Martin D JR.2E Sapele

In this video, let's check out the Martin D JR.2E Sapele and also do a quick comparison to the Taylor GS Mini Mahogany.
Music @ 1:50
Pickup Demo @ 5:56
Comparison with the GS Mini : 9:18
Original music © by Jonathan Koh
Recorded with a T-Bone SCT-800 tube mic
Guitar provided with courtesy of City Music
Guitar available at
www.citymusic....
Taylor GS Mini mahogany
www.taylorguit...
Original music © by Jonathan Koh
Recorded with the
UAD Apollo Twin Duo
on
Digital Performer 9.5

[@byronwheeler4210]

Jonathan, you are the best demo guitarist on youtube. Hands down! Kudos.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you bryon ✌️❤️

[@johnjanoski3988]

Martin hit a home run with this one, the guitar seems as if if was made to resonate. Most other guitar makers are using Sapele for the back and sides, Martin put it on the top to good effect. I don't know if you liked the guitar or not, but it liked you.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Oh yea..I like the guitar.It sustains for ages! But then again, I also love my GS Mini Mahogany too hahah🤓✌

[@paulneedham9885]

there are plenty using Sapele for tops. This is a good one tho

[@DenisAhmet]

Martin all the way - Love the opening tune on this video, it ticked all the boxes both your playing style and the warm beautiful tones of the Martin. It was such a relaxing vibe, which helped me unwind after a full days work. Thank you for the demo as always.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Glad you liked it! 🤓✌

[@cycomikey78]

Both great guitars with a superb musician playing them. I found the Martin to speak to me just a little more than the Taylor. Thank you.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you ✌️❤️

[@rinzan28]

One of the best Djr 2 review I have watched👍. You play in such way to bring out all the sounds of the guitar, awesome👍

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you so much 🤓✌️

[@toneydavis9802]

So glad I have found your channel. No matter what the subject is you present in such a way and play in such a way I always find I am so relaxed and inspired. Thank you and thank you City Music for your support...you have no idea how much inspiration YOU provide by helping Jonothan.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you!✌🤓

[@lonnielewis6800]

Really enjoyed the this video. I have been trying to decide between D JR & G2 Mini. I’ve been listening to comparisons today and yours seals the deal. It’s the Martin for me for sure. I loved your playing. Take care and thank you!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Glad it was helpful!✌💜

[@koolbeans8292]

I bought one. The newest member of my Martin girl friends. This one is a small dark amber Redhead. I have four Martin girlfriends. All have different colors, sound lovely, feel good. All but one priced under $700. I’ve had and passed on GS mini, and the baby Taylor and the baby Martin and numerous inexpensive 12 strings… and over a dozen $300 Guitars over the last 40 years. I have 40 and 30% hearing loss respectively and REALLY appreciate the Martin variety and sound!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Very nice!✌♥. sorry to hear about your hearing loss...

[@johnvanburen8997]

This is by far the best comparison I have seen of these two guitars. I am listening thru high end full range speakers that do guitar really well. I know its just you tube ,but the sound is great and your playing fantastic , I could listen to it all day. Many thanks for taking the time to do this , really like your playing. Think I just decided on going with the Martin because of the over all tone. The Taylor has a brighter sound but maybe not as well balanced ? , You said it best with just stating that they are very different, if I had the money I'd buy both.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you John ✌️❤️

[@IPushHard]

Hi Johnathon, I didnt even have to watch the whole video. Ive been to Guitar Center and played both Martin stuff and Taylor stuff. From that experience, I found that the Taylor stuff was more hit and miss, while the Martins were more consistent tonally. All of the Martins tended to be in the good to very good range. The Taylors tended to be either kinda bad or very good depending on which guitar I was playing. I can also say that there were some very affordable Martins costructed of alternate/non-traditional materials that impressed me quite a lot. The particular Martin that you are playing here sounds fantastic. I'm very impressed. I'll be looking around for one of these and considering a purchase. Thanks Johnathon!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

You're most welcome brother..thank you for your insights...:)

[@danstringer7610]

Your demos are the best! Your playing is so sublime.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you ✌️❤️

[@DG-mv6zw]

I don't know who went on to own this particular Martin, but it'll never sound as good as it did in the hands of Jon. Thanks for the review. Big help. I'm hoping to get one for my 60th birthday. 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Greetings from Scotland Jon.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you ✌️❤️

[@Frank-in-NY]

Good demo, great sounding guitar. I just picked up the new Martin D Jr-10E in Sunburst. I tried the Taylor, sure its louder, but it favors the mids & highs. The Martin is more balanced it tone, lows, mids, and highs. It sounds like a full dreadnought. I might add, unlike the Taylor which has a Solid top and layered back and sides, the Martin is Solid top, back, and sides. The Martin is also less expensive. the scale is 24", it's like playing a Fender Jaguar. Sounds great plugged in too! If your on the fence, go for the Martin, you won't be disappointed.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

It actually much depends on individual taste and preferences...Some Taylor are really great sounding but like what IPushHard stated..the Taylors can be inconsistent...🤓✌

[@Frank-in-NY]

@@JonIsJustTooLoud Of course, we all have individual preferences. Taylor makes fine instruments. I own a Taylor 410ce too, terrific guitar. Hey I once owned a Martin DM, that guitar was a dud. It played dead, no jangle to it. I think Martin got it right with the D Jr-10. It's comfortable to play, makes a great travel or couch guitar, nice full sound. Does fine for recording as well, as you've demonstrated....Outstanding playing as always Jonathan. They are made in Mexico. Excellent workmanship.

[@harrypotter6894]

they are same price my g

[@mircocavallin8667]

Your review is by far the best and honest on the Tube. Your toughts came clearly to me. I think the Djr is way better than the GS-mini. Differences are greater listening unplugged recordings. More definition in arpeggios and bottom end in strumming the Martin. The GS is more original, they have put a distance from other acoustic guitars on the market.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you ✌️❤️

[@TreeShark]

I have both Djr Sapele & Taylor GS Mini Mahogany & Spruce. It sounds like the DJr Sapele is drowning and doesn’t have a clear mid or of course high. The sustain on it,!8: nice though and the deep bass. The GS Mini Mahogany has a very clear mid some highs and clear bass response with sustain.

[@nosnelg7481]

I have gs-mini mahogany and martin dreadnought jr2 sapele. For the tone, martin dreadnought jr2 wins. While for travelling, gs- mini hog wins (Note that I mainly use it for travelling) Martin dreadnought jr2 is what I use all the time and it's what I consider the best.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Nice!!! Tell us why you prefer the GS for traveling? 🤓✌️

[@nosnelg7481]

@@JonIsJustTooLoud comfort and light and easy to carry. 😁😁✌

[@ndbing_]

I'm very pleased to hear your playing, which I didn't found listening to other review video. Thanks!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you✌️❤️

[@kellismith7126]

Thanks so much! Fantastic review and video. Exceptional playing!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

🤓✌

[@rdickinsondickinson]

Tranquil and serene ✌🏼

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

✌️❤️

[@sirmelanieofzundert3645]

Thanks!!! Thank you so much!!! This is the best review I've ever seen!!! A few years ago, I got the opportunity to play one of this and I haven't been able to stop dreaming about Martin Guitars! Now, thanks to you I'm gonna save some money and I hope to buy this beautiful guitar soon. Have a great day. Thank you very much!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

You're most welcome!! ✌️🤓

[@sirmelanieofzundert3645]

​@@JonIsJustTooLoud YOU REPLIED! OMG! THANKS!!! Awesome channel!!!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

@@sirmelanieofzundert3645 welcome to the channel!!😄

[@freddieblue6351]

Great review. Thank you!!! I really like the Martin richlite fretboard. I have Dyspraxia and I can fret the notes easily on these.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you... I see✌️❤️

[@smsantz]

Martin sounds great! Very clear to my ear👍🙏

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

✌️❤️

[@baldbearded9601]

So I had a Martin LX1E, and I now play mostly on a Taylor GS-Mini. I tried this Martin JrD last week and I was personally underwhelmed. It didn't "feel" as comfortable as I would have hoped. I love the tones of all Martin guitars.. but something wasn't right for my taste withthis one. Nothing negative to say about the guitar beside that it felt cheap in my hands.. but great tone! Great review as always!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

:)

[@joellim8970]

Great review! Excellent playing and Subscribed! Just bought his guitar for my son.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Nice!✌️🤓

[@cruisenguitars7554]

Well listening to it here on my home system I kind of liked the sound of the Taylor

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

I know...🤓✌

[@Noisette1011]

Really beautiful playing

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you ✌️❤️

[@bertrandguerra7621]

Eventually a review with single note playing, thanks a lot for that Sir !

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you✌️❤️

[@alann5003]

I own both. Both guitars are wonderful little guitars. I think you would be happy with whichever you choose. I prefer the sound of the martin a little more but find the gs mini easier to play.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

✌️❤️

[@kennybluet5527]

Martin for sure. Martins sound better when plugged in .

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Not necessarily ..It depends on the pickup system ✌♥

[@kennybluet5527]

@@JonIsJustTooLoud It sounds like you have them both plugged in here. I think the Martin sounds better here. I think Martins sound better in general , all things being equal. I'm always " chasing" tone. I have a DX1AE with a solid top that I run straight through a Fishman Loudbox Mini and the tone is exquisite and sounds as good as any expensive rig I've ever heard. But maybe I'm biased. Love your reviews and your playing. Excellent stuff. Thank you.

[@CANNIMAGINE]

Great job as usual Thanks

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

✌️❤️

[@ajasniz2639]

I'm a new subscriber. I really like the personality and your skills.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

welcome to the channel!😀

[@horfet5600]

Maestro.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

✌💚

[@rizkykhan5257]

​@@JonIsJustTooLoudWhat are the disadvantages of this guitar?

[@powbobs]

When Martin says select hardwood neck it means mahogany when available or Spanish cedar otherwise. Spanish cedar is not really cedar. It is the wood used for high quality classical guitar necks. It is very like mahogany.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Cool!! Thanks for that info✌️🤓

[@joequintana5546]

I just placed an order on the Martin DJr10e Sapele. It should arrive tomorrow. I hope it doesn't disappoint. I almost got a Taylor GS Mini-e Mahogany but chose the Martin because of the all solid wood build, slightly longer scale, and wider nut. I'm told the Martin gigbag is pretty lame in comparison to the GS Mini gigbag. Well, I'll see for myself soon enough. Fingers crossed.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Lol have fun Joe!! ✌️❤️

[@joequintana5546]

@@JonIsJustTooLoud Well, it arrived. Really bummed out. The action is 1/4th of an inch at the 12th feet and the neck has a terrible up bow. So I went to adjust the truss rod and guess what? IT HAS NO TRUSS ROD!!!! 😱 I knew I should have gotten the GS Mini. Now I gotta pay $69 shipping to send this thing back to SWEETWATER. Sad day.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Oh man… that’s s a bummer!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

@@joequintana5546 I’ve checked.. there’s a truss rod.. you just need the proper tool✌️❤️

[@joequintana5546]

@@JonIsJustTooLoud Yeah, the tech support at SWEETWATER says the same thing. However, I had it sent back. I think I'll give the Taylor GS Mini-e a try.

[@JOHNDOE-dw1nd]

Hello Jonathan! Great vid as always. Just curious about your opinion comparing the gs mini and dreadnought junior. if you have to chose only 1 which one will you choose and why?

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Tough choice...both are equally good...✌🤓

[@lotfuschh]

Any comments on the action of the guitar Jonathan?? Bdw loved the review!! Keep up the good work!!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Great action... Easy to play ✌️🤓

[@Preston_M.]

Hello Jonathan, Great vids, I would enjoy to see you play live someday. I was looking to pick up a small scale guitar and was curious about your opinion on this. I know there's alot of factors that go into this. I myself like the deeper tone which directs me towards the mini but at the same time I prefer a wider neck that leads me to the Martin. I have even considered seagull, recording king, eastman, sire and even Thomanns version of the gs mini. Any thoughts you can pass my way and to others would be appreciated. Since I dont have the option to play these guitars myself since there not in stock at most music stores around me except gs mini Also what is your thoughts between the DJR-2e and the new DJR-10e? Thanks and keep up the great job you're doing!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you Preston!! I can’t seriously tell you as I have yet to play the DJR-2. please subscribe to the channel!! Stay safe✌️❤️

[@a.protas7091]

Very good

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thanks✌♥

[@c0ff33drink3r]

Hi Jon, i love your soloing style. What scale did you use at 1:55?

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

wasnt thinking of scales...it was all about the melody✌♥

[@matthiasrempel9907]

What strings do you use on the Martin? It comes with Monel strings usually I believe, which are quite dark. How much clarity do you gain with the bronze strings?

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

I have no idea ✌️❤️

[@unfreundlich7168]

nice little guitar. good old german design ;) musima . if you ever have the chance to play a greenfield (michael greenfield) dont miss that, once played you dont want any other guitar :D but very expensive, you can get a new car for that. there is also a video about them how he makes them, all by hand google it

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

lol!!!

[@runnningonempty]

It is unreal how the GS mini sounds up against a dreadnaught design..If you remember I got the Koa gs mini.It was a great guitar but not for fingerpicking.I exchanged it for a Martin 000-10e and THAT is a much better fingerpicker guitar.I really like it.It is a better couch guitar...Maybe one day Martin will use the correct scale length on the 0015m and a 1 3/4 nut then I would buy one of those..From what I understand they are using an odd wood on those too,Not really a Mahogany

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

For now..we can only wait...But Martin has some really great minis too✌♥

[@runnningonempty]

@@JonIsJustTooLoud But how much smaller is a mini than a 00? not enough to matter...I already have a D28 and a J45 I dont want another even a mini.By the way Everyone should own those two dreds..Just like Ralphie says in Christmas story..Everyone should have an official red ryder with a compass in the stock.

[@kristiantenerife]

Hi Jonathan, i would like to know the string action of the guitar when you played it. I can see the saddle was quite high?

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

I cant remember..✌🤓...Not unplayable

[@georgemathai9583]

Hi thanks for the great demo. please tell me which one would be better for learning and practicing. thanks

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Either one will do fine, depending on your budget 😁✌️

[@barneycarparts]

I like the Marten I'm so so on the Fishman Sonotone sounds sort of processed buzzy tone. Any one know if there is a direct replacement but higher quality Fishman? Loved you video Loved you playing Bookmarked for a return in near future.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you!✌❤

[@garyives1218]

I've listened to other good vids featuring guitars with this pickup. I and many others think it sounds bad. I think it's ridiculous that Gibson put it in their G45. Jonathan has a great video of a Sunburst Dreadnought jr10 that has an LR Baggs Anthem pickup installed.

[@CostyValiy]

Este hombre es la risa xd Sigue así!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

hahah Espero que no te estés riendo demasiado de mi pobre español! 😂✌

[@rdickinsondickinson]

The Martin sounds better to my ears

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

✌️❤️

[@lucfawer6544]

cool!

[@leeanbasaenmusic]

Good day! Just want to ask if you have any idea where to buy a hardshell case for a Dreadnought Jr. Thanks. 🙂

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Try Thomann!!✌️❤️

[@JAGProductionss]

Hi Johnathan, would you provide some tips to do such beautiful soloing? IDM treating you to coffee :D

[@anawrest]

your spanish is good!! good video

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Muchas gracias hermano !!

[@psallos]

Oh! I owned a dreadnought Jr too!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

really???? The one that we saw at the shop?

[@psallos]

No. Bought mine 2 years ago.

[@gggrindingguitaristgg3474]

Nice review! Thanks to you, I got my DJR-2 two days ago, it's a preowned one. Simply cant put my hands down 😁 And just for experimenting, I put Elixir Light 80/20 Bronze strings on it, and I found it becomes even easier to play imo. Tonality-wise it becomes a bit brighter as expected, so far I liked it but now I would want to know how it sounds and plays in Martin strings haha. What strings would you recommend/prefer on a DJR-2 in your opinion?

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Any brand will do.. preferably phosphor bronze. But 13s gauge.

[@gggrindingguitaristgg3474]

@@JonIsJustTooLoud Thanks! Let me consider that next time I change strings :)

[@slapstickbob]

Superb playing! I own one and am looking at a ‘full size’ dreadnought. Would you think it’s worth paying the extra money or is the difference in sound too small compared to the price bump (diminishing returns)? (Looking in the order of 1500€) Thank you

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Yes, absolutely..there is a difference✌❤

[@slapstickbob]

@@JonIsJustTooLoud thank you!

[@richardbogartburke4978]

Hello!

[@velcrothirteen]

Is this the same as the streetmaster?

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Nope ✌️❤️

[@icarocosta4302]

hi! is better than the mahogany gs mini?

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Up to your preference✌️❤️

[@jamesreyes4654]

Love the Spanish 😂👌👌

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Gracias!!! 🤓✌️

[@cruisenguitars7554]

I know this is off the subject that you're reviewing but I just picked up my Amparo from hotone and my display doesn't light up I just got it today I was wondering if you could help me am I doing something wrong

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

just replied you James...

[@cruisenguitars7554]

Where did you reply cant find it

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

oh i think its your brother? Teri??...anyways here is my reply.. Oh no... I'm so sorry to hear that!! I'm not really an expert but I can safely say that if your unit does not power up... Something is wrong and the unit might be faulty. Did you do any firmware updates before this happened??

[@cruisenguitars7554]

@@JonIsJustTooLoud no I just got it today no updates I just turned it on the lights light up on the buttons but the display doesn't light up so it did for a second and then it went away so I called tech support and all that kind of good junk and then I called my distributor and we're going to get a new one sent out but who knows how long I'll have to wait now you know it's always something

[@cruisenguitars7554]

@@JonIsJustTooLoud oh I'm sorry this is my wife's email so that's why it says Terry

[@ferdiebarren8654]

How is the action on this guitar? If I may ask sir?

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

The action is nice.. it came pretty well setup ✌️

[@ferdiebarren8654]

@@JonIsJustTooLoud thank you sir! I just bought a d jr 10 e sitka since this djr 2 is not available here in the philippines!its really an amazing guitar!Godbless

[@warriorppr]

I am planning to buy one but confused which one to select.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

What are you looking for??

[@warriorppr]

@@JonIsJustTooLoud I opted for Taylor GS mini and later changed my mind after watching Martin Jr, it also has solid wood construction and sounds good. I am looking for a prominent bass and puncy mids in a guitar. Mostly I play rhythm for gospel songs in church.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

@@warriorppr Well..I sure hope this video will help you decide!!! hahah

[@warriorppr]

@@JonIsJustTooLoud yes definitely. Thanks for that.

[@gustavoavendanio.7]

Que cuerdas usas y que calibre?

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Utilizo calibre 12, ¡pero esta guitarra sonaría genial en 13!✌♥

[@gustavoavendanio.7]

@@JonIsJustTooLoud genial!! Usas cuerdas elixir?

[@TheYoshi117]

por un momento pensé que el review sería en español 😔

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

por un momento pensé que el review sería en español

[@diegopereze98]

Tiene buena voz para reviews en español

[@philidorblackmmar7910]

hello, that martins it s better than your taylor?

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

have you seen the video?✌

[@philidorblackmmar7910]

@@JonIsJustTooLoud yes, but I prefer your facts in person please.Thanks

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

@@philidorblackmmar7910 It has more definition than my Taylor but has less weight (Low ends) . they are about the same. :) You will have to try them yourself in order to decide.

[@a.protas7091]

Hola, chico - eres espanol ?

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

No no soy ! hahha

[@aslee330]

Why doesn’t my guitar ever sound like this?

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Well it does 🤓✌️

[@zkoszegi1]

Has it normal scale length?

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

no..a shorter 14 fret ..24" scale length