Cooper's Top 5 Guitars of 2023

[@burakunlu_]

One of the most talented guitarists on youtube

[@matthewmacdonald9851]

Hell yeah, man. This dude can bring it.

[@TommySG1]

Totally agree 🤙

[@coopcoop8]

Without a doubt! And that’s coming from one Cooper to another 😂

[@roughcutguitars]

​@coopcoop8 I bet even Bradley's a fan - unless you ARE Bradley! (If you are, love you from The Hangover to Rocket dude... What were we talking about??? 😀 )

[@rebelliousraven]

Both the guys from Alamo play fantastic! I wish they both would start a KZbin channel just playing (or lessons would be great too)

[@jarthur1369]

I truly believe that, especially for acoustics, as long as we are talking about good ones... say $1500 and up well made guitars: The best acoustic is YOUR acoustic. every time -- and it will only get better the more you play it.

[@ektalon1]

Funny story: I put my earphones on for the Epiphone Sheraton review and fell asleep only to awaken to guitar sound heaven; Cooper playing on the 1937 Martin D-28. The best guitar sound that I have ever heard. Then the Yamaha FG9-R sounded amazing, and the Martin Custom OM was probably by an angel's hair the best sounding and playing of the three. I went back and listened to the Guild and the Taylor as well. Both sounded beautiful but I listened to the two Martins and the Yamaha again and they were literally guitar heaven. Thanks, Cooper.

[@TheAdammoss]

Hey Cooper - you gonna do one of these for electrics too?

[@Tigerex966]

That Yamaha FG9 balanced crisp full tone though😮

[@Christer1963]

Thanks for 2023, best guitar channel, endless interesting topics and reviews. Keep it up.

[@paoloantonio1531]

The Martin Authentic was just... wow... just the right amount of twang, not too much. I love it

[@bCamFolmar]

One goal in my life is to be successful enough to comfortably raise my family and casually drop the cash for one of the Martin authentic 37s… Lol

[@SahilPawar95]

​@@bCamFolmargreat goal!

[@GabrieleSantoro]

The D-18 is just... perfect. Can't find any other words.

[@marciocintra2988]

Hey Cooper, I purchased an FSX-830C based on your recommendations. I've been playing guitar for years, transitioning from classical music to popular genres like rock, blues, and country. I think this new guitar will suit my purpose. Greetings from Brazil!

[@jshu1625]

Got to go with the D-18 in this contest!! I live in PA so I probably will never get to your store, but between your videos and speaking with you on the phone I wanted to say that you seem to be a good human...so.... Thank you to you Cooper, to Chris and all of alamo music. Merry Christmas!

[@paulwhiteside1805]

Love the show. Well presented and immensely enjoyable. Too many fabulous guitars to choose from! 😁🙏😎🎸

[@robcoventry574]

So nice to see my guitar in the top five. I wouldn’t have even known about it without your introduction. Thanks for the Taylor 814CE Builders edition tip. Loving it!

[@mariodriessen9740]

No bad guitars on this list. ❤ The one that stood out for me was the D-18. The fullness of that mahogany sound, the mids, the projection…, everything about that guitar is just perfect for what I hope to hear in an acoustic guitar. I’m fortunate enough to own a 000-18 that has the same qualities, but as far as I can tell, the volume here was the biggest difference. And a bit of that low end of course, coming from a dreadnaught. But yeah, I’d be more than happy to have any of those guitars. ❤

[@roberteisele4015]

Love the guitar demos, learn a lot. Love the licks you play for the demos. Have you guys ever considered doing a lesson for those licks? Once a month, maybe once a quarter? Love to learn how to play some of those…….

[@desarthur]

Thanks for that roundup! Personally, just from what you played, I think the D28 sounded by far the best guitar off the lot! I haven’t played any of them though, but just sitting back listening the D28 was hands down the best of the lot!!

[@snailsfrogslegs119]

Great show. I loved hearing the Martin D-18 "Authentic"... my D-18 is my favorite guitar of all time.

[@astrofire68]

Really looking forward to listening to your personal Guitar Cooper, when it comes in. I’m sure it’s going to be amazing 🤓👌

[@Flat5Henry]

D-28 Authentic for me, please. The Guild and Yamaha were also surprisingly nice. But give me that Martin any day.

[@terryjohinke8065]

Cooper I agree with you about Yamaha guitars. When I was last in Singapore it was delivery day for Yamaha guitars. They went in and out in one day and Singaporeans are smart people. I was amazed at how they were delivered, sold or pre ordered but Kelvin Ho's basement of shops ( Hill Street basement of the Marriot /Peninsula chain of hotels) is a guitarist's dream. Yamahas came in and went out.

[@joemccarthy641]

I like the Taylor 814ce. I have my Taylor and my Martin in the back of my studio.

[@echoguitarist]

The FG9 is the most impressive guitar I've played in a very long time.

[@Zzenoix]

You are a very good guitarist. Thank you for your share.

[@kenmcf]

My first dread was an all-mahogany Guild D-120 Westerly..cherry red...in 2016...its in a case in storage somewhere...been planning to restring it and try it out....a beautiful guitar..I don't believe it was American made...any...the REASON I bought it...because Richie Havens played "freedom" on one in the First Woodstock...Guild...a New York Company. I love their logo...glad that have not gone away...

[@manothemtns2]

The 1937 Authentic D-18 and D-28 were among my favorites, with the D-28 winning by a nose. I was pleased to see these on your list, as these models have been around for several years, now, and you guys had sooo many fresh, new Taylor's and Guild's to compare to the incredibly well thought-out and painstakingly designed pre-war 19$7 Authentics. To have these Martin's contiue to be near the top of the heap is outstanding and speaks to all the hard work that went into them back during the developmental stage of that project. Beautiful! Cooper, your playing is extraordinary. Both you and Chris blow the other 99.99% of us out of the water! Great work in bringing forth all that these wonderful guitars can do. It takes a very special player to be able to do that on $5K+ guitars. Special guitars require special pilots to really get them to fly!

[@wheninroamful]

Great year for acoustics for sure!! Thanks for all the vids and help/info!! Here’s to many more…..!!!!

[@MrA1582000]

Thanks you. Jard to choose, but 814ce must be my fav

[@artrogers3985]

You need more subscribers. I was trying to remember how I found you. Probably comparing two Martins. Well I’m glad I found you

[@lhvent]

I have an FG830 and LL6M ARE from Yamaha. They are amazing. An FG9 in my dreams.

[@JTB--]

Nice one Cooper. I'll add an honorable mention that I was shocked I actually liked and kept. The Fender Highway Series Parlor Mahogany. As mainly an electric player I've tried so many thin-body Acoustic/electric guitars but none grabbed me because they were too dependent on built in software/electonics. The reason the Fender Parlor grabbed me was because of how LOUD it sounded "unplugged". Feels like an electric with a really playable neck...yet still sounds like an acoustic. Perfect guitar for some noodling on the couch or plugging into a DAW to record with

[@happytrails1963]

FG9 is amazing great work from Yamaha

[@michaelpadula2943]

I was at the Martin Factory and I was told that you were there days before me. I live 20 minutes away from them and know someone there. Great Top 5 video. Your guitar lessons paid off ! Great playing!

[@dr_lulz]

When Coop plays he sometimes makes me feel like I can’t hear fast enough. Extremely talented. Great channel. Interesting choices. Thanks!

[@pepmasters-999]

He's certainly quick -- but iit was the slower tune on the Guild D-40 that I enjoyed the most.

[@roughcutguitars]

​@@pepmasters-999 I get ya. Giving notes time to bloom that really let's the guitar shine, but there's something to be said for the judiciously placed slick lick here and there though hard to say if that indicates more the level of playability or the player :-)

[@johnpierce7158]

Spot on with the deep body, sound is incredible absolutely love mine. Thank you Cooper. Keep it going.

[@richardmongeon5355]

Hello Cooper, you need a substantial amount of cash to purchase any of these….can you do something similar for guys with not so deep pockets, retirees, starving musicians, etc…..?? Thx….. Richard

[@stevelacombe5291]

It’s hard to go wrong with a Yamaha Red Label, Richard and they’re not outrageously expensive, especially one without electronics.

Coop! Great Best of 2023! I have had many solid wood Gibson's, Martin's and Guild's! I would love to buy the Wildwood grain Martin HD-28! I have purchased from Chris and Alamo Music before a Martin D-21. Sad that I sold it. In any event, great top 5 and Best of 2023! You guys at Alamo Music Rock!!

[@DonaldRoycroft-sm3rp]

Hi guys,Don here from NZ, playing for 60 years now, never had a lot of money an' always had to make do with what I can afford ( 6 kids etc.) but your video on the 6 guitars, all electric with the nylon st model included, All sounded awesome I'm listening though E/Ph's, probably the transacoustic sounded best,but the storia was Soo close to the rest, incredible being the cheapest ( Yamaha quality) & yes Now I can afford an HPL Martin, but I was able to sell an old s/hand Martin and promptly bought a Yamaha FG Transacoustic,wow, stunning, particularly when playing with other acoustics & you need a lead line to stand out,then just back off.Thanks for the video, real nice playing to😊😊

[@gregmock6808]

Tommy Smothers (RIP) always played Guild acoustics...they make great guitars. I have never owned one but have played several owned by friends over the years and they are treasures. I play a Koa HPL Martin due to the tolerance it has for humidity and temp changes...It does the job.

[@mrassilyer]

I own a Yamaha FG5, but lust after an FG9. Thanks for featuring it. Compared to the other guitars on the list, it’s a whole lot more affordable and sacrifices nothing 👍🏻

[@pharmerdavid1432]

I like the way Coop plays, and that he doesn't make silly faces while doing it, thanks for a year of great guitar playing! I love my 1972 Guild D-40, and old warhorse before I bought it, repaired cracks, probably needs a reset but I like it kind of high anyways. For new guitars Orangewood has my heart, especially the Sage, AVA, and Hudson with mahogany tops (sweeter than spruce, if not as loud and punchy). Cheers to more in '24~!

[@VariousPenguins]

American made Guilds have to be the most underrated guitars on Earth. Edit: Stellar playing, brother.

[@CB-ml8fn]

Enjoyed your shows this year. My number one this year is my 2005 heritage Hummingbird!

[@MrHAC19]

I like Cooper's playing. Greetings from Egypt, Africa.

[@doctorstrainlove6318]

Coopers voice alone is ASMR, but fuck man I want a tutorial on some of his Riffs dude!

[@margiesplace259]

love those Om sCooper That blonde one that last one that you just played that is gorgeous looking and I won that you didn't play that I absolutely love of is the 00018 from Martin but these are your favorites not mine, so lol have a terrific new year. Great shows look forward to next year. Love you're playing Cooper. When's the album coming out?❤

[@rockpapaman]

I could listen to Cooper all day. Thanks y'all

[@DavidOHara-t4b]

Blimey! Where do you start? ALL the guitars sounded great . The Guild D 50 and the Martin D28 were , to me outstanding, but like I said, they were all great. Nothing to do with the player though , eh ? Great demo again from a great player. Thanks.

[@drumlife22]

Man.... nothing beats the sound of a quality Martin Guitar!

[@BobDorfman]

Great episode, Cooper! I’m glad you included the Alamo exclusives.

[@mikemccabe8198]

Cooper, an excellent presentation. All excellent sounding instruments. Was glad to hear you mention Furch as a possibility for next year. I was fortunate to purchase one of their Vintage 3 OM-SR models and they are simply superb instruments. If you haven't yet played one, I think you will be impressed.

[@johnwashburn3793]

I hope everyone at Alamo has a joyous holiday experience...even if you must deal with us obnoxious customers! Happy holidays.

[@johnwashburn3793]

Thank you Cooper. I was waiting for this. I am an acoustic guy. You would be a great hang.

[@danstune]

My 1976 Guild D55 is still the best sounding guitar I have ever played from the 70’s. This new D40 is so close when I close my eyes it is still that R.I. Guild tone. How do they continue to replicate it? I have a D28 I passed on to my son. It beats that. The D55 has sustain for hours, and a bit more bass but otherwise incredibly similar. Holy --- Batman, you can play!

[@stevehornshaw4478]

Wonderful, informative and so enjoyable. ❤ Huge thnx

[@ryanmccutcheon4298]

The Yamahas are amazing! I wish I had one of the Japanese ones. Especially the FG9!

[@CarlWilliams-sp4zy]

Excellent video, insightful and glad the Yamaha's get a shout out 👍

[@StationOutlook]

Great Video!

[@paulkline3011]

I would love having an FG9. I have a FG3 and even this guitar is just absolutely fantastic. I did put a Bone nut/saddle on it.

[@Neil3D]

brilliant video, I love the part where you played the guitar that you recommended so we could hear it

[@Knusperino]

Great guitars and an even better Guitarist who plays them :-)

[@jed1166]

The FG9-R! Wow! I have owned two Japanese built Takamine dreadnoughts, and they represent incredible performance for the $$$,(under $2,000). But, the FG9 is just stunning! Moved to Phoenix, so went to carbon fiber. But, if I ever bought another nice wooden acoustic, it would be the Yamaha.

[@haroldclark1787]

I want to be Cooper when I grow up.

[@luismedina8502]

You guys are the best!!

[@pepmasters-999]

"Now, Chris tried to persuade me not to put any of our exclusives on this list, and I said that was a bunch of _bull_ ..." That bit made me chuckle. I don't need to own an FG9, but I would like to just play one. I bought a secondhand LJ26 recently and the neck feels fantastic. I also have a Japanese-made Yamaha C2 piano. Totally agree they make fantastic instruments.

[@christopherpederson1021]

can’t believe how great that d-18 and 28 sound

[@roughcutguitars]

Your no.1 speaks for itself, but it obviously inspires you thecmost cuz that demo was OFF THE CHART - geez!

[@tedwasielewski9641]

Thank you for your reviews! Very well presented and excellent playing as well. My FG-9 M is one of the best guitars I've ever played. I look forward to future reviews and yes, I hope to see a FS-9 as well!

[@sustainablelife1st]

are all your demo songs your own compositions? Really lovely.

[@BarefootHugelkultur]

I live the vibration of the snare drum in the back when you talk. Lol

[@terryjohinke8065]

Cooper, I like your choices BUT those Martins were 1937 and have the advantage of age and drying. I definitely agree with your inclusion of Guild and Yamaha. Guild have fascinated me since 1969 hearing Ritchie Havens open up on the Woodstock film. Great sounding guitars, my own luthier has one. If your store were in Singapore Yamaha -they'd fly out the door on delivery day- I've seen it happen, and Singaporean's are no fools. Yamaha has a multi- storey building there for teaching etc. ( So much so McDonald's rent space for kids to eat Western KFC on the ground floor- slight aberratation. ) But in Kelvin Ho's guitar shops ( basemen of the Peninsula hotel chain) those Yamahas come in and fly out. Like an OM and that's a good choice. Footnote: Have you heard Maton guitars ( used by Tommy Emmanuel). They are IMO better than Taylor , and you get a solid case.

[@gordonovenshine6968]

I'd go for the Guild D40, natural.

[@Noone.9263]

Wooow !!!!!Amazing Sir ❤❤❤❤❤

[@JeffSimpson-yy2si]

I’ll take the OM Martin

[@davidjaxonmusic]

The Guild D-50 is the one I’ve got my eye on.

[@aquaticborealis4877]

Crazy playing

[@donhall-aquitania1025]

Very fun video!

[@johnlord1399]

Great review. But Alamo's guitar reviews are always great. Great top 5 list, even though you cheated. Any of those guitars would be great to own.

[@rockpapaman]

I bought the Taylor GA grand auditorium all Koa with Maple appointments. I love the guitar but there is more string buzz than I would like for such an expensive guitar. Any thoughts on what to do about the string buzz?

[@Pengkui]

adjust the truss rod?

[@billyhuynh6554]

i alway love Martin guitar ,that is a great guitars

[@richfiryn]

Missing from mention is Boucher guitars out of Canada. They run circles around Taylor and Martins all day long. IMHO Was glad to see the Yamaha's make #2 however, totally justified.

[@PeterSchuett]

Great guitars, but in my view some Eastman is missing here. They come with incredible value for the money and sound great!

[@Big.E]

Awesome videos awesome guitarist 👍

[@billyhuynh6554]

Taylor and Martin are guitars alway the best acoustic in USA and around the world

[@FaithHopeLove77]

45 must of been just over a year? :). Finally sold and got a D45, nothing I've ever owned comes close, Cant believe I waited 30 years.

[@keithclayton1271]

I love this channel :)

[@KevinORourke25]

I don't think there is another Dreadnaught that can compare to the Taylor K-10. They don't make it anymore but if you find one (Dreadnaught not cutaway) purchase it.

[@richardblock2458]

I hope they pay Cooper well. He's a great player.

[@TheTMontgomery]

Would like to pose you a Q. If you could afford to purchase a top of the line Taylor or Martin What would be your choice between the Builders Edition 814 CE Adi spruce or a Martin 0042 Modern Deluxe Any comments would be appreciated plus Cooper's insight Thanks

[@bleufishtv]

I’m waiting for my d40e

[@CaptainOfMyBurden82]

Hey Cooper, if you had to decide Authentic 18 or 28? Typically I prefer Mahogany but in all the videos I’ve heard I like the sound of the 28s

[@JonathanCurry-rs4kh]

18 is more of a cannon in my experience. 28 tends to be better to sing over.

[@tommy5241]

how would you rate the Yamahas vs. Yairi?

[@karenanthony7957]

D28 Martin love it!

[@bobwells1517]

I could listen to that Yamaha all day long.

[@billyhuynh6554]

Martin Koa wood guitars is fantastic and wonder

[@BuckFlicks]

Is the podcast done with?

[@j200man]

That Yamaha sure does sound sweet!

[@kwu2242]

Cooooooooop!!!!!!!!! gr8 stuff

[@EvaArmstrong-v6u]

Cooper …top man…really interesting as always

[@EvaArmstrong-v6u]

Should’ve added …great playing

[@waldas407s]

The Boss 💪 D18 ❤

[@billyhuynh6554]

guid acoustic is good qualities guitar,and values

[@davidsmith2316]

this dude can throw!