Back in the early 70’s a friend had a 1947 D-18. At the time I had no idea exactly how fantastic a guitar it was but my musician friend always wanted to play it when we visited him. I have no idea where the guitar ended up as he died when I was out of state. He never married, had no children, no brothers, no sisters. But somewhere someone has a wonderful instrument.
This particular guitar sounds phenomenal. Awesome D-28. It sounds like maybe the low D string is a bit flat. My ears could be playing tricks on me. Nice demo
Love it when someone plays WITHOUT a Capo!!!! I like to hear the guitar rumble and thump....especially a D28. I equate using a capo with choking a guitar to death lol
@@mrkingcat2 Phosphor Bronze 80/20 isn't a thing. Those are two different things. They're most likely mediums btw. It's a Martins dread. I doubt lights
Billy, "can I try that 1946 Martin D28 guitar"? musicstore," sure Billy,help yourself"! Me, "can I try that 1941 Martin D18 guitar"? musicstore," No,fuck off"!
This isnt a criticism of Billy at all, but John Mayer was so right in saying that, if you want to have a "mainstream" or "mass market" appeal, you have to be "listenable". Billy here is clearly a prodigy, but this amazing picking and technique of his is far too esotoric and intense for a mainstream audience. Really says more about todays music palette in general lol.
You mean 3-chord folk music strumming listeners from the 60's? This is just two chords, and couple of simple riffs, and some chop picking. Honestly this is a simple piece and easily played. And it is just those kinds of pieces, with minimal fluff, that separate the good from the better players. Billy has been playing this for years, and played far more complex versions. This is an excellent example of a simple tune with simple licks, with a player having a command of the piece, his playing style, and the guitar. Sounds great. As for esoteric - a 20's cowboy song with two chords and licks a 3rd year bluegrass guitarist could play. And who is the mainstream audience?!
I don't listen to john Mayer Much I do listen to Billy and he sells out shows were ever he goes I don't think he cares what you or John Mayer think because he doesn't have to.
That guitar costs around 30 thousand dollars or more so I doubt it's aimed at a mass market. Mostly for collectors or bluegressers in which case the piece here is spot on
it’s honestly not too hard to work out, dropped D and just two chords (Dsus2 and Am) with a few runs but playing it anything like this well is another story!
@@somedude3601 I agree with one acception. The Gibson Advanced Jumbo can come real damn close ! Better in some cases . If you never tried one then definitely do so if you ever get a chance
@James Bowling the AJ isn't a typical gibson. It's a rosewood cannon like a D28. Very rare to see one in a store since they don't make them anymore . I actually traded a D28 for the AJ I had. This guy totally walked all over my D28 with his AJ one night jamming. It had volume I've never heard a acoustic guitar have before . By the end of the night I took that AJ home with me. I also had a HD28V but I never could adjust to that v shape neck ugh. I thought I would get used to it but I just began to hate it lol. Anyway I'm sad to say hard times came last year and I had to sell my AJ and Martins. The AJ hurt the worst thought since it was so unique and the Martin killer most people don't think exist lol. I admit I had tears in the eye to see them go. But when things get better I will seek out a new HD28 and start over again. I'm 36 years old so hopefully I have time to break in a new guitar again. Besides guitars that live in Kentucky just always seem to sound the best. Must be the weather LOL 😂
The guitar has dark tone but the strings sound dead.. to My ears it doesn’t sound very loud.. it actually seems to lack sustain.. the guitar is amazing but I really think it could use a new set of strings.. it would make it come alive.
@@About2Rain Don't think the feel of the guitar was necessarily picked up the same as on a studio mic, or in an acoustic place. Sounded great to me, would be fantastic in right setting other than UA-cam. Can't judge a roller coaster unless you are right there for the ride.
Just for those curious, as I was. The name of this tune is Wild Bill Jones
Luke Cotton thank you dude. 🤙🏽
This should really be in the video description!
Thank you. Wild Bill Jones probably didn't play it that good. Ha!
Thanks brother!
mvp
All the stars and sun and moon were in line when they built that D28! It’s got that mournful soul. My favorite of all he’s demo,
I have only ever played one D-28, but I have heard more than I can remember from various years; but yeah, I agree, this 46' stands out for sure.
Whoever bought this guitar got a really good one.
Back in the early 70’s a friend had a 1947 D-18. At the time I had no idea exactly how fantastic a guitar it was but my musician friend always wanted to play it when we visited him. I have no idea where the guitar ended up as he died when I was out of state. He never married, had no children, no brothers, no sisters. But somewhere someone has a wonderful instrument.
D-28. Ugh. My big thumb.
Damn. I think that guitar, the playing, and the song all sound freakin amazing. Gotta love that deep drop D.
So crispy...mmm
43 seconds in and you can see when Billy realizes “this guitars got it” and gets a lot more aggressive in his playing
Totally
when he pulls off the double hammer on there that's when he knew. not a lot of guitars make it sound that clean.
Man...this one sounds sooo good...was built for dropped D!
By the look on his face, I'm thinking this one won't be available by this afternoon.
Awesome playing and awesome guitar. It made me put down my 1937 D18 and get out my early 46 D28 bone. Lordy, I can't decide which I love more.
Lmao
@Finn lmao
Love to hear this played on a d-18
Just love this!!
Wow! Sweet sounding guit box!
the most balanced bright clean sounding so far!
Great guitar.. I'd have to sell my house to afford it though.
Billy is the best... as always !
Keep on picking brother !
The three people who dislike this have cabbage in their ears.
currently 4 and they are idiots
@@EdgeOfFate 5 idiots now
Currently what I what term complete and utter FUCKWITS, to be honest.
I love the sound and look...who couldn't, unless they have celery in their ears. No, wait...that's cabbage!!
I love it when a D28 gets old and starts sounding like a d18
The way he picks that back up at 0:45 - I felt that move my bones 😅
So good
Wow big sound
I sat down with a glass of whiskey it was gone when this song was.
wild bill jones is such a good song
the legend
What are the best type and guage of strings for a d-28?
Yep, he's good!
I get them now. They are for heavy picking.
Pretty!
Yeah, that one's a keeper (balanced, tight) - help me load it on the truck along with all the others.
This particular guitar sounds phenomenal. Awesome D-28. It sounds like maybe the low D string is a bit flat. My ears could be playing tricks on me. Nice demo
I didnt notice that, personally it sounded great to me!
Still a D-18 fan.
Love it when someone plays WITHOUT a Capo!!!! I like to hear the guitar rumble and thump....especially a D28. I equate using a capo with choking a guitar to death lol
No one will probably answer my question, but …. What kind of strings are on this? (gauge and brand)
About2Rain a lot of times they'll use medium strings on these old Martin's but most likey he's using a light gauge .12 probably phosphor bronze 80/20
The strings are medium. I talked to Carter Guitar about this instrument. They don't put lights on dreadnoughts.
@@mrkingcat2 Phosphor Bronze 80/20 isn't a thing. Those are two different things. They're most likely mediums btw. It's a Martins dread. I doubt lights
What do you call this type of picking? I don't know what to google for :D
Flat picking. Start with Doc Watson.
Billy, "can I try that 1946 Martin D28 guitar"?
musicstore," sure Billy,help yourself"!
Me, "can I try that 1941 Martin D18 guitar"?
musicstore," No,fuck off"!
My visit to Carter if it was out you could play it.
This isnt a criticism of Billy at all, but John Mayer was so right in saying that, if you want to have a "mainstream" or "mass market" appeal, you have to be "listenable". Billy here is clearly a prodigy, but this amazing picking and technique of his is far too esotoric and intense for a mainstream audience. Really says more about todays music palette in general lol.
His attack point is too near the bridge...move towards the sound hole and it will calm down and warm up...
You mean 3-chord folk music strumming listeners from the 60's? This is just two chords, and couple of simple riffs, and some chop picking. Honestly this is a simple piece and easily played. And it is just those kinds of pieces, with minimal fluff, that separate the good from the better players. Billy has been playing this for years, and played far more complex versions. This is an excellent example of a simple tune with simple licks, with a player having a command of the piece, his playing style, and the guitar. Sounds great. As for esoteric - a 20's cowboy song with two chords and licks a 3rd year bluegrass guitarist could play. And who is the mainstream audience?!
^ exhausting, stereotypical, and all too ubiquitous internet "Aaacckktuallly...." guy who insists on correcting everyone in comment sections...
I don't listen to john Mayer Much I do listen to Billy and he sells out shows were ever he goes I don't think he cares what you or John Mayer think because he doesn't have to.
That guitar costs around 30 thousand dollars or more so I doubt it's aimed at a mass market. Mostly for collectors or bluegressers in which case the piece here is spot on
My God Man!
what song is this?
Damn. I hope Billy bought that guitar dinner first.
You say the Pre-War Martin’s sound the best I liked to introduce you to the 46 D-28!🎸🤯🔫
Isn't that his dads ?
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉
Has anyone tabbed this?
it’s honestly not too hard to work out, dropped D and just two chords (Dsus2 and Am) with a few runs but playing it anything like this well is another story!
And he's playing without a capo. So the full throat of that guitar can be heard
YEP....I hate capos LOL. I like to hear a guitar THUMP!!!
@@JohnnyRebKy A martin with a capo on 2nd fret is still a sound you cannot get from other guitars
@@somedude3601 I agree with one acception. The Gibson Advanced Jumbo can come real damn close ! Better in some cases . If you never tried one then definitely do so if you ever get a chance
@@JohnnyRebKy I have a Blueridge bg140 that i love, Very similar
@James Bowling the AJ isn't a typical gibson. It's a rosewood cannon like a D28. Very rare to see one in a store since they don't make them anymore . I actually traded a D28 for the AJ I had. This guy totally walked all over my D28 with his AJ one night jamming. It had volume I've never heard a acoustic guitar have before . By the end of the night I took that AJ home with me. I also had a HD28V but I never could adjust to that v shape neck ugh. I thought I would get used to it but I just began to hate it lol. Anyway I'm sad to say hard times came last year and I had to sell my AJ and Martins. The AJ hurt the worst thought since it was so unique and the Martin killer most people don't think exist lol. I admit I had tears in the eye to see them go. But when things get better I will seek out a new HD28 and start over again. I'm 36 years old so hopefully I have time to break in a new guitar again. Besides guitars that live in Kentucky just always seem to sound the best. Must be the weather LOL 😂
The guitar has dark tone but the strings sound dead.. to
My ears it doesn’t sound very loud.. it actually seems to lack sustain.. the guitar is amazing but I really think it could use a new set of strings.. it would make it come alive.
omg yes
When the guitar needs a cigarette
mmmmmmmmmmmartinguitars🤤
That's a cannon.
Sounds like my Guild.😂
Are you serious?
sounds harsh to me.
Sounds amazing to me! To each his own, I reckon.
@@About2Rain Don't think the feel of the guitar was necessarily picked up the same as on a studio mic, or in an acoustic place. Sounded great to me, would be fantastic in right setting other than UA-cam. Can't judge a roller coaster unless you are right there for the ride.
see above...