Martin Guitars Designed by their CEO?! - Are They Any Good?

[@philmus1]

I think Curly Mangowood was a regular extra in John Wayne westerns

[@bensmithguitar]

😂😂😂

[@SingSurfStrum]

Lmfao

[@jed1166]

Thanks for the smile! We need ‘em these days!

[@chrisggoodwin777]

"I'm gonna learn ya, pilgrim, and if'n ya don't learn, Curly Mangowood is a'gonna come see ya"

[@at4dan201]

Wish I would have said that.

[@kevinmorris7722]

Ben plays with such joy. Every time he gets a nice guitar in his hands his expressions tell the story. Sometimes I watch just to see Ben play. Nice job Ben.

[@BrianWMay]

I've had my CEO-7 for two weeks and love it. Your enthusiasm is tangible, thanks so much, it was a joy to watch. [Edit] You can't go wrong with either, they both sound sublime and I'm delighted (now 4 months in) I chose the 7.

[@thomaskrueger1728]

Just love the acoustic videos. Please do more! I could watch Ben play all day.

[@yogarich]

It’s fun to see you so excited while playing these two great instruments!

[@CellZealot]

The bound fretboard on the CEO-9 is another difference worth mentioning. Both guitars sound quite nice and well balanced but the CEO-9 is just stunning. Very nice playing!

[@frankh.4312]

Like to see Ben on demonstrating the acoustics. Great guitarist. FYI....Mango is awesome!

[@buzzstankos8532]

Ben, Thanks for the concert… Your playing is so tasteful and memorable - always a treat. I’ve never seen Mango used on a guitar before, but I love my mango ukuleles.. It is as sweet as the fruit and comes with endless variety of looks…. Great looking and sounding guitar, played extremely well.. Mahalo

[@johntaylor8829]

Great guitar playing Ben, and both guitars sounded fantastic. I loved the look of the mango CEO-9! If I could only have one, that would be the ticket.

[@ChicagoBulls1984]

The spruce one sounds "better" and more "old timey" to me when he played the ragtime bit, but the Mango one wins in the uniqueness and that wood grain is stunning

[@dougharrison3843]

i always watch when this man plays, off the charts with that dropped d . Genius.

[@brianstatom9567]

I would like to see the mango wood with a 12 fret and slotted headstock.

[@rob28781]

Ben is just amazing on guitar, but especially the acoustic! 🙌

[@thebigeasy8609]

Mango way deeper and darker. Spruce top way brighter. Ben you are amazing so enjoyable to listen to do. If I was buying on shelf appeal for sure the mango wins hands down. More acoustic PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@nightwishlover8913]

At first I thought how warm the 09 sounded, then realised that the 07 had more treble - presence. But that mangowood is beautiful. Thank God I can't afford either of them!

[@halvach1998]

Yep, the 'burst on the mangowood is better.. but they're in dream territory

[@BrianWMay]

One year on and I still absolutely love the 7. I have changed the tuners because the stock ones did seem a bit tight. The sound is sublime and playability is superb. I've finally settled on my usual strings I use on my 2008 000-28, Elixir Nanoweb Custom Lights 52 - 11 (I'm getting on a bit in age and the smaller bodies are far more comfortable to play). Thanks again Ben, you found more notes on those than I have on mine (obviously). Seriously, it's a privilege to watch you playing them.

[@billyellow4849]

Love the top end shimmer from the mango top. Back & sides don't have the cathedral-like presence of rosewood, though, in my opinion. I would place it closer to koa or blackwood in its focussed warmth.

[@graemero5532]

Wow! Ben is just awesome. That last jam 🤩

[@rosslynemrys5829]

I've got a CEO 9 and it has antique brass tuners, nicer than the white imo, a pleasure to play

[@hosebei]

so have I😀

[@allanbuchan6947]

Excellent playing Ben . The 2nd little piece was fantastic.

[@davedavem]

The "little bluesy thing" very much deserved that noise of appreciation from Pete (I assume? or Oz.)

[@ryangunwitch-black]

Dude. I played one of these CEO-7s at my local shop and it is perfect. I need it. I edited this just to come back and gush some more. The CEO 7 is absolutely the best acoustic guitar I’ve ever played. Lots of sweet bottom end without being boomy in the least, super articulate, sparkling highs, the neck feels so good and fits my hand like it was made for me. I couldn’t believe. Playing that guitar may have ruined my life. But I’m not a CEO so it’s a little bit out of my price range. Guess I’ll be sticking with my 60s Harmony arch top a while longer. 😂😢😢😢

[@BrianWMay]

I bought the CEO-7 after looking at it for several YEARS. I am so glad I did and traded my 2008 D-28 for more than I paid for it (new). The 7 is a joy. Watching Ben is also a joy, his enthusiasm is tangible and is wonderful to watch.

[@ryangunwitch-black]

@@BrianWMayhow are you enjoying your CEO 7 after having it a few months?

[@Andy_Fallon]

I played one in Andertons today. I didn't want to leave it in the store. One of the nicest acoustics I've ever played. Feels very different to other Martins. Almost like a Gibson L00 but the neck feels much nicer.

[@chrisggoodwin777]

I'm listening to Ben play guitar, and all is right with the day 😁

[@lockharthorsburgh8601]

Predictably, they both sound great, but I particularly like the low end on the CEO9.

[@S-T-E-V-E]

The CEO-9 is the first Mart Sunburst I've liked and it's gorgeous!

[@94nolo]

That ceo-9 - the brown one - is beautiful

[@ianradford8454]

During the strumming on the ‘Cowboy chords’ the CEO 9 had the ‘jingle jangle’ of a 12 string! Both great guitars but I am definitely starting to think that the CEO 7 could be my forever general purpose ‘best’ guitar.

[@69goldi]

Nice playing Ben that Mango wood is well fit

[@anthonysaia1027]

Great playing as always !!!

[@likeakite]

I really like your playing style....always great to see and hear

[@nathanjosephmoore]

I have a left handed ceo7, it’s absolutely beautiful!

[@erinjoy8338]

Me too:) took a year and a half to get here, being a lefty but worth the wait!

[@CaptainOfMyBurden82]

I’m usually a traditionalist in terms of guitar and expected to like the 7 better but I found the 9 to have a mellower and more inviting/intimate tone which I liked better. Similar to maple to my ear

[@MrTech337]

Sitting here watching the video with my acoustic trying to play along with Ben, you know what I figured out, I need to practice more. Would love to have a nice Martin, but a guy only has so much money.

[@jeg1972]

The sound is great, but the mango wood grain is bloody lovely!

[@mrtelechi]

Epic playout and stunning guitar👍

[@balijukka9963]

That dropped mango is so amazingly resonant.

[@danielniesing5628]

Both amazing and gorgeous guitars. CEO-9 has an edge on the gorgeous end but the CEO-7 on the sound end IMO, and not just because I own one but because I prefer mahogany tone woods. In regards to low end my CEO-7 blows me away every time I hit that E string and more so when I tune down one step which I usually do to better accommodate my vocal range. Oh, and your playing is amazing too!

[@lukesteverything627]

Wow! Love the CEO 9. Need more money!!!

[@ryangunwitch-black]

6:21 😂❤ YES! That’s it. That was basically my reaction.

[@jameslewis2635]

Coming into this video I thought I was going to prefer the mangowood guitar, but to me the CEO one sounds better although I still have to give the mangowood props for its visuals. Maybe someone could give us the best of both worlds - a mahogany guitar with a mangowood top?

[@thomaswilkinson6101]

I really niggles me that the CEO-9 (£3500+) has a plastic faux tortoise head plate. Surely some nice wood could of been used instead. The CEO-7 on the other hand...a perfect guitar IMO.

[@abeellis4470]

You are an amazing musician Ben.

[@keyoguitar]

Great final impro.

[@joecrowaz]

The 7 is definitely more even across the spectrum.

[@GabrieleSantoro]

If you plan to own just ONE guitar, the CEO-7 is perfect. Astounding guitar. If you plan to own MORE than one guitar, then I wouldn't buy it. It's a five-stars all-rounder, but doesnt't have the bark of a Gibson L-00 (or a clone) if you wanna play the blues, doesn't have the perfection of a 00-18 if you are more into folk, and for singing or playing in a band you want more body (and go to a J-45). I personally love have more guitars. So, when the moment will come when I'll buy a spruce/mahogany 00, I don't think I would buy a CEO-7, still loving and craving it, because is a real beauty. Was I able to explain myself?

[@smmyers5956]

The Mango wood guitar has a nicer tone I think. Cleaner thru the midrange but not overly bright. The other has a dull (to my ears) boomy sound. Maybe the bracing. Or the top. I have a PRS Se Angelus (first version A10?) that is ALL mahogany that is wonderful. Resonant but no boom.

[@eTangoIsrael]

Man, you made me buy this guitar... C'mon, DHL! BTW, the tuners seem to be different from what Martin website lists...

[@billw8648]

Ben, Keep up the great work man, love the silver nails... hehehe

[@damasterkarej]

Can you show shootout of cheap 'expanders' like Zoom A2 or Valeton dapper? And all your have on stock, what it gives etc.

[@DeltaJazzUK]

When the CEO-7 was introduced it had 'genuine mahogany' b&S but they've been changed to 'mahogany' ie: NOT 'genuine mahogany'. In other words it's sapele.

[@SingSurfStrum]

Bloody marvellous ❤

[@jonathanvince8173]

The low bass notes are better on the hard wood mango one and the higher lit tone in on the other one. Mid range they are about the same. But what do notice there is not ting noises from them even when you move cords and frets. I think they are both tope super leval rather than the larger body guitars I prefer both. to all the larger body guitars.

[@zzCaptHowdy]

Is the outro song an actual learnable song or just an improv?

[@bensmithguitar]

They're all just improv, but glad you like it. 🙂

[@matt6288joyce]

You are an absolute killer player

[@PhilTaylorGuitar]

Definitely mango for me. Great playing Ben!!

[@MJ-kf8zr]

CEO-7 FTW.

[@ropsukka7671]

I'm convinced Ben has sold his soul to the devil. There's no other way of getting that awesome at playing blues on a acoustic :). Also how big of an difference is there between Martins Mexican range and the American range? I've had a Martin MIM dreadnought for about 3,5y now and it's absolutely amazing. Only acoustic guitar that I've played that I liked more is my dads custom shop Gibson J-190 fusion and that's 8 times more expensive than the MIM Martin so I don't think it's an fair comparison.

[@drosevthokie]

What on earth is that blues lick and where can I learn that?

[@Doctorjesus1982]

Some superb “guitar faces” on this lad

[@FrankSpeer66]

Fantastic video brother! Do you know what strings are on those guitars?

[@bensmithguitar]

I believe they're Martin 13s

[@joszefrviz398]

@@bensmithguitar Hi Ben...another quick question...that thumb pick looks different from what I am used to using. What is it? .... if you don´t mind me asking. Thanks.

[@bensmithguitar]

@@joszefrviz398 I think that one is a Dunlop medium that I filed down. I use those or my Signature Ord, by DaveDave picks. Here's a video on how I prepare my thumbpicks to make them easier to use - kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4HOeox3n9Gmb5o

[@joszefrviz398]

@@bensmithguitar Exactly what I suspected...that you had filed it down, as I have never seen one with such a short tip before. I think that is a great idea for speed, more accuracy and control. Hey, thanks so much for replying. Have a great new year!

[@naturalrestingface1884]

That Mango wood sounds great. Love the detail in the mids. Slight fruity sounding!

[@sagittated]

But you'll notice it's also smooth and sweet in the low end.

[@stuartferguson8967]

mahogany sounded slightly better on the finger pickinmg, the mango sdounded a little better when strumming. The mango sides look amazing

[@Artfuss81]

What an Player....

[@angusdevine7045]

Minus the Benny Hill style joke this time I've a ceo7 , it's wonderful ! Even if I have .........................😂

[@limpindug]

Ben we need a time m/c, how is the mango going to open up. This will haunt me now wondering. Take it home and bring it back in a fortnight, that's the equivalent of 2 years normal playing. 🤣😂🤣👍👍👍🥃Respect to you mate.

[@S-T-E-V-E]

I think the CEO-9 is much nicer that a Mahogany Top, it has warmth and brightness, you could own it as your main guitar and not miss the Spruce, especially after being played in! 👌

[@williammotsko8151]

What is it with the red numbered changing numbers in the right hand corner?

[@peterengland2892]

Decibel meter

[@nedludd3641]

This guy's the GOAT. I reckon he's better than Pete & Doug

[@РоманСвиридов-ф1ц]

Why did you delete inteview with amen ra?

[@stuartdennis8506]

Sometimes I wake up with curly mangowood, I ought to get it checked out really

[@nedludd3641]

Wait, is the lead singer of Coldplay, the CEO of Martin Guitars? Is there no end to that man's brilliance?

[@rosslynemrys5829]

😅

[@jakeweber5578]

Compare alvarez 70 series with a D28. Too may pedal reviews now.

[@catabaticanabatic3800]

Very subjective the differences in the wood. Should do blind testing and also test a couple of each species. There are so many variables in the construction of the instrument. I doubt there are many,if any, players who could blind play and tell you the wood it is constructed from. All comes down to personal preferences. Be nice to have one of each though, wouldn't it?.

[@russellharris5072]

I have the CEO 7,I could barely distinguish between the sound,but then my hearing is probably shot.I'ma bit miffed as I thought the CEO 9 was a dreadnought...............

[@ditchgator1]

On my speakers... MANGO😃👍

[@calebbhawkins]

Chris Martin designs a guitar like a Gibson L OO model… Seems legit.

[@rosslynemrys5829]

Check out the CEO 8 and 8.2

[@HC_GUITAR]

I would need to sell my guitar collection to afford one of them!

[@QuantumGamingUploads]

and the left kidney just to be sure lol

[@ledhendrix5054]

These Guitars are exceptional Build wise but Three to Four Thousand pounds each Wow , I really can't see how its worth it .

[@davedavem]

The mango sounds like a peach!

[@brandonbussell5544]

The mango sounds so much more alive...

[@ZionForman]

great

[@Chance-ry1hq]

Are they any good? Of course they are good. The question is are they worth the money.

[@frankmitman3347]

Interestingly Chris Martin does not play guitar.

[@EyecareBacklog1]

I wondered what Brutes's 'Adirondacks' was about... kzbin.info/www/bejne/harMgKmOfbqaisU

[@DarrenJohnson1973]

Doesn’t matter who designed them it matters, who built them, must be a reason why i’m getting 10 seconds into your vids then hitting going back to searching, stopped shopping at Andertons back in 2017 when they stuffed up my order and the immaturity of Lee and Pete in some of the vids makes most of them impossible to watch

[@graeme0]

Free guitar with first comment???

[@mattdavies5023]

maybe a free mango?

[@QuantumGamingUploads]

Free guitar pick

[@TheAccidentalTroubadour]

Ben’s lack of enthusiasm is deeply concerning. Captain needs to have better coffee for his people. 🥱☕️