Furch Orange OM vs. Martin OM-28 | Modern vs. Classic OM Acoustics

Today we've got two great high end OM-style acoustic guitars, one from Martin (the classic OM-28) and one from Furch (an incredible Orange model). Take a listen to both and let us know which one you like more!
SHOP FURCH: www.alamomusic.com/brands/furch
SHOP MARTIN: www.alamomusic.com/brands/Martin
0:00 Intro/Specs
10:14 Demos
15:07 Final Thoughts
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[@davidchavez4464]

I've been waiting for this!

[@GC-sy1uf]

I think that the Furch OM Vintage 3 would have been the more equivalent guitar for this comparison. I have one that I purchased from Alamo last year and it is a fantastic Guitar !!!

[@raulands]

I also have the OM Vintage 3, I replaced the Tusq saddle with a bone one, I think it sounds even better.

[@leraph3904]

The vintage séries is amazing. Very surprised than no more people talk about.....

[@Runoratsu]

Damn, those Martins always have some magic wood sound as part of their signature. Such depth! And I say that as someone who bought a Furch Red as their first higher priced acoustic!

[@falcongunner33]

I'm a Martin guy through and through but that Furch sounds incredible. It's got less of those sterile overtones that I disklike in Taylor guitars. Both great options.

[@elbamainline2223]

love you guys!

[@jenniferdavenport9571]

love hearing both. I do look forward to the day when a Furch is no longer compared to a Taylor. I have one and they definitely have a sound and personality of their own. I have the OM CR Yellow and would love to own the Vintage 2 and one of the Nylon Furchs. Of course I would also love that Martin OM 28. Thanks for another great video.

[@dalroth10]

Excellent video guys, really enjoyed listening to both guitars and your thoughts on the pro's and con's of each. Really tough choice between the two but I think overall the sound of the Furch just edged it to my ears. I've got a DS:23:CR Furch (retailed in the UK as Stonebridge) that I bought in 2008 and it still sounds awesome!

[@dougthom5496]

I bought the Furch Orange Master series on a trip to Alamo from Florida. I love my Furch more every day that I play it. They just opened a distribution and sales office in Nashville and are making a commitment to the US.. I think you will be hearing more about them as time goes on and more people get their hands on one. After playing mine at Alamo, the decision was easy. I had found my guitar!

[@FurchGuitarsOfficial]

Thank you so much Doug for your sweet words 💛

[@guitargirl7452]

@@FurchGuitarsOfficial I have a 10 year old OM 32SM from you and it is easily my favourite guitar. Exceptionally well built and sounds fantastic. Picks like a dream! You deserve the praise. No disrespect to Martin Guitars- they too make fantastic guitars. But I love my Furch.

[@steveoneal5257]

great vid guys

[@ipuya]

I think with acoustics of that quality you just gotta be there in the store and try them out see which one resonates best with you and your style of playing. Both sounded amazing.

[@juzzie]

Love the sound of that Furch for me .. sound more compressed and slightly deeper

[@le_th_]

Love Furch and Stonebridge, absolutely some of the most beautiful tones come out of their guitars: truly extraordinary.

[@guitardan666]

My Furch Red Masters Choice just arrived this morning,a stunning guitar,the tone and sound is just incredible. The woods are exquisite but the crowning glory has to be the Pickup system,clear as a bell and so easy to operate. Time to sell my Songwriter deluxe,it's been fun but doesn't hold a candle to the Furch!

[@FurchGuitarsOfficial]

Thank you, Daniel! 💛 Welcome in the guitar family

[@guitardan666]

Děkuji!

[@nathanbarnette1162]

Just picked up my Red Masters Choice last Saturday. I couldn’t be happier!

[@FurchGuitarsOfficial]

@@nathanbarnette1162 Thank you, Nathan. We are happy to hear that! Have a fun 💛

[@johnwashburn3793]

This is great to hear about the pickup. I need to try one and hope my wife won't object, I have many already.

[@johnwashburn3793]

I just listened again and I think that the Ferk, OK, Furch sounds great. Very crisp and distinct and not really like a Taylor. I will hope to try one...and I am a Martin guy.

[@michaelogden5093]

Ahhhh, this is a good one!

[@Mars-mr3om]

I have a Furch vintage OM, a martin d28 re imagined and auditorium cutaway. . The Furch sounds between a Taylor and a Martin but closer to a martin IMO. the furch neck is a bit thicker. . Can't go wrong with either as long as u get a comfortable size neck for you.

[@jimdoner3443]

Glad to hear you can get different buttons for the 510 tuners. Hate the shape of the standard buttons on them

[@VaibhavMittalIndia]

Good demo guys! Martin has more of fundamental tone while Furch has more more overtones. I would compare Furch more to a Taylor than the Martin! Greetings from India ☀️

[@tomangus3637]

Agree 100% about the Furch is MUCH more like a Taylor (but with seriously more ‘bottom end’) ….. I tried them side by side and bought a Furch ‘Red Deluxe’ Cutaway SR over a Taylor 814ce

[@texhaines9957]

I prefer the sound (more bass and open sound) of this Martin to Furch. This is great news for the 000-28e Modern Deluxe I play. I may not like it so much if it ever needs a neck re-set. And I love the Chris McKee signature Taylor 914ce if I want Modern. Thanks Chris and Cooper.

[@redson425]

The OM28 is my benchmark guitar. Its the sound that I identify with but I've been leaning towards a Furch (say Furk) because I feel I'm never going to need a neck reset. Been pondering a Rainbow SR OM with the yellow's aesthetics as I'm not a fan of the orange's rosette and that way I'll get the same grade woods as the orange. My concern is the neck playability so glad Cooper brought that up. I have a blue plus Furch but I'm not a fan of the neck as for me it plays wider than my Martin and Maton. I don't know what it is but I struggle with Barre chords down the neck, so was surprised when Cooper and Chris say they think the Furch plays thinner. So now I'm really confused!! BTW that orange sounds wonderful. That's a superb example of IR on that orange.

[@janacandia1449]

I agree, my Furch definitely has a wider neck compared with my Taylor 814.

[@pawebogdan7875]

I don't like Furch necks profile too, I guess it's Soft V. From my experience is quite wide (even with 43mm nut width) and uncomfortable to play.

[@janacandia1449]

Definitely doesn’t play thinner but I was able to adjust and I have small hands. So worth it as the guitar is gorgeous both in sound and aesthetics (mine has the Roman numeral fretboard inlays).

[@crosscy01]

I don’t like my Furch Red neck profile either. It feels wider than my maton. I’ve lowered the action to increase the playability and took a while to get used to it.

[@deanmcbride8747]

Furch guitar is awesome but their tone is more towards Taylor guitars sound. The furch is a little brighter in tone. The furch is £1000 cheaper than a Martin om 28 and has a lr baggs anthem pickup too. Furch guitars are superb. Great video. I do love a good Martin too Dean 🇬🇧

[@miltonalmonte7126]

Hello everyone I would love to have a Martin 28 or 45 but they are so expensive but this Furch sounds really good

[@James-oh1wp]

Damn! I almost always prefer the Martin tone … but not in this case . Wow! Thanks for this comp

[@derricksheppard2020]

Thanks for producing this video, guys. I really enjoy listening to your comparative viewpoints and subjective input. (Admittedly, it would be more engaging if you'd disagree a little more. Hostility would sensationalize the banter! LOL I'll start....While you're both very well informed, and seasoned players, Cooper's commentary is more 'in tune' with my thinking because, in far fewer words, it's more rich in analytical depth!)! Here's my input for what it's worth: You're comparing two totally different guitars. Furch is a cut-away, and the Martin is not. The cut-away feature reduces the cubic volume of reverberating space inside the guitar's body. By so doing, one would assume the sound may not be as rich or dynamic in the cut-away. I fully realize this is an arguable point because of the large number of variables affecting sound, especially in your comparison; woods, string choice, playing style etc.. Given the two guitars are amplified the same, and other controls are in place, I think the Furch is far ahead of the Martin simply because they both sound so similar, even when we include the characteristics associated with the Furch's cut-away. Also, Cooper's point about the ergonomics is dead on! I have a Stonebridge, and it's a gem to play because of the slightly wider neck. It's great for fingerpicking! One would think the Martin would be superior, but in my view, it is not. Again, I fully realize sound preference depends on the listener/player, so my comments are subject to scrutiny, for sure! Thanks, again, for the video! You're both highly skills and knowledgeable musicians in my view! An appreciative Canadian.

[@radimvasol168]

I agree with your opinion.

[@cbayardelle]

The furch has a bit to much bottom end.

[@raulands]

Doing comparisons on Furch's site using tonepedia these are my impressions: Martin (not the 28, the OOO 18) has the warmest sound but not as clear, balnaced as the Furchs. Then the Vintage 3 OM, still warm tone but not as warm sounding as a Martin but has more clarity and seems more balanced. Furch Color/Orange series: Least warm of the three but has more clear souding notes. Would be great to know other opinions and to know if they are similar or not to my impressions.

[@petermuller7530]

Why not compare Furch Vintage 3 sr to Martin om28? Wouldn't that be more similar?

[@IndigoJo]

Furch's guitars are all 650mm scale length, even the 12-fret OOM (not the basses or Little Jane though). Seems to be a popular scale length among European builders (Lowden's F and O shapes both have that scale length; the S and WL are shorter).

[@marekzebrowski5161]

You can order every Furch in short scale....

[@michael4930]

Great demo. I feel like the Furch has a more modern sound, more midrange and the trebles are more pronounced. The bass notes sits behind them. Whereas, I feel the Martin does the opposite and has a more "folky" sound for lack of a better word. Both are awesome sounding guitars, but I do love my OM-28. There's something about that Martin OM sound.

[@johnwashburn3793]

Yes, describing sound with words is difficult (and you forgot to say "scooped " "boxy " and "overtones "). I heard some guys discussing wine the other day and I thought at first that they were talking guitars. (Focused with a woodsey blume.)

[@scottfishkind5335]

Assuming mic distance and performance was pretty similar ( which I’m assuming they are), I preferred the Furch. It had more resonance and clarity. I was listening with decent headphones.

[@arkadyromanov7803]

Honestly I've never thought I'd be convinced that you could spend that kind of money on a guitar that would sound significantly better than a well made but cheaper guitar (3 series Taylor for example) and that most of the money is going towards exclusivity and 'premium' features like more expensive inlays, finishes etc etc. These 2 ALMOST make me think otherwise. I do wish I could get a Furch like that in my hands to try out.

[@kk-GUK]

Both lovely guitars but I decided to buy a Lowden S22, wanted a different tone as I have a D18 & D28.

[@Tzadeck]

In the video, at least, I like the Furch. I have a Martin OM-28 though, and it's the best sounding guitar I've ever played (even out of the 20 or so OM-28s I've tried out).

[@seanhallahan14]

Awesome for you gents for doing this!!! Once again you fear-not.

[@audiotalk6155]

I just got the Martin ooo28 Modern Deluxe... the guitar shoppe said did they didn't carry Taylor cause of the poly finish... Not sure why, but they said it was an inferior finish... Can anyone comment and explain more? Notice the Furch also has a poly finish. Thank you.

[@anthonyb2334]

Definitely a different sound , more modern as you say. I’m definitely a Martin guy, but I’m seriously considering a Furch. I need to play a few more to know how they feel. I played a yellow OM, but not sure the model. It truly was impressive. I get and don’t get the comparison to Taylor. I’ve owned Taylor’s but they just don’t do it for me and I don’t know why. Thank you for an excellent video.

[@grgdavis2]

I forsee the day that Furch guitars are revered and in as much demand as brands such as Martin, Gibson etc.

[@briandesjardins728]

Vintage 3 wouls have been a pound for pound match. One thing ill say about Furch is their wood quality is 100 times better! Martin doesnt work off book matched sets. They have so much they have 2 full time employees whos job is to walk around a pile of rosewood and match as close as they can "good enough" . This surely isnt ideal as no two pieces are the same. Plus furch neck system and the way they voice every top and back. Martin arent voiced individually, they all have the same bracing and thays it. Furch have unmatched clarity across the whole sound spectrum. I own 3 furch and they all sound INSANELY good.. yellow masters with cedar and indian is my fav combo. Truly a massed built boutique sound. I was a martin guy until i took a chance and ordered a furch online, best decision of my musical life!

[@waynzwhirled6181]

Fascinating comparison. Excellent presentation. Makes me think of The Lovin' Spooful, did you ever have to make up your mind? Blonde or brunette? Hell, I don't know. Can I have them both?

[@charlesbranch4120]

When nitrocellulose finishes are off-gassing, is nitrous oxide emitted? The best guitar is... the one that Chris and Cooper (or you) are playing.

[@badscrew4023]

This Martin sounded more organic and together. Better string balance.

[@xHaRdCoReViPeRx]

puttinf the taylor 412-ce r in the comparison would be awesome :D

[@jamesdaniel2363]

Furch’s mid range and highs seem clearer. The sustain is miles longer than the Martin, and the tones are clearer. I’ve always found the Martins I’ve played are muted compared to other guitars. Taylors don’t have the attention to detail of Furch, but I’ve also found Taylors have less lower tones than even an Epiphones-esp the Masterbilts. The Indigo beats them all in your comparison. No question.

[@stephenpoirier8315]

@alamomusic what’s the name of the fingerstyle piece you played in this video? It’s beautiful

[@CarlosGonzalez-tx4cb]

Hearing the video clips of both, I like the OM-28, but whenever I have played a Furch Vs a Martín in person, I always prefer the Furch hands down. I have a Furch red deluxe Gc-LC and I took it to my friend’s who has several Martins and he also preferred the Furch as well.

[@MJWPub]

For ooo in an orchestra setting the Furch has to be best choice, it sounds so clear. [raggedy? the word you might use is harmonics, overly rich harmonics...]

[@jt3483]

I'm definitely a Martin guy, but I thought the Furch sounded better in almost every sound sample. The Martin had a bit too much bass thud in my headphones that overwhelmed everything else. I'm pretty sure that in person, I would prefer the Martin though.

[@azcharlie2009]

The Martin OM 28 Modern Deluxe is the best acoustic guitar you can buy right now.... IMO

[@tomangus3637]

The Furch would be better compared with other Taylor models rather than the CF Martin OM28. It’s much more like a Taylor 518ce

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

If I had ~$3000.00 to spend on a new guitar, I would go with Furch all day. They take the time to voice their tops, and just seem to put more personal care into each of their instruments, than Martin does. Martin has its heritage to “lean back” on, but Furch is a newer company trying to make their name in the industry. IMHO, the hierarchical structure is this: Furch > Martin > Taylor. I love guitars that are hand voiced, because I feel like my money is well spent on an instrument that is hand voiced. For all the money that Taylor, Gibson, and Martin costs to own, they should be voiced by hand...there is no reason they shouldn’t be at that price point. Always great to see you two demoing guitars. I’ve been a fan of Alamo Music channel for many, many years. Peace. 🐰💙🇺🇸🎸🎶🤝✌️

[@Tigerex966]

I would add Yamaha top ls series to that hierchy as well.

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

@@Tigerex966 definitely 👍🏼

[@CalJennings]

I like the sound of the Furch better. How about comparing the Furch to a Guild? I wish you weren't so far away from me.

[@scouser2230]

They both sound relatively similar but do they both have a 1.75 inch nut width. I would however buy the Martin.

[@scouser2230]

Hi, I am Scouser, what can I do for you.

[@scouser2230]

?

[@bryanprice3847]

“It’s got that Boom Boom POW”-best comment ever! 😂❤😂

[@michaelogden5093]

People say the Furch sounds compressed and that sounds about right to me. The Martin seems to have more attack.

[@williamnichols6253]

I thought I was over Martin, then I had to watch this video... Shouldn't have done that.

[@deandugas1591]

25.625" scale length Furch

[@flfl3969]

It's amazing how the Martin has more volume and overtones. It just sounds better. The Furch is a great guitar, but Martin is a level above it sound wise. Have purchased a Taylor 914 CE and a Martin GPC16e, I can categorically state the Martin's playability is far superior to Taylor's. I was greatly surprised because the Taylor's are supposed to play better than Martins.

[@marcusvaldes]

I think your ears are being led by brand loyalty.

[@jasonbussellsmusic8828]

I own a Furch and want to add a Martin. Through my headphones, the Martin sounded a little too bassy.

[@Tigerex966]

Nice guitars, I think the Yamaha ls36 would have fit right in.

[@kevingill648]

Both great guitars and nothing between them in sound! but why pay a crazy price for one?

[@ThomasMTV]

Furch Guitar 🥰

[@born2push]

I like both...hahaha. Furch has a little more clarity and focus. But martin is rich

[@frankw.1721]

Martin has a hard-to-beat richness. Furch is good too. I have a Martin( USA made) and a Furch…not these models…and enjoy both.

[@Chris.Biard42]

Wowwwww the Furch has a way greater sound!

[@CoolCat11]

Perhaps instead of the verbal comparisons with words that don't help with describing sound, let Cooper demo them. His playing truly brings out the real guitar - the variety of sounds. Sorry gents... just my thoughts.

[@tawan1827]

10:15 - 10:35

[@hughnguyen1772]

Martin always sounds great like a Martin.

[@marcusvaldes]

My understanding is it's not Furch like Church, but Furch, like Perk.

[@raulands]

I think it's pronouce fur-h. That last h sounding like in words: have, how

[@sndr_ln]

Hi! Letters (ch) in Furch sounds like "h" in ha-ha

[@sndr_ln]

and "u" sounds like short "oo" in "food"

[@curtvahle2018]

Martin rang like a bell, the Furch sounded good, rather like a Taylor. Martin still wins hands down.

[@kft590]

Why didn't they use a Furch OM guitar for comparison? The Martin has a more balanced tone, with better Bass, and Mids.

[@dividedbytimestudios]

What the Furch?

[@bogart5131]

acoustic without electeonics are incomplete, most people now a days uses guitars in the stage and so with PA

[@nilsunderseer2157]

Resonance? -> still Martin! What a body sound. Sorry Furch... But maybe such a comparision shouldn't being made between a cutaway and non cutaway body? But, still, I think the resonance difference isn't caused by that allone here.

[@buckmax5248]

The Martin sounds more balanced the Fruch more Bass but weak highs

[@deanmcbride8747]

Hi guy's. Just pronounce furch guitars as Furk or furks. Dean 🇬🇧 ❤

[@artrogers3985]

Kinda looked like you couldn’t bend the Furch as easily 🎸

[@TimEngbergSongs]

Wrong comparison. Should have been the Furch Vintage series

[@lebe220]

To me, the OM-45 sounds best

[@acousticsong-guitarco964]

Try pronounce Furch like Foork, would be closer than Firk

[@somebodyfixmyinternet]

No comparison. The Furch blows the sterile Martin out of the water.

[@steveoneal5257]

i love Martin guitars but i think the Furch outsouned the Martin

[@ace-ic6kz]

from the beginning furch logo look like fuck so they change it to only a f lol'

[@johnjones-uc3ni]

Complaining about a logo? Lol!

[@dietersdawgs]

Man, you guys are full of it....bias, I mean. The Furch sounds better, even tho it's a cutaway. A better comparison would be a non cutaway Furch. Y'all just can't get over living in the past. Keep drinking the Martin Kool aid, and picking inferior guitars lol! Furch tunes all their tops and braces, Martin doesn't.....how's that for "DNA " can y'all spell bee you el el ess aytch eye tee???

[@musikvonandreas]

you are just as subjective as they are 😂 tbh.. I've been owning a Vintage 3 OM for 6 Years now.. Great guitar but not better than a Martin OM28

[@dietersdawgs]

@@musikvonandreas I don't own a Furch but I've played Furchs, a lot of Martins, and I have a Boucher....I have never played a Martin that has impressed me, and there hasn't been any that can come close to my Boucher.

[@ytrezazerty1]

the furch case is horrible...

[@alestev24]

I beg you. Please don't say "Firtch"

[@oldpicker49]

furch is junk

[@danfrost2076]

I love these fiddles. They nice. Btw. It’s pronounced “Furk” google the language. I’m saving up for one. Bad to the bone.