I played the 42 at Guitar Center for 2 hours....It was unreal....Stunning sound easy playability and beautifully made .I just couldn't get the extra $2500 together for the 45......This 42 is a dream come true
The D45 to my ears sound like the Draught Horse that you can depend on, it has grunt, it sounds solid and precise always on the tune. The D42 sounds like the Filly, lighter, airy and very pretty! Both are so beautiful.
every time I go to my local guitar shop I always try to play either the D 45 or the D 42...to my ears it`s always the D 45 that rules the day. Maybe some day...who knows...even I might be lucky enough to one day have and to hold till death do us part...peace on earth.
Both are great, although being a lefty, I’d love to have a D-42. The first D-42 made was left handed which makes the D-42 a little more special to me, but I’d take either one (as long as it’s left handed😬)
THe D-42 sounds so nice and sweet not requiring a heavy hand, while the D-45 is a strong beast ready to handle most anything you throw at it. One of each please!
Previous comment is correct, both are indeed amazing. One against the other, the difference is minute, but in a performance such a tiny difference would be undistinguishable.
I'd love to see some kind of shootout between standard X, scalloped X, and forward-shifted scalloped X (and non-forward unscalloped... and rear-shifted... and...) Some kind of ultimate bracing shootout
+muscles662988 Good question! I think "the Martin rosewood dreadnought" basically qualifies. You could get a D-28 with standard X, an HD-28 with scalloped standard X, and there are other variants with 1/4" bracing, both scalloped and not, some variants with golden era bracing... So that would be my pick, would be to get every variety of D-28 (!) and compare the bracing.
This is incorrect, or, Martin has changed their specs. BOTH of these have forward scalloped bracing now. The only thing different on them is the bling. The inlay.
Wow 45 for me large range for my ear Ha! Remember this hearing ear thing is an electrical signal being translated to the brain from first the guitar creating vibrations that travel to the ear then vibrating the ear follicles turning that into electric signals to the brain Ha and then that sample is compared to all of the past input we have subconsciously gathered about all the visual variables. Aged color top vs not. Good Video!
so many people think they can tell a difference. Both sound very much the same. Its the player that makes it sound what it sounds. it's a matter of taste on the woods, looks and shape.
I'd like to see a blind test shootout between the 45 and some not so expensive similar made solid wood guitars and see who people like without knowing which one it is.
In fact what you say is correct, are tests that I have done in the past of the type (Martin HD28V, Martin HD40, Martin HD40MK Mark Knopfler signature) against Sigma SDR45 YEARS, result of the tests? I sold all my Martins and kept my Sigma SDR45 Years. I understood that Martin pays for the writing on the headstock nothing more, I think the Martin is a beautiful guitar without a shadow of a doubt but overrated by the fact that many famous musicians use it, a bit like the National if it were not for Mark Knopfler the National would have sold very little and so on for Martin, but Martin gave as his guitars to the best musicians in the world and that's it.
I heard more harmonics from the 45. It just seems more dynamic. I thought the 42 sounded more muffled and boomy. But that's just me and that's also just two guitars. You'll never really know until you pick one up and play it.
I would like to.say D45 as I own a brand new one but I haven't been able to play mine as the spruce top came apart and the bracing inside is loose. Martin says I have to wait to the spring to have them fix it so all I have now is very expensive wall hanger
The D42 had a brighter, more articulate response while the 45 was more warm and pronounced on bass. Bc I am primarily a fingerstyle player, I would go with the 42. Also I don't much care for the gauche pretentious appearance of the 45. I do like some abalone but definitely in moderation.
I heard the exact opposite. There was a lot more warmth and midrange presence in the D42 while the D45 was more balanced and articulate. Were you listening on headphones or nice speakers?
I expected to like the 42 but the 45 - this one anyway- sounded better. More bass and more treble. Midrange on the 42 gets the edge. Both great. Thanks Tony. At a few parts of the video they actuslly sounded very close, most of the time clearly different.
i like most martins but for my money i prefer my Grammar or my SL Mossman,I still have a martin in the stable along with a couple of Taylors. I like the necks equally on both the Martin and the Taylors,the Mossman neck feels like an old friend,got my first one in 1975 as far as Rosewood guitars go The Grammar with Brazillian has more overtones,but as far as mohoganny I love my Guild as it has been hard to date asit is a d40 bluegrass special numbred in the 800s from westerly RI.As I am getting older and not in great health I gave my 1980 D 28 to an old friend a couple of months back he hasa Huss and Dalton but had never had a d28
D45 for me, though they both sounded great. Single strums were very similar, D42 slightly brighter, and slightly more treble- ay on the "tunes". D45 had the better bass to my ears. Now the question is would I prefer X bracing in an OM too, compared to forward shifted bracing. Actually I'm not even sure if both patterns exist in OM's!!! Keep these comparisons coming Tony!
Could not disagree more. I traded my 45 for a 42 straight across. I got the first year 42 when it was reintroduced . The bass end on the 42 was much more present than the 45 . If I was playing bluegrass I would say the 45 as it sounds more like a 28 …
I own a custom D41e. I think I like the bass a bit better with the D45. Strings could make up the difference here too. Same strings? I'm using Tony Rice Retro Monel strings, for their deep mellow sound.
I listen with closed eyes to start. Really prefer the D45. The 42 is more like day one with new strings, with the D45 when that harsh edge breaks in. Felt there was a richer sound with D45 at the expense of the more immediate attack with the 4w. I will leave price alone. D41 vs D45 is also a classic... is it really just window dressing that makes the difference?
There is a 3K difference in price. This is getting excessive - the 45 woods might be higher grade (as someone said, but I doubt that's really the case), but this is $200-300 max all-in for the wood and it should make no difference for the sound. Call it another 200-300 for some extra abalone inlay, and in no way does this justify the cost difference. The sound surely does not justify being able to buy D-42 and almost a 000-28EC for the cost of a D-45. My 2 cents...
Kroum Sourov Agree, Martins are way waaay overpriced, that's why I stick w/ my Gibsons. SJ-200 Custom Mystic Rosewood still sounds better than any D-40+ Martin and it costs 4.5k $ w/ all those pearl inlays, great beast for the buck
In fact what you say is correct, are tests that I have done in the past of the type (Martin HD28V, Martin HD40, Martin HD40MK Mark Knopfler signature) against Sigma SDR45 YEARS, result of the tests? I sold all my Martins and kept my Sigma SDR45 Years. I understood that Martin pays for the writing on the headstock nothing more, I think the Martin is a beautiful guitar without a shadow of a doubt but overrated by the fact that many famous musicians use it, a bit like the National if it were not for Mark Knopfler the National would have sold very little and so on for Martin, but Martin gave as his guitars to the best musicians in the world and that's it.
I MUST say that I've never heard anything like "Last Steam engine train" played on that D42 ; I got one of these babies (D42, 27 yrs old) and all I can say is :be patient, it takes time for such a guitar to give its real sound!
It's interesting to reading people believe the 45 has more bass,and projection than the 42 . The reality is quite the opposite . I've owned a couple of 45s in the 1970s-80s . When they reintroduced the 42 , I think it was early 1990s I tried a few of them. They blew me away. I traded my 45 flat across for the 42, and have never looked back. I don't understand the sound on this video. It made it appear the 45 was both louder,and had more bass response . There are only two issues that could cause this. 1. Different gauge strings. 2. Harder attack by the player. If you used the same strings - I should add Martin has stamped inside the guitar " Only use light gauge strings " something to that effect. I use 45-10 - Had the attack,and strings been the same you would hear the difference. The 42 is so fat sounding. Once you figure out the best gauge strings it's no contest. Consider the 45 will come from factory with heavier gauge strings, and you naturally play with a harder attack it will sound loud,and even bass response ,and action will be harder . The 42 is easier to play via the lighter gauge strings,and the forward bracings mean you don't have to attack the guitar as hard . Also you're paying an extra $2000. for the abalone purfling . From the front of the body they look the same ,although I briefer the darker spruce top on the 42 . The only I changed was I put a compensated bone bridge on mine as well as changed machine heads to Schaller GrandTune which are as good a Waverley's . I also got the top of the line alligator case . The Schallers ,and bridge only cost me an extra $225. If you're not aware of the Grande Tune machine heads you may want to look them up. They're like the Waverley's only made in Germany .
I have an genuine question. What’s the point of buying a D-42 instead of a reimagined HD-28? Aren’t they the same top, body, and same bracing. To me it sounds like the only differences is in the binding, gold tuners, and inlay. That doesn’t justify a $3000 price increase in my opinion
Was thinking . . . would be nice if you make a video with "acoustic guitar care tips" or something related to it.. action level characteristics. cleaning and stuff of the sort. :) thanks! great videos as always.
A very predominant difference between these two guitars, is the wider fretboard on the D-42 - made for fingerpicking. It should have been mentioned, as it clarifies a few things! I think the D-42 is a great "all-rounder", and a winner for fingerstyle. For strumming and flatpicking, the D-45 is second to none...
If I could have one (pricing not a factor) I'd go with the 45. However I don't think it sounds particularly better than the 42 to warrant the extra 3 grand pricing...so realistically I'd go with the 42
Hmmm you could maybe use different gauge settings and a type of wound on the strings fitted to the guitar, string windings can make a affect on the guitar. D45 for me in a recording studio. What would Tommy Emanuel do ?
I felt the 45 was boomier, deeper, but the 42 had almost the same depth but with more upper overtones, ie more ring. What the 42 lost in boom it gained in overall ring on all strings, and I dig the aged look much better. I picked up an HD7 (Roger McGuinn model) 7 string that I love, now looking for a standard mate. I am torn with the D18, D35, or D42
The 42 is my fav of the 2. Has a tighter, rounder more focused sound. Although the 45 will probably kill it in about 20 years, right now, it's a bit harsh to my ears.
You'd have a much bassier instrument with much less "sparkle" in the high notes. If you have the chance play them side by side in a store. The 40s models are somewhat different from the 20s series.
Very informative review. I have just come out of a guitar shop. I was trying out Martin 000-28EC. While I was there I decided to compare it to the "Martin" dregnaught. I asked for the price and the guy said " that s a Sigma D42" I was amazed. There was €2000 in the difference. The 28ec cost €2600 the Sigma d42 €600!!!
Apart from the sound it's also very much a matter of playability and feel. From what I have experienced they feel very differently: D-45 feels sort of massive and somewhat rough (not necessarily in a bad way!), d-42 feels a little more delicate when playing.
What are you talking about they are the same size? Unless you played an old d45 that doesn’t have the “performing artist taper” on the neck But the bodies are identical
@@Rossdink It's not about body size, I guess. It might have to do with responsiveness, string tension or something about the neck - the two guitars definately don't play the same. And neither do they sound the same.
@@Frederob interesting. I thought they were almost exactly the same except maybe the d45 has slightly better select choices of wood used by the luthiers cause it’s their top priced guitar
@@Rossdink I thought so too. But there is a difference. I've heard somebody say that the D-45 seems to be slightly better suited for the somewhat heavier handed - and maybe that's a good description. It's a matter of taste, I guess.
Certainly there are instruments/devices available to analyze and chart intonation, pitch, range, etc. Thus, why not compare guitars with technology vs. ear?
When u buy it it’s the strings it will be good. But what if u buy a new set after one of the store strings brakes will different strings affect the sound will it still be the same as the original strings.
I played the 42 at Guitar Center for 2 hours....It was unreal....Stunning sound easy playability and beautifully made .I just couldn't get the extra $2500 together for the 45......This 42 is a dream come true
Did you buy it
D-45 must he played in person...so many wonderful overtones to it. Truly special guitar
I like the D42 more than the D45 ..
thanks for comparing the two tony
D45 all day long!
i concur
Personally i think the HD28 is the best sounding guitar Martin makes. The HD28 is a utility guitar you can play most any genre of music on it .
42 for a picker ... 45 for a singer
The D45 to my ears sound like the Draught Horse that you can depend on, it has grunt, it sounds solid and precise always on the tune. The D42 sounds like the Filly, lighter, airy and very pretty! Both are so beautiful.
D-42 sounds a bit warmer and softer while the 45 has a more balanced tone.
every time I go to my local guitar shop I always try to play either the D 45 or the D 42...to my ears it`s always the D 45 that rules the day. Maybe some day...who knows...even I might be lucky enough to one day have and to hold till death do us part...peace on earth.
Really helpful video I think I prefer the 42 sound to be honest.
According to to my ear pods ,, the D-45 has slightly crisper or sparkly highs ,, but they both have nice deep bass ..🤷♂️
Both are great, although being a lefty, I’d love to have a D-42. The first D-42 made was left handed which makes the D-42 a little more special to me, but I’d take either one (as long as it’s left handed😬)
THe D-42 sounds so nice and sweet not requiring a heavy hand, while the D-45 is a strong beast ready to handle most anything you throw at it. One of each please!
Both sound great but I think I'll keep my D35
Previous comment is correct, both are indeed amazing. One against the other, the difference is minute, but in a performance such a tiny difference would be undistinguishable.
I'd love to see some kind of shootout between standard X, scalloped X, and forward-shifted scalloped X (and non-forward unscalloped... and rear-shifted... and...)
Some kind of ultimate bracing shootout
+Jesse Watson Is there one Martin model that offers the whole bevy of bracings? That would be an excellent video to watch.
+muscles662988 Good question! I think "the Martin rosewood dreadnought" basically qualifies. You could get a D-28 with standard X, an HD-28 with scalloped standard X, and there are other variants with 1/4" bracing, both scalloped and not, some variants with golden era bracing... So that would be my pick, would be to get every variety of D-28 (!) and compare the bracing.
Jesse Watson That would probably be the best way to address it.
Beautiful guitars and beautiful playing
Wow! D42!!! Not as blingy, however, sounds better imo!
This is incorrect, or, Martin has changed their specs. BOTH of these have forward scalloped bracing now. The only thing different on them is the bling. The inlay.
Please note the date on this video. It was made in 2015, yes the specs have changed since then.
Both awesome...but the 45 is the one I'd pick.
Thanks for an very enlightening and helpful video! Your comparison model playing is most appreciated.
Wow 45 for me large range for my ear Ha! Remember this hearing ear thing is an electrical signal being translated to the brain from first the guitar creating vibrations that travel to the ear then vibrating the ear follicles turning that into electric signals to the brain Ha and then that sample is compared to all of the past input we have subconsciously gathered about all the visual variables. Aged color top vs not. Good Video!
so many people think they can tell a difference. Both sound very much the same. Its the player that makes it sound what it sounds. it's a matter of taste on the woods, looks and shape.
The 45.... Only because I’ve wanted one for 45 years 😁
Pretty amazing sustain on the D-42 but I'd still go for the other one if I was faced with the choice.
i love the way this guy explains things
I'd like to see a blind test shootout between the 45 and some not so expensive similar made solid wood guitars and see who people like without knowing which one it is.
In fact what you say is correct, are tests that I have done in the past of the type (Martin HD28V, Martin HD40, Martin HD40MK Mark Knopfler signature) against Sigma SDR45 YEARS, result of the tests? I sold all my Martins and kept my Sigma SDR45 Years. I understood that Martin pays for the writing on the headstock nothing more, I think the Martin is a beautiful guitar without a shadow of a doubt but overrated by the fact that many famous musicians use it, a bit like the National if it were not for Mark Knopfler the National would have sold very little and so on for Martin, but Martin gave as his guitars to the best musicians in the world and that's it.
I heard more harmonics from the 45. It just seems more dynamic. I thought the 42 sounded more muffled and boomy. But that's just me and that's also just two guitars. You'll never really know until you pick one up and play it.
I liked the D-45 better at some parts, and the D-42 better at other parts.
You're so lucky to get to play those powerhouses! I'd like to see how they sound against my 73 D-28
Most interesting - and, as always an excellent way of comparing. For me he D42 was way ahead sonically (sp?) and also more tasteful bling.
I would like to.say D45 as I own a brand new one but I haven't been able to play mine as the spruce top came apart and the bracing inside is loose. Martin says I have to wait to the spring to have them fix it so all I have now is very expensive wall hanger
RC Price sorry to hear that, why are they making you wait?
Nice video & playing 👍
I much preferred D45, more open and resonant
D42 is more fundamental in its tone and doesn’t project overtones like 45.
The D42 had a brighter, more articulate response while the 45 was more warm and pronounced on bass. Bc I am primarily a fingerstyle player, I would go with the 42. Also I don't much care for the gauche pretentious appearance of the 45. I do like some abalone but definitely in moderation.
I heard the exact opposite. There was a lot more warmth and midrange presence in the D42 while the D45 was more balanced and articulate. Were you listening on headphones or nice speakers?
I expected to like the 42 but the 45 - this one anyway- sounded better. More bass and more treble. Midrange on the 42 gets the edge. Both great. Thanks Tony. At a few parts of the video they actuslly sounded very close, most of the time clearly different.
Different models for different songs. D45 for "Steam powered airplane" D42 for "Crossing Big Sandy".
i like most martins but for my money i prefer my Grammar or my SL Mossman,I still have a martin in the stable along with a couple of Taylors. I like the necks equally on both the Martin and the Taylors,the Mossman neck feels like an old friend,got my first one in 1975 as far as Rosewood guitars go The Grammar with Brazillian has more overtones,but as far as mohoganny I love my Guild as it has been hard to date asit is a d40 bluegrass special numbred in the 800s from westerly RI.As I am getting older and not in great health I gave my 1980 D 28 to an old friend a couple of months back he hasa Huss and Dalton but had never had a d28
They're both great, but I gotta go with the D45
The D42 is brighter to my ears. Therefore I like it more.
Both sound wicked
D45 for me, though they both sounded great. Single strums were very similar, D42 slightly brighter, and slightly more treble- ay on the "tunes". D45 had the better bass to my ears. Now the question is would I prefer X bracing in an OM too, compared to forward shifted bracing. Actually I'm not even sure if both patterns exist in OM's!!! Keep these comparisons coming Tony!
Could not disagree more. I traded my 45 for a 42 straight across. I got the first year 42 when it was reintroduced . The bass end on the 42 was much more present than the 45 . If I was playing bluegrass I would say the 45 as it sounds more like a 28 …
I own a custom D41e. I think I like the bass a bit better with the D45. Strings could make up the difference here too. Same strings? I'm using Tony Rice Retro Monel strings, for their deep mellow sound.
I listen with closed eyes to start. Really prefer the D45. The 42 is more like day one with new strings, with the D45 when that harsh edge breaks in. Felt there was a richer sound with D45 at the expense of the more immediate attack with the 4w. I will leave price alone.
D41 vs D45 is also a classic... is it really just window dressing that makes the difference?
Yup. I have a D41 and do not hear any difference with a D45. What people miss is the top aged. A 25 year old D41 sounds better than a new D45 to me.
There is a 3K difference in price. This is getting excessive - the 45 woods might be higher grade (as someone said, but I doubt that's really the case), but this is $200-300 max all-in for the wood and it should make no difference for the sound. Call it another 200-300 for some extra abalone inlay, and in no way does this justify the cost difference. The sound surely does not justify being able to buy D-42 and almost a 000-28EC for the cost of a D-45. My 2 cents...
Kroum Sourov Agree, Martins are way waaay overpriced, that's why I stick w/ my Gibsons. SJ-200 Custom Mystic Rosewood still sounds better than any D-40+ Martin and it costs 4.5k $ w/ all those pearl inlays, great beast for the buck
.My martins were reasonably priced than my Gibsons because they dont stick it to you if you are a lefty. Gibson does. Love them both though
In fact what you say is correct, are tests that I have done in the past of the type (Martin HD28V, Martin HD40, Martin HD40MK Mark Knopfler signature) against Sigma SDR45 YEARS, result of the tests? I sold all my Martins and kept my Sigma SDR45 Years. I understood that Martin pays for the writing on the headstock nothing more, I think the Martin is a beautiful guitar without a shadow of a doubt but overrated by the fact that many famous musicians use it, a bit like the National if it were not for Mark Knopfler the National would have sold very little and so on for Martin, but Martin gave as his guitars to the best musicians in the world and that's it.
I MUST say that I've never heard anything like "Last Steam engine train" played on that D42 ; I got one of these babies (D42, 27 yrs old) and all I can say is :be patient, it takes time for such a guitar to give its real sound!
You failed to mention the 42 has an extra set of black and white lines around the edge of fretboard and heel cap .
D45 is a wild guitar. Very powerful.
D 45, but love both.
The brightest sounding one (the blonde) for me is the best.
D42 seems slightly quieter but not by much. D45 sounds brighter as well.
I would love to see a D-28 vs D-45 shootout :D
d 45 CRUSHES IT EVERY TIME...I DID THE COMPARISON
I have a Martin D-42 Peter Framton. Super guitar! Now I met a good offer - Martin D 45 V to buy for $ 7,200. Sell 42 or collect and buy another 45 V?
The 42 sounded a lot _tighter_ and articulate than the 45, the 45 sounded like it . It wasn't a hard decision for me, 42 won.
Agreed.
great as always Tony, you must get tired of those tunes though ;-)
It's interesting to reading people believe the 45 has more bass,and projection than the 42 . The reality is quite the opposite . I've owned a couple of 45s in the 1970s-80s . When they reintroduced the 42 , I think it was early 1990s I tried a few of them. They blew me away. I traded my 45 flat across for the 42, and have never looked back. I don't understand the sound on this video. It made it appear the 45 was both louder,and had more bass response .
There are only two issues that could cause this. 1. Different gauge strings. 2. Harder attack by the player. If you used the same strings - I should add Martin has stamped inside the guitar " Only use light gauge strings " something to that effect. I use 45-10 -
Had the attack,and strings been the same you would hear the difference. The 42 is so fat sounding. Once you figure out the best gauge strings it's no contest. Consider the 45 will come from factory with heavier gauge strings, and you naturally play with a harder attack it will sound loud,and even bass response ,and action will be harder . The 42 is easier to play via the lighter gauge strings,and the forward bracings mean you don't have to attack the guitar as hard . Also you're paying an extra $2000. for the abalone purfling . From the front of the body they look the same ,although I briefer the darker spruce top on the 42 . The only I changed was I put a compensated bone bridge on mine as well as changed machine heads to Schaller GrandTune which are as good a Waverley's . I also got the top of the line alligator case . The Schallers ,and bridge only cost me an extra $225. If you're not aware of the Grande Tune machine heads you may want to look them up. They're like the Waverley's only made in Germany .
They both sound okay to me. I'll take either one.
The Custom Shop who built my D-42 said only cosmetic differences..It's a dream
i prefer the sound of the D45 . . . but very interesting! thx for th review :)
I go for the D-45.
i prefer d 45..base response is ok..very rich tone....sustain is good than that of d 42....
o-k , if I had these guitars, i could figure it out in a few decades...
lol
i reckon it would take me 10 years!
Tony got the talent to make all guitars sound the same.
I have an genuine question. What’s the point of buying a D-42 instead of a reimagined HD-28? Aren’t they the same top, body, and same bracing. To me it sounds like the only differences is in the binding, gold tuners, and inlay. That doesn’t justify a $3000 price increase in my opinion
The 42 will have a slightly higher grade wood selection.
@@TheAcousticLetter still to me idk if it justifies $3000 more
Was thinking . . . would be nice if you make a video with "acoustic guitar care tips" or something related to it.. action level characteristics. cleaning and stuff of the sort. :) thanks! great videos as always.
A very predominant difference between these two guitars, is the wider fretboard on the D-42 - made for fingerpicking. It should have been mentioned, as it clarifies a few things! I think the D-42 is a great "all-rounder", and a winner for fingerstyle. For strumming and flatpicking, the D-45 is second to none...
A reminder that this video is from 2015. The nut width of the D-45 and D-42 available today, in 2021 are both the same, 1 3/4".
@@TheAcousticLetter I did not know that, and thank you for a great video :-)
If I could have one (pricing not a factor) I'd go with the 45. However I don't think it sounds particularly better than the 42 to warrant the extra 3 grand pricing...so realistically I'd go with the 42
If the d 45. Had the aged spruce what would that sound like... The aged Sitka spruce sounds warmer
@MeS&W OK thanks...
D42 is a wonderful guitar, D45 too but too much bling for me and i cannot understand the price difference cause of the absolut same materials.
D45 of course
42 sound a little smaller and less projection but sweeter in quality.
D45 here
Very good review brother, please keep it up.
Hmmm you could maybe use different gauge settings and a type of wound on the strings fitted to the guitar, string windings can make a affect on the guitar. D45 for me in a recording studio. What would Tommy Emanuel do ?
I Just wish the D-45 had the color of the D-42!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My exact thoughts!
They sound almost the same. I hear little difference.
Yeah, I normally hear a substantial difference in these comparisons. Here, not so much. They are both so stellar.
D 42 hands down as far as bluegrass sound goes.
It's interesting that with most of these excellent vids, the split on preference is usually about 50/50. All down to personal preference I guess
50/50 oh no,the D45 wins hands down for me it's all about response and brightness.
I felt the 45 was boomier, deeper, but the 42 had almost the same depth but with more upper overtones, ie more ring. What the 42 lost in boom it gained in overall ring on all strings, and I dig the aged look much better. I picked up an HD7 (Roger McGuinn model) 7 string that I love, now looking for a standard mate. I am torn with the D18, D35, or D42
I thought you had a video comparing the D-41 and the D-42, could you point me to it?
buddy he's checking out that 42 he's looking that thing over I'm sure he like it more oh he just said he liked it more lol...
The 42 is my fav of the 2. Has a tighter, rounder more focused sound. Although the 45 will probably kill it in about 20 years, right now, it's a bit harsh to my ears.
here in austria (europe) there no martins like this in the stores...
If I wanted this tone I would buy a D28, and with the money left over, perhaps a 00018.
You'd have a much bassier instrument with much less "sparkle" in the high notes. If you have the chance play them side by side in a store. The 40s models are somewhat different from the 20s series.
both great. I like the 45 More
Dude the 45 has way more bass response then the 42
45 for me.
Very informative review. I have just come out of a guitar shop. I was trying out Martin 000-28EC. While I was there I decided to compare it to the "Martin" dregnaught. I asked for the price and the guy said " that s a Sigma D42" I was amazed. There was €2000 in the difference. The 28ec cost €2600 the Sigma d42 €600!!!
Apart from the sound it's also very much a matter of playability and feel. From what I have experienced they feel very differently: D-45 feels sort of massive and somewhat rough (not necessarily in a bad way!), d-42 feels a little more delicate when playing.
What are you talking about they are the same size? Unless you played an old d45 that doesn’t have the “performing artist taper” on the neck
But the bodies are identical
@@Rossdink It's not about body size, I guess. It might have to do with responsiveness, string tension or something about the neck - the two guitars definately don't play the same. And neither do they sound the same.
@@Frederob interesting. I thought they were almost exactly the same except maybe the d45 has slightly better select choices of wood used by the luthiers cause it’s their top priced guitar
@@Rossdink I thought so too. But there is a difference. I've heard somebody say that the D-45 seems to be slightly better suited for the somewhat heavier handed - and maybe that's a good description. It's a matter of taste, I guess.
D 45... warmer...
Hi have you done a similar critique on the Sigma Dr42 versus Martin d45 or whatever!! Thank you.
D45 sounds better to my ears!
45 has clearer bass. Both sound amazing.
What is the title of the 5th tune that is played in this video? Thanks
What's the difference in the cost and is it worth the difference?
D-45 $11,000....D-42 $9000
Certainly there are instruments/devices available to analyze and chart intonation, pitch, range, etc. Thus, why not compare guitars with technology vs. ear?
D45 sound is better than D42 sound.
When u buy it it’s the strings it will be good. But what if u buy a new set after one of the store strings brakes will different strings affect the sound will it still be the same as the original strings.
Elixer
45 has more clarity of sound. 42 is more mellow. Big difference in the sound. Which is better....🤷♂️ 42 to my ear, and eyes.
D45 sounds much better !!!!
Two guitars fantastic, the 45 to perhaps a higher gear.
anyone know what song he played at the end ? 5:44
very little difference in sound