Is the Dreadnought or the OM right for you?

Nothing can touch the punch and warmth of a dreadnought. But sometimes the low end can get out of hand for certain playing styles. For my style of playing the OM body is most often the right choice. How about you?

[@israelvaldez26]

I love the way that the Dreadnought sounds when you are strumming the chords and I like the way that the OM sounds when you are picking the strings.

[@snoozedoctor]

My opinion as well. That's exactly how I use them.

[@cminty6805]

Great comparison video! One of the best I've ever seen and I watch a lot

[@snoozedoctor]

I'm glad you found it useful!

[@woodandmetal3107]

Absolutely lovely guitars and absolutely beautiful playing. Thank you for this video

[@snoozedoctor]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@francis2836]

Thank You for this comprehensive review Very detailed the dedication is inspiring

[@snoozedoctor]

Thanks for listening and commenting!

[@arthurogle7581]

The praise is well deserved. We've played many a measure of music in our day!!!!

[@snoozedoctor]

I’ve strummed a chord or two, I’m sure you have too!

[@Sethsm1]

Really really helpful, thank you!

[@snoozedoctor]

Glad it was helpful! Cheers!

[@androbukhov]

Such wonderful guitars! I have two Collings Om1 and D2HG . Love them!

[@snoozedoctor]

They do make very nice guitars! I'll probably have to have mine refretted soon, I've played it so much.

[@mikedkc]

Great editing. That Collings is so clean.

[@snoozedoctor]

It's a sweet guitar. Very balanced and not so muddy.

[@kneesturnedvelvet3725]

Thanks for the great video! I'm still very new to guitar, and at this stage it's easy to forget that the different body styles are more than just aesthetics. This does a good job of highlighting some of the differences you can expect. For what it's worth, I love how the OM looks AND sounds, and when I eventually invest in a good guitar, I'll be looking for an OM style body. In the meantime I'm using an unnamed Japanese classical guitar from the 70s that's in pretty rough shape, but it's done the trick for my early journey. Thanks for all the great great content.

[@snoozedoctor]

My first guitar was a 70s Yahama classical! Because I play almost exclusively on the smaller bodies, for this video I thought "damn, this dreadnought is huge!"

[@Playsinvain]

Probably a Morris. Good guitars in their own right

[@Playsinvain]

Thanks for this. Just what I sought

[@flylippfantom8425]

Wow they're both beautiful.

[@snoozedoctor]

Thanks. I'm extremely fortunate to own them.

[@jamesbond-mb5ws]

THIS VIDEO IS AMAZING..GREAT GREAT TECHNIQUE...LOTS OF FEEL....VERY VERY SOULFUL... GREETINGS FROM BUENOS AIRES WELL DONE MASTER !

[@snoozedoctor]

Thank you very much! Cheers!

[@el34glo59]

Love how you play that dread in the beginning. Helps with any shoulder issues. Classical style. I personally find dreads to be the most versatile guitars in the world. Jmo obviously

[@snoozedoctor]

Can't go wrong with a dread. I played finger style on one from years.

[@Robbo57]

SD I play an OM these days, I've had dreadnoughts and liked them but I use my fingers more than a pick for acoustic so along with the shape, size and sound I prefer an OM. Thanks for a really useful comparison vid. Keep TT ing.

[@snoozedoctor]

Hey, thanks. Yep, me too. I never pick up a plectrum in casual play. Smaller guitars just work better.

[@windmillcancersurvivor2568]

Great taste in those flat tops and what comes out of them. I need all the inspiration I can get. It's like which one of the children is my favorite.

[@snoozedoctor]

My taste rotates through the guitars. One will be my favorite for a few weeks and then I'm on to another 'child.' I played in a country trio back in the early '90s and the Dreadnought was my workhorse then.

[@leolealuianderson5291]

Great comparison...

[@snoozedoctor]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@febsat]

Tough choice. The Martin is so nice, but I did like OM more on the Tull samplings. Thanks for doing that comparison Doc.

[@snoozedoctor]

OMs are more my style. Gosh, that Martin seemed huge. It put my arm in a whole different position for picking. Just haven't played it much

[@Vancesez]

The smaller Body OM fits my frame better and lends itself to fingerstyle which I tend to play more of these days. Both wonderful sounding and quality guitars you have there.

[@snoozedoctor]

OMs for me too. When I picked the Martin up for this video I was thinking, "damn, this thing is huge."

[@martynrandall7652]

Being a bluesy rock influenced played I liked the Colin's but that martin rings like bell incredible. Well done

[@snoozedoctor]

They are both great guitars and I'm lucky to have them. I play the Collings way more because it fits my style better.

[@tomallen8527]

Thanks for doing that. I like the dreadnaught best. It has a fuller, deeper sound.

[@snoozedoctor]

You can't beat a dreadnought for warm tone.

[@ibnuharunsyah5131]

Thanks a lot, dreadnaught for sure for me. Nice guitars btw

[@snoozedoctor]

Can't beat a dreadnaught if you want that huge warm sound! That's why all the bluegrass folks play them.

[@arthurogle7581]

Luv yer playing Snooze. I aughta burn my geetars for firewood after hearing your playing.

[@snoozedoctor]

Thanks for that kind comment!

[@martynrandall7652]

Have ever played the Martin drednought junior been keeping an eye on one over here on ebay not quite parlour size. But what a great brand £300 - £400 I reckon it might reach

[@snoozedoctor]

I've owned 3 Martin guitars and have been very satisfied with all of them. It's a very solid brand and hard to go wrong with them!

[@kevinraimond7658]

Love the comfort of the OM, but the sound of the dreadnought will require me to give up some comfort.

[@snoozedoctor]

The dreadnought is rich, isn't it.

[@kevinraimond7658]

@@snoozedoctor Yes! Like my coffee, I prefer the full bodiness of an acoustic.

[@arthurogle7581]

Snooze. Thanks for the timely reply. We have one Collings guitar player in our S W BG club membership. I've played his Collings dread v impressed. Emailed Collings who invited me to visit. 189 miles S of my town of Ft Worth, Tex. I own 8 standrds and 1 OM Plus a Martin acoustic bass guitar. Years ago I played upright bass but Carpal Tunnel Syndrome put the quaitus on that so I morphed to bass guitar from necessity. Keep up your videos. Enjoy em!!!

[@snoozedoctor]

Glad you enjoy them. I've talked to Bill Collings but never met him face to face. My dear friend here in KC owns Mass St. Music in Lawrence, KS. He and Bill were tight and traveled often together. My friend was one of three to speak at Bill's funeral, along with Lyle Lovett and Steve McCreary from the shop. My friend's daughter ended up marrying one of the guys who works at the shop. Mass St. Music deals in all types of vintage Martins so I get to play all these $100K guitars. I can't do any of them justice but it's a privilege to get the opportunity. Sorry you've dealt with Carpal Tunnel. It's a common affliction in older guitarists.

[@CRV1958]

For Fingerstyle, absolutley the OM in my opinion. Presents very clear articulation for all the mids and highs and speaks out each note clearly. I also have the Martin D42 though, excellent guitar. Now, am looking into either the OM or 000. Soon to decide. Thanks for the video, very well done.

[@snoozedoctor]

I have a 12 fret 00 Huss and Dalton that I love. I also have a 12 fret Waterloo. I find myself gravitating to those guitars more than my Collings these days. I love the treble ring on the 12 frets. Beautiful sustain too. Cheers!

[@billbailey6779]

Which of your kids do you like the most? Lol. You can't trick me, they are both lovely, inspiring and fitting! I have envy. I lean big bodies and your Martin dread is priceless. But, wait, the Collings is crisp, mids are balanced, even response. You are blessed.

[@snoozedoctor]

I'm a lucky guy and to have found those 2 guitars straight off when I could finally afford something better than my $100 Yamaha that I played for years. My friend, Jim, that owns Mass St. Music in Lawrence, KS steered me. He generally lets me know when a special guitar comes in.

[@arthurogle7581]

My cousin and I grew up guitar freeks. He gravitated to Chet style and me to flat picking. He becames a mentor of 6 Baptist Churches in the Lee Summit area..He died a preacher near Ft Worth. He wned a 50's Martin 00 28. I tried to buy it for 40 years but he held on to it that whole span. Wouldn't you know it he bequeathed it to a non guitar playing grandson.. Bet he sold it for 10 cnts on the $ to a pawn shop. Cancer laid him low.

[@snoozedoctor]

Sorry to hear about your cousin. Lees Summit is just down the road. I would love to have a 0028 from that era. I played one from '29 that my collector friend had. Absolutely the best guitar I've ever played but $80K was out of my price range. I'm sure it would bring even more now.

[@michealhuskeymusic4508]

I have 2 Martin OM’s and a 97 Taylor 410 dreadnaught. I play the OM’s on stage as they are more comfortable and one just sounds incredible and is very versatile. At home when I’m practicing and just jamming I play the Taylor more. I’m going to put an LR Baggs Anthem in the Taylor and give it some stage time too. One of these days I’m going to get a Martin HD 28 and I have a feeling I’ll be playing it more than than the Taylor. Gotta love guitars!

[@snoozedoctor]

So true! I've been really happy with my Martins. In addition to this D-41 I have an OMC Aura. That is a really comfortable guitar to play. It's always a tradeoff. I love the warmth of the dreadnaught, but the smaller guitars, (especially the 12 fret 00s and parlors) have amazing singing in the upper range!

[@migueldemaria3830]

they sound so different--fascinating...

[@snoozedoctor]

They are quite different. I'll be doing some more guitar comparisons in the near future. Cheers!

[@DC180]

Gotta have both

[@snoozedoctor]

Still can't beat a dreadnought for strumming songs. But I never do a fingerstyle piece on mine, even though it's a good one. Cheers.

[@arthurogle7581]

I attended to his office for 6 years in my after retirement job He was parter to Dr Bill Anderson. Also a heart surgeon in our town Ft Worth Texas

[@snoozedoctor]

I worked with some amazing cardio thoracic surgeons. Our hospital was the main site for CV care in KC.

[@Andy-M.1833]

This Collings sounds great

[@snoozedoctor]

I'll be doing some more comparisons of various guitars soon. Stay tuned!

[@taab7]

I agree with you that the OM is the right choice for your impressive style of playing and especially when finger picking is utilised. The Dreadnought sounded better when a more rhythmic or pronounced strumming style was demonstrated. That Blues chord progression you demonstrated also sounded nicer on the Dreadnought. So the Dreadnought for a song like Locomotive Breath and the OM for Thick As A Brick and most other Tull songs.

[@snoozedoctor]

If I'm doing a pure strumming part in a recording, I always reach for the dreadnought, and the reverse for a finger style piece.

[@dheeraj3945]

Yes, the OM seems pleasing when he emphasised more on the individual notes, and the dreadnaught outperformed it when harmonics are involved. Feels like the OM is more of an introvert and Dreadnaught is a team player 😅

[@RefRMart10]

Call me old fashioned but my rythem characteristics drives me towards dreadnoughts time and time again

[@snoozedoctor]

Can't beat a dreadnought for strumming. Always my first choice when it calls for that.

[@lebe220]

I´m learning to play my dread in a more dynamic way. Soft strumming is needed at times, and loud picking.

[@snoozedoctor]

You can’t beat a dreadnought if you’re playing with a combo and need to stand out, especially unamplified.

[@smflyboy]

Wonderful video. Trying to decide whether or not to buy an OM. In your demonstration, the OM seems to have a lovely pronounced midrange and a more focused and balanced sound. The dreadnaught sounds more lush and full with pronounced bass and treble, but a more scooped midrange. Really interesting how such a subtle change in the body can have that much of an impact. I already own an old D35 which I love, so I think I’ll add the OM to the collection for some variety. Thanks for the video!

[@snoozedoctor]

Thanks! Yeah, it totally depends on your style of playing. If you're doing mostly strumming, dreadnoughts are the ticket. But you don't see many finger style players playing them, almost always on smaller bodies where all the midrange comes out. With my guitar collection I can say that the smaller the body, and shorter the scale, i.e. 12 fret neck, the more the highs sparkle. I find myself playing those more and more because that sparkle sounds so good. But, for all round, versatile guitar, can't go wrong with an OM.

[@smflyboy]

@@snoozedoctor thank you. Any opinion on the all mahogany (top & sides) acoustics? Larrivee (and others obviously) has an OM40 that is all mahogany that is super nice. I have a D35 and Taylor 814ce both Sitka Spruce with rosewood already. Thought about trying something different.

[@snoozedoctor]

@@smflyboy the mahogany guitars I’ve owned have a bit more subdued tone, but it can be very balanced. I have a mahogany Larrivee 12 string that is amazing. I bought a OMC style body from Larrivee from eBay that didn’t quite do it for me. I would love to sample their smaller bodies. Had lunch with Jean Larrivee and then toured the factory. Nice guy and high quality operations they have.

[@smflyboy]

@@snoozedoctor thanks so much! Driving from Houston to Austin on Wednesday to a store that has has several Larrivee models to try out. Hopefully I’ll take one home!

[@snoozedoctor]

@@smflyboy safe travels. I think you’ll like what you find!

[@sedleyjensen5636]

Thanks for the comparison! I agree with R A. They both sound great and the Dreadnought does seem to have more treble and bass, and also more resonance! The OM on the other hand, seems to have more midrange but also seems more articulate. At least to my ear anyway. It seems to me that both of these guitars would compliment each other well in a mix. This is a great example of why any serious guitar player should have at least one Dread and one OM in their collection! Do you have any Martin OM's? I would love to hear a comparison between a Martin and a Collings!

[@snoozedoctor]

OM bodies have the dynamic range squished a bit so that the sound is focused, IMO. I don't have a Martin OM, wish I did. Played a 1929 OM28 one time. First year they made it. Best guitar I've ever played! wow. Would like to have brought it home with me but didn't have $100K on me.

[@sedleyjensen5636]

@@snoozedoctor Yes! Squished. That is the word I was looking for. And yes, focused, the OM is more focused in the midrange. At least that is what I think from what I’ve heard.

[@jamesbond-mb5ws]

I wonder what you thought of Bert Jansch's fingerstyle technique? How would something like that sound? I think it was the first example you gave in this video...it was great to hear it, you know a lot, another hug from Buenos Aires!

[@snoozedoctor]

I will give him a listen as I've not heard that much by him, although I've heard his name so much. Thanks! The first song I played is my own composition titled Stream side.

[@josephgrega9854]

Not sure, but I think your OM is an exception to the rule to many OM's and it sounds superior. OM's may loose a little depth due to body size. Some I have played have an awkward overall sound ( sometimes subtle, sometimes very noticeable) like an early Ovation or something. Difficult for me to describe - boxy...cheap sounding? Have you noticed this? Anyway, I love the mids and high notes on your OM, and the lows and chords on the Martin are nice. Martins may have a strong low end , and I have heard some say it is too pronounced. I think Taylor was targeting this with their guitars. OM's are great with fingerstyle. Do you think, at times, we can credit OM preference to greater control, grasp, ease of use, freedom due to size vs. restrictions from a larger guitar? I would love to see one or several more video's of you describing and playing your guitar collection or your favorite guitars and why. I have maybe a dozen guitars, and I do have a favorite (a relatively recent acquisition - a Johnny Cash Martin d35 - it is all black (not what I was looking for) and lacks adornments' ((thank goodness)). I had a "regular d35" and saw this used guitar and just played it due to curiosity and was astonished at the difference between the two. There is something very special about this guitar. The sound is beautiful; the sustain is a mile long..even when sliding chords and not strumming. The action defies physics. I am considering seeking another because I love it so much. Very strange for me) I do believe there is a personality to many guitars. I like to write songs, and different guitars make me write different songs. I don't have (the same) guitar that is on a stand at the ready for impulse playing (I am too protective of the Johnny Cash), but instead rotate the guitars. But I have always desired a go-to guitar and I think an OM would be the perfect guitar to fit the task. I guess I just haven't found the right one yet. I cannot, or at least, I am hesitant to leave a high end guitar on a stand in my living room because: 1) my daughter has gifted me with 4 rescue cats that love to play enthusiastically (I have grown to appreciate and love them) and, 2. I am a danger to most valuable things in the house. Therefore, seeking an OM (or ballpark) which is not high end but sounds high end. Any suggestions? I did play a Mexican made Taylor Academy 12 (auditorium size ?) that sounded far better than both an US made GS mini and a Martin of the same approximate size. I think it was around $800.00 although it is bigger than an OM, but smaller than most dreadnaughts. I love your video's and the JT tutorials'. Most times I don't try to play them; It is a pleasure to watch you explain the techniques, preform and sing. Many, if not most, players cannot preform Ian's work and your mastery of the material is a testimony to your skill. Your presentations are like a college or graduate study on Ian's creativity. Absolutely splendid. Thank You.

[@snoozedoctor]

wow, such a thoughtful note. thanks! Guitars are so different, it's hard to generalize without playing one and hearing it for yourself. The smaller bodies are both more comfortable for me to play and fit better with my style which is mostly fingerpicking. The smaller bodies just have a more balanced tone and volume across the bass, midrange and treble for me. Guitars don't have to be expensive to sound good, but paying a bit more usually results in a guitar that is easier to play. If you haven't played a 12 fret, you should check one out. I find myself playing my Huss and Dalton 00 and my Collings Waterloo more and more. Love the ringing treble on those. Sounds like your Cash model is a keeper!

[@leszyeuxdewam]

Been playing acoustic blues on an om (Larrivee om40). Just ordered a d18. I'm rather tall and the om feels a bit small to me. I Hope I'll be as happy with the dread as I am with the om :-). Thanks for the comparison !

[@snoozedoctor]

Larrivees are great. I have a 12 string that I bought more than 30 years ago. It's such an early model it doesn't even have his name on the headstock. I had lunch with him back in the 90s when he was getting the factory up and running. Really nice guy. I think you'll like the Martin. Some of them are better than others, but they don't make a bad guitar.

[@leszyeuxdewam]

@@snoozedoctor Well I Hope I'm going to get a good one :-). I love my Larrivée, they are Indeed great guitars! I tried two d18 in two different shops, they felt amazing, I love that woody sound. I'll keep them both for sure !

[@kd_kissed]

Supernice Video! Very good to hear the difference. Thank you! Do you also have 12fret guitars for a comparison? That would be awesome!

[@snoozedoctor]

Thanks! You might enjoy this one. I've done several other comparison videos of different guitars. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaTbdmB8arSdjKcsi=sYVVS8Lnr4c3fkLu

[@kd_kissed]

Thank you! Beautiful playing and amazing guitars!

[@goodknight37]

They both sound stunning, but that Collings might be the best OM I’ve heard

[@snoozedoctor]

It's a great guitar. Stay tuned to my channel. I'll be doing some more comparisons of different body styles and woods.

[@miguelpessanha]

Geez man that first song was astonishingly beautiful. What is it? I hear the OM in fingerpicking and because of its clarity instantly say to myself "that's the one!" Then when the strumming comes it can sound too boxy and the dreadnought sounds big and gorgeous. In Britain we say "horses for courses" - gotta have them both!

[@snoozedoctor]

Thanks so much! The first song is one I wrote called "Streamside." Yeah, gotta have them both. I bought them back to back in '89 or '90.

[@arthurogle7581]

In 1965 I bought an Epiphone SG (double cut away) but lost interest in solid body electrics. I have 2 Epiphone Masterbilt solid tone wood now. The DR400 and the AJ45 Gibson knock off. Both are fine sounding Masterbilts.

[@snoozedoctor]

I bet they sound good! I've always been intrigued by SGs, never played one though. Duane Allman, Pete Townshend, Eric Clapton, they all sounded great on them, but then, they are great players!

[@Rgdonaire_07]

Beautiful piece you played there at the beginning, could you share the name?. Loved it. Also great demonstration, it clearly shows the differences.

[@snoozedoctor]

Thanks! The first piece is one of mine. I’ll be recording and posting a full version soon.

[@kellygoodnight2076]

This was so incredibly helpful. *I thought I wanted the OM- turns out I wan't the dreadnought

[@snoozedoctor]

Glad you find it helpful. Dreadnoughts are more versatile than people think. They sound great with fingerstyle.

[@daverenick5830]

Seriously beautiful first song. I think in every aspect the dread is superior. In my playing I use my 000-18 MD now the most. I have had too many dreads I guess. I bought my first D-45 new for under $900 because I'm a vintage creature. I like my 000-18 MD because I play it like an electric but for warmth and depth and projection the OM is nowhere near the dread, or so I hear it.

[@snoozedoctor]

Thank you. The first is my own composition. Hard to beat a dread for warmth and bass. I have a 00 Huss and Dalton I should put up against the dread. It is seriously warm and full. Very different than my other small bodies. Cheers!

[@mrbxv]

The D-41 sounds so good. It’s no wonder you’ve had it all these years.

[@snoozedoctor]

It really is the best dreadnought I've ever played. It was my first "real guitar" after I started earning a regular pay check. Up until that time I had played a Yamaha nylon string that I got in a pawn shop for $60 and a Yamaha steel string that I got from a friend for $75.

[@mrbxv]

@@snoozedoctor I love hearing personal stories about people and their guitars. It’s one of the few objects that people develop emotional bonds with. Martin guitars tend to have that effect on people. Thanks for sharing!

[@SergeUnplugged]

Thanks!

[@snoozedoctor]

No problem!

[@jasonhinson3812]

I’ve been OM shopping however, after a good listen I did not hear any situation where the OM had a better sound or was even as good as the dread. In fact, maybe a parlor sized dread is what I need.

[@snoozedoctor]

I would consider something like a 00 body if you want more bass response. I love mine.

[@Gman44044]

good heavens! blown away by his playing! Absolutely angelic and out of this world! Your guitars sound more like a harp. Do you teach lessons?

[@snoozedoctor]

Wow, thank you!

[@snoozedoctor]

not currently doing lessons. My technique is self learned, so I'm not sure it is really the best way.

[@RA-rf4nz]

I think both sound great. The Dreadnought tone seemed to have a little more treble and dynamic range than the OM.

[@snoozedoctor]

The Dreadnought does have more dynamic range, no doubt.

[@Wistbacka]

So what do you suggest for me? I mostly play Tommy Emmanuel/Chet Atkins influenced style of music, and now also some more pop-style music with arpeggiated chords. All comments seem to suggest I should stick with concert/OM style body which is what I have now, but I also love the bass when picking up my friend's dreadnought. I also usually dislike the physical size of dreadnoughts as I am not that big.

[@snoozedoctor]

If I was going to have one guitar for finger style, I would get an OM similar to this. This is an expensive guitar, heck, I'd love to have one, but I have a similar shaped Martin OMC Aura and it has a little more bass, but still very comfortable to play. I like having the cutaway too. www.collingsguitars.com/acoustic-guitars/pete-huttlinger-signature-om1-2nd-limited-edition/

[@snoozedoctor]

this is just like my Martin OMC. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4SzlpVuithmrsk

[@Wistbacka]

@@snoozedoctor thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I might be spitting heresy here now, but the guitars I have been looking at are from Yamaha: the LL-TA (dreadnought) and LS-TA (concert). After the first message on today I actually (accidentally) found a store that had them in store. But I gotta say I kinda preferred the dreadnought, even for fingerstyle. Why?

[@snoozedoctor]

@@Wistbacka There's no denying that the bass is going to be deeper on the dreadnought. The first nice guitar I owned was a dreadnought so I played finger style on that for years. Nothing wrong with it. As I developed my finger style technique, I grew to appreciate the balance of a smaller body guitar. I don't have to worry as much about the bass drowning out the midrange. The other thing that's important for me is string spacing down over the sound hole where my right hand is working. Dreadnoughts tend to have tighter spacing there and I find that difficult to fit my right hand fingers in. I have a classical nylon string and that is ideal for my right hand, but the neck is too wide for my left hand and it takes my thumb out of action for fretting. My Martin OMC Aura is the best compromise for me, slightly wider at the nut and flaring out down at the saddle so I can get my fingers in easily. Flat pickers prefer the tighter string spacing since they're using a plectrum and it's less distance to move across stings. Most importantly, go with what feels and sounds good to you! No wrong answers, just individual preferences.

[@vegaa.1645]

Wow . Dread sounds way richer! I'm debating between Martin 00 12 koa and D12 Koa. I'm leaning more towards D12 now!

[@snoozedoctor]

If you are primarily a strummer, I would go with the D12. If primarily a finger stylist, would think about the 00.

[@vegaa.1645]

@@snoozedoctor what if I want for both styles? Which one would you recommend as the more versatile one?

[@snoozedoctor]

@@vegaa.1645 Tough. I don't like the recorded sound of my smaller bodies when strummed. I guess it is too much midrange. Sounds jangly. I finger picked on dreadnoughts for 20 years before getting my first OM, so it sounds perfectly acceptable.

[@2628064379]

Do you have a string length preference for your OM guitars? Eastman uses a 24.9" string length. Martin and Larrivee use 25.4" string length. I prefer short scale and preferably a 12th fret body connection. Martin makes their 000 instruments short scale and their OM instruments long scale, both the same body size. Larrivee makes all their instruments long scale (why)? I wonder what best, long scale on a smaller body (Larrivee) is, or short scale on a 000 (also their OM body size).

[@snoozedoctor]

That's a good question. I have 2 short scale guitars, a 12 fret OO Huss and Dalton and a 12 fret Collings Waterloo. I'm gravitating towards those guitars more and more. They have better treble and they're a tad easier to play because of less string tension. Both of those guitars I mention are incredibly light construction too. I really think that helps with resonance and sustain. For years the Collings OM in this video was my main guitar, but like I said, I'm playing it less these days. I have a Larrivee 12 string and had another Larrivee for a while. Nice guitars but I think a tier below. I've not owned or played many Eastmans, but I know they are a good value. I think you should consider a 12 fret, if you don't need to play very high up on the neck.

[@2628064379]

@@snoozedoctor I enjoy your channel. I own two guitars, both Waterloo instruments. One is the WL-12 (24.78" and 12 fret connection), and the other is the Jumbo King (25.4" and a14 fret connection). I just find the shorter string length yields a much sweeter tone than the long scale instrument. And yet I love the power and voice separation I get on chordal passages with the Jumbo King. I was thinking about a replacement for the Jumbo King because of its V neck. Some have tried to say the Dreadnaught isn't for fingerstyle. My favorite Dred based on videos I have watched is the Gibson J45. It has a sweet full sound compared to others and I think it is because of the shorter string length (24.78"). I play in a classical guitar sitting position, so the dreadnaught size isn't really an issue for me. On your video, I preferred the sound of the Martin. On my Waterloo WL-12, I can play for long periods and not notice any hand pain, but the Jumbo with its 25.4" length that's another story LOL. I'll probably just stick with what I have, but I am amazed that makers like Martin can't make an affordable 12 fret body with a short string length instrument. And Larrivee can't make anything but a 25'4" string length (with the exception of their parlor instrument) regardless of the instrument they are making. .

[@RealROCKnROLLA]

I find dreadnought jumps from bass direct to treble, whereas OM has more of a flat frequency response with well highlighted mids. Both sound beautiful tho.

[@snoozedoctor]

Totally agree. There's a reason bluegrass players all play dreadnoughts, they need the volume and the frequencies. And likewise, most finger style players play the smaller bodies for the flatter response.

[@davidbarwick9532]

What kind of mic setup did you use? Both guitars sound great.

[@snoozedoctor]

I used two pencil condenser mics in xy pattern, a Neumann KM184 and an AKG. Those were running into a Focusrite 428 preamp and then into a Lynx Aurora A/D converter. I was in a carpeted hallway of the house. Perhaps should have chosen a little more resonant room. My studio is untreated so it's really wet with reverb in there and the hallway serves as my vocal booth so it's really dead in there.

[@vyvynylification]

That dread sounds amazing when not fingerpicked eh!

[@snoozedoctor]

Yes! What it's made for!

[@eberalvarez9585]

Las 2 suenan bonito

[@snoozedoctor]

Thanks!

[@thomastehan9477]

I would really love to know the name of the country/ bluegrass # you are playing on the Martin. It starts out in C but just the kinda music I want to learn to play. The name would help me find some tabliture to start with. Thanks for the demo.

[@snoozedoctor]

It's an attempt at Wildwood Flower, originally by the Carter Family. Classic melody!

[@thomastehan9477]

@@snoozedoctor Thank you very much, I can work with that. Love the melody as I am focusing a fair amount of practice time on my acoustics. So many great musical opportunities on utube. My thanks. Beautiful Martin!

[@robtemple2953]

Thanks for the comparison. I like the D-41 sound so much better. That warmth! What gauge/brand of strings are you using on each guitar?

[@snoozedoctor]

I have light gauge (12s) elixirs on both guitars. No denying the warmth of the Martin!

[@jakapathuayrahan6846]

Amazing playing and real nice guitar wowo. But was the song on 5.03??

[@snoozedoctor]

thanks! at 5:03 was "Over the Rainbow" from Wizard of Oz.

[@jakapathuayrahan6846]

@@snoozedoctor wow thanks alot. By the way, I have a personal question, if you don't mind. I have always been an electric guitar for so long and got interested in acoustic. Should I start with dread or om? More expensive solid or cheap laminate?

[@snoozedoctor]

@@jakapathuayrahan6846 I think an OM body is more versatile and more fun to play. You might want to check out the OM style Orangewood guitars. Affordable, playable, and sound OK.

[@jakapathuayrahan6846]

@@snoozedoctor ohh wow, thanks alot sir yay

[@benwalz5201]

OM is so complementary of single notes and finger style. No right or wrong choice it just depends on your needs and how you plan to use it. The dread has a warmer but noticeably less defined sound to my ears.

[@sharim605]

Is the OM smaller than Dreadnought?Bcs I want to buy an OM but I afraid it's bigger than my Dreadnought

[@snoozedoctor]

OM is smaller than a dreadnought. OM is the right fit for me because it's the most versatile for different styles.

[@arthurogle7581]

I agree Doc. $80k is outta a retired RR engineers ballpark. My niece is married to a physician in San Antonio. My de- ceased wife and her 2 sisters were RNs.All charge nurses.

[@snoozedoctor]

Sorry to hear your wife has passed. Medicine was a good choice for me. I wouldn't have been as happy anywhere else.

[@arthurogle7581]

See what I mean? Not only that Dr Hudgens is a ultra miler runner. Ranf from McMurdo Sound to the S Pole. Praugue and from Death Valley to top of Mt Mckinley in calif..Had a team of 10 othrr doctors to sid him in case something nrgative happened. A distance of some 147 miles. My son and his wife are both Iron Men. Best physically fit members in our family. Got their IM ratings at Coer de Laine Idahp. He plays Tama drums and Yamahas FG830.

[@snoozedoctor]

They sound fit! One of my New Year's resolutions but somehow not getting it done!

[@goofyjohn6191]

I'm has much more mid range and seems softer. Dreadnaught has higher and brighter high note and lower low notes but a lack of nid range. I also have both and use them for different types of music.

[@snoozedoctor]

Totally agree. Their strengths lend themselves to different tasks.

[@slw59]

I much prefer the OM size. I have a 000-28 and it's perfect.

[@snoozedoctor]

likewise. My friend has a '36 000-28 for sale. How I wish I had 65K to buy it! Not really. I might have to go play it next week though.

[@sharim605]

Is the OM smaller than Dreadnought?

[@slw59]

@@sharim605 Yes, the OM is smaller than a dreadnought and not quite as deep. The OM and the 000 have the same size body. The difference is that the OM has a slightly longer scale length.

[@slw59]

@@snoozedoctor The other great guitar is a Gibson LG-2. And they're affordable relative to a vintage Martin.

[@smallnuts2]

Im not sure what guitar to get. I heard since I have short fingers get a short scale. Now is a dreadnought more for finger picking and the auditorium guitar is for strum?

[@snoozedoctor]

The dreadnoughts are more for strumming and volume, like flat-pickers. The smaller body guitars are more balanced and suited to finger style. My hands are very small too, If you don't need to play high on the neck, I would consider a 12 fret instead of 14 fret. They sound really good with finger picking but aren't going to give you that smooth strumming sound like on The Eagles records.

[@smallnuts2]

@snoozedoctor any recommendations for 14fret that has short scale? I want a strumming guitar buy I'm told short scale is easier for people with smaller fingers. I don't know if the neck is different?

[@snoozedoctor]

@@smallnuts2 The smaller scaled guitars, like a baby Taylor or the GS mini Taylor might be an alternative. Personally, I like the mini size better than the baby, but they're both easy to play. I would recommend you go with a slim neck profile, front to back. The chunky necks are really hard for small hands. I like thin as I can find. Really, any guitar is going to be suitable for strumming. If you're recording some strumming for high fidelity, then a dreadnought can't be beat. But if you're playing for fun, it doesn't matter all that much. Mainly I would look for that slim neck profile and possibly a smaller body like the Taylor mini.

[@iambusybox]

My vote is for OM

[@snoozedoctor]

Mine too.

[@user-cy9lc9lq1e]

Bonjour, quel est le titre du premier morceau de musique joué? Très belle musique.

[@snoozedoctor]

Merci! C'est ma propre composition.

[@user-cy9lc9lq1e]

@@snoozedoctor Félicitations, belle composition, pensez-vous en faire une vidéo avec tablatures ? Ce serait fantastique ! En tout cas merci pour le partage.

[@snoozedoctor]

@@user-cy9lc9lq1e Merci! Je prévois d'enregistrer cette chanson bientôt !

[@user-cy9lc9lq1e]

Formidable, je l'attends avec impatience, c'est une belle composition qu'il faut faire vivre !

[@arthurogle7581]

My deceased preacher cousin owned a 50s era OOO/18 Martin..Gaveup trying to buy it from him

[@snoozedoctor]

I've probably played a 000 at some point, but can't remember.

[@rawvocals4227]

I have dreadnought it's uncomfortable....am 180cm and which will be better for me...om or gs mini ..I like to sing strum, finguring but am confused Om lower bout 38cm . mini is 36.5 and and scale is 64.5 and 59.6 Which will best for me...👍 I need GUITAR with comfort..and best sound

[@snoozedoctor]

To me, the OM is the perfect overall size. I don't enjoy playing my dreadnought because of the size. I do enjoy parlor size guitars, but for most of my playing, the OM is just the right size!

[@rawvocals4227]

Thank u..sir👍

[@anothamatt]

damn these both sound and look beautiful - shoulda picked a different career haha

[@snoozedoctor]

I played a super cheap Yamaha dreadnought through college, medical school, and residency training. As soon as I had a real paycheck I went to my friend's music store and picked out these 2. I chose well.

[@anonofDeath]

Im new to guitar and I have a question. Is OM the same as concert?

[@snoozedoctor]

The nomenclature on guitar body styles can be confusing. The way I understand it is; the OM body is the same as a 000 Martin, typically with a 14 fret neck (where the neck meets the body.) I think the concert body maybe very similar, typically about the size of standard classical guitar. Overall it's going to be about the same size as an OM. Roughly, the biggest to smallest body size would be jumbo, dreadnaught, grand auditorium, grand concert, OM, concert, 00, 0 and parlor. The 00, 0 and parlor styles usually have 12 frets to the body. The shorter length of the 12 fret bodies really makes the treble strings ring out, sparkly almost. The tradeoff is that the longer bass strings on the 14 fret models is fuller and richer than the shorter scale. Have you seen the fan shaped fret boards on some acoustic guitars? They are trying to get the best of both worlds with short treble strings and long bass strings. Hope this helps!

[@anonofDeath]

@@snoozedoctor Thank you for your response. I've been greatly informed thanks to you. I really appreciate that you took your time to reply to me

[@HL-OOI]

I prefer the smaller body now like GA and OM for finger picking..

[@snoozedoctor]

Me too. The dreadnought seems huge when I play it now. Clumsy.

[@HL-OOI]

@@snoozedoctor 😁 ..lowered the action to 1.75mm on the low E string and adjusted the nut slot..very nice to play 😁..

[@arthurogle7581]

Dread or OM or OOO? havent a clue. Will.eait to see if the IRS refund Eagle flies.Most likely no Dread.If any thing differing scale lengths will tell what?

[@snoozedoctor]

It's my understanding that the idea behind fanned fret guitars is to shorten the scale length on the treble side and lengthen it on the bass strings. Thought to improve both bass and treble response. My 12 fret guitars definitely have better high note clarity and response.

[@arthurogle7581]

snooze Dr. I have 8 dreadnoghts acquired in 50 years of playing. But Im drawn to OOO models.

[@snoozedoctor]

I just find smaller bodies to be more comfortable to play. I want a dreadnought around, but I'm more likely to play the others!

[@DH-og5yr]

Would you mind sharing the song starting at around 5:06?

[@snoozedoctor]

At that time stamp I'm playing a snippet of Somewhere Over the Rainbow from Wizard of Oz. Check out this arrangement by Tommy E. Way past my abilities! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpSrloGpmLCNhJIsi=JspBQW9ZOOPeQ0Kp

[@DH-og5yr]

@@snoozedoctor thank you

[@googaboogaloo]

My Eyes say om, ears say dreadnaught

[@snoozedoctor]

Either is pretty fine!

[@Robbo57]

An OM for me. Did you read what Ian Anderson said in an interview about Jumbo/dreadnought guitars.

[@snoozedoctor]

I didn't read it. I have read in interviews that he likes really small body guitars, the smaller the better he said. Gosh, that thing he plays now is like a backpacker's guitar. Sounds amazing though.

[@Robbo57]

@@snoozedoctor he has always played smaller acoustics, he says the notes sustain and ring better when playing with the band over jumbos which just sound like scraping the strings when played alongside drums, bass and electrics. The really small guitars seemed to have became an obsession with him (to make him look bigger?) after one gig reviewer called him diminutive.lol

[@snoozedoctor]

@@Robbo57 lol !

[@christianbond1561]

The OM

[@snoozedoctor]

me too.

[@ThomasFranz100]

Generally I would prefer the Dreadnought, but "Thick as a Brick" sounds more Tull on the OM.

[@snoozedoctor]

That's the thing. When you get into that style you don't want a bunch of low end in the guitar. It needs to be clear. Ian played TAAB on a small body Martin 0021 New Yorker.

[@arthurogle7581]

Snooze The best proponent I know is Jacob Workman. The lead guitar player in R Skaggs Ky Thunder band. He gives his Collings dread "what for" every session., Right n there with P K Thompson and Boucher.

[@snoozedoctor]

I checked him out. Great stuff. I really enjoy flat pickers that stretch out a bit and play outside the box. He does that wonderfully. I always enjoyed Tony Rice, especially the album Me and My Guitar although that wasn't exactly in traditional bluegrass vein. I like Ron Block with Alison Krause. You may enjoy this improvisation by 2 phenomenal musicians. It's like a musical conversation going back and forth. This type of ability is outside my comprehension, much less ability. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5i7o6Orlt6Kqrcsi=c7A7YD94xmrIEyRM

[@emilloffler1216]

I regret buying my OM28V back in 2006. I would have much preferred to buy the D28 for it's fuller sound and better and fuller bass response. My budget would be overloaded by owning both, so I have been trying to swap it for a D28. But I've not had any seriously interested people yet for several years.

[@snoozedoctor]

Do you do finger style? If I wasn't doing chord melody, I'd prefer the dreadnought. I played in a little country trio back in the early 90s and almost always used the D-41. I hope you find a trade!

[@emilloffler1216]

@@snoozedoctor Thank you, I live in South Africa as a 3rd generation guy from my American Grandaddy who immigrated here as a young man in his late 20's. It's much harder here to find Martin guitar enthusiasts here. Anyway, I still have a great accoustic, and I first bought it because I was hooked on doing Eric Clapton unplugged covers, and he definitely prefers that model. But I got to lean more towards Neil Young covers in later years, and the D28 is definitely the sound for that too my ears, I'm sure you will agree?

[@snoozedoctor]

@@emilloffler1216 oh yeah. Needle and damage done, Old man, Harvest moon, all those are going to sound better on a dreadnought!

[@emilloffler1216]

@@snoozedoctor I actually prefer using a soft USA Nylon .60mm triangular plectrum. My thumb hurts when I play finger style, and I have never got used to using a thumb pick and the rest of my fingers, as in finger style. I actually do want to learn that way in the future.

[@emilloffler1216]

@@snoozedoctor For absolutely sure, thanks awsomely for the assurance about Neil's songs I enjoy so much.

[@flylippfantom8425]

Did you get them on alibaba 😅😅😅

[@snoozedoctor]

I did buy them at the same store about a year apart. My good friend owns a music store nearby.

[@flylippfantom8425]

​@@snoozedoctor they're beautiful and I was just joking about Alibaba. I had always had dreadnaughts and now that I have a good om it's my go to

[@arthurogle7581]

Dr Snooze IMO doctors are the smartest guys in the room. Example? Dr Steve Hudgens grad of O U medical school. Intership at Bellview. Also internrd under Drs DeBakey and Cooley. Thoracic surgeon now.

[@snoozedoctor]

I worked with some brilliant docs for sure. My wife was valedictorian of our medical school class. She's right up there.

[@arthurogle7581]

I own both size guitars. If Im playingin our group with a hard driving BG banjo the Dread gets the call. If its in any other scenario my OM gets the call!!! Cant afford the Collings. Made 189 miles from me

[@snoozedoctor]

My thoughts exactly! I'm not much of a BG player but can strum some chords. Flat picking is hard.

[@arthurogle7581]

After hisdeath

[@arthurogle7581]

Snooze Dr. Altho I'm gaagaa bout the Collings OM my kids gifted me a Yamaha OM. the Yamaha FS800. I'm good ay pretense and can pretend its a Collings or a Martin OM/18. When IRS refund shows up may spring for a Storia 2. More Within my price range.

[@snoozedoctor]

Yahama makes great guitars. I was just looking at one of their nylon strings last night. My very first guitar at age 16 was a Yamaha classical. Sold it way back in the day but I'd like to have another. Just bought a Yamaha Revstar electric. Really enjoying it.

[@arthurogle7581]

Guitars were acquired in 40 years playing BG music.

[@snoozedoctor]

BG is hard. You have to be a virtuoso to play all those fiddle melodies on guitar.

[@RogwinMusic]

Ian Anderson on a dreadnought...... NEVER. Lotta bottom end on that Martin....with good headphones I have, maybe too much. The Dread is fuller and ambient, The OM more articulate.

[@snoozedoctor]

The Martin was boomy in that hallway. It is to start with but I wonder if the acoustics in there didn't enhance it. I think I read once that up until Aqualung Ian was playing a cheap Yamaha dreadnought. I believe that's right. Somewhere about that time he bought the Martin New Yorker that he used through the following years. I've searched relentlessly for some mention of the recording and engineering of his recorded acoustic tracks but haven't really found anything at all. Of course he's a great player but the tone he got on the recordings was usually stellar.

[@RogwinMusic]

@@snoozedoctor Im looking at Yamaha A5 Series now, confused. I played 5 USA Jethro Tull Conventions with Ian and Tull, my bands name is Rat Race Choir... we've had a lot of them sit in with us, and they used our backline a couple of times, unfortunately my keyboardist of 50 years suddenly died last August , ( though no band can play to live audiences now anyway.) I only saw Ian, with his Martin, and they seem to be getting smaller and smaller.;-)...he's a genius on the level of any of the Classical composers, funny to me that you played Brick, Ive played it a couple thousand times we grabbed it upon it's release and never stopped playing different medleys from it..(I'm bass& vox ,).... great intro to "Life's a Long Song"."Cheap Day Return".I mess around learning them ...because they are so "beautifully Ian".... on and on it goes with him...hes def not into dreads. Hey I found your video very enlightening and learned a lot, you are obviously a man of great detail and experience, Thank You for helping educate others!!

[@snoozedoctor]

@@RogwinMusic Damn man, I just watched your set from Mulcahy's 2017. Smokin'!! I'm so sorry about your bandmate passing. Thanks for your kind words.

[@RogwinMusic]

@@snoozedoctor Thank You! under OfficialRRCvids channel on youtube you'll find alotta Tull including Passion Play, Thank You sir. ;-) Keep on playin!

[@el34glo59]

Get a Martin D18 GE