound even better. I started to go with a D-18 but i really wanted rosewood back and sides.
What’s the next step up from the OOO-15?
Either the 16-17 series or their standard series
16-17 is American made at the same factory as their main series, but it’s made with cheaper tone woods ( not worse, just cheaper, less in demand and less known woods that’s why they’re cheaper, they don’t sound better or worse )
Then the standard series contains all the classics, D18/28 etc etc
a vintage Yamaha FG
How is it Mr Guthrie of the Oaklahoma depression dust-bowl and rags era could afford a real Martin guitar that would cost tens of thousands of dollars if made today?
I have a Martin D 13 E and within 6 months the back , and top have warped and caved in. Martin is calling it a humidity issue, without even inspecting the guitar. I have had to reputed luthiers, tell me this is a cause of not drying or curing the wood long enough and is a manufacturer's defect. Meanwhile I have with me, in the same environment, a Larrivee lv-09, Martin 00018 and a Yamaha Ls 16, all in immaculate condition. They all get serviced twice a year, and are situated in a 700 sq ft space, with humidity control (45-50%) all year around.. The disturbing thing is Martin does not want the guitar to be shipped to their repair shop to at least be evaluated, because they are allegedly not accepting items because of possible covid contamination.. IF this were the case, our shipping of goods back and forth would be frozen and everything collapsed... Thoroughly dissappointed with Martin.. I bought both not just for the quality, but I THOUGHT they were the benchmark for acoustic guitars... Their word of "limited lifetime Warranty " means nothing to me now.. In my 34 years of owning several electric and acoustic guitars, I have never seen this type of warping and damage... I will never buy or endorse Martin guitars again... Even IF they possibly replace it with another, their dancing around the issue is not acceptable.. I thought they were better than that... BTW I have a thorough vid that I am contempating posting on UA-cam.. To be continued and buyer beware
Without watching a second of this vid. And having bought a martin that became discontinued ..this is my perspective.....
A martin guitar is an investment, it will retain its value and you can leave it to your kids, etc.
BUT if you try to save money by buying cost effective budget models or revolutionary ideas....you wont.
The d 18 28 45 the om the 000 42 , the classic models made in america in general
Thats where the smart money is and they wont be cheap , count on that....im sorry but thats my experience....hope it helps someone
Half of these budget models will become obsolete , it happened to me . And yeah its a great guitar but there are plenty of brands as good....spend your money intelligently ..if u want a budget guitar theres a ton of great brands...i still love martins wished someone had told me this
Anyone what is the song he is playing?
It's an original!
The 00015m sounds wayyyy better