What Guitar Is That? - The Martin Dreadnought JR

Here's a little overview of the "short scale" Martin Dreadnought JR! Been wanting one of these to come out for quite some time...
Martin Dreadnought JR :
- MSRP: $799
- Street Price: $700
Martin Dreadnought JR Case:
- MSRP: $210
- Street Price: $169
GUITAR SETUP! - Derek at B St. Music in San Mateo, CA! (bstreetmusic.com/)
You can hear that guitar being played in THESE videos:
- • OTS: "PILLOWTALK" - A ...
- • OTS: "Hotline Bling" -...
- • OTS: What Do You Mean ...
Hope you enjoy this review - more to come!
Peace, love and lol.
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Tee shirt by Glorified Supply Co, get your own here!
- glorifiedsupplyco.com/
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MICROPHONE! - ZOOM H1
GUITAR! - Martin Dreadnought JR!
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Let's Connect!
Homebase! gabebondoc.com
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Tumblr! / gabebondoc
Patreon! / gabebondoc
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And if you're reading this, after your request, type where you're from! Hoping to visit you later this year!
Love you guys!
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[@acesfirebird5163]

Gabe using the "tree analogy" talking about the guitar speaks to me

[@akamaru576]

"The guitar doesn't know its a guitar. It still thinks it's a tree." ~Gabe Bondoc, 2016 XDDDD

[@ryancapelli]

Bruh. Lots of gold in here. You touch on concepts here that take years of exploring to learn, and explain them so simply that anyone can understand. GREAT.

[@Nate-pz1rf]

“It sounds great! But im not gonna play it....”

[@baskboxtv7339]

Yeah because he did not play it

[@TheExistenceBand]

Just bought one of these a couple of weeks ago... I LOVE IT. The playing comfort, quality, and sound this thing has is 😍

[@7sevens]

What a great review - easy to understand but comprehensive - you are a such a lovely man Gabe :)

[@leeanucha]

Thanks for taking time to explain things like how wood would dry out.., most don't do :)

[@anamarierae]

Even the way you enunciate every word sounds beautiful 😭

[@keyespi]

Thanks for this, Gabe! Looking forward to your other guitar vids, soon!

[@kaiitsang]

Hey man thanks for this, i'm checking out some guitars for my birthday coming up, I'm definitely gonna look up and try this one out!

[@skateplusrice]

This was a well made, cohesive overview video. Your explanation felt so natural but still really detailed. Hope to see an overview of one of your Loars

[@gabebondoc]

+Kieran. Thanks so much, mate. Loar video coming soon!

[@KevjumbaNigahigaYTF]

Wooow, I never knew a guitar was so complex!!😮 I think I should keep learning!😜 Thank you Gabe!!💚 Love your voice!!😊

[@martincadenas5839]

YOUR A GREAT GUITARIST. I LOVE THIS GUITAR REVIEW/OVER VIEW. PLZ MAKE MORE 😄

[@lyiantou5866]

Hi ! Like you , I bought a Jr full sapele dreadnought ! I own a Taylor 314ce - A K24ce Koa - and a Gs mini-Taylor Koa ! But I much prefer the sound of Martin Jr .versus Gs mini koa . The pick-up system is not the same ! The sapele wood gives a seductive sound , the dug is deeper , the setting knobs are discret and it's treat ! I do not regret this choice !

[@RayLovesLumpia]

Awesome review! Time to buy a Martin.

[@graygraybrady]

Ahhhh Gabe! I love that you did this video and that you plan to do more like it - such a cool change of pace. It would be sweet if you played the guitar in the review as well :) Love you dude! Subscribed to you since 2010. Love what you do. Ps. your daughter is the cutest thing!

[@akajoker666]

your the man gabe enjoy everything you do! think you will ever come to ny?

[@AdamLeeGuitarist]

Awesome guitarist, awesome human, awesome review. I bet it sounds brilliant!

[@gabebondoc]

+Adam Lee Thank you, brotha!

[@ntranlite]

Hey Gabe, great video! Love that you've switched things up a bit. I was just wondering if you could make a video talking about how you learned to play the guitar and any tips you have for beginner guitarists or just ones who are struggling a bit to learn.

[@gabebondoc]

+Nancy Tran Thank you, Nancy! Sure, I'll work on that idea!

[@katcruz2152]

yess... we've got matching guitars!! First guitar I've ever bought myself. Love my Dreadnought JR

[@gabebondoc]

+Cat Cruz YAS. DJR SQUAD.

[@erikcamacho1338]

You should also do a overview / tutorial on all the Jazz / unique chords and riffs you use!

[@100perdido]

Nice presentation. Nice guitar and nice case but the star of the show is the kid in the guitar case.

[@thomaschristopherwhite9043]

Dude keep doing this! Just a quick over view of your gear.

[@namshookslollipop5515]

Joshua from SVT mentioned you. IM SO PROUD. HUMAYGAD.

[@moissesmacaraeg3754]

Please do a review of all your guitars 🙏🏼

[@belle-rz9oq]

Oh my gosh my Dad is going to tell me "We already have guitars." I WANT THIS ONE! LOL

[@oscarjr.garcia514]

REQUEST: Cant Stop The Feeling by JT!!! When i heard that song, i initially thought about you!! excited to hear you sing it! - from Philippines!

[@kimneufseventyone]

Cool vid Gabe ! I've noticed that my fave covers of yours are often played with this beautiful guitar . I'm glad you made a vid about it . :) But , could you explain why for certain songs , you choose this acoustic guitar over the others that you own ? I guess it's the sound and the feeling but I'm sure I'm missing something . ^^

[@Keeilay]

Love this guitar! Played it for a few months but finally managed to bring down my vintage D28 and OMJM from San Jose, I will be taking the OMJM to be worked on in San Mateo next week! By far the easiest guitar to emulate your play style on, have been working on it for months now! Cheers!

[@gabebondoc]

+Keeilay Dude, NICE. OMJM for the WIN. Would love to have one of those someday!

[@Keeilay]

+gabebondoc Thank you! And just a heads up, your biggest fan ever resides in SJ and it would be my mother. Everyday I'm home you are on repeat. Keep doing what you're doing, much love

[@NeonsStyleHD]

You should've played some of it since it's a review!

[@JeaRian]

Very Good Review.does it sound great when u plug it?and oh id like to know what kind of camera you use to tape your videos,please? thx 👍

[@iFlyleah1]

Hey Gabe! Awesome review on the Martin! Quick question, I typically like the concaved shape under the higher frets for the looks and I guess better access to those higher notes.. What do you suggest? Whether the concaved shape doesn't bother you or not or if it affects the sound quality of the guitar aswell as what other Martin guitar that has that shape that you'd recommend.

[@chrisanthimou911]

Guys, I've actually found out that the Gator GWE Classical case is awesome for a much better price than the Martin's, there's no play or pressure on the guitar, check it out!!

[@natomaranan6385]

Hi! May I know how's the fit of the guitar in the Gator case? Would you say that it'sa snug fit for the DJr.? Many thank! 👍

[@chrisanthimou911]

@@natomaranan6385 Yeah, I think it's a really snug fit, it's worth it, hope you like it.

[@pipeandresf]

Hey Gabe, big fan from Colombia !! Quiestion: What kind of strings do you use? Brand and whatever technical thing I should know. Thanks man, hope to see you soon in a concert here !!

[@markushan6355]

YOOOO WHAT?!?! You're from San Mateo???? No way

[@Dev9172]

good review

[@djoseph17]

martin jr...bondoc jr...smart move. she's adorable! thanks for the review :)

[@livinglotsjasmine2411]

please come to Chicago!!!!

[@nbacoco]

Hi Sir nice review! Do you think that the bridge pin holes of this Djr10e is standard size like from all Martin? Because i plan to buy Graptech bridge pins, and not sure if traditonal or presentation style will fit the pin holes... 🤔

[@marielb1228]

lol I think my fave part of this video is Savannah in the guitar case..... she's adorable

[@gabebondoc]

+marielb1228 :)

[@ellie7701]

Your voice is great even when you aren't singing! 😂 I used to play guitar when I was 7 but it broke and I never got it repaired and I haven't played guitar since.

[@jwngwk]

That shirt tho! :) love it. PTL.

[@tomlinvision]

even his speaking voice is beautiful

[@philb6795]

hey man, love these kind of "gear vids". were you talking about wood vs. HPL for the backing? i bought a 000x1AE and never thought of the aging sound until you mentioned it..

[@gabebondoc]

+Phillip Bunyi Thanks, Phillip! Yes, I was talking solid wood vs HPL. That 000X1AE is a fantastic guitar - you'll definitely hear a difference/improvement in tone over time, though perhaps not as much as a solid wood guitar. HPL DOES have its own benefits, though - great for travel (more stable through humidity, altitude changes, etc.), cost effective and more durable!

[@guitarrachino]

Loved the video review! You should include clips of you playing too though :-)

[@gabebondoc]

+Danny Ong Thank you! I would have, but I end up fiddling around and getting distracted, lol. Check out the video description for a list of videos featuring this guitar!

[@guitarrachino]

+gabebondoc You da best. Never stop posting covers ever, k thx bye!

[@BrendanLyProductions]

great review, I'll save up for one now! what camera do you use by the way?

[@gabebondoc]

+Brendan Ly Thanks, Brendan! You're gonna love it! And I use the Canon T3i. Got it about 6 years ago, believe it or not!

[@rememberabc]

Will this guitar fit in the carry on? Also I live in Hawaii and thanks for the video.

[@nikonelectricfan]

hi gabe! what guitar strings do you usually play with?

[@ThisAZNKyd]

I recently got one too! I used to have the Taylor gs mini mahogany, but sold it to a friend to get this DJr. The Taylor sounds a little sweeter in more intimate settings, but otherwise, no comparison for me. Wider nut width, fuller sound, complete solid wood, non-intrusive eq, and nice hard shell case. Taylors soft case was so much nicer that the DJr gig bag though

[@gabebondoc]

+Aaron Santos Awesome! Yes, I definitely agree with everything stated here... especially about how nice that GS Mini gig bag was. Definitely miss that.

[@ThisAZNKyd]

+gabebondoc Can you please walk us through your 000c16rgte? Hearing you play it back in Life Love Everything or At the cross with Cathy, made me want to save up for a 000mmv or Jc16rgte. But for now, my DJr will do lol

[@stevepaton4278]

Hey Gabe, Have you found any easy way to get battery out? New model has put a battery box on outside like most a/e guitars... lol $100 more. Worth it?

[@yoojesss]

You should do more reviews!

[@CayleenVillamor]

I've been wanting to buy a new guitar for a while now, and I've been debating between a Taylor or Martin, and I've been wanting the mini versions of each one. I love how they both sound. Are there any specific ones you'd recommend?

[@KenBryanOfficial]

jejeje me encanto lo que dice tu camiseta.

[@TurtlesandCakes]

please make more review videos like this. :)

[@leeanbasaenmusic]

Good day! Just want to ask if you have any idea where to buy a hardshell case for a Dreadnought Jr. Thanks. 🙂

[@DannyBrooks1]

Damnit! - all this talk about how great Martin sounds and he never played it.

[@KenAbad11]

Can you do more reviews of your other guitars?

[@jordanchevalier9411]

Great review! What finish is this?? Any difference with the new Martin Dreadnaught JR E ??

[@jmo1366]

Jordan Chevalier Same thing just w a pickup in it..

[@chuuu0254]

3:19 beautiful indeed! ❤️

[@davidfitt2501]

Gabe! Please do a cover of "Dancing on my own"

[@mautrindade]

gosh I hate when people keep talking but don't play the damn guitar which is the main thing we wanna hear

[@raziell]

dude he has like 100 videos of him playing the guitar. go watch them

[@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?

[@katavia4131]

hi could u do an overview of the black little martin this may sound weird but iv just got one and i would just lik ur opinion on it btw i love it but i would lik a guitar beast's perspective on it😍

[@ev543]

This guitar is the dream...

[@dragtr0n]

Does guitar sound improve if it only has solid top?

[@ShawnLeeAnimates]

What's your go-to guitar gabe? I know you had a larrivee parlor while back which inspired me to get one myself p-05 and later p-09. The OM series sound really great btw.

[@gabebondoc]

+Shawn Lee The go-to's are this Martin DJR and my trusty Martin 000c-16RGTE Aura from 2007!

[@josesoares8345]

Brother I have one Taylor and that Martin and I can tell even though my Taylor guitar is bigger they have almost the same amount of sound hahaha

[@tyt2lynnin1]

hey buddy, i live in sf how much to get this martin set up? thanks great review!

[@alectopete8463]

More guitar reviews!!!

[@siyriin]

alec topete I've been back and forth between the little martin and a traveler mark escape 3 since I'm learning and I plan on traveling, but neither were comfortable. Honestly they both felt like toys. I saw this video randomly last night and went straight to guitar center this morning. You were right. It's the PERFECT SIZE!!!!. Thanks to you I purchased my first guitar.

[@jcraven388]

Thanks for this dude. Can you do one for the guitar you use in Houstalantavegas and Sure Thing? I thought it was your Martin Aura at first but realized it's top is way too dark. Can you add that to your list of what you own as well?

[@gabebondoc]

+Jimmy Craven That WAS the Martin Aura! The top is nice and tan from all the time it's spent outside it's case over the last 9 years. I'll do a video for that one soon!

[@jcraven388]

+gabebondoc Thanks! Make sure to mention the island inlays. Those are great!

[@bukooopau]

Quick question... What brand/guitar is your darker-red one? (The guitar you used in Nobody Love) Because it's really nice, and I couldn't figure out what guitar it was...

[@snakeeyes2399]

What's an ideal guitar for an intermediate player? Preferably Martin or if you have any other suggestions. Thanks!

[@HvistendahlThomas]

You are a cool dude :- )

[@glendelljuego3414]

Hi Gabe! 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!

[@christopherchristopher360]

Where did you buy from the Philippines bro?

[@yoonie811]

Hi Gabe!! I've been following you for years and have always admired your amazing talent and love for music :) & thanks for the review! I've actually been on the lookout for a new guitar and the first time played the Dreadnought Junior, the sound... was so niiiiiiiice! My only drawback for this guitar was the placement of the battery. What if the battery dies right before you need to perform? You'd have to undo the strings and that would be perhaps time consuming. I'm sure with a guitar like this, it should be obvious to take care of the guitar well, and that would mean changing the strings and battery often. Yet compared to other guitars and brands, why would Martin place it inside for this model? Would REALLY love to hear your feedback. Thanks again for everything :))

[@gabebondoc]

+Yoon Choi Thanks for the love, Yoon! I'd agree with you - that battery is tucked in there pretty good. If I had to guess, I'd say they went with a "battery bag" to save some of the production costs. I try to change my battery every time I change my strings (every ~1.5 months)... it's still a tiny bit risky, but with almost 100 hours of life per battery, it's not TOO bad. I'd still say it's worth it - the guitar sounds wonderful and plays like a dream! Much love!

[@Babebabedoll]

I think this DJR it’s no more make now u can get new DJR-2 or DJR-10

[@TyasAlfisa]

do you have any trouble when changing the battery? cause it's inside the hole right. i'd once have guitar with under saddle pickup, fishman sonitone. i just have trouble with the battery placement.

[@elijahmonn3757]

Hi Tyas, the battery is at the back of the guitar. by the jack input. There is a latch. Takes a few seconds to change the battery. Cheers, Brent

[@jeffpablo2592]

How much is it? Hopefully it's available here in the Philippines

[@ScottTK]

Does the hard case @3:20 come with the baby?! I hear they're high maintenance, maybe it's not for me.

[@gotkimchi97]

I'm from Charlottesville!! :D

[@jaysidagle2941]

well yeah it is an awesome guitar, but the sad thing is it is very expensive specially if you're a pro and u need a descent and nice guitar. good thing there are taylor. it cost a lot too. but they are not expensive as martin's. right now i'm using taylor GSmini and it fits me well.

[@kifferpete7987]

what set up did your luthier do? I have this guitar and had a bone nut, saddle and pins put on it. I also had light gauge strings put on it as well.

[@MaxRolando]

Christopher Stoddard hey there..does it improve the sound greatly when u switch it to bone? Just wondering if i need to change mine

[@kimchijeans]

Hey Gabe! What do you think about the 000-15M? :-)

[@kifferpete7987]

have you kept medium gauge strings on this guitar.

[@rachelray8404]

Gabe, Ilysm

[@johnlloyd7568]

hi gabe, does your djr still have the input jack as the strap button coz i think the newer ones have the input jack moved to the bottom of the guitar with the bat compartment which is a turn off for me personally

[@gabebondoc]

+John Lloyd Yup! The input jack is, in fact, the strap button. Yea, I don't like that alternate placement either. Glad they didn't do that here!

[@snakeeyes2399]

Do you recommend the Martin Lx1e? Is it worth the buy?

[@teebone420]

can you, by any chance give me a link to the dread jr case in the commemts here? that would help me out alot!

[@miramae03]

please go to the Philippines!! ❤

[@joshcgriff]

Come to Cleveland

[@HarrisonApril]

Sup derek

[@Andy-kw4yk]

How much it cost this sir?

[@KevjumbaNigahigaYTF]

Your daughter is adorable!!🙈💚

[@easymemesniper]

Want but already own a GS Mini (since 2010)!

[@gabebondoc]

+Kevin S Those are great guitars, too! I have one myself! It's all about what feels good and makes you feel good.

[@easymemesniper]

+gabebondoc Hmm would you say you prefer it over the GS mini? I always thought the baby Martin's weren't so good (or any small scale guitar besides the GS), but it sounds like they've really stepped up.

[@ryanaprillian7]

👍👍

[@keshawnrasband1331]

So to find the right guitar for you, you just have to try them out and feel it out right? So where's a good place to look for a good fancy guitar?

[@gabebondoc]

+Keshawn Rasband Definitely - every guitar sounds different, even if it's the same make and model! And if you don't have a local mom-and-pop music shop near you, I find that Guitar Center has the widest selection of guitars to try. Finally, if you don't have one near you, Sweetwater has a wonderful return policy so you can try before you commit.

[@keshawnrasband1331]

+gabebondoc Thank you so much. I love your style of music where did you ever learn to play like that??

[@viviennejoi]

I know you're a martin type of person. But how do you feel about Taylor Guitars? Cause I'm conflicted between buying this martin guitar or a gs mini. Any advice?

[@jaysidagle2941]

+Vivianne Joy martin is very expesive tho. if you check taylor, like Big baby or GS mini, they have almost the same specs, like the wood, etc.

[@gabebondoc]

+Vivianne Joy I think Taylor makes wonderful guitars! Fit, finish and construction are certainly top notch. My own personal quick and dirty classification is "Martin - warmer, Taylor - brighter." Not always the case, but more often than not, this has been my experience. You can't go wrong either way! I own a Taylor GS Mini with Rosewood myself - wonderful guitar! I'm just a Martin guy at heart. Happy hunting! :)

[@bp5088]

How many guitar's do you have?, if you don't mind me asking. ☺

[@KibsaimE]

Hi Gabe! It would be great if you did "CANT STOP THIS FEELING" by Justin Timberlake This would totally fit your style, and you'd do amazing I'm sure! Thanks :)

[@rickjasoncruz1558]

YO GABE! is it okay for me to use any of your songs in my vlogs?