A European D-28?! The Furch Vintage 2 Dreadnought VS Martin's Classic HD-28

In this video, we compare the Furch Vintage2 DSR to Martin Guitar's Classic HD-28, a European take the classic dreadnought versus the American classic. We breakdown the materials, construction, and sound of each guitar, and provide a side-by-side demonstration of their unique characteristics. The Martin is a quintessential classic but the Furch is a wonderful surprise that is libel to turn some heads and change some hearts. If you're in the market for a high-quality dreadnought guitar, this video will help you decide which one is right for you.
0:00 Intro
0:35 Specs
6:48 Martin Demo
8:06 Furch Demo
9:27 Final Thoughts
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[@Impulze90]

Coopers playing makes me want to grab my guitar, hug it hard and just cry. Then apologize. Dudes so talented.

[@1BLACHI]

I think it's hard work too, only talent won't get you far on guitar lol

[@leraph3904]

Furch most underrated guitar brand. Thoses guitars are really amazing

[@don911donny9]

I preferred the Martin, such a lovely rich and balanced sound. The Furch came across with a sound that would benefit from more time being played. I have a 2006 HD28 and a 2022 Furch Red and my experience of them is much the same as I heard on your video. However, a year in and being up close playing my Furch it just astounds me just how beautiful it sounds, so clear and crisp with a sustain that goes on forever (a bit like this post 😆), I love it and play it more than the Martin.

[@vyvynylification]

Is the furch vintage 3 of the same level as a furch red? :) I had a red master choice which dissapointed (it was just 1 bad guitar, i played more that were better) so now I'm tempted by a vintage 3 OM. Mainly worried these V3 OM's don't strum well :/

[@GianoOudeis72]

@@vyvynylification HI! Explain to me well; have you tried and played a Furch Vintage 3 Dreadnought and were disappointed?? Did it sound bad? Can you tell me something more? In your opinion it is not comparable to a Martin D28 or D35??? I look forward to your reply, thank you!!! :)

[@vyvynylification]

@@GianoOudeis72 Since my comment here I have played and owned numerous furch guitars. Im personally an OM guy but did play a furch vintage 2 dread and that was a stunningly good guitar. I compared it to several high end guitars and it could perfectly hang with those. One thing is that the furch works better for fingerstyle than the martin in my opinion.

[@BCursed2012]

Phenomenal playing Coop! I hear brighter tones with the Furch, and maybe a bit more punch. Also hear better note separation in the Martin, along with a fuller, rounded sound.

[@philippmueller7390]

Great comparison! I think one major difference comes from the strings: Martins come with mediums and Furchs with lights. But if you consider that the Martins streetprice in Europe is about 4.300 €, which is noticably higher than in the US and about as twice as much than the Furch, things change a little bit...

[@daddio307]

Andy, it's because of your review that I bought my Furch Vintage 2 dread a couple of years ago. Still loving it. Thanks.

[@PaulGAckerman]

Great video! The Furch is beautiful and the shot showing the front and side was perfect. I loved seeing the similar colors of the pick guard and reflections from the side. I never paid that much attention to the way you film your videos so kudos to your cinematographer!

[@ttrinneer]

I have that exact Furch, and love it. Great value too

I've owned two brand new Martin HD-28's through the years. I love THEM! I'm up for another one in 2023! I've owned Gibson's, Guild's... Dove's, D-55 etc...but oh my, the Martin HD-28 is the flagship for me! Man you Chris and Cooper just knock it out of the park with such good videos. Keep it up!

[@markinmemphis]

I think the HD28 is simply the greatest square-shoulder dreadnaught ever! I’m not just saying that because I own one! 😊

[@haroldclark1787]

It's Cooper Greenberg's world; we just live in it. Wow, you are enormously talented. This is a stupefying test-drive of these two extraordinary guitars. Both are divine, but the Martin edges out the Furch. Thanks for this enlightening video. Given a few hundred years or practice we'll all be able to play half as well as Cooper. You are truly gifted! Keep up the amazing work! (There'll be a little something extra in your check this week!)

[@123Neilob]

I’m lucky enough to own a HD28 - bought it just over a year ago and every day I’ve picked it up since it brings me so much joy. Really amazing instrument. I’m based in Ireland so couldn’t buy it from Alamo Music (😢) but I have to credit Chris and Cooper and all the reviews and comparisons they did including the HD28 to turn me on to this guitar. Thanks Guys and keep up the great work 👍🏻🇮🇪🤟🏻

[@krismcreynolds984]

I'm up north of you ever decide to sell brother lol . Love that guitar, bit big for me so I go 000 size but I'm sure she's a cracker..

[@123Neilob]

@@krismcreynolds984 I’d love a 000 too! Great instrument. I hope I’ll never have to sell the guitar but will keep you in mind if I do 😉👍🏻 Btw - good to hear I’m not the only Irish person watching this channel. Greetings up North 🙌🏻

[@krismcreynolds984]

@@123Neilob same to you sir

[@frankmitman3347]

Amazing as usual. Great guitars and great Cooper talent. Loved the sound of both, but I’m partial to Martin since live 15 miles away from the factory and have photographed Chris Martin for a magazine. He is lovely guy and easy to talk to. I wish you guys would have compared price.

[@jimross9429]

Last week I purchased a Furch Vintage 2 OM SR and could not be happier with the guitar. As for tone I like the slightly brighter tone of the Furch I also prefer the neck on the Furch as well. As Cooper noted you really feel the guitar vibrate which for me leads to a more enjoyable playing experience. Furch is a brand that really flies under the radar in my opinion. I would not hesitate to recommend the brand to friends or family.

[@vyvynylification]

Does it strum well? and does it have plenty bass? I only tried the GC furch models so far..

[@davelingard8761]

Thanks for this video! The Furch sounds a little tight in the demo. I put some medium gauge martin retro monel strings on mine and played the heck out of it for a few months. Now it's nice and bassy, responds to a light touch and has a balanced midrange.. somewhere between a HD-28 and D18 in my view.

[@daddio307]

They also come with a $300 Hiscox super hd case.

[@leesanders1619]

Dang Cooper! You melted my face off through an iPhone. Well done. I’d take either guitar.

[@GrandpaJean]

I just played this Furch guitar and couldn't believe how good it sounded. Had to come check reviews of it and, yep, it's incredible.

[@rogerd9150]

I have the Furch Vintage 3 Dreadnaught and also a 1999 model HD-28. Both amazing guitars. I’ll give the edge in tone to the Martin perhaps because it’s already aged a couple of decades. You can’t go wrong with either.

[@texhaines9957]

I can only buy so many guitars, Chris. Thanks Chris and Cooper!

[@stevec-b6214]

Superb high quality as usual guys. I would buy the Martin, its tonal character and playability are exactly what I lust after. My present guitar is very good, and if I upgraded, there would have to be a big enough difference to justify the change.

[@piotrkanarek]

Just todsy I got my Martin D28. I'm blown away. I have Martin D18, Gibson J45 rosewood Custom Shop, some Larrivees, but Martin D28 is a class for its own.

[@crypto_bull]

I want both as usual.

[@texhaines9957]

Cooper, I have my Martin 12-fret D-28 VTS Custom Shop. Thanks Chris and Cooper. I liked the Martin.

[@Jordan.levesque]

I literally typed this video in the search bar yesterday and it didn't exist on KZbin. Come back the next day and its in my suggestions. Great video! I owned a Furch OM31SR DB. Gorgeous guitar and I wish I didn't let it go. I only kept it a few months but felt guilty for owning 2 nice acoustics that I probably couldn't really afford. I hope to own another Furch again at some point. I would also love comparisons between the Vintage line and the colour series. I realize they're completely different, colour series being almost Taylor-esque, and vintage Martin. But would love to hear your thoughts about which you would prefer if you could only have one. I haven't tried a colour series one yet. Personally I greatly prefer the headstock (and ascetics overall) on the vintage lineup.

[@kenmyak2620]

Martins are great guitars but it's nice to have the Furch within arms reach to get another point of view. Plus, the price point is very nice on the Furch for the fit, finish and quality of tone woods. For those hot summer days I also like the Furch's rounded shoulder they offer on some models.

[@kevinbabbitt]

Hey Guys! Love the channel! Wondering if you'll be getting/reviewing the satin D18s? Thanks for all your vids - take care friends

[@AlamoMusic]

We will be reviewing them as soon as we get them in!

[@musicteacher33bdx]

I love both... I already have a Furch and a Martin but not these models precisely 😅 . The sound of the Martin is a classic 🤘🏻 but the sound of the Furch is really stunning 😮. If you have the budget for the American legend 🤠> buy Martin - If you want an amazing sound for half the price 💰> buy Furch 👍🏻

[@traceanthony]

Cooper's face @7:28. He knows he's firing up that HD-28 something proper. Represent!

[@nicolen.9642]

Wow, Cooper! Awesome playing. Some of us would like to know if Cooper can put the tabs of his demo/blues piece he plays (@7:58) online? Thanks! 🎶🎶🎶

[@Mick_7878]

Another great video and amazing playing by Cooper! Both great sounding guitars but I much prefer the ‘warmer’ tone of the Martin . That’s what a dreadnought is ‘meant’ to sound like, IMHO (…that’s also why I bought an HD-28 a couple of years ago! So, yes - I am biased). Almost every great guitarist throughout history plays (or at least, HAS played…) a Martin. My HD-28 just gets better and better the more I play it (although nowhere near it’s “peak” yet). For my money - Martin is the winner!

[@jasonbussellsmusic8828]

I preferred the mellowness of the Furch, but a Martin is next on my wish list, partly because of the name and history. I love my Furch red deluxe GC-LC, and I’d be happy to have a vintage 2 or 3, but I’m saving up for the Martin

[@jameslaughlin8890]

I own a Vintage 3 DSR and love it! I took it to Winfield last year and boy did some heads turn! I got a lot of “what kind of guitar you got there?” And when I’d let someone play it a bit, I rarely got it back after only one tune. My take on the sound difference is that Martins tend to sound “muddier?” Does that make sense? Like the notes run together more, have a more organic sound. My Furch, by contrast, has a more defined sound to my ears. It’s almost like the Furch sound is “perfect” and the Martin is “real”. I love them both. And when I play a Martin I think “man I shoulda bought one of these”, but the I pick mine up, again and I’m sure glad I have it. Like Coop, one day I’ll own a Martin, but I’m never giving up my V3DSR!

[@josejcastaneda5826]

I liked Furch guitar so much that I own 3, including the vintage 2 OM DB. I am looking for the fourth.

[@andybark1]

Both guitars sound great. I prefer my own D18 Sunburst. I am curious, I looked on your website and I could not find specifics on the Furch. What is the nut width?

[@alandenton2973]

Both sound really good. I have a Furch red dsr. Amazing sounding guitar, beautifully made. But Martin is the established brand and that is an influence too.

[@deanmcbride8747]

Hi guy's. The Martin sounded the best in the sound. The Martin sounded woody and warm. The furch was a little brighter in tone. Saying that I do want to get the furch vintage 3 d Sr. I have 4 other furch guitars. Their so well made. Great video guy's thanks Dean 🇬🇧 🙏 🎸

[@tammanaq]

I've just tried a Furch Vintage 1D-SR. Best dreadnought guitar I've ever played! Worth every penny. And very different quality compared to the cheaper Furch guitars.

[@markpeavy4005]

I'd love to see a Collings Martin comparison if you haven't done one yet.

[@vinderloovince3011]

A Furch in definitely on my shopping list. Amazing and affordable. But..my Blueridge BR 40 will take some beating 😁

[@MarkLysaght]

Both guitars sound amazing. I think that overall, Furch guitars generally have light bracing so I'm not sure how well they last over many years. But if they're carefully looked after, that shouldn't be a major issue?

[@AndrusW]

Loved them both, and Cooper, you're playing is just plain sick good. For dreads, I have an '85 Martin HD-28, a 2011 Martin D-18p, and a 2018 Martin D-42 Custom, Carpathian top, which stays in it's case because I am too clumsy and it is too expensive. 🙂 Myy 39 year old HD-28's sound is as about good as it gets for an HD-28. It's one of those forever guitars that you don't let go of. Regarding the comparison, I loved the sound of both guitars, actually. I found the Furch was bright and colorful, while the Martin was warmer & articulate with better note separation, and well... that classic Martin dreadnought sound. I could do with either guitar, depending on the setting. A lot of bang for the buck with the Furch.

[@tedc6694]

This WAS my choice, though I tried Taylor and Larrivee too, and i bought the Vintage 2 slope shoulder dread. More note separation than Martin but more projection than Larrivee or Taylor.

[@SuperEdge67]

That sounds furching good.

[@mmcollins3]

I'm 55 and am just now learning to play. I currently have a hand-me-down, no-name dreadnought type guitar from the 70's that's in descent shape visually but sounds very hollow (my instructor's description, not mine). Even after some set-up and tuning changes there's been very little improvement of the sound quality. For now I'm OK with it as I'm still a beginner. But not far from now and if my interest in playing remains high I'm definitely going to want to upgrade. The D-28 is at the top of my list but being so new to this skill set I'm hesitant to spend that kind of money on a new guitar, even thought I can afford it. Any suggestions?

[@coolhandluke2310]

Furch to my ears.❤

[@ronmoore1219]

The HD28 was clearly brighter and more clear to me. Highs, lows, and mids. The Furch sounded more subdued across the board. So, in a past video, Cooper referred to acoustic guitars as "stoneage." He can now be forgiven after demoing an HD28. 🙂

[@markpeavy4005]

I watched this video because I have a Martin HD-28. When I picked it up many years ago and played I knew I had to have it. I still love playing it and thought it was more mellow than the Furch which sounded a little brighter and thinner perhaps? Both are really great and I think it comes down to personal prefrence; but still Martin. HD. 28. Just sayin'

[@stantonkramer2986]

I like them both. The Martin has that truly vintage sound, but now with the HD leans a little bit more to the Taylor sound than previous D28's. The Furch? Lovely. But a little heavy on the bass end and IMO (listening through reference monitors) I though the Martin was a bit more articulate. On regular computer speakers the Furch caught up a bit in terms of articulation but the bass was exacerbated. So my choice would be the HD-28.

[@Oculus729]

The Martin for me.

[@tramboithao]

Come on guys. These two guitars are as close as. They a both fantastic. Nobody talks cash on these vids ? Great playing also, I think you would sound good playing a soap box with strings on it. Well done great vid Regards Joe

[@gbbruno596]

The Furch sounds better. Just a bit, but better. Congrats to them.

[@SRKanai1]

In this one, i really feel like the martin fans are going to go for the martin, the furch fans are gonna go for the furch. I am personally much more impressed by the Furch. Having said that, I am a Furch fan and in fact own this very guitar along with 3 others. These are both incredible guitars and you couldnt possibly go wrong either way.

[@ImNotOld_ImVintage]

I love Furch and under any other circumstance I would likely say I prefer them, but nothing really stands up to an HD28. To my ear the Martin HD28 is just how a guitar is supposed to sound. And to be totally honest, I would be lucky to own either.

[@scottfishkind5335]

Both great guitars, neither better just different! Great to have awesome choices that can appeal to a wide variety of players! I am a Furch owner, wouldn’t trade my Yellow Master’s Choice Gc-CR for literally any guitar out there, at any price, boutique or otherwise, but I also have friends that have some incredible sounding Martins! Lastly, Cooper’s amazing!!

[@stephenblyskal5666]

To these old ears the Furch was the winner. A fuller sound on the chords. I had a late ‘60s D28 for over 20 years and got rid of it when I discovered Taylor guitars. As a fingerstyle guitarist I gravitate towards Taylors.

[@Runoratsu]

I think for a guitar like this, the more woody Martin sound just simply works better than the HiFi Furch sound. Martins generally have this magic, slightly hollow, woody, warm sound to them. In a more modern setting, the high definition, sparkly Furch sound has a lot of charm as well however. It just doesn‘t fit as well into the vintage … thing you wanna get with a guitar like this IMHO. Btw, I _do_ own a Furch Red GC-SR, I _don‘t_ (yet) own a Martin. So I‘m not „just a Martin fanboy“.

[@jimguo7633]

owned both and honestly think Furch wins. but I paid more for Martin.

[@johnnyd63]

The law firm of Martin,Greenberg, Furch and McKee. HD28 all the way guys.

[@dgdisco3469]

The Furch sound just as good.

[@maximumaverage]

Damn Cooper’s playing. Gonna go throw my guitar away

[@albertcollins2725]

I wonder how many would change their opinion on which guitar sounds better if it were a blind sound test. Maybe you could do little video editing and obscure the guitars as they are being played so people won't be fooled by their eyes. Afterward, it could be revealed which guitar was A or B in the comparison. I know which one I think sounds better, at least from a video, but I don't have a preference when it comes to the brand. If it sounds good and plays well then that is all that matters to me.

[@LifeWideOpen780]

Review a yamaha ll6

[@mesimeriaris]

The Martin is as usual punchier in the Midrange, while the Furch is more Open Sounding. I like both sounds ,. The Martin s got the guts to cut through the mix in an ensemble, while the Furch is better suited for a songwriter- the voice will cut through better through its tone.

[@VovvenGromit]

The Martin clearly shines as a solo guitar, but the harmony and balance of the Furch is superior. I'd pick the Martin for solo playing, and the Furch in a band setting.

[@stephenkennedy7347]

KZbin the factory tour of Furch and then there will be no doubt how to pronounce the name! Both guitars are great - I prefer Martin tones and big bass sound.

[@SharpEdgeStandardOfficial]

I prefer the Furch

[@jasper_north]

Jeasous that guy can play so so good!!! Burning my guitars…

[@cbayardelle]

The furch as the last shoot out has to much bass, I thought my headphones had a bass bump. But with the speakers the furch has to much bottom end.

[@sooparticular]

furch was very very good....Martin Phenomenal

[@8865jb]

All these review videos of om and D models against martins always prove Martin is superior. Invest in Martin. It’s worth it.

[@markfisher509]

The martin kicked its ass but the furch sounds solid

[@sorencin11]

Wow. I think furch

[@BobHoehn218]

I'm liable to buy to buy a Furch if I can decide which one to get.

[@MJWPub]

Josh has good ears. The Furch is better hands down!

[@philcottone2247]

I have an hd28. Love it. Congratulations cooper on playing an e chord. Then you moved back up the fret board. Chris, please play the acoustics. I can never get a true sense of how an acoustic will sound in my hands when Cooper turns into a speed deamon traveling up the neck. I do know that when I play my HD 28 I hear much more low end then when Cooper plays. Chris, I hear what I consider the true tone of an acoustic when you play. Cooper, your an electric guitar lead guy. You are great on the electrics, Chris you need to play to acoustics.

[@el34glo59]

Bro he played the hell out of these guitars

[@kevingill648]

Why pay twice as much for the Martin when the build quality and sound of the Furch is just as good? if not better!

[@hughnguyen1772]

The Martin is a much better guitar acoustically. The Martin’s sustain, balance, and definition are in a different class. The Furch is a good guitar. It’s not fair to measure it against a great guitar like the Martin.

[@lefty5string]

martin

[@alexwoolridge94aw]

I need yo sell my 2 Taylors and grab this Martin. My 324ce sure is pretty but sounds no where as good as these two.

[@justme-wh5li]

Martin should be embarrassed.... to price like that and then get easily outplayed by furch.... Such a subtle, full depth sound.

[@el34glo59]

😂. Martin sounded better bro

[@michaelrandymeyerson9322]

I thought that the Martin HD 28 had a more balanced and fatter sound. The Furch was good but, thinner sounding, crisper. I personally prefer the Martin

[@lebe220]

Clean guitars in unclean times. I´d rather have it the other way round.

[@gui-texzan7477]

Where does Cooper gig? He's too good not to be playing in an A-List artist's band.

[@scottfishkind5335]

Actually an A-list Artist should play with Cooper!!😊

[@el34glo59]

Martin wins. But that Low E string was singing on the Furch. I will say that. But the rest of the strings sounded thin. And there's no way a player like him, doesn't own at least a Martin HD28 by now. Come on boss. You serious? I don't buy it. Thw wait list is causing it? You can get an HD28 at any time. I'm sure that shop would give you one for doing all these demos.

[@DrBlues76]

The odd couple

[@starfighter2952]

The martin is boomier. More for bluegrass. The furch was brighter, crisper more dynamic.

[@dennism7532]

It’s too bad Cooper can’t play very well 😂😳

[@scottbranham4839]

Too much chat...!

[@davidmellick1947]

The furch was better

[@ulrichmetz2968]

Sorry, almost all the best comes from Europe or Germany, except the blues that comes from Africa😀

[@deandugas1591]

Please pronounce the name correctly Furch is pronounced "furk". Thank you

[@markstaggs7342]

The Martin has a very harsh sound I'm not liking it that much,And the furch does also but not quite as the Martin I'll have to pass on both of them.Theres something about them that don't have that special sound I'm looking for.

[@el34glo59]

That's odd. But everyone has a sound they want. I didn't hear one thing harsh from that Martin. It's a hd-28. It's Sitka and rosewood Martin dread. Nothing but smoothness, roundness, and punch They Furch was very thin sounding. So I understand if you heard if from that. Its a brighter sounding guitar. What sound are you talking about exactly? I'm honestly curious. Wondering if it's your listening source I mean martins are known for not being harsh sounding. So idk what brand you're going to find that's warmer. Maybe go with something with a cedar top?