Unboxing Chinese Martin D45S copy

Nobody had a decent video on one of these when I kept getting requests for it from you so here it is - a copy Martin D45S from China. The jury is out on the fit, finish and build quality on this one but I have to confess, it sounds and plays OK despite being a fake. I know that the sound recording didn't come out quite right so please check out my follow up test here: • D45 Chinese Copy - Sou...
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[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

For a much better sound comparison between the f d45 and yamaha fg310 watch kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGbdhWObebWbedU

[@LUCKYB.]

thats one thing you buy on them on line stores you gonna take a fkin anout 85% of the time .

[@iamjmw]

Nice guitar. Where to find?

[@Motown222]

The fake it WAY better. WAY!better!!

[@LetArtsLive]

I think the fake Martin sounds way better more rich and full sounding

[@SD-ir1vf]

You should put the same kind of strings on your Yamaha then compare.

[@joeschmoe6802]

Your Chinese copy sounds just fine. It has a nice sound. I don't think that you got ripped off, other than possibly not getting the case. It's a very usable guitar with a nice tone.

[@susanb5177]

I live in Pennsylvania, U.S.A. where the Martin Guitar factory exist. I never knew the words Martin Guitars and China would ever be spoken in the same breath.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

Illegal in the USA I'm sure.

[@nadiyamustafa5764]

In my view, the sound is "great" and I am impressed with the clarity of the sound. I think it is worth the money.

[@kakazict]

Me too

[@garyvancamp5452]

Mine has arrived, I switched the bridge pins to graphite and I changed the saddle to bone (It comes with a plastic saddle) I also added a Tusq nut. These minor up grades cost about $40, and this guitar sounds very nice, I am very happy. All in all this is a really nice guitar for about $310, I have been playing just about every day for 30 years, great hobby. I play a Martin DX1ae and a Yamaha FG800, this Chinese Martin is a nice addition to my guitar stable.

[@lucilovecraft1621]

The fake Martin sounds better than the Yamaha, wow!

[@bogart5131]

If only they plugg in......yamaha f310 sounds great also......

[@joseelcapuyo2415]

I agree

[@alexanderronsing8781]

Haha. Fake sounds better.

[@hogant.551]

Both suck

[@drd1924]

Yamaha's are basically a plywood guitar, if you want a Yamaha stick with motorcycles For the same money, get a used Takamine or an Ovation

[@ralphshaw9758]

I played a D45 Ornate that a Martin rep was displaying. It was like a grand piano in your lap. The most beautiful tone and the hugest projecting acoustic i ever played. They don't compress they just get louder the more you dig in .This knock off is not even in the ballpark. Enjoyed your vid. Cheers!

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

Thanks buddy and I agree 100% :-)

[@dreadnaught90]

Many years ago I interviewed CF Martin IV for a magazine. I asked him what was to stop anyone sawing up a Martin and making an exact spec copy using the same wood etc. He told me a Chinese company contacted him one time to ask if they could visit the plant in Nazareth, Pa to see how Martin made their guitars. He invited them over to have a look. He did not hear back from them for quite a while after they went back to China. Eventually they contacted him and said they were able to make an exact copy that sounded just as good as the Martin they had. However they told him they would not be able to produce it because they would have to sell it for a lot more that what their Martin cost. CF Martin IV also told me it another reason why it would be difficult to replicate a Martin guitar is because many of the employees in Nazareth are 2nd and 3rd generation. He said this creates a "synergy" that no computerized equipment could ever replicate. Moral of the story: forget Yamaha's etc and find a Martin that gives you the sound you like.... and keep it. You will always get your money back if you decide not to keep playing. Or keep it as an heirloom. CF Martin in Nazareth is a true US success story.

[@Nomad-Rogers]

dreadnaught90 bs my uncle was a guitar maker took a part a D45 took pictures and named every brace and as he reverse engineered it he traced every brace and made stencils for every part even had the glue analyzed at a lab that cost a $$$. He made them until he got Parkinsons disease they sounded perfectly the same but he made the headstock in the shape of a bell our last name.

[@tonydardi332]

dreadnaught90 I don’t believe the “synergy” can’t be replicated with a computer.

[@bouzoukiman5000]

dreadnaught90 since then CF Martin decided to use synthetics anywhere they can. I purchased one then realized the fretboard was made with their patented synthetic junk. It went back to the store that minute! Don’t be their guinea pig. Just purchase something else.

[@646oleg]

@@Nomad-Rogers do you have one for sale

[@philidor9657]

dreadnaught90 my first acoustic guitar is a OM-21 fresh out of the factory. As a gift my mother brought me to the factory in Nazareth and bought me a Martin guitar right down the road from the factory. It was honestly one of my favorite experiences. Seeing how everything comes together was absolutely fantastic. The entire factory smelled of fresh wood and lacquer and the employees were right there working on new guitars right in front of us. They showed us everything, including one of the 40 guitars they were making for their one millionth guitar celebration (which was absolutely gorgeous, and has a price tag of over $200k iirc). I would not trade that guitar for a cheaper one even if it was my money. I never would’ve wanted such an expensive guitar but it’s really one of my most prized possessions and greatest motivations. You can feel, smell and hear the hard work and hundreds of years of expertise in every guitar. Not to mention, they are the only acoustic guitar that only sounds better the longer you have it. A good Martin is an investment, but an investment for a lifelong tool, and one that can outlive you if you take care of it.

[@clontstable1]

I own an Epiphone Masterbilt. Yes it's made in China. However, it doesn't pretend to be a knock-off of a Gibson or Martin. It's not a cheap imitation. It was manufactured up to high Epiphone/ Gibson specs & inspected here in the States.

[@masterhorax]

+Michael Clonts I have a Masterbilt as well, and it is amazing! Holds it's own with my Taylor GC3 and my Eastman AC420. Great guitars all around. The chinese have really stepped it up lately. Even Fender Modern Player series are made in China, along with Squier's VM's and CV's.

[@ronj9448]

+Michael Clonts What are they going for these days?

[@tonymelendez9295]

I bought one of these for about $260. It took about a month to get to me (and mine did come with the case: a case they charged $70 dollars for and is identical to a case my dealer friend sells for $40). Instead of the Martin graphics on the headstock, I had my name inlaid. This is my favorite acoustic. I have had it for 3 years and it still resonates wonderfully. The sound is different than a D45, but it is a great soft sound and you can hear every note in the chords. The Frets were faultless. The action was a little high for me (I like the action on Ovation Guitars), so I shaved 3/32' s off the saddle to get the action where it worked for me. The guitar plays like butter and the sound is sweet and alluring. What more could you ask for. I own a Martin D-28 that is about 24 yrs old. This guitar plays and sounds better than the D-28 (my D-28 is in bad need of humidification so that comparison is not really fair. The guitar came with a what is supposed to be a fishman pickup. It could be, it has a built in tuner with a 3 band equilizer and sounds many times better than the lonely piezo pickup that came in my Martin that has always had the typical hollow piezo sound, or I should say piezo's have a hollow sound to me and don't do a good job re-creating the sound of an acoustic... once again, in my opinion.) I'm thinking of buying a couple more of these Chartins for backups. BTW mine is a cutaway model. Also all of the inlays are impecable.

[@jimmyswag5794]

Can you recommend a place to buy one of these d45 knock offs? I've been looking and can't find any at all.

[@john-di1mz]

For me the Martin sounded better than the Yamaha.....sounds lovely. I could live with it happily

[@simonmorton]

I have a fake d45 and I love it

[@zombie-zombies]

Relly

[@kdlittlehawk]

Try a Martin D-15 (all mahogany), the poorboys Martin, you'll love it. 1100 USD

[@paulsmart728]

What’s a reputable source for Chinese guitars?

[@Motown222]

That Yamaha sounds super muddy. Even a FAKE Martin sounds good. Great timbre. Some nice sustain. Overall good tone. Listen, tone is almost 90% in the hands. Really, it's only at the professional level that super expensive gear becomes crucial. That was a well spent 150$. Sounds awesome.

[@rafaelturcios7787]

that would not be the case if it were a LLX16A dude

[@bloke2201]

Objectively, it's not a bad sounding guitar for the money by any means. And if you installed a bone saddle, bone nut, and some decent strings it would probably come to life quite nicely.... Personally, I dont think I'd fancy buying a counterfeit guitar though. But that's just me.... Thanks for putting up this video, it's interesting to see what these things are like!

[@CaliforniaCarpenter7]

I once played a friend's used Yamaha Eterna and was absolutely blown away by the sound quality. At the time I was playing a Yairi masterworks from the 1970s and damned if the Yamaha didn't hold it's own. And this was with old Ernie Ball strings. It taught me that guitars are individuals.

[@StephenNu9]

This might be one of those times where you can visit a local guitar shop and compare it to an actual Martin D45S. The Chinese guitar's sound is pretty good.

[@golfingfool777]

Real Martins, made in Pennsylvania, are impeccably crafted and have a much more full, warm tone than the cheap Chinese copies. Do yourself a favor and find one in a local guitar shop and play it! You'll love the sound and the buttery smooth action of even the less expensive end of the American-made Martins.

[@TruthAplomado]

China is all about quantity than quality. That's why they are good at business in the replica industry. Sometimes they make replicas that look even more advanced than the original.

[@geezer805]

Note to all persons doing sound comparisons: In order to compare the sound of two guitars or any other sounds you need to use short clips and not long drawn out chord progressions. You also need to switch back and forth instantly between the sounds. Audio memory in humans is very poor, so fast switching is essential. If the differences are subtle this method is most likely to reveal differences.

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

I agree and it's something I've been doing in recent times. Thanks.

[@kali8085]

The fake Martin sounds good. a lot better than that cheap Yamaha

[@joseelcapuyo2415]

Kali 808 I agree

[@steamboatwillie8517]

And the yam is out of tune ( slightly)

[@operasinger2126]

Must be the wood.

[@goldenguns2659]

I think what you’re hearing is the difference between the new strings and the older strings on his Yamaha. That’s what I hear. I hear more resonance in the Yamaha.

[@juniorshimada577]

I would say much better than Yamaha.

[@dennissmathers5391]

This guitar most likely came from the same factory in Guangzhou we used to import our guitars from that we sold. They will put any name you WANT on them, but if it comes to the USA it better not have a trademarked name on it. We used our own brand names. The guitars can be built however you choose with whatever materials you choose. But you cant order just one, it requires (if I remember) a container load of instruments to be able to purchase factory direct. They make all kinds of string instruments there. We found the guitars were better when we ordered them as basic bodies and did the set ups ourselves. Lets face it, The Chinese have no idea how guitars are supposed to sound in our neck of the woods. Nor do they care. Construction at the Guangzhou facility was very good, however, and we did the finish work here to our specifications. The exception: Banjos. They suck BALLS at trying to manufacture 5 string banjos at this plant compared to the Koreans and Japanese.. They are so bad there is no WAY we could set them up to get them to sound like they should for bluegrass. They dont know what bluegrass even IS so how do they know how it should sound LOL. Just my observations from buying several container loads of these chinese guitars, mandolins and other instruments. Be advised allow 6 months for delivery, and be prepared for delays due to customs, and other stuff along with the added cost for their random inspections.

[@donnieluc6830]

"Case" in Chinese is "strap". Both guitars; "made in China".

[@1lorenzo542]

I have a Yamaha FG-140 Circa 1969 that was made in "Taiwan"

[@chessvodkaopera]

Which is officially a republic of China

[@Kananond]

is that a fake couch from China too?

[@foundyou1734]

Savage

[@montydaniels1054]

@jbstorck Right on. Hey, this video reminds me about a guitar I seen on eBay. Gibson Les Paul, that I asked the guy selling them if he'd sent me a few pictures of the Headstock, which he did & man oh man, I was shocked just how good it looked. Without seeing it up close, you'd swear that the guitar he had was a Gibson. Even the serial number & the ''Made In USA'' looked spot on, It was that good. I mean a Les Paul ''Gold Top for $289.00 was just amazingly finished..... How he gets away with selling on eBay, baffles me 100%. I mean I thought that eBay would be checking up on these sellers. They don't makes me wonder why they're not doing anything about it. Like we don't already have enough problems already, that we've gotta worry about the fake stuff coming into the states.......

[@Sunny-yg2pq]

@jbstorck Just because the guitar comes from China, it doesn't mean it's fake.

[@paulj0557tonehead]

No, from Chernobyl.

[@Chrxs_iso]

@@Sunny-yg2pq no one is saying it's a fake guitar they're saying it's a fake Martin guitar....

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

Since you've decided to keep it, will you PLEASE reveal the name of the seller, now? Thank you in advance.

[@matthewratcliffe1953]

Ali express

[@charlykane9095]

@@matthewratcliffe1953 can't find it , sooo frustrating

[@rhapsody9771]

I've been playing/songwriting for over 30 years and can honestly say that Martin knockoff sounded a LOT better than the Yamaha. Like others, I also take exception with putting the Martin name on something that isn't a true Martin but for the money, if you want to take the gamble on a knockoff, I don't think this one is a bad way to go.

[@josephtousignant7318]

From lots of experience setting up dozens of my own acoustic guitars over several decades (many used high end $6K to 3X that), dump the plastic saddle on the bridge and fit a quality bone saddle to the slot, to be snug BUT not tight so you can remove it to make adjustment in string heights if needed. You just don't want it tipping at all in the direction of the head stock when strung up. The length is not so critical as long as the strings can't fall off, so if a little short is just a small cosmetic thing. The sustain and tone will be MUCH better, and most any lower cost acoustic can be greatly improved this way. The synthetic "Tusq" saddles are also very good and a big upgrade in sound to plastic, and may already have the adjustment on intonation built in and only need to sand the thickness and possibly trim the length from each end a little. One thing though that is a real issue and one to be considered for anyone thinking of buying a knockoff of a trademarked USA built guitar,....you ARE supporting the disservice to Martin,......and so help to perpetuate the continuing harm to the Martin Guitar Company. I'd have NO other issue with the Chinese building a decent low cost Acoustic guitar, but they go too far when they slap the Martin logo on the head stock and anywhere else! Just saying,..... Cheers, Joe T Ti Rod Tactical

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

Good advice friend and I might do that if I ever play this guitar again regularly.

[@josephtousignant7318]

Oh,...I forgot to mention that sustain on open strings will also be much better if you replace the usual plastic nut with a bone one. It will last a LOT longer too! Tuning wrapped steel strings over plastic nut slots acts much like a file would, and will soon lower open string to fret spacing. :-(

[@astropilotred]

recently bought a fender C60 guitar from Sweetwater, they caution to let it acclimate for 24 hours? before playing. I hadn't noticed the bright orange sticker on the box stating this, but it sounded amazingly better the next day, the plastic nut and bridge, tusq or whatever material it is, will make it ring brighter.

[@rexrobards7407]

The diamond-shaped volute is a traditional feature of the better Martin models. In the 19th century, the peghead was carved from a separate piece of quarter-sawn wood, and the volute was a key in the joint between neck and peghead. At some time in the 20th century, the company switched to carving neck and peghead from a single piece of wood, leaving the volute only as an artistic suggestion of the older method of construction.

[@hifijohn]

how old are the strings on the yamaha, it sound very dull.

[@nicestrat]

Exactly...

[@brucelevine6517]

Yamaha is not a good guitar to compare to they stuck and he played only 80 pounds sterling

[@santisizable]

hifijohn it is dull. Shit guitar. No ooomph.

[@luisTHC]

To be honest, sounds pretty good. The only waste of money, I believe, is to buy a fake, other than that, put your name on the headstock and you'd be able to sell a few. Sorry for my english

[@GriLtCheeZ]

Your English is great!

[@NCJsport]

Glad u featured a "Martin" guitar. My grandfather gave me his 1979 Martin E-18 electric guitar. Gr8 video

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

Thank you. Cherish that real martin it will increase in value.

[@rodgerharrison5911]

Having worked in a guitar store for many years when I was young we had them all. Gibson, Martin, etc. My point is that every new guitar sounded tinney right out of the box. They did get more mellow with age and as the strings age a little as well. I asked the dealers who sent them to us, and they explained that the joints of the bracing in all guitar need time and vibration to settle in. For example I have a friend who purchased a new Martin D-41 and he was upnext my old D-41 which broke his heart because my older and more seasoned D-41 had such a larger and deeper bark. What was not taken into consideration is that my D-41 had been played on stage for many years before. Since 1970. All guitars of any quality such as the Yamaha sound better over time and tinney when they are first played because they have not been saturated with seasoned vibrations. So don't judge a book by it first cover, don't be quick to judge a fairly decent guitar by it's first sound. Fresh out of the box is not a good test.

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

Very wise words my friend. Thank you.

[@TheSouthernCrossband]

I have 70+ guitars, expensive vintage US models, older Japanese models and a few cheaper Asian models. As CGS states some are well made, some are rubbish, even from the same seller / factory. To the same token I have seen some absolute crap come out of the US Gibson factory in particular, among others. So to the fools giving a blanket ruling that USA made is always superior... if only that were the case, the US makers would not be so worried about Chinese makers stealing their thunder. The only downside to these sorts of copies is when some less scrupulous buyers do resell them as the real thing to unsuspecting novices. Some of the Chinese guitars are outstanding, some of the US guitars are firewood. In an age of CNC produced instruments, it is often the finer details of set up, finish and QC that make all the difference...

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

Very fair points and exactly what I always try to put across buddy thank you. :o)

[@JordanBMR]

Tl;dr

[@billephilip]

@@fritzb43 You would be surprised who is buying some of these, I know good musicians that are using these knockoffs, Blueridge, Martin, because they can get a decent sounding guitar, without mortgaging the house. I have heard Martins that don't sound any better. Personally I have a 77 HD28 and a 62 Gibson J45 and thats all i'll ever want or need, but if I was starting out today, who knows. I play bluegrass and people I know are selling their Martins and buying Blueridges, and they sound okay, and I guess they are banking money and not recording. so they don't care about a small difference if any in sound, but they get a fancy better looking in some cases than the plain old Martins, without the big cash outlay.

[@funeralbillii9172]

I think once again the China Martin sounds deep and sustainy...sounds good to me!!

[@robertsalmon6893]

As the owner of a Martin D35 and a D28, I feel compelled to tell you there is NO copy of a Martin.

[@searcy95]

You Got That Right !

[@theshyguitarist]

My Blueridge BR40 blows away many a Martin. Get over it. Lol

[@joseyzadoria7815]

Shut your pie hole! Its a matter of personal preference and what guitar speaks to the player! @@theshyguitarist

[@harryhunsberger1662]

Yup. Dads ia a 1967 D28...

[@japaredoakfield3537]

I sear by my f310 as well. Had her for years. Been so good to me. Only just upgraded to a Martin LX1E the other week. F310s are awesome for beginners who want a cheap, yet nice guitar.

[@williamhedrick5950]

It's not just the aesthetics and tone that drive a guitar's price, though that's a part of it. More important is the structure, especially construction elements and bracing patterns, as well as scalloping.

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

I agree. All those factors are important. Playability is also top of the list for most people. It's not the easiest to play I've had.

[@TheAlienworkshop34]

I actually kinda like the miss matched spuce for some reason

[@theufochannel5313]

The Fake sounds A lot better than the yama

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

Sadly it does. :o)

[@dannychane]

Chinaguitarsceptic Why sadly? :D

[@robertdaly5568]

Agreed, it sure did. I've bought 4 or 5 F310's in the last year,great beginner's guitars but the saddle always need reducing on the bass side.They play fine after that but at the end of the day they are a cheap guitar.I use one as my knockabout everyday guitar.I bought it with a little dent from shipping for 40 euros, hard to go wrong.

[@Hongqie]

i'm so dissappointed because the fake thing sounds unexpectedly beautiful....

[@RedfishInc]

Excellent tone.

[@Terry3Gs]

Love your playing on this 1!! As for the guitar even with the not matching top I think it looks great!! And sounds very bright n balanced & produced a lot of volume/projected it sound nicely. :) Btw surprised no one has asked ya to do this yet ... but if I might sugest 1 more buy/import of a chibson .... Its gotta be a SG!! You don't see to many imported/Chibson SG's. thanks for the great upload as ususal !! :)

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

Thanks MTB :o)

[@truriley9084]

I have a Chinese "Gibson J45", about two years old now. Has rosewood back and sides so I don't know how it compares with a real one (rosewood J's are rare in the UK). Came with a very, very, very stupid action, changed by removing a piece of plastic abalone from under the saddle (why?) and fake Grovers which really stink and have been thrown on. Other than that it's handsome as Harry and, most of all, sounds very good indeed, lots of good, characterful tone, well balanced and powerful. Records well too. £300.00 with case and duty paid, legal in the UK so long as I don't sell it. Only drag is that it's already begun to "belly" from the string tension. I've seen a few Gibson J's go that way but maybe not after just a couple of years. No warranty, LOL, I'm on my own with that, it's a very difficult "fix" that would completely change the guitar so it looks like one buys a new one every five years or so. Better get playing and recording before it folds up. Seriously, a beautiful sounding guitar, one can't hear these things over the usual computer set up. I use Earthwood strings, all the long-life stuff takes six weeks to play in. I'm not recommending, y'all, jus' sayin'. Regardos de Gateaux.

[@toasterboy708]

Shirt open. Hairy chest. Gold Chain. Sideburns. Sleeves rolled up. Free love on the free love freeway, The love is free and the freeway's long...

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

You got me. Free love on the free love highway...

[@ChristopherFreedom]

The Fake Martin sounds better.. it's richer and fuller.. with more sparkle and chime.. put a Bone saddle and nut on it and some elixirs and it will sound amazing! Where did you guy it.. I would buy one for the price.. Thanks for the post.

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

Christopher Freedom Cheers mate, all good calls. :o)

[@cravinbob]

You are right and of course he calls himself "skeptic" and does not like Chinese people I suppose. A spruce top is a spruce top, unmatched is of no importance. How many grains per inch would have been good info to share. Martin guitars are nothing to get too excited about anyway. A stacked wood neck is ideal but surprised he did not know what wood it was! Probably mahogany. Sounds way better than the yamaha. Should have played his hidden Takamine, that would have been more interesting.

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

cravinbob About 36 latitudinal grains per inch in the top. Spruce top, Rosewood sides [solid not laminated], Mahogany neck 2-part stacked heal, Rosewood fretboard and Mother-of-chewing-gum inlays. The Takamine is an EG520S a great mid-range guitar when I bought it a few years back and there will be a demo one day soon. The Yamaha is a solid and reliable go to guitar for laying around the house, camp fire sing song or even demo session with new strings. However the fake D45 is only marginally better but looks really nice. Just for the record I have nothing against the Chinese people, nor Americans, it's just the unjust or ignorant I take issue with. I hope this clarification helps. :-)

[@el34glo59]

Chinaguitarsceptic 36 grains per inch? Holy shit. That's alot. Even on Sitka. Although grain count isn't indicative of sound quality. It is however indicative of an old tree. Very surprising

[@samfosdick9874]

Christopher Freedom tusq is much better...both the nut and the saddle ...the elixir nanoweb 12s...

[@TheAndrewGorny]

you had me at the oriental riff. that is my favorite composition

[@jackquentin1950]

"This is a 90-pound guitar." For a second there, I thought he was really really strong. Then I realized he's British.

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

Lol

[@georgethomas9436]

I've got the ayamaha FG-110 I bought new in Okinawa Japan 1974. Love it to this day.

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

I bet. Good for you mate great stuff! 👍😊

[@albertpotter9009]

I have ad45 from China it is astounding a great value my top matches resonates great tone & electric fish an pick up

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

Cool I'm pleased you are happy brother 😊👍

[@thesword2380]

The "fake Martin" The "Fartin".

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

The "Chinese Martin" The "Chartin." or... The "Fartin Chartin."

[@oldgit4260]

Lol

[@TyRoxYaMan]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@dale1956ties]

LMAO!!!

[@rasm7591]

lol!!

[@robinormond7344]

You should really take a trip to the US and visit the Martin factory!!!! You can play all their wonderful top instruments!!! Amazing place!!!

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

I would love to

[@ericbitzer5247]

I was there a few years back and was in that room picking up each one for hours. D45 in my hands the longest of course.

[@royrcf]

Sounds good for a two hundred pound guitar. Very nice tone.

[@kevinsysyn4487]

I have a Chinese Gibsun J200...it's a dream. I am a professional serenade singer, do not use amplification of any kind and have played it virtually every night for 7 years. I admit that I never concern myself about materials or exacting workmanship which I know for certain are waaay shoddy by Gibson standards. I am interested in sound, performance and durability. Where I live real Gibsons are almost nonexistent and prohibitively expensive.

[@mallorylangford7699]

The fake sounds better than the Yammy. Both will need some attention on details of the build. Bone nut and saddle, correct action and entonation. I love my old Yammy. But it was not even close, when I bought it. Thanks for the video!

[@64CadDeville]

The Martin sounds *A LOT* better than the Yamaha you played

[@swashington942]

It’s not a Martin

[@jasonjones362]

I actually don't think it is a non-bookmatched top. With spruce, you have considerable end-grain exposed to the surface of the top. If you notice in the video, when the guitar is tilted the color of each half changes depending on the direction of the tilt. It is a poor top for sure, but I think what you are seeing is the light reflecting differently on each half due to the bad end-grain of the top itself. I've seen this effect on more expensive U.S. models as well.

[@ianhughes8654]

I used to own a Martin D-45 back in the 80s,, It cost a lot of $$,, (but I had to sell it due to financial difficulties) But I still own three Martin guitars today..I've been playing acoustic guitars for 45 years or so,, so I've heard a lot of um,,, including many Martins,, I don't like playing games with people's opinions,,, mean spirited opinions, are non-productive, and serve no purpose..That being said,, I liked your review on the Chinese Martin D-45.. I felt it was informative, and and well put together.. It'll help people make a decision to make their own choice, whether or not to purchase whatever they please,,, But be forewarned though:: bringing counterfeit merchandise into,, the U.S. (where I live) is illegal!! As for the sound of the guitar,, (being what it is) I think it sounds o.k.... By-the-way,, I also own a Chinese Martin 0M-45, purchased from (www.aliexpress.com..very nice people to deal with) and it sounds pretty good,, It cost around 300$$ and took about 6 weeks to get it,, (got hung-up in customs) If you are going to order a guitar from these sites, "BE SURE" that you read all the reviews for the guitar you are about to order, before you order it!! (Not saying the reviews aren't all fake,, but for the guitar I ordered,, all the reviews were mostly positive.) There were bad reviews for some models!! "So do your homework",,...Hey,,,I guess I broke the law,, But is there anyone out there that has never broken a law??? I think not.... Thanks for your review... Robb Clearwater Florida, U.S.A 07/25/2016

[@corkcamden9878]

Hear, hear!!

[@marklandis5794]

Ian Hughes in the 80’s a true D 45 would have run in the 25 - 100,000.00 range. So you must have been in a significantly more elite income strata in those days. Or perhaps you just enjoy buying illegal Chinese counterfeit musical instruments whilst pretending to have owned the real thing. Or perhaps it was that drop on your head incident.

[@raystargazer]

@Mark Landis in the 1980s a D45 would have cost around $4500. Hand built Special editions in perfect condition from back then are only selling *today* for around $18-20k so you must be talking out the other orifice. Your comment is completely incorrect and rude. Don't make assumptions about anyone, and get your facts straight rather than pretending to be an expert to avoid sounding like an ass. see: reverb.com/item/4040549-martin-d-45-ge-2002-clear

[@joseyzadoria7815]

Good advice, but I can't see the logic of purchasing an instrument before being able to play it and hear its sound. That to me is a no brainer. A guitar is a very personal thing, and the purchaser should consider making a connection with the instrument (the serious guitar player of course)first before buying it. Just something to consider.

[@harryhunsberger1662]

My Dads Birthday was today. He played a Martin D28,1967. We saw it built at the Pennsylvania factory. Nothing beats a Martins deeper,richer sound. The knockoff sounds pretty good.

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

Good memories never leave us brother. Wishing you a very happy day my friend.

[@chriscullen5656]

After watching this I was really sold on the copy the guy on the vid was so down on it even before it came out of the box! !! When he strummed it you could see his face change from inside he thought WOW like we all did .... even so he was still looking down on a good Chinese product ... take away import duty he got a guitar that you couldn't tell the difference from the real thing! !! I liked the vid thankyou

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

Chris I'm intentionally down on fakes because they start from the point of intellectual property theft. I grant you this guitar sounds good but nothing like the real thing and technically it's theft by the manufacturer. That's why I have never been anything other than honest about them even if they sound or play well. As it happens I believe over time it's become clear that the frets are not correct to the scale length so it will never accurately be in tune.

[@chriscullen5656]

@@Chinaguitarsceptic thank you for your reply I do agree with everything you have said there actually .... its great that you have committed to exploring this topic in depth and giving a great insight into this world of fakery/ copiest....its also good that you found that the fretting lengths are not correct.. . The jigs to make the guitars cannot be copied unless they get an original ...thank you again for your great efforts and honest breakdown of the products... all the very best Chris.

[@user-xs5fj3ms2l]

Why would anyone who plays the guitar buy a Martin online? I've been playing for 50 years. I wouldn't buy from China online. In this video, the fake Martin sounds brighter, but in 5 years, I doubt it will sound so bright. I would prefer to see the guitar in a shop before buying it.

[@mikehuffman5460]

I bought a D-35 online. No tax, good price, awesome guitar!

[@tootall11211]

I don't mind if they knock off the designs, lets face it, everyone does that. A guitar is a guitar, there's nothing new under the sun. However, putting the Martin Name on that cheap guitar should be punishable by stringing their privates up with guitar strings and ... well you get the picture.

[@mikelheron20]

I completely agree with you.

[@SeanAttardMetal]

in china patents dont apply so you can copy what every you want there

[@mikelheron20]

Sean Attard That's not the point is it?. It shouldn't be legal to import them - if, indeed. it is.

[@SeanAttardMetal]

yeah i guess its shouldn't be legal to import

[@mikelheron20]

From what I've read recently they're putting a stop to it.

[@UnstableAudioProductions]

It came with the case - cardbox!

[@stanleyderochea8524]

Unstable Audio Productions LMAO

[@stevenkaeser8583]

Thanks for the review. I own several Martins and have almost ordered one out of curiosity.

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

Try to avoid it because you will definitely not find this to be closer to the quality of your real one's my friend.

[@jimmyswag5794]

Can you tell me where to order one? I can't find any online they just have old 2017 dates.

[@davegreeley]

Very cool comparison. I have a Chinese Les Paul Epiphone, I love more than i could of imagined.

[@princewood1314]

Why Chinese company don't use their own trademark? Suppose that if you can buy such a cheap guitar with a pretty ok quality, I think everyone would think about it. But no one wants to have a fake guitar.

[@wenboqiao7771]

That's a good point. They should have more confidence in their product

[@user-tw9qn9nv9f]

You are right! I didn't know china has so wonderful guitar. I just know martin, taylor, gibson. People say that china can't built good guitar. I see the good guitar.. why this shit is fake one..

[@seven0929]

Prince Wood Notice that China/Russia want to break USA's economy. It is the old communism versus capitalism war. If USA releases any software Russians are going to hack it as soon as possible in order to break the company. So it's natural that they want to build fake USA brand products and that includes guitars.

[@princewood1314]

Seven09 sounds interesting

[@unabonger777]

Prince Wood because they want to sell them to scammers who will try to rip people off. that's their customer base.

[@surrealchemist]

I had a good laugh at the unmatched top. Its like they didn't even try.

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

Joshua Kleiner LOL yup - they just churn em out! :o)

[@alan1604]

@ Joshua, if you think that's funny wait till you see a real Martin with unmatched top selling for $5,300. There is one listed on e-bay today 2.14.15. look for yourself, seller is eddie's guitar

[@willk.illyouii5583]

Joshua Kleiner your right!!! they didnt even try!!!

[@oraica]

I've seen genuine Martins that look as bad so that isn't really a valid criticism. It does sound good but you can't judge until you see it compared with the genuine article. Also, will it last you a lifetime and improve with age both in sound and value? As a fake it shouldn't have even been allowed into the country. It's the Martin branding that makes it illegal. It would be OK if they called it something else.

[@Pudekz51790]

I think it’s just where the light is hitting on the top. If you see when he hold the guitar, the side where the pick guard is at, it looks darker. But then when he sat the guitar standing up on the sofa, the side where there is no pick guard turned darker. You can clearly see when he move it but then again I’m looking through video so it’s kinda hard to tell. I have fender USA strat and It have the same effect. You have to look at it in some way. I think the finish make the effect.

[@BOBKOOL700]

Yeh G'day Chinasceptic, the Chinese have started copying effect pedals now, one being the Suhr Riot Distortion pedal , the originals sell for $250, I bought the Chinese copy for $38.00 delivered free to the door....And seriously its one of the best sounding distortions I have ever heard even makes my solid state Fender amp sound great....I love China...LOL.

[@jackdeath]

The mismatched wooden veneer front is a trade mark of Martian D35 Guitars, and David Gilmour recently sold his favourite D35 mismatched front Martian acoustic guitar at auction along with most of his collection.

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

Wow ok. First mismatched 45 I've been aware of but it doesn't matter very much at the end of the day as it's sound and playability that counts I guess. Cheers for the interesting info 👍

[@billdaniels3179]

I had friend who is gone now who had a D28 Martin I think it was a 48 model not sure but you talk about sound that thing was gorgeous now I loved it but could never talk him out of it I think his daughter has it now and in very great shape it's been played daily it's lifetime

[@ivan868]

Next time use Yamaha FG series for comparison, because it have SOLID spruce TOP

[@MIKE-ej6ud]

...somewhere in Bejing...there must be a guy with a British "ahhcent" opening a USA made Gibson and "hoping" that it's as good as a Chibson!

[@kunkubutta]

Who else think Chinese copy is the best among those

[@georgethomson6387]

kunkubutta Good looking and decent sounding Martin copy from china for £200 I would buy one, it's shit the case didn't arrive.

[@robertallen231]

I've got a Chinese Gibson Hummingbird..sounds so awesome, but mostly amplified...

[@randallbarger5319]

kunkubutta I do without a doubt. with some new parts to lower the action my Dad plays great. Nobody can even tell it's a Chinese knockoff. I personally don't have 10 King for a real one.

[@randallbarger5319]

D45

[@randallbarger5319]

kunkubutta D45

[@gildavis8266]

The only way you are going to hear the real difference between the Chinese copy and original is to get an borrowed original so you are comparing apples to apples. Simply go to a music store that sells the real thing and tell them what you would like to do. I was strumming my X series Martin along with you and I can tell you that it had allot more depth of tone to it then the copy you were playing and it's made with HPL back and sides! The brightness of the copies tone tells me that it's back and sides are not East Indian Rosewood. Even with new strings, the brightness inherent in Far East guitars is very present. And the lack of real attention to detail that you pointed out furthers that assessment. You were right about the mismatched top too. That would never happen at Martin on such I high end instrument. At Martin, you truly do get what you pay for!

[@BenCoombs]

Checking out some older CGS vids, liked this unboxing, straight forward and unbias.

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

Thanks Ben that's very cool of you.

[@LittleV7]

martin copy all the way. funny pickguard thou

[@grindinglicks]

I just played a D45 today and although it's hard to compare with a real 45, this sounded pretty good. The 35 and 45 has a really full bodied and lively sound. This Chinese 45 doesn't sound bad at all.

[@chazz-j1994]

8.17 that "oh shit" look. Think it's better than you expected CGS!

[@terrybellwether7974]

Chazz-J Black -(

[@pdef1949]

I could tell by the language used there was a low expectation for the Chinese guitar without giving it a fair test. The prejudice was obvious throughout the video until the tone surprised him....the copy was clearly better than the Yamaha, yet he still did not admit that. Having bought two "knockoffs" in the last two years, I cannot agree with the evaluation not to buy....the "copies" are undervalued considering the price of them. Buying sight unseen is risky no matter what brand you decide to buy. Want better pricing? Go search eBay.....I bought a Korean instrument for half list price, and a Chinese OM-45 copy for 2/3 list price. There are pictures of the actual item with each auction, so you know exactly what you are buying....no surprises like the lack of case or the mismatched topwood.

[@nateklug5933]

pdef1949 because there crap and you know it it’s wrong to use another company’s name on your headstock and it’s made in China so garbage

[@MLovesacoffee]

D'addario strings are some of the finest strings in the world. And, that's what you get for buying the cheapest crapola out of china. Who buys a guitar without playing it first. The neck could be warped. I go into a store, (a place that sells guitars) and try them out.

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

Love these strings

[@cubancucumber]

Minus the buzzing from the fake Martin, it actually has a beautiful sound.

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

I can't disagree that the tone is fine

[@TheG5Man]

Just found your channel. I really only have one thing to say to you: That's a damn fine couch!

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

RIP couch! It went back to the Chinese factory in the sky about 4 years ago - ah fond memories! LOL

[@Barrygee]

I am an avid yamaha player, they're great, the FG730s is my favourite and is much better than the 310. That fake martin sounded much better than the 310 also and with maybe £20 spent on it for a tusq saddle and nut it would sound even better. I wouldn't buy one however simply because it's fake...if they took the Martin name off and just had their own branding you'd be getting a half decent guitar without trying to copy someone else. £200 for a guitar that good with its own branding would be a good buy

[@Barrygee]

Martin rely on their reputation for making great guitars and they really do make great guitars....you just need to spend $4000 to get one....a $700 martin won't have the build quality or sound of a $300 yamaha or a $400 Taylor....it's just an entry level to the brand...some people only care about brand...to me sound and playability are far more important than a guitar saying martin on the headstock. As I said...Martin still make great acoustic guitars but you won't get one under $4000 whereas an equally good taylor would cost you half that....

[@Barrygee]

I've been looking into guitar building myself for about 5 years now...I've watched loads of videos and bought books on the subject and the way see it the most important part of the build is wood working skills...if you aren't already trained get some wood work training or it's very easy to turn that lovely wood into a mess.... Luthiery is a skill.

[@garst59]

The Martin name is incidental and trivial. This "fake" Martin is a straight up clone of the Martin design. The joinery, bracing and construction all direct rip off of the original Martin design. Put any name on the head stock and it is still a Martin replica.

[@johnsmiley2922]

I'm not too sure a comparison of a Chinese (Martin D-45) and a Japanese Yamaha makes any sense. Go borrow a real D-45 and make a real comparison. All you are doing is comparing one guitar to another.

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

+john smiley the Yamaha f310 is one of the most popular acoustics on the market. So it is a good yardstick for the most largest number of people. Believe me, it would be more of a waste of time comparing it to a real Martin as this is not even close to the same league. At the price what do you expect right?

[@joseyzadoria7815]

That is a good point! Real Martins, the ones still made in Nazareth PA have a certain craftsmenship that produces a warm full rounded sound. There is a huge difference. The one in the video is a cheap knockoff!

[@noonesomeone6278]

Both got a point

[@IndigoJo]

A low-end Yamaha would not be made in Japan anymore -- only their top-end are made there now. Same with Ibanez and all the other Japanese musical instrument manufacturers. They have plants in China as well as using OEMs in South Korea, Indonesia and elsewhere. An actual Japanese Yamaha and a D-45 would be a worthy comparison.

[@bradalford9829]

OMG, well put LOL

[@1jtg1123]

I actually like the top of that guitar being asymmetric. Every wood acoustic is different even within the same model. That top looks different than most and I like that slight contrast.

[@laeltumang1752]

Ii

[@suzyq1231]

Bought a Chinese Taylor from Aliexpress 4 years. I set it up when i got it and it is a great sounding guitar.. It sounds better than my Martin D28 that i have spent thousands on..

[@JohnMarr]

From the little I can see of the inside of the two guitars it appears that the Yamaha is a plywood back and sides while the fake is solid Rosewood. That alone will influence the sound. But over time I suspect you're going to get some nasty surprises. I know the Chinese guitar making world intimately and would caution anyone thinking of buying one directly from a "factory" that the pitfalls outweigh the possible savings. First of all, there are a handful world class makers in China. They're doing work for Western brands and have no interest in selling a few guitars to individuals. They may occasionally sell rejects to a third party who will then misrepresent themselves as the "factory" to the unsuspecting consumer. If that's the origin of your guitar it may have been built in a quality workshop but it can't be anything but a reject. Then there are hundreds of Chinese factories that do "price" work. They have neither the skill nor the desire to do top quality work. Their customers who generally buy by the container don't want great guitars - they want cheap ones. Again - the guitars that don't make the grade are sold off to jobbers who sell them to third party individuals such as yourself. Between the two are factories trying to go upstream with quality but really don't have the people or resources to make high end acoustics. The factory that made most of the Chinese Martins was one of these. They actually owned the brand in China which prevented real Martins from being sold there. I believe the dispute has been resolved (I may be wrong) so there's bound to be a bunch of the fakes moving through the pipeline. Your expectation of a case almost certainly indicates the guitar came from a reseller. Guitar factories don't make cases. They rely on the importer's agent to buy them separately and deliver them to the factory in time for packing and shipping. Another thing that makes it highly unlikely any factory was involved with your transaction is the different world that exists in a Chinese factory. Almost no owners speak English and with one exception that I can think of, not one of them would understand how to sell to a westerner. That's not meant as a put down. It's simply the truth. Here's what will likely happen with your guitar: If the wood was not properly dried or the factory environment was excessively humid it will crack. Humidification may help but probably not. The bracing inside the guitar may pull loose and the top start to lift. Glue is not expensive but I'm astounded how often the lesser workshops will try to save money by using low grade adhesive. Somewhere in that guitar there's a problem (I would almost guarantee it) The glue, truss rod, wood condition or poor neck to body joint will show up within a year. There are some really astoundingly good Chinese made guitars with excellent long term warranties. You won't find them by buying fakes through shady middle men though. Hope this contributes in some small way to the conversation. John Marr MacKenzie & Marr Guitars

[@arthurjacquard1080]

Good comment. I have a Yairi from the 90's that is a hand crafted guitar by a master from Japan. The guitar is highly resistant to any type of changes in temperature or humidity because the wood is properly aged. That's what you probably won't get with one of those Chinese acoustics. I have played more than a few Martins and that guitar has a bit of the martin sound but I think your right over time it will probably have issues. I would keep it in a case with the humidifier when not in use to prevent the wood from self destructing.

[@josephhunt2478]

I have a chinese made Blueridge d-45 copy and love it It actually sounds better than an actual Martin D-45 on one occasion

[@PotPoet]

I own three real Martin guitars and two Chartins. One Chartin is like the one here (except mine has matching top sides). The abalone inlay on the head stock competes well with a real Martin on both of my Chartins. The inlay around the sides and the back is totally fake on one of my Chartins. The inlay on the other one is spectacular all around and the inlay work on that one is actually brighter and SUPERIOR EVERYWHERE to any of my real Martins (I was stunned). The woods used on both Chartins are all top quality (Indian Rosewood, Red Spruce) and the guitars are well constructed. The Chartin like the one shown here has less clarity of tone than a real Martin, and disappointing inlay, but it is an excellent guitar. My other Chartin is a 1930 Martin OOO-45S replica. It is a WOW guitar in looks and in sound and in playability and I am delighted with it. If you special order one of these, find a supplier that will do a torrified top (like on my OOO-45S) - I think they go all out on the other details when you are that demanding. I paid more than double what he paid, so maybe, that is another factor in what you get. I had to separately order a custom case for the OOO-45S and it is a perfectly fitting hard shell case with five latches (better lock down). One must factor in the costs of a quality case as an essential part of any decent guitar purchase. I got my disappointing Chartin and my delightful Chartin from the SAME supplier! They cannot be trusted to supply consistent quality. They did say that they had no more in stock like the OOO-45S that I got - mine was the last of the well-made old stock. They went to cheap inlay instead of real abalone and that guitar lacks a bit in clarity of tone compared to a real Martin (but still great tone compared to other brands). Too bad, because, otherwise, I would have had no major complaints and I would have had two for two delightful guitars in appearance (and one of them delightful in both look and sound). The set-up on both Chartins was perfect. They are well worth the money, but they are NOT real Martins and who knows how well they will age (glue quality, finish, warping, etc.) - one can be certain any real Martin will improve and increase in value with age. Now you have an unbiased analysis from one who owns multiple examples of Chartins and Martins.

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

Thank you for taking the kindness and time to put such a detailed response I'm sure this will help many people

[@mdhsabh]

Thanks for playing this copy. It's not a comparison, then, is it, since you can only "imagine" this is what a Martin D45 looks and feels like; "not expert on what Martin's are supposed to have." I'd hope you'd at least look at one, maybe play one, before posting about what the jury is still out on -- fit, finish and quality.

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

It's titled an "unboxing"

[@drm2566]

I came home from work and found a box with a Chinese guitar case that I did not order; maybe it was yours

[@TheGinYoung]

The 'Fartin' sounds good, I wouldn't mind having one

[@sacredgeometry]

sounds better than the yamaha.

[@user-er7zm8ej3o]

The fake Martin sounds by far better than this "wonderful" Yamaha. Which is made in China too.

[@grindlessenior]

i think you'll find that yamaha guitars are made in japan.

[@shironekoii2765]

old FG models made in Japan. From F model made in China and indonesia. and ofcourse, FG models are the best. Even compare with Taylor or Martin

[@1965Slowhand]

I bought a Nagoya N-18 (Japanese Martin copy) back in the late 70's. It was my first guitar. Two year's later, their same Martin knock-off came with cheaper tuners, and cheaper looking wood. I still have my Nagoya, and it sounds better than my Yamaha FG 335 II (garage sale), or my Celebrity Ovation acoustic/electric. I wish that I could afford a real Martin acoustic. And I have played some in stores. My original Nagoya comes close.

[@tedtedsen269]

this is why it is important to test the guitar before you buy a guitar and not afterwards you can regret it

[@CiaoMoody]

Sometimes (well most of the time), ya gets what you pay for!

[@EdmondLau2007]

I wonder if the strings were copies too... LOL.

[@sbostonva]

It was a authentic D"Addario label anyhow. Maybe.

[@mraybeck]

Don't laugh, there are Chinese companies making counterfeit strings, right down to counterfeiting the packaging and printing. There were counterfeit Elixer Strings infesting music shops here in the states several years back.

[@benthemiester]

I thought the Martin sounded better. I wish you could have placed the mic a little closer to the neck though. The sound hole is a little to boomy for my taste.

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

Sorry - tried to better on the next one - have you watched that?

[@benthemiester]

Chinaguitarsceptic Yes I did, and it sounded great. I'm not really concerned with cosmetics or labels. If it sounds good and it last without falling apart over the years, then that's all I need. Great job.

[@artistaloca4]

His audio was a little off. I'll be looking for next one as he explains here. Thnx !!

[@reverendmississippi]

Please do not call this a martin it is blasphemy

[@w.wrightjackson8317]

I have owned several Martins and high end Guilds, Yamaha's, Ibanez and Alvarez. The odd guitar like a Hondo I kept on the ship to play at sea when I was in the Navy. The most durable was the Yamaha and believe it or not the fifty dollar Hondo has some of the best action I've ever played. I was absolutely amaze it was that good. I didn't even realize there was a fake Martin out there like that. Well good luck and God bless from Nashville, Tn. keep on pickin and grinnin

[@nocturnal7312]

Fast forward 5 years later, The Chinese use a real Bone Saddle and Nut now, No more plastic. I own a real Martin D-45, Even Brazilian Rosewood, My new 04/2019 Chinese D-45 has a nice smooth warm sound. Can't beat it, Delivered to my front door for $305.00 USD $$ Freight, Everything included. Oh, The tops are better matched than the one you have here.

[@ChadleyClark]

haha, the chinese guitar has a richer sound than the yamaha. Range sounds more decent as well!!!

[@Slunc4ogled]

Dude! The ... MAO-rtin sounds like 12string guitar next to poor man's Yamaha! Go buy one real D45 so we can hear the difference! The last time I remember they were on sell at MF for something like ... two for 50K!

[@fredrodnick2881]

Dadario is a decent string at a modest price, I've used them almost exclusively for many years.

[@lngodwetrust7117]

Whether it's made in China or from another part of Asia does not necessarily mean it's bad, there are excellent guitars from that part of the planet

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

Totally agree