How a Martin DM Acoustic has aged after 15 years compared to a new one.

I've run a Martin DM Acoustic for 15 years, gigged it, travelled with it, even slept with it. Imagine one turning up late 2018 that originated in the year 1999 and had been in its case for 17 years. It's like new and just like mine was when it was new. So with these two guitars I can show you how guitars age from an aesthetic perspective but more importantly how the sound matures over the years.
2:31 2004 Martin DM
3:21 1999 Martin DM
4:41 2004 Martin DM
4:22 1999 Martin DM
4:31 2004 Martin DM
4:41 1999 Martin DM
4:54 Conclusion

[@choctawcodger5418]

For Christmas this year I’m getting a 1997 Martin DM that I found hanging in a pawnshop in Bonham Texas!! It’s definitely been played and well loved/used. I’m excited to be able to give it a new home. Thanks for your video

[@stevescage]

Nice, I think you'll find it easy to bond with. They are nice Martins and they respond well to regular playing.

[@whatatool]

You will love it. Sounds awesome with martin silk and steel strings if you like them light.

[@ClearAdventure]

Both great but sometimes struck me as odd. The "Newer Old one" didn't just seem brighter, it sounded like an angel landed on it's headstock. A crazy beautiful resonance. You are am amazing player, and even the idea to do this shows a lot about you as a human. Thank you. I know it was not easy to put this all together, and your hard work and effort is sincerely appreciated! - Kevin Venture

[@MattH-wg7ou]

My new girlfriend at the time bought me a new DM in 2005. I still have it and love that guitar more than ever. Also she is my wife now. Same with her. 🙂

[@strimarc123]

When I was shopping for my DM, our local Guitar store had ~9 of them in stock, hanging up. After listening to all of them, the one I bought had quite a bit more resonance than the rest. The sound difference was dramatic. There were minor differences between the others, but this one made you take notice that it was special. So, I'm not so sure that taking two "like models" and comparing them really works, the difference may just be that the guitars were different from day one. The only real way to do this would be to record one 20 years ago and record the same guitar again now using the same mic, same settings etc. Not really feasible. LOL It was still a pleasure listening to you play. Thank you.

[@whatatool]

I've had a DM for 20 years. Set up for fingerstyle with silk and steel strings. Alot of people say these guitars are muddy, but I disagree. They just dont have that twang that a D28 has, which is what I prefer. I replaced the saddle and nut with bone and put ebony bridge pins in it and it definitely brightened it up, but not too much. I have played hundreds of acoustic guitars, bought and sold many others. I always go to my DM. It has a very somber sound to it and minor cords sound like sadness from the deepest pits of your soul. If you are playing sad songs, this guitar is for you. If you want a country twanger, look elsewhere. Muddy? No way. Tone quality is there, just without that dang twang. As for hearing the difference in this video, next to impossible. Too many variables. Play one for youself, with the right strings!!! Only strings I like on this are martin silk and steels. But thats just for my style of playing and the sound I prefer. To each his own.

[@thelaststarpilot]

Great video. Thanks for taking the time to share that. I am about to pick up a 2003 DM and now I know what to listen for. It is to replace a stolen 1969 D-35 that my father gave me that had sat unplayed in an attic for 30 years until I had the neck repaired. I got to hear that sound transformation firsthand. By the way, my father was a musician named Noel Harrison who lived in Totnes in his later years. Did you know him? He called your town Newton Rabbit!

[@ia5662]

I think the best litmus test would be the fairest - to put the exact same set of brand new strings on each. I think it probably would have shown yours to be a little brighter and probably sounded the same on the new old stock DM. When I was first coming into guitar and acoustic playing, I was highly after a Martin DM. I only live 45 minutes from the factory, so Martins are absolutely everywhere around here in Pennsylvania. My dad surprised me on my 16th bday at a guitar store and basically said, pick out the one you want. I was FLOORED. My old man never spent that kind of coin on us, but I think it was because he saw so much potential in my playing and that I wouldn't put it down. I saw the Martin DM there and if memory serves me it was $599 new or something close to that. I didn't feel right taking advantage of my dad's kindness, so I settled on a much cheaper Epiphone AJ-18S which had a kind of bell shape and a real spruce top. Also laminated mahogany back and sides, but the more ornate inlays, gold tuners and binding struck me as a young buck. Funny enough, now I'd totally prefer the more demure models and I've settled on my favorite Martin, a 2019 D-18. It's a stunner in tone and simple looks for me. I still have that Epiphone and keep it at my school where I teach and run a guitar club. It's great to see that guitar in the hands of more youngsters who come through and it still sounds nice too. My mom told me after the fact "you know your dad would have gotten you the Martin"....and I was like, man mom why did you have to say that haha!

[@leighpalfrey6247]

Great video I've played (and abused...as you do) a 1998 DM from new. Still my go to acoustic

[@stevescage]

There’s something about the DM’s, they’re reliable, safe, predictable and steady. Consistently good no matter which one I have ever played. I would like to make another video about mine, a love letter about it. How I got it and the journey that I’m having with it.

[@leighpalfrey6247]

@@stevescage the only problem is that the binding had come away a usual problem for martins as I've seen a few videos that have the same problem, other than that nothing in all the years I've had her

[@GreyhoundHank86]

I'm from Russia, but I've been for work and travel in the USA back in 2007 and bought DM in Guitar Center in Utah. I crossed America with it, recorded and giged in Russia. On the 7th year deck cracked, but master fixed it well. Now guitar plays very good. Sometimes it only seems that 1st string slides out of board while sliding by fingers, I donno is it my fault.. or kind of something wrong.

[@MisterDearly]

I've got a DM I bought back in like 2002. It was my first acoustic. I love that guitar. I usually play a baritone guitar now, but it is so good for fingerpicking i find.

[@fdllicks]

Great video. The older,older one definately sounds more rich and deep. It is almost as you can hear the wood fibers have settled. The unplayed one sounds much brighter. Ill bet if you put deeper, mellow strings on it (ie:elixir phosphurbronze) the unplayed one would improve in deepness to it.

[@bloxa]

Bought one of these for €500 in 2009 when I was a student. Every-time I get musician visiting they try out my guitar and get blown away by the sound. I would say it's the best bang for the buck in recent history.

[@Macau1]

I bought minein 2009 too , 2nd hand for $500 usd with case 😄

[@padrejohnruffle]

Strings make a massive amount of difference, so for this to be a true comparison, they both needed to be re-string with identical stings. Both Martins sound amazing, but it's not really a like-for-like comparison. Nice video regardless!

[@nedevore]

This is a great comparison. I have a similarly aged DM and love it. Yes the sound is deeper than when it was new but it has a great sound.

[@AmericanConstellation]

I have an old DM. It really mellowed out. It's an ok guitar.

[@davidfelber]

Cool video. I enjoyed it very much. I bought a new DM in 1996, and it keeps getting better. Warmer, no question. More mellow but also more complex. Like us all. I used to play my kids to sleep with it every night. Now they’re in their 20s. I was thinking of selling it to buy a classical guitar, but my wife said, “You CAN'T sell that guitar!” So I’m buying the classical guitar when the shop reopens. The DM has needed minimal adjustments over the years. I may have upgraded the bridge pins at some point. It needed a shim under the bridge saddle a few years back. And the low E intonation is a hair off. If I play in G, I sometimes retune it a tiny bit. Sometimes I don’t. It’s better as a solo instrument, I think. Not as much punch as other guitars. But I play solo all the time, so it’s not an issue. Anyway, I do love that guitar. Thanks again. Be well.

[@stevescage]

These Martin guitars huh, they have that certain something. Your kids should have the Martin, a cherished treasure.

[@gwandsh]

Interesting. I have the 98 DM, and on mine the spruce top is an even deeper amber color. Just changed the strings after it's long sleep, and it sounds quite bright. Once the strings have a few plays on them, it goes to a woody tone that I generally associate with Martin dreads. I wish I aged as nicely in the past 25 years...

[@mikestand714]

i'm new only trying two months now love it.but got to say i want a martin

[@LordFingers1]

The 99 sounds better to me. Great guitars. I bought one in 97 for $550 new!! Sounds great and they also play remarkably well.

[@TheMinorFallTheMajorLift]

The “new” old guitar reminds me of a new pair of shoes, while the played guitar reminds me of a fav pair of old shoes.

[@jdstan9650]

Great video...your guitar has mellowed for sure, but it would have been interesting to hear them both with new and same strings.

[@MindbodyMedic]

He didn't do this? Lmao what a waste of time

[@grplans]

That wood will have aged due to exposure to the period of atmosphere even if the instrument was in a case. The 'stored' instrument does have a lighter, sharper and better defined sound by comparison with the warmer, deeper but less well defined tone of the gigged guitar. As someone else said the type and condition of the strings will also have a marked effect. You didn't explain whether you had restrung both guitars with the same type and gauge of strings. That would be helpful for a genuine comparison.

[@peterdeboer9335]

Nice comparison. Those DMs are good guitars. I'm also impressed with the relatively new D-X2e. I did not like the X guitars much before, but these are pretty nice.

[@hugoorlandoclivati2489]

Nice vídeo

[@mr.k905]

The only difference I can hear is due to the older strings and nothing else, I’m pretty sure. Even the color is still almost exactly the same.

[@jeremyolivarez9295]

I have one 25 years old ,there a warm guitar ,CA GUY SURFER 😎🏄🏽👏🏽👏🏽love both ,

[@jasonmcelveen6295]

Just got a DM it's almost 30 years old and near mint condition except somone lowerd bridge too much on high E side. Easy fix. Also own the 000 version. These 90s road series guitars are great tone packed steals.

[@scottsailers4678]

I have a 2002 that has been in the case pretty much the entire time.

[@hairlab9646]

Heard Bourgeois on a podcast. He says a new guitar sounds about 70% of how it's going to sound when it's 40, about 90% after 15 years and then the last 10% comes after a couple more decades of playing and wood ageing. I think that's about right,...but one thing is for sure: no amount of age or playing is going to make an average guitar good or even a good guitar great. You can tell the great ones right out of the box.

[@knotwilg3596]

What we hear is probably the condition of the strings. Restring both guitars and I don't think we'll hear all that much of a difference. The whole concept of "ageing" or "opening up" is largely makebelief, I believe.

[@j40bob1]

I actually preferred the brighter sound of the unplayed guitar over the one that has been played. What you call 'mellow' sounds dull or muffled to me. I don't think this particular guitar has aged particularly well.

[@stevescage]

Your not the first person to say that. Its interesting, I need to find another old DM and compare that! Somebody said the newer but older one sounded more sharper. That it does, but you'd expect that. I have noticed that my old one sort of takes a minute to 'warm up' and come into its own but hey, there's plenty of bias going on here.

[@j40bob1]

@@stevescageYour guitar might sound better in person. I can only comment on how it sounds on tbe video.

[@Zod741]

Could be the strings

[@yahooty07]

I have an 1998 DM. I found that adding Tusq bridge pins made a my DM come to life.

[@whatatool]

@@yahooty07 Yes, check the bridge pins. I bought a DM new in 2003, still have it. I noticed the sound was getting dull. All my original plastic bridge pins were cracked and brittle. Replaced with ebony and wow what a difference. Love this guitar. Ive picked up $2000 guitars and put them right back down and grabbed my DM. Best guitar for the money.

[@onehundredpicks5531]

Corrected timestamps 2:36 3:23

[@jimcamp2423]

This was 14 year road worn aged & played in vs 19 year old aged in a time capsule. I preferred the one rarely/never played. Amazing the strings are what they are after 19 years of being in a box. I get a feeling the 2004 has a feel to it at this point for familiarity. I'd like to hear the difference of the 2004 with new strings and if the 1999 needs new strings, same brand & set gauges. These 2 guitars sound differently because they probably have lived in totally different environments. The box & inventory room the 1999 can't be anything close to the case & traveling life the 2004 has had wherever it was showcased, studio or gig venue, even in your home.

[@jimcamp2423]

Time stamps for 4:41 is incorrect, can't be both the 1999 & 2004.

[@dave_d_i_a_l]

True, and not inside, there is a chunk cut out of the literal top side of the his guitar with a huge pre-amp eq control. In my opinion, you lose sound when you cut wood out. This is why I prefer non cutaway acoustics. Although cut-away acoustics have less feedback and are better in a live band setting. I also prefer electronics installed inside an acoustic as Opposed to cutting a chunk out of the side for a pre-amp. This is obviously why companies have improved that very thing creating preamps that can be installed inside. Furthermore, strings Definitely make a difference ie., gauge, material and age. Not to mention, for the best balance in tone (intonation) there should be all natural materials that are used for tension ie., BONE nut, BONE saddle and bone, wooden or metal bridge pins. All of these things make a huge difference. Ask any true master luthier and rest assure they’ll agree… anyways, I recently purchased a 2004 non pre-amp cut-out model and let me tell you it sounds just as good if not better than every high end Martin I’ve played. It even has the original stock nut, saddle and pins on it which I’m about to change with natural materials… I cannot wait to hear it then…. Great demo though btw, great playing as well. I hope this information sums up some lingering questions. Peace, Love and happiness -Dave

[@OdySlim]

I think the one that has been on the road needs a set up. Everything sounds dull. Perhaps this is why my used 1999 DM sounds Off. ... The un-played DM sounds clear & bright. Did you say they have the same strings? Regards from Ody Slim.

[@jehovahuponyou]

G'DAY MATE!!!!!!! THE OLD/, NEW/OLD, SOUNDED FAR BETTER THAN YOUR OLD/OLD MARTIN - THE NEW/OLD ONE WAS MORE "AIRY", BETTER SOUND DISTINCTION BETWEEN STRINGS, EVEN A MORE RAZOR-NAT BASS RESPONSE - BUT IT SHOULD, NO TELLING HOW MANY CROCS AND JOEYS YOU HAVE BLUE-GEONATED TO DEATH WITH YOUR OLD/OLD MARTIN - I FEAR YOU HAVE KNOCKED THE SOUND PEG OVER IN YOUR OLD/OLD MARTIN - WAIT, THOSE MAY ONLY BE IN A FIDDLE - NEVER MIND THOUGH I FAVOUR THE NEW/OLD GUITAR - MAYBE THE GOLD HARDWARE SAPPED THE TONE FROM THE X-BRACEING THAT MARTIN STOLE FROM TAYLOR, MAYBE NOT (LMAO!!!) - ANYWAY, YOU MADE A BANG UP VIDEO, I ENJOYED IT VERY MUCH, EVEN THOUGH I ONLY UNDERSTOOD ABOUT 2/3 OF WHAT YOU SAID - LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bradsparks6008]

Nowerdays you can buy relicing to make it look like its been round the world countless times but you just cannot buy the tone , memories and dinks that tell a story. Thanks alot!

[@pritush]

Price check ?? Any one got it used today’s /recently . I’m longing for it . And been seeing here and there thanks 🙏

[@hotlov72]

A Martin Dm or a D18 which should I get

[@arthurogle7581]

I own a 2008 Road Series DRS! in Sapelle. I've found another R S Martin the DM. I assume the only difference in the 2 is one is Sapelle, the other mohogany. This guy's DM sounds much like my DRS1. Local guitar shop has a DM for sale for just North of $500.00. But shop is closed except curbside delivery. Question? Would I gain anything by trading one RS for another R S?

[@postiticeland8783]

i really don´t get what´s so special about old guitars : ) i allways just hear a rather fret buzzy sound on the old ones.

[@ralphh.2200]

Been playing since 64.I have the same Martin DM. I could tell no difference between the guitars.

[@sidnewman7676]

i respectfully ask you to listen again, there is a massive difference. the "new" one is brighter and more focused, fewer overtones

[@alexandermclaughlin3978]

@@sidnewman7676 He must've been playing loud since "64, because you're absolutely right, there's quite the difference in sound.

[@patrickmacleod2415]

"The only difference is new string on one and old stings on the other". Well that's all the difference in the world. That alone would explain the difference in tone. So your demonstration is worthless. If you want to do this right, put new strings on both of them.

[@GiantRock62]

Exactly..

[@alexandermclaughlin3978]

Came to the comments for this.

[@CO_Sparty]

Exactly! Throw new sets of identical strings on both and then compare.

[@mdallen5]

Both with new strings?

[@MrSweetaz]

Yours sounded "muddy" , the unplayed one had much sharper distinctions.

[@randyo573]

I actually couldn’t tell the difference between the two. Even if there were, unless you are playing to a room full of expert musicians, the average listener probably couldn’t tell the difference even between a D 28 and a D-18 which are usually very different from each other. I see, like me and coincidentally the rock singer Paul Simon, you like to adorn your guitar with gold tuners.

[@PhillipNeal]

I had one if these got fell on and broke by a guy who was pissed of his a$$ ... Mine was like your fist one taught on it for years I'd love to have mine back...

[@mymaria888]

Perhaps changing the metals from "silver" to "gold" may have some affect on the sound. That said, I like both tones: they both ring out well. The "gigged" guitar sounds fuller, the "garaged guitar sounds sprite. If I may compare them to 4 legged creatures: the gigged guitar sounds like an elder, but still verile lion. The garaged guitar sounds like a teenage lion strutting his ROAR! Thanks for uploading this. My husband and I scrimped and save to give our son a Martin DM in 1998 or 1999 and when that guitar rings, I still believe that guitar was worth that hard earned money.

[@NassiveMutts]

What song was that you were playing? I want to learn it! Any tabs

[@stevelacombe5291]

I thought your guitar sounded a bit “warmer” but the bridge looks much different on it.

[@scundoalex]

Yours "growls". The newer one is a bit brighter. Both are outstanding sounding instruments.

[@USNAVDC]

Nice video. Do they both have the same bridge material? They look a bit different. I love your hat! Gold tuners look sharp.

[@stevescage]

Thanks! Yes, it's the same bridge material, the older one with the wear and tear is the faded one, I was thinking about treating it to bring out the grain but I also kind of like the naturally aged look.

[@nicholascowie5944]

The difference is to say the least subtle to the point of indiscernible. I've even give up trying to convince my wife that my mahogany and rosewood guitars sound different never mind two identical guitars.. The average listener just does not hear it.

[@trevormcgowan2267]

Think you really have to have new strings on both guitars to compare them. The un gigged model would sound brighter with newer strings anyway.

[@justinm1432]

Because your guitar has electronics inside could also change the tone

[@dave_d_i_a_l]

True, and not inside, there is a chunk cut out of the literal top side of the his guitar with a huge pre-amp eq control. In my opinion, you lose sound when you cut wood out. This is why I prefer non cutaway acoustics. Although cut-away acoustics have less feedback and are better in a live band setting. I also prefer electronics installed inside an acoustic as Opposed to cutting a chunk out of the side for a pre-amp. This is obviously why companies have improved that very thing creating preamps that can be installed inside. Furthermore, strings Definitely make a difference ie., gauge, material and age. Not to mention, for the best balance in tone (intonation) there should be all natural materials that are used for tension ie., BONE nut, BONE saddle and bone, wooden or metal bridge pins. All of these things make a huge difference. Ask any true master luthier and rest assure they’ll agree… anyways, I recently purchased a 2004 non pre-amp cut-out model and let me tell you it sounds just as good if not better than every high end Martin I’ve played. It even has the original stock nut, saddle and pins on it which I’m about to change with natural materials… I cannot wait to hear it then…. Great demo though btw, great playing as well. I hope this information sums up some lingering questions. Peace, Love and happiness -Dave

[@CHLee-rg5sr]

Like that mall sound of the aged

[@nathanbortz6928]

Didn't sound like there was a blind bit of difference.

[@stevenjemison3104]

This comparison makes zero sense. The guitar in the box (1999) is 5 years older than the one you own (2004)! It makes no difference if the guitar was in a box, the wood still ages! How do you not know this?!?!?!

[@randyo573]

From what I have seen in various articles on instrument aging, It does make a difference if the instrument is played or not. When the instrument is played, the vibrations cause changes to be made in the molecular structure of the wood causing changes in the tone. One article even went so far as to mention that at times when you don't actually want to play your instrument you should place it on top of a stereo speaker while your stereo is playing if there is room for it so that the vibrations from the speaker can have a similar effect to actually playing it.

[@fp3359]

Pitty no capo!