Which Guitar Wins the Battle of the Ages? Pre-War Martin D-18 VS 2022 Thompson D-MA

[@choochoopoppy3240]

It's really incredible how similar the tone they have.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Absolutely. Thanks for watching! Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more!

[@WtfYoutube_YouSuck]

83 years really buffs out the sharp edges and harshness in the overtones into such a gentlemanly baritone.

[@joekagerer]

I can't hear a difference but that could be my hearing loss. What impresses me the most in these comparison videos is John's consistent playing where the AB is seamless. Great video thanks again for proving you don't need a pre-war Martin to sound good.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Well said! Thank you for the kind words. Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more!

[@jeremywanless2450]

Really looking forward to the D18 story. Love hearing the history of killer old instruments.

[@johnwashburn3793]

I agree, and I would like to know about the pickup and strings you use.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for watching! Be sure to follow us and stay tuned😄

[@jdallison7061]

The Martin is B they both sound great Martin has more midrange punch.

[@Flatpicknation]

Awesome video,do same with Boucher and Gallagher .

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks, we will definitely see what we can do!

[@curtvahle2018]

Wow. Normally I would be able to tell the difference immediately, not so with this shoot out. Both excellent!

[@kenji3389]

Both sound good. New one sparkle a bit more, but Martin has that dried vintage sound somehow come closure to human soul. Sound difference was very obvious to me. Martin wood would probably feel more organic than new one and looks so tasty.

[@guitarzana688]

I was right. I thought B was the prewar. Both are great sounding guitars. Part of the reason is the guitarist. Great job gentlemen. Thank for another fun video!

[@AcousticShoppe]

Well said! Thanks for watching!

[@patrickharvey6310]

Both guitars sound great but I did hear a small amount more base in the Martin. I think every guitarist has their own taste of sound. I play an 2020 model HD-28 almost every day and I love its voice. Keep up the good work. I to am looking forward to the D-18 story. I would LOVE to hear a comparison of a prewar D-18 and a prewar D-28.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

I totally agree: we are definitely living in the golden age of luthierie. There are so many fantastic builders right now, from factories, to the boutique builders, even the smaller single bench builders........and all are doing incredible work at various price points.

[@bngbraz2]

Just saw this video...after commenting on the comparison earlier. Sometimes I miss feeds. Wow, both sounds so good and close!

[@martinleach9849]

Great video guys. Very enjoyable

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks, Martin!

[@shawnsnow6413]

They were closer than I expected, but I guessed right. The Thompson has that bright chimey (iT riNgS LikE a BelL) tone that seems to be what a lot of modern builders are going for these days. In general, that's usually how I distinguish other guitars from Martins. I almost always prefer the bass response and depth of Martin guitars, but it's personal choice.

[@AcousticShoppe]

That's fair. Thanks for watching, Shawn!

[@beverlymichael5830]

Agree. I love the Martin depth. Nothing compares

[@Patriot-American]

To my ears based on listening with headphones on a MacAir, I'd go with the Thompson. Just sounds more of what I like in a flat picking D ..

[@johnwashburn3793]

Great video. Great staff you have and fantastic job of maintaining the tempo. I will bring my D-18GE down one day to hear how a 20 year old Martin Adirondack would compare. You gotta love the mahogany even if you're a rosewood fan!

[@AcousticShoppe]

Well spoken! Thanks for watching! Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more!

[@johnwashburn3793]

@@AcousticShoppe Yes sir, I have and I will.

[@chuckperry3878]

Really enjoyed this video. Congrats on owning the old Martin especially. So glad that you guys made great comments of how the builders today are building Awesome guitars. Im blessed to own two of Gary Cottens guitars. A mahogany Sinker 18 with Adirondack top and a herringbone east Indian rosewood with Adirondack top as well. Both guitars are absolutely amazing and feel, look and sound like theyre at least 85 years old. So blessed to have and enjoy them. Great video fellers!!

[@AcousticShoppe]

Absolutely. Thanks so much for watching. Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more!

[@jesselet5073]

I miss the old days when you used to still see pre war's in stores. Found a 1938 d-18 about 19 years ago that i kick myself everyday for not buying.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Hindsight is always 20/20... Thanks for watching! Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more!

[@danleyrold45]

Uh, you can see the burst of the Thompson through the pixels guys. But at times I could not tell them apart. Great video.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Uh oh! Thanks for watching!

[@scazmando1930]

Excellent video-- I sure wish that I could be around to hear that Thompson in 80 years but I ..won't ...quite..make.... it at 73! Thanks guys! I play a '51 D-18 among other fine guitars--it's my fav...

[@michaelmenet2712]

I really liked the blurry/pixelated ear test approach used. I picked out the Martin as Guitar B before the reveal. The Thompson sounded plinky and stringy and "metallic" in comparison, and also thinner than the Martin. But it was closer than I thought it would be. I wonder if the torrification process causes that plinky quality? Several torrified guitars I've played have had that same quality to them, while non-torrified tops don't seem to as much. Maybe. Who knows?

[@AcousticShoppe]

You bring up an interesting point! Thanks for watching and commenting! Feel free to like, share, and subscribe for more!

[@HenryPipes]

I am usually pretty good and these blind tests but I could honestly not tell a difference. That Thompson is the best sounding new guitar I have ever heard.

[@AcousticShoppe]

They are absolute monsters. Thanks for watching!

[@Cheeter23]

Dang those are eerily close. The Thompson is just a tad bit brighter sounding while the Martin has a little more bite. Great video guys!

[@AcousticShoppe]

Glad you liked it!

[@anthonynicholls1813]

Great comparison. I made the right pick but I wouldn't have wanted to bet much money on it. I thought the pre war Martin had a little bit more bass response and depth in the mid range, rounded out with more overtone content. But it was surprisingly close. The best value proposition for me is the Thompson.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for watching and commenting! Feel free to like, share, and subscribe for more!

[@mattbeckner2427]

Both of these guitars sound lovely. They were really close to my ear, but I could tell, can’t quite clone 80 years of playing but man it was nice. Had my first experience with your shop two weeks ago, it’s my new favorite!

[@AcousticShoppe]

That's a good point. We're thrilled you enjoyed the shop! That means a lot to us. Come back and visit us soon!

[@johnorth5890]

I honestly preferred the Thompson. It seemed a bit more articulate. But that's what I prize in a guitar far more than the elusive "warmth" that many are chasing.

[@crazycat1345]

I was advised by a guitar store owner near me to never buy a new high end acoustic guitar now. They are built in such a hurry and this new VTS system doesn't always work out. Which means they can break within a couple of years. Always buy one that is at least 3 years old, if they are not broke they probably will last. This lesson I learned the hard way with a 2021 Martin VTS D28 Modern Deluxe that broke in 3 places 8 months after I bought it. I have an older Martin J40 and it is still in like new condition. So be careful everyone.

[@chuck62891]

First time viewer of a video on this channel and I enjoyed it very much. Please continue the good work.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for watching. Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more!

[@kylekromer8047]

Great video. The Thompson sounds awesome, but it's missing just a bit of that dry airy boom that's in the D-18, especially when you start digging into the g chord in the second part. But they both sound amazing and I'll say that putting time behind a guitar really does make them sound better. I've got a couple that I've only had a few years that have changed in just that short time. As always, enjoyed the video - keep it up!

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for watching and commenting! Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more!

[@fairguinevere666]

If we compare Stradivarius and the invention of violins to acoustic guitars, the equivalent figure for steel string guitars was probably only just recently born! I definitely think we're in the start of a golden age of instrument building, from tools and machining to design and knowledge, the knowledge base is just about becoming mature enough to really allow for massive progress and also the continued existence of older examples.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Very interesting point! Thanks for sharing😄 Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more!

[@TheArmchairSessions]

The difference was immediate and significant. Sorry Thompson lovers but I have to go with the Martin 100%.

[@sbolfing]

I would love to have heard this live - I really think a lot of the tone (especially of the Martin) is lost in translation! Still - it is incredible how well new boutique builders are making guitars. Love this demo!

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@chriss6625]

Could tell pretty easily which one was which. The Martin has more resonance, more character to the sound, and sounds more open. Cool! Thanks!

[@AcousticShoppe]

Nice, thanks for watching!

[@nickbitlee]

B has significantly more depth, A sounds a bit thinner and tighter.

[@Ks-zz9lh]

GUITAR B is ofc the martin pre war. such sweet sounding instruments the both of them

[@uvp5000]

I struggled to hear a difference. I had an easier time hearing the difference between Brazilian Rosewood and East Indian Rosewood. I could pick out a slight difference. If I had to choose, I'd pick the Thompson. They're not building them like they used to - in my opinion, the nicest acoustic guitars today are made so much better. More luthiers today have learned the fine art of building instruments.

[@philkinzer6486]

I preferred A over B. I honestly thought John’s D-18 was ‘A’. So surprised to hear the newer guitar come on top.

[@mopopskull9259]

Guitar B was more mellow. It had more body and depth. Guitar A sounded awesome, but to my ears, B was what I preferred. Having said that, there's very little difference between the two.

[@curtaprilbardfamily5378]

Was pretty sure which was which when you were flatpickin, but the rhythm chords left no doubt... that percussive "woof" that you got strumming the old 18 sealed it for me.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for watching! Hope you found it interesting. Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more!

[@texhaines9957]

Hope you and yours are well and God blesses your day! Give the Thompson a few years to age and you can hear a bigger difference. Thanks

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks, Tex!

[@dalesearcy5734]

WOW! I picked the old girl! It was just more open sounding. They are both nice guitars. Just because a guitar is old, it doesn't mean it will sound good. Your D-18 DOES sound great though!!!

[@grantdickey]

I'm pre-reveal at this point and I definitely think b is pre-war. It sounds so good on chords

[@georgelange5272]

I think they sound pretty close. The Thompson will open up with playing and will be great too

[@Bushman9]

The comparison was impressive but one would hope that a $5,000+ guitar would sound terrific. The D-18 sold for about $65 in 1940; in today’s dollars that’s about $1,400. Funny how it took Thompson and extra $3,600 to mimic the Martin.

[@beauxjames1419]

The Martin has an openness that comes with age but Thompson is absolutely the closest thing to that sound. I was at the shop in sisters yesterday offering up some ancient Cristobal rosewood from Costa Rica. Hopefully you’ll play something made fun it in the future.

[@samlarson1591]

What’s the name of the example tune you’re playing in the video? Great content and beautiful guitars. Thank you!

[@AcousticShoppe]

It's called "Red Haired Boy" and you can watch the full performance of it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3eqdJdohN6mrrs

[@jonothanwoodward]

Fun comparison. The Thompson sounds amazing for a new guitar and the Martin has that great old guitar focus. I love how you guys talk about the Thompson being something the rest of us can afford to get into??? Seriously, unless it comes with winning Lotto numbers most of us can't afford either of those!!!!!

[@AcousticShoppe]

They are both great. I think what we meant is that compared to the vintage Martin, the Thompson sounds great for its price. Thanks for watching! Feel free to like, share, and subscribe for more!

[@mrdogmoon]

I liked the sound of both, they were very similar.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for watching!

[@waynejohnson3214]

The biggest difference was in the strums. The war horse pushed more air. During the picking, I thought the Thompson was a good deal brighter. It was close all around and I would love to own either.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Well put. Thanks for watching! Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more.

[@guitarwithtom6041]

The amazing coincidence is that I’m getting that exact model Thompson DMA with the risen sunburst from you guys ( I nearly got the one you had in stock but it sold as I was negotiating shipping; quite a sad moment if I’m honest ) I also have a 44 D-18 ~ it’s kind of like owning both guitars on this video. At least I will be able to take the Thompson out of the house! Both amazing. Do you think Thompson comes the closest to a prewar compared to all the other brands even without using hide glue?

[@AcousticShoppe]

We think so. In our opinion, Thompsons are the closest to what a prewar guitar would have been like brand new. They're incredible.

[@billdedrick1914]

John What beand , type and gauge strings did you use on your 40'D18in the Jeremy Shepard video of shop talk

[@Orfix33]

Really fun video

[@AcousticShoppe]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching. Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more!

[@michaelwebster8389]

Those guitars are remarkably similar. To my ear guitar A had the certain type of brightness you hear in newer guitars, so I expect the old Martin was guitar B. But I have no preference between the two. They both sound great - and I could be completely wrong.

[@michaelwebster8389]

Looks like I was right - most of the time I'm not. Both great guitars.

[@michaelwebster8389]

And on listening again, I'm hearing a whole lot more in that D-18, it's really got some extra body to it in some parts.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more!

[@billdedrick1914]

Were both of these using the same brand , gauge and age strings?

[@gottaflylee5521]

Wow, they are very close. I am impressed on how the Thompson came to the Martian, but I think the Martian had that aged sound that only come with paying and age, Wish I could hear the Thompson in 80 years of playing, it should be amazing!!!

[@AcousticShoppe]

Agreed. Thanks for watching! Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more😄

[@Guitarwizzard1833]

When you switch to rhythm is whee you can really tell the difference between the 2. The old D-18 is more woody in tone.

[@tdkrei]

Personally that D18 has that boom bottom you just can't get in a new unseasoned guitar (if you are a guitar player you know what I mean by "unseasoned". The Thompson sounded great and if I were looking that would be in my vault. Good video, keep on smiling.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for watching and commenting! Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more!

[@georgelange5272]

What songs are you guys playing here?

[@bigmac51290]

It was pretty easy to sus out which was which. The Thompson has a brashness I'd associate with a new guitar and the '40... well it's a '40

[@AcousticShoppe]

Sure. Thanks so much for watching! Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more.

[@beverlymichael5830]

I got it right. Still nothing compares to the Martin sound.

[@AcousticShoppe]

It's something special!

[@lhvent]

The Thompson guitar sounds great

[@AcousticShoppe]

Absolutely. Thanks so much for watching!

[@ncsludgefactory5445]

Marcel made me hit the like button🤣 but you guys made me hit the subscribe🤘 now if you can help me pick one style to stick to I might get better at one of em!!🤣 you guys are awesome!

[@AcousticShoppe]

Haha! Love this comment. Thanks for the sub! Welcome aboard😄

[@theinfamouscletusherringbo8134]

B sounds the best.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for watching! Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more!

[@michaelmullins1290]

I think both sounded great with John pickin' them. I probably can't afford a Thompson, but they are too notch.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@ericscott7335]

The G string on the Thompson is soooooo loud....

[@billdedrick1914]

Very obvious difference in tone, depth, bass, balance, openess, dryness and resonance..The P.T. sounds in comparison, green, tight, not open, brighter and thinner overall even though by itself, it is a great sounding dreadnought.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@rabhapigfarm6271]

B pre war d18

[@amgauctions29musicgearandm31]

Best

[@johnsee7269]

If it ain't CF Martin it ain't much. I'm sorry Taylor, etc. that's just the way it is... 😆 I'm just not happy unless it says Fender, Gibson or Martin. Specfically, a Les Paul, a Stratocaster, a Telecaster and a D28; you're done! Maby a 335 too but that's it; 😆. 🤘

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for watching! Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more!

[@unsurprisingly]

Nice 👍🏼❤️

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks 🤗 Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more!

[@steveadams8438]

On my computer sound system, I can't here the difference.

[@eduardoramirez6877]

I was wrong I thought guitar A it was the Martin.

[@AcousticShoppe]

It can be tough! Both are incredible sounding guitars nonetheless! Thanks for watching.

[@bigmac51290]

I mean he's not wrong about 3002 being more than 80 years...

[@AcousticShoppe]

🤣

[@garywhitt98]

Thompson is brighter, Martin more mellow.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for watching and commenting! Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more!

[@rabvalentino9665]

Similar...

[@mr.bumble8400]

I can’t hear a lick of a difference between them

[@AcousticShoppe]

They both sound incredible😄 Thanks for watching. Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more!

[@ManchurianCounterweight]

Man, Martins just always sound like Martins. Such a distinct tone to the brand.