The M series guitars were not originally made as a larger extension of the O-OO-OOO series. The origin of these guitars is based on Martin’s unsuccessful attempt to make archtop guitars. They were made in three sizes, C, R and F. The F had a 16 sixteen inch lower bout and became the basis for the M guitars. Matt Umanov Guitars in Greenwich Village, NYC, took an old archtop which needed repair and replaced the original top with a flat spruce top. Dave Bromberg was an early, if not the original player of that guitar. As people took note of it, more F sized arch tops were acquired and converted. Martin took notice of this success and began making their own M-36 and M-38 guitars. Many of the early ones had oval holes, Steve Earle owns another one of these early conversions, and when Martin made a signature guitar for him had them make it as a M-21. There is a nice discussion of this guitar by Earle on his KZbin Channel, and a nice written article on Matt Umanov’s web page (he is still in business, but the store is not there anymore). One idea about the M is that it represents Umanov’s contribution to this guitar (M for Matt). They are great guitars.
@CameraLaw9 ай бұрын
Thanks. I had run into this story somewhere in my reading about Dave Bromberg, I think in Dave’s own words. But … while watching this video, I was racking my brain to bring it into focus. In my reading, Dave thought his flattop F recorded better than a dreadnought which he felt was too boomy and urged Martin to make the model.
@martinlee66943 ай бұрын
Unik info thanks alot Lee1
@martinlee66943 ай бұрын
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
@michaelenosmusic9 ай бұрын
J40 takes it for me. Deeper body and headstock logo. ..though if money were no object..id have both.
@danny-eq9nk9 ай бұрын
just got the j40 last month. amazed by the sound of this guitar ❤❤❤
@BobDorfman9 ай бұрын
M-36 for me, primarily because of the shallower depth and my bad right shoulder.
@texhaines99579 ай бұрын
If I recall from a recent Martin video, they are sending x40+ models out with Luxe strings. I have a Custom Shop 0000-28e 12-fret with Engelmann Spruce top, flamed maple binding on the neck, headstock, and body with a special rosebud inlay on the pickguard. Great sounding guitar. Thanks for the comparison. Thanks, Chris and Cooper
@foubert453 күн бұрын
Hey are you guys certain on the body size. The M-36 is in fact an 0000, yes. But the J-40 having a deeper body cannot also be a 0000.
@johnwbanjo7 ай бұрын
I liked the M-36. To me the J-40 sounded a little overwhelming and the M-36 is an extremely versatile guitar. I play a 000-28 and a D-18 and use the acoustic authentic light gauge strings on both. Love ‘em.
@MikeHoodenpyle9 ай бұрын
I bought a J-40 a few months ago. It's the most resonant guitar I've ever played, and also balanced and loud. It has a solid bass, but doesn't get boomy. Harmonics and sustain are incredible. I play it almost exclusively fingerstyle in classical position, so the dread depth and larger 0000 size doesn't bother me at all. I like it a lot better than the M-36s I tried. Although Martin recommends medium strings, it shipped with titanium core lights. The factory tag said the guitar was strung with Titanium Core MTCN160 strings, (the MTCN meaning Martin Titanium Core Nickel). I've since tried Martin Luxe Kovars, Martin Lifespan 80/20s, D'Addario Nickel Bronze, D'Addario XS, Stringjoy Foxwoods, DR Sunbeams and DR Dragon Skins, all light gauge. I like the DRs the best by far. The Sunbeams are a round core string and feel a little softer, but the Dragon Skins are coated and last a little longer. They both sound fantastic on this guitar, at least to my ear. I can't say enough good things about the J-40. I've had two Goodall Concert Jumbos, a Collings OM2HC, a Martin D-28, two Breedloves that I still own, and two upper-end Taylors that I also still own. The J-40 is number 1, and it really isn't close.
@reverb5088 ай бұрын
I’ve had mine for about 2 years and it’s the best acoustic I’ve owned as well. I’ve really enjoyed Santa Cruz Parabolic Tension strings on mine. A little pricy, but I’d recommend giving them a shot.
@Tshdb-747375 ай бұрын
The J-40 is a nice sounding guitar but way overpriced.
@MikeHoodenpyle5 ай бұрын
@@Tshdb-74737 Everything is relative. I didn't pay list, but if I had, I'd still be happy with the purchase.
@rogerhays85072 ай бұрын
I bought mine 2018.I also tried the m36 and loved it ! But the j40 has more of everything. It´s one of those guitars you just can´t put down.I love mine!!!
@MikeHoodenpyle2 ай бұрын
@@rogerhays8507 Since my post, I've added a D-41 to the stable. It's a fantastic guitar as well, but if I could only keep one, it would be the J-40.
@jamesj49097 ай бұрын
I’ve searched, bought and sold, tested and returned, reviewed and deliberated over more guitars than I’d like to admit to. To me the M36 is like all Martins distilled into one. It’s the Goldilocks for stage or sofa, standing or sitting, strumming or finger picking. It’s both articulate and has that Rosewood rumble and growl. Playability to match any Taylor I’ve tried but with the soul stirring tone of a Martin. IMHO this M (0000) shape should be available with all of the options afforded to the rest of the Standard Martin series, including tone-woods, a cutaway version and built in electronics. Even so the stock M36 would still probably be the most versatile, and the Goldilocks of them all.
@warranfawcett70109 ай бұрын
Cooper's introduction always cracks me up 🤣 The resonance on the J-40 was mega! The M-36 sounded 'dull' in comparison: possibly the strings are the biggest contributing factor here? Great work boys 👍🏻
@ShawnBrockMusic8 ай бұрын
You guys are absolutely correct, those are very underappreciated instruments, and for the life of me, I don’t know why. If anyone was ever a Gibson and Martin fan, and was looking for an instrument to combine both brands together, these are it. They work for just about anything, and our perhaps the most diverse tool a guitarist could own in the Acoustic world.
@CameraLaw9 ай бұрын
Trying out strings is part of the charm of a new guitar. Looking for that perfect match for your ears and playing style. I loved the sound of Tony Rice Retros with a flat pick, yet it was too hard for me to get them to ring out on a dreadnought with my particular type of fingerstyle (classical three fingers, no thumb pick).
@jamieanderson32799 ай бұрын
Can’t comment on the M-36, I haven’t had a chance to try one, but I have an MC-28 that I’ve been playing for the last 38 years. I can’t imagine ever giving it up! It’s balanced and projects well without being boomy. It responds to finger picking but it doesn’t collapse if I get aggressive with the flat pick. It’s the closest thing to an “everything” guitar that I’ve ever found. If the M-36 is anything like my guitar it’s a winner for sure.
@tuneslinger-248 ай бұрын
So when are you guys gonna let us hear the M36? Like to hear the same licks again 'cept on the 36? How about it? They're not the same wallet size are they? Where is this demo going from a sales point of view? Please explain.
@JohnIverJørgensen9 ай бұрын
I used to have a J40 and still have a M36. I like the Sound of the M36 more. Like they said the M36 has a snappier tone. The J40 to my ears had a bit undefined tone. The M36 is perfekt for me when I’m out playing live because it can do it all. I also love my D18 and my Guild D55 - but if I should keep only one it would be the M36.
@stucoАй бұрын
Seems like it would be easier to stand and play an M than a dread too if needed when playing out.
@johnwashburn37939 ай бұрын
I like both of these guitars. I would probably go M-36 because it would be loud enough for my needs I have a variety of strings on my guitars. Retros on my mahogany models except the CEO 7 I replace with what came on it because it sounds fantastic. I also use Elixir Nanoweb, John Pierce and clear tone I bought on a deal.
@RuneSollin9 ай бұрын
Hi, I really like your videos and have been watching every one of them from the moment I discovered your channel. I play an old Guild GAD-30 now but my dream guitar is a Martin M-18 with adirondack top, 1 3/4 inch nut and vintage style tuners. I have read some books and searched online for the M model and it turns out that the M model was Martin's reaction to 1960s luthiers Marc Silber and Matt Umanov converting old Martin F-7 and F-9 archtops to flattops. The F-models had a 16 inch wide lower bout and the body shape was similar to a 000/OM guitar. Still this piece of history does not explain why they call it M...
@roughcutguitars9 ай бұрын
Mmmm... Marc, Matt... I could venture a guess 😉
@josephmpaulovkin59065 ай бұрын
I spent several weeks playing about ten Martin guitars, back in 1987, in a nice Miami guitar shop. After comparing all the guitars, I purchased the J40M. It clearly had the most beautiful, balanced sound. The notes rang out with a gorgeously detailed tone. I still have it in my small collection. I play the J40M in live settings with a pickup, and in the studio. It is super balanced. I am still very happy playing the J40M after all these years
@absolutacoustic88789 ай бұрын
I was told by a sales guy that I needed a dreadnaught acoustic based on what I was going to play so I bought a cheap one while I looked for a good quality guitar. Being only 5' 9" I found them uncomfortable to play sitting down and they slid about. I played hundreds of guitars until the music store I was dealing with for many years ordered an M36 in for me to try out. It was perfect, I love it, I use D'Addario 11's on it and tune it down a semi tone, seems quite common, and it sounds beautiful. Would highly recommend at least giving them a try.
@MarvPerry-vo3le7 ай бұрын
I bought my J40 in Canada 14 months ago and it is fabulous. I upgraded the top to Adirondack spruce with the VTS and that takes it up several tonal notches. WOW!! I believe the D'addario XS 13-56 strings also takes it up more notches. It doesn't get better than this.
@tjcolatrella9434 ай бұрын
I have a Martin M-36 I bought new in 1991 Super Guitars! I use Martin's Clapton's Choice Light Gauge on my M-36.. 12-54 gauge..
@CenterThePendulum9 ай бұрын
I played maybe this exact J40 - but couldn’t tell if I’d love it because of the strings. Went home with a D-42 and couldn’t be happier (with the guitar and my buying experience with these guys, shoutout to Blake) but either of these two guitars are on my “next” queue - will definitely need to hear with more traditional alloys.
@jntroisi7 ай бұрын
I have and love an M-36. After some of these comments, I want to try a J-40. This feels expensive.
@nicklindner25068 ай бұрын
I bought my J40-M in 1990 Just had the neck reset and frets done. This guitar is big and resonant.
@robertnewell50576 ай бұрын
open back tuners on the J40 are recent. Mine is about 10 years old and has Martin branded gotoh sealed units. great for fingerpicking and flatpicking. Eventually chose it over the M36 but really could easily have gone with the 36. Both were rare as left handed version here in the UK, so I got it from Martin direct. Arrived from the US in perfect condition, in tune! I've now had a chance to play both in life, and, honestly, I think they sound very alike. at least from behind. I never heard a J40 played by anyone else, so I can't say how different they might sound from in front.
@JoostDamenMusic9 ай бұрын
I was super interested in a M36. In the end I bought another dread (non Martin HD28 basically, an Atkin.) M36 looks great though and so does the J40. Would love to play them sometime.
@clyderichardson64759 ай бұрын
I purchased a Martin custom in 1988, model-J-40M! Mine has snowflake inlays. I still love it, but if I ever get another it would be an M-36 or 38.
@Will-hg2xl9 ай бұрын
Why not mention the M38 which I bought in 1984 and still love to bits.
@wblife91209 ай бұрын
Great gutters both I really like the Martin retro Monel strings.
@rozilmer8 ай бұрын
I bought my M36 when I was 18 in 1981. Man I love this guitar. Now after four decades it sounds better and better. I have tried out a new M36 that I saw in a Shop in Hamburg. A brand new one. Nothing like my own. That fourty years really count. I have D28 too. great guitar but when the M36 is a lady, the D28 is a ordinary loud girl. Love both types. Back than the M36 had a not adjustable square trust rod build in. That thing became loose. So I have someone build in an adjustable trustrod, to be operated through the soundhole. Other than thst that think works like it did fourty years ago, but sound better.
@pepmasters-9999 ай бұрын
Boys, don't forget to do your podcast homework! I preferred the sound of the J40, but the ear always (always!) likes louder, so maybe not a totally fair comparison. J40 just a little bling for me, though they are both beautiful guitars.
@royglen19548 ай бұрын
I am fortunate to own a 1995 J-40 purchased new in 1995 for 1700 new. I have a couple of dozen other guitars but the J40 is the top of the heap as far as sound goes. I have no intention of selling it but the going rate for a used J40 of its vintage is around 4000.00.
@rudolphpyatt48338 ай бұрын
I really wish Martin would catalog both of these instruments in Style 18 or even Style 15.
@texhaines99579 ай бұрын
Have you tried the Tommy Emmanuel PB Martin strings? I really like them on the 000 and OM bodies.
@CarlWilliams-sp4zy9 ай бұрын
I like the shallower j-40.
@jeffberdin8 ай бұрын
Agree with Chris that it’s a bit surprising that Martin would put Luxe or Retro on a RW B&S model in favour of PB. Having said that, I have the Luxe Kovar on my D-18 and they are chef’s kiss 😘!
@opidonorman88339 ай бұрын
Beautiful looking guitars . Great sounding too
@melaniemyer82819 ай бұрын
I prefer the appointments of the J40 but would probably go with the M36 because of the body depth
@im58woody9 ай бұрын
The J40 sounds like it’s been on steroids and been pumping iron. WOW incredible guitar.
@JesseDylanMusic5 ай бұрын
It’s the m-36 because it has a rosewood bridge, not ebony, which is a choice that goes back to the original arch top conversions. Or at least I think that was the reason… maybe there is one little piece of extra bling
@The35jackal5 ай бұрын
Plz do podcast!! Love your channel!!
@frankmitman33479 ай бұрын
Geez. Those are big boy guitars with a big boy sound. Stunning.
@paulheartsongs3 ай бұрын
Love both of those guitars!!
@jt34839 ай бұрын
I've tried Titanium's on my rosewood and on my sinker mahogany. I really like them on the sinker, but didn't like them on the rosewood.
@martymcpeak47488 ай бұрын
I bought a 000x1 and got lucky enough to find it was an American made, before the production was moved to Mexico what a great sounding guitar. if the 0000 are any better you guys might be putting me in debt. lol cheers
@andersfernbach23996 ай бұрын
I've dreampt of an M-36 for a long time. I'd like to hear a comparison of the M-36's bass response compared to a D-28. I'm a fingerstyle guy, but hate to give up the deep bass thump
@scouser22308 ай бұрын
Do any manufacturers make an acoustic guitar of a M36/000 style with a 1 7/8”” nut width. I have arthritic fingers that make it challenging for me now to make clean chords. This is a physical impairment, not a technique issue, as prior to the arthritis I had no issues forming chord shapes. I am wondering if a wider string spacing would help solve this issue.
@psykobowler6 ай бұрын
M stands for quad O body, 0000. The J stands for jumbo, it’s an M body with wider deeper sides. Gibsons have the jumbo J, the J-40 is Martins Jumbo guitar.
@jeffreykma83166 ай бұрын
The J40 was always off my radar cuz I prefer parlor size. My LGS just got in a J40. The angle of the big booty on it lines my arm up perfect for the sound hole. It really plays alot smaller than it looks. Sounds fantastic big and balanced sound. Taking it home Monday!
@dr_lulz9 ай бұрын
Just picked up a J15-12. Anyone got any experience of these? This one’s got a 3 piece back.
@scottlearnorwhatever9 ай бұрын
How do these 0000 guitars size up to a J-185?
@benschuler10579 ай бұрын
If someone bought an M-36 from your shop would you be able to add a pick up? What types do you offer... trying to hold out for realease of Hi-fi duet ... want an M-36 so bad!
@Dukiedukester9 ай бұрын
Is the J available in 28 trim, at a lower price point?
@AnnLikes-v1n9 ай бұрын
Is the J45 close to the same size as a Taylor GS?
@NickMcCАй бұрын
Us: Mere mortals Cooper: *plays like that*
@melaniemyer82819 ай бұрын
Do either of these come with electronics?
@PaulGAckerman9 ай бұрын
Quad-O. Wasn't that a character in Total Recall?
4 ай бұрын
I'm amazed how mostly everyone says the Martin Guitar nomenclature incorrectly. It's not the letter o but the numerical 0. I've called and talked to Leslie the manager at Martin customer service. She agrees that everyone says it incorrectly but at this stage people will say it wrong no matter what!
@EternalRecursion3 ай бұрын
It's because, in the English language we often use contractions, such as "we're" rather than "we are". "Triple O 28" rolls off the tongue easier than "Triple Zero 28". The vast majority of Martin players know they are zeros.
3 ай бұрын
@@EternalRecursion I would say that's how it's been said perhaps in the past 50 years! I'm pretty sure in the days of the 1920's to 1950's people said it correctly. Laziness creeps in speech and in society!
@sethtravins364728 күн бұрын
Sounds like these guitars are anything but under-appreciated. I know 4 people who own an M-36 and they all picked them over a dread because they thought the sound was perfect. Dreadnoughts are just too popular that most folk don’t know about the M (or J) series.
@flyingash7 ай бұрын
Nothing beats the lifespan 2.0
@ParhelionMedia2 ай бұрын
J-40 sounds better with harder picking with more bass. The M-36 has almost the richness of a dread but noticeably faster response, probably better for fingerstyle than the J-40.
@CarlosCandidoMusic9 ай бұрын
Are all 0000 guitars 25.4 scale? I get the J-40 nomenclature, But… shouldn’t it be an OM(M)-36? I ride or die with Martin guitars, but man, ‘just because’ isn’t an answer I like. 😆 Ps. Don’t get me started on the 15’s.
@jeffberdin8 ай бұрын
💯 on this 👆🏼
@richardharding99758 ай бұрын
The 40 sounds like dreadnought to me. The 36 to me has a "gibsony" tone to my ear. I like it. Unique.
@billschuler81577 ай бұрын
It's also not a fair comparison to have Cooper demo a guitar. IT WILL NOT SOUND LIKE THAT WHEN YOU PLAY IT!! lol
@briancarroll680324 күн бұрын
Dang! I was headed to order one too.... Skill not included huh? 😂😂😂
@NewPraetorianBlues2 ай бұрын
"I was not... good at math"😂😂
@JesseDylanMusic5 ай бұрын
I’d hardly call PB the traditional choice. They’ve been around since what, the ‘70s? 80/20 has been around since like the 1930s tho…
@AnnLikes-v1n9 ай бұрын
Whoops I meant the "J-40"
@kurt88058 ай бұрын
You spent as much time talking about the string difference as it would take to change the strings so they'd match for a guitar comparison video. ??
@scouser22308 ай бұрын
I prefer the M36.
@plexitele6 ай бұрын
M36 was more friendly
@JTB--9 ай бұрын
Poor Cooper always OVER Enunciating his name every video now. 😆
@luckyjinxer6 ай бұрын
I dunno - M-36 trys to do everything, kinda achieves it, but it loses unique character of some more popular Martin models. Just my take through a cellphone
@richardtaylor23618 ай бұрын
j 40 sounded noticeably better even on my lap top.
@arniebaird78526 ай бұрын
The M- 36 just sounds better.
@artrogers39859 ай бұрын
Quick Draw😂😂 🎸
@UAL3209 ай бұрын
Unfortunately Martin slowly but surely approaching a Taylor-style super confusing naming system…..👎🏻
@Tshdb-747375 ай бұрын
Gibson, Martin, Taylor, have all lost their way. Money is better spent elsewhere.