Martin D-28 vs. Alvarez Yairi Masterworks DYM70: Which Guitar Wins?

[@scottfishkind5335]

Both sound great! Love that you are carrying both as well!

[@texhaines9957]

1st, it ought to have been an HD-28 due to the bracing. I had an in-person comparison of these 2 and one other Martin guitar. I play more finger style. I chose a Martin Cherry Hill because it had clearer notes and better low-mids. My daughter liked the cat-like bridge. Thanks

[@louieo.blevinsmusic2011]

I want a Martin Cherry Hill. I’ve got a Martin SWDGT and have had it since ‘08. Very woody and bright guitar. Love it.

[@bluetweed1]

both of theses are 2 of the best guitars I ever heard, great playing, thanks!

[@bbliss9598]

I own the same model of Yairi in the 12 string version- absolutely amazing sound!

[@andrewhnorris1]

Having owed 2 Martins and 2 Yairi, I can say Yairi are far better guitars IMHO. I don't own the Martins any more but I kept the Yairi.

[@texhaines9957]

@@andrewhnorris1 do you use a pick or finger style? Any specific genre? I found the Martin to have clearer notes and bigger low-mids for my use. The Yairi has its place, but not yet in my stable or voice.

[@1deadtoe707]

I own the FYM 70 Yairi which is the OM version of this guitar. The build quality and setup is excellant. It one one of my favorite guitars. In the video, I thought the Yairi had more clarity but I think the Martin had a better low end.

[@texhaines9957]

@1deadtoe707 My favorite OM is a custom Bourgeois OM aged Adirondack top and black Walnut back and sides, large sound hole. Sounds, plays, and looks great.

[@bluegrasspicker1204]

I love these videos. I just need a different guitar for each song. Thank you for the high quality video

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks so much!

[@johnwashburn3793]

They sell many different brands, sizes and wood combinations of guitars. I bet they would teach you a song for each guitar you buy.... and I am like that also.

[@bluegrasspicker1204]

@@johnwashburn3793 Absolutely. I've been taking lessons there for years. It's Awesome

[@roymeyer6837]

I've been a Martin fan for decades, but in recent years I've found myself more and more drawn to these beautiful Alvarez Yairi models. I love the demo, and think both guitars sound incredible in their own distinct ways.

[@paulstoakes466]

Were both guitars using the same gauge of string? To me it sounded like the Alvarez had a lighter set than the Martin which made the Martin sound a bit tighter than the Alvarez.

[@G_Demolished]

I usually like a Martin, and the Yairis are great too, but something about the Guild D55 makes it the guitar I really want in this category. Those things are amazing.

[@slpc30]

Great question Jeremy 😅

[@coltknight3945]

Damn, both sound great. Im on the fence. I like the Martin tone more, but love the Alvarez volume

[@lilycat1694]

The lows in the Yairi sounded a bit better than the D28, probably because of the scalloped bracing. But for overall sound I preferred the Martin. It may have been a bit louder as well. This was great!

[@jfj794]

Yairi price point is excellent. I do own a D-18 and have a D-28 style from a local luthier. The Yairi PYM66HD parlor you have in stock is calling my name. I’ll give ya’ll some love on my next purchase. 👍

[@ralfybaby]

Both sound great. Rhe Martin sounds warm and full. But that Yairi just sings. You can hear every string resonate. Narrow win for Yairi. I own the DYM60 myself with the old growth mahogany. It is awesome. Fantastic built quality. Truly high end stuff. For my rosewood fix I picked up the "poor man's D28" "16 rosewood style" whatever GC and MSF call that. Also very nice but not quite un Yairi territory. The guitars compliment each other nicely. The booming hog and the drier more twangy rosewood. Happy to have one of each.

[@stephensmith60]

Yep - It's the D-28 for me; and that's why I own one. But the Alvarez would be a great guitar to own too! I also prefer the esthetics of the Martin over the Alvarez, but that's just because I'm used to seeing this guitar that way. I always take my guitars to my local set of professionals (in Kansas City) for my action adjustments, and then I play them for about six months, and then perform any final adjustments myself. Just the other day I lowered the 'A' and 'B' strings (at the nut) just a slight shaving, and now it plays so smooth (Any Style). One of these days I'll have to make my way down to your shop.

[@R.L.Humpert]

I agree with someone below the Yairi sounds a little muddy like too compressed. The Martin clearly to me would be my choice. But with that said they both sound amazing. I would always go with a Martin though in the end.

[@dr.richardjurica8029]

I have an HD-28V, a D-41 and an old Alvarez made in 1977 that i bought from a friend for $150. Obviously both Martins sound awesome, but the Alvarez has also aged well, sounds great and is a joy to play.

[@chriskoch1145]

Win for Alvarez, but I do like how tight sounding the martin was. Love my WY1TS with a cedar top. Great job as always Alvarez

[@patcampbell9766]

I love Asian guitars for the quality for price but that Martin sounds 50 percent better to my ears.Great video by the way.

[@thomasknapp7236]

After my first Yairi, ive been sold. Ive had high end Gibsons. High end Martins and even a Collings. Im still a Yairi guy. Yairi fanboy you might say

[@richhansen8874]

I'd like to see the DYM72 when possible. Thanks

[@gui-texzan7477]

Cooper at Alamo Music just posted a video on the DYM72 (Adi top).

[@brianeversole3849]

Omg! That alvarez sounds great!

[@slpc30]

Id take either one they're both amazing!!

[@mandrews0513]

Both guitars are at the top of their game. They both have awesome sound. The Martin has a bit more projection, but the Alvarez's overall tonal balance, and harmonics are a bit better on it. Better price point,Soft v, to soft c neck, direct coupled bridge= cool sound. Awesome job on this video guys. Both guitars are all stars, as are y'all. Peace

[@cargueone1971]

You can't go wrong with either of these

[@AcousticShoppe]

Totally!

[@SuperMikado282]

Yes.

[@johnwashburn3793]

🔥🔥🔥 John, please! Lol I own 2 of each. I typically play the Martins (when I am not playing my Eastman). Nut width has much to do with this, and tone. I preferred the Martin overall. 🔥🔥

[@johnwashburn3793]

... and you call yourself a flat picker!😮

[@ibtm]

Alvarez sounds more metalic and brighter---the Martin has a real warmth to the tone. Interesting comparison---excellent!!!!!!!!

[@thomasknapp7236]

This video shows the contrast better than most. The Yairi just SINGS compared to the martin. I own a D-28. The fullness of the yairi is just insane to my ears

[@waynzwhirled6181]

Great job! I prefer the sound of the Alvarez.

[@markvonwisco7369]

They're both great guitars. I do like the sound of the Yairi. I also prefer the narrower nut width, so another point is favor of the Yairi.

[@clydesullivan6945]

Well i own 2 Alvarez guitars 1 is the DYMR70-SB the other is my outside playing MD60 Herringbone I also own a Martin D18 natural and l love them all but I would have to say my Boucher SG41V-Ohm or my Boucher SG 51MV-Ohm Eats the Alvarez & Martin .Although I realize that's not what your asking here so I guess I would have to pick the Alvarez . Although you came up with a great comparison Thanks for your content!Thumbs up😊

[@BenAdam-om2hr]

I am surprised by my own ears preferring the Yiari. Thanks for the review, guys.

[@raysauter4420]

First of all, the "Direct Coupled" bridge on the Yairi does pull up on the top the same way any other bridge does. It is something you cannot get away from unless you go to a tailpiece similar to an archtop which would completely change the characteristics of your guitar. I have a DYM-95C with the direct coupled bridge that is now 17 years old and the top is starting to show signs of the classic "bulge" although nothing objectionable or requiring attention any time soon. I have never heard of anyone needing to remove and replace a DC bridge but I am not sure about what is involved with where the strings are attached. What is the servicablity and repairability when issues do arise? I have had my guitar for over 10 years now and has never had an issue so I cannot speak on this but this is something that should be considered. My DYM-95C is like a "D-28 on Steroids" IMO. Actually, it is more comparable to a Martin D-35 except that mine has a 2-piece back (some are 3-piece like the D-35). The pearloid binding is absolutely exquisite! It also listed for significantly more than a D-28 back when it was new but I bought mine used from Guitar Center for about $1500 and I felt like I stole it! This leads me to the ultimate question that neither of you covered. What is the resale value of the DYM-70 vs the D-28? How will the two compare in value and desirability 20-30 years down the road in the "Collector" market? Are there any Yairi guitars in the six-figure range like some of the old D-28s? I will never sell any of Yairis so perhaps my grandkids or great-grandkids will see what they go for in the collector market. I also have a Martin D-18 that I have purchased recently which is, of course, a few notches below my Masterworks Yairi (although I do prefer the sonics of the Martin) but I also bought it new and paid significantly more! My guess is that the D-18 would likely hold its value much better and it really is an investement that I am sure one of my grandkids or great-grandkids will cash in on long after I am gone. Back in the 80s, you could purchase a Yairi for $600 that was every bit as good as a $1500 Martin. These days, you can pay $3000 for a Yairi and it will sound every bit as good as a $3000 Martin! Question is what will the resale market look like for each of these?

[@jasonnye1436]

They both sound good and are very good comparisons, but they are different. I think the Alvarez had more openness to it while the Martin was slightly sweeter. Now you have to throw a Furch Green D SR in there. That may change the game up. 🙂

[@standingbadger]

Great comparison. I preferred the sound of David to Goliath. The Alvarez had a livelier sound to my ears.

[@allandarling2930]

I found the Alvarez softer in tone or somewhat muted compared to the D28. Overall the Avarez is very good but I'm more a fan of Martin's punchiness. I have three Martins...D15M ;D18 (2023 spec) and an HD28V. all with different voices and all amazing. Paul McCartney and Brian Adams must agree. They both use D18's

[@DonaldParks-wv6mb]

I own a Yairi and i still like the martin tone better.

[@charliewelch328]

MY Dym60hd just does not have mid much as my martin

[@novelresponse]

Martin wins due to 1.75" nut width which is standard and allows for finger style playing. Nitrocellulose Lacquer is also a huge difference, it lets the wood "breathe" and the tone will get better over the years with a nitro finish guitar.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

Tone also improves with poly finishes, providing the instrument has good wood & the finish was applied properly........ie: thin enough. I'm speaking from both firsthand experience as well as the information shared from countless others. I currently own 4 very nice acoustic's with really nice tonewoods. Only one of em has nitrocellulose, yet all 4 are sounding better with time & playing. Especially 3 of them, due to the woods used.

[@novelresponse]

@howabouthetruth2157 fact: polyurethane aka "poly" is a plastic based coating. Guitar companies use poly as opposed to nitrocellulose lacquer (aka nitro) due to its fast drying qualities, it dries EXTREMELY FAST and thus cuts costs GREATLY when compared to Nitro finishes. Nitrocellulose Lacquer allows the guitar to “breathe” or resonate more naturally, which can affect the tone. While this is a topic of ongoing debate, many high-end guitar makers, such as Gibson and Fender, continue to use nitrocellulose lacquer to achieve a specific tonal character. Many guitar enthusiasts and experts agree that the finish on an acoustic guitar, including polyurethane (poly), can affect the tone, but the extent of this impact is debated. Some argue that polyurethane can: Deaden the tone by restricting the wood’s natural resonance and vibration. Muffle the high-end frequencies and clarity, resulting in a warmer, more subdued tone. Others claim that the difference is minimal or imperceptible, especially when comparing polyurethane to nitrocellulose (nitro) finishes. Some experts suggest that the thickness of the polyurethane layer can affect the tone, with thinner layers allowing for more resonance and a brighter tone. A few individuals have conducted experiments, such as stripping the polyurethane finish from an acoustic guitar and re-recording the instrument, to demonstrate the perceived difference in tone. However, others argue that the human ear may not be able to detect a significant difference between polyurethane and nitro finishes, especially when played through an amplifier. In conclusion, while there is some evidence to suggest that polyurethane can affect the tone of an acoustic guitar, the consensus is not unanimous. The impact may be more noticeable on certain guitars or in specific playing scenarios, but it’s also possible that the difference is minimal or imperceptible to many players. Ultimately, the tone of a guitar is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including the wood, construction, and electronics, making it difficult to isolate the specific effect of the finish.

[@ccaissie113]

My '66 Martin O-16NY has 1.88" nut, so I hear you re: better fingerpickin' vs. a '64 D-18 I had.

[@novelresponse]

@@ccaissie113What a cool sounding vintage Martin guitar!

[@novelresponse]

@@howabouthetruth2157 I asked the interwebs and it said: "Here’s a summary of the differences in aging between polyacoustic and nitroacoustic guitars: Polyacoustic Guitars: Polyurethane (poly) finishes don’t age naturally, meaning they don’t develop the characteristic “checking” or lines that form from wood expansion and contraction, as seen in nitrocellulose (nitro) finishes. Polyacoustic guitars can still develop wear and tear, such as scuffs, dents, and scratches, but these don’t significantly affect the finish over time. Poly finishes tend to remain unchanged and retain their original appearance for a long time, often not showing noticeable wear until after many years (e.g., 10+ years). When polyacoustic guitars do develop scratches or dings, they can be more difficult to repair than nitro finishes, as poly is harder to blend with the surrounding finish. Nitroacoustic Guitars: Nitrocellulose finishes, on the other hand, do age naturally, developing “checking” or lines over time as the wood expands and contracts. Nitro finishes tend to darken and develop a patina as they age, which some players and collectors find desirable. Nitroacoustic guitars can exhibit more pronounced aging characteristics, such as increased checking and darkening, particularly with age (e.g., 50+ years). Nitro finishes are generally considered easier to repair than poly, as they can be blended with the surrounding finish to minimize the appearance of scratches or dings. In summary, polyacoustic guitars tend to remain unchanged and retain their original appearance for a longer period, while nitroacoustic guitars develop a more pronounced patina and aging characteristics over time. However, both types of finishes have their own unique characteristics and advantages. "

[@kurt8805]

Two things that are difficult to judge from a video are projection and muddiness. The Yairi is less muddy and has more clarity in the strumming at the end of this video. Perhaps that is due to more mid-range. I still like the Martin sound though. Based on having 2 recent Yairi's with red spruce tops, they get more low E and A string bass in 1-2 years of playing and become fantastic sounding and a great value compared to a red spruce-topped Martin (obtainable only from Martin's Custom Shop).

[@alisonk3148]

Wow, I could hear a big difference just with my crummy iPad speaker. I rather prefer the Yairi, but I’m definitely biased. I love my Alvarez.

[@RichlandCommunity]

I always pull against the Martins because of the snobs, but I have to say that, though I liked the Alvarez, the Martin was sweeter to my ears.

[@kathleenkayk]

Sounds like you tuned the Yairi a quarter tone higher than Martin. I still prefer Yairi. Thanks for interesting video.

[@larryowens9508]

I don't get this comparison, the Yairi being scalloped should be compared to the hd28. Modern d28 is an acquired taste imo. I'm sure the d18 and hd28 outsell them because of the scalloped bracing.

[@rmzzz76]

Yairi still tap tunes all of their tops when scalloping. When going through the wood their purchase, they also tone-tap each piece of Sitka Spruce or whatever top wood and only build with the best. The reality is that in order to get that attention to detail in a Martin, you're going to have to buy a custom shop D28. Perhaps compare it to a Martin Authentic D28? I honestly think that's going to be the real level you'll have to go to in the C.F. Martin line to find a peer.

[@harvendarbains3864]

What’s the best acoustic shape for playing the blues?

[@JesseWest-gh2cl]

00 or 000 sizes tend to sound best for blues. If its ladder braced better yet. Best acoustics I've ever played for blues are a Waterloo wl-s deluxe and a bourgeois ldbo. But a Martin 000-15sm and CEO-7 are also killer blues guitars.

[@dalesearcy5734]

I totally agree that the name on the headstock has great value. Because people think of Martin guitars as high end and Alvarez Yairi as entry lever, it's a hard sell to many people. The same applies to Yamaha. This stereotype is slowly going away with the introduction of companies like Eastman. Let's face it, you will be able to sell a used Martin quicker and closer to it's new price point .

[@howabouthetruth2157]

Where in the world do you get your information from? ( Because it's BAD "information". ) Let me tell you something: ALL 100% hand-made in Japan YAIRI guitars ( Alvarez is simply their western distributor, so the Alvarez name is also put on them ) HAVE ALWAYS BEEN TOP-OF-THE-LINE ACOUSTIC GUITARS.......EVEN FROM THE VERY BEGINNING WELL OVER 60 YEARS AGO. Yairi NEVER made "an entry level guitar". Their guitars are quite expensive. EVERY neck on EVERY Yairi acoustic is DONE BY HAND USING A SPOKE-SHAVE. So don't ever confuse Alvarez-YAIRI guitars with the cheaper "Alvarez guitars". I don't care what anyone says, the 2-pc bridge/saddle/pin block system used ONLY on Yairi acoustic's is hands down THE BEST bridge/saddle/pin system ever invented for an acoustic guitar. This unique system does several things VERY well: #1: it improves tone, volume, and sustain because it delivers more downward string pressure on the saddle, increasing string energy to the guitar's top. ( Pull up a close-up image & study it for yourself. ) The separate ebony pin block also aids in string energy transfer to the top.#2: Because of it's design, the bridge will NEVER "pull loose from the top". #3: This system also eliminates "a bulging top" at or under the bridge. Yairi is also well known for having some of the oldest & most sought after stock piles of exotic tone woods. The late great MR. YAIRI started hoarding the best tonewoods he could get his hands on many decades ago........and they still have huge stock piles of it left today.

[@dalesearcy5734]

@@howabouthetruth2157 I agree with most of what you posted. My point is that most people in America associate Martin with high end high priced guitars. They see Alvarez/Yairi as enter level instruments. I was there and then my eyes were opened. BUT I still stand behind my statement, even though it is a huge misconception.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

@@dalesearcy5734 I've been playing guitar for over 50 years now, and performed for decades as well. First off, NO acoustic guitar costing over $2000 is "an entry level guitar".........not even close. And anyone who ever thought that "Yairi are entry level guitars" are nothing more than totally un-informed. Not trying to sound disrespectful at all, but you're the ONLY person I've ever heard say "Yairi are entry level". As a matter of fact, over the years, I've always heard quite the opposite about hand-made Yairi acoustic's: they stand up to, and often out-perform the best. But I must confess: for quite some time, I thought that was coming only from loyal Yairi owners........that is......until I started actually hearing & playing Yairi acoustic's myself. I've still yet to own a Yairi myself. But if I was given $3500 cash with the stipulation: "You have to buy a single acoustic guitar with this money, in order to receive the money".........I would very quickly buy the Yairi DYM60HD that comes with a top-shelf Adirondack top and some of the most sought after old growth Honduran mahogany found anywhere.........and I would still have nearly $300 left over. It only costs $100 more than the standard issue D-28 in this video that only has standard Sitka and IRW.

[@raysauter4420]

A Yairi IS NOT an entry-level guitar especially when you are shelling out over $2700 for the privilige of owning one! They are both at the premium level but I am thinking that the "Martin" name would fare better in the resale market. Alvarez makes some entry-level guitars but then so does Martin. I have a Mexican 12-string Martin with HPL sides/back and laminate neck I paid $700 for.

[@LifeBeginsat50]

Maybe it was the Mic you used but the Yairi sounded a lot like a Taylor to me (a little bright), the Martin sounded... of course... like a Martin

[@greeneggsandham6720]

Tone wise, I think the D-28 Modern Deluxe would sound like this Yairi you are playing. That is lot more coin too.

[@cjgsicknote]

Alvarez wins here for me but i like both. Thr martin has an old familiarity about it, the alvarez has a really sweetly scooped tone but retains balnce through the mids. You can hear how its much more resonant than the Martin without being louder. It sounds like a more refined tone than the martin, reminds me of the difference between my E1d and my E10d-tc with the E10d-tc being the alvarez.

[@lhvent]

I have an Alvarez AD66SHB that sounds great

[@uvp5000]

OK, you've both done it. I will unleash extreme invective for the controversies you've both unleashed. Ready? Why, you ... there. Sobered? I had difficulty distinguishing audibly between the two. The D-28 Standard sounds like a D-28 Standard. The Yairi has a better bass response. Between these two, I would choose the Yairi. I prefer the response of scalloped bracing. John, Jeremy: beware of opinions in writing on the internet.

[@lonniehudson7101]

Alvarez best in tone for me !😊

[@sidweazel2883]

Yairi wins for me. I have a PYM70 that never goes back in its case and a FYM66hd that punches way above its weight. For the price, there’s nothing better.

[@MrMickey519]

If the Alvarez Masterworks DYM70 sounds fuller than the Martin, How does it compare to the Preston Tompkins dreadnought ? MJ

[@AcousticShoppe]

It's kinda hard to compare because they are all great just very different guitars. Thompson's are just so special honestly with their tone, presence, and just effortless playing. There's a reason why they have such a high price tag for sure

[@itwasthewires]

I like the idea of the Yairi but it sounds muddy to me. D-28 FTW

[@mandohat]

The winner will be showered with praises. The loser will be taunted and booed until my throat is sore. -- Homer Simpson

[@bbliss9598]

I’ve owned the Martin d28, d35 and d41 and the Yairi sound better. If you take a deeper dive into the history of Yairi it’s not just the build quality - it’s the wood they’ve inventoried over the past 50 years still being used in small batch today. Martin has extinguished most of their prime woods over years of mass production.

[@TheFatCottonwood]

I would say that Yairi sounds similar to a Yamaha FG830. The Martin is not as loud as the Yairi.

[@gam1471]

A pickguard under the finish on the Yairi? I think that's going to create big cosmetic problems as the guitar ages. Plastic, glue, finish type - all will surely change. When the pickguard lifts at the edges with time, it won't be pretty.

[@nick-dm3if]

alvarez is always brighter and martin is always more compressed. both sound good.

[@dg111fu]

I would, and have bought the Yairi over the Martin every time.

[@BrotherBuck-k3x]

looks like Astatic D104 microphones

[@thomasmagierski5312]

I like them both. Buttt.the Alvarez Yairi sounds better on KZbin. Maybe not in a live studio. Don't know.

[@philmccrevis4493]

The first three strings on the Yairi sounded overplayed to me. The Martin did better keeping up with pick pressure and produced superior sound.

[@mattloveless835]

Unless you have unlimited funds and plan on holding onto the guitar forever, I like the Alvarez. Playing live I tend to get more feedback with a Martin unless using a mic. Last Martin I owned last 25 years for me. Well-loved, but alas, it aged out.

[@flyfshjimsinclair3981]

I preferred the Alvarez sound.

[@IroDem-q2p]

I hear no difference both sounded great. You can't go wrong wth any of both

[@richhansen8874]

I think an hd28 would be better comparison

[@jakeweber5578]

No doubt. its the ALVAREZ!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jeffbeliew6568]

Martin has more bass, mids, and volume to my ears for bluegrass. While the alvarez is cleaner, less mids and bass and volume and is more suited for finger picking.

[@Joe-m6p6b]

Frohe Weihnachten, Freunde! "Es ist ein Ros entspungen " kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYPNcouFmLmYmKssi=

[@Goodsales23]

so I guess you are trying to sell more Alvarez.

[@revzone3544]

I'm not even an Alvarez fan..but it sounds better all around than the Martin

[@Patriot-American]

Much prefer the Alvarez Yairi DYM70 on this video ...

[@IroDem-q2p]

Too long intro

[@nedlitam]

Intro WAY too long. The side-by-side playing is fun, but you're only contrasting two individual guitars: "Martin" and "Yairi" are mostly invented categories here.

[@georgescannelli3814]

Can’t compare. Both different, like comparing the Beatles to the stones. Every individual has different requirements that they look for or favor. I will give the construction to Martin.

[@greeneggsandham6720]

Of these two, Yairi takes 1st place.

[@Joe-m6p6b]

Alvarez sounds fuller and more alive.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

Here's the elephant in the room guys, even though it wasn't permitted in this video..........and that elephant would be the newer Yairi model DYM60HD. Why? Because the Yairi DYM60HD only costs $100 more than this Martin D-28..........yet the DYM60HD literally blows that D-28 clean out of the water with 4-star Adirondack top and VERY special, extremely old-growth Honduran Mahogany back & sides. The woods for the top and back & sides are incredibly expensive, and when you play that thing, you'll immediately realize just how special that instrument with those wood sets truly are..........FOR ONLY $100 MORE than a plain-jane D-28 with Sitka & Indian Rosewood. The DYM60HD is MUCH closer in price to the D-28 than the Yairi DYM70 which is MUCH cheaper vs the D-28.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Although they are much closer in price, we prefer to comparare specs vs specs. Those would be completely different wood choices and it would be more of a Rosewood vs Mahogany comparison rather than brand vs brand. Don't get us wrong though, those DYM60HD's are incredible, definitely an argument there for what the price can get you!

[@howabouthetruth2157]

@@AcousticShoppe Sorry that I failed to mention that I do understand that this comparison was for guitars with the same woods. But as you just stated, I just wanted to mention the DYM60HD in terms of value for the money spent.

[@Voxguitarsrock]

Weird. Ive owned hundreds of acoustic guitars over the years. Was always looking for the one that was " IT ". Bought my 1st Martin and i havent looked at another acoustic ( to purchase ) since. Just my experience. Peace.

[@STOPCHEMTRAILSNOW-f7g]

Martin forever

[@BrotherBuck-k3x]

i prefer the martin

[@leerothman7570]

The clarity and depth of the Yairi is clearly superior as well as the sustain which is legions better then the Martin.

[@oklahomachris6298]

Man your asking a lot of ears out here to tell you what they hear. I like the Alvarez for its warmth but it gets lost in one of those songs you played toward the end in sound . Martin just plays all of ot well but it kind of over tones on some of the songs you played. Obviously my opinion

[@peterbyrne178]

I am surprised...i think the Alvarez sounds better....but if i had the choice i would take the Martin ...cos its a Martin D 28!. I have a cheap Alvarez and its ok ...stays in tune can handle a pub session and good volume ...tone not so great !

[@ccaissie113]

My Alvarez Regent model 5214 works for me....for flatop steel string. My Ramirez 1a is a different animal....

[@barrydunn1421]

D 28 by far deeper sounding

[@TheRycooder]

D-28 by a mile

[@BulldoggerJK]

Yairi was better by far. 70’s Martins ring like a bowl of pudding. Crazy they stuck with that design. Don’t buy a logo. You can buy an $8,500 Martin authentic used for $4,500. Not sure about the idea that brand holds value.

[@steby123]

I win; I just bought a Martin HD-28, ha ha ha .

[@bradleybunk6463]

Sonically, the Martin is boss!

[@BrianAciper]

Would like to hear the guitars, not your waffling on!

[@gam1471]

No playing until four minutes from the end of the presentation - yes, you've got a good point there!

[@SuperMikado282]

Exactly

[@ccaissie113]

har har

[@kotla671]

WHICH IS THE MOST PLAYABLE AND FRIENDLY ON FINGERS? CAN MARTIN PRODUCE A GUITAR EQUAL OR BETTER THAN THE TAYLOR 114-914 SERIES? Love the Martin sound and hoping for a D-28 that is most easy on my fingers!🙏

[@treetopher9342]

Neither of those will have necks that play as nice as a Taylor in my opinion. That’s kind of Taylor’s biggest advantage in the conversation. That said I hate the way Taylor’s sound personally, and neck construction plays a big role in that. Something that plays similarly to a Taylor but has wider string spacing is a Furch. Coincidently Furch has somewhat similar neck construction so it does also sound similar to a Taylor, but even though they’re built similarly in the sense that they have innovative bolt on designs their designs are unique to their company so they do also have their own unique sound and feel. Furch in my eyes would be the Alvarez of Taylor type guitars. Worth checking them out if you haven’t already. They have a cool story, and interesting design.

[@kotla671]

@ Thank you! And with that is it clear Martin continues to project a special sound?

[@treetopher9342]

⁠@@kotla671yeah Martin has it’s own sound. Many copy it, but if that’s the sound you want you’ll only get it from a Martin. Even then you’ll want to sit down with a few of them to find the right one for you. If ease of playability is a big factor for you just know that Martin even with a really good setup is just kind of a stiffer harder to play instrument compared to a Taylor. The Furch can give you a slightly more direct and fuller sound than a Taylor so that’s why I throw them out there as a suggestion to check out as well because like Taylor they have a certain ease to their playability.

[@treetopher9342]

And if you were to ask me, between the Yairi and the Martin I find Yairis more comfortable, but they take a little adjusting to. The string spacing is just slightly off from a Martin so it feels a little off at first. That said once you get used to them they have really springy lively playability to them. They also sound amazing, but each one has its own unique voice so if you’re looking for something that’s going to sound consistent with its brand then the Martin wins there, but if want an instrument with its own voice the Alvarez Yairi wins. Granted all guitars have their own voice, but guitars with voiced tops really do have their own unique personal tone and Yairi is pretty good at voicing the top to accent and highlight the natural characteristics of that specific top.

[@patsyhoward1500]

Didn't care for taking so long just to strum the Alvarez. But once he strummed the Alvarez there's no comparison. I've got a 1957 Alvarez it's got a beautiful sound.

[@Blkojo]

Alvarez started in 1965.

[@younkinjames8571]

I've given up Martin's for Yairis...Taylor's too...ill never stop

[@jerome-jr5xo]

Martin