GSWJ - The Ultimate Showdown: Boucher BG52 vs Martin D41. Gentlemen, To Your Corners!

[@coltknight3945]

I was on the fence til I heard the strumming and the capo sounds. That pushed me in the Martin camp .

[@midnightrider3318]

My vote is for the D41. Thanks for the comparison!

[@Mightydisciple777]

WOW that Martin ! She Special For sure!

[@775tnn]

I have had 2 D-41 Martins and they are awesome , but that Boucher is unbelievable , wish I had one of each and all of them ! Love you and all your stuff JP !

[@JimWalkerMusic]

Ya know something JP. When you say you love us, I believe it. I also believe you're reviews and trust your word. I surely appreciate you and all you stand for. Thanks for just being you.

[@JPCormier]

I appreciate that

[@multipipi1234]

Egmond. Aaaah. Now thats a guitar. A laminate dream. I bought it 69. Sounds great now. If your fingers don't bleed...its no good.😁😷🥴

[@throwarockatme9290]

Agreed, you can feel the love and care. Just discovered this channel today, and I’m eager to see more!

[@howardlewis3153]

The strings on the Boucher are supporting each other like voices in a great choir. As a result, the sound is better balanced and rich in stacked overtones. Sometimes the bass strings on the Martin overpower the treble strings, and they don't always sing together.

[@Kayam_OShealoh]

How come I missed this channel before? This is an incredibly truthful, inspiring, soul-warming approach to any type of review . Simply fantastic ! Thanks JP.

[@derekmosher4561]

You scored a D41 , that`s freaking bad ass . Good on you man .

[@canajian]

I'm just an ole hacker, and both those gitboxes sound beautiful.. I've had many guitars in my hands over the years... I've met many great guitar players Tommy emmanuel who I consider the best of the best, And he has said, play whatever guitar makes you want to play... Everyone has a different ear and desire .. Keep on pickin n grinnin folks 👋😎👍🎶🎶🎶

[@throwarockatme9290]

Man…they both sound so good. Trying to pick a favorite is like trying to pick your favorite kid. The Boucher has incredible clarity and a beautiful sound. The Martin has those classic “undertones” and a somewhat percussive quality to each individual string. Even if it didn’t have the name “Martin” on the headstock it would be my first pick because that sound appeals to me.

[@guitareveryone]

I’d have to go with the Martin in this demo. I still find the Martin projects a thickness and distinct tonal character that I don’t hear from the a lot of competitors. I personally own a 2006 HD-28 that even when compared to a D-45 in my living room the HD-28 had more volume and bottom end. It’s an absolute cannon. However the Boucher did sound fabulous. But may I also add that if I could play guitar like J.P Cormier a plywood guitar would sound great.

[@ShockwaveZero]

The Boucher sounds darker to me almost like a D-18

[@tothepoint7258]

The Boucher is much better over all. The Martin has a muddy bottom but that is the "Martin" sound. You get it even more on a D35. Which is my opinion is the best Martin there is. You can make that Boucher sound like the Martin with the right pick but you will never get that Martin to sound like the Boucher.

[@James-oh1wp]

Preferred the Martin sound ever so slightly

[@jaylegere]

Would love to see a Yamaha LL56 in the mix. That said, Boucher seems cleaner, Martin seems deeper.

[@pickettmandi]

I gotta go with th3 martin. Particularly when strummed, much fuller sound.

[@jjallyn3151]

Love this. Martin is the sound I grew up with and it sounds like home. I love that bass and resonance. The Boucher is gorgeous balanced, can do anything with sweet tones. Nostalgia aside, the Boucher wins.

[@NexusDL12]

They both sound great. The Boucher to me sounded brighter and clearer with more note separation. The Martin sounded darker with a nice mellow tone. I’d be happy with either one 😊

[@rabbisandra]

Another great episode. Thank you

[@markinmemphis]

Your playing appears so effortless. Both are superb instruments.

[@DD-ze7qm]

I wonder if the Martin will open up with play? I think we have the right man to do it.

[@jeffreycohen3451]

They are both glorious guitars. I chose Boucher over most of the competition for its musical qualities, but also in no small part because it is made in Canada. I have BG-52.

[@gds739]

Thank you JP! Two great guitars! A comparaison that many have waited for. An interesting factor to consider is the age of both guitars. The Boucher seems to be only a few months old. The Martin is at least four years old. The Boucher is still pretty “green” so still a lot of time to open and settle. Thank you very much JP!

[@mikegraham4513]

The Boucher top is torrified though

[@Stevie_G]

On full stereo Jvc system I’m hearing a warmer beautifully toned Martin when strumming. The Boucher is slightly more articulate which gives it a colder tone blend when strumming. Boucher has more punch on the bottom and top in finger style. Regular picking they seemed pretty even. I’d have to play them personally if I were to deciding to buy.

[@scottbone8926]

Boucher, hands down. I totally agree, Martin has the history and nostalgia, but Boucher has the quality of wood and craftsmanship that shines throughout their lineup. Had the privilege of having a great conversation with J.P. at the 12th Fret in Toronto after a great showcasing of a huge variety of Boucher guitars. When you hear them live and play them, you'll know. Thanks for sharing, keep the strumming coming.

[@Scout81]

Have to go with the Martin as I like the deeper richer tone, however I think the Boucher has better note separation and more defined.

[@tanyaking4950]

My dream guitar when I was young was an HD28 Martin which my husband bought for me in 2004. I prized it until it started to lose some of its character and finally let loose the plastic binding. I had that repaired and promptly sold it. I since have bought a custom OM built by a luthier near me that shamed the Martin. It’s truly in the builder. My luthier briefly apprenticed with Erwin Somogyi and the tone and sustain is ethereal. Thanks for the work you do JP

[@billbrowder1191]

I bought my dream guitar, a Martin D41 in 1972. Two years later I played a Gallagher G70 that blew the Martin into the weeds, and then into Jerry Jeff Walkers hands. My experience was much like yours in this video. I really enjoyed it!

[@wildbill13s]

Awesome playing. Volume sounded the same on this side over KZbin. Martin had more chime and thump on open string runs. Boucher had more mid punch as you go up the neck. Great comparison!

[@jw9947]

I'm glad you express your opinion. Many don't when comparing. Wish I was there in the room. As delivered via youtube and your mic I liked the Martin more. Both sounded great.

[@jimiguitar100]

The way you play my friend, you deserve any guitar in the world, at any price ❤ and keep on with your great eye opening comparisons. Cheers

[@billurban3940]

The first demo of playing was a wonderful buttery sound by Martin. I’d choose that one.

[@lloydstool4708]

...mmm...buttery....

[@MsDenver2]

It was close but when you used the capo the Martin had it , it was just beautiful.

[@rosslynemrys5829]

I just missed playing a second hand d41 at my local guitar shop. They had it for 2 days before it sold:(

[@jasper_north]

I make €8000 nett a month but I would never buy a guitar for that amount. Or should I? €3000 is my limit for a guitar…

[@lanetacker1496]

Congratulations on the dream guitar man!! Thanks for all you do and your wonderful music.

[@gr6914]

just starting the video now, but I fee like it's about to get lit. two nice guitars here.

[@deweybowser796]

Such great videos, Thank you from Moses Lake Washinton

[@jamesdeagle]

Solid video! What do you think of James Olson guitars (James Taylor Signature Model)? James Deagle

[@slc640]

Your the 1 that changed my thinking on this thank you . And your exactly right on the money.

[@geertdemeyer1206]

That D41 sounds magnificent ; the Boucher to my ears sounds close to a D28 wich has always been my favourite but my Lord that D41 is something special..

[@emilychristoff9404]

It’s what our ears are used, a matter of taste:)

[@mellowman8695]

The richness of the martin is obvious, and I perfered it

[@lilycat1694]

I would like to hear both of these guitars against that Yairi you played many months ago. That was amazing!

[@endoffate5475]

I agree, that Yairi was king.

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

I own the Yairi. I would never buy the Martin. 😂

[@calebbhawkins]

Ok, so now that you have a D41, are we going to see this thing shot out against the Sigma in the same back to back video cuts? THAT would be interesting…

[@lt1caprice57l]

Came here to say this

[@randysmith85]

How about the boucher vs the dym60hd yairi

[@billieg826]

This was quite the demonstration ! Thank you. I have played Martins and a Bouchet. The Bouchet was positively alive. The ringing sustain of notes and chords was incredible. I have a Martin now, but the next guitar I want to buy is a Bouchet.

[@kellycarmouche7452]

Boucher, especially with capo. I’d have either but the clarity of Boucher is amazing! Thanks!!

[@bradh.689]

I own a 2018 Ambertone D41 and it’s a phenomenal guitar. I also own a 2019 Bourgeois AT Vintage D Banjo Killer that owns the 41 in every category, except that rumbly bottom-end.

[@brianmurphy7962]

Great informative video … maybe a review (unless you have already) on the D35?

[@JohnDoe-tw8es]

We do not get Boucher guitars on the west coast, but I saw a 2nd hand one for sale last summer and could not believe how nice it sounded. I love my two Martins but the sound of this guitar was a way up there. Hopefully the guitar maker will expand his guitars to the west coast soon.

[@patricklundquist9869]

Is that a newer D41 with forward shifted bracing or older one with standard bracing? When picked lightly, how do the overtones of the two guitars compare? I ask because I recently acquired a 1995 standard braced Martin J40 and the overtones sound like a choir singing in the background. In fact the overtones are so pronounced, unless I mute the other 5 strings while tuning, the sound hole tuner has problems deciding whether to register the string I am plucking or the sympathetic resonance. I just noticed the tuners on your D41 are sealed like mine are. Martin's current D41's have open back Waverly tuners. My tuners were 1:14 gear ratio and were worn out so I replaced them with 1:21 ratio which made tuning much easier.

[@poppajoe801]

martin for me . i dont know if its my ears ,but, the martin sounded louder. great review and great playing. thanks.

[@jorgecubasnyc]

Would love to learn that version of Don’t Think Twice! Is that a cover I can find somewhere?

[@dcallan1]

I think the Boucher only sounds louder to you in the room because of the larger sound hole sending sound up to your ears. The levels on the recording are almost identical with a slight edge to the Martin in terms of SPL into the mic.

[@steveb9325]

I gotta go with Martin. Both incredible guitars

[@crazycat1345]

If you do buy a Martin you will need also a tube of glue to hold them together.

[@steveb9325]

@@crazycat1345 I've been playing Martin guitars for 40 years. Never had a problem. Play on Crazy Cat

[@georgebetor2943]

Both are similar however the Martin has a deeper warmer bass response, both however sound great!

[@tom5216]

Wow. That Martin just has a more weighty sound, bags of power, I’m surprised that you say the Martin is quieter as it doesn’t sound like it in your video. The Boucher is lovely with a very sweet sound.

[@maplebones]

According to JP our ears are lying to us.

[@calebbhawkins]

I haven’t played a Boucher yet, I plan to eventually get my grubby paws on one. I have a very unique and heavily modified or heavily repaired Martin D28 that is featured a few times on my channel. But I also have in my possession a 1978 John Greven guitar made of Brazilian rosewood and some old growth spruce. It’s easily the most powerful guitar I’ve ever heard. But on stage I play Eastman guitars almost exclusively these days because they are much more affordable and easily equipped with a pickup.

[@merlenidiffer8711]

I like your channel,because you tell the truth,and tell it like it is. You have a wonderful day.

[@daw162]

I'm not a good player, but have owned martins and played many that weren't that big sounding. but that one is huge. what I get from those recorded (could sound different in the room) is the boucher is more airy and a little more even. the martin has huge mids and bottom. It's a cannon. I would gladly play either -they're both wonderful.

[@2dazetake]

When you drop down to d the boucher won hands down,both sound so similar,but the clarity of the boucher takes the cake.

[@cloudyphiz]

I bought a Boucher SG-21, several upgrades and the wider nut as well very similar to yours (never having played one either, going largely on your videos). Love it, immensely, but it is a very different animal than my D41 style Collings and really couldn't compare the two at all.

[@BobPerrone]

Wild hair Tuesday! Perfect! I just came from driving home with all the windows down. I'm Perfect! Lol

[@cajunqueen5125]

JP, you're getting better at this all the time. Great video, and review. It does look like the Boucher has teensy fret markers. (ha, at least to my aging eyes) Maybe hard to see them in dim stage lighting?

[@bobleblanc4282]

Each of the twp guitars have their own voices, each is unique to itself...It's a matter of opinion to the player and what they're looking for in a guitar...I have 5 guitars: Maton EBG808TE (Tommy Emmanuel series, signed by Tommy Emmanuel) Gibson Songwriter Deluxe Studio Edition, Taylor 314 CE, Takamine (Glen Frey edition, signed by Glen Frey), Martin D16-RGT (signed by Tommy Emmanuel) All guitars are played through an AER 60 Compact Amplifier. Thanks to JP for taking the time to demonstrate these two great guitars. Heard JP play at the Hullabaloo in Perth Andover a couple of years ago and also played with Dave Gunning... Great concert and funny stories.....

[@stevesavoie08]

Martin cleaner and more dialed in. Boucher sounds great but slight overtones possibly?

[@Pop_Hockenbush]

Unless I could hear them both live ,but through my speakers ,the Martin is better ,brighter,and more balanced .

[@pawwalton2157]

Happy wild hair Tuesday, nice reviews.

[@VaughnFelixMusic]

The martin sounds awesome 😎

[@tomehCanada]

The difference that you described in loudness between the two does not come through on the video. Too bad it didn't. KZbin compression, mpeg compression?? I can though hear that familiar depth all the way up the neck of the Boucher. Love them and we have three because of that.

[@titojeptv4749]

Both sounded incredible.

[@tr233]

Sir you did earn my sub, both guitars epic!

[@Geeman002]

Both beautiful, I prefer the Martin but openly admit Brand bias! In second listen, I’d say the Boucher is brighter and loud, and beautiful. I may prefer the D-41 because I’m a rock player and like the darker tone, but rest assured, I would love to own both ❤

[@0to100Art]

Your paintings always create the aura of what you make .

[@leedowney4513]

Both excellent and different from one another. Investment value is a factor as well. I have had my D41 for 49 years. I have handmade dreads I hand picked. They are all different. My fav of all is is a 1964 Martin D28 SW. comparisons are sooo personal! Great vid, thanks so much.

[@brucef5874]

Great commentary Thanks John

[@gateroadmusic]

If you have a chance to, you HAVE to review the new model ( since 2021) Alvarez MDR70SB. It's a 12 fret, slotted headstock, sloped shoulder, 1 3/4 inch at nut, solid AAA American Sitka top, solid EIR back and sides guitar. I was at Morrell Music in Bristol, Tennessee, and played some high end stuff in the high end room, and saw this guitar hanging there. When I played it for 5 seconds, I knew I had to get this guitar. It sounded better than anything I played in the room. The store has sold 3 of these in 2 days. The moment you play one, you will know why my reaction was what it was.

[@normanwheeler9802]

Great job .Great guitars .but I noticed you player the martin further away from the sound hole . Makes a big difference in sound

[@davidmeinertdecrepidude]

I heard a little more high end jangle from the Martin, but love the overall balance and warmth of the Boucher

[@Stephenrip]

Based on your video, I bought a Boucher BG 152 GM and could not be happier. The balanced sharp clarity through all the strings. It's as loud as I need to be. Boucher makes a fine guitar. Thanks for the great video!! Still haven't stopped thinking about that Martin D41 for one day.

[@roosky203]

Oh baby this is gonna be a good one

[@davegordon6737]

Totally agree buddy! Well done.

[@acousticaddiction7719]

JP, you should now do a comparison between the d-41 and the sigma dt-45.

[@mr.jimmyjohnsr.ohyeah7835]

LOVED IT AGAIN JOHN !!! ❤❤🤘

[@manfredkranz1910]

A very respectful and fair description of these two extraordinary instruments. I have a Martin D-41 since 1972. Year of construction 70/71? Unfortunately typical neck break, but professionally by Prof. Luthier repaired. Gray original case that now tends into the gray - greenish in excellent condition. Except for the break and the reddish reeling of the guitar ceiling, except for a tiny quirk in almost new condition. Really unbelievable, I know. Tone: indescribable! Thanks for your great video - greetings from Germany - Manfred

[@leafforever9174]

You hit the nail right on the head. The Martin has a unique sound, it was made for 'Bluegrass'. I own a 1965 J50 and a 1967 J45 Gibson. I play a 1982 Stelling Bellflower. , not that well, lol, I'm a guitar player at heart, but, the Martin sound was made to play along with the banjo, hence 'Bluegrass' sound. I would not part with my Gibson's for either, especially my J45. The Gibson sound is all together different. "My" sound, as is every guitar, that hits some one's heart strings. Like fine wine , 'preference'...Now, I gather the insults will be arriving to me. That's , ok. I love the 'Old' Gibson sound. '"My" heart strings'...Great episode. Love your KZbin programs...👍

[@WysteriaGuitar]

I have a Martin D-41 and I prefer that tone but the other one sounds great too.

[@johnnyrkramerthemusicmovie3147]

great channel sir great guitars and picken sir

[@tommatthews320]

Thanks JP. Did you have the same strings on both for this comparison?

[@allanhawryluk5725]

I own both of these guitars and both are great. But I’m with you JP, the Boucher is my preference as well, but I love them both.

[@poppajimm1]

JP! Thank you for comparing these two stellar Dreds. It may be just as difficult to for You to hear my thoughts as it is for Me to hear your personal assessments you just made! To my point: the microphone/recording/my speakers/the room I'm in - all contribute to the overall experience of sound - and they both were rich and resonant and surprisingly similar to my ears. Not the same mind you, but both great sounding. What bothers me is for you to be as bowled over by one - over the other ... and has to mean it's all "live dynamics". Tough to make me feel relevant to make any choice! Another thing that draws them both together in their sweet tone ... is you. As a listener I'm mostly hearing your unique "coaxing" out, of the two guitar's "voice" - which blends them fairly even-sounding, I'm thinking. My son bought a BG52 in the last year and I have owned an early 70's D-41 (though now sold) but now play a custom 000-28 VS 1928 spec 12-fret slot-head. I have owned many fantastic vintage Dreds, and hear in my son's BG52 a more "modern" tone/volume/resonance than a typical Martin build. From 1964 to fairly recent I've felt Martin built too heavy, but you can now run into a custom that is very lively and open - and that is how the BG52 sounds (torrified helps). Anyway; thanks again - If you ever have a chance - play a Martin Woody Mann Sig. It will leave a mark! Love your effort and love your heart (and your playing) - and applaud your appreciation for Alvarez (of all makers!!). God bless us all!!

[@davecruickshank7660]

This is a great channel,I'm glad I found it Thank you. For me,,,,the Martian sounds incredible You are a great player,,, ,and I roughed up my hair too.lol

[@tubadylan]

I’d like to see a Yamaha LL-56 or LL-66 tested with these two…

[@kevinloewen6830]

Even my ll16 would blow these away!

[@butchd18]

Listen to both on here martin hands down is warmer just nicer tone

[@ardenstevens2466]

I think the martin came through the video better except for the finger style. also, the 41 is sitka which is noted for being quieter than Adi. if you want to pay it forward, i'll test out that martin for a while

[@edmcpeake9285]

i have a 2010 model Wild Goose (D) ..and i wouldn t change it for any other guitar ..thanks robyn and guys at Boucher guitars ...merci

[@Akmatick]

Great comparison! Listening through studio headphones and the volume difference is not noticeable, though I see the Boucher has a larger sound hole.. Do you think that has any bearing on the apparent volume while you play it? That and I'm sure KZbin has some compression going on. Have to say I think the Martin edges it out in tone. Just a little more balanced to my ears while the Boucher seems a bit more scooped. I'd love to play them next to each other in person though! I don't think youtube does either of them justice.

[@LorneClarkeMusic]

through MY speakers the Boucher sounded a tiny BIT muddy versus the Martin when being strummed.

[@daisuke4bleach]

Hey JP! I love your channel so much. I just wanted to point out: that comment you made that the only difference between the 41 and 45 is the added pearl, I read a while back on the martin website that the greatest stock of wood that martin has is specifically used on 45s and the custom shop. I think I also read that the top luthiers for Martin also work on the 45s and custom shop. So according to Martin, their best reserves of spruce and rosewood go on the 45s and custom shop guitars. Not sure if it is totally true or a marketing tactic, but I just figured I would leave that here.

[@winterpatriot4574]

They are both amazing, the Boucher, had a touch more high frequency, but that could just be the condition of the strings. I have been experimenting a lot with strings lately. For not that much money, I have settled on the Ernie Ball Earthwoods as delivering the sound that best suited my ear. And it is uniform on my different acoustics.80/20 Medium Light Phosphor Bronze. Cleary JP has a riches of guitars and how much fun it must be to play them, and have his skills... Thanks JP!

[@kennybluet5527]

Great video as are all your videos. Both sound great hard to choose. Martin wins by a hair. Of course I might feel different if I heard them in person. Thanks for all you do.

[@CamMacMastermusic]

My pick is the Boucher …… Listening through focal speakers my opinion is …. I don’t hear a significant volume ( db ) difference between the two. The Martin seems to have a louder lower tone (which is really only problematic in a studio) but the Boucher is right there with it but with more of an ultra clarity response. If you pick only one string to listen to it’s so easily distinguished from the others. Where as the Martin as awesome as it is doesn’t seem to stay in its own lane at the buffet. Kudos on a great video.

[@ToyotaFJOntario]

To my untrained ear, the Boucher had an incomparable warmth. Could I be biased? What a great review!

[@angelg8445]

To be fair Martin isn't 'hand voiced' or torrefied like the Boucher. Martin only does VTS(baked/torrefied top) after 2015 and doesn't do them on ALL of their standard guitars. Martin is worth it if u go Custom Shop, used and get the torrefied vts too! Ive got a Custom Shop 000 w/VTS and its well worth it.

[@CamMacMastermusic]

@@ToyotaFJOntario bias ….. Never !!! Are you saying that we are brainwashed? Lololol. Hope all is well.

[@CamMacMastermusic]

@@angelg8445 I bet that’s a honey of a rig you got there ! Great response too !

[@angelg8445]

@@CamMacMastermusic Its a lovely guitar! Thanks!

[@lebtech.7227]

Please tell me the song name 7:55

[@tonecontrol3271]

2022 Martin D-42 vs New Boucher BG52-GM which would you buy? The used D-42 is $1,900 less.

[@DanielHill-i1f]

Good advise. Both of these Guitars is absolutely amazing tone.. I am wanting one more guitar and that will do it. I will have enough.... I am pretty sure.... maybe through with buying guitars.