Orangewood asked me to shoot out their Hudson against their BEST SELLING GUITAR the Echo. And yeah, their tone woods sound different, but WHICH ONE WOOD YOU BUY? Echo: orangewoodguitars.com/collections/dreadnought/products/echo Hudson Torrefied Spruce Live: orangewoodguitars.com/collections/dreadnought/products/hudson-live The Strings: amzn.to/3rjZAeq The Mic: sweetwater.sjv.io/EKRqxK
tone wood on acoustics is a thing for sure (not on electrics) but design and build are much more important - Taylor made 'pallet guitars' from cheap old pine - they were fabulous and some of the best acoustics ever from Yamaha (as played by paul simon and Lennon) were made from plywood.
Tone will just makes a smaller difference on electrics! It absolutely makes a difference though! Been thoroughly tested... Even the kind of lacquer makes a difference! You can get good time with good electronics in the right amp.. But the resonance of the wood absolutely transfers to the electromagnetic pickups... And in a pretty big way
Hello Ryan, thanks to you and Robert I have had the opportunity to test/play the Echo and be exposed to Orangewood- I haven’t played consistently in over 20 years but being able to play in our facility whenever I have a chance and the muscle memory has me contemplating getting back in the game haha! Robert added the flatwounds too which I thought gave it a nice smooth sound. Thanks again!!!
I own a laminated back and sides Takamine 1977 F400 12 string. I also own a 2014 Martin D12-28 that is solid wood. Both have solid spruce tops. The Martin is somewhat more resonant in some overtones and somewhat better clarity, but playing on stage I actually like the Takamine better. Through a sound system any decent guitar can sound good, tuning and intonation of instrument are key to that. The Takamine has a more comfortable neck to my hands so plays with less effort. Anything that reduces equipment distraction on stage is helpful.
It’s wild, because I am hearing the same times you end up explaining. The lesser one sounds really good, it’s just when you let it ring, it gets a little tinny sound. The Hudson is more mellow for sure. Their whole line is an awesome value. Thanks
hi Ryan, Robert brought the donated guitar into work and we've been playing it (it had been some 30 years for me). Amazing sound. The flat wound strings Robert put on it makes it comfortable to get back into it. Thanks again!
Excellent review! I just picked up an Echo and completely agree with you on the thin high end. I'm adding ebony pins and a tone ninja nut. That should round out some of that tin can high end. The one I picked up has layered Pau Ferro back and sides. Pawn shop find for $180 out the door!
It really does sound tinny. It's even got some fairly thick strings on it and it doesn't offset it at all. It's personally not for me, but I'm happy there's a sub 400 USD guitar that sounds and plays well enough for someone to get started. From Watching / Playing a lot of these cheapo acoustics, I can definitely say they haven't caught up to electrics in how far they've come. But they are on their way too.
Ryan, Fantasic demo shootout. I think it says a lot about a company to pit their own guitars against each other. While I like some Orangewoods, one I really like is the Sage Mahogany for the darker look. Another I have my eye on is the Mitchell Mx430 Exotic Wood Series. They are all within that price point. I really liked this video because you go beyond your comfort zone and just crushed it (good way)! Good on you, Orangewood got their monies worth on this one.
I think the cheap one is a good value. I played one of the higher-end Orangewoods. They seem well made, and have their own kind of style with that satin finish. The biggest issue I found was they are overbuilt. The tops are too thick, and the guitar doesn't resonate in a musical way. The sound is just choked inside the thick and heavy cuts of wood. It's probably great for travel or sitting outside or something, and there is a place for that kind of resilient construction, but it doesn't hold up next to just about any other guitar in the price range if you consider volume, tone, and projection.
Great review as usual. Keep in mind that the Echo is often on sale for around $275-. I bought mine during their Almost Perfect sale ( which are usually just returns) for $241. That's with shipping and Tax. A really good second guitar to leave out and not worry about. Is it a Taylor? No, but it ain't bad.
You just can’t beat all solid wood. Here is the deal. We all end up on stage in a band and then the tone woods matter very little. In a band it is all about the pickups and road worthiness. But, everyone needs one really good acoustic for recording and relaxation.
I have an Orangewood mini guitar (3/4). It's great for what it is. I don't think anything could make me spend taylor or eastman (if you're getting import) money on an Orangewood though. Also the mini guitar had the worst out of the box setup, but at least I got to figure out how to cut a nut correctly!
Orangewood are good. My friend got one for his daughter for Christmas a year ago or so . I loosened the truss rod slightly ( a hair) and changed the strings on it , before it went under the tree . It really was setup very well already I was amazed . Would I buy one for me ? NO .. if I had a kid or teenager, for them absolutely .
Ryan, thank you for content like this however, could you shoot out electronics of the acoustics that you have around. I think that reviews of acoustic guitars usually skip over the build of the included electronics. Thank you!
Both of these guitars look and sound phenomenal in this comparison. If price wasnt the driving factor, i would go with the Hudson since my band mates require me to plug in. But in all honesty, the echo looks and sounds so much better to me while being much closer to my budget range.
Hudson sounds great and the Echo is also very decent. Its brighter (more tinny) tone is the result of laminate. I know, because I owned a gorgeous laminate guitar that I loved the finish on but that bright sound eventually drove me to a plain jane dreadnought with all solid wood specs very similar to the Hudson. Spruce top, mahogany back/sides ebony fretboard. But like with any musical equipment the players preference is the only thing that matters.
Do they both have a fresh set of strings? The same strings? The details to call out... Are that the more expensive one has all solid tongue woods... The back and sides are also solid..... The torrified top get rid of oils and stuff to make the wood more resonant. I think they even use a glue that dries harder but that takes the years before you really hear the difference... If there's electronics going on... It's going to be a higher end system... I'm actually not sure what orangewood is using... But hopefully a hybrid system... To get mostly away from that piezo sound... Torified means put in a kiln... Simulating years of aging
Acoustic guitars make sound by the vibration of the strings being transmitted to the top via the bridge so yeah... tone wood is a think with acoustics.
Great video. I always dig your content.I've got an Orangewood Oliver Jr (a Taylor GS Mini knockoff) solid mahogany top, laminated mahogany back and sides. Other than a truss rod adjustment, a little bridge mod, ala Driftwood Guitars on UA-cam, its bone stock. Lust a nice, really inexpensive, cool little guitar. Based on my experience with that guitar, I'd have to say I'm an Orangewood fan!
We at HÜ Tonelabs wish to put a wiggle stick on one of those for ya. That is the 1st mod that Dieter Goölsdorf (founder of Duesenberg) ever did. Oh and “….on acoustic instruments” lmao
I sold my laminate Taylor and kept my Fender PD220e. All solid and a fraction of the price. Just a nicer instrument. The Taylor was a nice guitar don't get me wrong, but there was no denying the Fender had a more refined sound.
Try a Grand Concert body shape then. I personally hate playing dreadnoughts (vocal range conflict maybe?) but love Grand Concerts, Parlor, and Folk body shapes. Of my acoustics, my Taylor Grand Concert is the one I performed with (slow finger style blues).
I have two comments... Firstly, acoust-afford-a-board!!!!!! Could you try out some cheap pedals on the electric acoustic for those of us who play both acoustic and electric? Comment the second, with acoustic guitars shiny ones tend to sound shiny, while matte finished ones have a deeper fuller tone, similar to the tone difference you noticed between the two. I don't think wood choice is the whole reason for the tonal change.
Orangewood guitars generally hit above their price for sure. My Oliver that i got on sale for 180 bucks, is a whole lot closer to my 000-15m then it has any business being. The biggest difference is the weight. Orangewood overbuilds the crap out of their guitars. Great for durability, not great for comfort and tone/projection. I wouldn't buy the higher end models for this reason, but a 200 dollar first that should cost more like 500? Absolutely.
On the cheap guitar… It sounds like the sound is coming right off of the front of the guitar… And it sounds brassy and thin. And the more expensive guitar you have the feeling that the sound is really resonating through the whole body and then coming out. Of course, my science is kind of sketchy… But I think you know what I’m saying. The cheap guitar sounds thinner… And sounds more like guitar strings, and a shoebox. The more expensive guitar sounds richer and more woody. Now that cheap guitar might sound better in 20 years. As a matter fact, I I think it will, if it doesn’t fall apart.
Orangewood asked me to shoot out their Hudson against their BEST SELLING GUITAR the Echo.
And yeah, their tone woods sound different, but WHICH ONE WOOD YOU BUY?
Echo: orangewoodguitars.com/collections/dreadnought/products/echo
Hudson Torrefied Spruce Live: orangewoodguitars.com/collections/dreadnought/products/hudson-live
The Strings: amzn.to/3rjZAeq
The Mic: sweetwater.sjv.io/EKRqxK
Torrefied means they bake the resins in the wood til they crystalize, giving it an aged tone.
tone wood on acoustics is a thing for sure (not on electrics) but design and build are much more important - Taylor made 'pallet guitars' from cheap old pine - they were fabulous and some of the best acoustics ever from Yamaha (as played by paul simon and Lennon) were made from plywood.
Tone will just makes a smaller difference on electrics! It absolutely makes a difference though! Been thoroughly tested... Even the kind of lacquer makes a difference! You can get good time with good electronics in the right amp.. But the resonance of the wood absolutely transfers to the electromagnetic pickups... And in a pretty big way
@@ramspencer5492 it really doesn't ram
I love UA-cam reviews because we can see almost anything you can imagine for entertainment or pre buying information
Hello Ryan, thanks to you and Robert I have had the opportunity to test/play the Echo and be exposed to Orangewood- I haven’t played consistently in over 20 years but being able to play in our facility whenever I have a chance and the muscle memory has me contemplating getting back in the game haha! Robert added the flatwounds too which I thought gave it a nice smooth sound. Thanks again!!!
I own a laminated back and sides Takamine 1977 F400 12 string.
I also own a 2014 Martin D12-28 that is solid wood.
Both have solid spruce tops.
The Martin is somewhat more resonant in some overtones and somewhat better clarity, but playing on stage I actually like the Takamine better.
Through a sound system any decent guitar can sound good, tuning and intonation of instrument are key to that.
The Takamine has a more comfortable neck to my hands so plays with less effort.
Anything that reduces equipment distraction on stage is helpful.
I've got a '78 Takamine F370S and there's something special about those necks. VERY comfortable! That rounded C.
It’s wild, because I am hearing the same times you end up explaining. The lesser one sounds really good, it’s just when you let it ring, it gets a little tinny sound. The Hudson is more mellow for sure. Their whole line is an awesome value. Thanks
hi Ryan, Robert brought the donated guitar into work and we've been playing it (it had been some 30 years for me). Amazing sound. The flat wound strings Robert put on it makes it comfortable to get back into it. Thanks again!
Oh awesome! I'm glad you are enjoying it. I haven't tried acoustic with flatwounds before, I should give it a shot sometime.
Excellent review! I just picked up an Echo and completely agree with you on the thin high end. I'm adding ebony pins and a tone ninja nut. That should round out some of that tin can high end. The one I picked up has layered Pau Ferro back and sides. Pawn shop find for $180 out the door!
It really does sound tinny. It's even got some fairly thick strings on it and it doesn't offset it at all. It's personally not for me, but I'm happy there's a sub 400 USD guitar that sounds and plays well enough for someone to get started.
From Watching / Playing a lot of these cheapo acoustics, I can definitely say they haven't caught up to electrics in how far they've come. But they are on their way too.
Ryan, Fantasic demo shootout. I think it says a lot about a company to pit their own guitars against each other. While I like some Orangewoods, one I really like is the Sage Mahogany for the darker look. Another I have my eye on is the Mitchell Mx430 Exotic Wood Series. They are all within that price point. I really liked this video because you go beyond your comfort zone and just crushed it (good way)! Good on you, Orangewood got their monies worth on this one.
Thanks Robert.
I think the cheap one is a good value. I played one of the higher-end Orangewoods. They seem well made, and have their own kind of style with that satin finish. The biggest issue I found was they are overbuilt. The tops are too thick, and the guitar doesn't resonate in a musical way. The sound is just choked inside the thick and heavy cuts of wood. It's probably great for travel or sitting outside or something, and there is a place for that kind of resilient construction, but it doesn't hold up next to just about any other guitar in the price range if you consider volume, tone, and projection.
Yes , exactly the higher range Orangewood ? You might as well look at the Yamaha , Eastman, and Alvarez all solid wood guitars instead .
Exactly the video I was looking for and the best one I’ve seen 🤙
Great review as usual. Keep in mind that the Echo is often on sale for around $275-. I bought mine during their Almost Perfect sale ( which are usually just returns) for $241. That's with shipping and Tax. A really good second guitar to leave out and not worry about. Is it a Taylor? No, but it ain't bad.
thats an unbelievable price, it feels much nice than $241 imo
Just picked up a Orangewood cleo today and I'm really impressed.
You just can’t beat all solid wood. Here is the deal. We all end up on stage in a band and then the tone woods matter very little. In a band it is all about the pickups and road worthiness. But, everyone needs one really good acoustic for recording and relaxation.
I have an Orangewood mini guitar (3/4). It's great for what it is. I don't think anything could make me spend taylor or eastman (if you're getting import) money on an Orangewood though. Also the mini guitar had the worst out of the box setup, but at least I got to figure out how to cut a nut correctly!
Orangewood are good. My friend got one for his daughter for Christmas a year ago or so . I loosened the truss rod slightly ( a hair) and changed the strings on it , before it went under the tree . It really was setup very well already I was amazed . Would I buy one for me ? NO .. if I had a kid or teenager, for them absolutely .
Ryan, thank you for content like this however, could you shoot out electronics of the acoustics that you have around. I think that reviews of acoustic guitars usually skip over the build of the included electronics. Thank you!
I’ve only got the one acoustic with electronics. Sorry.
Both of these guitars look and sound phenomenal in this comparison. If price wasnt the driving factor, i would go with the Hudson since my band mates require me to plug in. But in all honesty, the echo looks and sounds so much better to me while being much closer to my budget range.
Hudson sounds great and the Echo is also very decent. Its brighter (more tinny) tone is the result of laminate.
I know, because I owned a gorgeous laminate guitar that I loved the finish on but that bright sound eventually drove me to a plain jane dreadnought with all solid wood specs very similar to the Hudson. Spruce top, mahogany back/sides ebony fretboard.
But like with any musical equipment the players preference is the only thing that matters.
Good reminder for me to practice December.
Do they both have a fresh set of strings? The same strings? The details to call out... Are that the more expensive one has all solid tongue woods... The back and sides are also solid..... The torrified top get rid of oils and stuff to make the wood more resonant. I think they even use a glue that dries harder but that takes the years before you really hear the difference... If there's electronics going on... It's going to be a higher end system... I'm actually not sure what orangewood is using... But hopefully a hybrid system... To get mostly away from that piezo sound... Torified means put in a kiln... Simulating years of aging
I would like to see these up against the Oliver.
Acoustic guitars make sound by the vibration of the strings being transmitted to the top via the bridge so yeah... tone wood is a think with acoustics.
obviously
@@60CycleHumcast (TONE WOOD MATTERS (on acoustic instruments))
obviously
Great video. I always dig your content.I've got an Orangewood Oliver Jr (a Taylor GS Mini knockoff) solid mahogany top, laminated mahogany back and sides. Other than a truss rod adjustment, a little bridge mod, ala Driftwood Guitars on UA-cam, its bone stock. Lust a nice, really inexpensive, cool little guitar. Based on my experience with that guitar, I'd have to say I'm an Orangewood fan!
Got the solid ebony pins, saws, and 5 degree reamer coming to do the mod on my Oliver Jr. Did you notice any difference in tone after the mod?
To my ears, the expensive one is warmer and has more sustain, the cheaper one is bright, slightly shorter sustain.
I don’t mind the twang but then I love my Tele. $345? I am thinking about the Orangewood Oliver cutaway. Seems to sound the same for $202.
Both sound great
We at HÜ Tonelabs wish to put a wiggle stick on one of those for ya. That is the 1st mod that Dieter Goölsdorf (founder of Duesenberg) ever did.
Oh and “….on acoustic instruments”
lmao
I sold my laminate Taylor and kept my Fender PD220e. All solid and a fraction of the price. Just a nicer instrument. The Taylor was a nice guitar don't get me wrong, but there was no denying the Fender had a more refined sound.
I'd buy the cheaper one because I am poor. But that's assuming I even had the cash for it and was looking to buy an acoustic guitar.
Man... I've always thought of Orangewood as starter to intermediate level guitars, but that Hudson sounds *really* good.
The Echo does have a great tenor twang, but the Hudson’s voice is just bigger, especially down low.
…I suspect the answer is to get one of each!
No they sound very similar except one has a deeper tone. Period. I like the shiny one and the lead tone Echo.
The Echo's finish is heavy, which is a common problem with cheaper guitars. If they finished it like the Hudson, it probably would be a tough choice.
So the less expensive one will mellow with age and eventually be more an more rich, awesome guitar company it seems,
I'd buy the cheaper one. I like it's tone better. I don't like acoustics that are super boomy, I like them a little tighter sounding.
Try a Grand Concert body shape then. I personally hate playing dreadnoughts (vocal range conflict maybe?) but love Grand Concerts, Parlor, and Folk body shapes.
Of my acoustics, my Taylor Grand Concert is the one I performed with (slow finger style blues).
I have two comments...
Firstly, acoust-afford-a-board!!!!!! Could you try out some cheap pedals on the electric acoustic for those of us who play both acoustic and electric?
Comment the second, with acoustic guitars shiny ones tend to sound shiny, while matte finished ones have a deeper fuller tone, similar to the tone difference you noticed between the two. I don't think wood choice is the whole reason for the tonal change.
1:21 wow : D hahaha.
Orangewood guitars generally hit above their price for sure. My Oliver that i got on sale for 180 bucks, is a whole lot closer to my 000-15m then it has any business being. The biggest difference is the weight. Orangewood overbuilds the crap out of their guitars. Great for durability, not great for comfort and tone/projection. I wouldn't buy the higher end models for this reason, but a 200 dollar first that should cost more like 500? Absolutely.
Awesome
If you clean it with Orange Oil it will cause a Black Hole in the Universe :)
I don't like the two-tone sound board ☹️
Hudson…I’m not looking for entry level guitar, and it may…also…be a better investment.
Just to clarify its Rickylixx bro
it sounds kinda bad at least on the speakers i'm listening through, it sounds cheaper than it is
Might be my playing.
On the cheap guitar… It sounds like the sound is coming right off of the front of the guitar… And it sounds brassy and thin. And the more expensive guitar you have the feeling that the sound is really resonating through the whole body and then coming out. Of course, my science is kind of sketchy… But I think you know what I’m saying. The cheap guitar sounds thinner… And sounds more like guitar strings, and a shoebox. The more expensive guitar sounds richer and more woody.
Now that cheap guitar might sound better in 20 years. As a matter fact, I I think it will, if it doesn’t fall apart.
Pass.