Compare/contrast: 1965 Martin D-21 and D-28 '41 Authentic

[@gmwaller]

Two distinct sounds, that 21 screams bluegrass!

[@kinnjohn]

Like you say, it depends on the use. As solo, singer/songwriter stuff, bluegrass/oldtime rythm work, I'd pick the Authentic. Bluegrass soloing, defintely the '21.

[@championhairpuller]

I much prefer the authentic. Just sounds fuller with more sparkle. But those are my ears.

[@RahulSharma_JaiMataDi]

Hey Bryan great compare .... D-28 '41 Authentic sounded Clear sweet (I Prefer) Rear Shifted bracing and 1965 Martin D-21 sounded louder but nasally Forward Shifted

[@Bryankimsey]

They're both rear X. '41 is scalloped. D-21 is not. Maybe that's what you meant?

[@keithgandy2630]

Authentic for my personal taste

[@merseybeat1963]

The Authentic sounds bigger . Dispute the BW the 21 s bracing is less responsive

[@ericecklund676]

Bryan, shouldn't that '65 D-21 have come with a wide saddle belly bridge? How would that '65 D-21 compare to Michael's CS-Bluegrass-2016 that you fixed for him?

[@Bryankimsey]

The CS-BG-16 is more like an Authentic. Much more open sounding, smoother, no nasally tone at all, terrific balance, and awesome (for me!!) neck. The World's Best Authentic, basically. I thought so, too, about the saddle when I owned the guitar, but no... "In 1965, Martin moved back to belly bridges with short drop in saddles." vintagemartin.com/saddles.html

[@mayniac5.09]

old wood still superior, although they have came a long way. they both are wood and have a martin logo too.. 😉

[@Bryankimsey]

I totally forgot the Martin logo!!! :)

[@reuvenrothman9450]

My ears hear: D41 - juicier, fuller bass and midrange, kinda dies off at the top end punch-wise, although still sparkles; D21 - all the bright, hard glassiness, top end fully weaponized, makes the instrument less forgiving of technique and less generous with the bottom end. Capable of almost a strident sound if pushed too hard, very sweet if attacked considerately. Brazilian for the win. Also - correct me if I’m wrong, but in 1964 the new factory had switched to cold glue, so unless rebuilt, that D21 only had the top glued with hot hide glue.

[@Bryankimsey]

That's a great review. I think you're right about the hide glue. I have "'65 Hide glue replaced with polyvinyl glue (* see Boak, below)" So... yeah, in '65, it's PV. I've done a neck reset and bridge reglue, though so we can add those to the "hide glue" list. :)

[@dcallan1]

I like the Authentic better. But I am usually in the minority. Just trying to "hear with my ears."

[@Bryankimsey]

Totally fair!