Martin 0 vs 00 vs 000 - What's The Difference?

[@andertons]

Please be aware of scam comments. Andertons will never contact you via telegram.

[@nadavnc]

I just got a telegraph message from you, though - "_ _ . _ .. ._. __.... .._ _. __.." Is this true??!!

[@darkmind9244]

Thanks for looking out for us Andertons :)

[@davidmarriott1826]

​@@darkmind92448675

[@jeff1872t]

I spent so much time last week trying to find a good reference to use to see the size differences between these shapes. Thanks.

[@RouvenKasten]

I got hold of a 00-18 in 2018 and am very happy with it, it's a really great instrument. In my search for the perfect 000, I ended up with this guitar. It actually sounded a bit more balanced than the 000 model in the rehearsal room of the shop. Since I have short arms and fingers, the short scale length and small body really suits me compared to a dreadnought. After a journey from cheap to much more expensive guitars, this one is perfect for me.

[@dnews9519]

I won't ever part with my 00 it's absolutely perfect.

[@SeanDS89]

I like them all! I'd go for the 0-18 however, just because it would probably be more comfortable for me

[@fodiddlediddle5015]

creating videos like this up there all alone is tougher than most people think it is. Well done and great playing my man. Thanks!

[@ramilrodriguez8340]

Great demo and superb playing. From those three I prefer the OO. I believe it’s more balance overall. It has enough bass to sound full and relatively big, good extension on the highs to be felt and mids that keep up with bass and highs. Sounds great for struming and fingerpicking. The O not for me as it lacks low end to my taste and has a narrower frequency range. The OOO sounds great but kind of mid scooped. I hear a better balance on the OO. Well, that’s my appreciation, my taste. Thanks.

[@WigsxD]

The 00 does sound great, but I own a 000-18, and the tone is very well balanced. Listening to a video doesn't compare to it in person. I love the size of the 000(grand auditorium). I really like the sound of my Dreadnought, but prefer the comfort of my 000. Especially for finger picking. These are all great guitars though. Martin just has great tone in general. I really do like my friend's Taylor as well.

[@rd264]

I am looking for a pre 2017 D28 with the Low Profile neck.

[@loontil]

I bought a OOO-18 (c.1970) before I left Australia (underpant nation) three years ago (from Guitar Bros in Brisbane - great store) - because as soon as I played it, it sounded amazing and was so easy to play. Even a honky first position D chord sounded so good. It is really light and you can score the top with your thumbnail, it's really lightly lacquered, but it's real strong neck wise and just rings.

[@dynasgitarrer6236]

Wonderful tones in all three. But for me, nothing beats the 00 for fingerpicking. Such a lovely balanced sound where neither bass nor treble dominates. Thanks for the enthusiastic presentation!

[@yogarich]

What a fantastic demo of 3 great guitars! Kudos Ben and Martin!

[@easyvocalharmony5680]

Great comparison, thank you! I've had the 000-18 for about two years now, love it. Really tempted to own all three, maybe one day!

[@cmakely60]

Ben thanks for a great video. I've had all 3. The 0-18 is the only one I never think of selling. It's the perfect little guitar in my opinion 😁

[@enoch1680]

Thx, I am in the market, based on this video I lean towards the 0-18. I like the 000 best but have shoulder pain so think the smaller bodied 0 may be the way to go. I am surprised at how many people prefer the 00. Based on this video it is the lowest on my list.

[@BrianWMay]

Outstanding review. I think for me, it's as much your infectious enthusiasm as much as your musical skill that sells the instruments. I have a CEO-7 which is new (I traded my D-28) and my 000-28 which I've had since 2008. I love both immensely, yet I've seen you review both with that same enthusiasm and musical skill to show them at their best. It's just a joy to watch you. I've downloaded this to watch more than once. I'm well into my 70s and won't be buying any more guitars, but if I were still looking the Andertons site presented as you have would make my journey worthwhile (from Yorkshire UK). So thank you and thanks to the person that thought this would be a good idea . . . because it IS.

[@Andy_Yates]

I have a 00 from a small maker that I love. These Martins sound fantastic and the balanced tone coming out of that 000 is just wonderful. I expected to hear less from the unwound strings from the 000 but it is very much a sweet spot in the body size. I love the 00 for its finger picking tone and because it's physically not very big. It's only a tiny bit longer tip to tail than my Les Paul

[@pachacamacs]

Thanks for the video, well done! I have the 000-18 and there is something about the combination of shorter scale and mahogany body that makes it sound perfect to me. Especially the sweet, rounded trebles, combined with non-invasive bass and even, woody midrange. And it rings!

[@Calatriste54]

I think the 000 floats my boat..

[@christianboddum8783]

One thing that might be missing when close micing is the way it projects through a room. It may be hard to capture. When I chose my OMC28E it was based on projection among other things. I let others play it to hear it at distance, and it really impressed me. Sitting with it doesn't tell how loud it is at a distance. FWIW

[@anthonyward8587]

Such a great player and an asset to Andertons for sure. :)

[@joeldowdy404]

I was always a dreadnaught player and I love my Martin HD28. Many months ago i was able to get a Martin D18-000 Modern Deluxe and I have been playing it more than my D28. Maybe its because of getting older but find the 000 more comfortable to play than the D28. Different sound entirely, Rosewood vs Mahogany and shape. I now love 000, 0000, and OM body shapes. May even trade in my D28 for a 000 ,0000, or OM 28 model perhaps at some point here in the future. As always enjoy Bens playing and opinions!!

[@thepennydrops.]

I have and OM28 and have recently bought a D18, i'm finding the D18 more comfortable to play (i'm not a big guy)....it's funny how it's almost down to what you don't have or the newest guitar (or maybe thats just me). Anyhow, i'd say keep your D28 if you can and get both!

[@richardryan8462]

There’s also a quad-aught-eighteen, 0000-18. I forgot the other name Martin uses for that model. It sure would’ve been interesting to have heard you play that. Maybe someday you’ll get around to playing that one.

[@RouvenKasten]

Or called M-18 Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i57EmoZ5Ypxnbck

[@ricardosotosan2279]

Although Martin has done a 0000-18, or style 18 M body, it is not part of the standard series.

[@canonball1914]

Lovely vid Ben , great guitar playing and enthusiasm.I bought a Furch OM vintage recently (New )and a Martin OO18 a few months old and both are outstanding guitars . I'm going to keep one and sell the other right up until a couple of days ago it was the Furch as my keeper .Then the last few days i cant keep my hands from the Martin, i think the Furch is a bit better made and the neck is fantastic and the strings stand out better individually and its more balanced.After saying that though and i know what some will think, but there is something about the Martin i am loving and i am going to keep it. Its not as easy to play as the Furch but i have fallen for it.I hate it when people buy for a badge , and have been sucked in by Gibson electrics in the past (never again) but the Martin is just so enjoyable and has character .The Furch is about a grand cheaper as well and as i said is probably better built than the Martin The Martinis like Barbara Streisand when she was younger she had a big nose but was so beautiful and attractive as well as having a voice to die for. Define that? I cant but its the Martin for me.

[@caboosethemoose2070]

Ben is an amazing player. I think he needs a cohost to help him put things into words. He said the differences in the sound are phenomenal but I want to hear what they are from the perspective of someone in the room. Some people can talk non stop for days about the way a guitar sounds

[@fastcanoe105]

thanks for sharing the video; its very helpful to hear the differences between the body styles

[@Richardgeohar]

That intro was lovely- would you consider talking us through that in another video?

[@McMorgan1312]

A note to the editor -- volume comparison really matters in this type of video. And you zoom in on the tight shot the whole time he's playing and miss the decibel monitor in the corner. It's really pretty maddening. A better balance between performance and useful information would be nice.

[@neilmurphy4381]

I have an OM-28 but would love a 0-18 or 00-18 as my second Martin. When I played them in a shop, I remember liking the 00-18 better, but in this video the 0-18 is amazing.

[@mikedovsky]

Ben, you are not only a talented guitarist, your enthusiasm comes out in your playing style. It was a joy to watch this demo. This is by far the best comparison of these three 18 series Martins that I have seen online. You really got the best sound possible out of them in this demo. BTW, I have a 00-18L. I am just mentioning this as Martin will make them left handed as well.

[@imjason75]

That particular 000 sounds phenomenal!!

[@danfarmer5613]

Nice presentation Ben. I have a D15 M, but I thought the OO sounded the best off the three. Thanks

[@KordTaylor]

Nice demo and great playing! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@mharri3677]

I have a 0018V which is a great guitar. Those 015m are sweet too!

[@mariodriessen9740]

About a year ago I played an old Martin 0-18 that a friend of mine recently purchased. It didn't let me go. I had to have a smaller sized Martin. I was already saving up feverishly for a D-28. I bought it and immediately ordered a 00-15m. I figured I might as well go on saving. I'm so glad I did. I play the D-28 when performing music with my friends, but at home I always play my 00-15m. It's such a sweet sounding and comfortable guitar to play. The 15 series, oddly enough, have a longer scale length (25.4"), but they play like butter. I couldn't be happier. And it all started with that old 0-18. Oh man, one day..., one day. 😎❤️

[@MsDaydream]

Apparently the 0-15m used to be 24.9 inch scale length like the rest of the non OM models, but their newer versions have the 25.4 inch scale. There are some dealers that special order the 0-15m's in the original scale. Andertons actually did a run of them called the "Westside Custom" which was an 0-15m with the 24.9 inch scale. They're incredible guitars. 😊

[@mariodriessen9740]

@@MsDaydream : I must have seen the Andertons video on that Westside Custom 0-15 a hundred times. If it was ‘just’ a standard model for Martin I probably would’ve ordered that one instead of the 00-15m I now have. But I’m so happy with the 00-15m, I don’t think I could’ve been happier than I am. 24.9” huh? These Martin people don’t really know what they’re doing, do they? The 000-15m should be called an OM-15. But what would you call the 00-15m then? 😬

[@MsDaydream]

@@mariodriessen9740 I have no idea what they'd call it. Maybe 00-15m LS? The good news is the long scale versions are excellent guitars too, just different feeling and sounding.

[@mariodriessen9740]

@@MsDaydream : I know. You should have seen my gigantic smirk when I picked up my 00-15m for the first time. My J-45 has a shorter scale length, but the 00-15 feels so much more comfortable. And off course the comfort is in the smaller body size, but still. It’s the whole package. And I love that little package.

[@Mark_Ocain]

Lovely guitars! Lamentably, a little too dear for my budget. One day maybe I'll have a Martin, I hope.

[@guitareveryone]

My fave in the smaller bodies are the OMs.

[@mpikers]

I've had a D-18 for years and to me, nothing sounds better. I've played mahogany variants of the 0, 00, and 000 and while I liked them, none of them really gave me "the fizz" as James May would put it. A few weeks back my dealer was having a Martin event. I told the Martin rep I was looking for a smaller body guitar for finger style and light strumming, but everything just sounds boxy and "meh" to me compared to the D-18. He put a Martin CEO-7 in my hands and it immediately blew my mind. For a 00, this thing sounds incredible! It's articulate enough for finger style but can handle strumming with ease. It's not cheap, but it I've never thrown down money so fast on a purchase in my life.

[@zachelmquist4932]

These videos are brilliant. Keeper coming.

[@richardwilson5709]

My suggestion is to explain how you feel about your HOLD on the instrument. A description of the neck shape and related hand movements up and down the instrument should be 75% of what we want to know about. By the time we get to your comparison video, we have read EVERY spec on the instruments, and we have heard multiple sound clips. What we need to understand is how these 3 guitars fit into the body/ergonomics,,this is what we want to hear about. Thanks for the help,,

[@fo76]

Damn, now I need all three of them...

[@Smith.Wesson.432UC]

Projection is the main difference in the different sizes. Thank you

[@liamjenkins244]

I'm very blessed to own a 00-15M I never really got along with larger dreadnought type acoustic guitars

[@kifferpete7987]

Ben, after trying all these, which was your favourite?

[@bensmithguitar]

They were all great, but I think if it was my money I'd probably go for the 00. Probably...

[@Rinty145]

There is one other guitar that could be added to this comparison, were it not for the fact it doesn't come in "18" spec, i.e. spruce top mahogany back and sides. And that is the M-36 or "0000", which comes with spruce top and rosewood back and sides. Serious talent.

[@chrismaines1285]

Really like this gentleman’s finger picking and timing.

[@tbeau6663]

Thank you Ben for these comparisons

[@robertpurdy4452]

Thank you for this size comparison video. It is one I am very glad to watch it for I want to get a better acoustic guitar than the inexpensive one I have. It's a Concert-sized Fender and it's the perfect size and when I decide on the purchase it's probably going to be a Martin 28 series. I'm left-handed so it's really tough to find them together to try out.

[@MotoLen51]

Great one, Ben!

[@michelemorabito2939]

I like the Martin 00028VS 12 fret model, warm and full-bodied sound, and the 000 42 model, which unfortunately is very expensive...Have you ever tried them?

[@paulwhiteside1805]

I loved the sound of the 00. Wonderful playing by Ben - as usual!☺😎

[@JeffSimpson-yy2si]

Love the sound of the Martin guitar voice

[@riffcodgerpetermcaleer8638]

Nicely done. Good job. I own the 000-18 and would love to know the best mic kit to play in front of it. Coz the sound is soooo sweet. Thanks

[@stoneysdead689]

I'm surprised- i expected to like the 000 the best, always loved my dreadnaught guitars- but the 00 sounded best imo. It was more balanced- it had the low end of the 000 and the mid-range projection of the 0- perfect. The 0 lacks low end and the 000 sounds scooped relative to the 00. Could just be the way it translates listening to it on KZbin though- I'd have to be in the room with them to really know. I have to buy an acoustic soon, but unfortunately it won't be one of these. Maybe someday though- maybe...

[@Hypersp4ce]

I felt the same! Now I really want an OO or OM style acoustic lol

[@davidevans3175]

There's also the Martin 000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000AL-45 which is so huge the aliens use it as a short-range transport ship.

[@jamesfarlig3178]

yep, it's on the cover of boston's debut album

[@linguafranca86]

O no

[@daveystrange]

To my ears the smaller body sizes suit intricate fingerpicking and the 000 is best for strumming. Although fingerpicking can still sound great on a larger body size. Thoughts?

[@pachacamacs]

I have the 000-18 and play fingerstyle all the time. Perfect for me, very balanced and articulate.

[@jimmyhansen5842]

I have a D35. Perfect for fingerstyle because of the thinner bracings. 🤘

[@Jasper_Yay636]

Ben always makes me want to buy whatever he’s playing on. Martin makes life a little better. Semper Fi

[@enoch1680]

Great video, thanks. I like the 000 best. Balanced and crisp throughout the frequency range. 0 lacks some base but a really clean beautiful sound. I did not like the 00 as much. While it sounds great, compared to the other two, I would say it is a little subdued or washed out.

[@Gman7953]

The fingerboard on the 0-18 has kind of a flame going on, I absolutely LOVE fingerboards looking like this, i wonder if it has a name?

[@hogs150]

it's ebony just like the others/ but it has streaks of lighter wood in it. there was a time when this would not have been used. I believe Taylor was the first to use it now all the guitar makers are. I think it looks beautiful.

[@Gman7953]

@@hogs150i agree ! thanks for the information

[@linguafranca86]

Oddly enough, for strumming I prefer the 0 and for fingerpicking the 00 or the 000. Soundwise.

[@billw8648]

Bob Seger (Night Moves). Nice Video, well done!

[@robmiller3464]

Beautiful video. I have a 00-18 and bought it 2 years ago. I’m looking for a partner for my 00, but honestly having a hard time finding something that sounds as good. It’s absolutely magic. I purchased a 000-28 prior to my 00 Martin and I returned it. Something, something, something about that size and the mahogany back and sides that make it so special. So if that helps anyone, just buy one I guess and get terms same as cash. Last thing is why the heck do you think your going to get more sustain by shaking the guitar. You don’t even own one and you’re not in a sound room recording. Bad habit sir, but you do play well. Good luck

[@bensmithguitar]

I like the vibrato that happens when you shake the neck. These guitars can take it just fine...

[@jeffreyfortney9180]

Love the sound. Can't afford the price. Maybe St. Nick will drop on off?

[@IanBroon1]

Would love to hear a comparison between Martin 00 vs Eastman E10-00 tc.

[@alecschingel1621]

Nice video and great selection of guitars. Two thoughts tho...make a friend and have them join you. But mostly, learn how to play with a pick. The thumb guy works great when you are doing fingerpicking, your touch is really very sensitive. However, whenever you're strumming that thumb thing is so stiff that it clearly buzzes the strings. Take a note from some of the pros and switch to something a little thinner when you strum/flatpick to let that guitar really resonate.

[@UncleDanBand64]

0-18 looks and sounds great. That is just a great size.

[@fromagefrais]

3 neck reset to do

[@kenty2831]

sold, great comparison very thorough

[@michelemorabito2939]

Compliments. Great review. Very good. Michele, from Rome, Italy.👋

[@ondrejsekera385]

Hi! I am looking for something of good quality at a good price. Will this be my favorite? What do you think...

[@Hrcak1]

I want to buy parlor guitar for finger picking and can't decide between 0 and 00 size mahogany body. I do have Eastman OM size. If I don't I'll go for 00 but now I'm not sure. Any advice?

[@MAP448]

I really wanted to hear about any differences in sizes of the 3 fingerboards. I have have had a 00-18 all of my life. I was very lucky that way, but I feel like I'm hunching over all the time & after all these years I think I would not only want a larger bout. I also believe I might like a larger fingerboard. All things I would like to know more about.

[@aamapes]

I suspect they are identical- you could easily look that up on Martin’s website. For a “larger” fingerboard, look at an OM, which has a longer scale.

[@matthewreid618]

Reply to old comment, but perhaps it helps someone. All three have the same scale, same 1 3/4 nut width, same modified low oval profile and same performance taper. They are identical.

[@heymrguitarman7637]

To my ears this wood combo works best on small Martin's. The 00 is the one I'd take home

[@graemero5532]

Ben, you're a great player. I'm an electric player and mean no offence, but I would love to know why acoustic players gush over these Martin guitars, they just sound average to me. It's not that I can't hear a difference between one acoustic and another. The Gibson J45 has a sound that almost justifies the price, and Talyor have that hi-fi thing. just wondering.

[@fredericroy6425]

Thats is the kind of fingerpicking I feally appreciate!

[@samhill3496]

All have their strengths. I have 00 and two 000 and a 0 Gibson. All great.

[@darkmind9244]

can someone tell me why they talk about the top and how its made to be resonate etc and then they stick a lump of plastic to it as a pick guard? doesn't that effect the sound?

[@MrFrampo56]

No. It doesn’t Affect the sound.

[@crazycatlady.]

hello! How would you compare the 000-jr against the 0-18? Thank you!

[@MrJusmobile]

Which one did Steve Howe play "clap" on?

[@chrismaines1285]

Sound wise it’s the triple OOO for me but they are all certainly nice.

[@carvin69thinline65]

Being that the specs are similar in many ways, how would you compare the sound of the 18 series of “O”s to the 17s?

[@tenantrep]

How do you say the single 0 double O and triple O 28 would compare to the 18?

[@doublepanthers3088]

You can't go wrong with any of these beauties.

[@zachelmquist4932]

Do they do these in 28 series.

[@stevetremlett7917]

I have an 00-18. Very happy with it but as I’m just a bedroom player I’m now wondering if I should have got the 0-18…

[@benallmark9671]

Its not too late but do not sell your 000 , you'd regret it.

[@PaisleyPatchouli]

Only one decision to be made: I'll have one of each please! ;)

[@andrejgregoric1324]

the difference is obvious on lower strings when fingerpicking. single 0 is much different than the other two. More parlour sounding. Same goes for strumming. Besides that, they sound great. Would love to own any...

[@electricpeaks]

00 sounds amazing

[@tonylittle2744]

They have different scale lengths surely?

[@grooooved]

Nope

[@limpindug]

First as usual top pickin Ben. Second Ben you really really need to get your hands on a Navy Blues. Third I enjoyed the show thanks for your time bud. 👍👍👍🥃Respect to you mate.

[@hekakain4108]

The good news is all three guitars are £2.999 each. The bad news is I don't have £3.999.😵‍💫

[@pads-zr9ln]

000 for me, just had the sound I live

[@aidantalbot9495]

Love the voice of the 0; that 00 doesn't sound as good as most Eastman equivalents that I have heard demonstrated

[@JochenThe1]

000 great guitar 🤓 I prefer Walnut back and sides rest the same.

[@kevinsarlo2379]

Something about walnut isn't there?

[@sebakrol3433]

so many guitars, so little money

[@RemoteAbductionArm]

I always thought that 0 was bigger than a 00 which was bigger than a 000.

[@djrbfmbfm-woa]

excellent. j.

[@MartirosHakopianMarHak]

Triple OOO is it for me ....

[@James-oh1wp]

Bigger is better :)

[@Funkybassuk]

As my wife said in her divorce petition! 😂

[@outsidestuff5283]

I stopped watching Andertons vids for a while, and either my eyes are cheating me, or Ben has shrunk in the wash!

Why does the whole world say it wrong. It's NOT o as in the letter is 0, zero as in the number!!

[@benallmark9671]

100

[@maplebones]

never pay any attention to a review by someone who has a commercial interest in the product. their interest is to train you rather than teach you

[@direwolf6234]

for $2900 they better play & sound good .. too pricey for my budget

[@MarcCoteMusic]

Unsurprisingly - for me, at least - the largest guitar sounded the best. There's just something about the richness and openness of a good large-bodied guitar... it has more of everything - and that's the way I like it.

[@feelinggrape]

I feel the exact opposite. It lacks precision and airiness.

[@MarcCoteMusic]

@@feelinggrape - As the Brits say - "horses for courses", I guess. Something for everyone. 🙂