Dreadnought Battle - Cheap vs. Expensive - Acoustic Paradiso

Today on Acoustic Paradiso we compare affordable and expensive dreadnought acoustics.
The guitars used:
Dowina Puella DCE goo.gl/hukDXa
Fender paramount pm1 goo.gl/VSq78r
Martin D28 goo.gl/ADw2QI
Sigma DR-28 goo.gl/tdlXrA
All guitars were recorded with Neumann km184 goo.gl/vpddsW into a Universal Audio Apollo 8 goo.gl/QanQGA.
Thanks for watching and make sure you subscribe for more videos like this one!

[@MrRgx521]

You guys are honestly the best. Just extremely fun to watch you comparing these. This has also been very valuable for me since it has convinced me once and for all that it really is about the player much more than about the fancy piece of stringed wood they're holding.

[@markterrell4441]

Whenever I see these types of videos I realise there is only one thing to do: improve my playing.

[@bami2]

I could listen to this for days, thanks for the upload guys.

[@41DegreesSouth]

Thank you Pete, Mick for inspiring me with every video, and Andertons for investing in this type of advertainment (?). You folks constantly set the bar at new heights with your quality content. In ten years people will look back and see this as the beginning of something new. Cheers from New Zealand.

[@trollstjerne]

Been looking forward to this. Great video and playing guys!

[@pablovalero3344]

Best Jam I've heard, I love you guys !

[@lee2cool]

Good video, particularly loved the sound of the puella! Really good play out too! Thanks.

[@redukonio]

This Video is perfect Sunday afternoon entertainment. Right amount of information, fun and great jams. Love it. Keep up the Acoustic Paradisoooo. Cheers

[@AllTheDukes]

Awesome! Ive been looking forward to this for so long! :)

[@drutgat2]

Absolutely brilliant playing. You two should go on tour.

[@darthmaroth1782]

Absolutely beautiful jam at the beginning. Wow.

[@13thLegio]

That was the best last couple of minutes of a YT vid I've seen for a long time.

[@GuyNamedSean]

I can't wait for the video on various strings. Strings are my favourite things to mess with because you can so dramatically change the sound of your instrument just by changing the strings.

[@thebigb3ard]

I enjoy your more chatty videos. it's good to hear two experienced musicians chat geetars.

[@kolombijec]

What a fantastic outro jam...!...loved it...!

[@Spidouz]

The last Jam is just: WOW! well done and well played guys...

[@AllanGildea]

superb playout lads!

[@MrBillUp]

As soon as Pete picked up that Dowina right at the beginning of the video, I was like WOW that sounds amazing.... I want one.

[@MP-wb6gz]

Pete fingers sound amazing. Well better on electric guitars ;)

[@Murry_in_Arizona]

Pete n Mick, from 2 years down the road, thank you for these videos and getting a (very) "late middleaged" man back into playing guitar after a 34 year break. According to the wife you helped create a monster. ;)

[@_PJC_]

fantastic as usual - i am waiting for the banjo edition - full deliverance style!!!!!

[@DavidDyte1969]

Oh my that's some gorgeous playing.

[@aroundandaround4106]

oh my god your jams are so inspiring !

[@mervolicious]

SO while typing here I am listening to the video on my Mac sending the signal into my usb interface and from there into my studio headphones for the first time and I am just finding out HOW GOOD your sound quality in the videos is. Now I have to watch all videos, in which the product actually interests me, again to listen to your brilliant sound properly. Thank you! :D

[@thorwulfx1]

Two thoughts: 1) Pete could play an old broom handle attached to a shoe box with a single piece of fishing line for a string, and it would sound good. 2) Mick's acoustic playing is always on point. He almost sounds more at home on the acoustics than with the electrics, to my ears.

[@HenryPipes]

Please keep making these videos! You guys always have amazing content and you have the most enjoyable gear reviews on the internet. Acoustic Paradiso is really like a breath of fresh air. I look forward to new videos soon! I would love to see a slope shoulder shootout. Maybe you could compare some Epiphone Masterbilts and some Gibson J series. Cheers!

[@pirancaseley4751]

how about a video on different acoustic pick ups

[@pedrobravo4404]

Piran Caseley Yeaah including stuff like removable ones!! (Like the SD Woody)

[@hairychris444]

Tough to do as to get the best idea you'd need to replace pickups in same guitar as each guit sounds very different to start with. BTW I have one of those Dowelas. Love the guitar, electronics are NOT great (even though apparently improved over builder's standard if you see the review vid).

[@stookiebhoy]

I respectfully disagree my friend....Go try a Headway pickup...it's the only pickup I've ever tried which amplifies your acoustic without changing the sound, it's amazing. I stuck one in my Fylde Magician and plugged in it still sounds like the same guitar mic'd up

[@Jeff-rn7bm]

Terrific video. Thank you for putting it together! I'd like to see something on the best acoustic dred under $500.

[@lovetothebone]

Having just purchased my 2nd Sigma, I was glad to hear this comparison. I was also glad that you guys mentioned the strings (my new Sigma has Martin strings, but which Martin strings? Yes, I thought the Martin sounded a little better (strings?). I bought a DR 1 HST and like my DM 1? from 1994? I noticed that on both the TOPS are VERY white and wide grained. The Sitka is a heartwood tree to my knowlage (I'm a jointer in Germany) and I think that the tops of the expensive guitars is made of the heartwood (much harder) whereas the cheaper one are from sapwood. Both my Sitkas look like sapwood while my friends Martin D 28 looks like heartwood. Mostly this and the body being laminated (however good) and solid make the majer sound and part of the cost difference......You guys did a super comparison !!!!!!

[@radioheadguy]

Fantastic intro chords, loved it!

[@matttiernan3465]

Great jam at the end. Mick with some nice first position runs.

[@notanotherstep]

Really dig that beginning jam session

[@jdavies1296]

Think there are some life lessons here - "The first ding is the deepest"

[@rumanrobert]

Greetings from Slovakia ! Dowina guitars are beautiful and build quality is perfect, played several different Dowina guitars and i loved all of them. At this price-point, Dowina all the way.

[@phonicwheel933]

Thanks for posting. Surprise about the dynamic sound of the Dowina Puella DCE, which also has a pick-up. As you say, it would be interesting to hear the same Martin D28 and Dowina Puella DCE in ten years time!

[@stuartthomas6100]

You guys are great. I love you both.

[@StewartBrand85]

"No other guitar sounds like a Martin... though when we did a blind test we couldn't tell the difference" lol

[@jalitvin2719]

Furch better than Martin

[@electrolinks]

Danish Pete cracks me up. He also is a fantastically good guitarist. Mick really knows his stuff about gear and can play amazingly well too. No doubt about that.

[@toneseeker4968]

Shit, I love jammin' with you guys on these "Acoustic Paradiso" videos (read addicted and need an intervention). Tonight I sent my wife out for mother and daughters' night out, just so I can have a music night playing with you two. I've been doing this quite often, lately. Then, when I get together with my regular little trio, I always have some fresh progressions and ideas (inspired by you guys) to jam on, along with all the covers and our same ol' stuff. I Just wanted to let you know how much fun, informative, entertaining ... and addicting .... your videos are. Thanks for all your time and effort that you guys put in to posting these. Anyway, break is over; gotta grab another beer and move on to your next video. Peace....

[@BaktaBak3]

Wish I had one of these affordable guitars growing up. I learned on ( what I realize now ) as unplayable junk. I couldn't afford a Martin until late adult . These guitars are nice professional sounding for beginners or a pro back up guitar. Great review guys !

[@FrankLewis-nl]

nice playing guys!

[@wyvernwood5675]

Would love to see you guys do an Acoustic Paradiso on Resonator Guitars - been toying with the idea of getting one for a while, but know very little about them. Thanks for the videos.

[@jacobbentley2562]

These intro jams make me wanna play and get better and make me want to sell my guitars and never play again at the same time. So good!

[@MessiahofFire]

Since you guys asked for more ideas for acoustic paradise, how about quick tone comparisons looking at both mic'd tone, and saddle-pick-up tone, or maybe even an episode just talking about saddle pick ups.

[@GuyNamedSean]

Messiah of Fire - Have they not done that before? I know in many product review videos they've detailed the difference in tone from various available pickup types and mics.

[@mailliw2698]

GuyNamedSean This has literally nothing to do with this video but, we have the exact same spot on the political chart! Carry on.

[@nellatrab]

Actually the Sigma sounds pretty good on you tube....rings lie a bell!

[@tylerlee393]

Great video as always. I would like to see a 12-Fret Guitar comparison video. Maybe 2 affordable and 2 solid wood hand built guitars.

[@jamjar20049]

Great shootout. I had that tuning problem after using a capo with a Fender acoustic and my Revelation electric. I solved it by getting a Shubb capo which you can vary the pressure that it exerts on the board so it doesn't put the guitar out of tune. Works great only downside is you can't leave it on the end of the neck when not in use, so easily lost.

[@TastyChevelle]

Yes! Mick and Pete are back!

[@bernardblood9447]

When I picked my acoustic ,it was one of the cheaper ones but it felt and sounded the best to ME . Still does .An Alverez AF 30CE . Still love it

[@rockgamer]

The string comparison would be really useful. I also would like to see some Takamine, it's a really common brand here. And considering the show aspect, somethings that people (including me) would probably like to watch: a blind challenge and some 'weird' stuff, like the Fender Stratocaster acoustic or the Gretsch acoustic with a bigsby. Keep the good work! :D

[@thebigeasy8609]

Oh hell yeah!!! Welcome back gentlemen!

[@alexcorll90]

That Dowina had a very very nice tone to it, pretty impressive.

[@dawidpawlikowski3512]

I think it would be really interesting to see you guys testing some gypsy jazz guitars. In your hands and under your fingers they would sound like a dream.

[@stuartrussell5472]

A comparison video of dreadnought and OOO style guitars would be cool. Great video btw!!!!

[@GuyNamedSean]

This series has made me want my first guitar to be a parlour style acoustic as opposed to a Telecaster like I'd wanted for years.

[@beastlybombers]

Wonderful. Thank you

[@pa4tim]

I have a Sigma I bought new somewhere in the 80's. I have a Martin DM (the "cheap" one ) I bought around 15 years ago new. Sometimes i think the Martin sounds better, sometimes the Sigma. They play about the same. Around 84 the music store near my school allowed me to play a DM28 and that was magical. From that day of I wanted a Martin. But nor the Sigma nor the DM gave me that feeling again. I always wondered if that had changed if I had bought it (I really could not afford it at that time) Strange enough I had that experience again this year. It was a Music man Majesty and like you told, it does something, it kind of inspires me, every time I play it, it feels better and make me play better. And I can not tell why.

[@coreydavison4971]

variax acoustic models vs real acoustics please. thanks fellas. I love your playing and look forward to seeing more from Andertons.

[@matthiasdeigner]

Great video again guys! Maybe you could do a video on Seagull guitars?

[@matthiasdeigner]

SeriusNtentions or even a comparison of maybe a Seagull S6 and a Martin X series? (I'm not an expert or anything, just asking whether it would make sense)

[@trollstjerne]

I bought a Sigma D-45 a few weeks ago. It both sounds and looks amazing and it was just 1/10 of the price of a Martin D-45. I highly doubt the Martin sounds much better. The resale value of a Martin will be much higher just because of it's brand, but if you're planning on keeping it dont think it really matter other than bragging rights. A great sounding guitar is a great guitar no matter who made it, where its from or how much it costs.

[@goddim2006]

I just saw one in my usual instrument shop and automatically fell in love with its looks. Had to play it. I was surprised with the sound, feel and overall look. I'm buying it soon, hope you're happy with yours!

[@lstnlne7399]

doubt it Martin is the top dog

[@jackquentin1950]

@@lstnlne7399 overpriced

[@jamesadcock5235]

fenders at £700 are nice guitars. mahogany fender c60 best cheap guitar I ever played £119 two years ago. great video guys so good. I learn so much watching u play as well as great info

[@dadbod6039]

We need more acoustic paradiso!!!

[@jackquentin1950]

"Is it spruce?" "Spruce. Springsteen." Oh c'mon that was pretty good.

[@SpartanLaserCanon]

After hearing many acoustics and doing a shootout with some, my favorite one is still the PRS SE Parlour guitar I have. It has mid range you don't get with other acoustics. You can even plug it in.

[@jmcdaniel7484]

I'd love to see you do a video on how the Takamine G-Series stacks up against other acoustics.

[@etiquettemona]

I am so happy Andertons have discovered Dowina, good for you in Britain! These guitars are the bomb! I have a Dowina Puella, built with Italian alpine spruce top. This thing is loud, balanced and vibrating against your chest - very very alive sounding. I am sure Mike and Pete will agree. Handbuilt but still cheaper than asian imports. Whats not to like? Keep up the amazing work boys!

[@TheAngello120]

Just ordered a Harley Benton (yes don't laugh) parlour electro-acoustic for a mate who is a bit cash strapped but knows his axes , all solid mahogany top and sides , fishman electrics, 205 euro' delivered and out of the box its bloody amazing ! plays great ,sounds fantastic, no flaws , good tuners even took 12-54 strings without lifting the top, they have upped their game big time.

[@lindenrosam4781]

Haha just watching this in December 2020 and can’t help noticing all the little mannerisms that are huge “no-no’s” in this year of Covid-19 incl taking pick out of your mouth and passing it over! So (haha) hoping we can be more natural, like this, in the next year or so! Loving the guitar sounds. I have a fancy for the Fender, but that’s only because the Martin is way out of my price bracket. Andertons is such a great store, you guys have been so helpful. Don’t stop doing whatever you’re doing lol

[@Chelseejinjy]

I thought the Sigma is the Martin!

[@richardharrold9736]

Cheeky bit of Oasis "She's Electric" there eh, Mick! That ending jam was SWEET too!

[@jacobreece1971]

Blueridge acoustics are incredible value for the money in terms of tone and craftsmanship. I would highly recommend checking them out if you can.

[@Cvweare]

Dudes! Really pretty intro. :)

[@dwaynew3718]

How about comparing acoustic amps ? .... Greetings I am in USA in Alabama near Nashville Tn but love to turn to Andertons for reviews and of course to watch the CAPTN and crew ... lived in Europe many years one day hope to get to visit Andertons .. great job great vids and always fun!

[@joelcrow]

"cork-sniffing"....perfect term! Many of the fancy finishes and material do make a difference, but is it better or not is up to the cork-sniffer. :) Seriously this is very helpful education for starting players/new guitar buyers who quickly pick up peer pressure influences instead of starting off looking for what THEY love the sound of.

[@luciustitius]

What about a comparison between two mid priced guitars eg the fender dreadnought used in this video. One right out of the case the other one with a perfect setup made by a luthier including good strings eg elixier nanoweb and bone nut and saddle, ebony or bone string pins and maybe original tuners replacing the pot metal copies. I think a lot of players who cannot afford an expensive acoustic would find it very interesting what is added in tone by giving the guitars some extra love... Btw: A Comparison between a brand new D-28 and the one Mr. Honoré own would be fantastic.

[@briancuddy2606]

How about a comparison between a Yamaha L series with A.R.E. and an older L series without the ARE treatment to hear the difference of old (aged) vs new (forced aged) sound.

[@johnbee9957]

That Dowina guitar was a real winner - wow

[@Paragonx135]

Solid tops also age and to my ears get better, as well as full laminates. I played a 30 year old beat up all laminate Epiphone and I loved it. The sound was just different that a new one. If I could walk away with any one of these, it would be the Martin, which I would sell, buy the Dowina and keep the rest of the money.

[@Strabbs12345]

Have a d28 and it sounded crap when I first got it, realy bright and brash. It's now 3 years old and is just start img to bloom, I love it

[@brocluno01]

12 string and parlor guitar shoot-outs :) One of the things you'all do not feature are curved back guitars. Solid wood with stream bent backs and no back bracing (Framus comes to mind) could provide and interesting comparo to all these flat back guitars with back bracing ... And the Dowina is very nice :)

[@michaelgunther3345]

I'd like to hear and see some resonator guitar comparison. please ...

[@mervolicious]

As for the question what you could do on Acoustic Paradiso in the future: You could test some low- to mid-priced folk-ish guitars to take along a road trip (not the usual travel guitars please, they almost all sound aweful) or any other travel. Like the Fender CF-60CE for example. I'd like to have something that sounds great and where it does not kill me, when I lose it or it gets destroyed on a journey.

[@rafaol.5132]

world class comparison

[@j_laf9575]

That jam at the end though

[@brocluno01]

More like this please !!!! Broc

[@glennhiggins7680]

Welcome back.

[@danishpete]

Glenn Higgins Thank you Glenn

[@kentishmale1969]

The boys in Bratislava know what they're doing that's for sure - the guitar looks clean, cool and gorgeous, no unnecessary bollox, sounded bloody beautiful - and for 4 hundred quid, a bit of a bargain too :)

[@etiquettemona]

Keef I’m selling Dowina guitars in Sweden. I can sell any brand I want in my small independent shop. The Dowinas are flying out the door. Just listen to danish Pete 😊

[@pirancaseley4751]

that was a lush jam

[@Mr.Korzack]

One cool idea would be to compare the differences between top tone-woods on acoustic guitars? Know the main one's Spruce V Mahogany, but it'd be cool to hear the differences between those & throw some others in like Cedar if possible?

[@yarbgreat1]

Also, I've never owned an acoustic that was top of the line expensive, and I wonder if you guys would be willing to do a sound test of a new Martin, play it every day, and come back 3 years later and do a new sound test. I know it's a long experiment, but it would be an interesting thing to listen to.

[@geoffallen1331]

I agree with the 'so' and 'like' also things highlight in 'parenthesis'

[@ATTIKA17]

i'm not understand all jokes, but watching every time this guy's shirt's and it make me smile.

[@mattjones8523]

I would love to see a video of an Epiphone Masterbilt J-45 vs. the Gibson J-45.

[@benchan32]

Would love to hear Different tones of effects through Single coil and Humbucker sound hole pick ups.

[@houseofcards911]

I wanna see you guys do one on the Martin 000RS1!!! And compare it to some other 000 style Martin's!

[@52TeleGuy]

I like the Martin D28, but i also own an expensive Martin. I only buy Martin acoustics, but like other high end acoustics. Do a comparison on 4 high end acoustics at the same price point.

[@trollfiddler]

Excellent outro. Mick and Pete the best Anderton's guitarists. I Have Mick in the lead by a whisker :)

[@jesperswatson6128]

Make a blind test!!! That would be so cool..

[@danishpete]

Jesper Swatson We are working on it ;-)

[@cjdonald1983]

Here is an idea for you! What about a video on PEDALS that work well with acoustic guitars? ! I have heard effects used on acoustics on other youtube videos and some of them sound amazing!

[@RobTackettCovers]

You guys looks remind me of two movie actors that don't play guitar as far as I know...but I digress...on the lower priced models in this video, I would have to say to me it would depend most on the application as to how you were going to mostly use the guitar. I think for lead 'one note at a time' playing, that Fender sounded really good. For strumming or finger picking I'd say that Dowina Puella DCE sounds very good. I have found personally that most of the companies get the Martin "look" down very well, but don't come close to the Martin sound with the exception of when Recording King was making those "Torch" RD models (like the RD127 made like a Herringbone HD 28 scalloped brace guitar, 227 and 327) but I don't know if they are even making those guitars anymore. Hey, thanks for the video, men and Anderton's!

[@j0texo0j]

great video :-)