The first guitar I played was a 1945 Martin D-18 that my dad purchased new in Lock Have, Pa. Of course I did not take this to the christian summer camp where I was a dish washer for the summer. I had an old Stella guitar. I played it every day between dish washing 300,000 dishes that summer. I did learn the basics that summer of 1956 or was it 1957. When I returned home at the end of the summer, I picked up my day’s Martin and strummed a few cords, like an E, or B7 cord. I could not believe the sound. Ever since that day I have been a Martin fan and now own and play Martins that range in age from the 1880s to my 2001 D-45. They are all great guitars. Something about a guitar that has naturally aged, as I have. Now at 82, I live in South Korea and play my D-35 in Daejeon live cafes and at weddings on my 12 string (not a Martin but a Laravée guitar). I also finally visited the factory last summer and was amazed at all the hand work that went in to each instrument. What amazes me is that they never make a bad guitar. The woods used are specially chosen. I was born in 1942 and only own one golden era guitar the 1935 0-18k. Long live Martin guitars. Thank you Mr Martin for putting into each guitar, that deep Martin sound that you build to! If you are in the area of Nazareth, Pa, definitely visit the factory. The one hour tour is excellent and the museum well organized and has excellent explanations of all guitars displayed. They even have a guitar from 1834, one year after arriving in the US.
I grew up playing on my mom’s Yamaha acoustic from the 70’s. In 2008, as a single 19 y/o young man with money to burn and a desire to own my own acoustic, I demo’d several Martins at my local Guitar Center and stumbled upon the DCX1E. It had HPL sides and back, but the tone was warm and mellow- and absolutely amazing at its price point. And the smell of the guitar/the solid Sitka spruce…it’s the kind of experience that awakens the sleeping woodworker spirit of one’s ancestors. Sadly I had to sell it in 2015…but that guitar was and always will be my absolute favorite.
I have a Dx-1 which is very frowned upon but that’s all I could afford when I bought it 15 years ago. It’s a great guitar and has the full Martin sound and everything.
@@joemonroe1106just bought one from 1999 at a pawn shop for 299$, came with a brand new fender roadrunner hard case and in side the compartment was an unopened set of Ernie ball electric strings. Pretty solid deal, do need to go get it set up a little better tho
I have a Mexican Taylor that is the only guitar I gig with . It has an incredible deep rock and roll tone that I haven’t heard since I bought it … irreplaceable.
Some guitars and some amps have a sound that can't be reproduced by buying the same model. It's an individual sound that is usually harnessed by a specific individual and specific instrument.
I have a Mexican made Martin Backpacker guitar which I travelled around the UK and Ireland with recently. Easy on and off planes, trains and automobiles and for its size, I really love its tone.
@@iancurry Tone appreciation is relative: you really _love_ its tone if your experience of tone is limited, like going from a uke to a traveler/backpacker.
I have a 68 D-35, which sounds good, but string tension is high. 20 years ago, I found a Daion 78 Heritage, basically a Japanese D-18, but comes with a brass nut, an brass pegs, and sounds like nothing else! Easiest playing acoustic I've ever played, plus just sounds Amazing! If you ever see one, get it! You won't be disappointed. About 10 years ago I saw another on Ebay, and got it for $500, it needed a little work, but I've had 2 and when I pull these out to play with friends, they blow their minds.
If you want to make that D-35 Playable, REALLY playable, instead of just paying a bunch of money for a neck reset, send it back to Martin for a restoration with a NEW Modern Deluxe neck. I did that with my '74 D35, and the thing is just great! Additionally, they put in a new bridge plate and bridge, nut and saddle, and polished the top and body so very well that it looks like a brand new guitar, but with the wonderfully aged tonewoods. Martin's folks did a great job for me! I just gave them a call, paid a 50% deposit, and they did the rest.
When I got some bonus money ,I decided to finally get a Martin, but before I spent the coin , I did a test drive on All the high end guitars. Martin,Gibson ,and Taylor. Once I tried the Taylor, my decision was made. Perfect blend of bass and treble. Easy action. I never looked back! If you are a serious guitar player and keep dropping money on guitar packages etc , do yourself a favor ,spend the dollars and get a well made guitar that makes your heart sing!🙏
I have a Martin DX1R, bought in 2006 that I have never frowned upon. 😊 It has great sound with wonderful bass and a bright high end. Physically it’s in great shape, that HPL can handle accidental bumps that probably make you curse and/or cry if you owned a solid wood guitar. The neck is still very straight. I have used medium to mostly light strings and change them regularly. Last October I purchased a Martin HD28. I also have yet to frown on it. So the three of us worked out a deal, the X1 gets used for trying new techniques I’m working on and songs I’m just learning. The 28 does the music I play regularly but because of its humidity/temperature sensitivity doesn’t get out of its M1 Tank case as often but plays longer sets. The point of all this is despite the new 28 I wasn’t going to put the X1 in the closet. It has great sound, it is what I learned on and it darned sure wasn’t going to get cast away.
I ordered that Martin model from Sweetwater for chilling on the sofa-I love it. I most usually purchase guitars made in the States. Seriously reconsidering that premise. Thanks for the review. Peace from Sarasota.
Martin Road series guitars give you a lot of bang for your buck, I've got the GPC-13, When I played it you could hear that Martin sound, it's powerful yet still has all the highs. It stays in tune and yes the sound hole tuner is great. I got a chance to play a D-28 and a D-28 and the Rosewood body was just awesome. Just holding that guitar and seeing the level of craftsmanship that goes into it is amazing.
I bought an x series, about $600+, when I got the guitar from the dealer they had taken it out of the box and presented to me, I ask for gig Bag and they wanted to charge me another $128 and said I thought it came with a gig bag, and they said no. So I left, pissed off and put off , never went back. Called Martin and their representative was flippant and never gave up a gig bag. But , it was and still is my favorite guitar with great sound and tone and fit to my hands so nicely. But still “ Martin” never made good on the gig bag and So this is how things go down Martin cares about the dealer and less about the consumer, Trust me I had already purchased several Martins and was a loyal customer, this digs at a consumer and I’ll never forget what went down.
Kind of like their neck resets they promised ? Of course now a lot of them have mortise/tenon like this cheap laminated one has . Not knocking the lamamates I have a DM that sounds decent. But they still aren't a solid wood .... and there IS a noticeable difference.. in fact it's a large one .
I bought a left handed Martin 00CX1AE in 2004 and it didn’t come with a gig bag. No biggie, I love that guitar! Back then, the HPL back and sides were all black and the guitar was made in Nazareth, PA.
@@BillNelson-OU812 However, Eastman has some all solid sides and backs that go on sale from time to time that are only a few bucks more when on sale ... But then again it doesn't have that Martin name .. however they're getting a good reputation nowadays.. so they'll go up in price... just not as much as a Martin
You mentioned that the back was "Cocobolo Wood". I think it's important to mention, the x series have man made back and sides They are not made of cocobolo wood. Thanks for the otherwise good review.
It’s why the instrument was in tune right out of the box. The high-pressure laminate is stiff, stable, secure. It’s the right material for the job - coffeehouse gigs, car camping, jamming with friends on the porch - living, right?
I'm a big fan of Martin 00 size guitars. Their Mexico made are a great value (IMO). 🎸🎸🎸 Don't ya just love the battery access at the tail piece ! All acoustic/electric guitars should have that. 🎸🎸🎸🎸 Nice review.
So impressed by how you bring up and comers onto your platform for their exposure and benefit Sean Daniel. At a young age you've apparently learned one of the large lessons of life.
Didn't know Martins were made in Mexico. Wanted a D18 or D28 for years. Saw the DM model back in 2002 and bought that. Still have it. It's got better with age. This model is nice enough. Nice review. There was a sound I liked that some acoustics have. That woody/bass sound, mostly associated with old guitars. This is nice but a bit too 'matalic' in sound. That picking in front of the mic sounds really great!
I just got a Special version of the Road Series that comes with ebony bridge and fretboard, aging toner on the top and vintage Grover open tuners for $999.00. They are made for Sweetwater and I got the Dreadnought. Also comes in 000 size similar to OM size. I thought it was a good deal and a guitar that I could pass to my daughter. I will install Bone nut, Saddle and Pins in the future.
That's a nice guitar and the Price is amazing. I like the more natural sound with the Mike. But, the direct output sound, while different, has its own charm. I have the 000 Eric Clapton Model, but my pride and Joy is a 1999 00 18 Steve Howe signature. After all these years it's just wide open, Engleman Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides. You can pluck an open string and it just chimes on and on. Enjoy your videos and dry humor!
They sound much better in real life than they do in the video. They’re laminate, so they’re never going to sound like a Standard series Martin, but as a beginner/intermediate guitar, they’re great for the money. I wish I had something like that when I was learning back in the day.
I purchased a second-hand Martin X series a couple of years ago and love it. I showed it to a friend who is an amazing guitarist and talked about upgrading it at some point in the future. He asked "Why? you could build an entire career on this one instrument." He then picked it up and produced some amazing music out of it with virtually no effort. He gave it back to me and suggested I learn on this and not think about upgrading. I took it to heart and continue to practice on it. At some point, I would love to have half the skill he has. Anyway, I love my X-series. Thanks for the video.
Always nice to see someone choked about a purchase and I wish Daniel many happy years of ownership. I think though that for the $ Alvarez masterworks, various yamaha offerings including the transacoustics or even a FS3, and Seagull, guild and Eastman will probably give that Martin a run for its money. But then again as I only live about 30 miles from Martin in PA I will probably have to scratch that Martin itch myself at some point...
They are the only guitars that make me drool 🤤, sold nearly all my Gibsons for usa martins , now there’s nothing wrong with gibbos but the first time I played a martin 00015 that was it , hook line and sinker 🥳🤓
Good workmanship and great instrument. If I had to choose between this Martin or a Furch Yellow Gc-CR w/SPA MC.... Which would I choose? I'm between these two guitars at the moment. Thanks.
Here is a true happy cheap Martin story for ya I have Only ever had a little Martin I bought it just for camping , I bought it at a festival With a friend It was super cheap Personally I love Gibson acoustics the equivalent in sizes, I think have a wider tonal range and less mid so better suited for my voice and strumming but that’s just my opinion and is not relevant that little Martin was a beast of a guitar Anyhow ,ten years later I gave that little Martin to my friends kid , by then ,it was well beat up from many adventures and held together with duct tape ! But it still played great and Was the perfect size for him Now that kid has graduated London school of jazz guitar and just joined a well known band !! No doubt soon going on world tours So … Never underestimate the power of a cheap or small guitar I surprisingly got the little Martin back In a better state than I gave it away Thanks kids Dad/ Friend for repairing the damage under the Duct tape and fret job and set up That guitar did its job many times over and is still going strong Great job Martin 👍 👏👏👏👏👏👏
Unfortunately Martin's travel sized guitars aren't noted for their sound because of the laminate top . But the baby Taylor isn't good at all . I went to buy one , to keep handy . Had both side by side ... walked out with a Luna ... it had a solid spruce top . And electronics.. and unlike the baby Taylor that's impossible to chord an A or a B7 (and sounds like a trash can lid) the Luna sounds like a bigger guitar. Like an OM .. And it was only $189 out the door .. Down side was it had ugly peacocks laser etched in it .. I actually played a venue with it . Fishman electronics in it sound pretty decent.. Funny that it out did the both Martin and Taylor on sound and playability.
@@thefreese1 the Martin I’m referencing in this story is an LX1 it has a solid spruce top fingerboard and bridge is a dark like ebony wood but I’m not sure what it is exactly, a mahogany multiply neck is really solid so it can take Heavy strings easy and if looks like a some kinda high pressured laminate / veneer on the headstock and back snd sides I think it retailed for about 230 GBP It came with a soft case that’s still good j remember a month after using my card seeing a bill for about 320 and thought what’s that for ! That was the extra packs of strings I blagged outa the sales guy and dozen plectrums,and guitar strap , it’s never had electrics in it I think Ed Sheehan made a few quid outa playing one with electrics in it I Bought from a hobgoblin music stand in Frome folk festival Wiltshire U.K. sometime in the late 90s It’s done plenty of all-nighters and weeks of camping Open Mike nights Been a busking with it and slept in the case once at friends house with the guitar cradled safe in between my knees ! Then in ‘the Kids’ hands if passed an A level music course Playing old Americana It may of had a different journey had it had electrics so I’m glad I kept it raw. It Still plays great Lives on my sofa Best drunken debit card purchase I ever made 😂
@@thefreese1I bought a Guild small-bodied 12-string in 1984, that is so good you'd think it was a Guild speciality. It was £300 in that year, in 2024 that would be like around £1000......uk activity.
Hey, I've got a GPCPA4... it was definitely made in USA (I think you said it was made in Mexico, unless I misheard that) The replacement for the GP line, the Road Series, when it got discontinued was made in Mexico (a quick look in the soundhole should confirm the USA made status of your GPCPA4). Love all 3 of my Martins, from the Backpacker to the lLX1E Little Martin (both made in Mexico) to the GP; one cannot go wrong with Martin for sure!
Curiously, my first 'real' guitar was a Martin 00-18 I bought in 1968 and still own. Two years ago, on a whim, I bought a Martin DX, the Johnny Cash edition. It sounds good, mostly plays good. But I haven't touched it in a year. Why? Because it weighs a ton. It's easily 1.5x the weight of my Eastman grand auditorium which rivals it in size and 2x the weight of my 00-18. It also feels too bulky. I can play the 00-18 all day and never get tired. The DX wears me down, even sitting, in 30 minutes. So I have less than 2 hours playing time in two years. A little research shows me a 00-18 weights 3 lb 10 oz. This seems exaggerated, at least with my old model which if feather-light. A 00-18 XE weighs 4 lb 8 oz. or 30% more using those figures. My real point is, if possible, try one out in a store before buying it. You might be delighted with it or you might have second thoughts for reasons you never considered.
I am a big fan of the smaller guitars because of a bad fall in 2014. The dreads are amazing but it iust so painful to reach around them anymore ! They were all I ever played for many years !!!
I have three Taylors...Martin special streetmaster will be delivered tomorrow so....we'll see. Really love my Taylors so hopefully the Martin will be different but as good as or better. I haven't checked out any Gibsons yet...maybe if I hit the lottery or actually get good enough in my playing to justify the cost. The Martin in the video definitely sounds better finger picked than strummed.
I don't know why it's good to have the tuner readout in the sound hole. My stage Martin has it right on the side/top and has a button for silent tuning. Not only is this easier to see but is still visible if you need to use a sound hole cover which I do. I wanted to buy a new Martin but I have not for this reason.
I have some X series Martins. They are great guitars for the money. The only issue with the one in the video, it’s one of the X versions that doesn’t have the binding around the edges. I’ve seen some of these in guitar shops coming apart at the seams. The edges are not glued / secured well enough without the binding for good structural integrity. Martin needs to add binding to all guitars and just charge a little more for it. I seen this 000 and really liked it, but I’m not buying a guitar without the binding.
You are definitely selling for Martin but I gotta say, I tried a 000x1ae in a store lately and it had a great tone, good projection, sustain, just like an old Yamaha FG concert size! A friend of mine got it and i'm his sound engineer on sunday morning. I've got to deal with good and bad acoustic preamp... This one is good!
bought GPC-11E came with a bad fret out of the box Sweetwater replaced it immediately had new one in two days now I love it also need to keep an eye on the humidity in you house
I really enjoyed the original songs. Very nice. This guitar has interested me since it came out, but with 3 Martins already, there's really no need to take the plunge at this point. First time I've heard one played, and I think it's just fine. Thanks.
I’ve had my X-series for a while now. Demo’ed it against a Taylor, Epiphone Masterclass and picked the Martin. It sounds great unplugged and plugged in. I love it. Only reason if buy another acoustic is to get a Mahogany body one. If you’re looking for an acoustic, I’d check them out. 😊
I have the 000jr which I adore. I would have bought this X series for a full size but got a great deal on an Alvarez artist elite (cedar top). As much as I love my Martin I love their strings even more. As a beginner the Flexible Core strings have been a game changer, so easy to play and they sound phenomenal. I definitely want an X series at some point, to me their utility just makes a ton of sense. And the price is fair imo.
I have the Martin CEO7. Imagine my surprise when it shows up on the movie "Yesterday". I like the size. But its definitely a finger picking guitar. That matched book back is pretty special and rare.
I loved the CEO-7 specs but that size is what I "travel" with (sit in the woods, camping etc), so I was not gonna spend over $2500. I got what I call a "poor man's CEO-7" instead, a used 00L-17BS which fought me at first for over a month, as I was used to medium strings on my small jumbo rosewood, and I use a pick all of the time so had to get a little lighter touch. It cost twice as much as the guitar in the video (all solid wood, no gloss), but half the CEO7. There is a similar 00 size Alvarez that is way under $1000 but I never held or played one.
I really enjoy your posts ... I have owned a number of Martins , def great guitars . However , my current love for the last decade is a 50 year old Alvarez dread , which my friends dub the Msrtin Killer
I bought a Martin Sc10e and it’s probably the best guitar I’ve owned so far. So easy to play and build quality is outstanding. The action on it is so low. I don’t know how they did it without buzzing and playability issues.
I liked Gracie's song very much. The guitar....don't care, sounds sort of "brittle". I wouldn't buy that but....it's not a "high end" instrument by any means and the Martin rep has all been about high end "The Real Thing". At pro prices. The big-time fancy Dan models are - quite something. As our friend points out, you wouldn't take one of those to a bar gig. I thought Martin already had their entry-level with another sub-brand (Sigma?). If they want to muddy the waters that's no skin off my nose but to describe this as "The best Martin you can buy" is straight out silly. It's not terrible but I don't think it's the best at it's modest price either. It's well specced with its instant playability, bag, tuner and pick up and it's what we respectfully call a "junker". Nice songs though, both of them. Gracie is a fine bit of "Open mic", I suspect she has more in her locker and if she played locally I'd go to see her. I think the chap has too, he'd certainly be very welcome at any open-mic coffee house so...bollocks to the guitar twaddle and hype, more power to both of them. Shows what you can do with what's lying around the place - an entry-level "Martineroo", some great playing and singing that we don't hear enough of these days.
Curious on what you think of the dmx. I recently bought a 2002 that spent most of its life in a case, same strings that came with it. What strings work best. Thanks
I also have a D35 that I bought new in '77 and also am reluctant to take it places where it might get lost or stolen. For those times I bought a DJr-10E (Dreadnaught Junior with electronics) which to me is the best dollar for dollar Martin. Unlike the X-series which has laminate back and sides, the DJr series is solid wood throughout. People will argue endlessly about the how the different back and side material affects the sound, but to me using a laminate adds a "plasticky" tone to the guitar that the Junior series doesn't have. Like the X series it's made in Mexico, but the Junior has some nice extra features like 1/4" bracing (like the D-35) instead of 5/16", compensated saddle, plus nicer binding and inlays. For about the same price, I think it's an even better value than the X-series.
@@abclar1 Sure, and the smaller body doesn't have the bass response or projection of a full-size guitar either. I'd personally buy a DJr over an X-Series, but that's me and others will have different preferences.
crazy how much prices have increased on these. I bought mine used for $180 2 yrs ago when the new ones were $425. I get a price increase but 50% price increase is just crazy for a guitar with composit (not even laminate) back and sides. Yes I see the laminate cocobolo is "only" 699 but man thats extremely steep. At that price I far far prefer the Yamaha or Ibanez competitors which to my ears sound fantastic and to my fingers play extremely well - but cost $200+ less. I do love my Martin 00X2E but I think $649 is insanely to expensive.
I have a Martin MMV Custom and love the guitar, esp the neck profile. Does that one have the low oval profile? I've never played another Martin, so not sure if that's kind of their stock profile.
Martin, lifetime guitar ? Sometimes. I have a Martin that is around 20 years old and the binding all came off and when I tried to adjust the neck the truss rod broke. I do however have a 1972 Sigma 12 string that is absolutely the best sounding guitar I have ever heard and still in great condition.
For what goes into a guitar 649 bucks is very good value. I mean it's worth that just to be an owner of the brand which in a world where everyone is cutting corners Martin brand is still synonymous with quality.
I have a 2004 Dcx1e. Before the Mexico factory was built. I get compliments on it all the time. I’ve tried more expensive guitars including Martins that I haven’t like as much.
I just got a fake Martin HD 28 for $300. I bought it by mistake but kept it because it was that good! I have about 10 different guitars and this is easily the best sounding.
I bought a 1953 00-18 and a 1933 00-17 and now I have no money but am very happy
🤣This is like going to a dog food video to tell everyone you only feed your minituare poodles filet mignon
Ya know I'm finding that I rarely regret spending money if it's something I want.
Ahaha yes, i also have 😂
The first guitar I played was a 1945 Martin D-18 that my dad purchased new in Lock Have, Pa. Of course I did not take this to the christian summer camp where I was a dish washer for the summer. I had an old Stella guitar. I played it every day between dish washing 300,000 dishes that summer. I did learn the basics that summer of 1956 or was it 1957. When I returned home at the end of the summer, I picked up my day’s Martin and strummed a few cords, like an E, or B7 cord. I could not believe the sound. Ever since that day I have been a Martin fan and now own and play Martins that range in age from the 1880s to my 2001 D-45. They are all great guitars. Something about a guitar that has naturally aged, as I have. Now at 82, I live in South Korea and play my D-35 in Daejeon live cafes and at weddings on my 12 string (not a Martin but a Laravée guitar). I also finally visited the factory last summer and was amazed at all the hand work that went in to each instrument. What amazes me is that they never make a bad guitar. The woods used are specially chosen. I was born in 1942 and only own one golden era guitar the 1935 0-18k. Long live Martin guitars. Thank you Mr Martin for putting into each guitar, that deep Martin sound that you build to! If you are in the area of Nazareth, Pa, definitely visit the factory. The one hour tour is excellent and the museum well organized and has excellent explanations of all guitars displayed. They even have a guitar from 1834, one year after arriving in the US.
Holy shit man that’s badass
Salute 🎉
I grew up playing on my mom’s Yamaha acoustic from the 70’s. In 2008, as a single 19 y/o young man with money to burn and a desire to own my own acoustic, I demo’d several Martins at my local Guitar Center and stumbled upon the DCX1E. It had HPL sides and back, but the tone was warm and mellow- and absolutely amazing at its price point. And the smell of the guitar/the solid Sitka spruce…it’s the kind of experience that awakens the sleeping woodworker spirit of one’s ancestors. Sadly I had to sell it in 2015…but that guitar was and always will be my absolute favorite.
I bought a D-X1E Koa a couple years ago for $499 at a local shop, and it's been a great guitar!
Can't beat that price!
I have a Dx-1 which is very frowned upon but that’s all I could afford when I bought it 15 years ago. It’s a great guitar and has the full Martin sound and everything.
Yes! A dx1 was the one I was talking about first playin in the video. I loved that guitar.
I have a Martin DXM from 2008 and it sounds great. Plays great.
And its tough as a tank.
@@joemonroe1106just bought one from 1999 at a pawn shop for 299$, came with a brand new fender roadrunner hard case and in side the compartment was an unopened set of Ernie ball electric strings. Pretty solid deal, do need to go get it set up a little better tho
Holly BLESS IT. ❤I'M stoked for you Sean
Came for the Martin review...enjoyed Sean's presentation...in awe with Gracie's song and performance 👏🏻❤️✨
Gracie is amazing!
Thanks for the review, and for bringing Gracie on, what a great voice and expression in her singing
I watch this video just for her❤
Wish this song can be on Spotify or other streaming platforms
I have a Mexican Taylor that is the only guitar I gig with . It has an incredible deep rock and roll tone that I haven’t heard since I bought it … irreplaceable.
What model?
Some guitars and some amps have a sound that can't be reproduced by buying the same model. It's an individual sound that is usually harnessed by a specific individual and specific instrument.
Yeah, it's replaceable. If we did a "blind ear" test, I bet you'd find several that were better.
So that relates to this video how?
I have a Mexican made Martin Backpacker guitar which I travelled around the UK and Ireland with recently. Easy on and off planes, trains and automobiles and for its size, I really love its tone.
Bro i agree it’s portable easy to carry around bun it’s sounds like 💩 and it’s uncomfortable as f**k unless you where a Balalaica player.😂
@@iancurry Tone appreciation is relative: you really _love_ its tone if your experience of tone is limited, like going from a uke to a traveler/backpacker.
Wish it has space for percussion on top and below the sound hole
I have a 68 D-35, which sounds good, but string tension is high. 20 years ago, I found a Daion 78 Heritage, basically a Japanese D-18, but comes with a brass nut, an brass pegs, and sounds like nothing else! Easiest playing acoustic I've ever played, plus just sounds Amazing! If you ever see one, get it! You won't be disappointed. About 10 years ago I saw another on Ebay, and got it for $500, it needed a little work, but I've had 2 and when I pull these out to play with friends, they blow their minds.
If you want to make that D-35 Playable, REALLY playable, instead of just paying a bunch of money for a neck reset, send it back to Martin for a restoration with a NEW Modern Deluxe neck. I did that with my '74 D35, and the thing is just great! Additionally, they put in a new bridge plate and bridge, nut and saddle, and polished the top and body so very well that it looks like a brand new guitar, but with the wonderfully aged tonewoods. Martin's folks did a great job for me! I just gave them a call, paid a 50% deposit, and they did the rest.
@@jerryjerry3904 What did that set you back?
Both great songs! Sean I think the percussive driving rhythm works well…cool lyrics and vocal too. ❤
Thanks so much!
When I got some bonus money ,I decided to finally get a Martin, but before I spent the coin , I did a test drive on All the high end guitars. Martin,Gibson ,and Taylor.
Once I tried the Taylor, my decision was made. Perfect blend of bass and treble. Easy action.
I never looked back!
If you are a serious guitar player and keep dropping money on guitar packages etc , do yourself a favor ,spend the dollars and get a well made guitar that makes your heart sing!🙏
I have a Martin DX1R, bought in 2006 that I have never frowned upon. 😊 It has great sound with wonderful bass and a bright high end. Physically it’s in great shape, that HPL can handle accidental bumps that probably make you curse and/or cry if you owned a solid wood guitar. The neck is still very straight. I have used medium to mostly light strings and change them regularly. Last October I purchased a Martin HD28. I also have yet to frown on it. So the three of us worked out a deal, the X1 gets used for trying new techniques I’m working on and songs I’m just learning. The 28 does the music I play regularly but because of its humidity/temperature sensitivity doesn’t get out of its M1 Tank case as often but plays longer sets. The point of all this is despite the new 28 I wasn’t going to put the X1 in the closet. It has great sound, it is what I learned on and it darned sure wasn’t going to get cast away.
Always a great video when Gracie makes an appearance! She's so good! How is she not famous yet??
I ordered that Martin model from Sweetwater for chilling on the sofa-I love it. I most usually purchase guitars made in the States. Seriously reconsidering that premise. Thanks for the review.
Peace from Sarasota.
Get a Larrivee then
Martin Road series guitars give you a lot of bang for your buck, I've got the GPC-13, When I played it you could hear that Martin sound, it's powerful yet still has all the highs. It stays in tune and yes the sound hole tuner is great. I got a chance to play a D-28 and a D-28 and the Rosewood body was just awesome. Just holding that guitar and seeing the level of craftsmanship that goes into it is amazing.
Hey how would you compare the GPC-13 vs D-28? I always wanted to get a cutaway model.
I bought an x series, about $600+, when I got the guitar from the dealer they had taken it out of the box and presented to me, I ask for gig
Bag and they wanted to charge me another $128 and said I thought it came with a gig bag, and they said no. So I left, pissed off and put off , never went back. Called Martin and their representative was flippant and never gave up a gig bag.
But , it was and still is my favorite guitar with great sound and tone and fit to my hands so nicely. But still “ Martin” never made good on the gig bag and So this is how things go down Martin cares about the dealer and less about the consumer, Trust me I had already purchased several Martins and was a loyal customer, this digs at a consumer and I’ll never forget what went down.
Kind of like their neck resets they promised ?
Of course now a lot of them have mortise/tenon like this cheap laminated one has . Not knocking the lamamates I have a DM that sounds decent. But they still aren't a solid wood .... and there IS a noticeable difference.. in fact it's a large one .
@@thefreese1noticeable difference in price too.
I bought a left handed Martin 00CX1AE in 2004 and it didn’t come with a gig bag. No biggie, I love that guitar! Back then, the HPL back and sides were all black and the guitar was made in Nazareth, PA.
@@BillNelson-OU812 yes . Quite Noticable. Lol
@@BillNelson-OU812
However, Eastman has some all solid sides and backs that go on sale from time to time that are only a few bucks more when on sale ... But then again it doesn't have that Martin name .. however they're getting a good reputation nowadays.. so they'll go up in price... just not as much as a Martin
Gracie, what can I say, just beautiful, Tracy Chapman Mark II
She really does have a Tracy Chapman vibe!
You mentioned that the back was "Cocobolo Wood". I think it's important to mention, the x series have man made back and sides They are not made of cocobolo wood. Thanks for the otherwise good review.
It’s why the instrument was in tune right out of the box. The high-pressure laminate is stiff, stable, secure. It’s the right material for the job - coffeehouse gigs, car camping, jamming with friends on the porch - living, right?
I'm a big fan of Martin 00 size guitars. Their Mexico made are a great value (IMO). 🎸🎸🎸 Don't ya just love the battery access at the tail piece ! All acoustic/electric guitars should have that. 🎸🎸🎸🎸 Nice review.
Thank you so much! OO for life!
So impressed by how you bring up and comers onto your platform for their exposure and benefit Sean Daniel. At a young age you've apparently learned one of the large lessons of life.
Love martins I have owned over 35 Martins from road series thru Customs loved them all currently have a 28 and SC 18 E
Huge fan!
Didn't know Martins were made in Mexico. Wanted a D18 or D28 for years. Saw the DM model back in 2002 and bought that. Still have it. It's got better with age. This model is nice enough. Nice review. There was a sound I liked that some acoustics have. That woody/bass sound, mostly associated with old guitars. This is nice but a bit too 'matalic' in sound. That picking in front of the mic sounds really great!
I totally agree! The Martin X series guitars are great! I have 3 of them.
I purchased my first 000-18 in 1963. It was a beautiful guitar and great for those with smaller hands. I wish I would have kept it.
My dream guitar is a 00-18!
The O 18 is great! It has slightly more depth than the OO 18.
I just got a Special version of the Road Series that comes with ebony bridge and fretboard, aging toner on the top and vintage Grover open tuners for $999.00. They are made for Sweetwater and I got the Dreadnought. Also comes in 000 size similar to OM size. I thought it was a good deal and a guitar that I could pass to my daughter. I will install Bone nut, Saddle and Pins in the future.
so cool! Congrats!
I have a 2002 Martin C15E Mahogany. and Love it
That's a nice guitar and the Price is amazing. I like the more natural sound with the Mike. But, the direct output sound, while different, has its own charm. I have the 000 Eric Clapton Model, but my pride and Joy is a 1999 00 18 Steve Howe signature. After all these years it's just wide open, Engleman Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides. You can pluck an open string and it just chimes on and on. Enjoy your videos and dry humor!
Thanks so much for watching! Yeah I agree, the direct out was better than I was anticipating.
They sound much better in real life than they do in the video. They’re laminate, so they’re never going to sound like a Standard series Martin, but as a beginner/intermediate guitar, they’re great for the money. I wish I had something like that when I was learning back in the day.
The best part of this video was the end so I could see it again.
Mahalo
Great as usual but Gracie was extraordinary!! Wowsers she's amazing!!!✌️😎
Right! SUPER talented!
I purchased a second-hand Martin X series a couple of years ago and love it. I showed it to a friend who is an amazing guitarist and talked about upgrading it at some point in the future. He asked "Why? you could build an entire career on this one instrument." He then picked it up and produced some amazing music out of it with virtually no effort. He gave it back to me and suggested I learn on this and not think about upgrading. I took it to heart and continue to practice on it. At some point, I would love to have half the skill he has. Anyway, I love my X-series. Thanks for the video.
Always nice to see someone choked about a purchase and I wish Daniel many happy years of ownership.
I think though that for the $ Alvarez masterworks, various yamaha offerings including the transacoustics or even a FS3, and Seagull, guild and Eastman will probably give that Martin a run for its money.
But then again as I only live about 30 miles from Martin in PA I will probably have to scratch that Martin itch myself at some point...
I bought a used 2008 Martin D-28 Marquis... totally love it.
I have the Martin Road Series; I love mine!!
Same, got a d-10. Now it did need a good setup, but it's easily the best sub $1k guitar out there.
They are the only guitars that make me drool 🤤, sold nearly all my Gibsons for usa martins , now there’s nothing wrong with gibbos but the first time I played a martin 00015 that was it , hook line and sinker 🥳🤓
00015-SM here. Just bought it. I love it.
I was enjoying the review but then Gracie took it to a whole different level.
Gracie legit is amazing.
Nice Job Gracie
So did you, Sean! Really enjoyed that!
Gracie did a great job!
Beautiful playing and beautiful song. I am sold on this guitar.
I really love playing that guitar!
Have you compared it to the 000 Junior, which is made entirely of solid wood?
Beautiful sound ... lovely song and expressive voice ... will be looking up both these nice folks 👍
Good workmanship and great instrument.
If I had to choose between this Martin or a Furch Yellow Gc-CR w/SPA MC....
Which would I choose?
I'm between these two guitars at the moment.
Thanks.
I was really enjoying the guitar, and then wow, those vocals! And the soul in that song. Really lovely.
What a voice! That original was excellent!!!
Here is a true happy cheap Martin story for ya
I have Only ever had a little Martin
I bought it just for camping , I bought it at a festival
With a friend
It was super cheap
Personally I love Gibson acoustics the equivalent in sizes, I think have a wider tonal range and less mid so better suited for my voice and strumming but that’s just my opinion and is not relevant
that little Martin was a beast of a guitar
Anyhow ,ten years later
I gave that little Martin to my friends kid , by then ,it was well beat up from many adventures and held together with duct tape !
But it still played great and
Was the perfect size for him
Now that kid has graduated London school of jazz guitar and just joined a well known band !!
No doubt soon going on world tours
So …
Never underestimate the power of a cheap or small guitar
I surprisingly got the little Martin back
In a better state than I gave it away
Thanks kids Dad/ Friend for repairing the damage under the Duct tape and fret job and set up
That guitar did its job many times over and is still going strong
Great job Martin 👍
👏👏👏👏👏👏
That Martin has had a very good life. Cheers!
Unfortunately Martin's travel sized guitars aren't noted for their sound because of the laminate top . But the baby Taylor isn't good at all .
I went to buy one , to keep handy . Had both side by side ... walked out with a Luna ... it had a solid spruce top . And electronics.. and unlike the baby Taylor that's impossible to chord an A or a B7 (and sounds like a trash can lid) the Luna sounds like a bigger guitar. Like an OM ..
And it was only $189 out the door .. Down side was it had ugly peacocks laser etched in it ..
I actually played a venue with it . Fishman electronics in it sound pretty decent..
Funny that it out did the both Martin and Taylor on sound and playability.
Great story man! Much luck to “the Kid” and many more festivals that you and the Martin Jr make!
@@thefreese1 the Martin I’m referencing in this story is an LX1 it has a solid spruce top
fingerboard and bridge is a dark like ebony wood but I’m not sure what it is exactly, a mahogany multiply neck is really solid so it can take Heavy strings easy and if looks like a some kinda high pressured laminate / veneer on the headstock and back snd sides I think it retailed for about 230 GBP It came with a soft case that’s still good j remember a month after using my card seeing a bill for about 320 and thought what’s that for !
That was the extra packs of strings I blagged outa the sales guy and dozen plectrums,and guitar strap , it’s never had electrics in it
I think Ed Sheehan made a few quid outa playing one with electrics in it
I Bought from a hobgoblin music stand in Frome folk festival Wiltshire U.K. sometime in the late 90s
It’s done plenty of all-nighters and weeks of camping
Open Mike nights
Been a busking with it and slept in the case once at friends house with the guitar cradled safe in between my knees !
Then in ‘the Kids’ hands if passed an A level music course
Playing old Americana
It may of had a different journey had it had electrics so I’m glad I kept it raw.
It Still plays great
Lives on my sofa
Best drunken debit card purchase I ever made 😂
@@thefreese1I bought a Guild small-bodied 12-string in 1984, that is so good you'd think it was a Guild speciality. It was £300 in that year, in 2024 that would be like around £1000......uk activity.
I just got one. Got the Zirocote. (sp) still aclemating to the house. Put Elixir strings on mine.
You're gonna love it!
@@seandaniel23 I hope so! Thanks for the heads up! Good channel.
@@Hippie-i8g glad you like the vids!! Thanks for watching!
Really wishing for some comparisons between this and the 000jr-10
Hey, I've got a GPCPA4... it was definitely made in USA (I think you said it was made in Mexico, unless I misheard that) The replacement for the GP line, the Road Series, when it got discontinued was made in Mexico (a quick look in the soundhole should confirm the USA made status of your GPCPA4). Love all 3 of my Martins, from the Backpacker to the lLX1E Little Martin (both made in Mexico) to the GP; one cannot go wrong with Martin for sure!
Your friend reminds me of a mashup of Tracy Chapman and the late Ritchie Havens
Curiously, my first 'real' guitar was a Martin 00-18 I bought in 1968 and still own. Two years ago, on a whim, I bought a Martin DX, the Johnny Cash edition. It sounds good, mostly plays good. But I haven't touched it in a year. Why? Because it weighs a ton. It's easily 1.5x the weight of my Eastman grand auditorium which rivals it in size and 2x the weight of my 00-18. It also feels too bulky. I can play the 00-18 all day and never get tired. The DX wears me down, even sitting, in 30 minutes. So I have less than 2 hours playing time in two years. A little research shows me a 00-18 weights 3 lb 10 oz. This seems exaggerated, at least with my old model which if feather-light. A 00-18 XE weighs 4 lb 8 oz. or 30% more using those figures. My real point is, if possible, try one out in a store before buying it. You might be delighted with it or you might have second thoughts for reasons you never considered.
Totally agree. I also gravitate to picking up the lighter guitars.
I am a big fan of the smaller guitars because of a bad fall in 2014. The dreads are amazing but it iust so painful to reach around them anymore ! They were all I ever played for many years !!!
So what model is the one you’re talking about
I have three Taylors...Martin special streetmaster will be delivered tomorrow so....we'll see. Really love my Taylors so hopefully the Martin will be different but as good as or better. I haven't checked out any Gibsons yet...maybe if I hit the lottery or actually get good enough in my playing to justify the cost. The Martin in the video definitely sounds better finger picked than strummed.
Oooo a Streetmaster! I really think you’ll like it. Let me know!
I don't know why it's good to have the tuner readout in the sound hole.
My stage Martin has it right on the side/top and has a button for silent tuning.
Not only is this easier to see but is still visible if you need to use a sound hole cover which I do.
I wanted to buy a new Martin but I have not for this reason.
I have some X series Martins. They are great guitars for the money. The only issue with the one in the video, it’s one of the X versions that doesn’t have the binding around the edges. I’ve seen some of these in guitar shops coming apart at the seams. The edges are not glued / secured well enough without the binding for good structural integrity. Martin needs to add binding to all guitars and just charge a little more for it. I seen this 000 and really liked it, but I’m not buying a guitar without the binding.
You are definitely selling for Martin but I gotta say, I tried a 000x1ae in a store lately and it had a great tone, good projection, sustain, just like an old Yamaha FG concert size! A friend of mine got it and i'm his sound engineer on sunday morning. I've got to deal with good and bad acoustic preamp... This one is good!
bought GPC-11E came with a bad fret out of the box Sweetwater replaced it immediately had new one in two days now I love it also need to keep an eye on the humidity in you house
I really enjoyed the original songs. Very nice. This guitar has interested me since it came out, but with 3 Martins already, there's really no need to take the plunge at this point. First time I've heard one played, and I think it's just fine. Thanks.
That factory tour of the Martin factory in Nazareth,PA is amazing.
Gracie has talent!❤
I think that guitar has a certain slot it fills for live performance. Beautiful, pure guitar tone it lacks.
I’ve had my X-series for a while now. Demo’ed it against a Taylor, Epiphone Masterclass and picked the Martin. It sounds great unplugged and plugged in. I love it. Only reason if buy another acoustic is to get a Mahogany body one. If you’re looking for an acoustic, I’d check them out. 😊
I have the 000jr which I adore. I would have bought this X series for a full size but got a great deal on an Alvarez artist elite (cedar top). As much as I love my Martin I love their strings even more. As a beginner the Flexible Core strings have been a game changer, so easy to play and they sound phenomenal. I definitely want an X series at some point, to me their utility just makes a ton of sense. And the price is fair imo.
I have the Martin CEO7. Imagine my surprise when it shows up on the movie "Yesterday". I like the size. But its definitely a finger picking guitar. That matched book back is pretty special and rare.
ahh its a HPL "photo flame" back.
I loved the CEO-7 specs but that size is what I "travel" with (sit in the woods, camping etc), so I was not gonna spend over $2500. I got what I call a "poor man's CEO-7" instead, a used 00L-17BS which fought me at first for over a month, as I was used to medium strings on my small jumbo rosewood, and I use a pick all of the time so had to get a little lighter touch. It cost twice as much as the guitar in the video (all solid wood, no gloss), but half the CEO7. There is a similar 00 size Alvarez that is way under $1000 but I never held or played one.
I feel like, for only a couple hundred more dollars you can get into the solid wood Road Series. A decent upgrade in sound.
I think that guitar needs some silk and steel strings. It will mellow it out and tame some of that brightness.
I really enjoy your posts ... I have owned a number of Martins , def great guitars . However , my current love for the last decade is a 50 year old Alvarez dread , which my friends dub the Msrtin Killer
I bought a Martin Sc10e and it’s probably the best guitar I’ve owned so far. So easy to play and build quality is outstanding. The action on it is so low. I don’t know how they did it without buzzing and playability issues.
I liked Gracie's song very much. The guitar....don't care, sounds sort of "brittle". I wouldn't buy that but....it's not a "high end" instrument by any means and the Martin rep has all been about high end "The Real Thing".
At pro prices. The big-time fancy Dan models are - quite something. As our friend points out, you wouldn't take one of those to a bar gig. I thought Martin already had their entry-level with another sub-brand (Sigma?). If they want to muddy the waters that's no skin off my nose but to describe this as "The best Martin you can buy" is straight out silly.
It's not terrible but I don't think it's the best at it's modest price either. It's well specced with its instant playability, bag, tuner and pick up and it's what we respectfully call a "junker".
Nice songs though, both of them. Gracie is a fine bit of "Open mic", I suspect she has more in her locker and if she played locally I'd go to see her. I think the chap has too, he'd certainly be very welcome at any open-mic coffee house so...bollocks to the guitar twaddle and hype, more power to both of them.
Shows what you can do with what's lying around the place - an entry-level "Martineroo", some great playing and singing that we don't hear enough of these days.
Thanks so much!
So the Martin 000cjr-10e body is bigger than this one right?
Good question! I’ve never actually played any of the jr stuff but I think the 00 is smaller still
Curious on what you think of the dmx. I recently bought a 2002 that spent most of its life in a case, same strings that came with it. What strings work best. Thanks
How would you compare it to a Taylor 114 or 110 dread. What is your take on the taylor v bracing on 300 series up?
Would you recommend this 00x2e or the Solid Martin djr10e
Totally agree… I have one, and it’s so great for the $.
I’m a huge fan!
Quite nice tone Sean but do want our guitars Martin or not to have backs made from recycled carrier bags ?
I also have a D35 that I bought new in '77 and also am reluctant to take it places where it might get lost or stolen. For those times I bought a DJr-10E (Dreadnaught Junior with electronics) which to me is the best dollar for dollar Martin. Unlike the X-series which has laminate back and sides, the DJr series is solid wood throughout. People will argue endlessly about the how the different back and side material affects the sound, but to me using a laminate adds a "plasticky" tone to the guitar that the Junior series doesn't have. Like the X series it's made in Mexico, but the Junior has some nice extra features like 1/4" bracing (like the D-35) instead of 5/16", compensated saddle, plus nicer binding and inlays. For about the same price, I think it's an even better value than the X-series.
I love my junior too, but sometimes you want a full-scale -length guitar.
@@abclar1 Sure, and the smaller body doesn't have the bass response or projection of a full-size guitar either. I'd personally buy a DJr over an X-Series, but that's me and others will have different preferences.
I got a little Martin and love it.
Great guitars.
I have a 2013 GPCPA4. It made in the US. Did that change at some point? Or do you have the gpcpa5?
crazy how much prices have increased on these. I bought mine used for $180 2 yrs ago when the new ones were $425. I get a price increase but 50% price increase is just crazy for a guitar with composit (not even laminate) back and sides. Yes I see the laminate cocobolo is "only" 699 but man thats extremely steep. At that price I far far prefer the Yamaha or Ibanez competitors which to my ears sound fantastic and to my fingers play extremely well - but cost $200+ less. I do love my Martin 00X2E but I think $649 is insanely to expensive.
Ohhh you should try the 000-16 Streatmaster
Yah. I'm drooling. I have a Yamaha Storia orchestra already, though. Still.
Gracie sounds Awesome !
I have a Martin MMV Custom and love the guitar, esp the neck profile. Does that one have the low oval profile? I've never played another Martin, so not sure if that's kind of their stock profile.
The DJr-10 neck has the high-performance taper and it's very similar to the 00-X2E so I'd guess that it has the same neck profile.
Martin, lifetime guitar ? Sometimes. I have a Martin that is around 20 years old and the binding all came off and when I tried to adjust the neck the truss rod broke. I do however have a 1972 Sigma 12 string that is absolutely the best sounding guitar I have ever heard and still in great condition.
Great demo ya’ll. I am trying to get my hands on a single 0 of this guitar. It will be my first Martin as I am a Taylor Guitars junkie.
For what goes into a guitar 649 bucks is very good value. I mean it's worth that just to be an owner of the brand which in a world where everyone is cutting corners Martin brand is still synonymous with quality.
I inherited a DM-15. Its it good?
Is it worth getting the Plek Pro Setup which is nearly half the price of the Guitar.
I have a 2004 Dcx1e. Before the Mexico factory was built. I get compliments on it all the time. I’ve tried more expensive guitars including Martins that I haven’t like as much.
sounds like every other plywood guitar
I'm convinced. Great tune by your friend too.
Gracie! The guitar is nice, but it only looks its best when it's in its right place, behind the vocals.
Thanks for introducing Gracie Céspedes. Wonderful voice! While the guitar sounds good, she sounds a lot better :)
I like the review Gracie has a little Joan Armatrading going on, way cool!
I just got a fake Martin HD 28 for $300. I bought it by mistake but kept it because it was that good! I have about 10 different guitars and this is easily the best sounding.
Solid spuce top or all laminate ?
What model is it
I think I may have just found my campfire guitar. Thanks, Sean.
I play it all the time, big fan!