Not really sure what point this video is trying to make, other then demonstrate quite how different a Martin is to an Adamas. A serious pro or semi pro guitarist will probably own several different guitars, personally I've also found room for both a decent Martin and an Adamas in my collection as they both have their merits and role to play. After all, we wouldn't expect a carpenter to only own one chisel !
I love both guitars. Both unique tones and thats the beauty of variety. As a writer, no variety would lead to the same sounds over and over. However the videos audio does not do the ovation justice as ive played an adamas and its actually quite a bit of deep bass tones and very warm tones.
Martin destroys the Ovation. Gets much more of the full spectrum of Bass, Mid and Treble than the Ovation. I used to have an Ovation...they're not acoustic guitars, they're electric acoustic.
martin sounds more acoustic, more original but at the same time more harsh... i'm gonna go with ovation in this one, the notes sound more... rounded :)
Sorry DAB music! The TOP STUDIOS don,t use NEUMANN condensers to mic up a MARTIN D28 for recording!. What they actually use is a pair of AKG C451(EB),one located about 3 inches from soundhole,and the other (same distance) 4th/5th fret from soundhole. I know for a fact thats what McCartney,Glen Johns,Hugh Padgham,and Phil Ramone do. Took their word for it and bought a pair! guess what? THEY WERE 100% CORRECT. Keep strummin,,,, MANSTONE.
2 great guitars. I have a D-28 and an Ovation Legend (the top is made of wood, while the Adamas has Kevlar or something).
In my opinion they shouldn't be compared. They are worlds apart. The Adamas should be plugged in to benefit of its design and built in pickups. The Martin D-28 sounds heavenly live, truly unplugged. And it gets better in time. And if you really need to record or amplify it, go with a Neumann mike,
the ovation sounds more "shallow" which is exactly what i expected, the bowl on the ovations, even the deepest ones wont sound as full as a normal box acoustic, its meant to be more comfortable and form fitting, i personally plan on getting a lower end ovation for a good price compared to a lower end martin for a much higher price, to be honest, ill have no problems bringing my ovation to the campfire this summer, if i bought the martin it wouldnt leave my room!
The advantage, supposedly, of a wooden guitar is that it ages over time, like a wine, and the tone changes over the years. Supposedly for the better, from what I hear. Carbon fiber guitars are interesting but I think that wooden guitars have more natural tones.
They both sound really good! It's a matter of prefence...one is mellow (Ovation) and the other is brighter (Martin)..like I said it's a matter of prefence.
Thanks Lucas, I have a nice martin D28, it sounds and plays fab, but my old Ovation Custom Legend knocks spots off it for the rich bass sound and sheer playability, the action is the same as a strat!. When you're playin' the blues or fingerpickin', it's a lot more pliable than the Martin, but the Martin is built to last. Most Ovations tops tend to crack along the grain, I have 3 and they are all like that, but they still sound and play great. They are like my children, I love them all equally.
My legend with a set of elixers is the fastest, smoothest, cleanest acoustic you can run through an amp. I love taylors and martins, but the Ovation neck is as thin as a hardbody... you can just do more STUFF
There's no comparison between the unplugged tone of a good all wood guitar and one made mostly from fibre glass. Synthetic backs and sides just don't resonate like all timber constructed guitars. To my ears, the Ovations always sound 'plasticy' and they keep slipping off your knee
Your smoking crack man...the martin sounds great..no disputing that...with with the ovation i heard every note in those chords...martin was just to twangy
I'd say this: the Ovations will almost always sound compressed, which sounds less "full," but will have better string definition and clarity. This Martin, a wood guitar, hasmore overtones and a kind of richness and maybe sound "fuller," but doesn't have the string definition and clarity of the Ovation Adamas. It's basically a matter of taste AND what a song needs. Martin for folk or fingerpicking, Ovation for jazzy tunes or worldbeat.
I agree with you, I like Ovations. That Martin is better, in my experience it's hard to find a good Martin, one I like then I try another of the same model and it's just not there. Ovations also aren't as prone to problems with humidity. My all wood guitars have to be humidified at 30 to 40% or they sound like crap. My Ovation can go without a humidifier and still sound good.
Really? First of all, Ovations are not plastic; second, Ovations' tops are still, you know, WOOD. So the O's are basically real hybrid guitars in terms of construction, which is why they sound so unique. I wish I had both the Martin and the O'. In the meantime, my Takamine serves me VERY good.
Youtube sound doesn't do any favours for either. I don't know that it's fair to compare a cutaway Adamas to a full body Martin. Nice to hear that you've found a perfect guitar for yourself.
Personally I like the softer Ovation sound. I've got an Ovation Elite LX and a D28 brand new (insurance replaced my old D28 stolen about a month ago with a brand new one - I haven't even taken it out of the case and selling it a discounted price - Any takers?) and I like the ovation better. Guitars are like women: it's all about personal preference.
this is outragous!! martin vs ovation?? come on. this isnt even a contest. guitars are supposed to be made with wood...not lychord or whatever that plastic material is. this is like comparing a ferrari with an 89 buick.
Who says guitars are supposed to be made with wood? Is there a law in any constitution that forces luthiers to make guitars of wood? Is there any law that defines guitars have to be made of wood?
ovation is junk,, when a martin is strummd you can basically hear the whole song... its fucking amazing how it does it... normally acoustics sound empty,, but martins sound so full its friggin unbelievablly good
I disagree. My Ovation sounds super full. It's an Ovation USA and of course compared to the Asian ones, it sounds a million times better. But I like the softer Ovation tone overall.
can you use electric strings on an ovation electric acoustic? im thinking of getting one soon, i don't really no anything about acoustic guitar, or acoustic electrics
Just an update. My D-28 Marquis was delivered from Martin last June & it's just awesome. Its got almost 500 hrs on it now. My relatives were skeptical when my wife told them how much the guitar cost. But when I played it for them their jaws just dropped. Nothin' like an Adi top with rosewood. This is a guitar that will be in the family for generations. Thanks for posting this video. You helped steer me to the the right guitar. It was worth every penny & more.
I think it's no-sense to compare an ovation with a martin UNPLUGGED. An ovation is made to be plugged, the acoustic natural sound is secondary, vice versa for the martin.
well I have to report in on my first 2 weeks of playing my new HD28, I have played cheap guitars 9 years, and 10 years with a nice 410 ce TAYLOR, that taylor is a sweet guitar, and I feel guilty with it in the back room, but man I love my hd28 martin I just cant put it down, I put new strings on today ( martin sp meds) and when I played it, it scared me lol, that thing is loud, my taylor is nice, but that martin just growls.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
like i give a fuck a about spelling you fucking hom , hope you catch money aids and give it to your slighty downs mum when your fucking her in the ass you yanky bitch
wow I just recived a lot of money, and iam thinking about go and pick me up a HD28 tommorow, can any one tell me the differnce in the HD28 and the D28???
i bought the HD28 thanks, by the way i love your martin, they really do sound different, I have been playing a nice taylor for a long time and the martin sounds so different................in a good way.
Like comparing a model-T against a leer jet. The Ovation sounds like a 2x4 with strings.And yes, the sound is worth the difference in price, just like gold is more valuable than lead. Can't believe some of you jokers !
Is the Martin $1700 better?? I own a Martin D-28 Guild D-25
Ovation 1719 custom legend replaced my Martin for stage use. The Adamas here is mid-bowl its sound is more like 00 body. If you compared Adamas deep bowl no cut Models 1187 or 1687 you'll have fairer comparison.
Wow. This test is sooo unfair lol. That Marquis you have is in the *tip top* of the Martin line (next to the Authentics...which retail over 30k) Adirondack top, EIN b/s, SCALLOPED braces... it's a monster. It's like a fish pitted against a human to see who can breathe underwater the longest. This was cruel lol.
This "test" is invalid. The construction of an Ovation is completely different than a Martin (or Gibson or any other guitar). It comes down to personal taste.
Dissing Ovation is a way for snubs to gain "guitar credit," which is way dumb. Also, he hasn't saidf what kind of strings are used, the gauge, etc. Martins have their place and that cannot be denied; but to dismiss O's as simply "plastic guitars" is not right, when, in fact, the O's are probably THE most versatile acoustic guitars, plugged or unplugged and the best ones for solo playing.
Some of the comments on here are insulting to this man. Come on! He's just doing a sound comparison people. He found out for himself what a great guitar the D-28 Marquis is. Cut the guy some slack. He seems to be an alright guy.
Well what the hell did you expect, a plastic guitar compared to a martin D-28, its a no-brainer dude! BTW, lighten up on all that damn reverb, sounds like crapola!
Are you serious? You're comparing a Martin D-28 Marquis, one of the best sounding acoustics being produced today, versus a long handled oil drain pan. BTW, take a guitar a lesson or two.
take a lesson or two? thats kinda harsh ant it????ha ha, you got strum those things to hear all the magic, any guitar can pick. sorry I just had two put my 2 cents in lol..have a nice day.
Well, from what I heard, these are very different sounds (duh!). The Martin sounds big in its lows, but the highs don't impress me at ALL. The Adamas has more balance and the mids are pleasing. The sound test is not conclusive at all either: we need to listen their flatpicking solo sounds and the fingerstyle sounds. Also, Ovations usually are better on jazz music or neo-classical, while Martin fares better with folk and blues. It's all a matter of taste, style of playing and music styles.
the martin guitar has a more full sound and its sustain is way better than the ovation. ovations in my opinion are almost pointless guitars there are only really good for playing through an amp. the martin has its sound wherever you go. plus ovations are ugly in my opinion
I have some (more than a few) Ovations... If price is not a consideration, there are better sounding guitars. But! You can get a real Nice used Ovation for $300! I just got two Very Nice NEW USA-made Ovations (6 & 12) for $600 and $650. You cannot do that with a Martin.
Also, you are comparing epaulet holes to center hole, and wood box to fiberglass bowl. Wood-box always sound better in a closed small space. The Adamas is designed to project forward.
Can't hear it very well here, but the adirondack topped marquis series blow away pretty much anything I've ever played, including many boutique guitars. Ovation is a very different beast - a silly comparision really..
this guy is pretty excited about his ability to strum two or three chords. a marquis completely destroys any ovation ever made. ovations are wonderful when bought two at a time, in case one loses their canoe paddles. put tony rice or bryan sutton at the helm of the marquis and stand back...the marquis is a monster bluegrass guitar. this really is an embarrasing comparison, im sorry.
thats an ovation celebrity... i dont think thats an ovation adamas. i have the ovation celebrity and the sound is far superior than any guitar i've played. when i play it live the sound is so reverberant and deep and everyone who hears it falls in love with it. i love my ovation. beautiful guitar.
i know it's all about "the sound" but i don't really get ovation's pitch (pun intended) on their guitars. when i was 16, all i could afford was an ovation and i still have that guitar to this day (28 years later). yeah, it sounds alright...and according to comparative standards price wise, it was the best in its class. my 1984 beat up D-28 that i just got, blows ovation's best totally away...totally away. i also play a taylor 814 and the martin sounds better + it is easier to play. Martin!
I love my Adamas...no worry about humidity, no little humid-ous bottles and it sound 'fabulous', no matter what. I can EQ this baby and hold my own with anybody. Martin Shmartin. What a pure and bell-like sound. Keep de martin, boss.
I play an '05 Martin D-28 Marquis and I have tried the Elixirs on it. I use Martin SP, Phos Bronz, Med (.56-.13). - Give'm a try, you might find that they are not as "damped" as the Elizirs.
Great comparison! I test drove the Marquis and compared it against a whole bunch of high end guitars & it won hands down. Just closed the deal on it yesterday & am waiting for delivery. Any recommendations on the setup or should I just leave it at the factory specs?
If you can find one, try out the D28 Marquis Madagascar. It has a really beautiful bell like ring in the tone. Much more so than the regular Marquis. My thoughts though are that it is very muddy. The regular Marquis' notes are much more clear & distinct. The Madagascar's mid range is overpowering. I'm glad I got the regular Marquis.
lot of people don t know what is plastic and what is fiberglass.
both material exist already for such a l o n g time and few seem to understand that fiberglass is no plastic. that fact really surprises me everytime again i hear about plastic ovations.
wood compared to graphite and wood used for the soundboard, with a fiberglass body and wooden neck and fretboard. that would be the correct wording. i love vintage gibsons and martins, but i also love old adamas guitars. an adamas is a wonderful instrument. you only can understand that if you have one.
Plastic is one thing; Lyrachord is another. Besides, this is not "wood vs. plastic," but "wood vs. graphite" and against any other Ovation, "wood vs. wood," at least talking about tops.
Matin kicks ass....
badmooncoming1 2 months ago
Not really sure what point this video is trying to make, other then demonstrate quite how different a Martin is to an Adamas. A serious pro or semi pro guitarist will probably own several different guitars, personally I've also found room for both a decent Martin and an Adamas in my collection as they both have their merits and role to play. After all, we wouldn't expect a carpenter to only own one chisel !
bertfrantic 2 months ago 2
I love both guitars. Both unique tones and thats the beauty of variety. As a writer, no variety would lead to the same sounds over and over. However the videos audio does not do the ovation justice as ive played an adamas and its actually quite a bit of deep bass tones and very warm tones.
xquisitaz 3 months ago
Martin destroys the Ovation. Gets much more of the full spectrum of Bass, Mid and Treble than the Ovation. I used to have an Ovation...they're not acoustic guitars, they're electric acoustic.
steveey251 4 months ago
martin sounds more acoustic, more original but at the same time more harsh... i'm gonna go with ovation in this one, the notes sound more... rounded :)
mirzarocks 6 months ago
Personally, I really do like the D28 Marquis. It sounds more "woody" and authentic to me.
Geotubest 7 months ago
Sorry DAB music! The TOP STUDIOS don,t use NEUMANN condensers to mic up a MARTIN D28 for recording!. What they actually use is a pair of AKG C451(EB),one located about 3 inches from soundhole,and the other (same distance) 4th/5th fret from soundhole. I know for a fact thats what McCartney,Glen Johns,Hugh Padgham,and Phil Ramone do. Took their word for it and bought a pair! guess what? THEY WERE 100% CORRECT. Keep strummin,,,, MANSTONE.
Glenlark 8 months ago
2 great guitars. I have a D-28 and an Ovation Legend (the top is made of wood, while the Adamas has Kevlar or something).
In my opinion they shouldn't be compared. They are worlds apart. The Adamas should be plugged in to benefit of its design and built in pickups. The Martin D-28 sounds heavenly live, truly unplugged. And it gets better in time. And if you really need to record or amplify it, go with a Neumann mike,
DABmusic 9 months ago
You should also compare the two guitars pluged in a pa system
kgeorge12341 10 months ago
Oddly enough, although the point of your video was to show the Martin to be superior, the Ovation actually sounds quite a lot better, IMO.
Tim2723 11 months ago
the ovation sounds more "shallow" which is exactly what i expected, the bowl on the ovations, even the deepest ones wont sound as full as a normal box acoustic, its meant to be more comfortable and form fitting, i personally plan on getting a lower end ovation for a good price compared to a lower end martin for a much higher price, to be honest, ill have no problems bringing my ovation to the campfire this summer, if i bought the martin it wouldnt leave my room!
Taud 11 months ago
I like ovation better. It sounds much lighter and fuller in my opinion.
magus5200 1 year ago
The advantage, supposedly, of a wooden guitar is that it ages over time, like a wine, and the tone changes over the years. Supposedly for the better, from what I hear. Carbon fiber guitars are interesting but I think that wooden guitars have more natural tones.
Truemyshkin 1 year ago
he was bored playing the ovation, but when he take the martin...OMG he gets so excited...that is not fair
urullotube 1 year ago
@urullotube i guess that is why he is selling the martin and not the ovation.
JMorr1029 1 year ago
They both sound really good! It's a matter of prefence...one is mellow (Ovation) and the other is brighter (Martin)..like I said it's a matter of prefence.
eddakaliman 1 year ago
..now compare it to an original adamas I.. or original Adamas SLOTHEAD....
esgatch 1 year ago
Awesome video man, pls tell us the model of Adamas. Is it W597?
arodion499 1 year ago
Thanks Lucas, I have a nice martin D28, it sounds and plays fab, but my old Ovation Custom Legend knocks spots off it for the rich bass sound and sheer playability, the action is the same as a strat!. When you're playin' the blues or fingerpickin', it's a lot more pliable than the Martin, but the Martin is built to last. Most Ovations tops tend to crack along the grain, I have 3 and they are all like that, but they still sound and play great. They are like my children, I love them all equally.
krnjulac 2 years ago
My legend with a set of elixers is the fastest, smoothest, cleanest acoustic you can run through an amp. I love taylors and martins, but the Ovation neck is as thin as a hardbody... you can just do more STUFF
playdbluz 2 years ago
I think Ovations suck! You need real wood man.
jifigz 2 years ago
gtfo cockmongler
L33THaXoRiz3d 2 years ago
There's no comparison between the unplugged tone of a good all wood guitar and one made mostly from fibre glass. Synthetic backs and sides just don't resonate like all timber constructed guitars. To my ears, the Ovations always sound 'plasticy' and they keep slipping off your knee
bohmao 2 years ago
Your smoking crack man...the martin sounds great..no disputing that...with with the ovation i heard every note in those chords...martin was just to twangy
Craigglenfoster 2 years ago
i have an ovation 1717 legend...and a martin d-28..i perfer the ovation when its plugged in my amp...with out amp martin blows it away
bluegumma 2 years ago 5
Sorry, I forgot the Adamas guitars are made of graphite
arielcardona 2 years ago
not this one
go take a eargasm and surf for adamas 1687
dikkebanne 1 year ago
I'd say this: the Ovations will almost always sound compressed, which sounds less "full," but will have better string definition and clarity. This Martin, a wood guitar, hasmore overtones and a kind of richness and maybe sound "fuller," but doesn't have the string definition and clarity of the Ovation Adamas. It's basically a matter of taste AND what a song needs. Martin for folk or fingerpicking, Ovation for jazzy tunes or worldbeat.
arielcardona 2 years ago
The Martin sounds all klanky to me, a little fuller i think because of more air space in the body but a weird klanky-ness to it. Maybe its just me.
lmusho 2 years ago
I agree with you, I like Ovations. That Martin is better, in my experience it's hard to find a good Martin, one I like then I try another of the same model and it's just not there. Ovations also aren't as prone to problems with humidity. My all wood guitars have to be humidified at 30 to 40% or they sound like crap. My Ovation can go without a humidifier and still sound good.
Tray137 2 years ago
you look like a baby seal on rollerskates when u play the guitar.
ChillBroGuitarDude 2 years ago
Wood always BEATS plastic.
danlashbrookgtrsetup 2 years ago
Really? First of all, Ovations are not plastic; second, Ovations' tops are still, you know, WOOD. So the O's are basically real hybrid guitars in terms of construction, which is why they sound so unique. I wish I had both the Martin and the O'. In the meantime, my Takamine serves me VERY good.
arielcardona 2 years ago
Youtube sound doesn't do any favours for either. I don't know that it's fair to compare a cutaway Adamas to a full body Martin. Nice to hear that you've found a perfect guitar for yourself.
Underhill182 2 years ago
The Martin sounds good but the Ovations just have that compact kinda crunch to em ya know. I have'nt found anything that compares to the sound.
OvationGuitars1 2 years ago
I am selling the D-28 for $3000 to help cover studio time. Please send message if interested.
lucas777444 2 years ago
@lucas777444
Oh my God. And after posting a video raving about it...........
ryan06105 1 year ago
Personally I like the softer Ovation sound. I've got an Ovation Elite LX and a D28 brand new (insurance replaced my old D28 stolen about a month ago with a brand new one - I haven't even taken it out of the case and selling it a discounted price - Any takers?) and I like the ovation better. Guitars are like women: it's all about personal preference.
rickdafrog 2 years ago
Those are both very nice! I have an Ovation Pinnacle and hadn't really liked any new Martins until I recently tried a D-28 Marquis.
nightspore68 2 years ago
my elephant sounds better
Elapses 2 years ago
Call that playing!!! sounded like thrashing!!!!
walela1952 2 years ago
You selling the Adamas??
MikeScott32 2 years ago
Both guitars are great. Depending on the type of player you are, as well as the type of music you play, you may want either one of these guitars.
vagbortion 2 years ago
this is outragous!! martin vs ovation?? come on. this isnt even a contest. guitars are supposed to be made with wood...not lychord or whatever that plastic material is. this is like comparing a ferrari with an 89 buick.
MARTINS OWN!!!
cityskyline13 2 years ago
Who says guitars are supposed to be made with wood? Is there a law in any constitution that forces luthiers to make guitars of wood? Is there any law that defines guitars have to be made of wood?
arielcardona 2 years ago 3
@arielcardona
Nope. Plenty of guitars are made out of other materials.
The Adamas top is made from Birch wood and Lyrachord fiberglass resin.
So, it has some wood in it.
esgatch 1 year ago
@esgatch rain songs are nearly 100% made out of carbon fiber.
JMorr1029 1 year ago
@arielcardona they have tried making metal guitars, they sounded like shit
dragantoe 1 year ago
cityskyline13: " I'am a huge faggot, please rape my face"
L33THaXoRiz3d 2 years ago
ovation is way better
AndresRomeroBlog 2 years ago
ovation is junk,, when a martin is strummd you can basically hear the whole song... its fucking amazing how it does it... normally acoustics sound empty,, but martins sound so full its friggin unbelievablly good
quickmantan 2 years ago
I disagree. My Ovation sounds super full. It's an Ovation USA and of course compared to the Asian ones, it sounds a million times better. But I like the softer Ovation tone overall.
rickdafrog 2 years ago
can you use electric strings on an ovation electric acoustic? im thinking of getting one soon, i don't really no anything about acoustic guitar, or acoustic electrics
al3xgilb3rt 2 years ago
Ovations unplugged = nails on a chalkboard.
Martins = Amazing.
tman916x 2 years ago
wow i think the martin was better
PeteDays 2 years ago
it doesnt help that you played the martin with about 100 times more passion.
cityskyline13 2 years ago
i agree lol
but wow it sounds pretty dang good
limmooo 2 years ago
Lucas,
Just an update. My D-28 Marquis was delivered from Martin last June & it's just awesome. Its got almost 500 hrs on it now. My relatives were skeptical when my wife told them how much the guitar cost. But when I played it for them their jaws just dropped. Nothin' like an Adi top with rosewood. This is a guitar that will be in the family for generations. Thanks for posting this video. You helped steer me to the the right guitar. It was worth every penny & more.
Regards,
Tom
stargazer1437 2 years ago
I think it's no-sense to compare an ovation with a martin UNPLUGGED. An ovation is made to be plugged, the acoustic natural sound is secondary, vice versa for the martin.
Berlusfan 2 years ago 2
Exactly. It's like comparing a light bulb to a tree.
mymartind35 2 years ago
It all comes down to the type of sound or tone you're looking for. Martin guitars are classics. You can't go wrong with a good sounding Martin.
The Ovation sounds great "live" or "plugged-in". It gives more depth, resonance, and shimmer, than a Martin.
Again, it all comes down to your preferred tone and sound.
71MARTIND28 2 years ago
I like the Ovation the most because it sound a little more fat than the Martin. I'm mostly to a fat sound when it comes to acoustic guitars so....
The Ovation.
Dodgibishi 2 years ago
well I have to report in on my first 2 weeks of playing my new HD28, I have played cheap guitars 9 years, and 10 years with a nice 410 ce TAYLOR, that taylor is a sweet guitar, and I feel guilty with it in the back room, but man I love my hd28 martin I just cant put it down, I put new strings on today ( martin sp meds) and when I played it, it scared me lol, that thing is loud, my taylor is nice, but that martin just growls.
jdmarcus59 2 years ago
Btw, the guitar in the video is the D-28 NOT the more expensive HD28
ehackster 2 years ago
I stand to correct myself. The guitar is the Marquis version of the D-28, which is still a different beast than the HD28
ehackster 2 years ago
no it all twat that knows nothing, just made yourself look a right twat , surprised if you have even played a top range guitar
nickyhill79 2 years ago
Know it all idiot who spells like a 2 years old toddler.
You did however, by your sheer stupidity, manage to make other posts look smarter, I will give you that.
ehackster 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
like i give a fuck a about spelling you fucking hom , hope you catch money aids and give it to your slighty downs mum when your fucking her in the ass you yanky bitch
nickyhill79 2 years ago
Very smart reply. I am impressed.
ehackster 2 years ago
wow I just recived a lot of money, and iam thinking about go and pick me up a HD28 tommorow, can any one tell me the differnce in the HD28 and the D28???
jdmarcus59 3 years ago
HD-28 has herrinbone trim and better bracing. I've recently played both guitars and the HD-28 sounds soooooo much better than the D-28.
changingone77 3 years ago
i bought the HD28 thanks, by the way i love your martin, they really do sound different, I have been playing a nice taylor for a long time and the martin sounds so different................in a good way.
jdmarcus59 3 years ago
wow....what a dork...i mean idiot.
loomis4747 3 years ago
Thanks for posting this up - I bought a Martin D28 Marquis after seeing your vid. Wow, what a great guitar!
stratnut 3 years ago
martin more vibrant and clear
khmerguy22 3 years ago
is it an ovation w597 ??
joxp69 3 years ago
Like comparing a model-T against a leer jet. The Ovation sounds like a 2x4 with strings.And yes, the sound is worth the difference in price, just like gold is more valuable than lead. Can't believe some of you jokers !
temperediron 3 years ago
martin better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
reman94 3 years ago
my Yamaha FG730S sounds better than that adamas lol
bonkers1987 3 years ago
i prefer the Taylor for acoustic guitar, but between this two it' s the martin d-28 the ovation is not really good.
maisquisuije 3 years ago
Real street price Martin $4200 Adamas $2500
Is the Martin $1700 better?? I own a Martin D-28 Guild D-25
Ovation 1719 custom legend replaced my Martin for stage use. The Adamas here is mid-bowl its sound is more like 00 body. If you compared Adamas deep bowl no cut Models 1187 or 1687 you'll have fairer comparison.
pezman1963 3 years ago
Hey-
Thanks for the comparo. I've had an Ovation for many years, and Martins too. Glad to
hear you've gone to the Elixir's. They just came out with them in Phosphor Bronze. I think in light gauge only, but best of both
worlds. Enjoy. -W-
Albicollis 3 years ago
That Marquis is a monster all right, but each guitar has its own purpose and sound, and that is a good thing!
JohnRockwell 3 years ago
no fair, you had the capo on the head of the ovation.
secret103 3 years ago
funny :)
themaninme 3 years ago
i definitely prefer the martin, so much more punchy
puffnut1 3 years ago
Wow. This test is sooo unfair lol. That Marquis you have is in the *tip top* of the Martin line (next to the Authentics...which retail over 30k) Adirondack top, EIN b/s, SCALLOPED braces... it's a monster. It's like a fish pitted against a human to see who can breathe underwater the longest. This was cruel lol.
crunkykong 3 years ago 2
This "test" is invalid. The construction of an Ovation is completely different than a Martin (or Gibson or any other guitar). It comes down to personal taste.
2vonranke 3 years ago
Listen again. The Adamas is different. Tighter, more focused.
Also the Martin is tuned lower, rendering any definitive conclusion based on this video alone invalid.
I love Martins. I love Adamas. Watch my vids-you'll see em both, and Gibson too. Dissing Ovation is popular. Invalid, but popular.
podline6 3 years ago
Dissing Ovation is a way for snubs to gain "guitar credit," which is way dumb. Also, he hasn't saidf what kind of strings are used, the gauge, etc. Martins have their place and that cannot be denied; but to dismiss O's as simply "plastic guitars" is not right, when, in fact, the O's are probably THE most versatile acoustic guitars, plugged or unplugged and the best ones for solo playing.
arielcardona 3 years ago
I posted a round 2 video where both have brand new Elixer Mediums. Check it
lucas777444 3 years ago
@arielcardona Ovations are a piece of computer fiberglass junk.
bluegrasssingingman 1 year ago
Some of the comments on here are insulting to this man. Come on! He's just doing a sound comparison people. He found out for himself what a great guitar the D-28 Marquis is. Cut the guy some slack. He seems to be an alright guy.
CFMD28 3 years ago
Well, anyone who posts home videos should be aware of that fact. I don't think the guy cares about it. If he cared, he wouldn't even put it here.
arielcardona 3 years ago
Cool, nou a Martin Audio PA system :-)
mutuallove 3 years ago
Well what the hell did you expect, a plastic guitar compared to a martin D-28, its a no-brainer dude! BTW, lighten up on all that damn reverb, sounds like crapola!
rickissinging 3 years ago
Are you serious? You're comparing a Martin D-28 Marquis, one of the best sounding acoustics being produced today, versus a long handled oil drain pan. BTW, take a guitar a lesson or two.
rjw00028ec 3 years ago
take a lesson or two? thats kinda harsh ant it????ha ha, you got strum those things to hear all the magic, any guitar can pick. sorry I just had two put my 2 cents in lol..have a nice day.
jdmarcus59 2 years ago
martin wins.
jdmarcus59 3 years ago
Well, from what I heard, these are very different sounds (duh!). The Martin sounds big in its lows, but the highs don't impress me at ALL. The Adamas has more balance and the mids are pleasing. The sound test is not conclusive at all either: we need to listen their flatpicking solo sounds and the fingerstyle sounds. Also, Ovations usually are better on jazz music or neo-classical, while Martin fares better with folk and blues. It's all a matter of taste, style of playing and music styles.
kardonpr 3 years ago
the martin guitar has a more full sound and its sustain is way better than the ovation. ovations in my opinion are almost pointless guitars there are only really good for playing through an amp. the martin has its sound wherever you go. plus ovations are ugly in my opinion
bigstrat4 3 years ago
Holy shit, you weren't kidding! Much richer overtones and tonal balance. The midrange is especially well defined.
Socksandviolins 3 years ago
I have some (more than a few) Ovations... If price is not a consideration, there are better sounding guitars. But! You can get a real Nice used Ovation for $300! I just got two Very Nice NEW USA-made Ovations (6 & 12) for $600 and $650. You cannot do that with a Martin.
Also, you are comparing epaulet holes to center hole, and wood box to fiberglass bowl. Wood-box always sound better in a closed small space. The Adamas is designed to project forward.
BUT! Very Nice Sounding Martin!
arthurseery 3 years ago
Can't hear it very well here, but the adirondack topped marquis series blow away pretty much anything I've ever played, including many boutique guitars. Ovation is a very different beast - a silly comparision really..
richardcirillo 3 years ago
this guy is pretty excited about his ability to strum two or three chords. a marquis completely destroys any ovation ever made. ovations are wonderful when bought two at a time, in case one loses their canoe paddles. put tony rice or bryan sutton at the helm of the marquis and stand back...the marquis is a monster bluegrass guitar. this really is an embarrasing comparison, im sorry.
bravefriend710 3 years ago
You're crazy. Listen to his other stuff.
supercrazylucky 3 years ago
thats an ovation celebrity... i dont think thats an ovation adamas. i have the ovation celebrity and the sound is far superior than any guitar i've played. when i play it live the sound is so reverberant and deep and everyone who hears it falls in love with it. i love my ovation. beautiful guitar.
thenerocomplex 3 years ago
martin vs. ovation.....this is a no brainer right here. i dont like a guitar that is made of plastic! martin..hands down...best guitars out there.
blugrastooth 3 years ago 2
i know it's all about "the sound" but i don't really get ovation's pitch (pun intended) on their guitars. when i was 16, all i could afford was an ovation and i still have that guitar to this day (28 years later). yeah, it sounds alright...and according to comparative standards price wise, it was the best in its class. my 1984 beat up D-28 that i just got, blows ovation's best totally away...totally away. i also play a taylor 814 and the martin sounds better + it is easier to play. Martin!
nhojcam 3 years ago
i NEVER liked the sound of martins. i also prefer ovation to adamas.
pleic 3 years ago
I love my Adamas...no worry about humidity, no little humid-ous bottles and it sound 'fabulous', no matter what. I can EQ this baby and hold my own with anybody. Martin Shmartin. What a pure and bell-like sound. Keep de martin, boss.
bagdadjoe 3 years ago
Nice to hear back from you.
I play an '05 Martin D-28 Marquis and I have tried the Elixirs on it. I use Martin SP, Phos Bronz, Med (.56-.13). - Give'm a try, you might find that they are not as "damped" as the Elizirs.
Cheers.
someone811atmsn 3 years ago
Great comparison! I test drove the Marquis and compared it against a whole bunch of high end guitars & it won hands down. Just closed the deal on it yesterday & am waiting for delivery. Any recommendations on the setup or should I just leave it at the factory specs?
stargazer1437 3 years ago
No recommendations. Go with the Elixir strings. They are expensive but sound great on the guitar. I go with a medium for more boom.
lucas777444 3 years ago
If you can find one, try out the D28 Marquis Madagascar. It has a really beautiful bell like ring in the tone. Much more so than the regular Marquis. My thoughts though are that it is very muddy. The regular Marquis' notes are much more clear & distinct. The Madagascar's mid range is overpowering. I'm glad I got the regular Marquis.
stargazer1437 3 years ago
What kind of strings are you playing on her?
someone811atmsn 3 years ago
Those were actually some cheapo strings. Stringin her up with Elixirs now. Great sound.
lucas777444 3 years ago
Martin with both hand!
silvislav 3 years ago
adamas is a lot better
thebardVito 3 years ago
wood compared to plastic.You got to be kidding.
paul6195 3 years ago
lot of people don t know what is plastic and what is fiberglass.
both material exist already for such a l o n g time and few seem to understand that fiberglass is no plastic. that fact really surprises me everytime again i hear about plastic ovations.
heyspacecowboy 3 years ago
in addition i want to say that the top of an adamas is made of two layers graphite enclosing a thin layer of wood.
heyspacecowboy 3 years ago
sorry I should have said wood compared to fiberglass.
paul6195 3 years ago
wood compared to graphite and wood used for the soundboard, with a fiberglass body and wooden neck and fretboard. that would be the correct wording. i love vintage gibsons and martins, but i also love old adamas guitars. an adamas is a wonderful instrument. you only can understand that if you have one.
heyspacecowboy 3 years ago
Plastic? Oh, just another Ovation-hater.
kardonpr 3 years ago
"Plastic! They've learned." (Magneto on X-Men 3)
Plastic is one thing; Lyrachord is another. Besides, this is not "wood vs. plastic," but "wood vs. graphite" and against any other Ovation, "wood vs. wood," at least talking about tops.
arielcardona 3 years ago