50 Year Old Martin Guitar vs Brand New Martin Guitar - Which Sounds Better?

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The Martin D35 Standard Series is an incredible guitar with understated looks that don't detract from the incredible sound of this rather special guitar. The solid Sitka Spruce top with Indian Rosewood back and sides represent a tried and tested combination of tonewoods that offer a full range of tones from delicate and light to dark and subtle through to powerful and energetic.
Some guitars 'lend themselves' to a certain style of playing be it fingerpicking, strumming etc. Not so with the Martin D35 because it has all the dynamic range you could wish for and lets your playing style do the talking! Playability on the Martin D35 is superb as you would expect from a premium instrument from a Brand like Martin, with the low profile neck ensuring a comfortable positive grip.
The Martin D35 has a solid Sitka spruce top with glossy finish, special East Indian rosewood for the polished back and sides, and genuine ebony for the fingerboard and bridge. With its rich, resonant warmth and punchy volume, the Martin D35 is particularly well-suited to music styles requiring loud, powerful rhythm accompaniment. You even get a Martin case so its easy to keep your new guitar in the best condition wherever music takes you.
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[@gwag8410]

I heard an old guy say one time, it takes a guitar 20 years to figure out it’s not a tree anymore. Both guitars sound very nice.

[@lgtw8438]

I have a 72 D 35. I played every D 35 in Elpaso Tx and this one was head and shoulders better than all the rest. Martin's vary ALOT! Some of them are special, some are not.

[@TheBigGuppy]

Yup, That's what all the old Martin guys say.

[@oaktree1628]

LGTW - if that is true, then that reflects poorly on overall quality control at Martin through the years.

[@hi99ins]

@@oaktree1628 I think its because its the combination of the brace sculpting (and its grain), the body/ neck wood grain and a few other things that makes each one unique. I don;t think there's any reasonable quality control that can detect the difference to be able to implement any quality regime in that respect.

[@livingadreamlife1428]

N M Varies depending on the width of the grain of the wood. Also, the drier the wood, the better the sound.

[@39MercFlathead]

Back in the 1960s a girlfriend's father gave me a 1910 0-28 with the original coffin case. It had been his wife's guitar. Both case and guitar were in magnificent condition. I played it for a year and after I broke up with the girl, I returned the guitar. Just too much guilt keeping something like that. But I often think of it and hope it is doing well and entertaining people.

[@qua7771]

It's good to hear form people who can share what life was like in that era of time. I'm not so sure that people have the same ethic today to return a gift that way.

[@christopherhawthorne5395]

Would be cool to find that guitar again that would be a sweet story. Good thing you gave it back- cause if it made you feel some type of way, then you prolly feel a lot better

[@onehundredpicks5531]

​@@qua7771gift is a gift man.

[@paulshearman138]

The new Martin has so much life in the sound and will mature even better I would imagine

[@70mcnevin]

Your retirement guitar... dude....

[@rmyAddison]

Nice playing lads........... My birthyear is 1949, and I've owned 37 Martins over 50 years of playing. Older is better, never owned a Martin that didn't sound better with time, wood changes, finishes gas, age mellows. It's very hard to compare models from different decades, specs change too. FWIW I retired with my personal favorites (CS OM-28 Alpine/Madagscar, OM-18 Authentic '33, OM-45 TB Engelmann/Tasmanian Blackwood, CS 00-42 Adirondack/Madagascar). Age turned the dreads/jumbos into smaller sizes as with many older players, to me Martin OM's are the perfect do anything size. A life full of music is a well lived one....................

[@toddbishop8357]

I will stick with my fg820 😀

[@susanroycroft89]

And I picked up an old FG 180, from '74, put a bone nut and saddĺe on and Wow what a remarkable guitar ( 3/ piece back ) ​though it's a laminate top, it sounds incredible😊😊@@toddbishop8357

[@billstralo7907]

I have a 73 d-28, I have played new ones mine sound more full aound and longer sustain. The wood resins hardens over time giving more of a bell tone, also the wood fibers elongate allowing the top more movement. Older is better for sure.

[@tonyfdesign]

Bottom line: new, or old, Martin makes a beautiful guitar. Bonus points for not banging them together on the 34 passes back and forth!

[@joshiuahallenbeck531]

Be a little picky about buying newer Martins. Personally if I had the cash I would buy older. Last year I traded away a year old 000-18 due to a bad neck set. I could have just gotten a dud but I asked around and others have had problems as well.

[@andrewf5390]

The smile on Pete's face when he first starts playing Lee's guitar says it all.

[@gurleyz]

Age makes a huge difference in both electric and acoustic guitars, but its much more noticeable in acoustics. The woods just blossum with age it seems. Even old laminated Yamahas have an amazing sound which many prefer to all solid wood guitars.

[@KozmykJ]

For sure. I have an old Eko Ranger VI which has mellowed beautifully. Not just my opinion. Sounds much better than you'd expect from a plywood body and a screw-on neck. Got her s/h in the late 80s. I'd still love to have a nice Martin though. Need a lottery win ...

[@notapplicable328]

I’ve got a vintage fg-110e. It’s a smaller OOO sized thing but your definitely right. They developed such a full rounded tone it’s impossible not to love playing them!!

[@qua7771]

I believe this to be true, but like anything, there are going to be common misconceptions. Overly dry guitars sound amazing, but are not structurally sound, and cannot always be easily repaired. Aging may not make a bad sounding guitar sound better. There is a lot more to the aging process than the woods moisture. There is something biological, and physical taking place over time. Flat tops, aren't really flat, and all the parts are under some tension. I got one shipped from the factory that sounded horrible the first day, and didn't project well. It sounded substantially better after a few days. I noticed that the shipping label was damp, so it was safe to assume that the guitar had been exposed to high humidity which would explain things.

[@WowIndescribable]

Really like the video editing - sped up when they are switching guitars so the listener gets to A/B the sounds of the two quickly. Thanks!

[@Moonshot568]

To my ears the new Martin sound much fuller much nicer , the old one looks pretty .

[@nickcoulter973]

Whoa! Massive difference. The old one is definitely the guitar I prefer, but both are fantastic.

[@kevinwest5456]

As long as it’s a Martin, I’ll love it. I’ve played every acoustic you can imagine over my 40+ years of playing and at the end of the day I’ll always choose Martin.

[@stephenhenion8304]

Me 🎵🎶🎵 too....

[@ericmadeoftin8206]

They just sound and feel better. Play a string loud or way up the neck or muted or ringing, etc, the response and tone are amazing. Sometimes I'll go, "what was that" as the guitar responds in some awesome way to something I'm doing. Willie Nelson, Niel Young and Eric Clapton have stories to tell too about their Martins.

[@bobbybo3458]

Just came across this video. Don't know how I missed it before now. Great comparison between two great guitars. I have a 2008 HD-35 that was new old stock in 2010 that just keeps getting better every year. and I just loved that blues shuffle that you guys did at the end!!

[@justinhobgood4312]

pete your playing truly inspires me every time

[@patmillen9162]

I crave warmth in an acoustic... the vintage one is an easy choice for me.

[@rylanfutch8849]

Yes, I definitely thought it was slightly more mellow than the new one. New one is brighter.

[@zacharyohare2118]

Go play a seagull super warm balanced sounds

[@patmillen9162]

@@zacharyohare2118 I actually just bought a new acoustic last year... Seagulls are nice for sure, but I went with a Larrivee D-03R. It is beyond amazing.

[@Jonwsm]

Try a cedar or mahogany top.

[@Artcore103]

It's brighter the opposite of warmer.

[@casterman2]

Cheers from the US! Great vid guys.! I bought an HD28 new in 2006. It gets warmer every year. Never leaves the case unless I’m playing it. Still has the smell. That smell is the best! I think at the end when the new one was playing rhythm and the old one was playing lead was just right. The older one has such flavor. The new one is super full and chunky. They sound amazing together. Cheers to the audio guys for getting it to translate tonally, on my crappy apple ear buds👍🏻

[@RC32Smiths01]

Pete and Lee are always an unpredictable and amazing combo in playing! Both guitars sound great!

[@bobchambers8327]

Unpredictable?? Do you know the definition of that word?

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@bobchambers8327 I mean that they don't typically do the same kind of jam twice. They are always new and fresh in playing imo

[@marc_leblanc]

Love the warm full tone of a Martin guitar. I've owned a Shenandoah model (D-18-ish) and the D-45. Love them.

[@jstar1000]

I had a Shenandoah HD-28 for many years, paid $500 for it back in the mid 80s sold it in the mid 2000s for around the same price but it had a lot of wear but was still a great guitar, I bought a new used D35 to replace it.

[@joumannoe]

Videos with Pete are definitely the best! Spot on!!!

[@fergar0206]

Solution: buy a new one when you're young and enjoy it as it evolves

[@beverlymichael5830]

Yes that is what I did in 1969. Got my d18 new in 69. Still have it today and in excellent condition.

[@mrericchwang]

Exactly what I did. Bought a very close to new OMJM that I’ll play for years

[@CardinalJHA]

I started playing quite late, I heard a while back that you could sit it on a stand by your TV/music system or whatever you have playing sound a lot, the vibrations from the noise simulating play time, giving the guitar that vintage sound quickly. Whether or not it's TRUE is different, but also seems another possible solution

[@beverlymichael5830]

@@CardinalJHA yes as long as the wood is vibrating. I heard a bluegrass player had a Martin he was not real fond of. Let it sit near a stereo for some time. It was totally different guitar and he loved the sound

[@beverlymichael5830]

I agree. I have always bought new and watch them become awesome martins. And to hear it evolve into itself and it’s own sound. I still have my 69 d18 I bought new. We grew up together. Not the same when buying used.

[@Roundbeadadvocate]

Great video. The Dane and Captain playing the grandpa’s guitars for once! Thanks for the video guys. This one was really cool.

[@matthewchristian8857]

Great content guys. I love your channel. I'm going through my acoustic phase again and found this very entertaining and insightful. Cheers from Louisville KY. USA!

[@larryrhindress2972]

Well done!!! The older Martin has my vote. My D28 has that similar warm sound.

[@dylanbrown4683]

Can’t beat the Martin sound, they sound so big and full. The best quote I heard about a Martin was 10 years ago, I was at my sisters house I had a cheap old guitar left there and I went there to show her my new Martin. She is a music lover but by far not a musician, she was blown away by the sound of the Martin but she then got the old guitar I left there and said remember this one?! And I played that one and to her untrained ears she said “the old one sounds like a cheap guitar but the Martin sounds like the full band is playing with it”

[@MikeAshba]

The older one has my vote but both sounded great

[@davesmith5236]

Excellent vid. Thanks. I've been looking at a new HD-35 and have been wondering about new vs old.

[@chaingangzta13]

Do a "Gilmore's 3.9 million strat vs his signature strat"

[@Arcturian1111]

lol

[@torzsokszilveszter2444]

Gilmoure strat vs Squire bullet strat (second hand)

[@alexmarques4432]

Julius Estrada “A” Gilmore black strat? It’sTHE Gilmore 3.9 mil black strat. The one and only... That’s why they paid that kind of money!!!

[@alexmarques4432]

Darian Hall lol you’re so right

[@ricklewis5804]

Julius Estrada Gilmour

[@chuckandkonnie2415]

So much more character and depth to the older Martin.

[@brycecourtneymusic]

Agreed. The new guitar is so bright and snappy, to me the old one is so much smoother.

[@budandbean1]

This was really a lot of fun to watch and listen to... This was a interesting video. Always wanted a Martin but also want a cutaway but just haven’t found one that seems to sound as good as a full body dreadnaught. Thanks guys! Buddy

[@pressonc]

Yet another EPIC opening jam. PLEASE, release an album of the best jams!

[@thatmg]

I wouldnt say that the new one is "brighter" id say it sounds "tighter" to my ears. It has more mids.

[@josephochoa5230]

Marcello Gonçalves you are exactly right. I thought the same.

[@TheDennzio]

Exactly my impression

[@poinkero]

The old one sound kinda loose, and lively. The new one sounds full but tight. It's like the strings on the new one has restriction in its movement.

[@WalkenDead]

My high school chemistry teacher had an old Martin that he had to send back for repairs, can't remember the model or year, it was back in the early '90's. I mention this for a couple of reasons, 1) the captain did lol 2) brought back a good memory. He was a really cool guy. The chemistry class had a huge storage room and he would let us come in during the study halls we had and just sit around and jam in that room. Coach Voiselle if you are still with us thank you man! He also coached track

[@Mr512austintexas]

Great fun listening to this conversation, and the playing is excellent! Always fun to do an "A/B" comparison, and these are two fine guitars to compare. Toggling back and forth between 12:30 and about 12:50 the difference is pretty clear to my ears; the new one is bright & brash, the older one is mellower and rounder, more mature sounding. Personally, I prefer the old one, but my bottom line theory is that there aren't "best" guitars, just "favorites". If you're looking for a keeper guitar, just find one that sings to you in a special way, play it with love and be happy! 😀

[@tomjjordan91]

I think the point for me is that I personally have enjoyed listening to my guitar age. An old one might sound beautiful, but it has been a pleasure being around for and experiencing first hand, the changes in sound in my guitar as the years go on.

[@guitarelaxed]

The chord progression of the intro jam reminded me of the song "Follow me" from Pat Metheny´s "Imaginary day" record.

[@richardgredwulf-cronley3858]

wow, fantastic intro. Tear jerkingly beautiful playing

[@gracemalley6821]

Super cool video. The ultimate would be to double them on a track, giving the mid's from the '70s Martin and the high / lows on the modern, would sound incredible.

[@teamrockettes]

Honestly, I really liked them both. Kind of an impressive feat of engineering that a modern Martin can sound so close to a decades-old guitar that has had the benefits of aging the wood.

[@capohd28]

Martin's standard series from 2018 on are as good as any they've produced. First newer Martin I have owned since 1988, and even ended selling that. I also have a 1944 D-18 and 1962 000-18. The 2018 D-41 is by far my favourite. I almost didn't buy it due to my aversion to bling, but the sound wowed me that I had to own it.

[@apachehelicopter5001]

70s guitars are inconsistent, but the good ones are fantastic. My 74 strat is awesome. A little heavy but it’s still a solid guitar

[@williss9995]

Love you guys and that Martin tone. The combination is irresistible!

[@stevegroves]

Enjoyed both the playing and the demo, thanks guys. Incidentally I spent over 2 hours in a guitar shop trying multiple Epiphone and Taylor guitars (thought I was going to buy a Taylor) and ended up buying a Martin road series. For some reason the Taylor 114ce just didnt feel right though I know its a great guitar, the cheaper Epiphones were great plugged in but lacked feel and tone without an amp but the Martin, wow it wooed me! and the feel, the sound is just awesome. Close second was an Epiphone master built it was very good!. I have a 24 year old Yamaha and it does sound good but the Martin, well Its the only make for me now.

[@torbenmeldgaard8112]

"Filmed on location at Andertons Honolulu" 😘

[@LPCustom3]

I'm sure they wished they were in Hawaii...

[@dezionlion]

I know I do ALOHA!

[@524coconut]

I lost my shit for a minute and thought there was a hidden Andertons here in honolulu😭

[@thalstantrailwalker2393]

I loved both guitars, but I think I prefer the newer one in terms of sound. That said, the sound of the older one is phenomenal. Both are great, and I would be extremely happy with either. Captain, you are a lucky guy to have found that wonderful guitar. Martin did a fantastic job in restoring that for you. What would really sell me though is how it plays.

[@jysmtl]

Nicely done. I’ve done similar “tests” myself many times playing new vs old at Gruhn and Carter’s Vintage in Nashville and Elderly’s in Lansing. In your test, the new one sounds brighter for sure, and the older sounds warmer. That’s the way it usually works out, though I was surprised to hear how clear and obvious the difference was listening over the net. Playing/listening live, age does affect tone and usually gives a good acoustic a warmer, richer tone. And often “bigger” which was not the case in this comparison. I’d be interested in hearing you compare an older d28, with Brasílian rosewood, vs new (with Indian). Nicely done, though you guys do talk over each other a lot, making it hard to hear. Guess I need to add Andertons to my pilgrimages to Gruhn, Carter’s, and Elderly’s.

[@dkambury]

Fascinating video! I have a '72 D-35 I purchased new (~$700 USD), sold to my best friend in '76, and recovered it in 2009 after he passed away. Unfortunately, after decades of cigarette smoke turned it orange, then finished off with a few years in an unfinished attic in Oregon, "knackered" would have been a vast improvement over the actual condition. I had it restored, reset, refretted, and repaired, and now it's back home and played regularly. One thing to note regarding the neck, it came matte-finished, not lacquered, as can be seen at the heel; decades of being played, though, has polished the neck to a high, deep gloss. Another thing to note is that the bridge placement in the 72s was slightly off, causing slight intonation problems. This, too, was fixed in the repair.

[@Dougal78]

Had my *cough* 21st last year and treated myself to one of the 000-28 re imagined guitars. Oh man, is it beautiful. Going to be interesting to hear it over the coming years.

[@SimonBurley]

Amazingly I actually like the new one better. Sounds like Neil Young when he was young! Sounds fresh to me, and bright but not too bright. Usually I like cedar topped acoustics and a more mellow sound, but this new guitar sounds absolutely superb to me.

[@mjt11860]

i agree. i was also thinking of neil young

[@ericmadeoftin8206]

Doesn't Neil play an old one though?

[@nilsen589]

​@@ericmadeoftin8206 when neil young was young, his guitar was young too.

[@davidwells997]

I KNOW they get better with age! I have an Alvarez-Yairi DY77 that I bought in 1979. When I bought a Taylor 710 in 1997, the Yairi was relegated to storage. I got it out last year (2022) and after cleaning it up and having a local repair guy do some fret work and other minor adjustment, it has turned out to be an amazing sounding guitar that I play more often than my Taylors.

[@MichaelLloyd]

Great test. I liked both guitars. They sound really good together.

[@Holtenstein]

I've gotten the chance to play many Martin guitars, authentic, Golden eras, D45,D50 and even the D100. The best sounding Martin I've ever played was a 1963 D28!! Age, when kept correctly, improves the sound.

[@dezionlion]

Maybe they had better wood or luthiers?

[@Holtenstein]

@@dezionlion No. Other than the addition of a truss rod in 1985 they're the same guitars. It's the age. Rosewood opens up over time. One of my favorites was the D18 Golden Era. It's mahogany and it has more bass immediately. Whereas the Rosewood will become better and better sounding. But once you get to a certain level of Martins the will give you a chill on the first strum. As long as they have fresh strings that is.

[@Holtenstein]

@ROCCO SMURF Yes, the D28 GE and authentic are extremely good. Just much more expensive.

[@BevisFriend2010]

To me... The new one sounds cleaner and more distinctive. The old one sounds warmer, more homely & rounded.

[@firdausHITMAN]

Sounds like an ideal woman the way you've described the old one.

[@jeffreywilliams6386]

Homely or homey?

[@SuperMelodic]

Awsome playing guys love it I’m buying this guitar new!

[@Deliquescentinsight]

I remember buying my first decent acoustic in the 70's - 76 in fact it was a Fender F-95 which has long gone out of production, made in Japan and it was killer, beautiful guitar, I miss it.

[@MezzMcGillicuddy1]

It's a fun video, but the problem with this comparison is that they're comparing two different models. The HD-35 has scalloped bracing, and the D-35 doesn't. It's impossible to tell how much age has affected the tone, since they never could have sounded alike to begin with. You'd need two guitars with the same specs. But, as I say, good fun.

[@PANICBLADE]

The bridge plates are also most likely different, as is the placement of the bracing, with the HD being forward shifted. Too much going on that could be contributing to the difference of sound aside from the age.

[@jimgriggs2184]

Ok. they're both nice. I enjoyed the playing, I enjoyed the stories behind them etc etc. But whats with the statue of the dude with his beans hanging out at 24:40?

[@TheAlpineProject]

I came here because recently I restrung my first guitar, an old Martin kit guitar. Got it through a Marlboro catalog when I was a boy. It's pushing 20 now. I hadn't played it more than an hour in the past five years and had kept the same old strings on it. I cleaned it up, replaced them with a fresh set of the same kind, and the guitar seems to sound better than five years ago.

[@stateofblitz]

The original definitely sounds more settled in and warmer. Beautiful. I have a Yamaha with the age treated top and the sound difference from one that's not is quite substantial.

[@bluesysamurainao4557]

Nice review and performance!! New one is tight and stiff. Vintage one is mild ,dry and well balanced. I love Martin tone the best so both are awesome!!

[@papashuvitsskateboardforth8399]

I've a 1970 Eko Ranger, it's the nuts and like Pete's, gets played with every day.

[@georgetempest9627]

I have an EKO 12 string since since 1979, I love it, it never bent or bulged and has been in many different climates. Why should I waste money on an ugly Martin?

[@jimmycollette9209]

I have a 05 d35 bought new and a 09 hd28 can't wait for the hd28 to get as old as the 35 they definitely improve with age. Love both and would not let either go.

[@PelicanIslandLabs]

I don't even like playing acoustic guitars but I really enjoyed this video! Well done chaps.

[@dcallan1]

The new guitar is strung with 13s from the factory not 12s. Also, the HD-35 bracing is forward shifted and scalloped, whereas the ‘72 D-35 would have been standard location and not scalloped. Besides age, I think the differences could be expected based on those specs alone.

[@Artcore103]

Did he not say he changed the strings on the new one? I believe he did.

[@dcallan1]

@@Artcore103 My recollection was that he changed strings on the '72 to 12s. The new HD-35 was stock.

[@Techco1]

I have no idea how they just glaze over the fact they're braced differently. Comparison should have ended the moment they said the new one is an HD. How they couldnt have managed to find a d35 or even a d28 would have been a better comparison. Blows mind

[@johnathanutahzio8474]

Jeremy Hinds Because they’re morons who are barely above novices.

[@tacratt6091]

Martin dreads need 13-56 to make them shine, the 12’s make them thin

[@ragingchimera8021]

If I was recording in a band mix I might go with the newer one, more dynamics and sonic range. If I was sitting around strumming I'd go with the older one, such a warm pleasant sound.

[@DanielTPeace]

An important distinction.

[@faircomment5015]

This comparison was great to watch. The jam was good and the chat was honest and interesting. I love my Martins so much and I could talk about them all day long. For the record, I think the old one is slightly better !

[@jamesortiz5388]

Great job fellas. Thank you Andertons!

[@zardonaz2963]

I prefer the new one. Less bright but fuller sound and I like more bass in acoustic guitars. Both sound GREAT though.

[@Gordonsmusic911]

No doubt about it. The new one sounds better to my ear, but I'm not throwing rocks at the '72 model. It just has a different sound.

[@rkstudios450]

Rescued a '76 D35 in Nov., 2018. Spent $800 to bring it back to specs (Ann Arbor Guitar). Rich sound but not as bright on the higher strings when finger picking. Still needs a bit of adjustment which I am not qualified to do. A2 Guitar says bring it in for tweaking. Very happy with it. Based on your comparisons, It's really six of one, half a dozen of the other. Overall, however, I'll go for the sentimental favorite. Thanks for your input and insight.

[@Peasmouldia]

Yeah, took ten years for mine to play in. Got better sound as the years went on but now at 50yrs old a neck reset is well overdue. Best vid you've ever done sir. Ta.

[@thefisherman2837]

Almost different guitar tho. The hd35 has scalloped forward shifted braces it's going to sound more bassy. A normal d35 would've been the test. I've had the new hd35 the new d35 and a vintage...and played the pre reimagined d35...the hd35 to my ears sounded vintage from the start and massive but built very different

[@jimmythefish]

The only other structural difference is that the 70s ones had a large, clunky bridge plate made of rosewood, whereas the new ones have a small maple bridge plate. I'm torn on this aging guitar - if you find a really old, great-sounding guitar it's probably the reason it's still around. It sounds great! I've played 60s Martins that I wouldn't trade my 2008 D-28 for. Mine changed after it was new, to my ears, but I think aging of a guitar won't turn a bad guitar into a good one. A really great-sounding guitar started out that way. See any Santa Cruz or Collings or Martin Authentic for evidence of that. They sound fantastic right out of the box.

[@felixbrandau4751]

Beautiful video G 🔥🔥🔥

[@erajad]

Mr Anderton - my hunch is you might enjoy my 1977 Mossman Tennessee Flattop which I bought in ... 1977. Wonderful instrument. (It replaced a Martin D18 with D45 inlay which was stolen - devastating experience, fortunately insured, and the Mossman was the best replacement I could source at the time.)

[@DavidHBurkart]

The bracing is the difference with regard to the increased bass resonance. On this side of the video, the new guitar sounds actually sounds brighter, the '72 has a much more balanced projection of tones... to my ear anyway 😉

[@955rocket]

Seems to me like the older has lost some it's high end, or ability to cut through the mix .

[@Randorita]

Pete, I smell my guitars, too! I can't decide if I prefer the smell of rosewood or mahogany. Both are great!

[@TheBigGuppy]

Thats weird that you post that. I just bought a sloped shoulder all mahogany Martin dreadnaught and I love the smell of that thing.

[@rosslynemrys5829]

There are mugs now for Martin fans, Sound hole sniffers!!

[@garrysimmons111]

My 1969 D-18 needed a reset and some TLC. Came back sounding and playing great but not an inexpensive repair. I think it's very common for vintage acoustics to need a reset/etc.

[@nicholasse7enfold]

I bought a cheapo Epi PR200 in 2005. The sound gets brighter and define as it gets older.

[@seanhealey2007]

I'm fascinated by how I seemed to change my preference depending on who was playing and the style. Takeaway: a D35 is tops no matter how you slice it. Gentleman in white shirt plays-old one sounds better ; gentleman in blue shirt plays - new one sounds better

[@sirhulk5325]

I prefer the older one. It feels warmer to me

[@Artcore103]

I prefer it too but it's the opposite of warmer, it's brighter. The new one is warmer.

[@lpjbird]

I believe we have differing opinions as to the definition of brighter and warmer maybe. To me the older sounds bassier which I refer to warmer. Haha, make sense?

[@AbbieHoffmansGhost]

I've had lots of Martin's both new and vintage and a Martin is still my go to guitar. Given a choice of these two guitars I would choose the new one.

[@stereoandy77]

There are so many variables at play here it's silly -love the videos

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

They keep saying the 50 year old one has a brighter sound, but I think the new one is a lot brighter, and the old one has a warmer tone.

[@kentriley1933]

I heard that right away

[@Bossanovawitcha]

neither a Taylor still

[@kentriley1933]

@@Bossanovawitcha yes. I have a Baby Taylor it can be played loud if you like. great tone and play ability and very bright has gotten better with age. But with tempture have to adjust neck a few times a year .I am sure higher end Taylors you probably dont have to Adjust neck too much.

[@Bossanovawitcha]

Kent Riley true.. save up for that GS Mini Koa, its wild wild wild haha

[@brianpizzuti8826]

I think they said that about the new one, not the old one.

[@ahiwalter9153]

i don’t even play acoustic but I still wanted to watch these two jam out.

[@paulanderson6511]

The reimagined Martin's (2018 and on standards) are amazing.

[@mctommyful]

I have a D35 that I bought brand new from Rhondo Music in NJ spring time of 1974 - at that time it was the best guitar they had - the only one that cost more came with inlays - and yes it does sound better now than the day that I bought it - when you strum it - it takes over the room - for strings i use the D'Addario .012 on it - have also used the Martin .012 too they both do well - I sometimes buy in bulk so I get what I can get the best buy - as for the pick I use the Dunlop .46 - I loved my D35 the day I bought it and I love it 45 years later

[@1rwjwith]

Nothing like a Martin...beautiful sound.

[@lorenjo]

Try Larrivee mate.

[@shawnsnow6413]

@@lorenjo +1 for Larrivee D03. Martins are good but nothing like a Larrivee either.

[@gfurstnsu]

For me the older guitar had a mellower sound and the new one was sassy and brash. I think the younger generation (excuse my over generalizations) would like the brassy sound, but as I approach 80, I prefer the mellower sound. Thanks for doing this comparison. Both have that deep rich sound that is characteristic of a Martin Dreadnaught! Greeting from Daejeon, South Korea.

[@christopherwatkins9729]

G'Day George... Hope my great grandchildren enjoy my CRAFTER Auditorium in 50 years !!!!! and Greetings from New Zealand... Yes, am happy to say I do have an Italian, (ESTON) Vintage, Jumbo/Dreadnought, Acoustic/Electric, Cedar Top, over 50 years age... and Yes... it has an appealing improved tone and is staying "In the family"... also with it's accompanying 1984 VOX AMP ... (But I play it mostly as an Acoustic guitar)... Warm Regards... Chris... ☘

[@backroadboys5681]

As a 23 year old I can contest I preferred the older d35 but I may be a little biased because my guitar teacher played a 1975 Martin d35 and it put everything I’ve ever compared it to to shame

[@MrRbillharz]

Good ear! The original D-35s had a rosewood bridge plate and lighter bracing than the D-28. The were designed for the singer song writer. The newer D-35s have a maple bridge plate and have a brighter more modern sound.

[@miguelgomez7707]

Great sounding guitars, but I could tell the difference without looking because the older one has a slight fret buzz when strumming it. I purchased a HD-28 and I love it!

[@sbutler66]

I was surprised how different they sounded... They both do sound great!

[@docbobster]

To my ears, the new model is very scooped sounding, with heavy bass and high end but less midrange. I prefer the older one's sound, but then I learned guitar in the 1970s!

[@josephtravers777]

I'm with you here. I've been playing for almost 50 years as well :)

[@johnathanutahzio8474]

Dude. One is a D35 and the other is a HD35. The bracing is totally different. This isn’t a fair comparison. They should’ve compared a D35 and a D35.

[@Brmmsilva]

I much prefer the older one. What a beautiful sound!

[@coryhart5222]

Your jams at the beginning of the videos are inspiring. As a new player you guys smoothness is kickass.

[@tonyfdesign]

I have a 1972 D-18. Sounds great. Just two years younger than me!

[@paulrenevos]

The old one sounds more ‘even’ by lack of a better word, I prefer it

[@thegee-tahguy4877]

A D-35 is definitely "blingier" than a D-28.... Back then, the D-35 was the only Martin dread with a bound neck. The D-28 does not have a bound neck. As far as the D-35 comparison goes, other than the forward-shifted X brace, the scalloped bracing and the low profile neck, the new 35 has an adjustable single action compression truss rod (since 1985) and a faux tortoise pickguard whereas the old 35 has a non-adjustable rod and a plain black pickguard.

[@danielsantini4580]

Coolest, I have a standard Cort 95’ and I constantly get inspired by the sound and small upgrades to the guitar. Do you mind trying different tunings on the fly to hear the different voices the guitar can express it self. Thank you 😊

[@dangerkin1]

great playing guys!

[@gmoore6166]

Love my Martins! The new HD sounds good but is too bright now compared to the older more mellow. The good news is when the new HD ages it will mellow too:) Both are great guitars!

[@garcdonald]

Xactly! My 72 D-35: full, deep, massive base response and resonance. My 2019 HD-35, extremely bright mids and highs. Almost half the base response. Beautiful, incredible brightness but personally, I do hope it mellows and deepens.

[@randgloger296]

Just like golf clubs, every guitar is better than the person playing it.

[@kempire4623]

Outside of the great playing, information, and general entertainment value, I don't feel like enough credit is given to the investment they put into the rooms they film in. Love how the acoustic room has a different vibe and decor than the electric demos. Thanks guys!

[@stuartcox543]

I’ve tried Maton, Martin, Fylde, Taylor and Gibson vintage guitars in the back room at Guitar Ctr NY , all of em sounded lovely back to back with their modern counterparts But then I tried a 2018 Hummingbird versus a 1969 one and it just sounded better than all the rest, different strokes. The 69 was mellow but delicate, the 2018 was more rounded, fuller and precise , much more relaxed player too