Martin OM VS Dreadnought | Which is Better?

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Hi guys! In this video, I compare two great acoustic guitars. When I was shopping for guitars I wish someone had made more videos like this where I could compare different models. I hope this helps you hear the characteristics of each, and the different body sizes and tones you can get from each guitar. To me they both have their pros and cons but comment below and tell everyone which one you thought sounded best and if you enjoyed this video give it a thumbs up!
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[@cherrypickerguitars]

As a 63 yr old who has been playing and collecting for 45 + years, I’ve played ‘em all!! What I’ve settled on? is a Martin 000-28h in a 1930’s sunburst.

[@mainer1755]

That's the first really good comparison of those two body sizes that I have seen. Thankyou.

[@IIVVBlues]

This is why a guitar player can never have too many guitars. They're all different and they all have their sweet spot.

[@stephensmith799]

You can also never have too many G-Clamps… in my experience

[@blackfalconn]

Great comparison! Thanks for great, back-to-back examples!

[@Adipsia1]

Great video Jon, really helpful. I own a HD28E and have been thinking about getting an OM... this explains the strengths and weaknesses of both. Great playing too.

[@AlanCath]

Well done, well played, accurate, helpful. And thanks for the 2 Tommy tunes, also flawlessly done.

[@frankdiscussion2069]

The dread is my go to acoustic guitar. I find it perfect for any style but of course it excels in strumming and flatpicking which I do a lot of.

[@keanelimusic]

Thank you for this video! Wonderful playing!

[@VaughnFelixMusic]

I just got the d28 MD and it’s ridiculously beautiful in and out

[@ThePabloreeves]

Super great! Thank you!

[@davidmccormack99]

People always say a ooo is better for fingerstyle, mainly on the basis of the reduced bass and accentuated mids. But I have a ooo and a D-35 and I actually prefer fingerstyle on the latter. I love the bass filling in beneath my relatively high voice. When capo’d at the 2nd especially my D-35 seems to resonate magnificently. I enjoy playing the ooo too. It’s a hell of a lot more comfortable (and I’m 6’3”) and it’s also much quieter when I want to play when everyone is gone to bed.

[@reinaldoreyes5631]

Great video and great playing. Loved both, but prefer the “fuller” sound of the dread. Reason I own an HD 35.

[@rxw5520]

I have a Martin OM-28 and dreadnaught. If the dread is like 30% better for strumming, then the OM is 40% better for everything else. Unless you're like 80% or morr a strummer I'd steer toward OM. That being said it's always personal preference. Try both and buy the guitar you love... Or if you still can't decide... just buy the guitar your guitar hero plays.

[@nkdesignengineeringstudio1787]

I aggree

[@edwinimmanuel2041]

instaBlaster

[@keanelimusic]

Great advice. Thank you!

[@federicoines1848]

D28 for Playing John Denver Niel Young Dan Fogelberg .David Gates Kasnsasz Om28 for James Taylor Eric Clapton John Mayer Simon and Garfunkel and Peter Paull and Mary

[@alexneveau3072]

@@federicoines1848 Paul Simon played a D-18 in the early years of Simon and Garfunkel

[@glennjustice2760]

That’s a great review!

[@kenbina]

Great review and fantastic playing! I think you hit the nail on the head. The OM definitely sounds better overall because the Dread by comparison sounds REALLY muddy (almost muffled) in the midrange. Can't knock the Dread too much though. In fact, when listened to or played on person, it is a fantastic instrument as well.

[@markcarleton6647]

They both sound great!

[@Veritas84Aequitas]

Won't lie, a dread guy for years, but I find myself reaching for the OM 90% of the time now. It's just so perfectly crisp and cuts through the mix better. Yet at the same time not so "boomy" that you have to sing louder and strain yourself to work over the guitar. Perfect balance

[@brentjones9961]

Awesome Jon thanks

[@andrewspencer3825]

Solid review - While I definitely need to play these in person, right now I'm sold on the OM28

[@smflyboy]

That's really tough! They both sound so different, but both so good. The OM sounds more balanced and articulate and the Dreadnaught sounds more lush, full, and is rounder with the bottom end. I can see why you like them both. You play very nicely too. I already own a D35 which I LOVE, so I think an OM would be a great addition. Thx!

[@brucew.5177]

Nice playing and video

[@migueldemaria3830]

The high e string on the dread kept buzzing really unpleasantly. In any case, cool video... the OM for me.

[@Tzadeck]

I watched this video to help me figure out which of these I want to buy--and now I want to buy both of them. I've played only one OM-28--as there seems to be only one available in my city right now--and several D-18s and D-28s myself in the past few weeks. Leaning towards the OM-28.

[@xanderstone8991]

I have an OM with spruce top and solid Indian rosewood back n sides, usually play it tuned down a whole step (standard D) and I'm not trading her for anything.

[@bluesysamurainao4557]

My main acoustic guitar is OM-28. Before I bought it about 5 years ago in Japan, I had used 00 size of 2 guitars by Gibson made in 60's. I had sold both vintage Gibson finally. OM-28 is amazing! Awesome tone! I like bright and crispy tone including low end a bit. The thickness of Dreadnought is sometimes too thick for me to play especially in case of sitting and practicing. Many thanks for super cool performance Jon!!

[@petertadd6245]

I fully agree. I just switched from a D 18 to OM 28. Happy.

[@bluesysamurainao4557]

@@petertadd6245 Thank you!!! I upload amazing tunes cover such as If I Ain't Got You on fingerstyle by OM28 in my channel!!!

[@bngbraz2]

Good and simple, but a fair comparison of both guitars.

[@walterwhiting9970]

When you play like that’s it’s a difficult choice as they are both beautiful in their own right. Beautiful playing and great sounding guitars basically I want both.

[@texhaines9957]

Yes, both because I play different styles for different songs and pretty much need both for the folks I play for. Especially with a D turning on the OM. Two other things: an Adirondack Spruce top & modified low oval neck with performing Artist taper.

[@lilycat1694]

Love both guitars, and great playing! Any idea what strings are on each one?

[@reverb508]

Nice demonstration! I loved your fingerstyle arrangement of Close to You by the Carpenters. Edit: Before people correct me, yes, it was a Burt Bacharach song first.

[@huynhngocnamgiang]

"We are a rock revolving Around a golden sun We are a billion children rolled into one So when I hear about the hole in the sky Saltwater wells in my eyes" Thank you so much for this review!

[@michaelhubbell1260]

Martin OM tuned down a whole step is my favorite combo

[@andrewhumphrey1047]

The D 28 Marquis is in my opinion one of Martin’s best dreadnoughts they’ve produced in modern times. You can’t top them out. Articulate and pretty and can then run people out of a room it can get so loud if you choose to hit it really hard.

[@denis-guidomuller4763]

I love the sound from the dreadnought. She is definitely my favorite.

[@guitarlusteuphoria4507]

So much more low end.....but maybe too much? Love them both.

[@ricnrolle]

They both sound great. The OM is a little brighter. I think one of each would be a good choice.

[@jonmaclennan]

ricnrolle Yes! Great choice. Definitely more midrange too on the OM! Thanks for the support. 😃👍

[@robertolazary2807]

Thanks... I bought the OM-28 today

[@drothberg3]

Gorgeous arrangement of Close to You! I preferred the sound of the OM for the things you played. I like a dread, though, for bluegrass and forceful strumming.

[@jonmaclennan]

Nothing like a great dread too! Thanks for watching! 😃🎸👍

[@mariodriessen9740]

Nice video. Choosing between the two wouldn't be so hard for me, because I already own a D-28 and I'd love an OM. One question! This was four years ago when it was recorded and I must say the sound was really great. I watch these type of videos literally EVERY DAY, because I want to stay informed and it's hard with top end acoustic guitars to just go somewhere nearby and grab a whole bunch of them to try them all out on a weekly basis. So these videos are of great help for me, but most of the time (more often than not actually) the sound quality of the recording itself is not so beautifully done as you did it. So (here comes the question), do you remember what mic(s) you used to record these guitars and how did you set them up? And did you do anything in post production, or did you add absolutely nothing at all? I'd be happy to know, because I think it's hard to record an acoustic guitar well. I hope you read this after all this time. Thanks anyway! ❤️

[@liamgallagherrr]

No question OM, I’ve been lucky enough to play virtually all martins and some Collings different sizes. A Martin with rosewood back and sides wins every time .

[@thef481]

Hey guys, thanks for that video. I'm right now exactly considering to buy on of that legends. I usually play on my own at home and sing along to it (Mumford & Sons, Oasis, Passenger, Post Malone, etc.). What do you think would suit me better, expeciallyfor voice accompaniment?

[@stephensmith799]

Lovely playing. I was surprised that the dread sounded more mellow (more mids)

[@Studio_Papillon]

Both guitars are great sounding instruments especially when it comes to Martin guitars it’s all on what you’re playing for me i go with OM shape i can play jazz gipsy jazz too. Dreadnought sounds too muffled for my ears and i struggle a lot in the Mix cos of the booming sound.

[@bigdaddystinkeye]

Ill take one of each.

[@markcarleton6647]

They both sound great! I’ve heard it can be more work to play finger style on a dreadnought but you don’t seem to have a problem at all. For this recording did you have to EQ the dreadnought differently than when you recorded the OM? Was the OM “easier” to record?

[@brylleflores8855]

Nice song to test love it . (Wonderwall)

[@user-nb3vs2mc4e]

I just bought an OM 28. I've played both and believe they each have a unique voice and their own place in the tonal spectrum. That said, I plan to acquire an HD-28 next.

[@begelston]

As Spock would say, that is the only logical answer and course of action to take.

[@AchillesWrath1]

No love for the D18 hogs?

[@anthonyaragon4480]

Good video man

[@jonmaclennan]

Thank you!

[@Hjaltland2]

mmm What you really need is both guitars ! Love the Dread,- warm full and rich. OM is articulate and perhaps better for all that mid range leads/ riffs. Decisions to make ! Enjoy.

[@visitur4914]

I prefer the fuller bass and overall harsher tonality of the D-28. It sounds more soulful to me, although some of the higher notes are less than ideal. Both guitars sound beautiful, though.

[@SalvoStrat]

I think the d28 has too thin strings.. I'm right? However, great playing and thank for the video! I personally own a d28 ;)

[@ftlaud911]

Both sound great. I'll take both! OM first

[@The_Temple]

not so much a matter of "better" or "worse", far more so that they fill different roles, based on style of music playing, vocal accompaniment, where played/to whom etc by the way, the OM-21, 000-18 or CEO-7 are quite versatile for many uses

[@jonmaclennan]

James Temple 😃 👍

[@rchrd3353]

just listening to both with my eyes closed the dreadnought sounds better . of course comfort and size come into play.. but i play and listen to guitar for the sound!

[@tcoudi]

dread has more boom and body in the bass, om is more focused. i believe dread is trully worthed for something like bluegrass instrumentaion, where you actually need the boom for the rythm part, but in most other cases it is kinda overkill and when you are plugged in they will usually cut the bass on eq anyway

[@fourocker]

Can't believe no one has been saying how well you play, so......well played sir, one of each would be the obvious choice, I have a Jumbo, a Dreadnought and a 000 and they are very very different, the 000 being the most difficult because it shows your mistakes in a very noticeable way.

[@jonmaclennan]

Noice! Thank you!

[@nige2410]

I may be biased as I have one - but its the 28V for me...

[@paolospadaro]

Great video!!!! Om more open and D more power!!!!

[@charleshill9649]

Would like to see this with a mahogany D-18 vs whatever designation for 'hog OM.

[@G_Demolished]

I have that pair but with a Guild OM. The Guild is nice but the D18 sounds like it came from heaven.

[@rollinover]

Both are great(and great playing), but the Dread! :)

[@nellatrab]

The dread as always is a favorite for me, so much more sparkle, fullness and warmth, less midrange harshness, especially when played fingerstyle. Perhaps a bit less clarity than the OM. However when the dread is played softly it just blooms forever. The OM does tend to react quicker and sustain less...I still prefer a seasoned dreadnought.

[@kishorekumarbiswas4256]

Martin & Co is always at the top👌😇 but here both of the guitars are from Martin if my opinion I 😍ed the sound 🔊 of MARTIN OM 28 ✌😎🎸🎶

[@DoriGmusic]

when he played with fingers OM sounded better; but with the pick dreadnought was superior . Both are awesome. Everything depend your style and sound preferences. Best solution is to have both.

[@Lalairu]

Love both, but dreadnoughts are too big for me. So I choose the OM.

[@studentcomposer]

This guys really made me sit through two verses of wonder wall.

[@patricklundquist9869]

Came across this video while hunting for a new dreadnought. I already own an OM-21 and love it. I'd say the dread has scooped mids compared to the OM. Really shows up with the finger style. I've heard rumors that is a Martin rosewood Dreadnought thing. Time to quit listening to digital and go try out some analog. Nice playing by the way.

[@jonmaclennan]

Thanks! And yeah each one is different for sure. Have fun!

[@patricklundquist9869]

@@jonmaclennan The day after I posted that reply, I bought a 1995 Martin J-40. It blows Martin dread and OM body styles away. It is still a new relationship but I may have found, "The One."

[@percival743]

Whats the title of the first song he played?

[@robotrobotmainmain1013]

D-28 of course.

[@gregorycarpenter]

The OM sounds more alive and responsive... I played the video through a high quality PA system. The D-28 sounds like it has a damp cloth over it compared to th OM.

[@absolutacoustic8878]

Which one is better? My M36 😁

[@chrisashby32]

Main takeaway: I need both.

[@stewartlwhincup7080]

OM for me

[@harris4952]

I just got myself a lowden which I think is an amazing instrument... Nevertheless, every time I go back to my HD 28 the sound is soooo nice... it's not something that can easily be explained... :) some things can sound better in 000s or 0Ms, but when you play with the dreadnought it like you get lost in it. you open again your eyes and 2 hours passed... :) its a time machine...

[@pnelson00]

Hard to appreciate the difference with all of the reverb added in

[@robertfields1964]

This is really helpful. I like the OM-28 more, but it has to do with the sound I'm after.

[@mikedkc]

Hands down, the dreadnaught is my preference. Both are gorgeous instruments. Great playing too sir.

[@whatsmyname9742]

OM sounds more articulated, Dreadnought sounds fuller. Dreadnought blends the sounds. Personally I liked sound of Dreadnought.

[@UTAH100]

Amazing playing. I'm in the market for a new acoustic. I really like how that OM sounded (in your capable hands.) I was also considering a Taylor 414ce or 714ce- but with the new V bracing they are a little tinny. Do you a(anyone reading this) agree? Also, a cut-out would be nice unless it will really hurt the sound. I play a lot of Em blues so having easy access to the octave never hurts. Would you recommend the OM, or any other guitars. I am not adverse to used and my budget is $2-$3k.

[@tomangus3637]

Agree with you 100% regarding the tinny Taylor in comparison with the OM28

[@UTAH100]

@@tomangus3637 Yes. Even fancy marketing can't get around the physics of more air.

[@marc8vino]

Tapping the guitars at the end was a little bothersome. They were barely touching each other but I try to never hold guitars that close together especially guitars that are new and for sale.

[@purpleheartscott8553]

Better? Neither is better. Both are great and have their strengths. I need both 😂 I wish.

[@soundthinking1534]

I like the OM in this video but a dred needs to be mic'd differently due to the physics of the instrument generating lower midrange frequencies and thus sounds muddy here. Same thing goes if we had a 0-28 vs. a 00-28 IMHO.

[@PainkillerDCXVI]

The OM sounds more alive to me, not that the D-28 sounds bad or anything I guess you just pick a guitar for what you want to play.

[@MrSeeker42]

What model is that Martin Dreadnought?

[@jonmaclennan]

D28 Marquis

[@paulmillsaps8251]

What song is that @2:44? I can’t put my finger on it and it’s driving me crazy lol

[@jonmaclennan]

"Close to You" -Burt Bacharach

[@chadfavre]

wonderwall by oasis

[@anantaregmi8840]

Paul the arrangement is by Tommy Emmanuel

[@emilloffler1216]

I regret buying a Martin OM28V back in 2006, and would have preferred to have bought the Martin D28. Especially for the Neil Young covers I enjoy doing, and the fuller sound with it's more bass response. My budget would be overloaded to buy it, so I'm trying to swap my OM28 V for a D28. And no seriously interested people have cropped up yet.

[@jimmymamaed06]

Ggrrr... must have both!!

[@jhasmanybernal6023]

Hello Jason Mraz!

[@jonmaclennan]

Jhasmany Bernal 😃

[@endoffate5475]

Om seems to have more character, more mids, the dread seems scooped out alot compare to it..Of course you get that bass.

[@mikehoehn1475]

I'm for fingerstyle. Dread for most strum

[@vzeller]

Jason Mraz chillin

[@smittywerbenmanjensen1350]

that om sounds heavenly

[@jonmaclennan]

Smitty Werben Man Jensen 😃

[@professordoug5491]

Secret weapon: Martin 0000-18.

[@kevinss6847]

I want to know the name of those melody. Can you type it?

[@Blkojo]

The third one is "Close To You ".

[@809115ful]

The dreadnought, sounds much better!!!!

[@domagojoinky8262]

OM is for fingerstyle so nice while Dreadnought is for a heavy handed strummer like me.

[@ryanking7249]

What’s the 3rd song? The one after Oasis.

[@alexisprudhomme9349]

‘Close to you’ arranged by Tommy Emmanuel originally from The Carpenters! :)

[@texhaines9957]

Tough decision. Both. Are both new made the same year and played about the same? The dread will take more time to open. Really it's about who you're playing for, and having 2 allows for more. If I had Just 1, it might be the OM or a Custom CEO-7 body (Adirondack top) with rosewood back, modified low oval neck, Performing Artist taper and hide glue.

[@onurag7176]

2:54 whats the song?

[@sciencegirl2012]

“Close To You” by The Carpenters

[@paulstevens2839]

dread sounds more bassey on my speakers

[@xiaco8309]

the dread needs some EQ. bad. too muddy in the mid range. The OM just cuts through better. I could see how an OM is better suited for singers. But I could also see how the dread is better for bigger chords and someone with more of a baritone voice.

[@marciefree]

Why decide now? Buy both and decide upon the day, hour, minute, second you desire to play which.

[@eznelazran]

Dreadnought more better sound