Guitar Comparison - Acoustic Fingerstyle - by Tonedr

[pierangelomugavero]

sounds great :)

[tonedr]

thanks so much for giving your time to listen!!!

all the best,

dale

[MatthewOTuama1]

The first collings sounds the melody clearer than the second for sure .. The Martin sounds full of energy but not as clear on the melody... But I think after listening to the Martin and returning to the start of the vid the first collings sounds a little empty.. Like when frequencies are pulled from a track... I think maybe the Martin needs total commitment as an instrument but the collings are a pick up and play instrument... Your playin is really nice and of course the tune is so beautiful..m

[tonedr]

great post and very appreciated! Sure is nice to hear your impression and thanks for taking your time to do so....your friend, dale.

[ultraroadmap]

Loved every guitar but based upon my headphones and Youtube, I felt like the OM sounded best with the C10 next followed by the Martin....it seemed that the Martin lacked a bit on the high end at the beginning but as you continued to play it seemed to improve...they ALL sounded great! By the way, you are a gift to guitarists of all levels with your tutorials and your contribution to the AGF forums...thanks for everything.

[tonedr]

thanks for giving your time to check this out and share your impressions!! So cool to learn what other plays like yourself hear or prefer! Your kind post is very appreciated sir....thanks for sharing music and i wish you all the best with your playing!!

dale

[welalanne]

Collings OM is my favorite. soft but articulate. too bad I don't have 3.5K to drop on a beautiful guitar like that. your playing is right on.

[tonedr]

great to hear your impression and i appreciate you going this a listen....hope all is good and all the best with your music!!

dale

[jcj2169]

Great comparison, and very nice playing! I haven't owned an acoustic for 20 years, but recently got the itch; went and played three different Collings today, and was blown away. Exceptional guitars!

[tonedr]

they really are special instruments built with a lot of attention to detail....if you ever add one to your lineup i'd love to hear about it.....thanks for your kind post!

your friend,

dale

[incite05]

I find the C-10 the most likeable followed by the Martin and the then the Koa. This is definitely a matter of personal taste, as all the gutiars are beauties, especially the way you play them. The Martin will improve greatly with age and playing. I have one from the late 40's which I love. My Koa is a young Hawaian and is very bright. I'm going to try to play it more to see if it becomes "mellow". Yours, Incite05

[tonedr]

great to hear your impressions....especially since you are so familiar with these tone woods! Sounds like you have some great guitars to play....thanks for your very kind words!

all the best,

dale

[carvetop01]

GREAT right hand. Can I borrow it for a while? To my ear the melody comes through better on the C-10. Then the OM and last the Martin.

In your case, it's always going to be the mechanic not the tool that makes the good music.

Cheers,

allen

[tonedr]

Allen thanks for your kind words & giving your time to do so - I really enjoy hearing your impressions!

all the best my friend,

dale

[tonedr]

sure appreciate you watching - all the best!

dale

[yeasaen]

Hi I think your CJ sounded the best but I guess its unwieldy for fingerstyle? I like the C10 best followed by the Martin. The Koa in the OM guitar brightens it too much imo. Thanks for all those great videos. I enjoyed trying out the hymns as well. For guitars I am also more into darker sounding ones for fs so my Goodall TROM adir/rose and SC german rose 000 and cedar rose Olson are the best for fingerstyle.

[tonedr]

thanks for watching the video and your response is greatly appreciated! I think i'm where you are with preferences. I don't like acoustics that sound too bright as well, in fact my OM koa now has a new owner.  Wow what a great collection you have! Congrats and i hope you are enjoying them all. I'm a former Olson owner, special guitars and special man!

best,

dale

[lindaandmerle]

My God! forget about comparing Guitars,,in your hands any guitar will sound great.

Also, let me thank you for your instructions on playing "Dust in the wind".

Thanks to you, it was no time at all before I had it completely down.

Outstanding!!!

[tonedr]

hello, thanks for your very kind post......greatly appreciated! I also say thanks for watching the video - i hope you enjoy playing DITW - what a classic, all the best with your music!

dale

[kaptenmax]

Great sounding guitars, do you still have all 3? Maybe its time to do another battle between them, 2 years is a long time for guitars opening up! I should get myself the 000-18ge to sweden before someone gets a cites regulation going on that mahogany...

[tonedr]

thanks for watching and you made a great suggestion - unfortunately i do not have all three guitars at this time. I appreciate your post and all the best with your music!

dale

[amesbear77]

I'd agree that the OM has the clearest sound. I really like how it sounds bright and cheerful with the music selection. After that I'd say the Martin and then the C-10. Perhaps a different tune would sound better on another guitar. Well played!

[tonedr]

thanks for your post and taking time to listen! I think you make a great point that different tunes and styles can bring out the best/worst in certain guitars. Thanks for your kind words, all the best,

dale

[dfizzle33]

Loved them all. The om was a sweet as anything I've ever heard, the martin was a close 2nd for me personally but that's a nice, dynamic collection you got there. Like I said all sounded great. And your fingers are magic. Lol

[tonedr]

i appreciate you taking time to listen and post! So great to hear what players hear and like and thanks for sharing - hope you are doing great - keep pickin!

dale

[StandardMeasurement]

OM Collings was the Best.. Clarity, Fullness, Balance.. every note was easy to hear and all blended together for a full/rich sound-lit on my ear like a feather... had more body than the other 2. Martin projected well but lacked the Collings balance- and fullness..it was punchier ..lacking in the Collings nice harmonics.

[tonedr]

thanks for taking your time to listen and i enjoyed hearing your preferences! Hope all is good,

dale

[Editorangelo]

Martin The Best followed by the C10 and last the OM

[tonedr]

Great to hear your impressions!! Thanks for watching,

dale

[frankhond]

Wow. Great comparison and lovely played. I think I enjoyed the martin the least, it had the "hardest and densest" sound and this tune seems to want something sweeter and clearer. The C-10 gets my vote here :-)

[tonedr]

hello, thanks for taking your time to listen and post your impressions - great to hear from you, your friend,

dale

[vonbrach]

That is a Fleetwood Mac song.

[tonedr]

indeed - thanks for watching!

dale

[greasehand59]

enjoyed each guitar because each brought it's own sound to the tune.thats why you play them before you buy them.enjoy your playing your outlook on playing and your lessons.anyone out there you can play like this practice,practice,practice.lat­er.must getback to practice.going to pickup new strat tomorrow very excited.

[tonedr]

thanks for your kind post and taking your time to watch! I hope you love your new strat - all the best with your music!

dale

[DarryllorMichael]

Really appreciate your comparison vids and all three sound great. Enjoy watching and listening to you play. When you're not thinking about it, which guitar do you pick up first?

[tonedr]

usually the OM - it is just so comfortable and the neck for me is perfect. Thanks for watching - hope all is good!

dale

[MRBABAR]

You play fantastic. You've inspired me to learn this tune. I would have to say that overall the 000-18GE was superior to the other two instruments.

[tonedr]

Sure appreciate you watching & I enjoyed hearing you preference in guitars - all the best!

dale

[JABALABADINGDONG123]

dude can i get some tabs for this song?

[tonedr]

sorry but i can't provide tab - again sure appreciate you watching!

dale

[JABALABADINGDONG123]

the martin 000 18G was the best nice playing... i wish i could learn something like this

[tonedr]

great guitar for sure - thanks for watching!

dale

[xdivinebladex]

definitely liked the koa collings the best. but the martin was a close second

[tonedr]

sure appreciate you watching and great to hear your feedback - hope all is good!

dale

[PlasmaRelay]

Excellent playing!

[tonedr]

really appreciate you watching and thanks for the kind words! All the best,

dale

[mitscan]

Shockingly, I think I prefer the martin out of the 3. All sound excellent, though, and i found the Koa growing on me as I listed and relistened. How are you recording these? That obviously make s a difference. Nice job. And nice zxes. In my next life, i'm gionna do what you do, so I can have some beautiful geetars, too!

[tonedr]

hello, really appreciate you taking time to listen and share your thoughts! I recorded the video with the internal mic on my DVR. Hope all is well,

dale

[FR9090]

Hi I have been looking for a small bodied guitar and appreciate your video's. I must say that the Martin has a more focused sound to me. The notes just pop on both styles of playing.

[tonedr]

i appreciate you watching and i hope the video helped a bit....all the best!

dale

[2007rockbl]

Hi Dale,

After listening twice, I think I like the Collings OM best -- brighter, prettier, more complex, musical sound. Its a toss up for #2: the C-10 seems a bit muted and dark, but the Martin seems just slightly one-dimensional compared to the two Collings. Now I'd like to hear the OM vs. your Collings CJ Koa.

Thanks for the comments we exchanged regarding your guitars -- I appreciate your thoughts!

Chris

[tonedr]

hello Chris, hope this finds you well! Thanks for taking time to give this a listen....i sure enjoying hearing your feedback! Saddly the CJ is no longer in my care, it was a great guitar and helped me to bring the CLJ home, i do miss it!

best,

dale

[pachacamacs]

Three wonderful guitars ! Collings OM : bright and airy. Collings C-10 : warm and deep. Martin : smooth and balanced with lots of presence - my favorite !

[tonedr]

very good descriptions! Thanks so much for watching,

dale

[performer55]

Congrats for your so good playing and those beautiful pieces !!! IMHO, the Collings OM sitka/koa wins by far hands down. no question. I just love that sound ! I own a Martin OM-45GE along with an OM-28GE and D-41 custom Adi/braz. I had a Collings D1 : stupid me : I sold it ! But I'll probably buy a Collings OM in a near future. believe me, your Collings in koa sounds like heaven and I know what sound means... But the player has to do a lot with it. Once gain, congrats, BRAVO ! (Arnaud, France)

[tonedr]

a lot of people have responded to the OM as well. Sounds like you have some KILLER guitars!! I really appreciate you reflections and thanks so much for taking time to watch and comment! All the best,

dale

[Philly5834]

Definitely the Collings Om. But I loved all the pieces! Great playing.

[tonedr]

thanks for sharing your impressions and the kind words - all the best!

dale

[loveguitarz]

My favorite was the Collings OM, hands down! But admittedly, I am partial to OM guitars. I love the bright sound of the Koa. Second favorite was the Martin. In third, and last, place I would have to put the Collings C-10. The sound was just a bit too dark for such a happy tune. But great job on all three, Dale. Always a pleasure listening.

[tonedr]

i really appreciate you watching and sharing your feedback - the OM is so comfortable to play i really like them as well. Hope you are doing well and thanks again,

dale

[littlechick73]

My favorite is the C-10. I'm partial to the warmer tone as opposed to the Koa, which is very bright. The Martin is a close 2nd for me.

[tonedr]

it has been real interesting to hear the feedback from players like yourself! Many people have liked the darker tone of C-10 and many like the brighter tone of koa - i'm like you - my ear usually likes the warmer/darker tone - sure appreciate your feedback!

dale

[Steve22322]

Well all 3 of them sound great but i cant make up my mind weather i like the C10 or the Martin better on this song anyway. Great job!!!

[tonedr]

sure appreciate you watching - they do have some simliar qualities - thanks for your feedback - take care my friend,

dale

[AnchoriteProductions]

I have pretty much the same conclusion as before: Collings OM very bright (almost sounds like it has maple back and sides to me). The Collings C-10 has a much warmer, more mellow, deeper tone. The Martin 000-18GE sound like a mix between the other two. All three guitars sound really good for fingerstyle. I guess it would depend on the piece you wanted to play. "Never Going Back" by Fleetwood Mac? You have the tab to that? :-) Thanks for the video Dale! 5* -Derek

[tonedr]

thanks for taking time to watch and comment - sure enjoyed hearing your take! I do not have tab, sorry. All the best my friend,

dale

[tonedr]

hello sir! Thanks so much for watching i sure appreciate your feedback - i wish it was easy!! Take care,

dale

[mizzissippiblues]

great fleetwood mac tune and great playing.I think the collings OM suits this tune best closely followed by the Martin.the Collings C-10 is a bit mellow for this tune

[tonedr]

it is a great old tune - i really appreciate your feedback - all the best,

dale

[sthengr]

Great playing and feel!

Given the tune you played I preferred the Collings Koa brightness to the others. Next in line I liked the Martin. Perhaps my preference would shift were you to play another selection.

BTW...I may be biased as I have a Collings 000 2H Koa.....gotta love a small bodied Collings.

[tonedr]

I'm sure your 000 is killer! Thanks for watching and commenting,

dale

[jnklaz]

The first one for sure!

[tonedr]

thanks for your feedback and for watching!

dale

[ThreeChordGuitar]

Good Lord, great technique and soul in your playing! I sure wish I could play like that.

The first guitar was the one I personally preferred sonically. Thanks for sharing!

[tonedr]

hello sir - appreciate you taking your time to watch and comment - so interesting to here folks preferences. Hope you are doing great,

dale

[yutubetom]

Pretty awesome! I hope to get half as good a player as you someday! And the Collings OM sounds 'brighter' for this particular song.

[tonedr]

i really aprpeciate you watching and thanks for the feedback! All the best,

dale

[Blewbyou1]

Dale, Once again fantastic playing. As for the guitars, for finger style playing I like the Collings OM for the bright clarity followed by the Martin and the Collings C-10 pulling up the rear. At that level of quality there really isn't a bad one and the preferences only minor between the three. Thanks For the comparison.

[tonedr]

hello friend! Sure appreciate your time to watch and really enjoyed your feedback. The OM is a bit brighter to my ear as well and for me does it's best with finger playing. Hope you are doing great,

dale

[BoeckmannLudwig]

Hi 'dale, really nice comparison. It's hard to decide which one to prefer, they all sound very good, as they should in that league.

The koa Collings sdeams to be a bit more clear and added hights. Mahagony sounds warmer. But for me as a player ist only marginal. It's important how the instruments fits to my playing skills, how does it ly in my hands and do I feeel comfortable. Otherwise playing can be very exhausting.

All the way a fine video and a great song, for sure.

Cheers,

Bernd

[tonedr]

hello my friend - hope this finds you doing well and having plenty of time for your guitar! I want to say again how very glad i am for your friendship and feedback! i consider myself very lucky to have met a player like yourself and have your feedback! I agree 100% with your comment on playability - i need to WANT to pick up each guitar because they are fun to play. Take care sir,

dale

[AndyMcDandy]

The first one for sure.

THey all sound good, however. But the first one definitely is my choice. Warmest sound, I think.

[tonedr]

hello Andy - thanks so much for sharing your ear! Great to hear your thoughts, take care my friend,

dale

[vasgaroth]

i'm convinced any guitar you play would sound outstanding with your playing dale.

between the three i dig the collings(they build SUCH GREAT GUITARS!!) OM the most. nice bright tone for fingerstyle...the martin second and the c-10 third. that chord you hit at the end with the c-10 sounded beautiful though, tough comparison!

you are indeed blessed with wonderful instruments and a wonderful talent=)

[tonedr]

hello friend! Hope you are doing well. Thanks so much for lending your ear - i enjoyed hearing your feedback - i do LOVE Collings guitars - great folks! Sure appreciate your kind words, take care,

dale

[sockenfrank]

amazing.

You live in heaven there.

from where came all this guitars ?

And your playing is also famous.

congratulation.

[tonedr]

i am very blessed for sure.....with a great wife! I really appreciate you watching, all the best,

dale

[idahodad1]

They all sound great with that tune. It's hard to pick. The OM, then the Deep dish, and very close in third, the Martin. The high notes come out more on both the Collings.

[tonedr]

thanks for sharing what you heard and i sure appreciate you watching,

dale

[geriatricguru]

First had a major tenor sound

Second was bassy

third actually had a mix between 1 and 2. Overall, I liked the third. However some prefer a tenor(1) and some would prefer the bassy(2). Great job with the fingerpicking. Thanks.

[tonedr]

thanks for sharing your comments! I appreciate your kind words as well,

dale

[lenaspieltblues]

Great work and very interesting to hear at, thanks Dale! As I think these guitars are not too wide apart, maybe it would be interesting too to hear them without a capo?

Best wishes,

Lena

[tonedr]

thanks for watching Lena, i may do a video in open position for comparison, thanks so much, dale