Comparing TWO Martin M-36 guitars in 2023
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- Опубліковано 9 сер 2023
- Martin make some of the best guitars in the world but are they consistent? Let's discuss it...
Check out my favorite Martin dealer in the USA (affiliate): sweetwater.sjv.io/GmXAm9
M36, my favourite Martin!
I searched for a second hand example for a couple of years. Finally, when I found one the shop had a 1961 Gibson J50, which I bought and have enjoyed for 10 years 😂 Whoops!
This is a phenomenal video. You covered all of the salient bases, made excellent points concerning the attributes and drawbacks of each instrument, and your review of the workmanship and the sound of each guitar is exceptional. You are extremely adept at your craft, and videos like this are extremely helpful - especially for neophytes (such as myself) who want to learn more about how guitars are built, marketed, and how they differ from one another. Thanks for your wisdom; it's enlightening and supremely beneficial. Cheers!
Appreciate it!
Man, you’re really killing it with the videos lately! Great job
Thanks. I have a lot of gear to move and want to make videos of it all and also give the channel a big push for the rest of the year to see if I can grow into 2024. Appreciate your support!
I love the look when the middle part of the back stands out from the sides.
Another great demo thank you
Thank you. excellent review. I just toured the Martin Factory last week. It was amazing to see how they are made. I wish I had seen this video prior to the tour so I could ask them about this!
I did actually ask when I was there. They said some wood takes the filler better than others. For me this is why guitars are ‘inconsistent’ (not in a bad way) and should be purchased with a good return policy.
The Ms are really great sounding. I like the smaller size of the OM, but the wider guitar does encourage a bit better sitting posture for me.
My ears love the one with lower saddle and just if the fretboard a bit darker ebony great video thanks Aaron👍👍
Thanks for your comment Zain!
I agree, even though that guitar is not a "custom shop" still quite expensive and should not have those issues. Guitar B sounds amazing though, brighter guitar more open sounding in open strum, A sounds almost filtered in the highs with open strum but when you go to finger picking guitar A sounds sweeter, better note separation to my ears. I have a 1979 M36 and love it, it has 70's intonation problem that I rectified mostly by compensating the saddle but your video makes me want a new one! :) Thanks for doing these great Comparisions!
I agree. Guitar B is an awesome strummer! Hopefully things improve when you come to buy one!
I have and have had many Martins (d28, hd28, d45, D1, D18, M36, J-40), Gibsons (dove, hummingbird, j45, lady, j200) a few Taylors, a couple blueridge guitars and a few other brands. If I was forced to pick one guitar and could never own another it would be my J-40. I can take this guitar and sit in with anyone with any genre. This guitar took some learning on how to approach. But you can really dig in or just relax and let it ring. Can't say enough good things about this guitar.
Good review, thank you. I've had my lefty 2020 M-36 since early 2021 (purchased from Maury's Music). It really is a "best of all worlds" guitar in terms of both tone and playability. The 16" lower bout increases the bass nicely (it matches the 2008 D-28 I have), but the thinner OM/000 width body gives the tone more immediacy - it jumps out of the guitar faster, making it seem more responsive. And still the overall tone is balanced and has nice volume.
The woods and finish on mine are excellent. The Rosewood bridge is lighter than some others, but I don't notice it when I'm playing; I'm too busy enjoying the tone. I do have a pickup in mine, a passive iBeam under the bridge plate, which I run through an LR Baggs Venue, and get a nice natural tone. This guitar is nice for playing live - the thinner body makes it comfortable to hold standing up.
If I could change one thing, I would put either a soft V or full profile neck on it - the MLO isn't my favorite. And I would spread the saddle spacing out to 2 5/16", which I have on several other guitars (including two custom shop models). But this is a personal preference.
Really good review!!!
Thanks!
Hi Aaron, loved your comparison of these two guitars. It's amazing how different they sound and and yet they are the same model, it also reminds me of hearing and reading several comments of how Martin guitars are inconsistent when it comes to sound.
Yes all these guitars sound, feel and look different. You need to try them in person.
The reason I love this video is because I own a 2007 M36.@@aaronshortmusic
Great video. I love the M-36, such an underrated model.
It may be my favorite ‘small’ body guitar.
@@aaronshortmusic the versatility is unmatched
Nice vid. Have always wished they made a cutaway version!
You know what. If it was guaranteed to sound like this one I would order a custom with no binding, a cutaway and an abalone rosette.
I liked the B example.
Great content, Aaron! I'm afraid to buy new guitars without testing them, now. No imported acoustics from USA anymore! Hahahahaha
I don’t blame you. We are fortunate to have very liberal return policies in the USA but it is still frustrating.
The beauty of having a guitar with a loud strident tone is you can mellow it down with string ,saddle,and pin choices.
To a degree but not enough to completely change the guitars character in my experience.
Thank you Aaron..me too is the size and the thickness. As you know you can have even Brazilian rosewoods now a days. Personally I think the future will be digital instruments as you know there is the Mooer GTRS Guitars Professional electric guitars with a technology , connected to an app which basically does every thing and even plays acoustic guitars different sizes and is ideal for a performing guitarist. The young generation will have a total different future let me know please what you think please best regards from ENGLAND 🏴 👍👍
I agree. I love tradition but I also love technology and all I really want are fantastic sounding and playing guitars!
I also preferred the M-36 you liked Aaron. What a killer sounding Martin!
I noticed on a M-36 (custom shop) that I was looking at....they list in the specs the neck finish, stain and fill. This would indicated some are not filled). I know on Taylor spec sheets they list the type of wood filler (clear, etc).
Interesting comparison Sir. I really liked Guitar B. It is more open and robust compared to A. A sounded kind of "restrained" and didn't had that power.
I realize that it has been a few months since this was posted, but would like to add a few questions and thoughts. I have a M-36 of the Standard Model redesigned configuration. I bought it used in 2020 but from the serial number, it was made in 2018, the first year of the redesigned model. The neck is very smooth but you can see the grain of the mahogany, which you would expect. The name on the headstock is completely flush with the headstock with no visible edges. So- none of the finish flaws on your “B” guitar. I had brought it to a local luthier who is a registered Martin repair person just to have a look. The action was a bit high but was easily brought in to perfect range with minor tweaks to truss rod and saddle. It has stayed excellent in that regard for over a year. He did comment that most factory made guitars are sent out a but proud of the ideal adjustment, leaving some space to play with rather than risking there being too little saddle to make an adjustment and having it be too low. I do wonder- did you check the serial numbers of these two guitars to see when they were made? It would make sense that there are minor changes in production details over time. Both Martin and Taylor have made efforts to be more ecologically aware in their production. This might include type of finish products and other details. In particular, Taylor has advocated the use of streaky ebony. The black ebony on many fine guitars is not stained that color,but is selected from the wood. By restricting the use to that which is entirely black, a great deal of wood which is technically and musically as good as the black pieces goes to waste. It may be that Martin, over time, has similarly decided to join in using wood that works rather than wasting wood with slight coloration. As far as I know, the ebony on fine guitars was never stained. Lastly, strings make a huge difference and if I had those two guitars to compare, I would put new sets of the same strings on both first. Thanks for the interesting video, though
I finished up a custom shop order for a 000-28 with Sitka spruce bear-claw top and flamed Koa back and sides. I added the pearl rosette from the 42 series and e few other appointments. It was a lot of fun going through the process and working with my shop here in IL! I played this same model at the shop with the KOA and I'm praying the tone is not drastically different. I took the martin factory tour a couple months ago but the real highlight was playing all the guitars and prototypes they had in the player's room plus the museum was amazing. I currently play a 000-15M and love the mellowness of it, but wanted something more that I heard from the spruce top and Koa guitar. Now that I see the drastic difference in the 2 factory guitars, I won't be able to sleep at night until I take delivery and see how I did in the lottery! 😳😳😬😬😆😆
Good luck. Let us know!
Guitar A for fingerpicking and guitar B for strumming.
Hi Aaron, Great Video. I believe its very important that the guitars at that price should have a better workmanship. I have a few Martins myself and I love them. Have a 2018 D35 and it is very nice but if i seen them problems on it I would be sending them back.
It’s hard to return a guitar that sounds amazing but it does bother me as the prices are very much premium on a new Martin these days.
@@aaronshortmusic Lets hope this is not a trend from Martin and its a one-off as I love the Sound from a Martin Guitar 👍🏻
Yeah the headstock is a water-decal that was transferred on for sure! Like the old decals that came with your model airplane from the hobby shop!
Lol I think they just used less finish so it sticks out more.
I actually prefer the A guitar, I prefer the somewhat quieter mellower sound, the B guitar is just a bit brighter. I have a Custom Shop 0000-18 12 fret with slotted headstock that I love, the top is Sitka and the back and sides are Mahogany, fretboard bridge and headplate are all Ebony and the nut width is 1 13/16". This model is a largely overlooked guitar which is a shame because I think it's the best model Martin offers.
Which model is overlooked and you think is the best model Martin offers? Your Custom Shop OOOO-18 12 fret or the M36? Or just any Martin with the OOOO body shape?
I preferred the B guitar by quite a large margin. I am not surprised you prefer it too. The M36 is a cool guitar.
Thanks! That finish on the neck is unacceptable though.
nice compare. would have liked to have seen a close up of "guitar a" headplate to catch the exact discrepancy on the graphic you spoke of and showed on "guitar b". thanks!
Just look at any other Martin where the logo is flush with the wood :-)
I recently decided that I need a small guitar. After a few trials I met with a Yamaha CSF3M. An all solid wood premium quality guitar (except nut and saddle) with a unique voice for 650 Euros. With a great passive UST. It’s hard to believe, you need to test it. Put next to that Martin, and see which one is really premium.
I’ve sung the praises of many Yamaha guitars on the channel over the years!
Great Video! I also added a 0000 size guitar to my arsenal quite recently, and I can fully confirm your assessment of the sound. Best of both worlds, it sits perfectly between a Dread and a 000. I am highly interested in the rationale behind the open-pore feel of the neck. I have a 15 series guitar where I am OK-ish with this feel, but on a Standard series this would be a show-stopper for me. I am convinced you would find an equally sounding M-36 with a smooth neck with some searching, or maybe even a 0000-28, which would also save you from the binding on the neck. Sound difference is more than I would have expected between two identically spec‘ed and built guitars. And it is more in the direction of good vs less good than just different, if this makes any sense to you.
I think I will hang on to the excellent sounding guitar and look out for a custom shop M style in the future. Making sure it sounds at least as good as this one. I just wish I didn’t have to but at least I know I like this body shape now.
@@aaronshortmusic How about a custom based on a 0000-28H, with Adi top, GE style bracing, and maybe a pearl rosette 👍
@@heimodraschbacher6132 Yes and shiny headstock. But cutaway or no cutaway?
@@aaronshortmusic Gruhn's usually has a bunch of custom 0000's ready to go - might be worth a little trip to Nashville to pick out the best...
@@MichaelRifkind I usually go to Nashville every year or so and stop by Gruhns. I am more interested in the new GPC now.
In higher end guitars every little detail matters for me. It is not unreasonable to look even at the very little things and nit pick.
I agree but some may call me fussy. In this case I don’t think I am. It’s unfortunate that such a wonderful sounding guitar isn’t finished to the usual high standard.
Just my opinion and no offence to anyone. (I don't go into the sound because it is something really subjective). I could live with all the things mentioned except those two.
Guitar A: Many people may not care but I generally don't like discolored fretboards that much. If something is rosewood/ebony I prefer it to be as consistent as possible.
Guitar B: The porous neck is too much it is true. This shouldn't be missed even at a lower end guitar unless they do the specific model like this since it is directly related to playability and feel.
@@bernardm3066 I agree. I hope this is just a one-off.
im a recent owner of a m36. I wanted an OM35e, but shop doesnt have it anymore. I tested 2 m36, the one that is placed at the shop for customers to try (roughly around 3 weeks old out), and the one in the storeroom. And i will also talked about how the sound change when i bring to a professional luthier to setup and install pickup (lr baggs anthemn)
The one in the shop: i think it sounds decent, there's still that D35 ish characteristic there due to the 3 piece back, but imo less agressive and more balance. I already liked this one
The storeroom: On the first look i was surprised how the neck grains are beautiful in comparison. The grains were beautiful and even smoother than the other guitar. IMO it sounds alot better than the last one, couldnt explain it. Took this baby back home. Played it for 3 weeks before bringing to the luthier.
After setup: my luthier commented that the saddle slot was not flat when he installed the pickup. But i dont think Martin ever QC this part according to this video as Aaron was describing between the 2 guitars. Some people prefer flat, some prefer higher. He also had to straighten the neck due to the horrible weather conditions of Singapore.
After he did the setup, the guitar transformed! It sounded even more amazing, every chord / note was clear, and alot louder, slighly harsh but its ok im not complaining. After looking at this video i would think M36 is consistent, but if you found a good one, you got to have it!
If Martin did the same kind of QC for m36 as for other signature models, i think it would be a popular choice.
The D-35 doesn't get its sound from the 3 piece back, its the 1/4" bracing. All other models use 5/16". That's why it sounds different.
The M-36 has the same appointments as a D-35, but is constructed and sits between the OM-28 and D-28 size-wise.
Great video; The tip of the pickguards on martins are always sharp. Can you confirm this Aaron?
Compare The tip of the Martins pickgurard with a Collings; I own both but Martin pickguards are lame
I can’t say I ever noticed. Do you feel it when you play?
Earlier in the year I bought a musicians friend Special 16 that had the same open pore headstock and bad screen printed logo. The saddle was also very low with normal action. I returned it for a J45. It's the only guitar I have ever returned. The J45 had some sloppy fit and finish (sharp nut, sharp fingerboard) but at least the logo looked good and the neck was set properly with good break angle on the saddle. I think Martin is trying to find ways to cut corners. I already have a 2019 D18 standard and a 2021 D28 Authentic so my Martin stable is full.
I do feel you are right and it upsets me when the guitars cost what they do. We shouldn’t have to hunt around for a ‘good’ one.
@@aaronshortmusic What is even more sad is that I know Martin can do it. They have made many amazing guitars in the past. Crossing my fingers that this isn't writing on the wall for the future. In other news, my two 2023 Eastman guitars have been exceptionally good in terms of tone, build quality, fretwork, and great set necks for about half the price of either a Martin or Gibson.
Loving all the content by the way.
@@HenryPipes Thanks for watching and I agree I am disappointed.
I like the look and also the sound from guitar B better...they really look completely different! sound on guitarA is a bit thin and not so loud like the other one...but I like the M36 really!
Thanks for your comment!
guitar B is the keeper! really good sounding one!
I agree. One of the best sounding guitars I’ve heard lately.
looked at the logo on my d18, very clean looking one not like the one on guitar B, really strange...@@aaronshortmusic
@@kalleblomkvist4173 Yeah it’s disappointing.
Hey Aaron... the only thing that turns me off about the M-36 is the 3 piece back .. id prefer if it was a 2 piece .. lovely guitars .. I didn't like the headstock with the open grain .. it looked shabby .. it sounded better than guitar A ( through TV speakers )
Very informative review, nice one Aaron ...
Thanks and I agree. A custom M-36 without the three piece back and white binding could be in my future…
It's going on the list for my 2024 guitar
T 😎 🎸 🇮🇪
@@user-tx8uc3iw3w Me too!
Any word on why the neck does not feel finished? I want to buy a M-36 but am nervous to buy from sweetwater because of the finish issues ... obsessed with this guitar
thx for the great video
Haven’t seen it since. I think you are safe to go ahead and order, especially with Sweetwaters excellent return policy.
During the some of the 6/8 strumming, A, G, D, guitar B has quite a twack on some of the accented strums. Didn't happen on A. It's a bit jarring in the recording, anyway.
Guitar B sounds very full and warm, Guitar A sounds also nice,, but i little more closed in,and less basey on the lower strings,,, but still nice!
I agree. They are quite different sounding considering they are the same model.
I liked the sound of the B guitar better.
I like the sound of the B guitar but prefer the appearance of the A. The sound and feel are the most important to me.The striped ebony doesn’t bother me at all. The open pore neck would bother me.
Do you think if Guitar A was setup the same as Guitar B with the action, etc, would Guitar A sound similar/be closer to Guitar B?
I want to buy an OMJM but worried about getting a "dud".
I did that test but left it out of the video. Switching the saddles brought back the volume but didn’t match the tone. Try to buy an OMJM from somewhere where you can try it first.
You said that you did not get on fully with the M-36 ... Can you elaborate here or on your next live stream ""? I am considering a M-36 and a SC13E and not sure which way to go ... any suggestions if I cannot play in person
Sure but why not a SC-28e?
Very different sounds! I much preferred the sound of Guitar B (with the rough neck).
Me too. It’s a great sounding guitar.
I played this model recently and compared it to a Gibson J185..the 185 had the same roughness on the back of the neck as the Martin you reviewed… maybe a recent problem with newer workers…who knows
Yes it appears so. I will have a follow up soon.
My thoughts are that Example B sounds better strummed. Example A sounded brighter and slightly harsh. I don’t think that there was as much difference in the two during the finger picking parts.
Cosmetically and feel of the neck example A wins for me. Just going by sounds I would prefer example B.
Hi Aaron. Nice Test, but so unbelievable differences! One M36 loud and crisp an very nice, the other M36 one dull and much quieter. Do that two guitars have exactly the same quality (brand and age) of strings, same saddle/neck and bridge pins? But yes, surely every guitar is a different animal, which had proven by you one more time again! Also consider to study the comparision video of Martin Custom 0000 (two piece back) vs M-36 (three piece back) by Acoustic Letter. Both have the same body size. I own a 0000 Martin (AdiSpr./SinkerMah.) with K&K PU and I am very happy with it, because of it's even tonal sprectum, rich bass, but not boomy, not scooped, but nice through the whole tonal spectrum, ideal for acompaining a male singer. Totaly another sound quality than my second Martin, a shimmering smallsize 000-28 MD. Every Martin is an indivudual, indeed.
Like I said in the video the saddle being height is different and that seemed to affect the volume when I switched them but not the tone.
@@aaronshortmusic Big difference, but surely there is another thing with the wood or whatever. One tree had a lucky lifetime and the other one was sad, who knows? Thanks, Aaron for your entertaining and usefull video contents.
@@thomasgnome6585 Yes all trees are different!
It's too bad the neck doesn't feel as good because that guitar sounded a lot better to me. It makes me wonder if it could be due the higher action with perhaps a better break angle at the saddle.
I raised the other guitar and it still didn’t sound as good. I don’t like the inconsistency here or the finish on that neck. I hope it’s just a blip with these two guitars.
I have a great thirty years old M36, honey color. In open tuning, the M36 is a killer guitar. Playing David Crosby, John Martyn..., it's an incredible pleasure !
I will be interested to know which strings and gauge are on your guitar.
.12 Martin Authentic Acoustic Treated.
@@aaronshortmusic Thanks ! 👍 I will test them quickly.
@@gillesserrigny6324 I am using D’Addario XS .12’s now.
@@aaronshortmusic l put this relatively new d'Addario strings on a Santa Cruz guitar. Excellent !
@@gillesserrigny6324 Yes they are great.
I like B for both strumming and fingerstyle.
It sounded great but the quality wasn’t good.
I have a great M36. Can’t believe what they sell for.
I’m considering an authentic 000-28 instead of my M36, but I’m afraid I might not be upgrading …. ???
Definitely preferred the sound of Guitar B
There's such a diff between A & B that I have to wonder if the strings are the same, I mean it's night and day between the two.
That’s why I made the video!
Guitar B just has a little more sustain and bass. Both sound good to me.
I've played two D-28 1937 Authentic instruments of the same year. One was surprisingly loud while the other was more noticeably muted. This was shocking as every tree undergoes identical manufacturing processes where quality control is highly regulated. I could understand inconsistencies if trees grew out of the ground and were highly individual, but what's the likelihood of that happening, eh?
I detect some sarcasm but the way the wood is prepared should be the same. At least in my option. Some others may not care and Maton do not grain fill but Cole Clark do.
The ebony is naturally that color but they have to cut down several ebony trees before they ding the good all black one , Bob Taylor owns most of the ebony forests in Cameroon, Bob Taylor said he’s no longer going to throw away the trees at bay aren’t all black so Martin has to take what they can get
Yes but they used to stain it…
@@aaronshortmusic
ua-cam.com/video/ldhLWDmiXlw/v-deo.html
Love your analysis and am fond of Martins, but the treble on these Ms sounds weak.
Thank you. I didn’t find that when playing them in the room, actually I loved that guitar with the weird open pore grain but I couldn’t keep it as it didn’t feel good to play. I will post a follow up soon.
Definitely guitar B is crisper and louder
Is the B guitar for sale?
B went back. The quality wasn’t acceptable.
I think Martin is skipping certain subtle steps recently. The logo seems cheaper, and less grain filler and maybe less neck sanding on some standard models. My OME Cherry neck isn't really filled at all, but I actually kind of like it. I have a custom shop that's so smooth it feels like holding a polished stone in your hand.
I like everything about the standard series in terms of playability, looks, and sound, but do sometimes miss the gold embossed logo of the early 2000s. I feel guitars from that era had a little bit more attention to detail, but were not as player friendly.
I agree. I hope quality isn’t slipping.
The middle strip on the back looks to me like a Brazilian rosewood.
It does but it’s EIN.
The ebony wood is all being used now for sustainability. The functionality is identical, however 70-80% of ebony wood was being wasted because of color inconsistencies. So martin is using all of it now. Some pieces are stained to accommodate the traditional look. As far as the neck texture, they're are making thousands of guitars annually, and no two pieces of wood are the same. Sometimes the hardwood has deep pores and using too much filler can be detrimental to any piece of wood. This I'm sure is in Martin specs, and some people don't want a smooth neck, especially if you play outside in the heat. food for thought.
You have a point but I have never seen that open pore in the neck before. It’s true we are running out of wood and need to use it all and I’m all for that. In the future I will just buy from Sweetwater or in person so I can inspect the guitar first.
Serious differences in the same model same year aren’t, or shouldn’t be, acceptable.
The necks are different types of wood.
That is possible.
Guitar B sounds better to me by a large margin.
And open pore wood on the neck is a deal killer for me. That wasn’t even acceptable on a Taylor 214ce. I hate it.
Yes the Taylor 224ce has it. Standard USA models should not.
For a $3500 guitar, to see and hear such a variety of construction differences in the same model guitar tells me Martin has inadequate quality control. I think the popularity of Martin instruments has created an uncontrollable monster.
Something is certainly going on with these.
Are you sure the A 36 is not a Chinese knockoff? Martin take great care in filling the grain, the logo definitely doesn’t look kosher. The other things like the fretboard aren’t right. None of those things look right.
I’m awaiting a M-36 to be delivered, you have me worried
I’m sure. It came from Sweetwater. I saw a few guitar like this at that time and I think it must have been a temporary blip. I have seen a new M-36 this week and it was much better (it just has a few of those open grains but you can’t feel them). Hopefully yours is OK. Let us know!
@@aaronshortmusic I’m really surprised. I just watched two separate tours of the Martin factory and every neck has its grain filled and is inspected. There are several other inspections during the guitar build let alone a final inspection which is visual as well as playing the instrument. I’m wondering if maybe this guitar was made in the Mexican factory? Sweetwater claim to have a 65 point inspection before it’s sent out to the customer. So it’s difficult to see how this one passed through the cracks. I’d send it back to Martin for replacement. Yes, I will know in a couple of days if mine is acceptable, I hope so I’m parting with a lot of cash , I’m not one of those rich fellows that own one of everything, I will have just one
Barry
It’s me again, there is one good way to tell a rip off copy and that is look at the bridge plate with a mirror, the real thing has the serial number engraved on it in reverse so when looked at in the mirror it appears the right way round, Martin does this to help prevent counterfeiting
Since first watching this I have bought a M 36 myself and it’s immaculate. The action is very high at 3 mm, I bought it from Sweetwater who have given me great customer service. I’m going to correct the action myself.
@@barryfoster5031 This one was from Sweetwater and I’ve seen some at Guitar Center that were the same. You got lucky! Hopefully it was a temporary ‘blip’.
Remarkable. One would expect exactly the same execution on these guitars. Martin quality is slipping...
I haven’t seen it on guitars lately. Hopefully it was just these.
This is not bearclaw! this is defect (high tempreture)
It’s bear claw.