All three are beautiful, the Taylor and Collings both sound amazing too, but...your Martin has that "this is what a REAL acoustic guitar sounds like" air about it!
I've tried Martins side-by-side with solid rosewood, solid mahogany and solid ovangkol back and sides. Each of these woods were distinctly different. Ultimately, the rosewood nailed it for me. It was just special in a way the other two woods couldn't match; it was just special. Hold on tight to your dad's Martins - you never know if one day they'll stop using those woods.
There is no way I could pick between the three. They all sound amazing in different aspects. Taylor more neutral, Collings more pronounced and mid heavy, Martin being more full and boomy. All amazing!
If I could afford one I'd choose the Martin. I just think it sounded fuller especially when strummed. Although I'm never gonna be able to afford any of them 😉
Even though I have a soft spot for Martin Guitars, I have to admit that the Collings OM2H is pure perfection. I always prefer OMs and 000s over Dreadnoughts in terms of looks and sound. Keep up the good work, Paul! Greetings from Germany.
I also play a Larrivee, a semi-custom Torch D40R with Austrian high altitude “moonwood” spruce top, rosewood back/sides, ebony fingerboard and bridge, mahogany neck, maple binding, bone nut and saddle, open tuners, matte finish. I receive complements all the time for is stunning balanced tone and resonance. I love the Collings, but the similar Collings D2HG German is three time the cost.
Surprisingly, I must agree. There is a warmth and separation to the Martin that is missing in both the Collings and the Taylor, at least in the models played. I say "surprisingly" because I have played some dynamite Collings, Taylors and other guitars and compared to most lower model Martins, they sound richer. But it is the different models that make such a difference, so this comparison, while interesting, must be taken as limited in scope.
Oh that Collings really impressed me ,im a huge fan of Martins ,i think they are the greatest guitars coming out of a factory. But i never realized that Collings guitars sounded even better ,anither thing to add to my notebook . Thanks Paul
Jude you must be deaf! The Taylor sounds thin in comparison in compared to the Martin and The Collings! And for Taylor's bring great guitars, they are overpriced junk! You pay £1100 for a guitar with laminated back and sides! If you want something semi descent from Taylor you pay £3000 upwards and even then they sound like tin!
Martin blows them away, it’s like he’s playing in the dark with the other two, then with the Martin, it’s like someone turned the light on! Martin’s have a magic to them!
You are brilliant Paul. I watch and admire all of your videos. I’m amazed not only by your skills but by your level of understanding of music theory, and the ability to utilize that knowledge in performance and instruction. Your willingness to convey that knowledge to your audience in a way that is simplified and beneath your level is truly welcome to pedestrian level guitarists such as myself. THAT in itself is highly noteworthy. Thank you for what you do. No other person on the YT platform even comes close to you my friend. I hope to sign up for your course someday soon.
@@sidnewman7676 My model is out of production, it was one of the discontinued old line that was replaced by this odd colour code. It is the OOM 34 SR, 33-35 were the codes for East Indian Rosewood back then, increasing in appointments and price as you go up the numbers. Stellar guitar, if you're looking for a smaller body. I was looking for an OM at the time but this one gave me all I wanted.
I recently picked up the guitar again after 35 yrs. I didn't know better and got myself an Ovation but then I quickly traded it in for a Taylor 714ce with V bracing. Truly a really nice guitar. Then I rediscovered the world of Martin and over a span of 2 weeks I must have tried them all. Then there it was, a Martin D28 1937 Authentic. I was totally blown away and helplessly in love! So I sold my Taylor and bought this Martin. It sounds and feels so right.
I like the Collings the best. I like how u played the same song and went immediately from one guitar to the next. You can really hear the difference that way.
Collings guitars are just fantastic. I also have a OM2H T and it is wonderful. My first dread was a D2H. It has aged well and keeps getting better and better. It is great to see you playing the OM2H a lot in your videos.
Man, you are good! You speak not quickly, not slowly, not loudly, not silently, very good balanced and spiritual talking. Many others can't lead a blog this way. Hold it on. Thanks for carefully doing job!
My Father gave me a Taylor 614ce for my birthday about three years before he passed in 2016. My Wife named it "the blonde" and it's one of my favorites. Crisp and clean tone and it plays almost effortlessly.
Not sure if you respond to these, but I play at my church plugged in a decent bit. As much as I know Taylors fit that sound perfectly, I like the sound of a Martin for general acoustic playing. Would you really choose the 716 plugged in vs the Martin?
When listening to just one acoustic guitar alone, I will choose the sound of an OM nearly every time. In the context of this video, The Collings shined brightest to my ears. If you're playing in a bluegrass jam with a banjo, mandolin and a fiddle, gotta bring the dreadnought, no doubt about it. That is The Martin's territory. The sonic signature of dreadnoughts in general don't make a lot of sense outside of that particular scenario. IMHO, all guitarists need one quality OM guitar as part of their stable.
I have a Martin om-28 and love it. The best thing I've ever bought! Your Martin sounds awesome but I'm not a fan of all the bling I prefer the subtlety of the om-28.
That's the thing with Martin Guitars. That bass, the natural harmonics, that sound. I know the exact feeling of strumming it and "that sound" makes you buy it.
Damn that Martin sounds great! Blows my Yamaha out the water for sure! But damn, even used they are pricey!! O_o Paul what is the song you are playing starting at 7:52? Sounds amazing! While you are planning tutorials, any chance you can do that one as well?
This would be the best guitar comparison video ever! You have successfully played each guitar one right after the other with the exact same song which makes it so easy to decide which sounds the best. I agree that a heavily played and weathered looking guitar is preferable because it’s the sound that matters most and you don’t worry about dinging it along the way. I bought a 1981 Martin HD-28 from the original owner for $800 back in the mid 90’s that was dinged, and had finish wear from heavy strumming etc. but sounded like a cannon. I still have it and will hand it down to my daughter someday. The sound is bass heavy and mellow from nearly 40 years of seasoning. 6:58 and 7:58 Martin pulls ahead no surprise 🤷🏼♂️
It is all about using the right acoustic for a particular style of music combined with the skill of the musician to bring out the best the guitar has to give. If fi get picking is your preference, give Lowden and Petros guitars a try. Not inexpensive but able to deliver the most remarkable sound.
Have to confess to never before having heard of Collings, and to assuming I'd love the Martin as I've always rather coveted Martin...but now I want that Collings. The Taylor was lovely too; never thought I'd hear something that would make the Martin sound like such an obvious third choice.
You are exceptional guitar player for sure and these guitars are amazing, I like what you said right away "In my opinion". My personal opinion, I own a lot of guitars myself but I feel the Gibson SJ 200 has the best tone of any guitar I have every played.
Paul. Great video, as ever. I've looked thru' the comments and as one might expect they are all about the tones of these 3 guitars. However, as a photographer - my eyes major over my ears - I noticed that very neat trick you pulled by wearing a different shirt for each guitar! That was a classy move!
Brilliant! love that Martin, I own a D35 purchased new 18 years ago. Love the powerful bottom end but looking for an OM or Taylor x14 for the lighter touch, smaller body. Taylors I've played all are very playable but I have concerns about durability. They get that sound from being thin.
Vince McK I have had my Taylor for years. They won’t disappoint. I’ve dropped it and everything and is still in one piece. If you are going to get one (if you haven’t already) I really recommend saving up the extra money and going for a 800 Dlx series or a 900 series as you won’t get a better guitar on the market!!
I also have a Martin D35 which I bought brand new in 1987. One of the first to have an adjustable truss rod. I love it. It’s a workhorse. I wouldn’t mind having the D42 and The Collings, too.
After playing a 1950's D35, I had been planning to find a used one eventually: Every note you played was an event of its own, ringing out like a bell.... But as time passed, I never found one in decent condition that I could afford. One day, recently, I stumbled over the Taylor 517 Builder's edition (a fairly round Dreadnaught with a tighter weist), that came pretty close to my memory of that tone, but it added a level of transparency I heard in a Lowden guitar I tried, in spite of featuring Mahogany sides and back. It didn't make sense to me, from what I read about tone wood combinations, but I felt the sound was definitely my new favorite. Totally unscientific on my part, but this lets you hear it through somewhat, if your UA-cam speakers are good: ua-cam.com/video/qRnfcu53BLk/v-deo.html Oddly, I think the plug-in sound with the expression system is terrible, compared to miked. I guess the focus was on feedback reduction...
I have had an HD-35 for a year that was professionally set up with medium Elixr strings and medium action height. Sounds phenomenal with the flat pick but hard on my fretting fingers. How is yours set up?
That Collins sound makes me want one. I have a Martin D-42 I bought new in 2002. I changed the saddle and bridge pins to fossilized walrus ivory and nut to bone. The sustain is tremendous. I love the sound!
Really? Any specific models ? I originally went shopping with Gibson and Guild locked firmly on the top of my list but was drawn to a Martin D18 by the sound, a very plain looking guitar I wanted something with a bit more visual appeal but to my ear the Martin just had a fuller more even tone. I didn’t really know a whole lot about acoustic guitars particularly Martins, have 2 Pauls an SG a Strat and a Telly and was certain I was going to buy a Gibson but the Martin surprised me so...
Taylor Collings Martin I have a Taylor 816CE, a Gibson J45, and had a Martin D28....just sold it. Didn't think I'd like the Taylor but man that thing is a player with volume, bass, and crisp highs. Sounds great finger style or flat picking. I like the grit of the Gibby but the Taylor does it all. Looking at a Collings OM2H, Huss & Dalton OM-C or Santa Cruz H13....ugh, they're all great!
I had Martin HD-28V, J-40, 00028EC, 00015M, Gibson Hummingbird TV, D-45 Custom and SJ-200 TV. I sold them all because I played less guitar and I had a house to buy. Except one. The Gibson SJ-200 TV. Simply magic... It was the only one that always gave me chills, the only one I would have taken on a desert island.
Dag Paul, dank je voor je video's via dit kanaal. Je bent een uitstekend gitarist en je brengt de boodschap heel prettig. De getoonde gitaren zijn allemaal uitstekend. Zelf speel ik al sinds mijn 15e gitaar en ben er nu 61. De gitaar blijft een magisch instrument en de drang om gitaarzaken te bezoeken, zoals the fellowship of acoustics in Dedemsvaart, is altijd groot. Dan loop ik langs al die gitaren, tokkel effe op de snaren en luister naar al die verschillende geluiden. Dan merk ik dat de gitaar eigenlijk mij uitzoekt. Nadat ik verschillende gitaren heb gekocht zoals Martin en Lowden ben ik uiteindelijk terechtgekomen bij de Santa Cruz 000. Voortreffelijk instrument.
I knew Elizabeth Cotton. She showed me Freight Train at The Sweetwater when I was a kid, and the Jerry Garcia very graciously let me think that I taught HIM Freight Train. :) Now, when you played Freight Train on the three guitare, the superior tone of the Martin is so frigging obvious to be a blowout. Next to the Martin, the Tayler sounded like it was in a pillow case, and the Collings, although better, wasn't equally phat on all 6 strings. Still a Martin guy, but boy, I keep looking. I love the way you put the three up, though. Thanks.
I have a d42 also !!! It’s a dream guitar with unbelievable flexibility and tone . When recording at the studio my engineer says he hardly alters a single knob to get a good sound pure quality. Great videos Paul !
My favourite is the perfect combination of the Collings and the Martin, articulated for finger picking, volume and bass of a dreadnought. My Martin M36 is so nice, I fall in love with it everyday. Doesn't matter what you play it can deliver.
Interesting and thoughtful review of these fine instruments. IMHO the Martin likely covers the most ground because it simply sounds the best acoustically. The Taylor, with its Expression system, likely sounds the best plugged in. But for my money and more importantly my playing style (I mostly use my fingers) the Collings would be my choice. I agree with Paul .... it is the most precise sounding of the three.
Paul, your side-by-side comparisons done within a matter of seconds is much better than most of the other comparison sites that draw out the playing comparisons. As for me, I have a Martin HD-28 (purchased within the last year) and a Taylor 414ce (I've had this longer). The Taylor was my first foray into investing into a better guitar than my previous guitars. If I can pass on one word to new guitarists is that when you invest in a better guitar, you'll know why they cost more. They play and sound dramatically different from entry level guitars. In this video, to me the Martin sounded the best with a bigger, yet mellower overall sound. The Taylor was close and I'm curious as to why you have a 716 instead of the 8 or 9 series for comparison. But the Collings was probably the thinnest sounding to me, but my hearing has taken a beating over the years and I wish I had the advantage of good hearing again. Such is life. Thanks for the way you compared these guitars. I'll move on to more of you videos to see what else you have in store.
Yes! Finally a video about my guitar collection :)
What is a guitar is on your wishlist?
custom warmoth telecaster with quilt maple top tiger eye finish and gold hardware
squier bullet strat
Now you've gotta do a video like this about your favourite electric guitars :)
Yep, I know. Can't wait :D
Fender Stratocaster
Setting aside my love for Martin...I have to say that Collings stole the show. What a great sound.
Jep
Collings and Martin are the best
Yep. I love Martin's but definitely the Collins sounded the best.
Agreed. Beautiful, grand piano-like tones
Yeah!
1:50 It's like editting my equalizer 😂
Taylor - set to more treble
Collings - Enabled the surround
Martin - Balanced / default
Get Gibson to make you a signature guitar called the Les Paul Davids
The comment is legendary but this reply is next level savge
@Shikhar Srivastava you dont just "get" Gibson to make anything for you...
You have to be a well known artist and great record (CDs) sells.
@@chillwii9832 they don't have a custom shop?
He’s talking acoustics mate.
I'd buy that
The collings sounds so warm and really fills a room up with sound and has such depth I've always loved the way they sound
All three are beautiful, the Taylor and Collings both sound amazing too, but...your Martin has that "this is what a REAL acoustic guitar sounds like" air about it!
Celtic Fury 7
You just can’t beat a Martin. My dad has two Martin’s made with Brazilian Rosewood, and they simply sound amazing.
I've tried Martins side-by-side with solid rosewood, solid mahogany and solid ovangkol back and sides. Each of these woods were distinctly different. Ultimately, the rosewood nailed it for me. It was just special in a way the other two woods couldn't match; it was just special. Hold on tight to your dad's Martins - you never know if one day they'll stop using those woods.
I picked the Martin out right away on first hearing all 3. It's perfect!
There is no way I could pick between the three. They all sound amazing in different aspects. Taylor more neutral, Collings more pronounced and mid heavy, Martin being more full and boomy. All amazing!
I thought the Collings sounded best... until the heavy strumming, that’s when the Martin stood up... and the other guitars raised the White Flag!!!!
100% agree.
Spot on with strumming analogy
ding ding ding - correct. The Collings was clearly louder, but the Martin excels in all phases.
If I could afford one I'd choose the Martin. I just think it sounded fuller especially when strummed.
Although I'm never gonna be able to afford any of them 😉
You have bad ears
The Collings is a very special guitar! Sounds really good in the studio.
I have Martin D-35 2016 which is wonderful. My dream guitar is the Martin D-42, thanks for the video!
Even though I have a soft spot for Martin Guitars, I have to admit that the Collings OM2H is pure perfection. I always prefer OMs and 000s over Dreadnoughts in terms of looks and sound. Keep up the good work, Paul! Greetings from Germany.
The Collings sounds just stunning! I play a Larrivee OM myself
Lauri Arjas I agree with you completely. The Collings is special...and I also play a Larrivee.
I also play a Larrivee, a semi-custom Torch D40R with Austrian high altitude “moonwood” spruce top, rosewood back/sides, ebony fingerboard and bridge, mahogany neck, maple binding, bone nut and saddle, open tuners, matte finish. I receive complements all the time for is stunning balanced tone and resonance. I love the Collings, but the similar Collings D2HG German is three time the cost.
The OM is a wonderful body size for some style of music. I have a Martin OM-21. Amazing sound, ample bad with stunning mid-range
Im playing a Furch OM, cedar top, rosewood back and sides. Stunning sound.
I too am playing the Larrivee! We are special people.
That Martin sounds so obscenely good, you can close your eyes and hear the difference
Martin is the best sounding of all 3 i'd say by far
Agreed. The Collings sounds great as well, but it's missing something compared to the Martin.
That’s why it’s 5000$
Surprisingly, I must agree. There is a warmth and separation to the Martin that is missing in both the Collings and the Taylor, at least in the models played. I say "surprisingly" because I have played some dynamite Collings, Taylors and other guitars and compared to most lower model Martins, they sound richer. But it is the different models that make such a difference, so this comparison, while interesting, must be taken as limited in scope.
Larry Lynch Yes, definitely!!! Martin sounds so good and warm...
Collings is also amazing. Not a perfectly fair comparison for both. But both are awesome.
I’ve heard so many recordings with Martin’s on though, to me it’s like what a guitar is supposed to be.
Man.. that Collings is a VERY noticeable different. It sounds absolutely stunning.
It sounds "different" because it's so midrange forward,..which is great for fingerstyle, but not great for much else.
The fretboard of the Martin looks beautifull. It's so highlighted with the bindings that it makes it a real eyecatcher.
Oh that Collings really impressed me ,im a huge fan of Martins ,i think they are the greatest guitars coming out of a factory. But i never realized that Collings guitars sounded even better ,anither thing to add to my notebook . Thanks Paul
Martin
Collings
Taylor
In terms of sound in this video.
John Doe are you deaf? 😂 Taylor are some of the nicest sounding guitars in the world 😂
Jude you must be deaf! The Taylor sounds thin in comparison in compared to the Martin and The Collings! And for Taylor's bring great guitars, they are overpriced junk! You pay £1100 for a guitar with laminated back and sides! If you want something semi descent from Taylor you pay £3000 upwards and even then they sound like tin!
lol no
Same choice. It's subjective though.
@@judebrown7531 the Collings sounded more brighter
Man..the D42 with those chords at 8:00 sounded SO GOOD. OMG.
I have to say that the Martin is the winner for my ears. So rich and clear.
The D-42 is my favorite of the three. It sounds awesome!!! Although the other two are beautiful too. Thank you for sharing Paul!
Paul, How about a lesson with the little song you are doing at 3:20 in the video it looks easy and sounds great!
+scott thoburn Ah, yes :) It's Autumn leaves, I can do a video about it. It's not that difficult no.
We eagerly wait a lesson for that 'Autumn leaves' ☺️
It will come, I AM SURE!
I’m waitinggggg Paul ^^
Paul Davids me too waiting from India☺️
Martin blows them away, it’s like he’s playing in the dark with the other two, then with the Martin, it’s like someone turned the light on! Martin’s have a magic to them!
For me Martins guitar is better.
You are brilliant Paul. I watch and admire all of your videos. I’m amazed not only by your skills but by your level of understanding of music theory, and the ability to utilize that knowledge in performance and instruction. Your willingness to convey that knowledge to your audience in a way that is simplified and beneath your level is truly welcome to pedestrian level guitarists such as myself. THAT in itself is highly noteworthy.
Thank you for what you do. No other person on the YT platform even comes close to you my friend. I hope to sign up for your course someday soon.
I much preferred the Collings over the other two. Much more presence, to my mind. I own a Taylor and a Furch, a Collings would be a nice addition.
I definitely agree with you the sound is clearer and looks awesome as well
I'm shopping for furch right now, which do you have?
@@sidnewman7676 My model is out of production, it was one of the discontinued old line that was replaced by this odd colour code. It is the OOM 34 SR, 33-35 were the codes for East Indian Rosewood back then, increasing in appointments and price as you go up the numbers.
Stellar guitar, if you're looking for a smaller body. I was looking for an OM at the time but this one gave me all I wanted.
I recently picked up the guitar again after 35 yrs. I didn't know better and got myself an Ovation but then I quickly traded it in for a Taylor 714ce with V bracing. Truly a really nice guitar. Then I rediscovered the world of Martin and over a span of 2 weeks I must have tried them all. Then there it was, a Martin D28 1937 Authentic. I was totally blown away and helplessly in love! So I sold my Taylor and bought this Martin. It sounds and feels so right.
I personally like the Taylor, but they all sound great! Either way, it's always great to drool over some beautiful guitars!
100% the Collings sounded better to my ears by a mile, which surprised me... I thought I would prefer the martin...
Same here, Mart b
The sound of the Martin always amazes me. It's so rich.
The Martin is my favorite based on sound alone.
I like the Collings the best. I like how u played the same song and went immediately from one guitar to the next. You can really hear the difference that way.
Martin is sooo full and deep. Love it!
Collings guitars are just fantastic. I also have a OM2H T and it is wonderful. My first dread was a D2H. It has aged well and keeps getting better and better. It is great to see you playing the OM2H a lot in your videos.
"I don't wanna hurt a guitar" - oh boy, that touched...
I like the Collings, but the sustain and bass on that Martin...magical.
Good God the visual quality of your vids are insane
Martin is Steinway, Taylor is Fazioli
I’m sold by Martin after seeing this 🙏
The cut away gave a little refrain
Wow I really prefer the Taylor one! Sounds great!
Man, you are good! You speak not quickly, not slowly, not loudly, not silently, very good balanced and spiritual talking. Many others can't lead a blog this way. Hold it on. Thanks for carefully doing job!
I think you just need a good lens for and every guitar to be the most beautiful guitar in the world.
My Father gave me a Taylor 614ce for my birthday about three years before he passed in 2016.
My Wife named it "the blonde" and it's one of my favorites.
Crisp and clean tone and it plays almost effortlessly.
Not sure if you respond to these, but I play at my church plugged in a decent bit. As much as I know Taylors fit that sound perfectly, I like the sound of a Martin for general acoustic playing. Would you really choose the 716 plugged in vs the Martin?
The collings blows me away! Wow!!!
What is the song at 3:28?
The Martin D42 to the Taylor and Collings: "Hold my pick!"
When listening to just one acoustic guitar alone, I will choose the sound of an OM nearly every time. In the context of this video, The Collings shined brightest to my ears. If you're playing in a bluegrass jam with a banjo, mandolin and a fiddle, gotta bring the dreadnought, no doubt about it. That is The Martin's territory. The sonic signature of dreadnoughts in general don't make a lot of sense outside of that particular scenario. IMHO, all guitarists need one quality OM guitar as part of their stable.
I have a Martin om-28 and love it. The best thing I've ever bought! Your Martin sounds awesome but I'm not a fan of all the bling I prefer the subtlety of the om-28.
Chris Gifford it rings like a bell. Mid ranges just bloom and it’s low end isn’t lacking. Balanced and resonant, projects great....The perfect guitar.
Musician technique 90%
Guitar 10%
Great job Paul, Hug from Brazil.
I’m just gonna say it, I like the Taylor sound the most
Thanks!
No dislikes for his videos. Amazing.
Deepanshu Singal why did you say anything. Now it has 1 dislike
Disliking is really weird... I mean is there a valid reason to give a dislike to this video?
Deepanshu Singal well 11 deaf blind rats fixed that😂
Now it's 80plus.
That's the thing with Martin Guitars. That bass, the natural harmonics, that sound. I know the exact feeling of strumming it and "that sound" makes you buy it.
Damn that Martin sounds great! Blows my Yamaha out the water for sure! But damn, even used they are pricey!! O_o
Paul what is the song you are playing starting at 7:52? Sounds amazing! While you are planning tutorials, any chance you can do that one as well?
fix you coldplay, if I'm right tho
which Yamaha do You have?
APX700.
stef is right
ah, I see said the blind man. :)
This would be the best guitar comparison video ever! You have successfully played each guitar one right after the other with the exact same song which makes it so easy to decide which sounds the best. I agree that a heavily played and weathered looking guitar is preferable because it’s the sound that matters most and you don’t worry about dinging it along the way. I bought a 1981 Martin HD-28 from the original owner for $800 back in the mid 90’s that was dinged, and had finish wear from heavy strumming etc. but sounded like a cannon. I still have it and will hand it down to my daughter someday. The sound is bass heavy and mellow from nearly 40 years of seasoning. 6:58 and 7:58 Martin pulls ahead no surprise 🤷🏼♂️
The most beautiful guitar is the one I am playing at the moment
It is all about using the right acoustic for a particular style of music combined with the skill of the musician to bring out the best the guitar has to give. If fi get picking is your preference, give Lowden and Petros guitars a try. Not inexpensive but able to deliver the most remarkable sound.
ua-cam.com/video/k0z59XWCwus/v-deo.html
I own a Martin HD28. It's gorgeous and sounds wonderful.
Having said that...the COLLINGS sounds SO rich.
What does he play at 3:29??? I can't my finger on it!
Autumn Leaves, I think.
The Collings really pops, but I must stay with Martin for my favorite.
Have to confess to never before having heard of Collings, and to assuming I'd love the Martin as I've always rather coveted Martin...but now I want that Collings.
The Taylor was lovely too; never thought I'd hear something that would make the Martin sound like such an obvious third choice.
What is the first song (fingerstyle) you play (3:32)?
3:31 what song? Pls.
Jethro Cantoria Autumn Leaves, check out Clapton’s version
They all sound lovely in your hands.
Collings is boxy sounding to my ear...I`d go for Martin in this one.
The Martin guitar is magical and sings like a beautiful bird.
@7:52 Was that Coldplay's Fix You? The guitars sounded so nice when you played it. Fantastic video, bro!
Radiohead
@@sirajNYC no not Radiohead
You are exceptional guitar player for sure and these guitars are amazing, I like what you said right away "In my opinion". My personal opinion, I own a lot of guitars myself but I feel the Gibson SJ 200 has the best tone of any guitar I have every played.
No way all you guys, the Collings hands down beat both martin and the taylor'
I have the same Taylor, and now I want the Collings instead. Oh my that sound is amazing.
loved when you played street spirit (fade out) by Radiohead
Paul. Great video, as ever. I've looked thru' the comments and as one might expect they are all about the tones of these 3 guitars. However, as a photographer - my eyes major over my ears - I noticed that very neat trick you pulled by wearing a different shirt for each guitar!
That was a classy move!
Brilliant! love that Martin, I own a D35 purchased new 18 years ago. Love the powerful bottom end but looking for an OM or Taylor x14 for the lighter touch, smaller body. Taylors I've played all are very playable but I have concerns about durability. They get that sound from being thin.
Vince McK I have had my Taylor for years. They won’t disappoint. I’ve dropped it and everything and is still in one piece. If you are going to get one (if you haven’t already) I really recommend saving up the extra money and going for a 800 Dlx series or a 900 series as you won’t get a better guitar on the market!!
I also have a Martin D35 which I bought brand new in 1987. One of the first to have an adjustable truss rod. I love it. It’s a workhorse. I wouldn’t mind having the D42 and The Collings, too.
I love your D-42. It’s a beautiful and amazing sounding guitar. I like the Collings too.
After playing a 1950's D35, I had been planning to find a used one eventually: Every note you played was an event of its own, ringing out like a bell....
But as time passed, I never found one in decent condition that I could afford.
One day, recently, I stumbled over the Taylor 517 Builder's edition (a fairly round Dreadnaught with a tighter weist), that came pretty close to my memory of that tone, but it added a level of transparency I heard in a Lowden guitar I tried, in spite of featuring Mahogany sides and back. It didn't make sense to me, from what I read about tone wood combinations, but I felt the sound was definitely my new favorite. Totally unscientific on my part, but this lets you hear it through somewhat, if your UA-cam speakers are good: ua-cam.com/video/qRnfcu53BLk/v-deo.html
Oddly, I think the plug-in sound with the expression system is terrible, compared to miked. I guess the focus was on feedback reduction...
D35 was first manufactured in 1965
Demos
1:28
6:58
7:58
mine is a martin d -35
I have had an HD-35 for a year that was professionally set up with medium Elixr strings and medium action height. Sounds phenomenal with the flat pick but hard on my fretting fingers. How is yours set up?
All gorgeous. But the Martin sounded great.
how can you even afford a D42 dude ; i'm playing guitar for 15 years now i'm a "pro" performing half the year ; and i can't even afford a correct D28
Driving an old Toyota Starlet for 10 year definitely helped :)
Great story.
I'm 61. Been playing a Yamaha 38 yrs. Two yrs ago I got a D-28. Took a while.
Saved for my 42 for 8 years. Amazing....most beautiful looking and sounding guitar I ever touched.
A great story. And congrats on the 42. Best things come to those who wait!
That Collins sound makes me want one. I have a Martin D-42 I bought new in 2002. I changed the saddle and bridge pins to fossilized walrus ivory and nut to bone. The sustain is tremendous. I love the sound!
Guild and Gibson acoustic guitars are my choices. Deeper and wider sound than Taylor and Martin.
Really? Any specific models ? I originally went shopping with Gibson and Guild locked firmly on the top of my list but was drawn to a Martin D18 by the sound, a very plain looking guitar I wanted something with a bit more visual appeal but to my ear the Martin just had a fuller more even tone. I didn’t really know a whole lot about acoustic guitars particularly Martins, have 2 Pauls an SG a Strat and a Telly and was certain I was going to buy a Gibson but the Martin surprised me so...
7:52-8:52 really loved that chords progressions 😍😍💯❤️
martin 99%
colling 98%
taylor 97%
Taylor
Collings
Martin
I have a Taylor 816CE, a Gibson J45, and had a Martin D28....just sold it. Didn't think I'd like the Taylor but man that thing is a player with volume, bass, and crisp highs. Sounds great finger style or flat picking. I like the grit of the Gibby but the Taylor does it all. Looking at a Collings OM2H, Huss & Dalton OM-C or Santa Cruz H13....ugh, they're all great!
The martin has a little too much bling
You won't care if you hear it though ;)
Im more of a Collings chap though, but I do appreciate high end instruments.
You haven't read the price tag on a Collings in a while, have you?
If u don't like bling, then there's the D-28 or 35. Or understated D-18. So many opinion
Too sparkly!
i'm definitely a dedicated martin fan for acoustic but damn that collings dominates! AWESOME!
Collins sounded best
I had Martin HD-28V, J-40, 00028EC, 00015M, Gibson Hummingbird TV, D-45 Custom and SJ-200 TV. I sold them all because I played less guitar and I had a house to buy. Except one. The Gibson SJ-200 TV. Simply magic... It was the only one that always gave me chills, the only one I would have taken on a desert island.
this guy is rich af
Dag Paul, dank je voor je video's via dit kanaal. Je bent een uitstekend gitarist en je brengt de boodschap heel prettig. De getoonde gitaren zijn allemaal uitstekend. Zelf speel ik al sinds mijn 15e gitaar en ben er nu 61. De gitaar blijft een magisch instrument en de drang om gitaarzaken te bezoeken, zoals the fellowship of acoustics in Dedemsvaart, is altijd groot. Dan loop ik langs al die gitaren, tokkel effe op de snaren en luister naar al die verschillende geluiden. Dan merk ik dat de gitaar eigenlijk mij uitzoekt. Nadat ik verschillende gitaren heb gekocht zoals Martin en Lowden ben ik uiteindelijk terechtgekomen bij de Santa Cruz 000. Voortreffelijk instrument.
I knew Elizabeth Cotton. She showed me Freight Train at The Sweetwater when I was a kid, and the Jerry Garcia very graciously let me think that I taught HIM Freight Train. :)
Now, when you played Freight Train on the three guitare, the superior tone of the Martin is so frigging obvious to be a blowout. Next to the Martin, the Tayler sounded like it was in a pillow case, and the Collings, although better, wasn't equally phat on all 6 strings. Still a Martin guy, but boy, I keep looking. I love the way you put the three up, though. Thanks.
I have a d42 also !!! It’s a dream guitar with unbelievable flexibility and tone . When recording at the studio my engineer says he hardly alters a single knob to get a good sound pure quality. Great videos Paul !
My favourite is the perfect combination of the Collings and the Martin, articulated for finger picking, volume and bass of a dreadnought. My Martin M36 is so nice, I fall in love with it everyday. Doesn't matter what you play it can deliver.
He's right! Love that Martin D-42 and the Taylor.
Martin for the blues, Taylor for the jazz, and Collings the ballads.All of them have their great own beautiful sound character & identity.
They are all so beautiful ! I myself love the D-42 Martin. I have always wanted one. But I am from Pennsylvania where they are made in Nazareth !
Interesting and thoughtful review of these fine instruments. IMHO the Martin likely covers the most ground because it simply sounds the best acoustically. The Taylor, with its Expression system, likely sounds the best plugged in. But for my money and more importantly my playing style (I mostly use my fingers) the Collings would be my choice. I agree with Paul .... it is the most precise sounding of the three.
No one can beat the loud, yet non-harsh Martin low-end resonance and Martin has the best open-air projection. They all sound really nice though.
The Collings sounded so full and rich in sound in my opinion i would say. #1 Collings,#2 MartinTaylor.......
Paul, your side-by-side comparisons done within a matter of seconds is much better than most of the other comparison sites that draw out the playing comparisons. As for me, I have a Martin HD-28 (purchased within the last year) and a Taylor 414ce (I've had this longer). The Taylor was my first foray into investing into a better guitar than my previous guitars. If I can pass on one word to new guitarists is that when you invest in a better guitar, you'll know why they cost more. They play and sound dramatically different from entry level guitars. In this video, to me the Martin sounded the best with a bigger, yet mellower overall sound. The Taylor was close and I'm curious as to why you have a 716 instead of the 8 or 9 series for comparison. But the Collings was probably the thinnest sounding to me, but my hearing has taken a beating over the years and I wish I had the advantage of good hearing again. Such is life. Thanks for the way you compared these guitars. I'll move on to more of you videos to see what else you have in store.