Guess the Price of Dreadnought Acoustics Blindfolded?!

[@donbishop6994]

It should be illegal for anyone to be able to chicken pick like that without being able to see. This guy makes me want to burn all my gear in a bonfire tomorrow while im doing my 4th of july cookout. 😂😂

[@teejay769]

Ha yes! 😂. I came here because I’m looking at Gibson hummingbirds and when he started playing I decided to take up the kazoo 😝. JK but he is so good.

[@colinclement2752]

For real I literally put my guitar down for the day after watching this

[@kennethgates5790]

I can relate giving away my last two guitars because I can’t stand my lack of ability to play any longer. When you still can’t successfully make a good basic c chord you begin to hate your guitars because it’s easier to blame them than yourself 🫤😒🫤.

[@ahill209]

I was impressed with the Epiphone. I have a Martin D-28, but I really liked the fullness and clarity of the Epiphone. Great playing!

[@lawrencehubbell9397]

I agree completely. I also had a Martin D-28, and I liked the warmth and clarity of the Epiphone.

[@drewg3087]

That’s mahogany for ya.

[@brucelevering8789]

I also think the Epiphone had the fullest sound. You don't know a guitar until you have it in your hands though.

[@velvetunderpants44]

I tried a Masterbilt Epiphone slope shoulder a few years ago and was sorely tempted to buy it. Tried the Gibson version of the same guitar (in the same shop) the following year and thought it didn't sound even half as good as the Epiphone. Sometimes you need to use your ears and not your eyes....

[@Edward-eo5fv]

I have the Epiphone hummingbird pro. Paid 300 at Christmas time it's black I wish I paid 50 more and got the one that was stained and not painted black

[@andymanley4854]

Really enjoyed this. I don’t watch many of Bens videos because I’m not often in the market for acoustics, but he is something else!

[@abeellis4470]

More blind fold acoustic shootouts please! I love these!!!

[@JeffStanifer]

Never seen Ben before but the second he started playing i out loud said “woah this guy can play!”

[@jackkofroth3520]

Man. If I could play like this guy I would make a broom with 6 rubber bands sound like heaven. Awesome playing!!!!!

[@AimingWanderously]

That speaks volumes to Epiphone's quality! Side note, I've done a very similar thing with tasting whiskies, and it is WAY harder to do these blind ratings than you'd think.

[@josiemaxj763]

Those epi hummingbirds are where its at, found mine in a pawn shop. Stuck a new bridge on it and a rare earth soundhole pickup and its a formidable gigging instrument

[@tomeisenmenger7048]

I'm amazed he can touch that harmonic without looking. Well done! I've got quite a ways to go!

[@marka8738]

He did miss it first time but that was enough to tell him where it was. Still impressive none the less

[@My_Name_Suc]

Time stamp pls

[@marka8738]

​@@My_Name_Suc1.53. By no means taking anything away from Ben, hes awesome 😁

[@TVsBen]

RIGHT??? That completely floored me.

[@careycrash9916]

touching the tuning peg on the epiphone was a slight giveaway . Either a gibson or epiphone

[@wocko63]

That's exactly what I thought. Keep those fingers off the tuning pegs, or he might as well do it without the blindfold.

[@JBMotorrad]

I enjoyed this much! Ben's take on tonal range was an eye opener for me. One thing I have found on the "lesser" guitars is fretboard build quality makes an enormous difference to all the things.

[@wilkbor]

This was a fascinating watch. I'm amazed at how well he plays while blindfolded. Great job all around.

[@ashleycox432]

As a totally blind person doing this purely based on tone, unable to see the guitars in the video until they were described, this was really interesting. I really like the AD17, I think it has quite a unique tone, with the bass of a full-size body but the snap of a travel guitar. I'm not fussed for the D28. I get that it's the supposed 'king' of acoustic guitars, but I've never been inspired by its sound. The hummingbird falls somewhere in the middle; the original Gibson version sounds better, but there's not much in it and for chords played heavy and loud it's great fun. But all told I'd rather play and listen to the AD17 or the Sire.

[@picksalot1]

Very good blind test challenge, excellent playing, and congrats Ben for getting the relative prices right. Each guitar sounded good, and different, and might be best in different genres. I liked the warmth and non-genre specific tone of the Epiphone.

[@Russell_Optics]

Great video ! Ben with a blindfold plays leaps & bounds better than I can on my very best day. Excellent job Ben. The Martin definitely sounded the best through my speakers.

[@deejay7339]

He plays really well! Too much mid range on the Taylor (sold mine for this reason). Martin for me as well.

[@nahf4m]

If you really want to confuse someone, hand them a yamaha fg830. I went in to the local shop ready to drop a thousand and walked out under 400$ 😮

[@jrenaud22]

Yes!! My first guitar was a $149 Yamaha about 14 years ago. I didn't know a thing about guitars but I was so proud to own a guitar and I've taken great care of it. Still gets its turn in the rotation and has gotten better over time. In fact, I'd pick my cheap Yamaha over SO many $300-$500 acoustics I've played in guitar shops.

[@louieo.blevinsmusic4197]

Yamaha FG-180 Red Label is a dope guitar and I’ve heard the FG830 can go pound for pound with it. My favorite singer/songwriter Elliott Smith played a 70’s Taiwanese made FG180/RL and is known as one of the best acoustic players ever. I’ve been looking at a Red Label and a ‘73 Yamaha FG240 Green Label to possibly purchase to keep in D standard on stage but since it’s not the 1sf time I’ve heard someone praise it, I’ll def check the Fg830 out. ‘Preciate

[@davidhamlin7932]

That's what I got buddy!

[@susanroycroft89]

Oh yes they are quite extraordinary guitar's,I brought 1 too a few years ago, value for money here in NZ They're my choice 😊😊😊

[@susanroycroft89]

​@@louieo.blevinsmusic4197good decision, I recently brought a Taiwanese FG 180( black Label) + while it's a Superb instrument ( made in the mid 70s ) and its Soo Cose to equaling the FG 830, its Quite amazing, And FG- 180 is laminate, + the 830 is Solid top, it Really Highlights the degree of quality in the Yamaha maker's- the inner tone/ wood of the 180 is obviously quality wood to get such a beautiful tone 😮😮😮

[@dalesearcy5734]

Love your blind tests! What I find interesting is how good the lower priced guitars have become. We are living in a Golden Age for guitar players.

[@johnlawrence3170]

It also becomes a bit of a game of tonewood preference. My acoustic experience is still rather limited, but I increasingly find I prefer the sound of mahogany over rosewood. Stuff like that can make an impact.

[@neiladdison4457]

That Epi has to bd the winner today! Great value for money!!

[@semin811]

Can't wait to see the other sequels! I really enjoyed this. I wish I could just get a little more of why Ben chose one over the other and what went around in his head during the decision making.

[@raymondreeder3274]

I actually preferred the sound of the Epiphone to the Taylor but I agree the Martin was Superior to all of them.. but In that guy's hands They all sound amazing 👍fun stuff

[@petestaint8312]

Agreed! 👍

[@CDLMusicVids]

Would love to see small shop handcrafted acoustic guitar comparisons from builders like Yairi (Japan) or Froggy Bottom (USA). Thanks guys, love the channel.

[@lotusmark2]

love it, thanks. No question when the Martin came up though

[@tonybrown1198]

Awesome! I picked the D-28 right away! Great experiment!

[@rushrulz65]

They all sounded good and Ben can sure play, but the Martin D-28 just sounds like a Martin.

[@mendoza2489]

No joke!

[@thewinenut9800]

I have the Epiphone Hummingbird. I bought it as my first Acoustic was a Kasuga Hummingbird copy. The Epiphone is a beautiful guitar both in build and sound.

[@osamabinladen824]

I also have a Kasuga. But a Kasuga F-15, a copy of a Guild OM size guitar.

[@jimib3]

I’ve always been really impressed with Epiphone acoustics for the price

[@zebulon39u]

I love these Lee and Ben videos. As much as I think Pete is a magnificent guitar player with impeccable taste, I do find he suffers from the same syndrome that Chappers did, i.e. forever trying to be funny by going off on completely irrelevant boring tangents. In the past I thought Lee was sometimes abrupt with Pete, but now I understand why. Lee wants to control the videos and Ben understands this perfectly. Consequently Lee gives Ben much more space to express his opinions because he knows what he says will be calm, studious, succinct, and free from histrionics. Lee doesn't interrupt Ben. More Lee and Ben please! Very therapeutic!

[@svbarr]

The articulation on the Martin nd the Taylor really really stood out.

[@michaeld.mcclish]

I liked the Martin and the Epiphone best. The Taylor to me was the least resonant. Thanks for this video, really ear-opening. I have a D-42 and an old Taylor 410 and I can really hear and feel the difference.

[@1rwjwith]

MARTIN all the way ..sounds the best even through iPad speakers. Not the most talkative fellow is he!

[@anubhav.music28]

Wow. Nice video. But more importantly, Ben is such a phenomenal player & musician!

[@snapfinger1]

On the money. For vocal accompaniment the Hummingbird is the first choice. The price/performance winner here.

[@vicenteochoa6498]

Never seen a video with Ben I didn’t like. I owned a Taylor AD and loved it but upgraded to a 314. When I had the AD I loved it though. Solid guitar for the price and made in USA

[@BobsYoureuncle]

This was a really good video . It was fun to see him pick his choices and play them to make his analysis of each .

[@Hanssone]

what I found over the years is that acoustic guitars actually scales with price increase unlike electrics. My advice to beginners, is to only try acoustics that is in your budget range. Because you will get spoiled forever and difficult to go back again haha

[@pa4tim]

Correct, I only played electric. Wanted a dreadnough and was allowed to play an expensive Martin. After that most guitars did not give me that feel of playing. It took 15 years to be able to buy a Martin and now 20 years later I still have it. I very liked the sound of the Epiphone in this video

[@carlomedic3249]

This is so true, its hard to go back once you got to try some really nice acoustic guitars.

[@mcbean1]

each their own, but i disagree, in Australia we've got a brand, Cole Clark, that hand make guitars (Andertons has featured them) I was in the market for a really good acoustic and I passed up the Martins and Taylor for the cheaper CC as it did everything the others could, if not better (and it looked so different too).

[@rockhead11]

A Martin sounds like a Martin and there is no other guitar that has that rich, beautiful tone. I’ve had mine for 22 years and every time I play it I still say “This guitar sounds like guitars are meant to sound”. It is the perfect guitar.

[@Edward1312]

Martin guitars are the most over rated and over priced guitar available IMHO. The Sigma range come close for a fraction of the price. Its not about money its about tonal preferences when you get to the level of fit and finish that all these guitars come with and that's subjective.

[@SuperEdge67]

@@Edward1312 Well you obviously know more than the 1000s of professional musicians and iconic artists who chose to play Martins.

[@Edward1312]

@@SuperEdge67 Most guitarists are brand snobs and the more famous are given them for free.

[@SuperEdge67]

@@Edward1312 Martins make a range of guitars from cheapish Mexican made to very expensive. Your generalisation about Martins guitars is ridiculous. The richness and tone of a good Martin is something I’ve NEVER heard in a Sigma……………and I’ve played 100s and 100s of guitars.

[@Edward1312]

@@SuperEdge67 I've had plenty of Sigma's they are easily as good.

[@guillermogreen3295]

Great video!!! Interesting, informative, and I can never get over how good an ear Ben has!!!! You guys are great! Fun.

[@kevincrouch3956]

Just proving you get what you pay for- the Martin hands down, although I was surprised by how good the Taylor sounded- and I'm not a big Taylor fan.

[@JochenSchmidt-xu8lt]

to play like this without seeing is worth watching alone. great job !

[@stevestan6525]

Not an acoustic guy at all, but I did this blind and I liked what turns out to be the Epiphone and the Taylor. The one I did not like? The category defining Martin :)

[@russellharris5072]

Tell Ben that you dont have to wait seventy years for a Martin to sound really good,I bought my Martin HJ28 in 1997 and after twentysix years it sounds amazing.Epiphone should reissue the Texan to original 1960's specs,all solid wood of course,that was a really great sounding guitar..........................................

[@ozarkpipertony8396]

Like Martin ok but love Yamaha older 1970's-1998ish LL hand crafted and like Boucher as well as Gibson J-45's. Great video.

[@privateer0561]

I have a Taylor 910 and it is one sweet guitar. Bought in 2001, it rings like a piano. Once the strings are broken in, it is sublime. For a time. Very sensitive to the weather and so frustrating.

[@fritsvanzanten3573]

I think you can see Ben won't let go some of the guitars as easy as other ones. Apart from that I'm more interested in Ben's preference than his estimate of the price range.

[@alanray10818]

There is no contest. That D-28 outshone them all!

[@MadMarchTaffy]

Interestig - price roughly doubled for each guitar - Martin sounded great but I would take the Taylor at half the cost!

[@johnwhite2143]

Out of all these guitars I love the look and sound of the epiphone hummingbird by a mile, what a beautiful guitar , be buying one soon for sure 👌👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@stevenkirkpatrick7258]

Would have been interesting to see how he would have done comparing a D28 Martin and a Recording King RD28 copy of the D28 right down to the V neck profile and see how he does. He done a great job with this comparison.

[@hobbes4583]

This video was so much fun. I have the modern deluxe, but I think the logo on my headstock is different.

[@ubermod5564]

Very enjoyable. Listened to this blind to try and guess myself. Would have been really interesting if they had thrown a £900 Furch or Dowina in the mix and see how they fared.

[@guitar_fed]

Just played aside you by not looking at the screen, and both of the times Ben played the Taylor I thought "damn, I love that sound".

[@TheSgeJo]

The epiphone hummingbird sounds so good.

[@thewinenut9800]

I have this guitar, you’re right!

[@TheSgeJo]

@@thewinenut9800 I’m thinking about the 12 string version of it. Might order it soon. Should be a great sounding guitar too.

[@thewinenut9800]

@@TheSgeJo I must say I was sorely tempted by the 12 as well. If I didn't already have a Breedlove 12 that I love I may have pulled the trigger on the Epiphone. Greetings from Australia.

[@coolhandluke2310]

The Epiphone all the way. 😂😂😂

[@JamesBach-hz1pc]

Ya know they all sound good I agree that the hummingbird is such a sweet And beautiful guitar. You can play the Martin much harder without it bottoming out. You might need both depending on your style😃

[@Fatony1121]

Am I the only one who noticed that in round 1 he played the Sire 4th, then he did not play the Sire in round 2, Somehow the taylor became guitar 4 in that round even though he only played 3. The video tag is even "round 2, guitar 3" then they decided that the Sire was "the first one he played" and was the cheapest. Actually it was supposed to be the Epiphone. As he handed the sire back he said it might be the 2nd to cheapest. Then he never plays it again. I think it is because he put the guitar away in the epiphone's spot for the second round and that spot was the #1 spot.

[@127Foxtrot]

Yeah, the host needs to set the testing up more clearly eg. pre-label the guitars as A, B, C, D etc. In the subsequent rounds, I think actually he muddles up the order of B and C which confounds if not violates the testing.

[@sidweazel2883]

I’d love to have seen an Eastman in the mix, sadly Andertons don’t sell them (missing out imho).

[@colinfawcett7509]

These types of videos are really useful - thanks

[@HarryNicNicholas]

it's all subjective. i've bought and sold about 60 guitars since 2013. i have owned a 1966 gibson J45 since the 70's when i bought it and i've had quite a few compliments about it in that time, and it's always been the yardstick that i compare other guitars to, until i bought a martin OOOX1, an HPL back sides, with spruce top, made in 2004 in the USA, possibly a prototype as they were supposed to be made in mexico. it cost me £350 with case, used and it is mind blowingly good. i have a larrivee, a maton, a 69 epi texan - the martin is head and shoulders better. i bought a martin OOX1 AE - the one with a pickup, made in mexico in 2016, same spec apart from the pickup - it is totally different. i have recordings on my own channel. with the experience of all those guitars it's clear to me that on different days, with whatever strings, whether picked, strummed or flat-picked, any guitar will sound different than it did yesterday. these comparisons are fun, but nothing beats picking up a guitar, playing it, and the damn thing worming it's way into your heart.

[@michaelmattioli7230]

Wanted to replace my 45 + year old Epiphone FT140 and had $1500 to spend. Brought my guitar (genius!) and played new Taylors, Gretschs, Yamahas, and some other brands I don't recall. Just wasn't a big enough improvement to justify the expense or I didn't like them better than mine. Then the salesman said "I think I know what you want now" and came back with a used 1988 Martin MC 28. He said the pickup didn't work. (which it does, just needs a ton of gain) Instantly sold. Then tonal balance WAY outclassed anything else that just sounded weak by comparison. Love my guitar.

[@adamskaboy]

Preferably the light gauge strings for my guitars..I find it easier to play…the sound quality is as good on whatever strings I use. I used to use mediums for my main strings but have switched to light for several years now and also switched to Martin Retro Nickel strings…instead of bronze. I like the warmer tones. Nice playing sir!

[@rogeliojayarflores7511]

That martin is incredible

[@radwitaB1990]

I know I am late on the comments… but. Can we just say how impressive it is that this is amazing playing BLINDFOLDED

[@frankh.4312]

Always glad to see Ben

[@cbalyn]

I think Ben summed up the Taylor perfectly when he said "More mirangey" To my ears "No Highs, No Lows Must be a Taylor"

[@dietersdawgs]

I've become quite a fan of Ben's.....I like these blindfolded tests they're fun! looks like he enjoys himself and he's a very good player. FYI this is how I think everyone should buy their guitars, then you're actually picking what you like the best...it's how i buy mine and I've never been disappointed, also have never walked out with a martin or taylor....just sayin'.....because there was something better for less money in the same shop made by someone else.

[@MrTech337]

Forget the guitars I wish I could play as good as Ben!

[@pr0f477]

Great playing as always

[@Vargic87]

Wow. All correct man. Congratulation. It was easier for us cause we saw it. But its hear the differents. Nice video. I love Martin (i own OM28e)

[@oneminutefixed5003]

i love my martin so much i want to play it all the time

[@deckert618]

I really liked the sound of the Epiphone, but then, I have a 32 yr old Epi hanging on my bedroom wall right now. After that, the Taylor sounded really nice to me.

[@edhead5296]

Great shootout.... I recall you promising that Ben would do a Martin/Alvarez shootout? It'd be good to hear that.... let's see Ben on here more often.... such a great player and all round nice guy.

[@stoneysdead689]

Imho the acoustic guitar is much easier to do this with than an electric. The sound of an acoustic guitar pretty much follows the price points and gets better and better as you spend more- and so does the playability and feel. But electrics are different- I've played really expensive electrics that were a pain in the ass to play, had all kinds of issues- and I've played cheapo electrics that were amazing guitars- felt great and sounded wonderful. Plus- with an acoustic what you see is what you get- there's nothing else influencing the tone. With an electric the amp, the pedals, etc.- all can make it sound drastically different. Still, impressive to see someone get them all right.

[@peekaboo4390]

The best acoustic I own was given to me, it's a 70's lawsuit Yamaki and might just be the best acoustic I have ever heard.

[@rahul371990]

I wish Alvarez MD60BG was thrown in the mix. It would have been a tough fight between Taylor, Martin and Alvarez :)

[@vodkaman1970]

I liked the Taylor the best, the single notes seemed to really chime which is unusual for a dreadnought.

[@jaywill530]

The Epiphone sounds and looks really good. It's hard to tell on a video, but I think the Martin wins the sound.

[@georgeesau3943]

I've often said my favorite material possession is my Martin D28, I bought it new about 40 years ago ,It is the first thing I would grab if my house was on fire.

[@meloche1syndrome]

I have a cheao mahogany yamaha, and for 10 years it worked well, but, i got tired of the boxy punch sound with not much sustain. I always hear them played with a fast bluegrass style and understand the appeal, but, I've not played one and felt inspired personally. But, that's why there's so many! ❤️

[@mathlovin2667]

I liked epiphone the most.

[@ferraridinoman]

Yep! I'm with you!

[@peterwilliams8922]

Couldn't tell? Surely the 'Waverly' style tuners gave it away! Should've been like when Chappers wasn't allowed to touch anything other than the strings and fretboard.

[@DeltaJazzUK]

Yes, he kept having a feel of the tuners. The Epi also has distinctive Gibson style plastic tuners

[@dxcman1]

you need some Yamahas in there!!! An L series or an Fg3/Fg5 would have been nice on this.

[@cuteanimalsworld98]

I really like sound of epiphone.

[@petestaint8312]

The epiphone sounds really nice! 👍

[@dutchcanuck7550]

Good timing Lee, I'm in the market for a sub-1000 dreadnought. Have to check the Epiphones out.

[@jrenaud22]

I have that same IBG Hummingbird and I'm in love with it. It's gorgeous, has a big sound and the neck feels like a dream to me. I'm no professional guitarist so I couldn't justify spending $$$ for a nice Taylor or Martin, however, I really feel like my Epi punches well above its weight.

[@ericlebarron]

A Martin D35 is the only acoustic I've ever tried where I strummed an E chord and the sound just bloomed and filled the whole room. The cheaper Martins I've tried, and in general a lot of cheaper acoustics, always seemed sort of hollow sounding. I'd be very curious to see what the Recording King 318 and 328 sound like though.

[@phreak1118]

The D-35 is my favorite! I actually really like the 3 piece back.

[@nick334t9]

You should try a Guild D-120. Really great acoustics for the price

[@ericlebarron]

@@nick334t9 I've seen Starfires in shops before that felt great, but yet to see a Guild acoustic in a shop. If I ever do I'll be sure to try it.

[@michaelparks3106]

I've got a D-35 and and HD-35, the HD is everything the D is and more!

[@RBdeBell]

I really like the Design of The Sire!

[@Username89039]

Current 'Inspired by' Epiphones punch above their weight. Sounds the sweetest and fullest here to me. The Taylor and Martin sound thin and metallic to me - like when I put electric 10s on an acoustic. Actually, when he plays them sighted, the Taylor and Martin sound a lot sweeter. In summary, he's a great player and I have no clue. 😅

[@colinclement2752]

Phenomenal playing man

[@robertsteinberger]

This Martin there was really buzzy sounding. My D28 doesn't buzz that much when played hard. That Epiphone Hummingbird was the star of the show there though. This one blew me away for the price.

[@buskman3286]

Interesting Video - IMO the Martin clearly sounded better to my ear for the style he was playing. The Taylor was 4th in my opinion. 2 and 3 could have swapped position back/forth.

[@handybunny]

They all sound fantastic… If they all feel good to play, I’ll just take the cheapest one please!

[@dennybronwynbennett]

I preferred the sound of the Taylor personally... Good vid though. :D

[@jamesadams1064]

Maybe throw an Eastman into the mix. I have one after playing a D28 for many years. Eastman are a great value for a quality product.😊

[@dieselsoggydog6299]

I have a 1972 Martin D35, that I've owed for 40 years. I believe it sounds a bit better than the D28 and D18.

[@ereimul1444]

really enjoy Ben playing.

[@frankcarter6427]

I did a blind test on my D28 (2 grand 2nd hand) and a sigma copy - couldn't really tell the difference except for stickiness of the Sigma's finish - gutted

[@ebikes2xs159]

You left out the best sounding acoustic of all, like you said, Gibson Hummingbird.

[@smmyers5956]

Well done Ben. I missed 1 and 2. I think the Taylor had a much better sound.

[@ryan1mcq]

Got the orders wrong? Or did i misunderstand? The first one he tried was the Humming bird, then the Martin, then the Taylor and the Sire was the last. Brilliant video though and all cracking guitars 😃

[@goodbyepolarbears172]

Absolutely. I listened completely blind first then watched a second time. I was completely shocked to find that Hummingbird had moved position in the lineup. To be honest, when listening blind through my monitoring headphones, I didn't like the sound of ANY of them. They all sounded rather brash AND a bit plasticky to me. Then, when WATCHING, the reason became clear: he was hammering them hard and using a plastic thumbpick! Once he took his blindfold off he seemed to play far more gently and some sounds seemed to improve. I hadn't liked the Epiphone before the muddling up, it had been my least favourite of the four (bearing in mind I hadn't liked any of them greatly), but once he was playing freely and unmasked I much preferred that Epi's sound. Biggest lesson learned was be gentle and don't wear a plastic thumbpick. 😊

[@adamsan7494]

Bravo Ben.😊

[@rmzzz76]

To be fair, the only thing he seemed certain about was the cheapest and the Martin being the top end... He was torn on the Taylor vs the Epiphone. Spin it how you will, but that's what came through clearly after a few viewings. The Epiphone, in this case a $900 all-solid-wood model, the clear winner tone wise to my ears.