Guitar Comparison - Acoustic Flatpick (capo) - by Tonedr

[cninja87]

your martin sounds better with a pick, but your collings have a nicer fingerstyle sound

[tonedr]

i appreciate you sharing your impressions and taking time to listen.....all the best!

dale

[slwilley1]

Thanks again.

[slwilley1]

That you enjoyed the C-10 just a little more than the other 2 guitars. BTW thanks for the video it was helpful for me to listen. Not many shops are going to have all three on hand to compare.

[tonedr]

thanks for giving your time to watch - well you are right sir.....these days of the three it alone remains!

[slwilley1]

While none of them are a flat pickers dreadnaught they're all very versatile high end guitars. First listened on just my iPhone, then plugged it into my Bose for a better listen. After hearing the video thru good speakers, my guess is that he went back for more of that C-10.  Am I right?

[tonedr]

sure appreciate you checking this out....I don't understand your question???

best,

dale

[brandonch25]

the first one was the loudest the second one sounded like card board and the the martin had the best sound overall it sounded cleaner than the other two but not quite as loud as the first

[tonedr]

sure appreciate you listening and enjoying hearing your impressions!

all the best,

dale

[Patriksundvik]

Nice playing! Have to go with the Martin as a Martin fan i am ;)

[tonedr]

great guitars for sure - thanks for watching & I appreciate your post!

dale

[Distortedcontent]

The martin sounds more compressed, perhaps better for picking individual notes. The first guitar sounds amazing though, very springy, and glassy.

[tonedr]

great to hear your impressions! Thanks for taking your time to listen and post - all the best,

dale

[tonedr]

Thanks for taking time to watch - all the best!

[engldo]

Thank for this great demo can you tell what is the name of the song you are playing?

[tonedr]

The tune is Arkansas Traveler - thanks for watching!

[Marseglia12345]

Unfair question........the strings have a heck of a lot to do with it and how close to the water bucket the guitar sits on its stand in the winter.

All should be played on day ten with new John Pearce Stings.

Then you could tell something. Nice playing tho.

[tonedr]

Good post and you are right - very very difficult to do this on YT but I hope it is better than nothing! Thanks for your time,

dale

[brandonch25]

@Marseglia12345 any strings that are the same would work 

[guscip02]

I Like the Martin basses more than the others. Trebles, for me, are as good as the first Collings. Overall I liked the Martin 000 better, than the OM collings, and the C-10 at last.

All of them are very nice guitars, though.

Nice video and good, clean playing. Cheers!

[tonedr]

really enjoyed hearing your comments! Thank you for taking time to watch - all the best,

dale

[2007blazedale]

I like the C-10 then the Martin 000, and then the OM. Thanks for posting.

[tonedr]

sure appreciate you watching and great to hear your feedback - all the best!

dale

[LarryRickenbacker]

As a satisfied D28 owner, let me pick the first Collings as the best sounding of the bunch! Enjoyed the clip.

[tonedr]

thanks for taking your time to listen - D28 is a killer guitar! Hope all is good sir,

dale

[nationalguitarplayer]

OK , no need for tabs, I figured it out. Thanks :)

[tonedr]

great, thanks again,

dale

[nationalguitarplayer]

Nice picking ! The martin is the best with the first Colings behind that has a more fuller banjo-tone, still very beautifull sound, the second collings nice too but not as oppen and deep. An chance to get those tabs? Very nicely done and great picking,  many thanks!

[tonedr]

really appreciate you watching and enjoyed your post! Thanks,

dale

[UfiPilot]

Sounds great! I also have a Martin 000-18GE.  You have got to try Newtone masterclass 80/20 bronze strings or DR pre alloy strings on it. The Newtones sound amazing and the DR pre-Alloy strings are instant 1960's Puff the magic dragon tone...

[tonedr]

i'll give them a try......i've never used either. Sure appreciate you watching!

dale

[ZANTEDESH]

yeah, i find all these comparisons hard - i try to do these on my TASCAM, and like someone else said, the common denominator factor. Pretty hard, isn't it. I will not lie and claim that my ear found vast differences in this setting. So that is honest feedback, but HEY - i loved your pickin! Very nice and entertaining. THANKS. "I'm bringing home a baby bumble bee...." :)

[tonedr]

not easy at all but interesting and hopefully of some value......really appreciate you watching! Thanks for the kind words......all thebest,

dale

[avincent52]

nice guitars, nice playing (and cool pickguard on the 000-18GE)

While this is fun, trying to parse the differences between three fine guitars using a camcorder mic and computer speakers (and lowest common denominator associated electronics) is like comparing three super models by peering through a paper towel tube.

[tonedr]

hello and thanks for watching......you know your analogy is interesting and i understand and agree to some degree, however even with the limitation i believe some characteristics do come through because people seem to hear differences and have preferences.

at any rate i appreciate you taking time to watch......and the next time you see three super models together don't use the tube!

best,

dale

[cfiscott]

All I can say is you still got it! Thanks for helping me buy my first guitar (Sigma) in 79, giving me my first guitar lesson, and your ongoing Christian example! God Bless Dale... Scott

[tonedr]

wow what a great surprise! thanks so much for checking in and connecting! I hope you and your family are doing well and we do have some great memories to reflect on sir!

your bro,

dale

[Peytonmanning456]

man you can you play

[tonedr]

hello.....really appreciate you watching!

best,

dale

[pauljcat]

I have a Collings d1a, so I'm partial, but I feel the Martin sounds alot better, not just a little. It might be the strings. Anyway, your'e lucky to have all those.

[tonedr]

you have a great guitar....sure appreciate you watching! All the best,

dale

[wolfnstrings]

The Collings OM just does it for me. I'm saving up for a great acoustic. I'm planning a road trip to try Collings guitars even though I live near the Martin factory.

[tonedr]

hello, sure appreciate you watching and sharing your feedback! Great to hear you are interested in Collings guitars.....i hope you get your hands on some and i'd love to hear your impressions. All the best,

dale

[redsky49]

Didn't care for the C-10 but both the OM Collings and the Martin seem like keepers. Keep in mind that I am a Taylor fan, so that some of the Martins goodness doesn't always score with me.

Thanks for the comparison.

[tonedr]

thanks for taking time to watch/listen! Sure enjoyed hearing your feedback......all the best,

dale

[JubileeValence]

BUSTED!!! Look at yer' right hand, 'doc!!! Real intense with the Collings.....but.....nary an effort with the Martin!!!

I know it's gotta be unconscious...like fer' instance I would CANNONBALL with my DVM banjo killer...but just cruise on my Adi/EIR Webber..

loved 'em both....

Thanks fer' the great vid' Dale!!

-Jubi

[tonedr]

i'm busted...man you do WATCH a video, i'm very impressed!! How are you sir.........hope all is well and a big thanks for dialing this up!! You keep those guitars busy.....dale.

[robiss1k]

it's martin in my ears, you cant get that warm tone somewere else.

[tonedr]

sure appreciate you taking time to watch and thanks for sharing your feedback!!!

dale

[02251894]

I think I like the Collings OM better on both the fingerstyle and the flatpicking...but I know from experience that a little variety in guitar tone is just a good thing in and of itself, like flavors in ice cream, and that both brighter and darker, like chocolate and vanilla, are delicious! So whether I were the listener, as now, or the player, I'd want to switch it up now and again between the Collings and Martin OMs. Not quite as fond of the C10.

[tonedr]

thanks so much for giving a listen and sharing your thoughts! I love your thinking on how variety is good!

all the best,

dale

[guitarlj]

Hey Dale...

Good idea. I'd have liked it had you told us the specific before playing each (make, model etc) YouTube can make it hard to read headstocks, and without specific references (I did read your attached text) it's hard to make comparisons without further research.

[tonedr]

hello my friend! Great ideas and much appreciated. Hope your season is a great one,

dale

[Fred575]

Très intéressant !

Very interesting !

[tonedr]

thanks for watching!

dale

[bohmao]

It might be interesting to do a similar comparison when all guitars are fully played in? I would love to buy a Collings but they cost twice as much over here in the UK. The tune seems to be based on an old Irish folk tune - I have heard it before and should know as I come from there!

[tonedr]

may do just that! I love my Collings and have nothing but good things to say. It is a shame there is a cost difference for you. Thanks again for taking time to watch - all the best,

dale

[bohmao]

Its very subjective and each guitar listened to on its own would sound great! To my ears the Collings OM and the Martin are very close in tone but I personally prefer the Collings OM. The Martin seems to have a brasher and not quite 'played in' yet tone. The second Collings does not have the projection of the other guitars and is more mellow and subdued. Nice pickin'! BTW, whats the name of the tune?

[tonedr]

i really appreciate your feedback!  I hear things very similar as you. The Martin isn't really played in as you suspected. Thanks for taking time to listen and share. The tune is Arkansas Traveler - take care,

dale

[Steve22322]

I thought the 2 OMs were very close also with a slight nod to the Collings. I think i like the C10 better Fingerpicked. Once again great picking....Love to here you flatpick!!

[tonedr]

thanks for watching - sure appreciate hearing your thoughts! All the best,

dale

[Fstpicker]

Dale,

I'd say that the Koa Collins and the Martin were both very close, with either one edging out the other, depending on what kind of sound one likes. I thought the Collins Koa was a bit more distinct in the note separation, but still very close to the Martin. Tough call....

[tonedr]

i really appreciate your comments - the OMs are similar to my ear as well. Thanks for watching, all the best,

dale

[pwilldc]

Man none of these guitars sound good without the best guitar player on the planet playing them! (That's You!) You can take fishing wire and a broomstick and make it sound good. You the man!

P.S. I like the first and last...

[tonedr]

hey buddy! What a treat to have you watch - i sure appreciate your kind words - i get to play with the best is what you mean! You rock baby, your friend forever,

da

[spiderbowels]

Hiya Dale, they all sound great to me but if I have to choose a favourite it must be the martin. Nice playing . Regards your friend Jim.

[tonedr]

hello Jim, hope all is well sir. Sure appreciate you listening!

dale

[LisahZuniga]

I would have to say the martin is the best, the sound is a touch brighter, but the lower end gives it a friendly feel...just sounds right.  The Collings are very nice too, i thought the second one was a bit deeper sounded a little closer to the martin.

[tonedr]

thanks for your feedback - very interesting to read your comments - all the best,

dale

[rockitmn]

Yeah I have to pick the Martin too. Great tone and separation. Strong trebles, mids, and that rich sweet Martin low end.

[tonedr]

i sure appreciate you watching and thanks for your feedback!

dale

[erkkinen187]

I think the first collings has a cool mid-high sound and is really responsive to flatpicking noise, the second with beefier bass and less clarity on the highs, almost mellow and bright at the same time, the Martin seems to have the best in the recording and projection clarity department. You are an awesome player. I am so impressed with your flatpicking/crosspicking. It looks like you've worked really hard to make something look really simple. Good job

[tonedr]

i really appreciate your comments and sharing what you heard. I feel very similar to your response. I sure appreciate your kind words, take care,

dale

[TomCPH]

Great guitars! I do prefer number one. Is that the Collings?

Best regards

Thomas

[tonedr]

hello Thomas, sure appreciate you watching. Yes, the 1st guitar is a Collings OM. All the best,

dale

[Compurocker]

Dale,

If I was forced to choose one to keep Tonewise it would probably be the Martin. It was a tough call as all three are winners. So hard choosing one when a capable Guitar Player such as yourself is playing three different high end Guitars! They all sounded good. Nice playing!

Keep Jamming!

Jeff

[tonedr]

hello Jeff, hope all is well sir! Sure appreciate you watching,

dale

[birdyfinger]

in your hands, dale, all the guitars of that

world, have a good sound !

fabrice

[tonedr]

hello Fabrice! Thanks for your kind words - hope you are doing great my friend,

dale

[AnchoriteProductions]

The Collings OM is much brighter than the other two. The Collings C-10 has a mellower, deeper tone, and yet sounds louder than the others. And, the Martin 000-18GE, interestingly, sounds like a combination of the first two, even though it has the same woods as the Collings C-10! Bottom line, all three guitars sound good. Very interesting comparison Dale. Thanks for posting! 5* my friend! -Derek

[tonedr]

hello Derek, sure appreciate your comments & thanks for taking time to watch! Take care,

dale

[PowerOfThePenTV]

Both guitars are excellent Mel, but the dark one i lean towards.

[tonedr]

thanks for listening my friend!

dale

[BoeckmannLudwig]

Great tune, great playing. The Collings OM sounds best for my taste.

Best regards

Martin

[tonedr]

Thanks Martin - sure appreciate your reply sir!

dale

[ptalbany]

I like the Martin however I must admit its due because Im partial to them.

The 2nd Collins was very pleasing to the ears and it was a bit more bass than the Martin but for me I love some bass in a guitar and that is why I thought that was the best sounding to me.

But you know you should get a D-28 and compare that to the others and if you dont like it for some reason, dont fret Ill be happy to help you out and take it off your hands lol!!!

Best wishes

Paul

[tonedr]

Martins are sweet - i love this 000. I appreciate you loaning me your ears, good stuff! I'll think about the 28, is an authentic okay??

thanks so much,

dale

[tonedr]

Hello Frank, hope you are doing well sir! I appreciate you taking time to watch and comment! Thanks for the rating. Take care,

dale

[redavide1]

Dale, Nice thing you put together there -- for this tune, the Martin had a nice mellow tone, well-balanced in tone for my ears. The Collings both sounded good, but I thought the OM sounded slightly "metallic", mid-highs noticeably pronounced. The C-10 had a bit more bass than the OM, same slight metallic ring to it, I heard some rattling somewhere like someone else heard.

[tonedr]

I did hear some rattling myself as well, i think the capo may have been some of the reason. I really appreciate your feedback sir and taking time to listen. Talk soon my friend!

dale

[geriatricguru]

The first had a nice, overall sound; new strings? Crisp sound.

2nd seemed to have little bit of a rattle sound coming from the 5th or 6th string. Had a bassy sound, which I like for bluegrass tunes.

Last had an overall nice sound.

Which one plays the easiest, for you?

3rd

[tonedr]

The strings on the OM are not brand new, each guitar has strings that have been on for a few playing hours. The OM plays really well for me, it is broken in, i've had it around 7years now, it is short scale, and the neck fits me really well. Thanks for your feedback!

dale

[jimmymac30]

Hi Dale,

In my opinion, the blugrass flat pickin' guitar sound was best heard as follows: First place = Martin 000-18GE; Second place = Collings OM shortscale; Third place = Collings C-10 deep body. I think the deep body would maybe sound best on some old rag time stuff, like Darktown Strutter's Ball.

Take care, and thanks for soliciting comparison comments, that's fun, Jim

[tonedr]

Hello Jim, great to hear from you. I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts. Thanks for taking time to listen - your opionion was what I was looking for. Take care my friend,

dale

[UncleVRoy]

yes this is one I need to learn well done!!!!!

[tonedr]

thank you sir - it is a great old tune, all the best,

dale

[idahodad1]

I like the Collings OM just a tad better then the Martin. the deep body came in third.

Which guitar is the easiest to play?

[tonedr]

the easiest for me by a small margin would have to be the Collins OM - the short scale helps a bit and the neck is just perfect for me. The Martin has the SS, the neck is great but takes a bit more work for my hands. Thanks again,

dale

[AndyMcDandy]

I would rate it,

OM Best, then Martin, then deep body.

Although, all of them sound great.

Kudos.

[tonedr]

Thanks Andy, i really appreciate your feedback after listening! Take care,

dale

[RMAN923]

Hi Dale......Altho all were good...I would give the nod to the Martin barely on that particular tune. BTW...GREAT Picking....Roger

[tonedr]

hello Roger - sure appreciate you watching - thanks for your feedback on the guitars!

dale