GSWJ - Why Do I Hate Martin Guitars?

[@billsanderson1442]

In 1978 my late buddy Carl Smith was getting hassled about playing his electric guitar in his apartment so he decided to trade in his spare Stratocaster for an acoustic. So I drove him to Fredericton and spent about 6 hours in the music store while he tried all of the available acoustics. The end choice came down to a $700 Gibson and a $200 Norman. He agonized over the choice for the last two hours and I finally asked him "Which one feels best in your hands?" He said, "No difference, really." "Which one has the better sound?" He shrugged and said, "the Norman, to be honest." "Well then, you found your guitar." Carl bought and sold all sorts of Fenders and Epiphones as part of his semi-pro music career as a bassist and rhytym guitarist. But he lugged that Norman to the day he died. RIP old buddy.

[@markzieg3593]

Great story. Thanks for sharing. Sounds like you were a good friend to your buddy that day.

[@dionst.michael1482]

Very cool. I love a good story. Cheers friend

[@duaneholcomb8408]

I feel that way about my blue ridge,,

[@dionst.michael1482]

@@duaneholcomb8408 Lol. I'm actually trying to decide between 3 guitars right now. And one of them is the br-371. Beautiful little guitar. You and I must have similar taste in quality

[@duaneholcomb8408]

@@dionst.michael1482 I have several guitars. I had a Martin and sold it along time ago always regreted it but. I was at my local music store picked up a BR 40 blue ridge and couldn't put it down. It was so smooth and Low action thin neck. And wow it booms with clarity and great sustain. With. Lots of bright chipper tone. Well long story short I went home with it. And I'm truly in,love with this guitar now maybe I just got lucky. They maynot all sound. This good. But mine does and sounds better than my old Martin did. Its great for bluegrass or godpel and country and thats what I play mostly I finger pick and alternat pick a lot. Good luck on,what ever you decide to get just make sure its what you want and sounds like you want before you purchase it. Unless you can send ot back. Lots of luck.

[@chrisguitar1607]

Man what a great video. I’m just starting my own guitar building journey and the master luthier I study under constantly preaches that a luthier is only as good as his last guitar. When you mentioned holding builders to a standard it reminded me of that.

[@peterney2402]

Your only as good as your next guitar.

[@blitz_zen]

Your guitar’s will never define you. You have a reason you are building guitar’s & and that is what is important, not what someone thinks of your guitar’s. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@123bolyn]

One of the things I love most about you, JP is your honesty. Tell it like it is.

[@charliewelch328]

About 12 or more years ago I could have bought 1 guitar for $3000 or more. Tried most of big brands from local store. Ended up leaving with three Alvarez Masterworks MD70c rosewood/spruce, a rosewood/cedar top dreadnought and mahogany/ cedar top. These guitars are amazing and spent less than 2 grand.

[@bigdaddy3919]

He tells it like he believes it is just like all of us. I think from 50 years of playing every make of guitar that is available in any store I have been in. Martin makes the best sounding guitars in the world IMHO !

[@gollygeewillickersbatman1824]

Dude, you're 100% correct. It's largely all about the psychological connections we make with notoriety. Once upon a time, D-28's and other Martin models could be had at reasonable prices (like back in the late 70's through the mid to late 80's or so) but those days are long gone, and today's prices are beyond obscene. At the end of the day, great acoustic guitars boil down to 2 critical ingredients: (1) quality materials, and (2) craftsmanship, which would encompass build-quality. The name on the headstock isn't what's important despite the mental traps that we tend to get caught up in, at least temporarily. God bless!

[@rayagnew8840]

Been watching you all year -- you tell it like it is from your perspective and folks don't have to watch if they don't want to. I'm a Martin lover (guitars from '73 - 2018), along with a few others. I have had great luck with all my Martins -- but not everyone does and listening to MANY reviews and opinions can only serve to increase one's knowledge base. Keep up the great work!

[@cloutdoors5674]

93

[@SimplyBS]

I bought my D18 for one reason. It spoke to me. I loved the way it sounded and played. I had a Taylor 314ce LTD (red wood cedar/rosewood) that I liked, but after one strum on the D18, I was sold! I thought I was a Taylor guy. My D18 is literally the best sounding guitar I’ve ever owned/played. It’s all about what speaks to you!

[@tylervanvalkenburg7167]

Just bought a Yamaha fg820 that keeps up with the Collings d1. We’re hypnotized by money grubbin shite hills

[@TheBoomtown4]

They’re a great sounding guitar, I pick up mine every time and marvel at it. I like it better than a d28 (but that’s rosewood) or a Gibson hummingbird (same mahogany) and they’re much more expensive

[@davidgoertz7214]

D18 is awesome

[@johnsierramusic]

SAME experience for me. The OM-28 is another Martin model that I’ve tried to find in other brands - but none of them have the magic the Martin version has. (And growing up, I hated Martins.)

[@dougsmith9304]

I 100% agree. And i'm with ya on the D-18. The D-18 is my dream guitar. Thats what my uncle's guit was. I learned my first 3 chords on it. I was around 8 years old. I'll b e 45 in a couple months, and i still cant afford one. Sad.

[@jasongavel2787]

I have a bunch of guitars gibson fender Martin Normand I love them all and I love JP’s honesty just because mine haven’t failed doesn’t mean they are perfect for everyone.

[@bobnancymiller4931]

In 1975 , I was a Martin guitar fan , and loved the D-18, and the D-35 that I owned. Then I heard a guitar that came from J. Larivee's shop and was blown away. I ended up ordering a guitar from Grit Laskin, who was in the early stages of setting off on his own after working with Jean. I ended uo selling the Martins because I no longer played them. Judge an instrument for what it is, nit for the name on the label. You won't regret it.

[@gregoryschleitwiler9601]

Bet you wouldn't have had to have a guitar tech fix those Martin's for any reason. My 71 00018 is better then the day I bought it

[@Geeman002]

I agree with you on prices. I love Martin, but I’m retired and my skill level doesn’t justify $4000-5000 for the guitar I want (HD-28 or Om-28). But I bought a Larrivee OM40R and it was half the price of a Martin but sounds great, and the build is fantastic. Perfling is wood, and rosewood is gorgeous. The sound, most importantly, is perfect (for me).

[@stevec-b6214]

i think you nailed it right there - being honest, and matching a guitar with your skill level, the worst feeling i get is buying something i later regret `cos i didnt think about it long enough.

[@Tom-in8jz]

George ,your right ! I had a beautiful limited HD 18 I sold to George Ghrun in the early 80's and then after all of that I found out Martin was getting there wood from Larrivee! I played those after that . But now it's Eastman hands down don't care what anyone says . Dude I'm over 70 playing since the 60's it's like this they are the best guitars for the $$$$$ today! Hand made .

[@Geeman002]

@@Tom-in8jz Haven't tried Eastman yet, but I hear good things. Thanks, I'll try to find an Eastman to try.

[@Geeman002]

@@Tom-in8jz I will check out Eastman! I am 74 and my first band was in 1967.

[@johnsierramusic]

I think what is most important is does the guitar speak to you. Cost becomes secondary, as does brand. I spent an eight month journey playing every brand of acoustic I could before being moved by a Martin D18. Just kept coming back to it. I ended up paying $2500 for it. To this day, one of the best acoustics I’ve heard and played.

[@Rinty145]

HI J.P.. greeting from Ireland/ You have just illustrated what I have experienced down through the years from gong into music shops and picking up expensive brands that simply didn't hear what I expected of them. I recall a conversion with a well known guitarist in traditional music circles who sadly passed away recently. He said "you don't have to buy an expensive guitar for it to sound good". great video.

[@joshcarter5636]

I’m with you here. I myself only played cheap acoustics until I played a Martin, then refused to play anything but a Martin. Then I played an Alvarez parlor guitar once and was shocked at the quality for the price. Now my favorite guitar is an Alvarez BG60. I still have my Martins and still play them, but if I’m recording or performing, that’s my guitar of choice now.

[@MTDesolator]

This video was really eye-opening. I was literally obsessed with owning a Martin for the last months and always thought a lot of how to afford wheter a D-28 or a 000-18. I don't why, but i heard this models played a lot from my guitar heros and role models. You mentioned the emotional attachment to certain brands and it is 100 procent true that this attachment makes people blind to the real quality of a guitar. Thanks a lot escpecially for your kind, open and loving way to talk the truth about guitars, musicians and music. Thank you :)

[@shred5]

I am assuming you already decided that you like the Martin sound. One piece of advice with Martin that I will give is if you play with a pick, especially a thick pick and you pick heavy, go buy a D28 and never look back. But if you don't generally don't pick that heavy, you might find the D28 sounds a little bit dead. Basically if you do not pick hard, you will get a lot of lows with no highs and it will balance very poorly, which is the problem I have. After playing many Martins over the years, I have found that for me, the HD-28 (maybe HD-35) will always be the best sounding Martin. They have different bracing which gives them a little more midrange and balances better. If you find that you like the sound of the HD-28 better as well, also take a good look at the Guild D55 which is a very well balanced guitar and also a solid option. To me Martins start with the D18 and up, for cheaper guitars I'd look to other brands but once you get into Martins bread and butter range they make good guitars for the price.

[@MTDesolator]

@@shred5 Thaha thx for the reply man. I'm still in the process of saving money for a new Guitar. Playing a Larrivee D-02 at the moment. And actually i made the decision that i buy a D-28 or HD-28 two weeks ago when i got the money together. I was first thinking of maybe getting a Boucher or one of the better Sigma models. But the sound of a D-28 got me.

[@shred5]

​@@MTDesolator Like I said, just be sure to play them yourself. The D28 is a good sounding guitar, but like I said I usually don't pick hard enough for it to open up and thus it sounds a little dead when I play it. It's perfect for bluegrass players for example. Also like I said don't rule out the Guild D55 as well, or perhaps a used Westerly. My dad has a '75 and I recently put some 13s on it for him and that guitar will get your attention too.

[@t-pentylchloride1921]

00015m is way better than the 00018 lol

[@shred5]

@@t-pentylchloride1921 what makes you say that?

[@richardbenjamin775]

JP I’m an old picker myself. I own a couple Martins as well. Sadly even the standard series Martin guitars are now out of reach for most folks. My eyes were recently opened to the wonderful value of Yamaha. I picked up a grand concert in solid mahogany with a torrented Sitka top and a dual source pickup for a shade over 800$. Brought it to a jam recently where a Goodall jumbo, a beautiful Martin 68 dred, were being played. First the Yamaha really held its own, 2nd the owner of the Goodall who is a long time friend kept playing it shaking his head and told me, “ American made that same guitar would cost you over 3K”, then he said “ that’s a home run”. I’m also a member of the forum you mentioned and do apologize for your treatment. Peace

[@tedbryer2512]

Back in 2008 after my wife and I split- I needed something to pick me up - I went to Long and McQuade and sat down and tried every acoustic in the place. From martins worth a ton of money to Gibsons, Taylors, a few semi acoustics and what guitar stood out? I wanted a bluegrass finger picking guitar that really spoke to me - It was a Martin D16 GT. It was like heaven in my hands! It was perfect for me -I walked out with that guitar for $1300.00 with the tax and never looked back. As it got older - It sounded better. So - there you have it.

[@fabbricatopersonareale]

I have a martin 0m-15, from the Martin custom shop. Got it through LA Guitar sales. It came setup perfectly with a custom hard case. Plays great, love the thing

[@thagedorn]

I agree with what you say and apply it to the whole 15 series. having said that, they've doubled in price and the majority of the ones I owned and others' that have been brought to me found their way to needing neck resets. Martin made every excuse on the new warranted to the owner ones. wouldn't stand behind a one. I don't buy Martins any more. I have much better guitars now to be honest. A mike franks martin tribute owns any other martin custom shop I''d ever owned or played. just one example.

[@charlesfinks3341]

Thank you for your honesty JP. A rare attribute this day and age. You are one of my guitar hero’s, and I hope to do some flat picking with you sometime. I met you at Steve Kaufman’s camp back in 2008 or 9 and I believe you are one of the great torch keepers for the music. Keep on pickin, and keep on telling it like it is 😎! PS I am near Portland Maine so hit me up if you are passing through. I got a whole bunch of players who would love to meet and greet, and see a real legend IMO

[@robanderson5720]

This is the first video of yours that I've ever seen, instantly liked, and subscribed. I related to your love and dismay around these beloved brands that are so dear to our hearts a guitar players. The struggle is very real lol!

[@dougsmith9304]

This is the 2nd video of yours, that i have watched. I am now a subscriber because of this video. This is the most honest and whole-hearted conversation i have heard probably ever. I only wish that there were more poeple in the world like you. Thank you for this greatly made video and your amazing attitude about music. " In my OPINION" you are 100% right. I'm gonna be spending the next several hours binge-watching your videos, to see what else i've been missing. Thank you again😊.

[@MattaPhillipsmusic]

I agree wholeheartedly with you. I’ve also followed your KZbin channel since the very beginning, missing the fiddle tunes lol. My main guitar is a Rosewood larrivee dread, bought used, off a customer of the music store I worked at. We had a guy bring in a new Martin 000-28 reimagined. Less than a year old, wanted to sell it, $4999. Wasn’t even a good one. The law of 20% is very real, I’ve seen it in real life and I know you have too. Thank you for your voice. Keep it up Jp!

[@peterm3159]

This guy speaks facts, I just returned a Gibson J45 for a Yamaha FG5. Lots of these guitar makers have gotten fat and greedy, now they mass produce garbage and sell guitars because of their reputation instead of quality. Our loyalty has been taken for granted.

[@bend1499]

You nailed it. It's because they don't have to sell guitars on quality anymore, they sell guitars on the brand, and the heritage, and now a days it's all about the bottom line, especially in the USA.

[@vanzamee]

You can totally get a great Gibson acoustic (or electric for that matter) but if you can’t get your fingers on it prior to paying out *coughreverbcough* then you will ALWAYS be rolling the dice. You can confidently buy something like Yamaha or Yairi and feel pretty damn confident you’re getting your moneys worth and an excellent instrument to boot.

[@vanzamee]

FG and FS 5 Yamaha are worth every penny.

[@TheGuitarRoom]

Stay the course John, I don’t know you but I hear ya. You are spot on. I don’t need to know if you can play or not. I know I can and that like you, I’ve had an international career. I hear what you’re saying precisely. I love your attitude. Direct, honest, well researched without being judgmental or condemning. What you are is loyal to the truth and not the brand. Keep it up! 😊🙏🏼

[@matthewderosby713]

I wish I could have hit “Like” more than once. I really needed to hear this…everyone needs to hear this. Thank you.❤

[@Bushradical]

I played a $200 Alvarez a few weeks ago ( brand new) and it was a canon! Man it was loud, and it was cheap and it was brand new. No voodoo with this one. It was a cheap Chinese factory guitar, but it was LOUD and sounded fine. Love your channel J.P.

[@brucejohansson9552]

The newish design team at Alvarez are specing out good guitars and having them built well in good Chinese factories. Quality Control is imperative, That’s the tricky part

[@jimmy5634]

Cannon

[@jimashtube]

I gave an Alvarez to my daughter. Really nice little guitar.

[@brucejohansson9552]

@@jimashtube You betcha, I was just about to order a $3,000 + custom build because all the Big names did not offer the exact specs I was looking for. Then I found the MFA70WCEARSHB Alvarez that had 97% of what I wanted for $800. Love it, the top bracing they use kicks out the extra bass response and sensitivity I desired. Also Round Core DR Sunbeam strings really smooths out the tone with piano clarity. Glad I found that model. Nice gift dad.

[@parasbhargava6047]

The price of luxury goods is more about conspicuous consumption and showing status (to others and of course yourself) not about value.

[@jamesley3598]

Hey John, in my opinion you are the best at all the stuff you do for those of us who love guitars !!!

[@MelodyMaker]

This is illuminating. I had no idea that there were so many guitarists who are emotionally connected to a guitar company. Guess I should consider myself fortunate to laugh off the Martin price tags while others apparently weep. Purchased my Simon & Patrick Songsmith at a pawnshop for $180 (one hundred eighty) and then found a back up from Kijiji for the same price. The Songsmith sounds great and plays smoothly. What else do you want?

[@cooloutac]

Even their $500 guitars are unmatched. This guy is acting like they don't even exist that's fraudulent.

[@atticustay1]

lol…..

[@thomasfrazee8100]

God bless you my friend. You’re one of the most genuine fellas I’ve ever watched.

[@stevepuffery8918]

Thank you JP. You redeemed me. I always lusted after the illusive Martin D45. Hadn’t the money as a young man in the 70s I think $3000.00 used. The price just went up and up. You know, but the young ones don’t know. It is heart breaking I tell ya. Music is for the Rich! D-45 is a carrot I will never eat. So I just said to myself it is not for me. The price is ridiculous. Look to other instruments if in your world you can try one or 3 out…

[@trentrez6643]

That $3000 Martin isn’t the only Martin guitar that exists. There are plenty of great ones that are much cheaper. You aren’t looking in the right places. Buy used

[@AchillesWrath1]

@@trentrez6643 He said $3000 in the 70's. They're $10 grand now lol. That's just ridiculous i will never spend that much on a guitar unless i was loaded. I'd be so worried that i'd scratch or ding it up that i probably wouldn't even dare play it much.

[@jorg1456]

New to guitars, I started with a Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy Parlour, great little thing and was just talked out of a Martin not by you, but by a Larrivée L 03 FM. My dream guitar is a Manuel Contreras. Liked and subscribed. God bless you J.P. 🙏🏽

[@WalterHolokai]

I walked into Guitar Center for a set of strings for my Breedlove and walked out with a Taylor. Uneven trade for a 214ce but couldn't get over the difference in sound. The Breedlove was a solid wood guitar with accoutrements and the made in Mexico Taylor had laminated back and sides. I've been back since and always try out the acoustics and have never found a 214ce or even a higher end model that sounds as good as the one I have. I haven't found one with it's depth. To me, that's unbelievable.

[@maier43]

I have a D18 factory guitar from the early 9ties and a Froggy Bottom boutique guitar which was build by hand and for my specs. For gigs I use the Martin. It sounds perfect for bluegrass and rock. Even if it’s a „plain“ guitar I love it. The magic lies not in the herringbone stuff. It’s still getting better and better with the years.

[@johnhigney5640]

One of my favourite instruments is a late 50s Hofner parlour guitar. A real niche/character instrument that records beautifully in very specific situations. I paid $40 CND for it in the late 90s. Whatever works for the individual player is all that counts. Full stop.

[@jeffw468]

After playing many examples, I found a killer J45 standard. You have to look to find what you want with any brand.

[@TheDennzio]

Agree with everything you said...that being said I bought a custom shop D18 over a standard HD28 and HD35...also played a standard D18 and a custom shop J45. Nothing against the ones I left behind, I just preferred the action and tone of the one I bought. Love your channel...subscribed because you seem genuine to me.

[@mcdee56]

Right-on, JP! I used to have G.A.S. and woke up one day and realized I was distracted. Now I have less guitars but more humbled love for them. Brand names are myths! Sometimes good. Sometimes not! Thanks for reminding me about keeping an open mind!

[@natecole181]

Just wanted to say thank you so much, JP! I’ve been watching obsessively for a few weeks now and I really really appreciate that you take your time show us cool guitars and share this great info! I’m a wildly mediocre but I’d be honored to jam along with you should we ever cross paths. Bless you, sir! 😃

[@tlb2732]

I've been performing live for 40+ years. I've owned or tried out MANY guitars in that time. Brand choice is a very personal thing. Music has always been a BIG part of my life, but not my career. I suppose I've never "toured" in the truest sense of the word. But I was heavily booked in three states during much of that time, sleeping in motels when necessary, but mostly being home for my family the first part of the week. Then I played bluegrass gospel in churches for 12+ years and my group recorded two albums. Now I have a three piece secular band again and we're almost ready to gig. In all my experience, be it for country music, classic rock, or bluegrass, in my opinion at this stage in my journey there are two guitar brands that stand above them ALL. For acoustics, theres no question. Martin is the only choice for me. Among electrics, Music Man beats them ALL, hands down. I currently own a Martin DRS2 as my workhorse and a Martin SWDGT for special occasions. My new (to me) Music Man Cutlass RS HSS is by FAR the best electric guitar I've ever owned or played. I take great care of them and when playing out they scarcely leave my sight.

[@Kayam_OShealoh]

Thank you John, this was really inspiring. And kind. And true. God bless !

[@dobbsguitar]

I make acoustic guitars and admit that a majority of them resemble Martins, especially the HD28. Love the beautiful work Martin has done over the last century to advance the world of acoustic guitars. I built my first acoustic because I couldn't afford any that I liked at the music store. Now, after making enough to properly know what I am doing, in my opinion sound better (louder, richer low end) and don't cost as much. As to reliability, haven't had any come back. There is a lot to be said for a luthier-built instrument.

[@carsnapper]

Enjoy your music, no matter what you are playing! Back in the 'sixties I played Gibson, Martin and Levin guitars against each other in my local music shop. The Levin was by far the best and has served me well to this day. It has a unique sound. I also have Martin,Taylor and Gibson acoustics collected over the years, each is individual and has its own characteristics. Hope to see you live some day here in Scotland.

[@relaxrecords]

Hi John, you are completly right! In my more than 40 years as a fingerpicker and guitar teacher I met a lot of non professional players who don´t have the sense of hearing the difference! And lots of them have a good paid job which allows them to buy expensive guitars from a famous brand. So sometimes a guitar became a status symbol and the owners don´t realize that it sounds terrible because they are not able to hear it.You can´t help them.. All the best from Germany. I love your channel!

[@stevec-b6214]

Too right! - i once borrowed an expensive guitar from a guy at the local music club, he couldnt believe how it sounded when i played it, and i am very average skill level. it was a crime to hear him banging the crap out of this lovely instrument.

[@billlawson5571]

😊

[@sculptureshard377]

after a devastating crush injury to my right hand, as a result of which I had my ring finger amputated, I never thought I would play again, so gave away my Washburn acoustic. Two years later my wife convinced me to try again and use my pinkie instead as a ring ringer when playing fingerstyle, I took pointers from Phil Kaeggy and purchased my Mexican Martin Grand Auditorium. A beautiful instrument with tone and playability, which I've had for almost 20 years now. I part with it when I pass on; it's also my concubine and no one plays it but me.

[@55Cibby]

I agree with you on this. I bought my first Martin in 1967 a D28 with money I made caddying at a local golf course. Wish I still had it. I've played for 56 years. Today as a normal retired person I can't afford most Martins I would want to own. Any Taylor I would want can't afford it. If I buy a acoustic guitar today it is an Eastman. I bought an Eastman E20D in 2017 it was a shop demo for $700 I play it everyday. I just purchased a E6D Eastman with a thermo aged Alpine spruce top and mahogany back and sides for $1100. It's amazing for the price as is my FG5 Red Label which was under $1000.00 . By the way J.P. you are on the Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum. I just saw that.

[@paulas1man]

@55Cibby I could not agree more. I had wanted a D28 for 30 years. I own ten guitars and it was hard to justify $3000 for a Martin. I bought an Eastman E20D last year for $1300 and have played it just about everyday. It sounds just as good as the D28 in my opinion and now I own a brand new Eastman 12 string jumbo for $800. Both are all solid wood and both came with really nice hardshell cases. I got two really nice guitars and still saved a $1000. I play for my personal pleasure and a few friends so I have to think about where I spend my money since my guitars do not generate any income, only pleasure. Play On Player

[@stevejewett3650]

I just bought a new Martin o-18. I love the small size, easy playability, and sound is enormous for what it is. After one night of evaluation I decided to return it because the intonation was subpar above the 12th fret. For $3000 I expected it to be at least close to accurate.

[@jamobee6178]

I totally agree. It is a shame that these companies have prices out of reach for a lot of people. One of my dream guitars is a Gibson L-00, but I found an Art & Lutherie Roadhouse that I absolutely love. I can't imagine any Gibson being any better. Thanks for the content and info and keep up the great work.

[@pcmountaindog]

Don't forget Martin is a US company in Pennsylvania. They must offer their employees a health care plan, paid Hollidays, paid vacation time, Dental plan a 401 k plan. That all has to be paid for. There is no way in hell Martin can build a guitar for 1000 dollars which will match a 500 dollar guitar from Cort in China or even Mexico. Same for Taylor. I for one don't want one cent of my hard earned money going to the socialist state or California. So even though I rate Taylor number 1 I wouldn't even consider a Taylor Guitar. I have a Seagull S6 original I got used for 250 dollars. At $250, in like new condition it is absolutely great, 85 - 90 percent of a Martin D18 and a fraction of the price. If something happens to it who cares, I get another one for $250.

[@thomaskroll2139]

Love the show John its great !I have been playing a d35 for 53 years I had the neck binding break off on me in 87. but I still got it I find myself trying to find something to replace it with like a rd-318 but that costs more than what I originally paid for the Martin in 1973. Keep up the good work John.

[@justice1606]

I was freed from the curse of brand loyalty thanks to this channel. Last December I purchased the finest sounding guitar I have in my collection (of 10 or so guitars), a Recording King rd-328. It beats the strings off my 1975 Martin D-35. After 25 years of being a Martin snob, I’ve finally come to the conclusion that I can find a far superior instrument with the likes of Recording King, Epiphone, and Yamaha than pay the high luxury tax of the Martin sticker. I’ll always love my Martins, but I sure do love playing the other axes more. Thanks for helping me see the light, JP. You’re the best.

[@Expert246]

Thank you for your honest words! So true! It is now more than 20 years since I bought a guitar in a small music store. I tested every single one in the store and finally bought the one that was best for me. I didn't care about price, brand or anything. I was looking for an instrument that I could actually enjoy. I have bought different types of guitars since then, but this one is still my best one. About ten years ago I fell in love with an instrument in a large music store. Again, I tested everything whether it would fit for me. I found myself coming back to the same instrument that attracted me, which I personally favored even over the Martins and Taylors that were there at the time. However, the store is only for exhibition and testing purposes - the instrument you actually get is not the very instrument you tested in the store. So, the guitar I finally received was fine, nothing to complain about - but it was not remotely like the one I tested in the store.

[@blindboy1787]

Great episode JP, you make me laugh - nice line about Tommy. But seriously, the only thing about reading some of the comments is that it allows you to see how people lose their minds online, but absurdity works if you understand it. Buying guitars at the bottom of the South Pacific in New Zealand is like Canada, getting gouged for freight and exchange rates that make guitar players weep. Finding good cheap guitars that sound great is easier because of your reviews. Buy guitars that feel and sound great to you. I bought a $300 Recording King Dirty 30 5 years ago and use it for slide and it’s a great sounding thing that is my replacement for a Kalamazoo. Also have a Blueridge BG-40 as I love the sound of Gibson slope shouldered guitars. It is a cannon and a killer, sounds fantastic with a K and K pure mini in it (thanks for that amusing install episode). The Blueridge cost me $800. My pride and joy is a 000-15M that sounds fantastic, it cost over $2000, a life long ambition to one one, I play it every day and gig with it regularly, but I’ll never afford another Martin. But I might buy an Epiphone as they just give great value. Might not tell the ‘finance manager’ about that ambition. Keep up the great posts, love your attitude and playing.

[@phillipcooper6742]

Brand loyalty is a good term for this. I started playing in 1987. Guys have walked up to me at gigs and said " Oh,. That's just an Epiphone" and walked away bragging to their buddy or girlfriend that they have the "real Gibson version" at home. I usually just ignore it and keep doing my thing. I always get a laugh at crap like that.

[@jeffreycohen3451]

Hey J.P. The day after the Internet was invented, the Internet Troll was born (I know, I was there!). You don't owe these people an explanation. Further, no amount of explaining will sway the opinion of a die hard Martin fan boy. I happen to agree with your guitar price versus guitar value proposition. Getting into it with these people via a forum is probably not worth your energy. Point of fact, I have a $6000.00 Boucher and a $300.00 Recording King. I love them both, and and you would not believe the compliments I get over the sound and projection of the $300.00 Recording King. You always make it clear that your opinions are just that...your opinions. I think that the whole value of what you do in your videos is that you spar with conventional wisdom and force discussion. In that sense, the guys from that blog owe you a debt...

[@cajunqueen5125]

i think I agree with every word here

[@husoski]

The Internet was mostly fine for at least a decade before AOL (and Compuserve, to a lesser degree, earlier) opened it up to the general public. Try a web search for "Eternal September" for more about that. And, as for "these people"...well, I bought my Martin for the sound after returning a Taylor. I can't speak for anyone else.

[@judsonh1949]

So ... entitling a video piece “Why I Hate Martin Guitars” is not sort of the essence of trolling? I think it is, actually.

[@jeffreycohen3451]

@@judsonh1949 the video was a balanced and fair discussion of the topic. Also, it was not posted in the forum, so by definition, not trolling.

[@judsonh1949]

@@jeffreycohen3451 Trolling is the act of posting something that is created simply to elicit a reaction. The title of the piece is designed to do just that ... either to anger Martin fans or to get a bunch of “attaboy’s” from fellow Martin haters. It worked on both levels. The content may be extremely valid and even-handed, but I didn’t bother watching because the title is an obvious troll for clicks.

[@KramerdeGamer]

So, i actually worked in a small music shop that sold nearly the entire martin range from 2014-18, and i got the opportunity to get very acquainted with a few choice models (the eric clapton 000, john mayer OM, om-42 and other REALLY nice martins) and sold a great deal of them, and although I loved the sound of many of these guitars, I ended up only ever buying a larrivee D-03. I still to this day think it sounds like a million bucks and outperforms many martin guitars at or above its price. When i purchased my Boucher HG-56 last saturday, i was able to compare the guitar to a number of vintage martin, gibson, and guild guitars. and when the buck came down to it, i had chosen between several models, a 1943 00-18, a 70s om-45, and a very reasonably priced 1956 ooo-18. at the end of the day, the Boucher absolutely blew every guitar in the store out of the water, and it has been a joy to play. Its my first truly amazing guitar, it makes me not only a better player but it has kept me constantly inspired to play. I've found myself playing for hours and hours at a time and to this day no other guitar has made me feel like this, not my beautiful larrivee or my gibson or really anything in my guitarplaying life. I truly believe if most die hard martin players had the chance to play a Boucher, they would absolutely fall in love with theirs as much as I have. But alas, Boucher guitars are really uncommon here in the states. Here in florida, the store i bought my Boucher from had only ever seen this one example, and i personally have never seen another Boucher in the state.

[@mickeysoltys6960]

Have loved your playing for years. As a guy who is about your age and has played as long as you, everything you say here has been my experience.

[@peterjarvis7335]

I bought my Martin HD-28 back in 2012-2013 for closer to $2500. I absolutely love it! It hasn’t had any problems, and it sounds and plays great! I tend to believe that inflation over the years had something to do with driving the prices of guitars up a ton. I have looked at Collings guitars, Taylor Guitars, even Washburn Guitars, all of which made some great guitars, but I wholeheartedly agree with everything you said in this video, J.P.

[@KnifeCrazzzzy]

I just discovered your channel after years and years of watching many guitar channels. And man what a video to start on! Well done and open minded sir.👌🏻

[@LucasHaneman]

Hi JP, I completely agree with you. My entire philosophy is based around getting away from the name on the headstalk, and really deciding to like a guitar or not truly based on its sound and of course neck profile. I count myself very lucky to have had a great high school friend whose father decided to start building guitars part time when I was about 19 years old. He would have me test drive them and let him know what I thought. when I was 20 or 21 he told me he would build me a guitar for the cost of the materials, and that guitar has been my main gigging acoustic since. It’s been rode hard around Canada, England and the states, and it’s still hanging in there. Obviously getting this kind of guitar at a young age is a rare experience, but it’s set me on the path towards loving handmade guitars, and as for all the others really not caring at all about the brand name. Of course I have my favorites, but it’s companies like Eastman, Recording king, reverend and the like that get me excited now in terms of factory made instruments, as I truly believe they are being made to a high standard for a reasonable price. I find them inspiring to play, and at the end of the day if we truly listen with our hands and use our ears to find our keepers, we will be much less frustrated, much more inspired, and will make better music as a result.

[@TurdFerguson101]

I really get what you are saying. I have been playing for 42 years and own a number of guitars and my absolute go to favorite is an old 1970's Sigma. Go figure.

[@goodguy112948]

Me too, a 1978 Sigma for me.

[@kellygotell1179]

JP this is an awesome video, I am a fan and also a fellow maritimer , (roots from pei living in Shediac). I’m also an owner of a D28 haha which I’ve had mixed feelings on over the years. I am guilty at the time of buying it of wanting a Martin and being narrow minded . Since then, I’ve grown to like it and thought of getting rid of it at times but haven’t yet. I was at a guitar shop (relatives) that you probably know in antigonish, and he offered me to trade my Martin for a Boucher. I tried both guitars and I honestly felt ( in my opinion) lol, that my Martin held up well against the Boucher . I thought the Boucher was really nice also don’t get me wrong, but to my surprise, the money it would have cost me to trade for the Boucher, would still be a substantial amount and I would have no Martin anymore. My D28 seems to be a little fussy when it comes to humidity, and it’s better when played a lot . Again, I thought both guitars sounded really good and I think the best thing to do would be that if I want a Boucher and can afford it, just buy the Boucher . What I really like is your open mind to guitars and your passion towards them. If I started over again with my mentality now, I would probably just get a Boucher, but being as I already have the Martin, I may as well keep it. I really do like it which is important. I’m hoping you understand where I’m coming from and I think you do because you value other guitar players opinions and thoughts. I started with a Yamaha FG-140 lol. I think we all started with a Yamaha haha. I know you have spoken highly of them also . I really like all your videos thanks. Kelly Gotell

[@franzinauen8443]

I was looking for a Fender Stratocaster. It was my dream since a long time. And now, I found one. For 320 Bucks. It's from 2007, and I am very happy to have it.

[@5150show]

I love my D-28

[@arlenepilon9312]

I never comment on anything. This is my first. I am 54 year Cape Breton old once in a while guitar player. I have to say I really appreciate your honesty and integrity. Well said JP, well said!

[@baronguitars]

This is a refreshing point of view. I’m totally on board with the idea to keep an open mind. As a builder, I try to keep an open mind on factory guitars, which can be challenging to me. I love that you are doing unfiltered, honest reviews of any guitars that comes your way. It’s the only way to be relevant in my opinion. Thanks for sharing your thoughts JP. 🤘

[@1961Humbucker1]

Well said J.P. I agree with everything that you said in this video, keep up the good work! So many of these forums out there bring out the worst in people.

[@captainamerica9353]

I nearly got kicked off the UMGF as a new member a few years ago. Made the mistake of criticizing their love of Chinese guitars! The UMGF is a bunch of rich old white male jerks. Not surprised they hate JP.

[@tosaveonelife]

Hi JP, I’ve watched you for a long time, and there’s a few things that stand out in my mind. Number one you’re just an honest transparent guy, with a huge heart and an absolutely undeniable love for music and guitars. And I have enjoyed all the videos that I’ve watched you play an explain about guitars. I think you’re an absolutely incredible performer, but more than all of that I love your heart and your attitude. This video is just another example of who you really are. And I want to thank you for bringing these points up, and helping people broaden their perspective. Thank you for your enthusiasm, the music that you share with everyone, and for being the real deal. :-) My thoughts and prayers are with you as you pursue all of your musical dreams, and you continue to inspire others. Blessings, Tim

[@gottbean5440]

You are so right J.P. I wouldn't trade my Yairi for the Martin HD 28 I sold a few years ago.

[@markclouthier8845]

Man! So glad I subscribed to your channel J.P. A real eye opener. Thanks for your honesty my fellow Canadian.

[@johnnyola2205]

CSN&Y's 4 Way Street is the about best sounding pre-war Martins played through mics I've heard, for sure. And, Marty Stuart's old D-45 is pretty incredible.

[@blitz_zen]

Great album and player but if I played them and you couldn’t see what I was playing, you wouldn’t want one.

[@Skyrider1971]

Bought a brand new 000-18 Custom Shop in 2017. Believe or not, she needed a neck reset right out of the factory...🙈

[@julianlavergne]

I have a Fender acoustic that is at least 30 years old or more. It is one of the favorite go to guitars for a musician I know that records music. It is the sound, the tone and the feel that he loves. He uses it on a regular basis.

[@MrFrampo56]

They are pure garbage. Fantastic electric guitars but firewood acoustics

[@The_Robs]

@@MrFrampo56 it’s possible you missed the point of this video.

[@MrFrampo56]

@@The_Robs No it’s not. The video is no great revelation, not to me. Fender acoustics are still garbage.

[@soccerjazz2022]

Magnificient, intelligent and clear analysis, JP! Thanks! Arthur, The Netherlands

[@dano1486]

Dude, keep doing your thing! Let your work speak for itself.

[@flattopthunder5516]

I bought a 2023 Martin D-18 from musicians friend sight unseen. Very happy with my purchase, it sounds great, plays great, looks great. 👍👍

[@kellyshannon45]

I’ve been saying this for years. I was an electric player in the 80s and picked up a nice used Japanese higher end Takamine which served me well for years. Then, one year splurged on a Larrivee LJ 09 which was beautiful. But then I needed a beater for the campfire. A cheapy Cort Earth with a solid top. Everyone, and I mean everyone, liked the sound of the 100 dollar Cort over the Larrivee. Blind sound tests confirmed it. Sold the Larrivee. Bought a Guild D55 that was once owned by you. Same thing. The finish on the neck binding was flaking on the Tacoma built Guild after three months. Sold that. Then a Martin D16. Same thing. Just didn’t hold up. Your honesty in dispelling the myth of headstock snobbery is spot on JP. One thing can be said of the name brand acoustics is that they likely TRADE better than a lesser name. If you bought a Martin or a Gibson in the last ten years, you could likely sell for more than you paid for it. Not as true for a Yammy or the more custom builds like Boucher. As the result, they aren’t as coveted in the used market. Your advice is spot on. Look past the name and find your tone.

[@nomiday]

I love and own #Martinguitar, and I love your channel too #JPCormier. I love all your videos, commentaries, keep doing what you doing there, no matter what others comments, we are all musicians, guitarists and we make the world a better place with music! I see you as a very honest man and keep it up. Much love #Nomiday, from #Miri #Sarawak #Borneo

[@cobygreer100]

I play a couple Martins that are unbelievable guitars. I also play some old Harmonys that with a little tweaking can go toe to toe with anything. Amazing what you can find when you search

[@sustainablelife1st]

Coby - I have a 50 year old harmony, solid cedar/solid mahogany. hard to beat. (I am the original owner, had it for 50 years)

[@cobygreer100]

@@sustainablelife1st me too.. you can really find some jewels in the old Harmony guitar line..

[@fatabeeno]

Hi JP, I went into a Guitar Center in 2007. There was a D28 with a couple of dings on it, so it was marked down a bit. I picked it up and played it and it made me feel so satisfied with the sound and feel that I bought it. I still have it today, and because of you I had a K&K mini installed. It sounds so good plugged into my Fishman Loudbox Mini my small audiences at Independent Living centers and Assisted Living places inevitably complement me on the sound of the guitar. I got lucky. It's my favorite guitar, of all time, and I'm almost 70. I love your videos. ps I think you're better than Tommy Emanuel, but don't tell him.

[@chriswalton9425]

I have learned after many years of buying, selling guitars to not settle anymore. I don’t necessarily see brand anymore. I listen to reviews by folks like JP and make my own assessment. I have offshore guitars that I would not trade for any USA instrument.

[@MrSurvivorBoy]

you are good for Martin, they should always be looking to raise their game. You make great points that apply to life in general. thanks for raising the bar

[@promoted738]

This week's exciting guitar for me is an Eastman E10OOSSV. Killer - can't wait to get to it every day. I love my Martin OOO-18 too - equally. JP - I don't know you - but I like you. lol

[@cowboybob0452]

J. P. I love your honesty. I love Martins and saved up and bought a D-18 Retro. In two years the electronics had been worked on 3x and replaced3x in two years frets needed replaced ( they wanted $500.00 to replace them) the binding started coming off so I traded it for a pa. I have a 49 year old Alvarez 12 string and a 35 year old Takamine tour with them and still play. I now have a 4 year old Alvarez Artist series grand auditorium that I love. I played an $8,000.00 Breedlove walnut solid a Taylor and a Takamine and a Gibson but settled on the Alvarez. So I’m with you there are guitars for less that are as good or better than the big three. Just make music and play what you can afford and like and dad gum the rest.🤠

[@HeavyInstinct]

When it comes to affordably priced acoustics, I'm a long time fan of Seagull guitars. After about 10 years of playing mostly electric guitar and having nothing but a junker acoustic around (don't even remember what brand it was), back in the very early '90s I decided it was time to get a decent acoustic guitar. I had a price range of no more than $1,000 but that would have been pushing it for me at the time. I went to several shops and tried a variety of different models from various manufacturers and I remember Martin being on my list of brands I made sure to try out. At the time the most inexpensive model available (at least at the store in my area) was right around $1,000. I honestly don't remember what model it was. I just remember it was at the upper limit of what I had to spend. Another store nearby carried Seagull guitars which I had never even heard of before but a luthier I knew and respected told me that they were great value for the money. The store had a lot of their original s6 in stock in various configurations. Some had cherry back and sides, some had mahogany. I seem to remember there being three different top woods to choose from as well. I remember for sure they were available with a spruce top or a cedar top and I'm quite sure there was a maple top version as well. Anyway the point is, there were several of them for around the same price that I was able to try out and find exactly which one I liked the most, which is obviously pretty ideal. I kept coming back to one particular guitar that had cherry back and sides and a spruce top. I honestly liked this guitar better than anything else I had tried right off the bat, but because I knew they were supposed to be "the best" I went back to the Martin dealer to give the one and only model I could afford from them one last test drive. I honestly couldn't see, feel, or hear anything that could justify the price difference to me. In fact I thought the Seagull (at least to my ear) sounded considerably better. I paid something like $369 for that guitar and it's still serving me well to this day. One of the things I've really come to appreciate that I didn't even understand at the time, is the straight string pull that their "bullet" headstock design provides. I have two different models from them now and the tuning stability on both of them is just ridiculously good. Just a few years ago I decided I wanted something with a cutaway and built-in electronics. After doing a lot of browsing online for around a year or more, I found one of their "solid wood series" on the used market for a really good price. The seller allowed returns, so I decided to take a chance on it and I actually ended up liking it even more than the one I've had and loved for all of these years. I realize that the guitars being talked about in this video are on a completely different level but for anyone looking for something in the more affordable range, I wholeheartedly recommend checking out a Seagull.

[@vayabroder729]

I got two; great instruments; along with their extended family; La Patrie, Godin, Simon and Patrick, etc. Great factory.

[@LucasHaneman]

I very happily recommend The S6, many of the Yamaha models, or many of the Eastman acoustics to a lot of players myself. Every S6 i’ve played has sounded wonderful. I really enjoy the neck profile and wider string spacing as well

[@teamrockettes]

They really are amazing guitars. I found an old one used from the 90s that is an absolute killer. Its frets are a bit worn down from heavy playing but other than that, the guitar is in great shape. They really were built to last!

[@vayabroder729]

@@teamrockettes Still are! 😉

[@DeanMadonia]

I bought a Seagull Maritime so I could leave my 1978 Gibson Gospel at home. It has the Godin preamp. I find it to be very playable. It sounds good through my Jabl Eon One sub on a stick. I use a TC Electronics soulmate as a pedal board. Overall, I get a good sound. What I don't like about the guitar is that it is a delicate flower. I have had THREE crack repaired since I got it. Also, even with the SoulMate compressor, I cannot bring the volume of the high strings up when I solo. The boost button does this a little, but it also makes the low end feed back unless it is a very slight boost (at which point, the solo volume is too low). Also, it sounds horrible and scratchy in the studio compared to my Gibby, my Ibanez Artwood (a beast) and my old Alvarez "Iron Horse" 5013. A good value for the money - beautiful looking - easy to play - sounds great for strumming when plugged in. Acoustically, not so great. Voted last by my son and I in an ABCD comparison.

[@MrRonDear]

This video is amazing. I love your total honesty because for a long time I’ve been caught between buying a Top brand name like Taylor and Martin however, I can’t afford the models that I really like so I have been so tempted to buy a lesser priced Martin or Taylor even though the playability is not spot on to my preference. After watching this video I’m now going to continue my search for a guitar that feels totally great to me regardless of the name on it. Thanks again..

[@andy16666]

Well said, JP. I appreciate your opinion. I've never owned a Martin, love my Guilds and Eastman. :)

[@LucasHaneman]

I have an Eastman E6OM that sounds as good as any modern Martin 00018 i’ve tried, and the craftsmanship is right up there as well. Can’t wait to hear how it sounds in 40 years!

[@amd3449]

…Great To watch someone that honest, Love your Comments! I hope Mexican Made Martins & Taylor Right Now Dec/30/2023,Make Better Products and Better Quality Control. …I’m one of those who can not afford a Real Martin or a Taylor, but as a hobbyist I would Love have a Decent one,From any or Both brands. Thank You Very Much…. From Mississauga,Ontario.

[@miksilala]

Man you"re awesome as a musician and as a human been .Best wishes from Serbia!

[@aramriley3113]

I guess it boils down to preference and comfort, I auditioned dozens from Taylor, Martin, Breedlove, Yamaha etc, but even though I had the budget for a D28, I was sold once I picked up the Martin 000-15 Street Master......it just felt right and spoke to me the most. Great video!

[@dustinaaronson3856]

I've owned a guitar shop for 28 years. My least favorite guitars are Martin, Ibanez, Taylor and Gibson (in that order). I've worked on them, and owned them all over the years. My favorites include Yiari, Takamine, Parkwood, Epiphone and Washburn. I do have a '67 Gibson B1 with a cast brass saddle. It's really good, but very much not common. Your take on things is pretty much spot on. I like your videos. Thanks!

[@EM-vj7yt]

I was heavily imprinted on Martin guitars. My dad came from the area of Virginia where "blue" met "grass" as created by Bill Monroe in about that time period. So my goal after college when I took up guitar seriously (finally had some disposable income and some free time to play) was to own a real Martin. The budget back then in 1984 would only allow for a Sigma DR-28 at first, a rather good made-in-Japan copy of the D-28. Later I wanted to upgrade to a "lifetime" guitar and it had to have the magic initials "CFM" as part of the head stock. I became fixated on the J-40 and ordered a slightly modified one in 1990 through the Custom Shop. After all, this was to be a lifetime dream guitar so why not make it exactly what I wanted? Assuming that the custom shop would give me the best workmanship and materials proved not to be the case. Boy was that wrong! The woods chosen were fine and probably were a cut above the Standard models at the time, but the guitar never did intonate well. After 3½ years it needed a neck reset, but I did not know enough back then to realize that. The bridge lifted and the center seam split, despite careful humidity control (I attributed that to improperly seasoned top wood). I had to pay for those repairs myself, as Martin adamantly refused to honor their warranty, blaming my lack of humidity care as a cause -- without the factory, their regional rep, or an authorized repair station ever actually seeing the guitar. The denial was just based on where I lived and that we had winters. Funny how several other guitars in the same house and a 1920 Steinway grand piano had zero issues, just this one single Martin. Now several years later they finally relented and agreed to cover the neck reset. Imagine my feelings as the factory authorized luthier called me to report that the neck was 1.5 mm off center in the dovetail and the bridge was placed almost 2 mm short of the proper position. After he worked on it the guitar it *finally* had the correct neck angle and played in tune with itself and became the instrument that I had paid for originally. By then it was tainted in my mind between the build defects and my mistreatment by Martin. I sold it about three years later. The new owner is happy and I'm very glad that it is no longer in my life. Owning a Martin guitar --- NEVER AGAIN! Instead of fixing my guitar, they chose to alienate a multiple-purchase customer. I have told this tale to literally dozens of potential buyers over the years, probably costing them a couple dozen sales of Standard series models since.

[@macmorgan6685]

I’ve owned martins since 1969 when I bought a used D18. I had it till 1977 when it was lost in a house fire. I found a 1929 O28 in very good condition but it needed a bridge- this was 1978. I called Martin in Nazareth inquiring on their doing the replacement. The response was “you don’t take you model T to ford for repair” true story. I’ve owned a OOO28, HD28, D28s, D15s and finally a D45 bought new in 1989. Because of its “limited lifetime warranty” I took it back to Martin three times to fix a few items. Some of it was initial set up some of it, the result of problems, and finally during the Covid pandemic, it went back because the top was bellying so badly behind the bridge that I was afraid something was wrong. it turned out to have a cracked brace and there was so much trouble getting the top to flatten out and the proper intonation and string height at the bridge. They had to put a wedge under the fingerboard and install a new bridge and also do a complete neck reset which set me back about $1200, not covered by the limited lifetime warranty. That was about 2022 at which point I finally decided to sell the HD 28 and the D45. I still have the D11, Five, S and the D 18 which have been pretty trouble free but I agree that Martin can be problematic no matter how well you try to take care of them.

[@ericheyblom]

As a 67 year old who just recently decided to pickup a guitar, I found your video relating to why we gravitate to certain brands, and the short history of the big brands and their influence on all of us very thought provoking. I've loved music all my life, and ended up playing, buying, selling, and building custom acoustic/electronic drum kits most of my life as a hobby. And within the world of drum brand names, Roland reminds me of what the name Martin has done in its influence to 'regardless of the cost' draw people to their brand... sometimes without too much thought. Thanks JP

[@thewwcanadian]

I am with you brother. I think you are definately one of the best in the world. Thanks for your video's. The social media world is not the real world. I love all your music and mention you every time I play on stage. I think you can love whatever instrument you want and tell everyone what you think. You have the experience and the ability to know. Thanks again.

[@tanyaking4950]

I bought my dream Martin HD28 in 2004. It played well for a couple of years, but then it seemed to lose its soul. Then a couple of months ago the binding started to delaminate. I had it repaired and turned around and sold it. Martin, Gibson, and Taylor have lost sight of quality in favor of profit. Based on JP's suggestion I bought a Yairi PYM60HD which for a small body guitar out performed my Martin hands down. Plus it is a blast to play. JP keep up the quality search. It helps.

[@duaneholcomb8408]

True i have and old alverez. That's sounds great and I have blue ridge that I will never part with. Best guitar I,own and I have quite. Few acoustics. ,,

[@Mountainrock70]

Alvarez and Yairi are killer guitars period!

[@thomassawicki2065]

Mr JP . I love my Yamaha red label FG5. I can play jazz standards on it and it sounds good. When I play 1st position cowboy chords , it sounds huge. I don't need anything better, this exceeds my hopes when I ordered it. Thanks to your review i spent the $1250 US dollars. Nice case too , brother.

[@rdalin]

Side note: There's a book about Tony Rice titled "Still Inside: The Tony Rice Story." It contains extensive direct quotes from Tony, one of which is (paraphrased) "Martin hasn't built a decent guitar since 1958" (I may not have the year exactly right, but it was in that range). J.P. isn't the only top-level musician who has criticized Martin, but somehow Tony never received the same obloquy for his opinion).

[@brucejohansson9552]

I don’t agree. Martin builds an excellent product. Depends what you’re looking for. Study their research and development and company policy

[@rdalin]

@@brucejohansson9552 Tony Rice said that, not me. I own a Martin.

[@brucejohansson9552]

@@rdalin R.I.P. Tony.

[@AlexVoinotGuitar]

I agree with you a 100%. I just bought my dream guitar, a Martin HD28V, but I lucked out and found a used one. Still set me back $3200 CAD, which is already a significant amount of money. Prices of these high end guitars is insane, and they went up significantly over the last few years. I bought my used Fender American standard for $700 CAD 10 years ago, they're worth at least twice that now, but salaries haven't followed.

[@robertrussell9336]

As a wanna-be singer song writer, I day dream about music, guitars, playing and creating. I look for song Ideas in the least likely places. I come back to my Takamine EF 325SRC in Koa, time after time and Guys like you are so inspiring to me. Even after 30 years of sucking at this craft I come back for the hopes of another small break through. Finding an original progression, if there even is one left, is so elusive but so striking that I keep noodling until I come back for more, another day. I do not have brand envy but sound envy. Just finding that sound in chord play just satisfies so many levels of my ear, regardless of how far ahead many players are, just pulls me further in. Thanks for your insight , logic, wit and talent. Love your videos.

[@festushaggen2563]

I hear you. I'm a long time struggling guitarist who's still just trying to really get it and create things that sound good. My first experience with a great sounding acoustic was decades ago with a Takamine I borrowed from a friend. It sounded incredible and I didn't want to give it back. I never forgot about that. A couple months ago I was doing my weekly browsing in my local music store and saw a used Takamine GD93ce, played it and connected it with it right away. I had to get it and did. It's not the most expensive guitar in my collection or the cheapest but it's a great looking, sounding and playing guitar that's in my regular rotation now. Really like Takamine. Really love Yamaha too. No one will convince me that a well built and great sounding guitar can't be had for under $1000.

[@robertrussell9336]

@@festushaggen2563 Once I started to get to know a few accompanying chords, the pieces started to come together. Try to learn the odd sounding chords until you find ones that resolve seamlessly to your root. Your growth will really start to take off and you can leave a plateau behind.

[@CarlosGonzalez-tx4cb]

I agree! Many people ask me about Martin, Gibson, or Taylor, and I find very few I like. I’m agnostic when it comes to brands. I like handmade guitars, I don’t care if the name on the headstock is recognizable

[@julio_guitarr]

It has always seemed to me that half the cost is just the logo of the brand, here in Mexico (Paracho) for $4000 you get a classical guitar made by the best Luthier in the country, made by a single person and with impressive quality, the guitars Made in a factory they are still factory guitars, no matter how good they are and it is difficult for them to have the quality of a good luthier, unless they are custom shop. Greetings for your reviews and honesty, I loved your KZbin channel, greetings from Mexico.

[@ATO19657]

I learned about guitars made in Paracho Mexico in high-school..I'm 32 now. Love these guitars ,They have a big sound. Great Quality 👍

[@derekrowemusic]

Love this video. I walked into my local store, played a few and walked out with a Japanese Flambeau, from the early 80's, with a case, for 600 Australian $$$. Best guitar I've ever touched... for me

[@ohimbigtime]

the great Stefan Grapelli was famous fir playing any violin that suited him, the cheaper the better, so long as he could get the voice he wanted out of the instrument

[@jamesdavid7099]

Love the guy, Genius. His album with David Grisman is one of my favorites.

[@rodneyyarbrough6524]

The best 30 minutes on video I've seen lately. Don't know how I've missed you but I seen you a while back on video with John Chapman. That's the first time but now I can't get enough. Not only are you an awesome picker but you wax eloquently on the truth. I've struggled my whole life to lay hands on the perfect guitar. Being left handed made it more difficult. After 55 years of playing whatever I could afford I finally have a few decent guitars to my name and I've discovered its all about how it feels in my hand. I have a Martin d28 and a Taylor 810 but they don't feel like my old blueridge br180 I ran across a while back. It's a cannon and it feels great in my hands. Thanks for some great advice. Wish I had found you years ago. One last note... a D45 here in Alabama runs around $9600 still far out of my reach. Happy hunting my friend.

[@edwardweiszbeck1649]

Exactly same here. Saw John first time with John Chapman where they played and picked their favorite style guitar. He seemed so nice and wow his channel shows he is an awesome gent. Would easily be a best friend. Reminds me of my bestie

[@kenwalker2868]

Yes, in my opinion you are the best guitarist I've ever heard. I tell every person I know that they must listen to you because if they think they've heard the best they are wrong. I'm 80 years old so I've heard a lot of guitar players.

[@FrankPersico]

People's negative and hateful comments say more about THEM then it does about you. You are one of the good ones. Keep it up!