Martin vs Boutique Guitars

[@rydner]

Being someone that works for Martin, I take so much pride in what you guys are saying. I love it!

[@TheDennzio]

can you get me a deal :-)

[@autistichead8137]

I love my 00015M streetmaster thank you for building such a magnificent guitar

[@cfibb]

Martin D-15 Streetmaster is a great sounding and playing instrument. I was recently in a room full of Martin dreads costing 3x-5x as much, including some Custom Shops. Took a D-15 Streetmaster off its hook not assuming much and was solidly impressed by the tonal fullness and balance. Please don't change a thing EXCEPT: Make a cutaway version for those of us who play upper chordal stuff. I will buy it TOMORROW.🙏

[@vedder10]

Martin is killing it with their quality and you guys are killing it with these videos. I am in an unusual position where I can buy some of my favorite guitars all at once. In the last month I have purchased a Martin D-28 Modern Deluxe and Martin D-15 Streetmaster. Both are exceptional and premium quality. Really love the Modern Deluxe neck shape. I also purchased a Custom Shop Fender based off of your previous video and after a couple of days with it I can say I'm super happy with the quality, feel, and especially the sound of the pickups. I think in general guitar manufacturers are stepping up their game. It's a new Golden Age of guitars.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Thanks for watching and the thoughts there Marlon! And wow...!!!! What a collection you have there. We couldn't agree more with the new Modern Deluxe Series...wow as well! That D-28 is insane. We do all live in a good time for guitars:)

[@maltesetony9030]

I own a 1956 Martin 000-18 that recently had a neck re-set. I just cannot imagine anything sounding better or sweeter.

[@el34glo59]

Amazing guitar. I'm more of a rosewood guy with smaller guitars such as the 000. But it has to he done right. 000-28 Custom Authentic 1937 is something I got last year and it's a monster. But I'd kill fot a 56

[@yestoES355]

You guys have made the best videos recently surrounding everything guitar gear, news, and playing. Keep it up, I’ve fallen in love with the channel recently these past months.

[@rabbleinarms5742]

I'm a big fan of Huss & Dalton. my Pilgrim (White/Rice copy) is probably the greatest guitar I've ever owned. I was always a Gibson guy, but that H&D is flawless

[@mkg28]

I got into the martin world with a used 2008 D-35. Never looked at any other acoustic guitars since. Sold my Taylor and my Gibson J45 rosewood. Just purchased a 000-28 Eric Clapton sunburst from southpaw guitars in Texas and can't wait to get it and cherish it forever like my D-35.

[@rockytoprelics76]

The Martins mature so well...switched around brands a couple of times but always end back up with them. My D18 and O0-15 are never leaving!!!

[@CasinoGuitars]

Great guitars you have as well! I feel the same and have a few Martins that are stuck with me for the long haul. Thanks for watching!

[@rockytoprelics76]

Casino Guitars Always enjoy! Great channel and content!

[@CasinoGuitars]

@@rockytoprelics76 Thanks a bunch Rocky Top!

[@dallasblues74]

What can $5-8k buy in a Martin vs a Collings? Are they better than a comparably priced boutique builder? This video just explains, and rightfully so, that they’ve improved their production quality but doesn’t answer the question. This isn’t a “versus” video. Just a Martin praise video.

[@el34glo59]

Definitely can compete with anything out there. Custom Martin or an authentic. Spend 5-7 on a used one and it will beat most guitars made. Collings has some great stuff too in their traditional line imo

[@jaredwood5973]

Great video. I’m not blinded by brand names, but I do have a special place in my heart for iconic names and models, such as Martin, Gibson, Taylor, and even Guild. I’ve spent quite a bit on my collection, and I get frustrated when people say I should sell some of them off and buy boutique. Why? Most of the rock, blues, and country I listen to was made by these brands, and to be honest, they deserve respect because everyone else has kind of ripped their designs off. Anyways, I always expect $8k plus boutique guitars to sound like magic, but I really don’t see the advantage over models like my D-18GE, reimagined D-41, Hummingbird, etc. That’s a long way of saying thanks for being a higher end shop that doesn’t trash the original companies just because they are large now.

[@dietersdawgs]

you've obviously never played a Boucher lol!

[@minorcek]

Gibson lol Iconic lol Pretty sure that needs to be earned still

[@chrisbybee3162]

Great video! I've recently fell in love with Martin again and purchased a 000-28 and 00L-17. I could still by a 15 series and all three guitars would be about the same cost as 1 Collings. Call me selfish but I'd much rather have three awesome solid wood, American made guitars than one.

[@edhardiman835]

A couple of years ago I bought a slothead Martin 000-17sm with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides...it’s superb!

[@TheDennzio]

so worthwhile listening to this

[@uddielad]

Yah I had an OM28 and the plastic binding came loose from the body in 3 places…..Traded straight across plus $500 for a Bourgeois OMC. Plain Jane euro spruce and EIR but it blows that Martin away best decision I ever made…

[@nathanmiller9785]

The Martin fandom deludes themselves. Glad you are enjoying your Bourgeois.

[@gregorytalbott8551]

Bought a Collings D2H last year and absolutely love it, but was awfully impressed with the D-28 Modern Deluxe. What really surprised me was just how much more I liked the Modern Deluxe vs. the standard D-28 they're offering right now. Could feel & hear the difference A/B'ing them.

[@autistichead8137]

After speaking with many people- even Baxter and Sean!- in my search for my first acoustic I settled on a 000-15M Streetmaster. It’s unbelievable.

[@JackBond-in3og]

I have one too… people are surprised how great it sounds! & I love a 1 11/16 nut 👍

[@JimDavidson-FingerpickinGood]

I can appreciate the fact that Martin wants to broaden its appeal with less expensive intruments, but referring to Collings (for example) as a 'boutique' guitar is somewhat disingenuous and, from what I can see, the Collings folks have no interest in making a $1,500 guitar for the masses. Collings has produced over 20,000 instruments; so, they are far beyond a 'boutique' builder. Perhaps more appropriate comparison would be an inexpensive, mass-produced, affordable Ford Taurus (Martin) to an expensive handmade Ferrari (Collings).

[@charlesbolton8471]

Not only that, Collings has no interest in becoming a larger company. They deliberately limit their production which no doubt helps them maintain their high level of quality. I too understand and appreciate Martin’s desire to broaden their appeal and expand their customer base. However, I think it is very telling that it took Martin from 1833 until the 1990s to build a million guitars and now in the last 30 years they have already surpassed the the two million mark. Personally, I have absolutely nothing against American made Martins and nothing against companies that choose to build in Mexico in order to offer a lower priced product (in my opinion Fender and Taylor are doing an excellent job using that option), but I think it has been damaging to Martin especially terms of the brand’s reputation for quality. The higher end Mexican made Martins are in line with Taylor and Fender’s Mexican offerings, but the lowest priced Mexican Martins are an absolute disgrace to the iconic Martin name in my opinion.

[@msspi764]

It’s been a while since I bought an acoustic. My last purchase was a happy accident. Taking a Martin in for a setup at a small guitar shop in Louisville I found a used Breedlove OM on the wall to noodle on. I picked it up and started playing and it was love, the perfect fit between hands and guitar. Didn’t even haggle (much) about the price. It turns out to be a prototype so it might have been more unique than I can know. It has replaced that Martin for jams and gigs. It’s all about true love. The Martin has its role, mostly it sits waiting for me to noodle on it.

[@msspi764]

In Kentucky, at least when I lived there, the guys who come to jam bring a Martin. Mostly handed down from their father are other relative when they bought it for the model number. A friend had an odd sized dread, his daddy’s guitar, a 1940s model. New guy sits in and his jaw drops. “That’s worth $40,000!” He says. My friend says “No it’s not. I don’t plan on selling it.” That’s Kentucky.

[@JS-nf1sn]

This just popped up on my feed. I completely agree. I had a 2011 D28 that was a good guitar, very well built, played great, sounded ok. Got a re imagined HD28 about a year ago, and it's amazing, so much better.

[@bobaldo2339]

Nothing sounds better than a good Martin. My own favorite is just the traditional D-28. Like all the boutique guitars, however, Martins have a flat (16") fretboard radius. I prefer a 12" fretboard radius. So, I play my Martin in the first position, and my US made Guilds when I need to go way up the neck.

[@joeowens]

could you compare the various last few decades of Martin build quality? you mentioned 2018 onwards is great. but would you avoid any time periods? or are there specific things to check for during certain periods?

[@JT-gd7he]

I bought a D-15M for my 50th birthday this past October. Incredible sounding guitar and after getting the action lowered, incredible playing guitar. Thought I'd never by another acoustic... until one month later I found a used, perfect condition OO-15 for $500. Couldn't pass it up. I don't even look at acoustics anymore.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Great guitars! We love the 15 series...love them! I was mentioning in an earlier comment that we sell more of that series than anything else by Martin. Amazing guitars at a great price! Thanks again for watching:)

[@scottmoreau5630]

Take a look at Boucher. Definitely my preference over Martin.

[@bennyhill1105]

I have one… really nice guitars

[@mitchmatthews6713]

I have a 1981 D-28 that is my wife. Her name is Hazel, after Hazel Dickens. The perfect bluegrass rhythm guitar.

[@macsarcule]

Dudes, came back to this vid having watch lots of recent ones - you both look like babies, like you’re in your mid 20s! Time flies during Covid. 🙂💜🎸

[@briandesjardins728]

There's one thing you get in boutique. Each guitar is voiced and matched to a back. Generally alot more attention to detail. I'm an employee at Bourgeois and most people don't understand the price tag until you look inside and strum! All guitars are great just depends on your pockets! Haha

[@MattyK-USA]

Good to hear about the new Martins and how good they are - but I can tell you that the older ones are pretty good too 😉. I have a '67 00-18 and a '99 HD-35 that are both just spectacular instruments. I have never, ever regretted buying a Martin guitar. That said, I do LUST for a Froggy Bottom, but *gulp* holy cannoli, atsa lotta dough!

[@ande047]

Oh yea, the older ones are indeed great as well. I think it was honestly just about a 15 year stretch that started right around the early 2000s, where every brand was making subpar guitars so people turned to boutique builders. Electric and acoustic. I’m sure a lot of it had to do with the fact that each company was trying to reinvent the wheel with some new age technology (gibson robot tubers, etc), which really took away from putting more details into QC, and trying to hone in on the things that made the classics great to begin with.

[@SergeCeyral]

I'm the very happy owner of a Martin D-42 (a gift from my beloved blonde for our 25th wedding anniversary), playing it extensively, since the last 25 yrs. I can say, as a finger picker, that my only (tiny) regret is not to have chosen an OM-42 or 000-42 rather than the D. I know that the D42 shifted bracing is fine for finger picking, but the smaller models are a bit easier to play... A fantastic guitar, anyway (just like the Collings models I came to try !). Ppl can be proud of what they're doing at Sycamore St!

[@el34glo59]

Grab a used 000-28 Custom Authentic 1937 for finger picking. You can find a steal. They're monsters

[@texhaines9957]

I like the newer Martin Custom Shop and Modern Deluxe guitars.

[@angelg8445]

I love my custom shop Martin vts !

[@waynechurchill7212]

Will I got a biff my Martin d18 the finish peel the top LaGuardia and the second fret big Dent

[@zollyclaman]

What do you guys think of the 00018, the 2018 and beyond? You didn't mention it. Curious your opinion

[@joshua0226]

I’m looking at that same model, I’m about to make a drive to gruhns and just Spend a few hours comparing .

[@zollyclaman]

@@joshua0226 I just bought one:) they are a dream. Im in total awe. I really think I "have it" now, like a real life guitar.

[@zollyclaman]

@@joshua0226 lol, how but you do it with your email and ill email you my number?.or your number for that matter

[@watchfan6180]

It all comes down to financials for manufacturers and retailers as to what your recommended

[@TonyBurke100]

What about Olson guitars?

[@gregaltenhofel7326]

Wow it has been a year. Sadly here in Baton Rouge all we have is guitar center and your hard pressed to find the strings you want. Have to plan a trip to New Orleans to try them out.

[@rmzzz76]

I take issue with the comment about 000-15 vs 000-18 at the end. The problem is the retail sales mentality of "pay more = get more". The reality here is that, although the 000-18 cost a lot more it does not do for a musician what the Mahagony on a 000-15 does. They are more paint brushes or tools not polo shirts and sports cars.... If a player is inspired by and chasing that all-mahogany tone, then the extra $1000-$1500 they might spend on a 000-28 isn't buying them anything, it's spending more to take them further away from the target tone!!!! We're trained in the United States to accept "pay more = get more" and when it comes to products that are tools, every sales person pushing this mentality of a 000-18 is a better guitar than a 000-15 because it cost more is doing a real injustice. It's a flat-out lie, without giving some specific context to what is driving that cost and the specifics of how that relates to the musicality of the product. The quality of the Standard series is the same across the board. Once you get into the 15 series Martins, you're at professional level craftsmanship. Beyond that you're paying more for ornamentation or exotic wood choices, neither of which may be of any value to your as a musician. Yet I've never heard an honest guitar sales person tell anyone that... So part of me is happy to see what's happening with music instrument retail, you all kind of deserve what's coming. Regarding C.F. Martin C.F. Martin custom shop models can hold their own against any boutique builder. I realize there's something very special about purchasing a guitar made by one or two people in their garage and buy those instruments to support artisians, but the Martin custom shop is going to deliver an instrument hand built by the best of the best with the same attention to detail backed by a warranty of a company that's been around about 150 years... C.F. Martin Standard series models are the professional grade bar sitters... C.F. Martin will be around long after your favorite guitar shop is just empty space rotting on main street.

[@nathanmiller9785]

Larrivee makes a better guitar for a better price.

[@Jean-Michel.Daigle]

Can you make another video about your crazy stories from your gigging days?love those

[@andyroberts8734]

I’ve got a few affordable acoustics and really nice Gibson Hummingbird a Guild F4-12 with all the fancy inlay (it’s a cannon), but if I had to sell all my acoustics tomorrow I would sell all but my 000-15. It plays great, it sounds great, it’s American made so its great quality and it’ll hold its value and it was half the price of a D-28! (In Australia at least). What’s not to love about that?

[@CasinoGuitars]

We love the 15 series. Honestly, we sell more of that series than anything else from Martin. They are no brainers, sound great, play great, built in the USA, and just look good ole fashioned Martin Cool! Thanks again for sharing!

[@alkoenig85]

I played a Preston Thompson OM that was the best guitar that I had played (other than a Wayne Henderson, but that's another story). I think Billy Strings ended up with it, but I have looked at Martin since then and I can't justify the difference in price between the two. The Martin OMs these days are killer. I still prefer the smaller pickguard and it's the only reason I can't worship my OOO-18, until someone knocks the pickguard off is it's not an OM. I'm a small teardrop pick guard snob. But definitely turning into a Martin snob as well. Nicely said. Preston Thompson died a year or so ago, I doubt it will affect the company much, but one never knows...

[@R.L.Humpert]

I just bought a custom Martin HD28 special and it’s the most amazing guitar I have ever played and in just blown away. I love Taylor. Love them. I just can’t put this Martin down with its Adi spruce top it just booms. I got it brand new and I am fortunate to have a guitar like that as I am still not the greatest guitar player. I leave a lot to be desired but rather than play on a new cheap guitar it’s motivating me. Have you guys noticed tho that with the Adi top guitars they often have like a blackish streak down the middle? Is that normal and is that unattractive or do you think it gives it character? Thanks

[@el34glo59]

Shouldn't be blackish unless it's a torrified top. Thsts the sap wood after they bake them. It's bakes differently. Unless it's just the color of your sapwood. No thing to worry about. Red spruce trees are smaller than Sitka, so they have to use the sapwood too. All adirondack tops have that. It's more prevalent and dark on a torrified top, but can be on a regular one too. Could just be dark grain

[@ricktaylor6801]

I had a hd-28 that I bought in 1996 . Played it when I was playing on touring the east coast playing the blues-in cafes and bars. It got crushed by a drunken man, finally replaced it by a re-imaged hd-28. All I can say is wow much better sounding and much better playing.

[@toneman335]

Martin was making some great guitars around the year 1999 or so.

[@jimcarter6669]

Thanks Baxter. Martin is my fav. I have heard many brands. They just sound full spectrum that I don't get from my others like Taylor. It's almost like another instrument. Gotta get up to see you guys soon. You are great.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Thanks Jim! We do love them and happy to hear the same form you. They have a sound that is just truly their own; often imitated but never really done just right.

[@jackbart1960]

Another 18' D28 owner and still in love!!!

[@jazzlehazzle]

Is there some reason you are not actually playing them side-by-side to compare??

[@janeandthecoolcats5033]

I have to say the reimagined models are just top notch. I have an om21 and thinking to get a ooo28. But when you buy lets say a om42 then there is not much price difference to boutique guitar. Generally I'd say that with guitars over 3k it is just a matter of taste.

[@jameshanmer4418]

Nice job fellas- a Martin ... someday...I can’t wait... but... someday.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Thanks James! We love em as well and thank you for watching!

[@keithhunter3910]

🤔Oh, so you're the one responsible for the MLO neck profile with the PA taper?! 😠GRRRRR! 😂

[@nathantuckfield2199]

I agree with every point y’all made and martin has always been making great guitars. However, my thinking is that If I ever have the money to buy an HD-28 I would rather save a little more and support a small builder, his workers, and his family as opposed to the big corporation that is Martin

[@nathanmiller9785]

Ever check out Larrivee? Great builder. Incredible guitars, unique sound and design.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

Martin is a private, family owned guitar maker. I guess 700 workers may seem like a lot, but when I think of "corporations" I think of tens of thousands of workers. Martin employees are people with families to support, as well. -Just saying.

[@tommysixstring5094]

Prefer Canadian luthiery. Larrivee, Northwood, Halcyon. More affordable, prefer the sound, build is rock solid (wood binding as standard, no neck resets). I wouldn't mind an OM18 but at 2x the price, plastic binding, structural issues. Have never played a guitar better than my OM05. If you're in the UK then try out Atkin whose mojo and build quality is also difficult to beat. Also half the price.

[@martymcpeak4748]

most of these boutique guitars are exact copies of Martins down to the headstock. I have a 2013 D-28 Shade Top that wouldn't part with for love nor money and an American D1gt that is a fantastic guitar for the money. Cheers

[@kissfan003]

I have an '18 OOO-28EC and adore it!

[@CasinoGuitars]

Unreal guitar! Thanks for sharing:)

[@solan417]

I just got a 000-28ec this past winter too, been wanting one for almost 20 years so glad I waited until now

[@toneman335]

How many people cam spend $4,000 or more for a guitar today?

[@texhaines9957]

Watching video 2 yes later. I agree to a point. If you want a Martin sound, get a Martin. What about an old time Gibson sound? I looked for years and the banner series is good but sometimes the neck is not an easy play. Look at Iris Guitars. Their AB is like a J-185, OG like an LG-3. Gibson J-45? Try Eastman E20SS-V-sb, not the same but close for half the price. Thanks Jonathan and 'Leader of the Pack'.

[@merseybeat1963]

Because Martin is the original.. the real thing. The question that should be asked is why should one buy a Boutique guitar instead of the genuine one (Martin) Why..? Because some of the boutique guitars come from small shops maybe made a little more like how Martins were once made in theyre little buildings and the buyer may like it better on a case to case basis.. A Brazilian Rosewood Guitar for example may cost a whole lot from a boutique maker but from Martin it is well over inflated past that, making buying a new one with the Martin name on it impractical costing the price of a car.I would prefer to have the Martin name on an acoustic guitar and I have one but a boutique one as well.

[@paulkline3011]

I just bought a Yamaha FG3. Ya. I know. Definitely not American made. Wife and I don't have extra money to buy expensive guitars. I found the FG3 used for $600. All solid wood. Sitka spruce top. Mahogany back and sides. I put a bone nut and saddle and ebony bridge pins on it. It's a phenomenal guitar for the money.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

I had a Yamaha, many years ago. It was inexpensive and sounded great. It was my backpacking guitar!

[@zeeb0w]

wasn’t it a couple years ago they were having issues with binding coming loose? that was a hot topic on the forums. i can’t remember if that was a couple of years ago, or 5-6 years ago...

[@fluffybunnies6891]

Happened to my 2014 000-42... a delightful surprise.

[@zeeb0w]

FluffyBunnies ahhh, sorry to hear, yikes that means it was 6 years ago, idk if their quality assurance has gone up since then. did you get your issue resolved?

[@fluffybunnies6891]

​@@zeeb0w Had it repaired under warranty by a local authorized Martin repair luthier. It was fixed as best as possibly could, you can't get this type of repair to look flawless without shipping it to Martin for repair+refinish. At the time the Modern Deluxe had been released, so after this delightful experience I ended up trading the repaired 42 for a MD 28. The MDs have wood binding so that's not coming loose anytime soon. The binding issue isn't something QA could have realistically caught; in my case it took years for that binding to shrink enough to lift up at the waist (on all sides/back/front). The luthier told me they now keep the binding material around for some time before using it, so it naturally ages/shrinks before being installed. Also I noticed they use antique white binding, instead of ivoroid binding, more and more; that seems to be their alternative material (owners will find out in a few years from now if it resolves the issue).

[@zeeb0w]

FluffyBunnies glad it worked out for ya! i’m a big wood binding guy, i think it’s beautiful. thx for the clarification on the issue too, it was hard to keep up with what was going on at the time, the threads on the forums would have pages in between the posts i could read them, so i didn’t pay too much attention to it at the time.

[@CasinoGuitars]

They had some serious issues with their bridges as well a bit before that time as well. They were coming a bit "loose" but fortunately that has been remedied:) Much love Z!

[@matthewking8944]

good video again jhon & bax

[@tcjensen1]

There’s a reason everyone is copying the various Martin models. I respect Lowden for being their own thing. There seems to be Martin, Gibson, Lowden, and copycats. Of course there are tinny Taylors if you like that.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

I have a couple of Martins and Taylor's, as well. Not all Taylor's are bright/tinny. My GAMC, mahogany/cedar is a beautiful sounding guitar. It's especially beautiful for fingerstyle.

[@colintraveller]

Remember the Mockery when Taylor tried give the impression that V brace .. was better sounding ..

[@el34glo59]

😂

[@NoCoverCharge]

Going to buy a Martin today a d-16e I’m thinking

[@dangerdrew313]

Try a Montarado Trifecta!

[@CJS08777]

Translation……We sell Martins, not a direct Collings or Bourgeois dealer.

[@el34glo59]

Neither can best a Martin. I mean unless you want a brighter sound. Sure. But not as versatile

[@DB-rr1eo]

I don't believe any guitar makers intended to recreate a Martin except Pre-War guitar company.

[@donnyhall2535]

Stuff! You asked for it Baxter. 🤘😝🤘

[@robotsongs]

LOL "They're closed for COVID, but we're not going to talk about that anymore because it's a temporary thing and it doesn't matter." Spongebob Announcer: "two and a half years later..."

[@HarrisonBeam]

Amen!

[@superblindeye1]

Right now, I'm looking at a Santa Cruz guitar. To me, it sounds better than a Martin. More clear, I guess. Martin's now are very expensive, and this Santa Cruz really isn't much more than a good sounding Martin, in my opinion.

[@zeeb0w]

Can’t wait to see the Casino NAMM martins. The Martin line is intimidating and their model names make no sense. Like wtf is GPGCE18 modern deluxe hypersonic special? they need to simplify their numbering system even if it means breaking the paradigm of how “it’s always been done”. BtwI love Irish elves. The Irish elves make majestic sounding guitars without the need for abalone blinding your face...although I do own one bling guitar myself

[@CasinoGuitars]

Good concern Z. We actually met with Chris Martin a few years back about that and they have been trimming the line back to the more understandable names. You can never loose the classics like D-28 or 000-18's but the G45USA X series Vintage Core...ye those can go and fortunately are slowly going:)

[@dylanmccoubrey5615]

@@CasinoGuitars By the way it’s not Irish elves but Irish fairy folk who make them sound so magic.

[@CasinoGuitars]

@@dylanmccoubrey5615 that makes way more sense...thank you for that!

[@el34glo59]

GPs are awesome. So underrated because they not a traditional shape. I've heard custom GPs that rival dreads in volume and fullness. Just gotta find the right one

[@toneman335]

It seems that quality guitar prices are like college tuition. They are both too expensive!

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

True, but at least you get something worth while with a guitar. :)

[@JohnSmith-in1tt]

After wanting a Martin for years, I went to my local music store after getting my first real job out of college. I was in the mood to play a Martin but figured I would just leave with a pack of strings like always. Well, after about an hour with an HD-28 , I picked up a D-35 and before I knew it, I was ponying up the cash and driving home with a huge smile on my face. You only live once right? Over a year later and I’m still in love. The sound is big and warm, with a booming bass but such a distinct clarity in the high end to balance it out and push single notes through the mix. The quality is impeccable and well - I barely have to touch the tuners. I’m extremely proud to say that I own a guitar from one of the oldest instrument makers in the U.S. and I can’t wait to grow old with it. (Unless I can afford a D-45 one day 😂)

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

John, I bought my D-35 in 1974 and love it! You'll have many good days ahead of you with that guitar.

[@dustinadair7893]

It’s criminal how much they’re charging for these guitars.

[@nathanmiller9785]

It really is. Larrivee is the better choice.

[@CarlosUbaldo]

I better get a Lowden guitar coz they are made by strange northern Irish Elves.

[@kellyguitars6185]

I know this is a couple years old but Martin guitars have just never wowed me. I played one that really spoke to me but most of them have been mediocre compared to the boutique brands, especially for the price. They just aren’t that great.

[@rwr2643]

I have a 2015 martin d 41 , I had to get the binding fixed because it came loose ,This type of problem should not happen on a 5000.00 guitar.i have a martin d 15 m for 1500,00 great guitar , i would stay away from high end martins their not worth the money.Binding coming loose on high end martins is a common problem .If you buy a used martin ,Martin will not stand behind it 's high end products.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

I've had my D-35 for 50 years and the binding has never had an issue. As Forrest Gump, sometimes $hit happens.

[@BlindTom61]

You don't want guitars to get better?? Wow…

[@davidalden352]

Love your discussion, and I agree about Martin today…however the modern deluxe series is just crap

[@Rinocalandra]

I don't believe Collings or Bourgeois are boutique Martin copy! I believe (know) that those 2 brand made way better guitars that Martin do at the moment! Meaning the new Martin. I love the old Martin but honesty Collings or Bourgeois are just superior instrument right now

[@jeffwilliams3436]

Was at Carter vintage guitars a few days ago. Played a Santa Cruz, Collings, Bourgeois, and a huss and dalton. The only guitar that sounded AS good as my 2023 Martin D18 was the Huss and Dalton. Martin is killing it right now and the boutique brands need to be on notice. The 2 Santa Cruz’s I played were PITIFUL!

[@el34glo59]

Make way better guitars? Yeah no. Maybe to look at. And maybe with fine details because they're smaller shops. But they don't sound better. I've played all brands up and down the line price wise. Collings best stuff btw is their traditional line. Best guitars they've made. Yet I still like the Martin sound better. Bourgeois are beautiful, but just not for me. Sorry. I played a huss once that was close to a Martin but not many other boutique brands are. Like I said Collings traditional are getting there

[@el34glo59]

​​@@jeffwilliams3436Facts. I've NEVER been a Santa Cruz fan and I've really tried. I agree huss seems the closest tone quality wise. A couple Collings traditionals I played were nice too. But Martin is just Martin sound wise and hard to beat honestly

[@defaultuser6498]

' and why you just cant beat what martin is producing." - probably because they paid you ?

[@matranc]

if you like to glue bindings buy a recent Martin

[@el34glo59]

That's been fixed. Either way I'd rather hear a Martin without binding then most boutique brands I've seen some exquisite looking boutique brands, but the tone wasn't that impressive. Good guitars but nothing that stuck with me. Couple Huss and Daltons stood out

[@tcjensen1]

The modern deluxe don’t actually sound good. Very trebly.

[@eddiecharlton3173]

perhaps because Martin quality control is rubbish!

[@dietersdawgs]

You guys sound drunk....Martins cost just as much as boutique guitars. I have an Old Norman, a Boucher, and a Breedlove all of which are less expensive and sound better than any Martin I've played. Literally no point in continuing rapport with brainwashed minions, eh.........

[@el34glo59]

No they don't 😂. Breedloves aren't boutique. Collings, Santa Cruz, Froggy Bottom are MUCH MORE expensive than Martins and done sound better. Sorry. Brainwashed? You have no clue what you're talking about. And no a Breedlove isnt a Martin. Neither is a Boucher. Nice guitars, but not the same. Collings traditionals get close but a standard d18 is thousands less and sounds better I've played them all. Bourgeois, Collings, Santa Cruz, huss and Dalton, Froggy Bottom, etc. Huss came close. That's it. Froggys are decent but different.