Dreadnought vs Orchestra Model Acoustics - What's the Difference?

Because so many had requested it, today's video will compare the differences in tone and style between an orchestra model (OM-28 style) and a dreadnaught (D-28 style) acoustic guitar. We'll listen critically to each guitar played on the same samples back to back through the same mics, with the same picks and string, and hopefully to the same ability Which is better guitar for each playing style? I'd love to know your thoughts down in the comments.
It's not a perfect comparison because of the obvious differences I've stated (Eastman vs. Martin, adirondack vs. sitka spruce, price differences, etc.), but I think the idea gets across appropriately. I tend to prefer the orchestra model dimensions for the way I play.
Equipment used:
- Dunlop .60mm Tortex picks - bit.ly/3d6shkU
- Dunlop Jazztone 205 picks - amzn.to/3xKql9x
- BlueChip TAD50 picks - bluechippick.net/
- D'Addario Phosphor Bronze strings - bit.ly/3gOoACE
- Slate ML-1 microphones - bit.ly/3wyEiI4
- SSL 2+ interface - amzn.to/3j2O40J
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▶️ *Highlights*
0:00 - Introduction
0:22 - Overview
1:21 - Martin vs. Eastman guitars
2:13 - Who would prefer an OM vs. Dreadnaught?
3:48 - Playing Samples intro
4:10 - Single Chords
4:39 - Scales
5:16 - Strumming
5:55 - Lead Noodling
6:43 - Capo'd Strumming
7:06 - Drop Tuning
7:29 - Funk
7:59 - Heavy Strumming
8:23 - Light Touch
9:23 - Jazz
10:28 - Fingerpicking
11:13 - Arpeggios
13:23 - Outro
11:45 - Classical
12:35 - Chord Melody
#acousticguitar #D28 #OM28
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[@titusrider7948]

Exceptional video! Beautifully mic'd comparison. I was thinking of a way to describe this, to me the OM is like a good young wine, certain notes jump out at you. The Martin is like a well aged cab, complex, rich and well balanced. The notes harmonize so well across the spectrum. Thank you for taking time to produce this

[@petestaint8312]

Another killer video! I'm addicted to your channel . 👍

[@txarcher3967]

Great comparison. Very helpful!

[@BradPaul1863]

Great video to start. Your description is very precise with the setup. Of course the following is my opinion, so most things are subjective. I grew up as a tiny child spending hours and hours in my grandfather's home recording studio. I listened to MANY instruments as he meticulously set up microphones, etc. ...(violins, cello's, etc.). He recorded them on "wire" before large reel-to-reel came around in the late 40's and 50's, before that he would cut his own records at 75rpm. Around 5 years old he started to teach me, around 1966. I can assure you it made an impression on my hearing and ability to remember tone, etc. LSS, I was given the choice of ANY instrument to play in grade-school band in Lombard, IL. In 1969ish, because I tested 2nd highest in the entire state's history. They offered me any instrument to play in the school band (sadly the band had no guitar), so my grandfather bought me my first acoustic when I was 9 years old. So here's the best take on what I can say about the sound.... First EVERYBODY knows Martin (so unless you do a double blind test) there is absolutely going to be a bias towards a guitar like Martin. You've done a great job to (eliminate and balance) any bias. After listening to your video more than a few times, with very good earbuds, the difference to my ears is that the Martin is "more open". So what does that mean?? It means that the sound surrounds you from left to right and the subtle underlying tones of the root notes of the chords (and the different harmonics) can be separated in your head. In other words you can focus on some melodic quality in the chords that isn't so obvious with the Easton. Personally, I think this particular Martin and this particular Easton are resonating very differently. Your mics are picking up a resonance from the fret board on the Martin that is more pronounced. The string "feel harmonics" are obviously more pronounced on the Martin. The Easton is missing that crisp sound from the fret board. BUT...what's more obvious to my ear is that the Easton is missing the definition and timing through the sound hole to your body microphone. It just sounds like it's missing "a little bit" of the articulation coming from the body microphone on the Martin. End result...I would LOVE to be happy buying an instrument for half the price and never question whether it had "the sound" I remember. I'm 60's years old and I really can't afford a Martin these days. I do however miss my 1950 D-28. Cordially,, bp

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thank you for your thoughts Paul! I see what you mean about the Martin having a "wider" sound. Lately I've been playing the Eastman more just because it feels great and has a great tone. The Martin is just huge and really needs 13-14 gauge strings on it. The Eastman is happy with 12's.

[@samsschool3639]

Nice work dude!, I think it depends on what type of song you are mixing. what style you play, the tone of the singer's voice and so on.

[@jimwing.2178]

I think that this video is a good demonstration of the sonic differences of dread vs. OM, and Sitka vs. Adirondack.

[@bazzinator7477]

Very interesting. Obviously both are excellent. I think it comes down to personal preference and to my ear the OM is brighter and clearer which I like best.

[@dezscott46]

For me it's the martin no contest would like to here it against the eastman dreadnought. Was thinking of the e8om tc put may have to rethink and listen to more reviews against the eastman dreadnought. Thanks for the demo

[@sidnewman7676]

An OM requires a technique adjustment if you ask me, and is a little better to suited to strumming if you use a lighter pick. I’m a Martín man, and would choose a Martin OM if that was part of the equation here, great video

[@jimbo6036]

Sorry for my bad English, not my native language. First of all, thank you very much for your videos, they are fantastic in all aspects. Congratulations. That Martin sounds spectacular, befitting its high-end. It has that “classic” dreadnought sound so recognizable that we all love. In my opinion the Eastman sounds excellent considering its price. I think the main differences in sound are due to size. A dreadnought, being larger, has a more “open” sound (more “Aaaa”) than a smaller size, which will always sound more “closed” (more Oooo). Sound is always difficult to define. I think that if someone expects a 0M to sound like a dreadnought is going to be disappointed. I have guitars in both sizes and each one is good for different things. The dreadnought in general does well with everything, strumming, finger styling, etc. The 0M size don't. I especially like the 0M when you go upper in the neck or with a capo because it maintains the tone and clarity very well, as seen in this video in the “Capo Strumming” part (minute 6:44). Depending on the song, the more “intimate” and “closed” sound of a smaller guitar may be a better option than a larger one. Playing a good 0M guitar is inspiring and fun. When I do, that different sound inspires me diferent songs and it hooks me, I just can't stop playing it. But if I could only have one guitar, it would be a dreadnought without hesitation, due to its versatility. More if it is a Martin like that. ;).

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thanks for your thoughts! I agree, though I think if I had to have only one guitar, I'd sell them both and get a Martin OM-28. After a few months, I'm finding I really enjoy the smaller body more for my playing style.

[@walterstreet1467]

I like the OM with the 60 pick

[@mikesolomon481]

This is a solid, well conceived & organized demonstration. Both guitars sound VERY good. How old is the D 28 and the Eastman ? Th eD 28 sounds like ithas aged a bit and opened up. The Eastman sounds tight, not yet opened up, stiff.NAturally hte design of both bodies changes their tonality. Comparing a D style vs an 000 or OM is interesting. It would be great for you ot use htis organized format to compare D 28 vs HD 28, another D 28 vs D18, and others comapring D 28 and D 18 vs the guitar models positioned by Eastman designed to compete wiht htese Martins. Bravo on the demo's concept.

[@larryrhindress2972]

I just bought an Boucher SG41 OM. It's the best guitar that I've ever owned. Please do a review on Boucher's, they are AMAZING!!

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Would love to try one sometime!

[@nacienlos70]

I think you can hear the gauge. The Eastman has that looser stringy sound (maybe scale is shorter). Strings seem to vibrate less on the Martin, sounds softer.

[@2628064379]

That Adi top sure makes a difference in the sound clarity. My vote is for Eastman in this case due to its top wood. I think this top gives it the added punch especially considering it has a shorter string length than the dreadnought. That said, a fingerstyle player, I prefer the midrange of a dreadnought. OM models always seem to lack something in this range compared to a dreadnought. And if you compare an OM against a round shouldered dreadnought there is no comparison. The dreadnought wins.

[@migueldemaria3830]

Eastmans seem to consistently have this high-mid bump that just sounds bad to me.

[@alexandregregoire1396]

Hi Alex, great video and helpful. I have a Martin 000-15 but I'm not sure I want it as a primary guitar. I love it but maybe not as a main. The all hog, but also the nut width that I feel a little to short. I am left handed so the choices are so low, and forget trying out first. You need to buy online most of the time. Can you talk a little bit about the playability of the Eastman? I am really interested, as there is one on Reverb right now, left handed! Appreciate your thoughts!

[@thefamilydog6392]

Trying Visit a vintage dealer !

[@petestaint8312]

Both sound awesome but the Martin takes it. Killer comparison video! 👍

[@bcain5823]

Great video. I currently have a Larrivee D40R and Taylor 224CE Koa. I play in a church setting and the Taylor didn’t seem to have the fuller sound I was looking for. The D40R in my opinion gives a much fuller sound than my Koa. Could be the difference in woods or shape, or both. The D40r has an LR Baggs Lyric which is the closest I’ve heard to a true mic’d guitar. I’ve played some Eastman dreadnaughts and they do sound great. What is your opinion on an orchestral cutaway, like my Taylor? On occasion i like to reach those higher frets when playing leads. Do you think the cutaway would change the sound significantly?

[@AlexPriceMusician]

I've had a lot of people tell me that the cutaway doesn't affect the tone much but that's not what I've found. Then again, nearly all cutaway guitars have electronics in them so that could be the case too - the electronics weighing down the instrument and keeping it from resonating properly. I play up high on my non-cutaways no problem. I studied classical guitar for awhile and so it doesn't bother me. That's part of the reason I don't feel the need to get a cutaway. My idea has always been that I want to have one guitar to keep at home and use for recording and writing. The other is my gig instrument and is outfitted with electronics. I'd say if you're performing and need something easy to play and reliable, get the cutaway if you like it enough. Then keep your other acoustics free of electronics.

[@beaucroftrecorders]

Really useful video, thank you! Lovely playing too. I have been considering buying an Eastman OM (I already have three Eastman electrics and an El Ray mando). But I just loved the sweet tone of that Martin and can imagine playing that a lot more than an OM purely based on the tones in your demo. However, you say that you use the OM for live work so I would be interested to know why. (I mainly use an Atkin The Forty Three for live work because it is well balanced across the strings but to be honest, I'd prefer a sweeter tone). Is it because the smaller body is easier to manage for long periods or because of standing etc? Or is it more resistant to feedback, or just easier to get a sound? Do use a pickup live? Finally, do you find one just easier to play than the other?

[@AlexPriceMusician]

I was wanting a guitar that worked well with a slightly lighter gauge of strings (shorter scale length too), which makes it easier to keep up on a 3 hour gig of playing "lead" acoustic. I'm usually all over the neck. Yes - I have the JourneyTek EP001K (check today's video) installed at the moment. I had a mic system in there too but it was defective and so the company is sending me another. The Martin is a beautiful instrument, but it needs at least 13 gauge strings and I'd like to keep it in top shape for playing at home and recording.

[@beaucroftrecorders]

@@AlexPriceMusician Oh cool, I have a look later. I put a K & K mini in a small Guild M120 so it will be very interesting. The JourneyTek is really cheap here. Thanks for your reply.

[@mklnm]

considering the price difference the om is pure gold ! lacks the boom but better in details

[@tjmac6191]

The Martin guitar seems to evoke the meaning of each piece played Around the 9:24 mark it’s striking how the guitar responds to the shift in the musical style The Martin seems to bring out the intention of the music whereas the Eastman simply reproduces the notes, if that makes any sense

[@wolfgang4078]

It`s an old discussion, you need both of them. For Bluegrass and Flatpicking the Dread is a must. For the rest you take a OM/OOO. But that is not a rule. The only problem for a dread ist the size.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

I definitely enjoy having both of them. For digging in, the dreadnaught it the right choice. This Martin is a cannon. The OM-sized guitar is much more dynamic and expressive though.

[@Gump-tion]

The Martin just has a much fuller deeper sound that appeal to my ears. The OM is good too.

[@picksalot1]

Both are beautiful sounding guitars. The Martin has classic tones, with a very clear and exceptionally balanced sound. The Eastman has a warmer, thicker sound. It also sounds a little compressed, boxy and weaker on the B and E strings. All the other strings sounded good. I'd suggest increasing the thickness of the B and E strings by one gauge. If that doesn't work, try lowering those two by one gauge to see if that will get them to "speak" more loudly. Each time you switched guitars, my preference changed. I think the Martin is the better instrument due to its balanced, clear sound. Musically, I'm drawn to the Martin. Tonally, I'm drawn to the Eastman, but the weak B and E strings would be an issue for me. Perhaps that can be remedied by changing the string gauges of just those two strings. You did a superb job micing both guitars, and I think you did them both justice in the demo. I'd be happy to have either of such wonderful instruments. I listened through Studio Monitoring Headphones. Do both guitars have the same string length? Thanks

[@AlexPriceMusician]

I agree with that - the Eastman seems for focused in the mids where the Martin has a nice and tight low end and a balanced high end too. Especially about the high e and b strings - I definitely wouldn't mind a gauge thicker just on those two. The Eastman does have a shorter scale length and so I'm sure that is a factor too.

[@garrellbutler8759]

After listening to the guitars without the internal pickups, I would have to give the Eastman a slight edge over the Martin. This leads me to believe that the K&K is the better pickup because it made the Martin sound much better than eat Eastman!

[@AlexPriceMusician]

I think both are fantastic instruments, just different. I enjoy having them each for different reasons.

[@geraldhills41]

Martin all the way !

[@VilhelmKruse]

Slightly off-topic, but what two chords are you playing from 7:07 - 7:25?

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Dmaj9 and Gmaj7, in drop D tuning

[@mattltech]

Martin all the way. Beautiful sounding guitar.

[@jedijudoka]

Thought I’d prefer the OM but the dreadnought has so much warmth and fullness. To be honest, I play my classical more than any other of my acoustics lol. can’t beat nylon!

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thanks for your thoughts!

[@christianvidigalmiranda4229]

The bass and volume of the bigger guitars will always be better but I prefer the way the smaller ones are more responsive and clearer.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Totally agree.

[@6StringsTheory]

The eastman sounds better fingerpicking and the Martin sounds better strumming.

[@weaselpopper]

People still comparing when they are two different size guitars with different intended applications.

[@LTDudzek]

That's the point.