Mahogany Dreads - King of The Hill? | Collings D1 Traditional Vs Martin DC-18E

Collings D1 Traditional - Honduran Mahogany Back/Sides, Sitka Spruce top, Daddario XS Medium .013 - .056, Vs Martin DC-18E, Mahogany back/sides, Sitka Spruce top, Cutaway, Daddario XS Medium gauge Phosphor bronze .013 - .056 Strings

[@garypannone7755]

Both sound similar. I kind of like the deepness in the Martin. But would not say one sounds better just different. I would trade my Taylor Big Baby for either one LOL. Great video.

[@gair1944]

I agree they share a quality that I associate with Mahogany/Sitka guitars. Definitely my favorite wood combination. I also agree both are inspirational and a joy to create music on. No dogs in this race. No loser. Nope. Thanks for watching and subscribing.

[@craigward1611]

The Collings to me sounds sharper with more distinction between the notes and a more balanced tonal spectrum. The Martin was definately warmer but had a stronger low end. Both sounded awesome. I have a Martin J-40 and Collings C-100 so love both makers.

[@gair1944]

Thanks for sharing your insight. I agree there is more detail and distinction in the Collings D1T. There is a warmth in the Martin D18 that I sometimes prefer. Both guitars are musical and inspiring. Happy to own both of them.

[@johnmcgurran2084]

Cutaway Martin. Yikes. I prefer the Collins by a wide margin. Love the clarity and dynamic possibilities. I’m in the market and the Yamaha FG9 mahogany or rosewood is a contender. Thanks for the video.

[@rogerd9150]

Came here from your Facebook group post. Already subscribed. Wish I could do it again haha. Well I think you nailed it on your own impressions of the two. I have a Collings D3 and a Martin HD-28 so I have no brand bias here. I think the Martin did sound warmer that the Collings with the biggest difference noticed in the strumming section. Collings definitely louder, but then is that by design to attract bluegrass players to the Collings dread over the Martin? Probably not but an interesting thought. Dang, I wish I could play like that! I've been taking lessons for a year and your video made me want to go throw my guitars on a bonfire! Haha, I can't see ever getting that good, but I didn't start playing until age 64. Gary, may I ask how long you have been playing?

[@gair1944]

Hi Roger, Thanks for the nice comment. I agree there is a warmth in the Martin D18. It may have a bit more lower midrange. You are correct the Collings is louder. It's fun to play a guitar where the notes project, resonate and sustain so easily. Congrats on your new journey. If you're having fun, you're doing it right. I'm always learning something new. That's one of the best rewards. I've been playing over 50 years. I'm 67 now and I still gig 8-12 times a month. I feel as much joy if not more the longer I do this.

[@rogerd9150]

@@gair1944 Thanks so much for your reply and encouragement!!!!

[@soofitnsexy]

do you have enough guitars??? may I send u a few???!!! lol both exceptional.....Martin and Collings not a bad pair!!! thanks for the great videos

[@JulianBalle-b9p]

The d18 comes more into its own when you plug it in like in some of your videos. The collings acoustically definitely has more balance from bass to treble and it has greater clarity and separation . I think the baggs anthem is superior to the baggs hi fi , so when you plug them in as in some of your videos the d18 sounds a little more natural than the collings with the hi fi. The upper mids of the collings could clash with a singers voice . The martins slightly bass heavy balance suits a singer songwriter . In a video that you made called emoting with the d1t if you listen back to that youll notice that the upper mids clash a bit with the rhythm section making it harder to define the beautiful lead you played . Just some thoughts.

[@gair1944]

I really like your insight. I have been gigging my D-18 Cutaway with Baggs Anthem as my number 1 guitar for the past 5 years. It's hard to find anything that bests the D-18 Cutaway, It offers a great voice that complements vocals and sounds great for amplified acoustic tone.I prefer the Baggs Anthem over the HiFi but I do like the Hifi. Baggs is supposed to release a HiFi with a mic in September. It's called the Duet. Or HiFi Duet. I want to try it when it comes out.