In truth, Martin is the standard that all guitar makers try to attain. I’ve played several of the brands you mentioned, sorry, not better than my Martin D-28. All my life I wanted a Martin D-28; finally broke down and bought one for my 50 birthday, I’m now 63. Playing this Martin always puts a smile on my face, especially when you hit the note or chord right; it rewards you with beautiful sound. A few years back my wife and I were in Oklahoma, we went into a music shop which had mainly fiddles but had bluegrass posters all over; I play in a Bluegrass band. The shop was owned by Byron Berline, used to play fiddle for Bill Monroe. I asked if they had any guitars, they directed me to the back room which had some Mexican made Martins. I began to play an old Bill Monroe tune; I sing also, called “I Gotta Travel On” . Immediately Byron came from the office and told the salesman to bring out a good guitar. The brought out a beat up 1937 D-18. What a sound that guitar had, best I ever heard in my life. Better than anything you mentioned here. I played a sung the song again, this time Byron played his fiddle with me. He wanted to sell the guitar to me but they wanted $7500; I made a big mistake and didn’t buy it. A couple of years after visiting that shop, it went up in flames. I’m sure that guitar is lost forever. Please don’t try to convince me that there are other Martin guitars made by copycats. We all know if they’re trying to copy the Martin than Martin must be the pinnacle. I do own a Sigma made for Martin that sounds pretty good. But I found it’s hit or miss on Sigmas, some good some not good. I only paid $125 for it, it’s my beater, but I still love my Martin D-28.

@JohnnyRebKy

Жыл бұрын

The only thing I ever played that I liked more than a Martin HD28 is a Gibson Advanced Jumbo. They are like a D28 on steroids. Total different animal than the other Gibsons. Long scale, rosewood, light bracing. Loudest guitar I ever played. I had a AJ and a HD28V I lost in a house fire 3 years ago and I just replaced the Martin a few days ago finally. Good to have another Martin hd28 again 😎👍🏻. But I still miss that Gibson AJ

@matthouston1975

8 ай бұрын

Dude. A real 1937 D-18 in unplayable condition would be worth $50k. If the one you played sounded that good, it would be worth $100k easy. Why on earth were they selling it for $7500??

@tbeau6663

5 ай бұрын

Martin guitars are unbelievably inconsistent these days. Unless you can afford a Custom Shop model, forget it

I love my Santa Cruz Tony Rice! Bought it 4 years ago and played it every day since. It already was a cannon and now it's a force to be reckoned with!

Hey Tony, I am really enjoying my new Boucher Studio Goose 42 V. It has a torrefied Adi top with Brazilian Mahogany B&S. I grab it before I think about my D45 79. It really is beyond what I expected. Robin Boucher is an incredible builder too. I have been to Thompsons factory. Love those guys too. And Dana Bourgeois is amazing.

Hey Tony, Love the Acoustic Tuesday feeds and also really dig your whole program with the daily challenges 🤙 Thanks man.

Hi Tony, Boucher from Quebec should be on your list ! Great value too.

I've only heard these on KZread but over the last year I'm beginning to fall in love with the Thompsons

Tony, you forgot about Boucher guitars from Quebec, Canada!

@2Gandalf1

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed. Some of the best guitars made today. Next guitar on my list and I own three Martin guitars!

@benjohnstonmusic5131

3 жыл бұрын

💯 agree Bob

@bobgeorge9579

3 жыл бұрын

@@2Gandalf1 I own a JP Cormier Signature Model, an absolute dream!

All solid choices, but it's hard to believe you left Wayne Henderson off your list. Is there anyone more revered at building golden age Martins than Wayne? Not sure, ask Ricky Skaggs or Eric Clapton. Fun fact: Wayne worked on pre-war Martins for Gruhn Guitars back in the day.

@christopherthomasson5418

3 жыл бұрын

He was only reviewing guitars in the $5k to $15k range. Not the $10005433677880766.0005 range like Henderson guitars😅 Nah but seriously, I was fortunate enough to try three Henderson guitars at dream guitars in Asheville and they are mind blowing! All the tone aside, by just the way those guitars feel in your hands you can tell how incredibly built they are. Wayne is a master. If only I could fork out $25k to get one😢

@leftwrite

3 жыл бұрын

@@christopherthomasson5418 Wayne's guitars don't start out with stratospheric prices, people sack those prices up on the used market.

@sc12100

3 жыл бұрын

John Arnold is another builder that didn’t make the cut. This is not a real list.

I own a 2002 Martin D-18 GE that has forward-shifted bracing, and a 2020 Martin D-18 Authentic 1939 Aged that has rear-shifted bracing. Both offer a unique version of the Martin sound that existed from 1934 to 1944. All of the luthiers you mentioned are making wonderful guitars, and they're all chasing that same 1934 to 1944 Martin sound. You should play a Martin before you decide to buy something else that only sounds like a Martin.

@fenderjag114

3 жыл бұрын

I love all these boutique brands, and I would certainly have a few of them if I had more money and more space, but two years ago I bought a used 2012 D-18GE, and...I'm satisfied. I've got some other nice acoustics, including a Custom Shop D-28 that I love, but the D-18GE has something the rest of them don't. I knew it the second I picked it up. (Incidentally, the guy at the store told me that the previous owner sold it because he bought a Pre-War, so...there you go.)

@Dr.Pepperdave

3 жыл бұрын

I played every Martin in the guitar store and they had a bunch of em. I bought a used Martin D-18. Sweet Sound.

@darrelljordan3470

2 жыл бұрын

He has that’s why he is telling everyone about better guitars

This was a fun and very exciting program full of some of the most beautiful Acoustic art I have seen in some time.

Nice spread here! You covered a lot of ground. Some of favorite non-Martin dreads include the Bourgeois AT D-LSH in Adi/Madi, the basic Collings D1 in Sitka/Hog, and the Larrivée SD-60.

*Pre War* is really the only company trying to recreate vintage Martin’s. All the others sound great (big fan of SCGC & Bourgeois) but they are different builds in regards to Martin. A bolt on neck isn’t a Martin trait.

@stevenwilliams9758

3 жыл бұрын

To me, a bolt on neck is a deal breaker.

@sc12100

3 жыл бұрын

@@stevenwilliams9758 Not for me. Bourgeois, Collings, Huss and Dalton, Boucher, all use bolt on necks and their guitars are great. There are many other factors that effect tone other than a neck joint. I've played many Martins that were duds with dovetail neck joints. I currently own 3 Martins so trying to explain my opinion from a neutral standpoint.

@user-qx3tr6ex7u

2 жыл бұрын

@@stevenwilliams9758 bolt on necks don't really make a big difference

Great show Tony 😁 I find Dreads a bit big myself but still an interesting show, here’s a thought, if you haven’t already, a similar show on modern fingerpicking guitars would be cool 😎

I absolutely love this episode and agree wholeheartedly with your list, ranking order and specific model choices. If I could have only 1 of them, I think it would be the Pilgrim. No articulate reason why. Another name I think worth mentioning for consideration is Boucher. Thank you, Tony.

I agree with most of the brands you mentioned, however most of them are above $4000 and most people can’t afford that kind price tag . Therefore I would like to mention Larrivee guitars 🎸. The ones I’ve played sound fantastic and are quite affordable . 🤟👨👽👽😳

@festushaggen2563

3 жыл бұрын

Agree. I just bought my first Martin a couple of days ago but it’s only because their X Series is $599. The sound and playability won me over but I’d have left it at the store if the price tag had been much more than that. My financial situation was the deciding factor.

@jamesdavid7099

3 жыл бұрын

Larrivee is top notch. I have a parlor. Outstanding tone and construction.

@sc12100

3 жыл бұрын

Larrivee isn’t really trying to build a Martin though. They’re really their own thing regarding how they build their guitars. I’ve owned two and liked their tone but found them to be stiff when it comes to sustain. I agree though - their craftsmanship is impeccable.

@williamcole9040

2 жыл бұрын

Use bought a Larrivee LJ09 ARTIST from 1997…..fabulous guitar with Indian Rosewood,Canadian spruce,ebony and abalone rosette. All for 1800 pounds UK. YOU CAN STICK ON ANOTHER GRAND FOR A SAME SPEC. MARTIN.

Huss and Dalton sounded pretty sweet!!!

Pre-War is my favorite! Their HD and J models are at the top of the food chain of guitars. On another note Mr. Polecastro, can you do an episode like this one featuring one-man builders? Wayne Henderson, D.L. Wilson, Jackson Cunningham, Jimmy Edmonds are a few that come to mind. Just a thought for what it’s worth. Thanks for another great episode! Keep up the good work! JR, North Carolina

Thompson is my favorite as well and Boucher is another one.

@richfiryn

3 жыл бұрын

I suspect given the choice J.P. Cormier would likely choose the Boucher as well. And he has played everything.

@Orfix33

3 жыл бұрын

It came down to between the two for me. Can’t go wrong with either. I took the Thompson but fully intend to get a Boucher in rosewood some day.

Tony - I enjoyed the show. Looking forward to next weeks show on using the metronome. I have been using one in my daily practice and find that it helps me push myself out of my comfort zone. It also helps me keep time better when practicing songs in general.

Played a few Bob Thompson - West Virginia - dreads few years ago at Cabin Fever Va Beach.. Very impressed.

Boucher BG-52 are on the top of the list for sure!!!

I believe there are many brands making Martin better than Martin. However, Martin is essentially a mass produced product so maintaining the best quality just isn't possible at that scale, so we shouldn't be surprised or afraid to call it out. However, I play a D35 that I love despite there being better versions available but what Martin manages to achieve is wonderful instruments at a fair price so it's a balance between price and craftsmanship. I feel Martin is one of the brand's that gets this balance right and certainly compared to some other big names who trade expensive based on brand legacy.

@RantzBizGroup

2 жыл бұрын

Bingo, when applying the metric of cost there are few that can match them!

@el34glo59

10 ай бұрын

Only one I've heard better than a Martin that also sounded like a Martin, was a Merrill c18. And I've heard every brand amd know exactly what you're talking about

I am loving my new Furch Orange series D with walnut. Super cannon esque. Also of note after 20 dreads...I had a Goodall adi/cocobolo TRAD D that I ended up selling because it needed a huge right hand to get into gear. But oh what a gear. Now I love my adi J45 -TV and my 1999 J 45 rosewood which has huge tone. I am 65 and the short scale helps. I use the 25.6" scale Furch for a whole different ball game. Thank you, Tony!

My 1993 Collings D2H (Sitka and Indian Rosewood) and my 2008 Bourgeois Country Boy (Adirondack and figured Mahogany). Those are my favorites. But close behind is my 2015 Rockbridge dreadnaught (Adirondack and Indian Rosewood). All are beautiful, articulate, and sweet. Each one has a slightly different and compelling sound and feel, but I love them all.

Great video with great content Tony! Boucher Guitars in Canada builds some really nice Bluegrass Guitars. You even reviewed the Bluegrass Goose BG-52-GM model a couple of years ago. You might have heard the story that Robin Boucher spent quite a lot of time examining multiple pre-war Martins before making major modifications to his own guitars in late 2013.

All brands listed are amazing guitars. My buddy started to date a girl a while back and he kept bringing these amazing guitars around for me to play. Turns out his gf’s dad is a luthier. I was absolutely amazed with the quality of instrument that he puts out. I am currently having an HD style dread built by him and it should be a beautiful instrument when finished. His name is Doug Trivette out of Lenoir,NC

Another great bluegrass dreadnought luthier is Gary Cotten from Cotten Guitars in Grayson, Kentucky! Lead guitar from the bluegrass group Hammertowne being a full time supporter...You should check him out...

Atkin D37. Played one recently and it was the biggest sounding guitar ever. Compared it to many different brands and this just sounded massive. Big and boomy but still clear and with a very nice tone. Definitely worth checking out.

Absolutely love my pair of Collings Dreads....D1 T SB with baked Sitka and the D2H T SB Satin.

There are some very good Martins still being built today. The Custom Shop Sinker Mahogany ones from Gruhn’s (and other shops) come to mind. But another great builder is Chris Bozung out of Fairview, TN. I think he is currently taking orders for a limited run of 20 dreads based on 1936 D-18. They have Adirondack spruce top and 40 year old mahogany back and sides.

@charlesbolton8471

3 жыл бұрын

Gallagher Guitars is another great brand built here in Tennessee. They ended production production in Wartrace, TN a few years ago. However, new owners bought the company, rehired some of the former employees, and are building guitars again in downtown Murfreesboro. I haven’t played one yet, but everyone I’ve talked to who has played both the originals and the new ones say that they are really great.

@davideskelin8266

2 жыл бұрын

You're right about Gruhn's Custom Shop Sinker Mahogany Martin's that he has built to his specifications. They are fantastic! I have the OM-18 and the sound is close to a pre- war. Don't believe me, play one or listen to the videos of Gruhe's sinker guitars, or call him . He actually answers, or at least they will put you through to him and Gruhen is one of the most knowledgeable Martin guys there is.

I love Martin guitars and I mainly play on them but I have loved this episode! Always wanted it!

Boucher guitars has a few models that are nice check out the BG52

Jerry Rosa Guitar based on the D-28 Padauk back and sides Spruce top when I get my Furch guitar back from Furch I plan on sending you my Guitarsennel and joining TAC

sometime, I would like to hear you talk about owning and playing playing multiple instruments vs owning multiple guitars on acoustic Tuesday. I played acoustic and electric guitar for decades, playing mostly 3 or 4 country style flat picking and finger picking. I tried many times to wrap my head around theory but just could not get it done. Adding mandolin taught me relative minors, chord scales and drove home the fact that playing all the notes in a chord is not necessary. In less than 3 months of playing I learned what I failed to learn in the previous couple of decades. Playing resonator open tunings really hammered home the whole root, third, fifth thing in a way standard tuning could not and how to figure out minors, 7ths et al because no matter what major chord position the bar is in, the 1-3-5 are always the same. Dobro (i call it because I play lap style) also made it much easier to play pentatonic scales over a chord progression. Dobro also made much more clear the idea of major and minor scales because it is linear. So instead of many different acoustic guitars, I have one steel string acoustic, one classical, one electric, one mandolin, and two resonators (open D and open G) and one electric lap steel (in search of a second for same reason as my dobroes). When I get the T Shirt, I will post a pic and list the brands.

Love this site and all spoken about guitars are wonderful. I have a Martin D41 ambertone, and gibson J200 custom vine, a taylor PS 14ce, a Furch red LC, a Zager 900ce, a Blueberry dragon masterpiece, a 1976 Yairi 1000, and an Alvarez/Yairi 66 HD. They all sound beautiful. It has taken me over 45 years to find the certain sound I was always lookin for. I've finally achieved this. My favorite 2 guitars are the yairi 1000 and the alvarez/yairi 66hd. Unbelievably good sound and quality and ease of play. In my mind they are the best guitars I've ever played. They are up there or beyond the sound I get from all my other guitars. They are worth looking at. Thanks for your time.

I like the Pre-war company herringbone Brazilian rosewood dreadnought and the Collings D1A VN varnish too

The six guitar makers that you featured undoubtedly make wonderful guitars, beyond most players needs and dreams. We are in a golden age of super fine guitars being made by master builders at the highest levels. We are spoiled for choice. I recently purchased 2 Collings Traditional dreadnoughts with Adirondack tops and both are amazing instruments by any measure.

My Custom Roberts from Daniel Roberts Stringworks, Belgrade, MT -- Adirondack Spruce top & braces, Highly Flamed Mahogany back & sides. When I got this, I sold my SCGC TR...

??? Tony, Please, please, please tell me where I can get one of those "Be nice and play guitar" hats (or a tee). I've looked all over the internet to no avail. Thanks, and keep bringing us acoustic goodness. Loved today's episode.

I bought a Furch Vintage 2 D SR ( Dreadnought, Spruce, Rosewood) made in the Czech Republic. Awesome, crystalline sound and under 2 grand ( even comes with a Hiscox case, which blows my mind). Tremendous value!!

I'm midway through a second Martin OO kit with a student. The first one turned out great, and sounds better than his 2000's factory guitar. The kits are a crap shoot, though. It's wood that didn't make the grade, but that can be down to really superficial cosmetic stuff, like a tiny knothole in a neck, or inconsistent grain width. There are some great boutique builders out there doing one-offs, and smaller companies that are making dreadnoughts just as good as Martin. I believe that once you get above a certain level of quality, it starts getting really subjective. Not everyone wants the same sound and feel in an acoustic. Martin also went through some pretty dark years in the 70's though I think they've got their mojo back. As a side note, I had somebody bring me a cheap purple sunburst Fender from the 80s that had a bridge pulling up that I'd stack up against any D-18 in a blind test. You just never know. Also, I think the StewMac kits are Martin parts, but I could be wrong.

I guess..I would have liked to have heard more than your great presentation. Thank you for sharing.

Love the show been a fan since you did acoustic letter 🤘🏼💪🏼

I love my Collings D1 and would rank it above my 2015 Martin D-28 or 1999 Bourgeois Ricky Skaggs Signature. Can't wait to try the other luthiers mentioned if the right deal comes along.

My favorite is a toss up between 2 guitars I have made by David Nichols at custom pearl inlay in malone new York. The 1st was made in 07 an adi/eir think D-28 marquis. The second is a 2018 adi/braz dreadnought.

I really enjoyed this video. It would be interesting if Tony did one for slope shoulders.

You nailed 5 of 6 of favorite manufacturers. I’d never heard of Bourgeois, so thank you for that. Gallagher guitars made famous by Doc Watson is probably my favorite.

How wonderful that there is enough interest in the American made and built guitar to foster all of these small companies keeping this wonderful contribution to the world of music born and bread in the good ol USA alive.

Tony, I am new to this channel and I am just started my guitar journey at 30....hopefully not to late in life. What a channel to fall into though. Lots of history and information on the channel by the looks of it. Also love that it is all about acoustic. If you have any tips or tricks or suggestions on where to start for guitar I am all ears. Same for anyone on this channel or reading this post. Can't wait to start from AT1!

@timreed44

3 жыл бұрын

30 is not too late! I started at 60 and am having an absolute blast! As an "older guy," just have fun with it. Enjoy!

@lindakueneman9458

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed. You are never too old. I started at 49 years old & love it! Enjoy Andrew!

I have two martins the hd-28 and d-35. Love them both but can't afford the ones you mentioned here so I am limited to my budget. I wanted a mahogany body dreadnaught. I had my mind set on the d-18. I tried several d-18s then tried godson's j-45. I now have a j-45 and purchased the first one I played side by side with the martin. It's as loud and better action than the d-18. The shorter scale length is more comfortable for me since I'm a small person. I'm not a bluegrass player so the j-45 is a wonderful surprise to me. I still love my martins but the j-45 complements them very well.

Love the video Tony but I believe Boucher should be on your list some of the best in the world!

Tony I would put forth a Boucher model BG52 Bluegrass. Tonally it is balanced, even with a capo stays in tune up the neck. J P Cormier just did a review on it. Amazing in volume, projection, balance just the entire spectrum and should be on the list. #BeardedGuitar Bros

@KillerBudda1418

3 жыл бұрын

Jp is a known martin hater says that yamaha is way better lmao

@KillerBudda1418

3 жыл бұрын

@@sc12100 same here quit watching him period i play a hd-28 and no yamaha ive heard competed its a 2018 model with forward shifted x bracing and scalloped just beautiful soond

@KillerBudda1418

3 жыл бұрын

@@sc12100 yeah i agree with u anyone says yamaha blows martin away really has no validity

@endoffate5475

3 жыл бұрын

@@sc12100 JP never said that a HD28 is a shit guitar, he actually said thats its one Martin he would love to have but that its to expensive..He also never said that Martins are shit guitars. His whole point is that you dont have to pay a fortune to get a guitar as good as a Martin and if you are going to pay the big bucks, maby you should buy a guitar from smaller builders like shown in this video.. A 4000$ guitar from one of these smaller luthiers will give you more guitar for the price than a 4000$ Martin. Martins are factory made unlike the guitars seen here and Boucher for example..So they are bound to have problems..You pay for the name and the fact that they are made in the usa..THATS HIS POINT ON MARTINS and he actually loves Martins.

@endoffate5475

3 жыл бұрын

@@sc12100 You can buy many guitars around 4000$ from Boutique builders.. Martins are overprice, that the point hes making. Its not the same quality and attention to details.. But hey man, i dont blame you, when you payed that much for your hd28, you better believe its the best guitar in the world! Lol

My newly acquired Collings D2H A Traditional with a sunburst Torrefied top is quite impressive. The "straight out of the box" tone is somehow quite burnished and the treble is subdued in a way that you would only see on a well played broken in guitar. All the glassiness of a new instrument seems to have eliminated. A pleasure to play!

I had my hands on a Tony Rice model back in the 90's sure wish I scooped it up

Last night Jimmy Fallon smashed a Martin HD 28. I could not believe he would do that. It was Friday May 28, he was playing and singing when he went on stage and looked at Quest Love and grabbed the guitar by the neck and smashed it on the corner of the stage. Then the camera showed a close up of the guitar laying on the floor smashed to pieces. It was hard to watch and I love Jimmy Fallon but that sucked and was not funny at all

Props on the production!

I have limited exposure to these down here in Australia. I like the sound Verlon Thompson had with his Collins behind Guy Clark. Martin D-45, Neil Young's Hank Williams D-28. But the one that blew my socks of was a Santa Cruz Tony Rice model. The player was not a hotshot flatpicker, just average, but the volume was astounding and the tone great. There was a PA SNAFU and the bloody thing still rang like a bell 15 rows back in a festival tent. All lovely stuff of course.

My Boucher Bluegrass Goose BG152GM - amazing sound and amazingly build quality!

I bought a Ferangeli Dreadnought Sika in Cebu Philippines. It sounds great, has a spruce top and sides and back are Philippine ebony. It was around $1,200 and well worth the price.

Wayne Henderson in VA and Chris Bozung in TN make FANTASTIC dreadnoughts as well.

I didn't see Froggy Bottom mentioned, so I figure I'd throw that name out there. I have a custom depth Collings OM model that can easily outperform my Martin D41 in volume and tone. So I'm a Collings vote.

I've tried them all and nobody makes a guitar that sounds like a Martin. Take that for what you will but it's all a matter of personal taste and personally I generally prefer Martins.

I have a brand (2019) D-28 Modern Deluxe Martin. What can I say. My go to guitar for years was my 1992 D-18GE which I still love, and then I walked into our local music store not even thinking of buying a new guitar. It's that good. It took less than an hour to make that decision. Of course I played it a lot longer after my mind was made up but so would you. I've only played a Collings, a couple of Bourgeois and just one SCGC dreadnoughts. The others I can't comment on but this Modern Deluxe is treat to play and I'll take it over those three I mentioned. Martin seems to have seen what was happening and responded beautifully. And yes I agree acoustic guitars are changing and only for the better. My 87 Guild GF-50 is a great guitar but the new one, well experience the new toys and enjoy.

I note two things. First, Tony's of list 10(?) guitars he bought after testing hundreds contained 6 or 7 Martins, and they aren't all prewar! Second, the majority of the competitors mentioned here are more expensive (in some cases, a LOT more expensive) than a D28. So what if you got a Martin custom shop dread and paid the same price as, say, a SCGC or a Thompson? What then?

@christopherthomasson5418

3 жыл бұрын

In the past 3 years I’ve been all over the east coast in search of the perfect dread and have played all of the brands listed except a prewar guitar co… But I tested a custom shop $13,000 Martin with Brazilian/Adirondack and the martin was by FAR the worst sounding off all brands listed. In my opinion it wasn’t worth 3,000. Martin, even their custom shop is still a manufacturer/factory where as the rest are high quality accomplished luthiers. In all my travels from worst to best (specifically speaking of high end guitars) Santa Cruz Bourgeois Collings Huss and Dalton Thompson Thompson guitars are absolutely incredible! And Huss and Dalton are the closest rivals I’ve seen in terms of tone. I have owned a Bourgeois, Thompson, Huss and Dalton, and 50s model Martin d-28 and the Thompson’s are by far the best sounding with Huss and Dalton coming in second. Unless it’s some kind of vintage Martin I would never waste money on a Martin unless I was just tight on cash and it was all I can afford. Hope this review helps!

@KillerBudda1418

3 жыл бұрын

He is just a martin hater i have a hd-28 sounds as good as most ive heard big time bluegrass players play martin billy strings goes back and forth between thompson and martin

@bjornegan6421

3 жыл бұрын

@@KillerBudda1418 that's rather irrelevant and i question your ear.

@KillerBudda1418

3 жыл бұрын

@@bjornegan6421 i question your ear if u think martins dont sound as good as everything that mimics them, i mean they are all trying to make their own Martin people on the internet will say it’s better cause they are paid to promote so u can say all u woant I really dont care

@bjornegan6421

3 жыл бұрын

@@KillerBudda1418 well, you confirmed my guess. to objectively prove your statement wrong, i'll just bring up voicing. these other builders do it, martin doesn't. that's why one martin may sound excellent and others don't. 100 martins of the same model compared to each other and some might sound good, most will not. a statement such as 'if u think martins dont sound as good as everything that mimics them' not only tells me you don't have an ear, but don't know how guitars are built or why anyone 'mimics' 'martins'.

I am done with Bluegrass I can never find anyone who can play, i am moving on to Delta Blues. What make and models do you suggest high end.

Like the sound of the Epiphone Frontier, but - can I have one without the pickguard?

Agree with much of what you say, although Martin with their recent reimagined series is now making guitar as good as any they've made in decades. I have four Martins, including vintage, but the 2018 D-41 I have is a killer, as good as any boutique guitar. I've tried most of these guitars but there are a couple you mentioned that I have not really found that have come close to the D-41. My sample is small on all of these, but I have tried a couple of Huss and Dalton TDRs that I didn't find were that great, and same with Santa Cruz. I will say though that some of the best guitars I've played were Collings and Bourgeois. I have not tried a Thompson or Prewar yet, but sure would like to. Prioux guitars also fit in this category and are very good.

Just purchased the “King Of The Swamp” digital album by David And The Devil. Purchased from Bandcamp where you can specify how much you’d like to pay. If you love Justin Johnson, you’ll love David And The Devil. Thanks for the introduction, Tony! Resonators for life ...

Anyone know where to get the "Be Nice and Play Guitar" hat?

A friend of mine has a very rare Daley dreadnaught. Incredible guitar!

I own a Pre-War guitar company HD-28, Brazilian Rosewood back and sides Adirondack top torrefied and I own several other brands as well and I have owned a 1945 Herringbone that was a great one but the Pre-War co. HD is truly amazing they can capture that prewar Martin sound one of the best guitars I've ever heard.

Alvarez Yairi DY70ce Resonant AA Sitka spruce top, East Indian rosewood back and sides, Gotoh tuners, 1-piece mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard, rosewood direct coupled bridge, Bone nut and saddle. But is the Yairi better than a Martin D-28? Idk 🤷‍♂️ My favorite Martin is the D-18 I own the D15m and it’s really nice too.

I've just purchased a Boucher BG-52 with torrefied Adirondack top. I think it would absolutely fit in this list.

Awesome Video!!

Bob Altman. I have an Altman OM, Coco/Adi and one of the top luthiers in Chicago told me it is one of the best guitars he’s ever heard. Additionally, there’s a local guy with a bunch of high end guitars (Pre War, Collings T, Blazer & Henkes) and he’s told me the same thing. Altman also makes an outstanding dreadnought. That said, if I were buying one to add to the flock, I’d be all in on a Pre War, with the exception of the 2 year waiting list.

Don't forget Johnny Rushing...worked decades for Martin...I own one and it's absolutely awesome!..Builder from east Tennessee...I highly recommend Johnny Rushing guitars👍

How about Harmony guitar shop? Chicago, they have fine luthiers in their shop and have been there for many years....I love it.

I played a Santa Cruz once that was maybe the best I've ever played, really great sounding and playing. I've played some Collings that were just so so. But my HD-28 sounds pretty fantastic and cost many thousands less than any of these guitars. I really don't need anything better than that. I will say the best mandolin I ever played was a Collings, would love one of their mandolins.

@dani25683

3 жыл бұрын

Me too, I tested a Santa Cruz Vintage Artist and in my opinion is the best acoustic guitar I’ve ever played. I played two Collings but they didn’t impress me. Anyway I’m very happy with my Martin HD35. Martin forever

Sound comes from touch and it’s also objective. My two favorite guitars are my 1993 HD28 and my 2 year old Yamaha FG830. I’m not pretentious and my needs are basic.

I'd agree with a comment further down in this thread about Wayne Henderson. I personally love my 2007 Martin HD28V. I looked and play at least 40 of these guitars until i found the one i took home. When I first hit a chord and felt the tone woods vibrate into my chest, I knew this was it. I had looked at many others, some on your list, but decided the HD met all the requirements I was looking for in what would be my workhorse. I've been beating this thing in public for almost 15 years, dropped it twice, broke the nut, hit it on the mic stand twice the first night out and it still gives me love every time I put it around my neck. Are there better guitars out there? Probably. Is there a better guitar for me? Probably not. Find what you like and play it, all the time.

How about the Martin 1939 Authentics? Do you think they compare to these six builders?

Hi Tony, after watching today's episode I have a serious issue I'd like to raise. I need to apply for compensation from Acoustic Tuesday for my lost socks. After listening to some phenomenal bluegrass dreadnoughts they were blown off and flew out the window. I look forward to your response. :)

I have a 2009 Guild D-50 Bluegrass Special with scalloped Addy top and bracing. It's 11 years old now and gets more attention when I play it with groups than any of my Martins, Gibsons, Larrivee, etc... It's an absolute bluegrass beast. It is my go to for bluegrass. My Larrivee is best for recording. My Martin D-18 Modern Deluxe is great, but the Guild still gets more comments.

I have a Reimagined D41 and it is a FANTASTIC guitar!! I had a Short Scale Bourgeois Slope D Banjo Killer Adi-top custom that was an incredible guitar, but I never bonded with the Mahogany tone. I now have an Aged Tone Bourgeois Vintage D with torrefied Adi Banjo Killer bracing and it's unreal! The Slope D Banjo Killer was great, but it's not even comparable to the Vintage D Banjo Killer as far as volume, projection and tone goes. That is the Bourgeois model that really outMartins Martin guitars! My D41 can't hang with the Bourgeois.

@jeffhildreth9244

3 жыл бұрын

Please define "reimagined" ?

I play a Collings D2ha Traditional Package with a satin finish. I do agree there are some great builders .

first i m a bourgeois guy but in these videos i would rank, Collings, Thompson, Huss dalton, Santa cruz,Bourgeois, pre wars

Yes. It's the tap testing and the radiused tops and all the attention to detail that goes into a Bourgeois or a Preston Thompson that puts them above any Martin made since the late 1940's. These boutique guitars are very expensive but it's chump change compared to what a 30's or 40's Martin goes for. Plus the boutique guitars have better necks and they're designed for optimum playability.

Billy Strings can out play all those guys and he looks happy doing it. His tribute concert to Doc Watson blew my mind. I like him more than Clarence White. He is the real deal.

@markstrain8989

3 жыл бұрын

Amen. As soon as you mentioned Thompson, I knew Billy'd be your picker in the demo video. Billy brings those Thompsons to life better than anyone alive. Thanks again, Tony.

@robf7213

Жыл бұрын

Molly Tuttle can out play Billy Strings. Cleaner and more innovative. If she was a guy more people would probably be talking a lot more about her than Billy Strings. I've seen them both live multiple times.

Hey Tony, are you still involved in the Acoustic Letter?

I purchased a D-18 this year. I wanted a D-28 for 38 years (my teachers). Tried the D-18 and took it home. Well I swapped for 5 minutes my Rickenbacker 360 to Richard Thompson this past summer at "Frets and Refrains" for his Lowden 3/4 of the size of my D-18 twice the volume. Four times the price. If I was making my living from that guitar it would be a Lowden or Santa Cruz Tony Rice. If I were a professional mechanic you would find Cornwall or Snap on in my tool box. Not Craftsman.

Obviously, everyone has a favorite and for different reasons. The guitar/luthiery world is big and diverse. Searching for the "best" guitar is an endless journey. One thing to remember is that guitars sound more like the player than the luthier and that differences in wood are also minimized by how the player plays. Don't search for the perfect guitar, search for guitars that add something different to your song choices, playing style, and overall satisfaction. Bottom line is that everyone should keep buying guitars!

I would bet there are a great many one man shops that make dreadnoughts comparable to or better than a standard Martin. I own a dreadnought from Caston Guitars from Concord, NC. In my opinion, it can stand toe to toe with an HD-28. After playing multiple guitars at a Martin Experience or Taylor Road Show, no guitar speaks to me like my own. I had the chance to play a couple Rose Creek Guitars out of Cumming, GA at a guitar show. They were also magnificent. I have to believe there are a lot more like these two if you just know where to look.

What do you think of driftwood. He has many videos online making his guitars. I think they start at 8 K. His video are outstanding..

Blueridge BR180A sounds darn good it’s my only dread out of my small herd of acoustics . 😊

The bourgeois D Large Soundhole. The Holy Grail Modeled After The Holy Grail.

Are we comparing these to mass-produced Martins or the custom shop?

Be sure to look at Gallagher guitars. The new owner Dave Mathis is increasing production of their "signature" models (G-50, G-70 and Doc Watson) but also has a new model called the Bluegrass Bell, based off of a 1937 D-18. I won two-a Doc Watson I bought in 2014 and a new G-70 with a yellow cedar top. You will be able to find these more readily than was the case before the new ownership. Otherwise, I agree with your other top guitars.

I'm happy to own two Max Rosa acoustic guitars. He's a skilled pre war steel guitar brazilian luthier. If you are into pre war steel acoustics, you must check him out.

Can I ask which Thompson Guitars are you referring to is it Bob Thompson Guitars or PK Thompson guitars? Sorry if it is a dumb question it is just that I would like to try and buy one. I have not seen any here in Australia. Thanks

@markstrain8989

3 жыл бұрын

Preston Thompson (deceased) in Sister's Oregon, USA, shop continues on.

@BB-px5qg

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@markstrain8989

3 жыл бұрын

@@BB-px5qg anytime, mate.

I am fortunate to own a Gibson Hummingbird Custom Shop from 2001 and a Hand built Paul McCartney 1964 Epiphone Texan actually signed by the man himself! Both amazing guitars…..by the way I was lucky enough to recently buy a Martin HD28 SV…12 fret from 1993…huge vintage sound….but my absolute favs are my 2 SJ200s.