Martin Dreadnought Jr ★ Detailed Guitar Review

[@BaktaBak3]

Have the Martin acoustic electric Dred Jr. like this one. Absolutely love it. Have done many gigs with it. Beautiful sound in a compact package. Highly recommend this guitar.

[@sheridanhenson2886]

Hi Tony! It's worth mentioning (or adding a comment to the video) that the back and sides are SOLID Sapele. This is rare on a travel guitar. Thanks!

[@tacguitar]

Great point Sheridan!!! Thank you for posting!!!

[@yanz_77]

There's Guild M-series with solid body too

[@chiefhalftown]

I've had mine since they came out. Used it on many gigs. Nicely balanced. It's not just for first-timers or kids as I'm neither. The built in piezo is good enough. I lowered the bridge more than a little. Martin has discontinued this model and now sells a slightly thinner model, more OOO size. Can't be a good thing depth-wise.

[@mossrun]

Great for us senior citizens to.... just a couple of inches makes the difference for us between being able to chord correctly or comfortably. Shorter is better for older arthritic hands. Our ears are just as good as ever, even better and more trained so... cheap and shorter usually means gawd awful hearing torture for us. Hard to get the quality without needing to go 12 fret or OM. I snubbed my nose at the GS mini, Baby, and Big Babies but snatched up one of these for myself!

[@timnewman1172]

I broke my fretting hand a couple years ago, so smaller is better for me also...

[@haroldclark1787]

Tony Polecastro is totally groovy. Very informative presentation, and a skilled musician. Thanks for being there!

[@davidcoplan]

I just don't understand the 14 thumbs down. There either tone deaf or they don't like your hair. I think your fingering is awesome with almost no squeaking. 4 thumbs up. Please keep it up I really need to hear before I buy.

[@James.D]

I played this and the taylor mini last weekend. Played the taylor first and was impressed. Then i played the martin and thought, the differences between martin and taylor are glaring even at the $300 level. The martin was more full and had more bass. The taylor was bright. I preferred the martin.

[@tacguitar]

I've got a comparison of these two guitars coming soon!!! But yes, I agree on your take and I think it comes down to preference.

[@igorsekulic6945]

Both guitars deliver their company's classic sound for such a small package which I think is great! Although the Dread Jr is all solid wood while the GS mini isn't so you'll get more characteristics in the tone but the GS mini is smaller and you won't have to worry as much about humidification and humidity changes only having a solid top on the GS mini and it would be easier to control. I can go on and on about their similarities and differences. Both are amazing guitars for the money :)

[@kalanterry7508]

Same thing here dude I was comparing the Martin dreadnought junior and the Taylor gs mini I'm actually getting ready to buy Martin this week but both are great guitars.

[@janiehall6095]

Hello Tony. Do they give u the guitars u review or do u have to give em back☹

[@AntonioSanchez-cq7nx]

Was lucky enough to snag one of these used for $385 in perfect condition. Pretty happy with it...will never sell her.

[@erniemorones317]

Is this a medium Martin? Is this the same size as a big baby taylor?

[@nellatrab]

This is a sweet guitar...hard to put down! I heard from a friend of an employee who works in the Martin Mexico factory who said some of these were produced with a Adirondack (red Spruce) which was shipped from the Nazareth stock. These were not wide or long enough for 00 tops. That's cool! Maybe you have on...These I was told from a reliable source were used on "some" of the first production models. The DJR's have since had redesigned hardware; now the DJRe model has a separate input from end pin. They are also producing a non-pick-up model. Play one you will buy it !

[@jdb2722]

I played one yesterday at Sam ash without ever seeing a review or knowing anything about the guitar. I took it home after about 15 minutes. First guitar I bought like that in years. For the price, it’s a great guitar.

[@brettbambouturton3117]

Hi Tony My favorite acoustic guitar I love is my Taylor 110 , I actually sanded it down gently, the n French polished it! Very scary job .....but now it sounds phenomenal!

[@jamquijano4402]

Thank you for playing the same song over and over again all across your reviews. Helps a lot!

[@miamistomp]

I love mine, Play it all the time, I would love to see a 12 fret version

[@jaycurtis8572]

I have one of these and am a very big fan! It may be 15/16th size, but in my opinion, it makes a big difference in size. It is a very comfortable size for playing on the couch or on the bed - but the sound is still extremely impressive. Don't get this confused with the Little Martin, we actually own one of those for my daughter. She was around 11 when we bought that and the Junior wasn't around then. The Junior is 10 times the guitar of the little Martin - sound wise there is absolutely no comparison. I love the fact that the Junior is all solid wood, but in the end, it is the sound that sells this instrument. So what am I comparing it to?? Well my HD-28 which I love and yes, prefer, but the Junior has fantastic sound and is getting played more just because it is so darn comfortable. I would recommend these to anyone - especially anyone that is even 1/2 considering a Little Martin - pass that up and go for the Junior. The size would have been good for my daughter then - but is also good for my wife and for me.

[@lordjs9726]

I'm surprised by this guitar in a positive way. It actually sounds pretty nice.

[@kifferpete7987]

I have both a Taylor GS mini 2014 KOA and the Martin Dreadnought junior. The Martin to me in the warmer sounding guitar. I had a bone nut, saddle and pins put on mine and it sound amazing. The neck is a little bigger and easier to play than the GS mini, more space between the frets.

[@indiaharris3718]

Christopher Stoddard the gs mini e ate my freaking batteries hoping I can trade it in for this

[@brooklynboy1000]

played one yesterday... pretty good for a guitar made out of mystery materials i also played a $4500 Martin. people dont spend all your cash - buy the cheaper one... let your talent be your brand not an over-priced ax. when you get your gold album and are really earning your money from music be realistic...

[@joegvoll6017]

I disagree! You have to have atleast 3 Platinum Records before you can justify spending $4500 for a guitar! Gold? I can write a gold record in my sleep. Hell I've probably thrown away a half dozen gold quality songs in my search for perfection.

[@leopoldi1377]

I agree that a player should do their best to get to those 10k hours, but i have met people in life that like to collect things and have the means to do it. One guy who has quite the guitar collection said to me, "guitars are like a piece of fine art your allowed to play with". He wasn't that good of a player but he had quite a collection. He had both vintage and new, 4500 would be nothing for him, but it would be expensive for me

[@MikeTedesco]

I disagree fully. You should buy the guitar you can afford and the one that inspires you to play the most. If that's a $4500, what do you care?

[@nicholastotoro7721]

It’s not made of Asian mystery wood. The back and sides are solid sapele, top is sitka, the fingerboard is richlite (the one exception), but the neck is Honduran mahogany.

[@skyrice]

I just bought a D-45 and I suck at guitar, but I work hard. Cheers! 😁

[@Eric-lw4ih]

Tony, I enjoy all of your videos but I would love to see more reviews featuring the "small bench luthier" guitars. I think we all agree that Martin, Taylor, etc. all make killer guitars; I would also like to see what unique and creative guitars come from smaller manufacturers.

[@tacguitar]

+Eric S. I've got a few coming:)

[@Eric-lw4ih]

Cool!

[@Oldman808]

@Accoustic Life Sir, I love your channel. I just purchased this guitar for an eleven year old grandson. It sounded and played so well, I purchased another one for myself as a perfect travel guitar. Thank you!

[@Jarcademis]

Martin selected a really nice piece of spruce for this top.

[@adglowak]

1 year ago I bought Little Martin LX1E. Now I really regret that, seeing this guitar. :/

[@jaystudio6970]

this guitar sounds great, great for travel...im a happy owner

[@katieferraraofficial]

Wow thanks for making this video! I'm looking for a guitar that's easy to carry. My problem with a lot of the travel guitars is that they lose low end. I love deeper sounding guitars. I might check this one out.

[@JRJ2000]

I just put one of these on layaway. Can’t wait to play it again!

[@carmelavillafuerte7921]

Wish i could afford that kind of guitar. Always dreaming bout having martin .

[@soofitnsexy]

its cheap

[@sarahwilson1656]

I've noticed that these reviews are more in depth than your previous ones! If you can get your hands on one, could you do a review of the Martin 000x1ae?

[@ftlaud911]

I own this model and absolutely love it. Sounds great and I will never sell it. Highly recommend it. Also, get the older non 10 model.

[@robertfalconer5054]

Thanks Tony, great interview with Tommy by the way. Rob from Australia..

[@troop73oo]

I'm a full sized grown man, I only play at home, I don't need or like a lot of volume, and the first thing I thought when I brought my first dreadnought was, what on earth do need a guitar this big for.

[@CloudTapes-Sal]

This sounds fantastic. I'm torn between this and the Guild M-240E. I don't think you've reviewed that one. Gonna see if I can track them down to try out in person, but any thoughts?

[@MyBackHurtsALittle]

guild has a regular scale length fyi... I like the shorter scale (24") on this one for smallish hands/short pinkies

[@guitanimus4275]

Greetings. Uaoh, nice sound!, can you make a size and sound comparison with the big baby taylor, please?, after see your videos are definetilety my main two options. Thanks for your videos, are a great tool to choose a personal guitar...

[@maham593]

the new layout looks great!

[@Dev9172]

I would get one for my kid but that is it . I travel with a Taylor GS mini or my Martin 00x1ae

[@abdulrafayshah3542]

Tony Polycasrtro, you are my favourite acoustic guitar reviewer . Please give the review of martin d28 modren deluxe. And I want this review from you Tony Polycastro.Please.

[@osgut8]

Hi Tony, It is great that you review and show so many guitars but I think you record them too nicely.... Can`t you record them with a mic that preserves more what you hear in the room while playing? For example this guitar can`t sound like that! In another video review by acoustic magazine I think you can hear more what it sounds like, and it doesn`t sound as well !!! all that rich deep sound in your video is gone. What do you think?

[@wsguntoro3985]

superb tone :o

[@AnaSilviaKitchen]

Great review! I can't decide between this one or the GPCPA5 which I think sounds better, but the problem is that it's not solid wood like this one. I want something light because I get tired playing with my fender telecaster. This may be a good option but if anybody has an opinion please share:)

[@TheAtomBat]

Hello Tony, is this all solid? I've been looking for something good since I'm on a budget, if this is solid wood I'll get it. It may help since i have smaller hands. Haha being 17 with small hands is an awkward combination!

[@dmar3651]

Fallout Assassin 75 the Martin D Jnr. Models all come with solid Top, Back and Sides. However, if you travel a LOT, be sure to also compare the travel bags. Taylor has an Amazing hard bag for their GS-Mini that is probably the best out there, for traveling with your guitar. Also do compare sounds and tone woods. The Martin DJr. has Spruce and Sapele top models, while the Taylor GS-Mini has Spruce, Mahogany and Koa (when available). Each brings a different sound. Both and Martin DJr. And Taylor GS-Mini are excellent travel guitars and whatever sounds best to You, should be your choice.

[@billjacobs5577]

Sounds amazing. Great value. What mic are you using?

[@prodajamezzo]

Amazing sound also the price

[@erniemorones317]

This guitar or big baby taylor????

[@georgebowles6887]

Anyone have any advice on this versus a Little Martin (LX1)?

[@yinghanngoh4153]

Hi Tony, could you please do a comparison between the Dreadnought JR vs JR2. Thanks.

[@A-Wa]

I wish there would be more small options with solid wood

[@pureblood5903]

The link to the buyers guide doesn't go to the pictured buyers guide. I clicked all around and couldn't find the guide. :(

[@kdrake777]

Please do a comparison with the new mahogany top D Junior! Are you ever going to do a giveaway on one of these instead of GS mini?

[@tacguitar]

Yes! This guitar is being given away:)

[@AndreyChernih]

Is it possible to lower the action of this guitar? Could not find any information if truss rod is adjustable

[@j.a.s.1416]

Yes standard Martin truss rod

[@blakewatson4112]

Just picked up one that’s so far decently prepared.

[@my_other_account6008]

I just brought one of these. 😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@kalvino67]

Vape Dude Where did you bring it from? 😉

[@bluetrain477]

What strings are people using with the DJR? I changed to the Tony Rice 13-56 and prefer the sound over lights, but have not tried the lifespan strings that come on the D28.

[@glendelljuego3414]

Hi Tony! I just bought one.. im planning to replace the strings to light 12s. Will you recommend that? Im from the Philippines, a tropical country. Thanks bro!

[@iviaggidirod]

glen juego Hi bro where did you get the guitar from? I live in Manila and I was thinking of buying one too

[@stratjed]

This thing Booms ! The enlarged sound hole or something. Have had up against mandos , banjos, d18s, d28s, electrics, drums, plugged and unplugged (with the cheap fishman that came in it !) The bass adds something nothing in the price range has . Not so great for a thin pick strummy thing though. A Bluegrass 15/16 ths monster . Note -1st version as seen here is one Im speaking about. Martin have changed quite alot about it since.(the smaller fret dots were way cooler)

[@DC_Sings]

What was the second last song that you played from G major chord

[@DG-mv6zw]

I heard the action's a bit high. Any comments? I can't tell by the video. Thanks 👍

[@buskingbetty7135]

I have / bought & played this guitar when it first came out and LOVE IT ! Got the one with built in electronics as I play out often & like the option of using an amp. I'm a petite gal , always loved the dreds, but they're too big for me. This fit's me perfectly , sounds great and it's a Martin ! It's a pro guitar not a toy.

[@donniebailey8891]

Great video but I do have a question. Do you play these guitars in stock configuration as they come from Martin or do you set them up with a lower action before making your video?

[@billsmith3042]

my fingers are kind of small as an adult and bar chords or say the A/C# chord progression were impossible for me until I found a short scale guitar.

[@kjb8198]

Where can I find these tabs? Thanks!

[@petikspetikstv9906]

5:21 what song was that? Can I have the tabs

[@MrPoldon72]

Hi tony, would you consider doing a review on a Martin DRS 2?

[@susancorgi]

Paul McCartney and Eric Clapton play Martin so will i :)

[@elvispresley9566]

Hi! Can you tell me name of this song on 5:21 please?

[@phoenix3269]

Elvis Presley Big Sandy River

[@grandnaguszek7417]

Is it neck heavy? Well balanced?

[@Ricardo15121]

Could you please review the Martin 00-15E Retro?

[@seepingcrimson]

what song is that at 6:00??

[@JayMTB0102]

hi tony is this the latest DJR?

[@darcfonce3140]

I was looking to get my first guitar and I was wondering if I should get a smaller one or a full size?

[@Ian10111]

Depends on how big you are and what you’re comfortable with, usually beginners have an easier time playing a smaller trace sized guitar because of its small body and usually small necks, my best advice is to go to your local guitar store and try out different sizes!

[@The_Temple]

how about a comparison between Dreadnought Jr & Jr 2(the sapele back, front, side version)

[@tacguitar]

Awesome idea James!!! Thanks for the comment!!!

[@superultimateeasterneurope4111]

Can you do reviews of Yamaha guitars in the future?

[@tacguitar]

If I can get my hands on one, yes!

[@cforrest1458]

There's a new mahogany top version of this guitar. It would be awesome if you could review that too. Maybe a good old fashion comparison video!!

[@tacguitar]

Great idea;)

[@kifferpete7987]

It's a Sapele top

[@stevepaton4278]

Hey Tony, I’m looking for small acoustic for playing live. New model of Drje finally has battery box on outside. It’s a the top of my budget. Any other small a/e acoustics I should consider under the $799 (CAD)? Any other decent pickups? Can you review Takamine GY11ME-NS New Yorker All Mahogany Acoustic-Electric Guitar? Love your videos! Super helpful

[@EduardoGaitan]

Difinetly check Seagull S6 Originial

[@nicolasmayrand7157]

I am kind of lost here i have tried in a store a 2014 it was nothing conpared to a 2018 i was trying the day before could someone help me give me answears

[@drummerinthepark9641]

I am wondering if I should buy this. Where I live we don't have guitar centres and I've been playing a full size dreadnought, and now this seems cordial to me budget but I don't know if I'll get the oomph of a jumbo guitar.

[@tacguitar]

Of the travel sized or smaller guitars out there this one's bass response definitely tops the list... it has quite the low end for such a small guitar. By no means will it sound exactly like a full size guitar, but it is certainly no slouch :-)

[@fantasma0017able]

I think its too much too ask but could you do a tutorial to play "last steam engine train" plz

[@RandyRan9545]

hey what's the normal distance from strings to the fret?

[@ferdoushizaman9041]

From the thumbnail i thought you was David gilmour

[@jonljacobi]

Good stuff.

[@williamstratocaster349]

Does anyone know what ratio tuning pegs this guitar has? I own one and don't want to pull them out to check, but a friend just gave me a set of 18:1 Martin tuning machines and I'm wondering if I should replace or not. Cheers!

[@martinredondo]

Love your videos dude

[@ajca69420]

Need help guys! Taylor Big Baby, Academy 10, or Martin Dreadnought Jr. For a beginner guitar player looking for something for keeps...

[@tacguitar]

Academy 10 or the Dreadnought Jr. I would try playing both of them :-) They are both awesome instruments!!!

[@stanleyderochea8524]

@@tacguitar i have an academy 12e and would like to know if this compares, i love dreadnoughts and was wondering if this is louder,brighter and clearer and so on

[@cameron9643]

I have this. I have many small girlfriends who love this guitar. Truth be known this is better the some lower end martins that also currently own.

[@IRequireMedication]

Are we still talking about the guitar or your small penis?

[@bloodymeatballz2368]

How many small girlfriends?

[@Legacyeleven]

I own this guitar and I love it. To anyone who owns this guitar, what strings would you recommend for playability and adding to the rich warm tone this guitar makes? (And what gauge for that matter!)

[@j.a.s.1416]

I have the same guitar. I would use Martin SP light 12 GA strings. They will give you that oomph on the bass and beautiful but not too bright highs. If you go any lighter in string gauge they maybe too floppy on harder strumming. Hope your enjoying it.

[@Legacyeleven]

@@j.a.s.1416 Much appreciated! I'll make sure to get some when I next restring. It's always a joy to hear the tone it makes.

[@kylemcdowall8040]

@@j.a.s.1416 zzz look zzz

[@glitcherman5000]

Does anyone know the name of the opening song in his video??

[@umjetnik-bm7ud]

Is that guitar all solid wood? Solid top and solid back and sides?

[@tacguitar]

It is all solid, spruce on the top and sapele on the back and sides :-)

[@umjetnik-bm7ud]

@@tacguitar thank you

[@FrankPersico]

I loved mine until it literally cracked in half! Seriously. I have a video about it on my channel if interested

[@vijelieable]

Is this the same size as an Taylor Big Baby? Thanks.

[@tacguitar]

I feel like it is subtly bigger.

[@otengdarkwa3955]

Please what Martin guitar is better for live performance and live recording? Like got a better pick up sound when strummed or finger picked and sound good in combo? Which is in the price range of 500 to 900usd

[@Ian10111]

Definitely check out the Martin road series, they’re great value, it’s an all solid wood guitar for Under $1000 and comes with a hard case! You can find them for cheap used on reverb

[@jamiewilliams1287]

Where can you buy this guitar from cant find them anywhere only the new models djr-10e

[@j.a.s.1416]

They discontinued this model and made the newer smaller bodied ones. Unfortunately you'll have to see if someone is selling a used one.

[@Raffy28]

What is the song playing at 0:00?

[@tacguitar]

That is a tune called The Smoke Has Cleared off of my album "Hog's Back" :-)

[@lindagillespie6556]

Im very short and have 50 inch arms span even though im 5 ft tall, (thats missing 10 inches of arm span) after 4 neck surgeries and a low spine rebuild, i cannot play my full fender dread anymore. How much smaller is this body Please? Or how wide across is this and how wide are the sides.

[@cloutdoors5674]

It's about 14.5 inches across the lower bout compared to 16 inches on a full size dread. A very noticeable differene

[@domburgess4633]

does this plug in to an amp or not ? anyone know please ?

[@TheGuitarGuy161]

I keep getting string buzz. I've tried raising the saddle but it doesnt make a difference. Any ideas?

[@paulshiver4592]

Luke I have the jr 2 . I like to play mine tuned down. Open D, or double drop D. I changed out the stings from 13’s to 12’s . I got a lot of buzzing. Went back to 13’s & that solved my problem. These are shipped with 13’s. Hope your problem is as simple as mine was????

[@maltersers]

below the Martin D18 It's a scam, except the dr junior ( or maybe drs2 ), best value for the money, for a travel guitar

[@johnpaul7756]

Are the bridgepins plastic?

[@tacguitar]

Yes

[@johnpaul7756]

AcousticLife.tv thanks do you also know what strings does it have. And if changing strings what do you prefer?

[@onetakeonly1592]

What strings are on it?

[@BaktaBak3]

Earlier models came with the Martin MSP6200 Phosphor Bronze 92/8 medium strings. Newer models come with Martin Authentic 550t medium . Think the " t ' stands for "treated". I like the Martin Authentic 550...same as the 550t but untreated. Whatever the strings, use mediums . To my ears, light strings on this guitar ( and the GS Mini) don't sound as good........but may sound fine to you. Hope this helps.

[@BaktaBak3]

BTW.....if you like sunburst tops on a guitar, Martin just came out with a Dred Jr E - Burst. Fishman electronics and easy battery access near the (separate) strap pin. :-)

[@underlaidxbart]

how does it compare to the Taylor BBT?

[@tacguitar]

Mark, The Dread Jr. has a more robust low end and overall a bit more volume :-)

[@underlaidxbart]

@@tacguitar thanks for responding!

[@underlaidxbart]

@@tacguitar which one would you recomment to beginners? i'm interested in fingerpicking but i also have big ass fingers :/

[@trevormurraymusic4975]

What is the length of the neck from the nut to where the neck fits the guitar ? I have a full size Dred, but I want a neck thats a little closer to me. Are they the same ? Thanks. Love your videos.

[@kingstumble]

Super review. There is now an all acoustic version which is £100 cheaper in the UK(don't know about the US price) so if you don't need to 'plug it in' ,it appears to be a real bargain.

[@elvispresley9566]

Hi! I bought Martin Djr 1 month ago. Few days ago I found that my guitar has buzzing on high frets (on frets where neck joins body at). I thought that I need to low the action, but I found that string height at 12th fret (capo on 1st) is 1/10 inch, not 1/8. I tried to low the action, but I couldnt make ideal 1/8 inch string height, but when I lowed the action I have more 'buzzing' frets. What I need to do? What ideal string height at this model?

[@dungvuvan7657]

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