Why you need a Martin Authentic Series guitar!

In this video, Adrian takes a look at the Martin Authentic Series guitars and explains why they are some of the best around at the moment. Adrian owns a Martin D18 Authentic 1939 Aged, even though he has played his fair share of vintage goodness (and is one fantastic builder himself!).
Martin Authentic Series: www.tfoa.eu/en...
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[@BlindTom61]

I have three Authentics -- all pre-toaster top. They are '05 D18A '37, '13 D28A '41 and a'14 D28A '37. The D28s are more than equal to the originals. The D18 is an unreal guitar, the best of the many D18s I've owned over the last 60 years. That includes instruments from the '30s to the '70s.

[@thefellowshipofacoustics]

I couldn't agree more Tom! They really nailed it with these guitars.

[@thesjkexperience]

Ive had a 2006 D-18A, that has that fantastic fat V shaped neck, since 2010. My kids will get it as it's too good to sell. I haven't tried the torrified tops yet, but I do like my Strats with baked necks. I did add Mammoth pins to my D-18 to give it a bit more pop. Looks great too.

[@OfficialDPTheRealDeal]

I too own a pre cooked top 2013, 1941 D28A I ditto you’re saying these sound so close to the real thing I’m impressed!

[@Moonshot568]

I collected few amazing guitars during the years . Gibson SJ-200 , Hummingbird true vintage , Taylor 914 ...... 2 years ago I decided to add the Martin D-41 .... the best decision I’ve ever made in my all years of playing . 2 years after and it became the only acoustic I play ... this sound cannot be replaced, this crisp. When you just pick this guitar the all body starting to ‘’ring’’ . What ever Martin doing with this Guitar it’s simply unreal .

[@kosmokritikos9299]

Though it does come down to personal taste as to which is best, it is beyond doubt that any other guitar quite sounds like a Martin, though many have tried.

[@kevk20]

Adrian - I think you are in guitar heaven here! Wonderful guitar. Agreed on the investment potential so I need to start saving the shillings!

[@alan4sure]

Yessiree! And I have a D28 authentic 37! Sounding great and getting even better! Worth every penny!

[@thefellowshipofacoustics]

Couldn't agree more!

[@Friese611]

Nice version of Bobby McGee! Love it!

[@ejr2716]

Very interesting, and the sound is wonderful!

[@MrLunchHour2]

I own a Martin HD-28. I love it

[@752brickie]

Great playing !!! Thank you for the wonderful video !!! I always wanted a D 42 but a bad fall 7 years ago makes me tend to use the smaller OM's and 000's !

[@captainamerica9353]

Thom Miller, I like the 42's also, though I don't own one. I like the looks better than a 41 or 45 series.

[@752brickie]

@@captainamerica9353 I played an all koa 12 fret Robbie Robertson 00-42 at Martin's at the last owners meeting we had and WOW !! It almost pushed out the D 42 for the top spot !

[@captainamerica9353]

@@752brickie Nice!

[@chrishill6043]

l love your videos. They guitars are beautifully played....Awesome!

[@thefellowshipofacoustics]

Thanks so much Chris!

[@perv8898]

The last chord you strummed was still echoing into the video that followed this one!

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

I love it guys, and yes, we all need an Authentic!

[@thefellowshipofacoustics]

Thanks so much!

[@NaijaBoiTellEm]

Yea, you can hear the difference between the Standard (I own a HD-35 and 000-18) and this guitar. And you know the video doesn't do it justice haha. I'd love to get a hold of one these one day.

[@stevec.1802]

Excellent presentation- I’ve been fortunate to play a few of the authentic series dreadnoughts. All unique with custom shop details and sound. Though staying true to the golden era of Martin’s history my concern is- these models do not have a truss rod to allow for adjustment..... I have a 1958 D-28 that also has a tee bar- and at some point, maybe sooner than later will need a neck reset. So far it’s ok for now. Been using 12-54 strings on it for many years now.

[@thefellowshipofacoustics]

Thanks again Steve and thanks for sharing as well! If you treat your guitars well, they won't need a truss-rod. Then again, a neck reset on a 60-year-old instrument is inevitable!

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

Steve, I bought my D-35, new, back in 1974 and have never had an issue with the non-adjustable rod. A young tech by the name of Paul Reed Smith, did a neck re-set on the guitar, many years ago, and it is still plays beautifully. IMO, if an acoustic has a set neck, it will eventually require a re-set. If you like the Authentic and can afford it, I wouldn't hesitate pulling the trigger.

[@iannicholls7476]

@@rosewoodsteel6656 Woah! Don’t let that guy anywhere near the neck. He’ll instal bird inlays!

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

@@iannicholls7476 Ha!

[@captainamerica9353]

@@thefellowshipofacoustics , I think it's more complex. I agree that most old acoustics, and many electrics should have, or will need a re=set eventually. But I live in Northern Wisconsin and we go from - 30 F to 90, and from dry interior air all winter , as low as 28%, to 70% by August. I humidify all my guitars but all the acoustics need a truss tightening right now. Point is, I like adjustable rods. One might argue that the Authentics, if they are not Brazilian, may as well have a modern truss. (?)

[@tcjensen1]

Glad to hear the opinion of real players and builders 👍🏼

[@TheCALFORD]

Good to see on this Ade. Hope all is well over there. I will be popping over from Rome hopfully in early 2021. Who knows, there maybe a sale on the cards. Looking for an OM 28 or similar. Not brand new. You know the score. Stay safe buddy, great video, loved it.

[@metta8917]

Lovely playing, Adriean.

[@thefellowshipofacoustics]

Thx! :)

[@ericecklund676]

I loved this video, for talking about the craftsmanship of the Martin Custom Shop. I own a CS-Bluegrass-2016, which was made in their Custom Shop using Authentic woods, glues, hardware, and finishes. It's nearly the same tint as the D-18 AA that Adrian is holding in this video. Great video on the investment value of these guitars!

[@thefellowshipofacoustics]

Thanks so much Eric! Always great to hear.

[@ericecklund676]

@@thefellowshipofacoustics I loved the sound of Adrian playing this, and I bought a D-18 Authentic 1939 Aged for myself. It sounds even better in person, than it does in your video. It's a great Martin!

[@el34glo59]

Lol at the Martin haters in here. Probably play Taylors. That cannot hold a candle to an authentic. The 39 you're playing is one of the best dreads I've heard. Monster. I mean listen to that. Jesus

[@B0bbyZero]

Heel erg interessant. And ofcourse it sounds great when you play it Adrian, your the best!

[@B0bbyZero]

Goed om deze films te zien erg leuk om jullie dit te zien doen!

[@harrykottier8991]

Beautifull sound and very nice played. Didn't know you liked Scottish whiskey that much. :)

[@thefellowshipofacoustics]

Who doesn't! ;)

[@aesoundforge]

Must say it sounds sweet!

[@softsouthernknight]

My standard D-18 spounds great. I bought it used for $1,800 USD.

[@thefellowshipofacoustics]

What a steal!

[@bastardsonofretkillr]

I met Kris Kristofferson back in 1970ish his voice was rich and full I seen him again in 1974ish he was with Bob Dylan around the time of filming the movie Butch Cassidy and Billy the Kidd…it was a trip seeing them

[@michaelkarpen]

great guitar! great presentationt! i tried one of those at my last visit in your fantastic shop. it was amongst the ca. 30-40 guitars i tested absolutely my favourite and the best sounding/feeling!

[@thefellowshipofacoustics]

Thanks Michael! Glad you enjoyed your visit ;)

[@ramspencer5492]

Is the top wood at least torrified... Or insanely old? The thing that makes a vintage Martin so amazing.... Is that beautifully aged and opened tone wood... The back and sides too

[@thefellowshipofacoustics]

The tops are indeed torrefied with Martin's VTS system. They really go all the way to infuse the Authentics with vintage tone :)

[@raymondeaton5692]

I have an HD28 with an Englemann top made in 1989. I've played it literally side by side with several 1930's D28s including 58957 and several Authentics and it is AT LEAST as good. Glue is not a cure all for tone. In most cases with a blind test you can't tell the difference.

[@bastardsonofretkillr]

Bobby sang the blues baby

[@thomastommy1192]

They are awesome amazing guitars. But I have a awesome amazing Martin D35 that I bought new in 2001.I think it sounds just as good as this guitar. I think the modern woods and craftsmanship is better than it was one hundred years ago. I have always heard that hide glue will not hold as long as modering glue. Is this true?Awesome video thanks for sharing

[@thefellowshipofacoustics]

It really depends on the circumstances, but in most cases we'd say: You can't stop progress and if a company strives for perfection now, it will be better than it was 100 years ago :)

[@kamchuenso7836]

I would save up some money to buy an authentic but the lack of truss rod would definitely deter me from buying it a bit since where I live is very humid all seasons.....

[@thefellowshipofacoustics]

Truss-rod or no truss-rod, the guitars are built to last in all conditions!

[@kamchuenso7836]

@@thefellowshipofacoustics would love to buy one if I were able to move to USA

[@paddymurph]

Normally I would feel the same way, but I've heard the neck is built much stronger on these authentics and is far less like to bend out of place.

[@johnlongdick9569]

It has a truss rod.

[@dannywoody5497]

Nice playing bobby mcgee

[@SammyAmps]

They are moving in the right direction, bur they don't sound as good as the vintage...inho....I have 44' 000-18, 59' d28, and 49' d18.

[@thefellowshipofacoustics]

Quite the collection sir, that 000 sounds like a dream...

[@el34glo59]

Not everyone is rich unfortunately. These are as close as SOME can get. And its still not cheap

[@c.p.1589]

2yrs later and I'll bet it needs a neck reset and that the binding has shrunk and come away. I still want one.

[@dadatai7676]

D18 AGED IS POWERFUL ~~

[@billdedrick1914]

What strings/gauge/type used here? Martin Lifespan 2.0 Authentic acoustic mediums were stock on this MA550T

[@thefellowshipofacoustics]

Yessir, we restring all of our guitars to 0.12 though :)

[@billdedrick1914]

@@thefellowshipofacoustics wow really? why? is there a sound/volume advantage to lights vs mediums?

[@thefellowshipofacoustics]

@@billdedrick1914 A little bit! Thick strings is more tone :)

[@christianlacheze3323]

What about tuning the guitar normally, thanks

[@thefellowshipofacoustics]

Wow Christian! Didn't know you'd be watching our video too, sorry about that. We'll make sure to tune the guitar normally for the next one.

[@el34glo59]

@@thefellowshipofacousticslol

[@christianlacheze3323]

I just saw your reply. As we know dropped D tuning makes any guitar sound better. Therefore I think it should be preferably avoided (just like DADGAD and other open tunings) I in professional demos of guitars, in particular acoustics, so as to avoid misleading people as to how they really sound. Having said this I have tried today a 2013 Authentic 1939 D-18 and was quite impressed.

[@francismarcela6207]

how is the 1938 D18? i heard it's the best d18.

[@bobaldo2339]

I wish Martin hadn't named a series of their strings "Authentic" when they sound like they are coated with plastic.

[@claudegaudefroy8128]

Is the d 18 you re playing...?

[@jasper_north]

Can a Fishman be installed later on or better not?

[@thefellowshipofacoustics]

Any kind of pick-up can be installed later :)

[@jasper_north]

@@thefellowshipofacoustics Even with hide glue?

[@thefellowshipofacoustics]

@@jasper_north It could be discussed :p

[@jasper_north]

@@thefellowshipofacoustics thanks, yes I was trying to investigate the effect of a Fishman on a Glue in Long Saddle bridge...

[@thefellowshipofacoustics]

@@jasper_north Have you ever thought about a K&K?

[@chester777ful]

Great giutars but sorry there to expensive

[@thefellowshipofacoustics]

Depends ;)

[@pmscalisi]

I need a GoFundMe account!

[@jamescoughlan8193]

Bobby mcghee, she would never have sang the blues if she had a guitar like that

[@thefellowshipofacoustics]

She would've been to busy enjoying her incredible guitar!

[@jdstan9650]

If you're willing to spend $6,000 or Euros on a guitar...buying a Collings, Huss & Dalton, Bourgeois, or Santa Cruz dreadnought would be a better option IMO...

[@thefellowshipofacoustics]

Depends on what you're looking for! These Authentics are some of the best sounding acoustics we've played.

[@yogi3620]

I've sold my Collings and H&D after getting the D 18 A. I 've sold the D 18 A after getting a Pre-War Model D.

[@pkp1070]

@@thefellowshipofacoustics Do you notice a tonal difference between the Aged and Non-Aged versions of this guitar?

[@thefellowshipofacoustics]

@@pkp1070 Hmmm, not really to be honest! I would say the aged version sounds even more 'vintage' but that's probably all between the ears ;)

[@el34glo59]

Disagree completely. None of those sound like a Martin

[@wolfgang4078]

Sorry, your opinion is not neutral, you are a dealer ! 🙂

[@coolhandluke2310]

My d-18a is a 2008 and is nothing special. Not worth the high price imho.👎

[@DavidHaile_profile]

My 2013 D18 sunburst is a real cannon! I can be heard clearly in any bluegrass jam. I am searching for the next level up and am seriously considering a high end Martin like the one I played at Music Villa in Bozeman last week. I wish it didn’t have the beat up look but wowee was it a great sounding guitar!

[@coolhandluke2310]

@@keithclark486 😂😂😂😂

[@el34glo59]

Literally one of the best guitars ever made and nothing special? Ok boss. That authentic is tbe pre VTS hand made authentic And to sit and laugh and someone buying a high end Martin for bluegrass tells me you don't actually own one

[@OfficialDPTheRealDeal]

@@el34glo59pre-VTS is the best TBH I own a 13’ D28A 41’ that’s a cannon for sure and is aging beautifully!