Which Value Priced Martin Guitar is Best? Martin 000-12E vs. 000-X2E

[@marks2791]

Thanks Chris! You are a treasure to guitarists everywhere

[@Jasper_Yay636]

My “Martinez” 000-X2, was pretty rough playing factory stock. On sale $429 year ago. When I compare it mentally to my acoustic I bought in Reynosa, Mexico circa 1979, it plays beautifully. Actually, some new strings, slight tweak on the truss rod, and she’s fine. I would like to polish the frets at some point.

[@dylanmorgan6053]

loool martinez thats hilarious

[@HayesTech]

For about $650.00 you can get an Alvarez MD60BG which has solid mahogany back and sides with solid Sitka spruce top. Or even a Recording King RD-318 with solid mahogany back and sides with solid Adirondack spruce top. Both guitars have dovetail neck to body joints with wood glue and not epoxy. I get it, these guitars in this video have Martin on the head stock, but they are not made in America, just like the 2 guitars I just mentioned. I have both the Alvarez MD60BG and a Recording King RD-328 ( solid rosewood back and sides, solid Adirondack spruce top [about $780.00]) and love their sound. I would never spend that much on a formica back and sides or laminated back inside guitar. Great video though, keep them coming.

[@jimbo4311]

You get it then. They aren't Martin.

[@HayesTech]

@@jimbo4311 I got both of them, the Recording King RD-328 and the Avarez MD60BG. And those guitars sound way better than the ones in this video ( in my opinion, and again, it's just my opinion and yours could be different). And the guitars in this video were not made here in Pa or even in the US. They are just like what Gibson is doing with Epiphone ( when you think about it). People can be mad at me for my opinions and that's ok. Again, "to each his own". Play what ever brand makes you happy and helps you too play guitar more.

[@HayesTech]

@@jimbo4311 Oh, and as I've said before, even though I love my guitars, I still want to get a Martin HD-28 or even the standard D-28. I love Martin guitars. But for those that can't afford the premium of a Martin, or a Gibson, don't overlook those brands I mentioned.

[@lowellcalavera6045]

❤

[@johnwashburn3793]

Yes, I agree with you. In this price range there are better options. I would gladly own either guitar you mentioned. I have two Alvarez and two Martin guitars. My last two, which I bought in the past year, were one of each. I also have other brands. I do typically play the Martins and an old Washburn Tanglewood cedar over rosewood. The Martins are Adirondack over mahogany.

[@JohnDoe-xr5is]

I have a 000-X with the richlite fingerboard. I think the fingerboard is fantastic. I had a K&K installed and it's my 'beater' gigging guitar. 90 degree outdoor gig? Possible rain? Playing next to a pool? Playing next to a spitting deepfryer? Flying beer? I use the X. A nicer gig in decent weather...I'll use my better guitar.

[@dangrather1280]

I really enjoy your videos. I know Martin, Taylor, Fender and Gibson are the big boys in guitar. A good chunk of the prices are based on the name, and I’m sure for good reason. It would be cool if you guys could do some more videos on not so well known names. For us poor guys.😂

[@manofthepeople2165]

Martin Taylor and Gibson are major american manufacturers. Their primary factories are all in America and ofc the labor in America is gonna cost more than China or Indonesia. If you want budget, just pick up any made in China guitar (including fender), they are all from the same factory. The brand name on the headstock doesn't mean anything, they are just licensing their name to the same Chinese factory.

[@SoupSkin]

Thanks, Chris. Based on this review I spent the extra dosh for the 00012e. and I love it. I was in the camp of laminate is laminate is laminate. Not anymore.

[@michaelyolch79]

THANK YOU for all the time and effort you put into this video. VERY helpful! :)

[@lhvent]

My DX1RAE has a great sound and feel. To my ear the HPL provides a nice vibration and sound. The fingerboard on my guitar is made from morado wood as is the bridge.

[@BrianMcCullarMusic]

I'd love to see a Martin D-10E Sapele vs D-15M video from you guys sometime! I think it could be fun to get an idea of the similarities and differences between such similar models.

[@richardharding9975]

I am a fairly new guitar player. For me, in the end it's how does the guitar sound compared to the price and the cost of something else that sounds similar. How the guitar is made doesn't matter to me. Good guitar companies know what they are doing I'll leave the building to them. Also availability is important for me being a left handed player. Martin is a company that has a wide range of lefty guitars available. Finding ooo body guitars that sound good for left handers is appreciated. Good review, thanks

[@careyolson3446]

I said "screw it" and learned to play right handed. I was still in the novice phase, so , it worked out. Being lefty in a righty world is quite the challenge.

[@happytrails1963]

Enjoy comparisons videos. Martin is so good. Looking for next guitar and wow there are so many choices!!

[@johnlord1399]

Chris, is there a reason you've stopped the song-by-song comparison from one model to another? It's easier to do an A/B comparison when you can hear the same song played back to back on different guitars, IMHO.

[@GustavoZizu]

The 12 has a much more fuller sound and a kind of a "omph" that the X misses, in my opinion. Correct if I'm wrong but seems like Martin sells the 12 as solid wood back and sides. It's virtually laminated, but the inner piece is a solid one, completely different from the "tradicional" laminated constructed ones, don't?

[@johnlord1399]

'Tis the season for entry-level guitar reviews for people considering buying a guitar for that aspiring or budding guitarist on their list.

[@josephbelcher2568]

I've only played D-28s which I loved. At this price level I think Yamaha or Epiphone might give me better bang for buck.

[@jerroldchampion6521]

Save money not buying the name, yeah

[@maryannkarlvalois7597]

Great, informative review!!! Could you please do a similar review of the Taylor 150e vs. Taylor 254ce???

[@hwnfrd]

I liked the sound of the X2e better, it's for me a more comfortable, pleasant to my ears sound. UPDATE: I liked the sound of the X2e so much that I bought one and I'm very pleased and happy with my purchase.😊

[@billyhuynh6554]

martin is a great guitar more then two centuries ,i am hopping to get one

[@peterwesselmann8551]

Yesterday I played the Martin 000x2, Art Lutherie Legacy, Yamaha and Sigma. Yes they all Sound different and maybe the Martin is not the best for every ear BUT: there ist no other which has the combination of a shorter scale (632 mm) with the wide fingerboard (44.5mm) which make it really lovely to Play. So, I think I will go with the Martin.

[@juliasmithoficial]

heyyy, what's up! I currently have a blueridge BR 63 with fishman matrix infinity pickups and I plan to sell it and buy the Martin 000-X2E X Series and some other pickup...I'm a JM fan and would like to know if this is the best choice for the budget from Martin and also which pickup I should get with it! thank you so much!

[@jonjurgens7412]

I just can’t seem to find the comparison I want. I’m looking at similar priced guitars in a specific budget. My dream guitar that will come one day is the 0-18. Until then, I’m looking at the 000jr-10 vs an x2e, haven’t really decided on size. I’d love for any input from people with experience with these guitars.

[@nataszeon]

What are your thoughts on the Martin 000-12E compared to the Martin 000 Road Special, which is actually all solid wood and more affordable? A friend is looking to step up, and both are pretty close price wise. Beyond the aesthetics and the scallop bracing, it seems like the Road Special may be a better overall guitar in terms of value and maybe even sound. Just wondering. 🤓

[@jimmerritt1171]

I played both at GC, I was disappointed with the koa-lam model and was surprised with deeper, woodier solid sapele tones (and $300 less!). But the "Special" is 1 11/16" nut, me no can do. I think there are a lot of variances in this series which requires playing several to weed out the duds.

[@HarryNicNicholas]

firstly, it's all very subjective, testing out a guitar in a shop is completely different to playing it at home, or even more so playing at gigs. then you have weather, and then you have strings. and finally your own hands. i play fingerstyle acoustics and my nails grow really quickly, so they tend to be longish, and they are hard as iron, so all my guitars sounds very similar (i have recordings on my own channel). okay, that's that out of the way. my line up of guitars is: 2014 maton EGB808TE 2012 larrivee OMO3Z 2016 gibson j35 1966 gibson j45 1969 epiphone texan 2004 martin OOOX1 2016 martin OOOX1AE i've had the j45 since the 70's and it's my yardstick, but i got the OOOX1 (usa) a few years back and i think it's the best guitar in the world, it really blows me away when it has new strings on. i got the OOOX1AE to see if it was similar, to see if the usa model was unique, and it is. they are both really great guitars, but the usa model sounds a lot better than the newer model. whatever is causing the difference, as i say it's all very subjective, every guitar has it's own characteristics, neck shape, body feel, resonance. you can hear a lot of the guitars i've owned compared on my channel, i've had about 60 over the years.

[@juzzie]

Outstanding review Chris .. awesome comparison. Won’t put one of these on my shopping list. Martins marketing dept are in full overdrive here!

[@juzzie]

Also could barely hear any difference in tone…

[@kevincrouch3956]

Agree completely, I like and own Martin's, but this is just ingenuous marketing spin...paying that much for a cheap guitar with a Martin logo. You can get yourself a quality handmade solid Eastman for the same price and a much better guitar.

[@IRequireMedication]

@@juzzie I heard a massive difference in tone

[@cooloutac]

​@kevincrouch3956 but those guitars have less bass and volime in comparison. most people don't care about the materials we are not collecting the Wood like jewelry. Speaking of suckers to marketing.....haha. ironic. Unlike the dreads he compared with dx2e beating out the D13 on volume snd bass. These guitars had little difference for twice the price lol. As a picker I prioritize bass and volume over muddy and muffled resonance. All wood maybe better for strummers. To each their own.

[@anthonyclegg1511]

Just got the x2e and it's a beautiful guitar ❤️🎸.

[@30smsuperstrat]

To me, the ritchlite is better matched to the stratobond necks. The reason is they're both resistant to movement. I've seen ritchlite on real would necks have problems with bubbling and separating when the guitar was humidity neglected. Real wood drying out or swelling while the ritchlite stayed the same didn't end well.

[@enonknives5449]

I was surprised how good the X2E sounded...until I heard the 12E. This is a case of getting what you pay for. Save up for the better guitar if you want "Martin" on the headstock.

[@cooloutac]

Sounded pretty similar to me

[@752brickie]

I have the 000-12E and I love it ! Though I have had to adjust the neck multile times where all my others I have never had to touch the necks !

[@texhaines9957]

Thanks Chris. I wonder how the 000-12e compares with a 000-18 VTS. Or maybe I ought not. Blueridge has a comparable model at less cost, unless you want to buy American/USA. Thanks Chris

[@artrogers3985]

Thanks Chris. I’ll go X2E. But I will need to play them. 🎸

[@patchepatche1264]

Hey chris, cooper and the internet. Does the whole road series feature the same bracing? I was wondering cause martins side and retailers websides tell diffrent things...

[@TVsBen]

This is very helpful. And for sure the 000-12E sounds better - brighter, bigger, just overall better. One other thing that might have been good to point out is what it sounds like plugged in. Presumably the 000-12E (with a Martin branded setup) has a nicer preamp and pickup configuration than the Fishman Presys VT in the cheaper one (which I know from experience sounds pretty terrible). If you're in a live situation, like playing at a church or whatnot, that can make a tremendous difference.

[@losttango]

He did say both guitars have the same pickup. Possibly the other electronics are different.....

[@eunkkonglife]

12:51 15:25 13:50 16:21 14:41 17:11

[@jsonjsoff]

Glad I scrolled before doing this myself 👍

[@thebunkerhillboys]

I love my ooo-12e but man that one you have in the video the back and sides pattern is beautiful!!! Wish mine had that but still is beautifully done!

[@gior87]

What microphone do you use for the guitars?

[@persiaguitar]

Can you please compare Martin D10E or similar with D28 or higher?

[@wilkbor]

Thank you for the video.

[@karlwetzel5466]

I just can't justify spending over $1,000 and not getting all solid wood. Yamaha will give you all solid wood, gloss finish, cream binding, and scalloped x bracing for about $400 (fg series). After a $75 setup, it's a hell of a guitar. As much as I'd love to tell people i play a Martin, i just can't make it make sense. Save the high price for the American made guitars, and give us solid wood and decent prices on the MIM ones.

[@randyo573]

Although I am a semi pro player, I didn’t detect a sufficient difference in the tone between those two instruments to make me want to spent the extra money for the “better” one. I do a lot of playing in country bars like the one in the Blues Bros movie which could use some chicken wire to protect the stage so I would opt for the sturdier instrument. Even if the instrument were to be harmed by an incident, I would feel less upset over the loss of a less expensive instrument than one of greater value. Now on the rare occasions where I play in a venue where the safety of my instrument is more assured, then I would opt for a “better” instrument but in that case it would be more likely to be something like a 00028 or similar quality guitar rather than one only slightly better than your comparison instrument.

[@loic9711]

Love the BB movie, that scene is crazy 🤣

[@mikeb792]

Excellent video.

[@HarryNicNicholas]

the HPL is tough, but the downside is, the OOOX1AE i have came with a hole in it, and it's not possible to do an invisible repair, there is no grain to soak up any colour when you patch things up and the HPL doesn't absorb colour well, so it's been a headache trying to cover up the edges of the hole where you would normally have wood grain, there is no grain. and obviously the grain pattern os printed, it doesn't run _through_ the thickness, so i have a perfectly smooth repair (the HPL was knocked out cleanly) but the edges are really hard to hide. and yes, it's heavy, it's the heaviest guitar i own. even the pure acoustic is heavier than anything else, i know not why. i disagree about resonance though, in fact mine is the best of about 60 guitars i've owned, and it makes me think that man made materials might be better than wood for guitars, considering the quality of some carbon fibre guitars out there.

[@philipsanders7694]

If it came with a hole in it surely you could send it back

[@IRequireMedication]

I just bought the OMC-X1E. The weight is in the neck, not so much the HPL body. Question for you; Have you changed the strings? I'm thinking of trying something a little brighter to bring out the mids and highs slightly more. I love the dark sound, it's part of the reason I purchased it, but I think it could benefit from a brighter string. Any thoughts?

[@cglass8277]

All my acoustic guitars have a big hole right in the middle of the body

[@al4116]

I love that the best guitar in the world is the one that you are playing, where did Chris get that? Thanks, ciao for now, Al. P.S. I love all Martin guitars, so it's hard to choose one!!!!!

[@macfawlty]

The 000-12e does have better voicing in the bass and midrange. The highs sound very similar. I have the 000x1ae and despite having like 20 acoustics… more than a half dozen Martins, equal number of Taylors (good ones), that HPL Martin is my go-to guitar around the house, taking out, festivals, campfire, etc. I truly love it, which makes no sense I know. Most small body guitars can’t handle a flatpick without overdriving, but the HPL somehow helps to balance it out and sound great. The rosewood 000-28 in contrast, does NOT take a flatpick. I like the richlite fretboard and haven’t had any issues with the neck although it seemed an odd construction. I might have to buy the 000-12e as well. Love the 000 size.

[@cooloutac]

It had a piercing ringing that was bothering me. I guess it's personal preference but I like more mellow bassy sound. I don't play a lot of lead lckst I just do a lot of basic strumming and mostly finger pick accompaniment songs. When I bought my dx1 I I had a budget of 2 Grand. I went to a dozen guitar shops all over New York City just wanted the best guitar I could get for my money. I opted for the dx1 $500. The only other guitar I like was a d-18 but was out of my price range. I like the dx1 better than a D-28. I believe that hpl gives loud booming thumping bass that solid wood can't give you. But spruce top is a must.

[@cooloutac]

The new d-18 sound even better than the old one even more bass now my friend that's what it's all about that bass. If you want clear Treble With the Wider resonating quiter low end get a Taylor. You got to remember the guy in this videos trying to make money. Take these sound test with a grain of salt. play them for yourself

[@MountieHoo1105]

So Martin "Fine Veneer" = Taylor "Layered", Both differentiated from Martin "HPL".

[@artrogers3985]

You’re comparing 2 Martins while wearing a Taylor shirt. Hmmm….

[@georgekatechis628]

whats the first song you play in the demo around 13 minutes

[@handybunny]

I actually prefer the sound and even the look of the 000-X2e. Am I nuts?

[@wojteknarczynski9502]

Can you tell which (sound) is which in a blind test?

[@sintasusi3753]

Martin 000x2e-01 or GS mini?

[@lloydhalog9128]

Take both hahaha I have both of the guitar and they have different tones. I played more in gs mini

[@johnwashburn3793]

So, I watched this again for no reason. Chris, I do enjoy your playing,even on these. They both sound bad to me, but my first guitar was solid wood and 50 years ago. My advice for a first guitar is,there are better options. Earn your Martin and get a real Martin. I have two Martin guitars, 2 Alvarez, 2 Harmony guitars, a Washburn (of course, 40 years old) an Ovation...just some of my acoustics. Earn your Martin. Don't drive a Mercedes to high school!

[@dvanolya]

Hey Chris, speaking of The Fretboard Confessional, you guys are overdue…last one was Oct. 28…c’mon, your fans are waiting!

[@AlamoMusic]

That could be partly my fault- I was out for a few weeks for my wedding/honeymoon! Chris has been ready to go. I’m back and we’re ready to get back on the podcast. - Cooper

[@religionoffreedom]

I went through a few different solid wood guitars, but I like my 000x2 better.

[@cooloutac]

The dx1 has Richlite too because it's more expensive?nah the x2e's are the only Martin models with katalox a Mexican Hardwood. In my opinion the Mexicans are showing their pride in following Martin secret tradition of making these guitars just s good sounding as guitars that are way more expensive. It's a successor to the original D1 and the original dx1. Its not about learning to take care of a guitar it's that people with the money to buy expensive guitars also have the money for the expensive maintenance and upkeep they're going to take. My dx1 never needed work done in 20 years still holds its tuning. You're expensive D-28s have probably been in the shop multiple times. But that's okay because if you can afford a D-28 you can afford the luthier you need to fix it on occassion lol. The average guy just want something that's loud and bassy and that's where that hpl with the spruce top comes in handy

[@loal2095]

Hello can someone tell me the title of the 3 songs he plays please?

[@sasquatchlife8836]

At this price point, go get an all solid Eastman, Yamaha, or Alvarez. I move Martin and their all solid series and up are hard to beat. But an all solid Eastman is 10x the guitar of these cheap Martin's. And some of my Eastmans are every bit as good as the all solid Martin's. Some of my Eastmans are in fact better. Again, I love Martin's. A good 15 series, HD-28, D-18, 000-18 are phenomenal. I'm just saying at this price point an all solid Eastman or those other brands simply are superior.

[@erniel7689]

I get your point and I was very tempted to go with the Eastman. In the end I picked the 000-12e because I chose to have my money go to Mexico rather than China. But it was a hard choice since the E6OM is equivalent to o a 000-18 which is my ideal guitar.

[@mcdee56]

HPL also stays in tune, generally.

[@duanerykhus9425]

Thank you

[@richardtaylor2361]

play them next to a yamaha fs sized similarly priced guitar. that would be more interesting

[@justinlouismusic]

I think the X guitar sounded a lot better but what do I know 🤷‍♂️

[@RandomChanel6150]

Do you even lift bro? :D

[@careyolson3446]

An XE series guitar is a great practice and camping guitar. There's value in being able to take a guitar anywhere except swimming or the shower, lol. Really.

[@timnewman1172]

HPL = Formica... think 1970's countertops.

[@Rizkicandra-x]

000-x2e 12:51 000-12e 15:23

[@charlottesimonin2551]

Resonance is the difference between in deed. Not in love with either one of them. The x2E isn't guitar enough sounding to make me select it over others withing a couple of hundred dollars. Resonance and sustain are what I have looked for in guitars.

[@olivier5866]

👌Martin 000-x2e 👍

[@1966neal]

I like the richer sound of the ooo-12e

[@RickFoxx777]

IMO, both of these guitars sound somewhat cheap and I am not a fan of using any form of laminate in acoustic guitars. Why pay so much for a laminate guitar (even though it is a Martin) when you can get an all solid wood guitar like a firefly Grand auditorium for around $200.00? They are not the greatest entry level guitar out there (though IMO, maybe the prettiest) but they are solid wood and well made. Honestly, I have played dozens of cheaper (under 1k) solid wood guitars that look, feel and sound better than these two guitars do. I just feel that many of the major brands out there today are depending exclusively on there long standing name to sell their Cheap or high end guitars and that, at a huge unwarranted premium price. However, for entry level guitarists this can be good thing, because right now we are seeing a big influx of quality (electric and acoustic) guitars coming out of China, Indonesia etc... Just my 2 cents worth. Peace.

[@the.communist]

The comparison should be back to back from whatever piece youre playing at a given time to be relevant

[@mercercraft7224]

The 000-12E sounds markedly better.

[@daggad02]

If ypu want a Martin then save the cash for a real Martin. But try before you buy, some are awesome some are just meh.. In this price range look elsewere. Yamaha, Recording King etc.

[@timnewman1172]

For the money, the 000 15m is still a bargain...

[@justacoustic-qn3kj]

Why do there always do a demo with a mic why not just play it raw so you can get the true sound .

[@AllSpace]

aesthetics

[@wojteknarczynski9502]

Please weigh them

[@dsrouillard]

The Mexicans made guitars before the US guitar makers

[@ComicKish]

X series guitar trash 🗑️ and when u buy it at guitar center they don't give u a bag just so u can buy a case

[@philipsanders7694]

Well what a dillema, plastic or double the price for plywood, Nah I'll just stick to my Epihone inspired by Gibson solid wood construction fo roughly the same price

[@mklnm]

Cheap Taylor and Martin models are no better than Yamaha, Gild and Takamine.. You buy a Formica guitar and a Martin emblem for $600..

[@billyhuynh6554]

very cheap to get martin guitar for under 1000 dollars

[@juzzie]

It’s a Martin on the headstock only. Mexican made with a bunch of laminates and glue. The only thing that makes it a Martin is a decal on the headstock