It's a talking review about the guitar and not a performance. Sorry. You want to see live music or just watch people perform for free on the internet?
@johnhguitar first of all, this doesn't only concern you, so don't take it personally. Noticed I said "they". If you were to buy a guitar would you judged after its sound, versatility and playability, or its look and material?. Personally, I've found Takamine guitars the best. Nice playing by the way:)
@johnhguitar How are we supposed to understand the guitar's sound if all you do is describe it through words? youtube is saturated with enough pointless opinion videos.
I had one of these some years back, until some ******* broke into my place and stole it. It had a beautiful sound, and it smelled good. Had that great wood smell.
@van1980 I've played J-200s from just about every era including some ltd edition versions and have never played one that sounded good, all sounded flat and muddy with trash for mids-highs. Now don't get me wrong I have played some pretty horrible sounding Martins as well, but I have also played some incredible ones, including a 1942 Herringbone. Though in my opinion and the opinion of many many many others Gibson acoustics just aren't at the tonal quality for their price point, never have been
Hey John. Great Guitar! That thing sounds great. i just wanted to clarify the spruce top grading thing you touched on. Typically the highest grades of spruce will have a very tight grain in the center of the guitar and will gently widen as you move out. The color would be very uniform and consistent. Now as far as the player is concerned its only worth as much as it sounds to that particular person. Its really all just preference in sound unless you are a collector that doesnt actually play.
It wasn't made from scraps! it was because rosewood became rare the late sixties and they experimented and discovered that 3 piece backs sounded warmer. I got this info from the Martin book.
Beautiful guitar guitar, a work of art. I've decided on a Martin, now just which one? LOL Christian Praise music & Blues but I'd love to play it like Nancy Wilson does her Martin.
When playing a Martin cutaway style guitar does the cutaway take away from the full sound that the dreadnaught has. Dread cutaway vs Dreadnaught D-28 for example?
I don't really play onstage but do like to noodle on the upper frets a lot. Like when playing my electrics. But having the electronics in the guitar for the future is a nice solution too.
John, What do you think about their new line of Performing Artist Series of Acoustic/Electric guitars? I like the cutaway to get to the upper frets and the P. A. series has a neck that makes an easier transition for a player used to playing an elec. guitar. I welcome all opinions. Thanks. Happy Easter to All.
Anything Martin is usually good. We have these new models in our store and they meet a certain need for a player that HAS to amplify his guitar. However, I love the full Martin sound of their dreadnoughts; D28, D35, etc.
THE THREE PIECE BACK WAS INVENTED BY LEO FENDER - WHO KNEW THE MIDS, HIGHS, AND LOWS WERE ENHANCED BY A ONE PIECE BACK - SO HE MADE A THREE PIECE, FOUR PIECE, AND THREE THOUSAND PIECE BACK SO ACOUSTICS WOULD SOUND SHITTY AND NOT BITE INTO HIS ELECTRIC GUITAR SELLS. LEO FENDER STARTED THE MARTIN COMPANY IN 1928 - THUS THE D-28. HE SOLD MARTIN GUITAR CO. TO TED TURNER IN 1966 FOR A BUCKET OF KFC. GUITAR HISTORY IS GREAT - I LOVE IT. STELLA GUITARS ARE BEST!
The first D35 was made in 1965 because Brazil was banning the sale of larger Rosewood logs and wanted them milled in their local lumber mills. Martin refused and came up with the 3 piece back to use smaller width boards then 2 piece backs used.
If you go to MelodeeMusic in Leesburg VA, don't believe anything he says. He'll say whatever will get you buy inventory that isn't moving if he thinks he can fool you. I have short fingers & he convinced me that a wider neck is easier to play with short fingers & I spent 2 hrs there & ended up spending over a grand on a Martin that has the widest neck they make.
I wanna give you a thumbs up for a comment you made during the review.. "they don't have a lot of competition.". Beautiful guitar buddy. Keep it humidified!
well, I heard all the stories about 3 piece, this and that, and you people fighting over it, and who gives a shit. I have an 86' D-35. I love it. It has aged so beautifully. Its a carmel color now and sounds like angels singing. I have 9 guitars and that is my favorite.
In the 1960’s Brazil placed an embargo on Brazilian rosewood logs that Martin required. Their purpose was to attract industry to Brazil by demanding that the logs be sawn in Brazilian mills. This was unsatisfactory, and Martin changed to similar product, East Indian rosewood from India. In addition to the embargo, there was another basic problem in acquiring Brazilian rosewood.
Actually you're wrong, coming from someone who has a house full of Martins and has been playing 45 years. In the 60's Martin used Brazilian scraps for the center pieces of the earlierst D-35 and HD-35's, as Brazilian became endangered that practice stopped.
The tone from the 35's comes from the 1/4" braces, the only Martin dreads that use 1/4" braces (scalloped 1/4" braces on the HD-35). Otherwise the 3 piece back is cosmetic. Do your research!
I said that's what someone told me so sorry if they're/we're wrong. I don't read every little tidbit about guitars but I do enjoy playing them. Why do the research when there's people like you out there to inform everyone? i whole idea here is to get people involved. It's worked, brought you out to chat a little. Now we all know about it and what you think of me which isn't much.
I think the 3-piece back D 35 compared to the 2-piece back D 28 isn't that much different. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to make 3-piece back with materials that don't lend themselves to the 2-piece? Holy shit! Now you got me talking mack!
@elvicars Actually, if you read the Martin history books, the reason WAS to use the smaller scraps of wood. People do agree with you that the three-piece backs change the tone; others disagree. The difference in bracing between the D-28 and D-35 is more influential on the tone than the back.
Wood sings, breaths, and expresses itself because it was once living and continues to move and expand organically after its death. It's a musical material and the better the wood the better the music. You should embrace a good instrument because it will take your playing to new levels.
The best sign of good spruce is cross silking between the lines. Ideally the lines should be tight and straight but it is just as important that the timber has been cut right. On well cut spruce there should be blurry waves and patches across the surface. This is a sign the wood has been cut at 90 degrees to the ring marks
In 1965, Martin developed the three piece back due to a shortage of rosewood wide enough to make the two piece back on Dreadnought guitars. The outside sections were matched, then complimented with a contrasting center wedge.
John, I bought my D35 at Manny's in New York City back in the 1970's and I was told that the pieces for the 3 piece back were selected individually to enhance to sound in 3 different ranges. Bass, mid tone and trebble. This was based mostly on grain spacing. Any truth to this?
@Natoliskip None. Manny's salespeople were known for fabricating whatever BS to get the sale. Picking three pieces for their tonal properties is abs. baloney. Look at 1/2 doz. 3-piece Martins... no rhyme or reason to the grain placement - wide grain in the middle on one... tight grain in the middle on another... they don't even bother to color-match. Truth -they lacked wide enough pieces for a 2-piece back, and the 3-piece pattern solved the problem plus became a 'trademark'. Win-Win.
The center peice on the 3 peice back is Brazillian. Brazillian isnt nesisarily more figured. If you look at old Brazillian Martins, they have as straight a grain as Indian. The reason most of the Brazillian you see today is so highly figured is that it is so hard to find that makers have to settle for whatever they can get their hands on. The straighter grain the wood has generaly means you can get the most out of the sound of the wood because sound travels better along a straight grain.
@humpermikle Everybody has their own prefrences, but I think Elixer Nanowebs are the best overall strings you can get. They have great tone and last at least 5 times as long as uncoated strings. If you like uncoated, try some Red Brand. They sound better than Elixers, but they just dont last.
@moucon for me anyway. i can usualy get about 2 weeks TOPS out of a set of uncoated strings, if that much before they sound totaly dead. I usually change the Elixers at about 2 months, and even then they dont sound totaly dead.
I bought a new D-35 in 1974 in Philadelphia for $550.00 with money I received from uncle Sam for my military service. Three years later I sold it for $350.00 ... for food. When I later acquired a D-18, I concluded that the D-18 sounded better. The D-35 I had never really blew me away. I probably just have cheap ears.
@markbethunemusic FUCK YOU MAN!!talk about my mom like that again and i swear to God i'm going to kill you!i'm not a rich guy like you who can afford something like this!!
My late Brother In Law had a Martin 12 String. It was the best sounding guitar Ive EVER heard. If I win the lottery, I will own one. The only way I can describe it is IM GOING HOME. It feels right.
Why post a comment stating 'Taylors are way effing better'?! Martins are class, Taylors are class. There are players on here making Hello Kitty guitars sound phenomenol! Ultimately the player determines what is produced. I for one would love to have such a lovely guitar, and indeed be able to play as well as this chap. Superb.
The reason for the 3 piece back had nothing to do with scraps of wood. Martin switched to 3 piece backs to save wood, especially the rare Brazillian Rosewood.
I say this on nearly every single video about Martin's, but my god what craftsmanship. There is nothing, I repeat, NOTHING like a Martin guitar. I've been a proud owner for 5 years now and I will never use any other brand (unless I win Powerball in which case I could buy tons of instruments).
Martin has no competition? Hmm...where have you been for the past 30 years? I have a Larrivee D-50 that puts most Martin Dreads to shame for about half the price...
If you can't evoke a strong tone from your acoustic playing...you're probably not going to be able to evaluate guitars well. Bright and sparkley IS good....if you're a "player", you can always tone it down with your touch...but you can't EVER add it back if the guitar lacks it. Plus, dark or bassy guitars...sound great when you're right on top of them....but put a little distance between you and the listener and it becomes muddy fast. (highs don't travel far) Bright records better as well. IMHO
Also, low action = lower volume, more fret noise and poor tone. Lighter strings = less volume, more noise BUT a brighter sound. Which is usually good for finger style....but not so much for a good, strong flatpicker. Beside your own ability and the guitar....your choice of string gauge and the type of pick you use will allow you to dial in the EQ of your guitar. These are probably the most important considerations for one getting the most out of their guitar...and the tone that they want. IMHO
Brazilian rosewood is NOT extinct. it is how ever considered endangered and is protected. and 1969 was the year that Martin switched to Indian rosewood.
Great review of the D35 Johnguitar...and enjoyed your commentary and playing.
I have just recently purchased a 1986 HD35
after playing guilds for years...i think the dreadnoughts sound quite similar...but martins have the extra Cudos and X bracing...which makes all the diffrence..if you play Harmonics they just go on for ever.
With an accoustic guitar, all that really matters to me is -
1. It has 14 frets b4 the body
2. The string action is consistently low to the fretboard.
3. It is made of wood.
4. It has a quality set of bright sounding strings fitted.
As for paying an extra £1800, and expecting it to sound so utterly worth the price, I'd expect a guitar to make my breakfast, wash my car, wash and iron my clothes, and stack the dishwasher for £1800 - as some Martins cost!
i dont agree, there is a big difference you do get what you pay for,, and the cheaper guitars are not made of wood.. so unless you buy top end guitars your guitar wont be wood...
you can buy some really good cheaper guitars,,, crafters, and takemines are excelent i own a martin D 28 and i still love the takamines..
cheaper guitars dont sound better with age, they dont gain price with age, they dont play as good or as easy, they dont sound as good.. you pay for qwuality and craftsmanship
I paid £1295 for a 000-28 3 years ago. Sold it after 6 months, disappointing tone and feel. I have been spoiled by a 1970s Levin, hand made in every detail. Quality of build and the tonewoods do make a difference. My Levin is Brazilian rosewood back and sides and sitka spruce top, solid wood, no laminates. I bought it in 1984 and it sounds better now than it did then. A solid wood guitar improves with age like a fine wine.
@jimbot1977 Affordable to all? You can pay $99 or $9,999 for an acoustic guitar. Martin makes a wide range of instruments, none are low-end and the top-end are spectacular examples of craftsmanship. I think they're priced very fairly for what you get. PROFIT is what keeps companies in business, NOT your peace, love and "give music to all, man" drivel. A company has NO responsibility to keep "music affordable to all" . You want cheap? Make a cigar box guitar.
One at £500 is barely distinguishable from one at £1900, besides the extra months pay packet needed to buy it!I prefer to buy good guitars at car boot sales for £20. And maintain the ability to pay for food over the next year by saving the surplus £1800!Randy Hansen (jimi hendrix tribute act) doess the same. He rescues nice guitars from boot sales and pays like $20! If theyre good enough for randy, they'll do me!Martin guitars are way too expensive for me
the £500 martin sounds and plays nothing like a genuine martin, the £500 martin is made out of fake wood.. and its made specifically for peeople that want a marting that cant afford one... it is nothing like the real thing..
A D28 is a songwriter-performing artist stage guitar...like Joni Mitchell's. The D35 is a road tour guitar, like the 3 used by the Eagles. The harder you play it, the better it will sound. I've had one 28 years aside of the Les Paul Custom. Both are the very best you can get. A used D35 can be had for under $1800 at Bluegrass Festivals.
yep thats why i own a D 28 best acoustic guitar ever.. can be played in many styles, and certainly is the best for singer songwriters because of it... plays like a dream..
My blueridge br160 MADE IN CHINA!!>> Will wipe up the floor with that WAY overpriced..ALL name and no bark rip off.. Ive have all the martins... d28 d35 d28v d16r d18 dm d15 d1 drgt ooom clapton...Blueridge are better instruments hands down...
D-35 was introduced in 1965 and the three piece back was the result of shortages in Brazilian rosewood; pieces too small to make one side of the two-piece back could be utilized to make the smaller pieces in the three-piece back. I've owned several Martins and I disagree with your assessment of tonal variations.....35s nearly always have more bottom end than 28s and lack the mid-range punch of a 28 that cuts through in a jam.
Wider grain variations on higher-end guitars is probably due to them using Red Spruce (also known as Adirondack Spruce). That's the tone wood used on the older Martins and a few select newer models. A lot of guitar makers like Collings, Bourgeois, Huss & Dalton etc... use Adi on the tops.
I have an old 35 and a Collings D1. My Martin spends a lot of time in the case these days.
Roy Clark's book of Folk Favorites. These guitar styles are covered in the beginning of that method book. Get a teacher and have a couple of lessons using that book...John
I just got my D18 for Xmas & I'd have to agree with you. I always wanted a D28. It was my lifelong wish. So I go to the store & try the D28, the HD28, the D16 & the D18. And come home with the D18! This is the mellowest, prettiest sounding guitar, very woodsy & soft - love it! I have an old Framus 12 string that is 45 years old, so if I need bright, I have it with that instrument. But the Martin is just an absolute peach!
I just wish it had the piezo, so I could play it on stage. I put Dean Markley pick up in the middle of the hole but it souds like a jazzy semi hollow and i get a lot of buzz, but still an intreresting sound...
I never used an add on pickup when we had the band - I was just miced. But that worked for the kind of stuff we did. I debated on getting a guitar with a built in pickup but since I don't plan on being on stage anymore, I just kept the guitar clean of anything.
hey i was wondering if you can tell me whats the best acoustic guitar for a budget of less than 200
DAVIDTV101 2 months ago
Nice guitar! Check out my review of the guitars I have. They are lower end guitars but good lower end ones I picked up!
meyster89 2 months ago
HOLY CRAP THAT LOOKS LIKE MY FREAKIN SIGMA DR-7
EBB47 3 months ago
Hi John- thanks for video and review...bought one today!! sounds like a dream
basinc1 3 months ago
why do they always talk so much?
TrappedInABikini 5 months ago
It's a talking review about the guitar and not a performance. Sorry. You want to see live music or just watch people perform for free on the internet?
johnhguitar 5 months ago 4
@johnhguitar first of all, this doesn't only concern you, so don't take it personally. Noticed I said "they". If you were to buy a guitar would you judged after its sound, versatility and playability, or its look and material?. Personally, I've found Takamine guitars the best. Nice playing by the way:)
TrappedInABikini 5 months ago
@johnhguitar How are we supposed to understand the guitar's sound if all you do is describe it through words? youtube is saturated with enough pointless opinion videos.
Nosajjao 3 months ago
john loves binding!!
PopExpo 6 months ago
I had one of these some years back, until some ******* broke into my place and stole it. It had a beautiful sound, and it smelled good. Had that great wood smell.
wojack1000 7 months ago
IF you had to pick between a Gibson J-200 and this...what would you go for?
van1980 7 months ago
No way to compare. I'd have to have both.
johnhguitar 7 months ago 2
@van1980 I've played J-200s from just about every era including some ltd edition versions and have never played one that sounded good, all sounded flat and muddy with trash for mids-highs. Now don't get me wrong I have played some pretty horrible sounding Martins as well, but I have also played some incredible ones, including a 1942 Herringbone. Though in my opinion and the opinion of many many many others Gibson acoustics just aren't at the tonal quality for their price point, never have been
shivarudra 7 months ago
@van1980 there is alot of price difference there mind mate lol
TheUKTECH 7 months ago
What song do you play?
duelistxistenz 7 months ago
This just a standard chord jumble.
johnhguitar 7 months ago
Hey John. Great Guitar! That thing sounds great. i just wanted to clarify the spruce top grading thing you touched on. Typically the highest grades of spruce will have a very tight grain in the center of the guitar and will gently widen as you move out. The color would be very uniform and consistent. Now as far as the player is concerned its only worth as much as it sounds to that particular person. Its really all just preference in sound unless you are a collector that doesnt actually play.
clueworm82 8 months ago
bobby mackey is making me buy this
Phazeblaster1 8 months ago
It wasn't made from scraps! it was because rosewood became rare the late sixties and they experimented and discovered that 3 piece backs sounded warmer. I got this info from the Martin book.
jimmypinch 8 months ago
Beautiful guitar guitar, a work of art. I've decided on a Martin, now just which one? LOL Christian Praise music & Blues but I'd love to play it like Nancy Wilson does her Martin.
hawg427 9 months ago
When playing a Martin cutaway style guitar does the cutaway take away from the full sound that the dreadnaught has. Dread cutaway vs Dreadnaught D-28 for example?
I don't really play onstage but do like to noodle on the upper frets a lot. Like when playing my electrics. But having the electronics in the guitar for the future is a nice solution too.
hawg427 9 months ago
John, What do you think about their new line of Performing Artist Series of Acoustic/Electric guitars? I like the cutaway to get to the upper frets and the P. A. series has a neck that makes an easier transition for a player used to playing an elec. guitar. I welcome all opinions. Thanks. Happy Easter to All.
hawg427 9 months ago
Anything Martin is usually good. We have these new models in our store and they meet a certain need for a player that HAS to amplify his guitar. However, I love the full Martin sound of their dreadnoughts; D28, D35, etc.
Thanks
johnhguitar 9 months ago
I like the D-35 but this one is really way too strong in the bass, lacking balance. Sounds quite very muffled, sorry.
AussieEuro 9 months ago
THE THREE PIECE BACK WAS INVENTED BY LEO FENDER - WHO KNEW THE MIDS, HIGHS, AND LOWS WERE ENHANCED BY A ONE PIECE BACK - SO HE MADE A THREE PIECE, FOUR PIECE, AND THREE THOUSAND PIECE BACK SO ACOUSTICS WOULD SOUND SHITTY AND NOT BITE INTO HIS ELECTRIC GUITAR SELLS. LEO FENDER STARTED THE MARTIN COMPANY IN 1928 - THUS THE D-28. HE SOLD MARTIN GUITAR CO. TO TED TURNER IN 1966 FOR A BUCKET OF KFC. GUITAR HISTORY IS GREAT - I LOVE IT. STELLA GUITARS ARE BEST!
jehovahuponyou 9 months ago
The first D35 was made in 1965 because Brazil was banning the sale of larger Rosewood logs and wanted them milled in their local lumber mills. Martin refused and came up with the 3 piece back to use smaller width boards then 2 piece backs used.
popoaggie 10 months ago
i wish women had volume knobs. or even tone
davidwaters69 10 months ago
If you go to MelodeeMusic in Leesburg VA, don't believe anything he says. He'll say whatever will get you buy inventory that isn't moving if he thinks he can fool you. I have short fingers & he convinced me that a wider neck is easier to play with short fingers & I spent 2 hrs there & ended up spending over a grand on a Martin that has the widest neck they make.
UtzChips2009 10 months ago
I think we should have forests designated only for guitar building.
Why not in Brazil?
MusicMan20061210 11 months ago
I wanna give you a thumbs up for a comment you made during the review.. "they don't have a lot of competition.". Beautiful guitar buddy. Keep it humidified!
RedLedZep 11 months ago
In my opinion, Martins, Ibanez, Gibson, and Taylors are the best damn guitars in the world!
Duderz27 11 months ago
Have to tried the D-45V? I've been hearing fantastic things about it but I haven't had a chance to try it out.
dayingyang0 1 year ago
i like a d 35 with light strings
runingblackbear 1 year ago
Try an sit still listening to that jam!
chubawoodz 1 year ago
how much did this guitar cost you? if you dont mind me asking.
caveman2015 1 year ago
$1600 then I spent $600 having it rebuilt.
johnhguitar 1 year ago
@johnhguitar ah well it looks absolutely gorgeous
caveman2015 1 year ago
I've never been too keen on the Martin sound. Too twangy for my liking. Nonetheless, nice review.
bottomfeeder73 1 year ago
damn that D-35 sounds amazing! i want one.
PopExpo 1 year ago
Comment removed
davidstep1956 1 year ago
i have alway's rated guild guitars from the 70's as highly as martin at a fraction of the price,but that's just my opinion
hanghang71 1 year ago
i have a custom 1971 version of this guitar; its fantastic
getOFFmyMILK 1 year ago
fuck you
back2thefutre 1 year ago
@back2thefutre
In my butt.
Broyale26 1 year ago
@Broyale26 what what in the butt
back2thefutre 1 year ago
Do you use green for your background if you do what program and the prize
TheExplodingPumpkin 1 year ago
Martin is my new dream acoustic, i played my first one yesterday and it was great!, even tough country is not my thing.
FaWkInGsErIoUs 1 year ago
Martin is my new dream acoustic, i played my first one yesterday and it was great!, even tough country is not my
FaWkInGsErIoUs 1 year ago
Martin is my
FaWkInGsErIoUs 1 year ago
well, I heard all the stories about 3 piece, this and that, and you people fighting over it, and who gives a shit. I have an 86' D-35. I love it. It has aged so beautifully. Its a carmel color now and sounds like angels singing. I have 9 guitars and that is my favorite.
dponzi56 1 year ago
I listen to this regularly, I really enjoy the piece you play at the start.......its great!!
markwinfield 1 year ago
sounds good
Zeinishe 1 year ago
I love country music and your guitar!!
dog5244 1 year ago
that first lick was sick man. Good shit
teamhex 1 year ago
Comment removed
viceisthename 1 year ago
Comment removed
viceisthename 1 year ago
Make a video on how to play that intro in the beginning:)))
Em3rica4life 1 year ago
i hate country music but i love this video review
theamazingsupergirl 1 year ago
Thank you. I've tried to be simple and straight forward as if I'm talking to someone in a shop. Best wishes..........John
johnhguitar 1 year ago
What music you play.
junior55za 1 year ago
In the 1960’s Brazil placed an embargo on Brazilian rosewood logs that Martin required. Their purpose was to attract industry to Brazil by demanding that the logs be sawn in Brazilian mills. This was unsatisfactory, and Martin changed to similar product, East Indian rosewood from India. In addition to the embargo, there was another basic problem in acquiring Brazilian rosewood.
bscenefilms 1 year ago
One correction... The reason for the 3 piece back isn't to use the scraps or lack of available sized wood. LOL
The reason is TONE. 3 piece backs bring out the deeper tones which some people may like, many companies offer this option on their models.
Great video!
Thanks!
elvicars 1 year ago 4
A good cover up but that's not what I heard but who cares! Great guitar! I love it!
johnhguitar 1 year ago
@johnhguitar
Well it's both actually. What John said in the video was absolutely correct, and it also helps tone! : )
Freezeif 1 year ago
@elvicars
Actually you're wrong, coming from someone who has a house full of Martins and has been playing 45 years. In the 60's Martin used Brazilian scraps for the center pieces of the earlierst D-35 and HD-35's, as Brazilian became endangered that practice stopped.
The tone from the 35's comes from the 1/4" braces, the only Martin dreads that use 1/4" braces (scalloped 1/4" braces on the HD-35). Otherwise the 3 piece back is cosmetic. Do your research!
rmyAddison 1 year ago
I said that's what someone told me so sorry if they're/we're wrong. I don't read every little tidbit about guitars but I do enjoy playing them. Why do the research when there's people like you out there to inform everyone? i whole idea here is to get people involved. It's worked, brought you out to chat a little. Now we all know about it and what you think of me which isn't much.
johnhguitar 1 year ago
I think the 3-piece back D 35 compared to the 2-piece back D 28 isn't that much different. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to make 3-piece back with materials that don't lend themselves to the 2-piece? Holy shit! Now you got me talking mack!
johnhguitar 1 year ago
@elvicars Actually, if you read the Martin history books, the reason WAS to use the smaller scraps of wood. People do agree with you that the three-piece backs change the tone; others disagree. The difference in bracing between the D-28 and D-35 is more influential on the tone than the back.
everysinglenamesgone 1 year ago
@elvicars I do beleive your right but I thought it was brazilian rosewood or did he say the back is brazilian rosewood anyway great guitar
stodd32 11 months ago
@elvicars Originally the 3-piece back came about from having pieces too small for a 2-piece back. Great tone was a byproduct of that.
Guy9998 10 months ago
Wood sings, breaths, and expresses itself because it was once living and continues to move and expand organically after its death. It's a musical material and the better the wood the better the music. You should embrace a good instrument because it will take your playing to new levels.
brosephjames 1 year ago
4:07 You moved a lag and caused it to fart
Luvinhas 1 year ago
The best sign of good spruce is cross silking between the lines. Ideally the lines should be tight and straight but it is just as important that the timber has been cut right. On well cut spruce there should be blurry waves and patches across the surface. This is a sign the wood has been cut at 90 degrees to the ring marks
Voltara 1 year ago
In 1965, Martin developed the three piece back due to a shortage of rosewood wide enough to make the two piece back on Dreadnought guitars. The outside sections were matched, then complimented with a contrasting center wedge.
10speeder 1 year ago
machine heads?!
ilr111 1 year ago
im so glad i own 1
yeslinusyes 1 year ago
John, I bought my D35 at Manny's in New York City back in the 1970's and I was told that the pieces for the 3 piece back were selected individually to enhance to sound in 3 different ranges. Bass, mid tone and trebble. This was based mostly on grain spacing. Any truth to this?
Natoliskip 1 year ago
@Natoliskip Beats me. Keep asking people.....
johnhguitar 1 year ago
@Natoliskip None. Manny's salespeople were known for fabricating whatever BS to get the sale. Picking three pieces for their tonal properties is abs. baloney. Look at 1/2 doz. 3-piece Martins... no rhyme or reason to the grain placement - wide grain in the middle on one... tight grain in the middle on another... they don't even bother to color-match. Truth -they lacked wide enough pieces for a 2-piece back, and the 3-piece pattern solved the problem plus became a 'trademark'. Win-Win.
moucon 1 year ago
That is one beautiful sounding acoustic. I hope one day to own one. Just perfect. Thanks.
seekah1 1 year ago
The center peice on the 3 peice back is Brazillian. Brazillian isnt nesisarily more figured. If you look at old Brazillian Martins, they have as straight a grain as Indian. The reason most of the Brazillian you see today is so highly figured is that it is so hard to find that makers have to settle for whatever they can get their hands on. The straighter grain the wood has generaly means you can get the most out of the sound of the wood because sound travels better along a straight grain.
flatpikinguitar 1 year ago
what are the best type of strings to use
humpermikle 1 year ago
@humpermikle Everybody has their own prefrences, but I think Elixer Nanowebs are the best overall strings you can get. They have great tone and last at least 5 times as long as uncoated strings. If you like uncoated, try some Red Brand. They sound better than Elixers, but they just dont last.
flatpikinguitar 1 year ago
@flatpikinguitar FIVE times as long ? Really?
moucon 1 year ago
@moucon for me anyway. i can usualy get about 2 weeks TOPS out of a set of uncoated strings, if that much before they sound totaly dead. I usually change the Elixers at about 2 months, and even then they dont sound totaly dead.
flatpikinguitar 1 year ago
I love all your reviews! Seeing this just makes me want to keep at the guitar. Thanks man!
jimihendrixfan2008 1 year ago
What kind of strings are you using? And would changing strings make the sound deeper?
iSecksYou 1 year ago
is this bad boy for sale?
PinePicker87 1 year ago
@PinePicker87 My wife gave it to me for my 50th birthday so I don't think it would be a good idea to sell it. Sorry..........Thanks for askin'.
johnhguitar 1 year ago
@johnhguitar your wife? man, i need a gf
CarsonsGuitarLesson 1 year ago
sounds two twangy like steal. ew. i like the deep tone sound of acoustics
maddawgzzzz 1 year ago
@maddawgzzzz Im done with deep tones on acoustics, this doesnt sound that twangy really.
seekah1 1 year ago
Nice review! Your playing is better than your description.....play more, talk less? lol
sharpclay 1 year ago
Why are Martins so costly ?
kriscivilised 1 year ago
I bought a new D-35 in 1974 in Philadelphia for $550.00 with money I received from uncle Sam for my military service. Three years later I sold it for $350.00 ... for food. When I later acquired a D-18, I concluded that the D-18 sounded better. The D-35 I had never really blew me away. I probably just have cheap ears.
oldwhtman 1 year ago
My fave Martin is the D-18!
harrylook 1 year ago
It sounds like a guitar.
MusicMan20061210 1 year ago 17
I got a Martin.
It also sounds like a guitar.
markbethunemusic 1 year ago
@MusicMan20061210 very funny
roendm 1 year ago
@MusicMan20061210
What I mean is:The way a guitar should really sound like!
And of course,I wish I had one like that :-)
MusicMan20061210 1 year ago
@MusicMan20061210 good call.
MickeyMcFlarin 1 year ago
i want a martin acoustic guitar so bad but damn it's too expensive.
toyakz312 1 year ago
jjust do it.
just got a D35.
and play it every day
cameraperson 1 year ago
@cameraperson i wish i could get one but it's too expensive.
toyakz312 1 year ago
you're mom's expensive
markbethunemusic 1 year ago
@markbethunemusic FUCK YOU MAN!!talk about my mom like that again and i swear to God i'm going to kill you!i'm not a rich guy like you who can afford something like this!!
toyakz312 1 year ago
@toyakz312
My sincere apologies.
mbethune 1 year ago
its your mom's expensive. You're is another way of saying "you are". So what you said is you are mom's expensive. Just thought you should know.
maddawgzzzz 1 year ago
My late Brother In Law had a Martin 12 String. It was the best sounding guitar Ive EVER heard. If I win the lottery, I will own one. The only way I can describe it is IM GOING HOME. It feels right.
MrJohnnyrace 1 year ago
Why post a comment stating 'Taylors are way effing better'?! Martins are class, Taylors are class. There are players on here making Hello Kitty guitars sound phenomenol! Ultimately the player determines what is produced. I for one would love to have such a lovely guitar, and indeed be able to play as well as this chap. Superb.
markwinfield 1 year ago 2
Watch your tone when talking about Hello Kitty.
Got that?
markbethunemusic 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
taylors are WAY fucking better
ejdfamguyguitar 1 year ago
The reason for the 3 piece back had nothing to do with scraps of wood. Martin switched to 3 piece backs to save wood, especially the rare Brazillian Rosewood.
Fozzymaple 1 year ago
Nothing better than martin, the depth of the sound is amazing
gdeschenes1641 1 year ago 10
@gdeschenes1641 Pick up a Collings sometime. I've had both, and the Collings is a monster.
popoaggie 10 months ago
@popoaggie Collings only dream of being as good as a Martin. Collings copy Martin guitars and charge 2000-3000 more for a copy.
bluegrasssingingman 9 months ago
I love Martin, but i prefer the sound of Taylors
wolf69a 1 year ago
@wolf69a
Same :S Some people think I'm an idiot when I say it and say that Martins are better in every way, but there is just something about Taylors I love.
Seaannn1 1 year ago
I say this on nearly every single video about Martin's, but my god what craftsmanship. There is nothing, I repeat, NOTHING like a Martin guitar. I've been a proud owner for 5 years now and I will never use any other brand (unless I win Powerball in which case I could buy tons of instruments).
NeilFraudstrong 1 year ago
Martin has no competition? Hmm...where have you been for the past 30 years? I have a Larrivee D-50 that puts most Martin Dreads to shame for about half the price...
cohenj45 2 years ago
No competition, just imitation, including your Larrivee.
beaumaloe 1 year ago
Guild Guitars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
cbrown39xl 2 years ago
That D35 was made the same year mine was - it's SWEET and great for pickin'
coachlight21 2 years ago
That guitar looks and sounds beautifull.
sonicwind1018 2 years ago
sound good ! how much is it ? anyone know?
frankzy89 2 years ago
the martin d-35 ranges from about $2,000 to $4,000
sweetcyanide218 2 years ago
is there d35 with electronics or pickups?
AlphaCentauri00 1 year ago
@frankzy89 its about 2200
tdcollector 2 years ago
If you can't evoke a strong tone from your acoustic playing...you're probably not going to be able to evaluate guitars well. Bright and sparkley IS good....if you're a "player", you can always tone it down with your touch...but you can't EVER add it back if the guitar lacks it. Plus, dark or bassy guitars...sound great when you're right on top of them....but put a little distance between you and the listener and it becomes muddy fast. (highs don't travel far) Bright records better as well. IMHO
WarBeer 2 years ago
Also, low action = lower volume, more fret noise and poor tone. Lighter strings = less volume, more noise BUT a brighter sound. Which is usually good for finger style....but not so much for a good, strong flatpicker. Beside your own ability and the guitar....your choice of string gauge and the type of pick you use will allow you to dial in the EQ of your guitar. These are probably the most important considerations for one getting the most out of their guitar...and the tone that they want. IMHO
WarBeer 2 years ago
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bluegrasssingingman 2 years ago
Comment removed
bluegrasssingingman 2 years ago
what are the chords in the begining
daniel238850 2 years ago
G to C to G there's a D in there and an A somewhere.
There's some hammer-ons as well within the chord.
johnhguitar 2 years ago
sweet :D grover tuners my schecter has those
ExLxExMxExNxT 2 years ago
the d 35 tends tobe deeper and loud because of the 3-back
bluegrasssingingman 2 years ago
i cant wait to invest in one of these guitars! that guitar is an heirloom. i have one year left in school!!!!
lemaitrethemonk 2 years ago
Brazilian rosewood is NOT extinct. it is how ever considered endangered and is protected. and 1969 was the year that Martin switched to Indian rosewood.
Mrapplesos 2 years ago
Great review of the D35 Johnguitar...and enjoyed your commentary and playing.
I have just recently purchased a 1986 HD35
after playing guilds for years...i think the dreadnoughts sound quite similar...but martins have the extra Cudos and X bracing...which makes all the diffrence..if you play Harmonics they just go on for ever.
caquintet 2 years ago
i weird but I cringe at a 3 piece back
back2thefutre 2 years ago
Same rosewood and the same strength as a D28 so the 3 piece back shouldn't hurt the sound as long as you don't cringe at my guitar playing!
johnhguitar 2 years ago
Is it the video that makes it sound so high pitched?
goodoldjam 2 years ago
i got a martin 000X1 solid spruce top
its the best jack johnson plays this i think
cometfrenzy101 2 years ago
telecaster with no binding at the back , FAIL
felixrockss 2 years ago
id rather have more bass than bright thats just what i like
chicagochris1988 2 years ago 2
Wide grain means you get more bass response, and with tight grain you get more trebble responce. I preffer wide grain.
flatpikinguitar 2 years ago 3
it does sound good, but i dont think it justifies the price.
SUPERTOUCHOX2 2 years ago
This was the only gear review i ever saw that was genuinely interesting.
P0Psyckle 2 years ago
lol i know right
thebostonfan100 2 years ago
With an accoustic guitar, all that really matters to me is -
1. It has 14 frets b4 the body
2. The string action is consistently low to the fretboard.
3. It is made of wood.
4. It has a quality set of bright sounding strings fitted.
As for paying an extra £1800, and expecting it to sound so utterly worth the price, I'd expect a guitar to make my breakfast, wash my car, wash and iron my clothes, and stack the dishwasher for £1800 - as some Martins cost!
Music should be affordable to all....
jimbot1977 2 years ago 11
i dont agree, there is a big difference you do get what you pay for,, and the cheaper guitars are not made of wood.. so unless you buy top end guitars your guitar wont be wood...
you can buy some really good cheaper guitars,,, crafters, and takemines are excelent i own a martin D 28 and i still love the takamines..
cheaper guitars dont sound better with age, they dont gain price with age, they dont play as good or as easy, they dont sound as good.. you pay for qwuality and craftsmanship
quickmantan 2 years ago
I paid £1295 for a 000-28 3 years ago. Sold it after 6 months, disappointing tone and feel. I have been spoiled by a 1970s Levin, hand made in every detail. Quality of build and the tonewoods do make a difference. My Levin is Brazilian rosewood back and sides and sitka spruce top, solid wood, no laminates. I bought it in 1984 and it sounds better now than it did then. A solid wood guitar improves with age like a fine wine.
saffsgrandad 2 years ago
just like clothes, you pay to have the logo on!
ZeBigStrat 2 years ago
@jimbot1977 Affordable to all? You can pay $99 or $9,999 for an acoustic guitar. Martin makes a wide range of instruments, none are low-end and the top-end are spectacular examples of craftsmanship. I think they're priced very fairly for what you get. PROFIT is what keeps companies in business, NOT your peace, love and "give music to all, man" drivel. A company has NO responsibility to keep "music affordable to all" . You want cheap? Make a cigar box guitar.
moucon 1 year ago
@jimbot1977
It is, except, in different grades of quality.
Now excuse me, my Washburn's calling me for scrambled eggs and a bacon roll. Be back in a minute.
MultiParasite 1 year ago
Martin guitars are very expensive.
One at £500 is barely distinguishable from one at £1900, besides the extra months pay packet needed to buy it!I prefer to buy good guitars at car boot sales for £20. And maintain the ability to pay for food over the next year by saving the surplus £1800!Randy Hansen (jimi hendrix tribute act) doess the same. He rescues nice guitars from boot sales and pays like $20! If theyre good enough for randy, they'll do me!Martin guitars are way too expensive for me
jimbot1977 2 years ago
the £500 martin sounds and plays nothing like a genuine martin, the £500 martin is made out of fake wood.. and its made specifically for peeople that want a marting that cant afford one... it is nothing like the real thing..
quickmantan 2 years ago
ＮＩＣＥ ＳＯＵＮＤ！！
ＶＥＲＹ ＧＯＯＤ！！
simon217217 2 years ago
A D28 is a songwriter-performing artist stage guitar...like Joni Mitchell's. The D35 is a road tour guitar, like the 3 used by the Eagles. The harder you play it, the better it will sound. I've had one 28 years aside of the Les Paul Custom. Both are the very best you can get. A used D35 can be had for under $1800 at Bluegrass Festivals.
Backyard76 2 years ago
yep thats why i own a D 28 best acoustic guitar ever.. can be played in many styles, and certainly is the best for singer songwriters because of it... plays like a dream..
quickmantan 2 years ago
this one is pretty pricey
SstalkerS 2 years ago
Excellent, very high quality sound recording.
gmaildotcom 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
My blueridge br160 MADE IN CHINA!!>> Will wipe up the floor with that WAY overpriced..ALL name and no bark rip off.. Ive have all the martins... d28 d35 d28v d16r d18 dm d15 d1 drgt ooom clapton...Blueridge are better instruments hands down...
sitkatop 2 years ago
Well proves your not a very good player if dont think Martins are good!
kamikazimonk1987 2 years ago
hahaha....as if...keep on dreaming
GibsonLesPaul1319 2 years ago
D-35 was introduced in 1965 and the three piece back was the result of shortages in Brazilian rosewood; pieces too small to make one side of the two-piece back could be utilized to make the smaller pieces in the three-piece back. I've owned several Martins and I disagree with your assessment of tonal variations.....35s nearly always have more bottom end than 28s and lack the mid-range punch of a 28 that cuts through in a jam.
vibrasonic99 2 years ago
Wider grain variations on higher-end guitars is probably due to them using Red Spruce (also known as Adirondack Spruce). That's the tone wood used on the older Martins and a few select newer models. A lot of guitar makers like Collings, Bourgeois, Huss & Dalton etc... use Adi on the tops.
I have an old 35 and a Collings D1. My Martin spends a lot of time in the case these days.
vibrasonic99 2 years ago
this is so good!
piuv2 2 years ago
I dunno just how u get that sound ...lovely bass string melody , I hope you do a lesson on such styles
aryanc77 2 years ago
Roy Clark's book of Folk Favorites. These guitar styles are covered in the beginning of that method book. Get a teacher and have a couple of lessons using that book...John
johnhguitar 2 years ago
Thanks mate, I am looking at Martins. This will help me.
toolpool 3 years ago
are all these your guitars?
BandOnTheRun87 3 years ago
I own D18 for 17 years and nothing can beat it, very soft and bright sounding! I' ve played D35 and D28 but they sound too bassy to me!
Tubachin 3 years ago
I just got my D18 for Xmas & I'd have to agree with you. I always wanted a D28. It was my lifelong wish. So I go to the store & try the D28, the HD28, the D16 & the D18. And come home with the D18! This is the mellowest, prettiest sounding guitar, very woodsy & soft - love it! I have an old Framus 12 string that is 45 years old, so if I need bright, I have it with that instrument. But the Martin is just an absolute peach!
Gingerjake2 3 years ago
I just wish it had the piezo, so I could play it on stage. I put Dean Markley pick up in the middle of the hole but it souds like a jazzy semi hollow and i get a lot of buzz, but still an intreresting sound...
Tubachin 3 years ago
I never used an add on pickup when we had the band - I was just miced. But that worked for the kind of stuff we did. I debated on getting a guitar with a built in pickup but since I don't plan on being on stage anymore, I just kept the guitar clean of anything.
Gingerjake2 3 years ago
2:38 ding.
sorry . lol. i would hate to get a single ding on one that would suck.
treflipper 3 years ago
are all these guitars yours?
BandOnTheRun87 3 years ago
i think you replied to the wrong person.
treflipper 3 years ago
NO. But the Martin is..... 50th B-day gift from wife...Thanks..John