Blindfolded Guitar Test - Can I Guess the Price? 

FAQ -"You're still wearing glasses...Can you see?" I was definitely blind! We put duct tape to cover the eye holes and I couldn't see anything. It was Marshall's idea to leave my glasses on as a joke. So it was purely because it was funny to us. All professional musicians can play blindfolded. I have over 10,000 hours of muscle memory. -"In round 2, isn't it unfair that the second guitar wasn't setup properly?" This was a clever curveball by Marshall. I think it actually made an excellent point about the importance of playability. The best guitar with a bad setup, is not enjoyable to play. -"What is the song at 32:55?" ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--XwCKZp_CZE.html -"A $900 guitar is not a beginner instrument!" While that is true for electric guitars and steel string acoustics, the classical world is different. For example, a beginner violin can cost up to $1,000. Classical guitars are similar. Beginner instruments can be between 200-900. Professional classical guitars start around 3-4k on average. -"No guitar is worth $50,000. The wood and labor don't cost that much." Guitars in this price range generally have historical significance and are no longer being made. They aren't priced based on the woods and labor alone. For example, if a famous luthier (guitar builder) is now deceased and only made a limited number of instruments, those are now much more valuable. -"Since you picked the $300 guitar over the $9,000, doesn't that prove that price doesn't matter?" No, I don't think so. Round two revealed that even the best guitar with an unplayable setup is not enjoyable to play. This is why I picked the $300 guitar. Had they both been setup well, I think there would have been no contest. The sound of the 2nd was so much more sophisticated and resonant. What was amazing is that I was so distracted by the feel that I couldn't even enjoy the sound! -"Are you using the same strings?" All of the strings are similar enough to not make an important impact on the comparison. The exact brand matters less than the tension and material. -"Why did you touch the headstock? You shouldn't have felt the instruments since they give away the price." I don't think feeling the wood or materials does give away the price, actually. Most classical guitars have identical headstocks. Instead, Marshall told me he had some curveballs planned and I was feeling to see if it was a normal classical guitar or something strange like the acoustic/electric or the Flamenco guitar with a golpeador. If there is something to be learned about feeling the grains or quality of the tuners, it is lost on me haha.

Never underestimate a $300 Yamaha

This was so much fun! Thanks for coming over!

I just love both of you. Two grown men who have mastered their craft and retained a pure, uncompromised, childlike wonderful joy. Please keep up the shares

The fact that you can nail these pieces completely blindfolded while simultaneously analyzing every aspect of the guitar you are playing is phenomenal.

The 2nd round was fascinating. Handing Brandon a more expensive guitar that was just picking up dust and not set up while giving him the worn in, nicely set up cheapo was such a fun confounder

The fact that you can play this well while blindfolded is mind blowing. Simply amazing.

"blindfolded youre better than 50% of the guitarist that come in here". I know you were trying to compliment but come on man.. that was better than 90% of the people visiting!

The Richard Brune in round #4 might be my favorite acoustic sound of all time, it's almost like each string is its own harmony

I’d love to see a video like the electric players do. Where you go into a guitar store and find the best classical guitar for $500 and $1,000. ☺️

I wish this was a 3 hour video. Please make this a series 🥺

I am no guitar guy and have barely even played guitar, but i knew as soon as he started playing the first guitar in round 1 that that was an expensive guitar. The sound is so complex and soothing.

I love all of these videos you two make. Mesmerizing really. Thank you Brandon and Marshall both for showing us so much of the wizard behind the curtain in classical guitar!

I'd just like to point out that Recuerdos de Alhambra is actually a difficult piece, but Brandon makes it seem really easy. Please carry on.

Marshall is a super nice sport to be in these episodes, I feel like he really enjoys doing these type of videos with you

I don't even play guitar and stumbled onto this video and have been mesmerized the entire time. It's not only great to see experts have to step back and use senses a bit differently but also amazing play as well by Brandon made this a joy to listen to. Kudos to you both, I'm in for the next part!

It was a little awkward that Brandon guessed the $25,000 Richard Brune guitar was $8,000, and he didn’t like the Marshall Brune guitar at first. But I appreciate the honesty of this video and how Marshall was willing to put himself out there like that. And at the end of the day they were both awesome guitars. I think the first guitar (and most expensive of them all) was my favorite because of its rich low end.

Normally, I would think these reactions were put upon and previously contrived -to push sales specifically(not that it isn't to some extent) , but Brandon consistently only ever comes across as nothing short of a genuinely stand up dude. It's nice knowing that the function of this RU-vid video was predominantly for the experiment at hand, no pun intended, and that everything else after that fact is merely ancillary. Love the content, love the playing, love the wisdom. Thank you homie.

That first guitar sounded soooo good. I can only imagine what it sounds like in person, but the mic translated it well enough to show a vast sound quality gap to it's rival, and my personal favorite of them all.

The Richard Brune guitar gave me chills everytime it was played. Must be incredible in person. what a beautiful guitar.

The fact that he can do that level of playing with his eyes closed is unbelievable

Me blindfolded: Oh nice I hit the A note on the G string on third try Brandon blindfolded: flawless execution of the third movement of La Catedral

I am not a musician, never was never will be... but I appreciate this tremendously... the joy you get out of this and share with us is completely out there. :) cheers, and we need more!

Thanks so much for including the song titles. Loved this video. You guys are so enjoyable! Have a blast!

Videos with you and Marshall are one of the few things I wholeheartedly look forward to. I just love the atmosphere y'all both exude.

My favorite thing about this was the admiration the luthier had in his eyes watching the instruments being played so beautifully. I shared the same admiration in my eyes too Mr. Brune. And your work is fantastic as well

I've never played a classical guitar, yet I just watched the full 37 minutes of this video. Great content, very entertaining, and I love your enthusiasm for the instruments and craftsmanship!

Brandon I honestly wish you a long, happy and prosperous life. You're an absolute Gem with such an honest personality. I love your videos and this was such a treat. So great to see Marshall throw you off and show you such wonderful intruments!

I have that Yamaha flamenco. It’s hard to beat for a beginner. It’s the cg172sf. Was about $270 three years ago. Now $400. The low action makes for an easy transition for those of us who are used to steel string. I have owned four Yamaha Cg series guitars and I’d recommend buying from Sweetwater. They actually will look at it and make sure it’s set up vs just forwarding it to you straight off the boat. I bought the other 3 from Amazon and Sam Ash and Guitar Center, and every one had some issue that I ended up returning it. I don’t work for sweetwater, just have had good experience with them. Their guitars just don’t seem to require a bunch of tinkering with out of the box.

Brandon dons the mask and becomes the new classical guitar hero: Sor-ro! (guitar nerd humor)

The Ashokan Farewell from the Ken Burns documentaries is so beautiful. Wow this was great to hear the experts comment on each guitar. Makes me want to learn. I’m a choir singer, have never played.

I rarely get excited about upcoming videos, but maaaan I cannot wait for part 2 and 3. Amazing video.

Lmao, it's funny when you don't need to hear the guitar to know it's worth more than $20,000! I've always wanted to hear a Brunè 25th anniversary and it didn't disappoint. That's a dream guitar for sure. The yamaha is a testament to the importance of setup. Production guitars under $1,000 are an amazing value when setup properly, and yamaha is the top of the mountain for production guitars.

This was the best classical guitar demonstration I've ever seen. If Brandon, with his great ear (and hair), cannot always discern the difference, there is hope for us mere mortals :)

This was a fantastic video. I love how well you both explained the sound and history of each one.

I love these compare videos! So much fun to guess along with Brandon

The question really is, how can I setup my guitar like the $300 Yamaha? 🕵️‍♂️ I'd give a lot to know Marshall's tricks of the trade

This was so fascinating and brilliantly executed. Bravo to Brandon and Marshall!

Lovely to watch and listen. You're both such kind and positive people. Thanks for sharing with us!

i love how you really try to do the challenge, checking the feature, the sounds, different tuning, and playing same piece. very mature yet lighhearted, i cant wipe my smile from my face.

It’s always a joy hearing Brandon play, even in such an informal setup. What a gifted guitarist!

Guitarists are always so chill, I love that air about them.

This video was just exquisite. The passion and depth of knowledge from both men is beautiful to bear witness to!

Loved the video. You both are very relaxed and relatable in this video. One of my favorite of yours.

One of the most interesting videos I've seen in a while! Thanks Brandon and Marshall, really well done.

Excellent video boys! You guys hit a home run with this idea. Very entertaining and professionally done across the board.

Learned a lot about music today! Excellent video. Keep up the amazing work! Thank you so much!!

Love the video! Outstanding skills, as Marshal said you play better blindfolded than the majority who aren't. Can't thank you enough for putting it together. Great to see Marshal and his shop and I really look forward to the next two videos!

That was so much fun on so many levels, thanks. I'd love to see Brandon guess those price tags, or see him compare two guitars costing exactly the same, or just as many curveballs thrown at him as possible. The value is always in the eye of the beholder (to follow up on Marshall's vision joke).

Great video. I don't normally watch music videos but the concept here drew me in. I truly enjoyed watching and listening to this video. Thanks.

Oh my gosh this was such a joy to watch! I could watch these types of videos all day lol

Enjoyable and informative! Very different than the old days. (60's and 70's and guessing the 50's was worst for knowing how to find an appropriate guitar) Great thing you guys are doing. :)

Dude this video is fun to watch. Great experience!

this video is so fun to watch. both have good vibes that I can’t stop smiling throughout the video.

Love the video Brandon! By the way, the $300 flamenco Yamaha you played is a pretty respected budget instrument amongst flamenco players. As you rightly observed in the video, they tend to be super easy to play (especially if they've been set up properly) and considering the price, they pack a pretty big punch + have a decent flamenco sound. In short, considering they're mass produced instruments, overall they are a fairly good option for flamenco students who want a budget instrument. Though I mostly take my hand made instruments on the road, I do also have the exact Yamaha model you played as a travel instrument (for holidays and such like). Have a great day and see you soon my friend!

Wow!! the first guitar gave me goosebumps..and it must sound heavenly live.😍 I believe that guitar playing live heals troubled minds 💕

This video (and the part 2)are actually great! Frankly, I didn't expect this to be that fun to watch, but you two make it extremely interesting!

Amazing demonstration! Thank you both! ❤❤❤

I don't even play guitar, and this was super entertaining. I love listening to Brandon play these amazing instruments.

The mask was absolutely hilarious. Especially with the glasses. But while very humorous, this content was so very interesting. Loved the blind comparison. And watching Brandon pull off these tough compositions blind folded was very impressive. Way better than most guitarists that can see. Agree with Marshal on that point. Glad I watched this. I mean just to listen to the compositions alone are worth it. Then layer on all the other cool things you guys did. Bravo.

Great video. My great-grandmother actually was quite proficient in playing the Zither (I'm German), I still remember being 5 years old on Christmas, sitting in my great-grandmothers living room and listening to her play Christmas songs!

Never thought I would sit through 30+ minutes of blind folded guitar playing but I did. I'll have to sub now and hear you play without being blind folded. Amazing job and fun video to watch. You are a master of your craft as noted by your keen ability to play all these guitars.

They both seem like such cool and chill dudes to hang with

The nocturne on Senior Brune's guitar sounded so sweet and melancholy, and when you initially played the Junior Brune the timbre almost made it sound like the screamo version lol. Then it changed a lot when you moved your hand to something different entirely

Great video. The blindfold helps to keeps our ears honest. Personal favorite was his dad's 25/25 guitar. Awesome tone.

Just wonderful. The easy mastery without stuffiness. The musical passages just delightful. Excellent presentation!

This is such a great video. Glad I found this channel. Really really talented. Wow!!

I've been playing Yamahas (guitars, synthesizers, and other things) since 1972. You just backed up everything I've known about them since then, a truly amazing music company. Their vision is to get music out to the world, and they do! Like the comparisons being so varied (the Godin and the Scherzer). Great video and done very well. Thanks!

Love seeing Marshall in the videos. Such a great guy

First of all, your playing in unbelievably beautiful. The guitar comparisons come in second. Fantastic. Thank you,

Subbed! You did the thing I was wanting the most from the first video I've ever seen of yours today until this upload (providing the info of each piece being played). Still, absolutely amazing work was performed in this video. The RU-vid algorithm did its thing today. Cannot wait for your next video. Thank you!

I play electric but I found this very interesting and entertaining. You’re an amazing player. I love the sound and the classical music.

great vid definitely want more comparisons between more comparable guitars that are just different in price

Very interesting video, looking forward to the next one.

Randomly stumbled across this and was entranced. Thank you both.

I cannot express just how much fun this video was to watch. Many thanks Brandon.

Captivating, one of the most enjoyable RU-vid videos I've ever seen.

Badass playing. Awesome content. Cheers

I just stumbled across this... Fun and Amazing! I work in live sound, but can't play a note. I love watching good players do their thing. Completely enjoyed it!

The glasses and eyes are amazing lmao. Thanks for the content Brandon!

Love the atmosphere with you and Marshall. Especially because Marshall is just such a good bro. He's so calm and yet so excited about your Playaction and the guitars. Great guy. Also Brandon is just godlike man. It's incredible how well he can play. He's one of the reasons why I stared to play guitar. Few weeks ago.

Always good to see Marshall! That went like five minutes, great video

I am stunned at how much I could actually hear the difference! Can't tell you how much I love this!

It's awesome to see Batman play Chopin!

This was a blast to watch and so much fun to play along with!

Watching this video as a e-guitar player is a great inspiration from the musical perspective and crazy experience from the price perspective :D

Great vid. Beautiful playing

Thank you. You helped me decide to purchase a Yamaha CG172sf from some other brand flamencos...based somewhat on how you made it sing so nicely while playing "Recuerdos..."....showing its versitility in playing both classical and flamenco. The playability was the difference maker(and, of course, the low price.) Seems like a great value for the money. Really like your videos with Brandon. Man you guys REALLY know your stuff. And I really appreciate you both sharing your knowledge without any hint of being "stuff shirt" about it.

When an instrument is crafted by a master to be played by a master, the trust in each is incomparable. I couldn't imagine passing my fathers 25/25 LE $25k guitar to a blindfolded person.. when Brandon knocked the bottom of it my heart skipped a beat but Marshall just couldn't wait to hear his father's guitar played by someone worthy. This was incredible, thank you both for sharing.

What a fun video! As an aside that piece that was used for the Ken Burns Civil War film never fails to bring tears to my eyes, espy when it is played so beautifully.

Just to even play like this blindfolded is astounding to me. Really fun video!

I must admit that I did not expect to watch the whole video.😂 Brandon plays such amazing Chopin😢! I so want to be like him. I would love to play the guitar just like him, alongside my poetry. I’m literally in tears 😭

Fantastic instruments, absolutely killing skills of the guitarist and huge passion of an owner. What a great fun that was ❤️

I absolutely loved the demonstration of how setting the guitar up properly is crucial. Makes all the difference, and costs a fraction of the cost of a good one!

This was such an amazing video loved it

Super entertaining! I really liked the tone of Marshall's guitar. It was mellow but full and had good sustain/resonance. My favorite was the 1860 Scherzer. I absolutely loved its tone and projection (at least as heard on my Macbook:>) I'm looking forward to the other videos!

This was a useful video and Round 2 would certainly be educational for your viewers. I think another video that would be very helpful would be to have rounds with more guitars in the =

Love any video with Marshall in it! It would be great to see a joint build video like the one with Rob Scallon.

This video put a smile on my face. When people play a music, it gives joys. Love it

It's really spectacular how well you play blindfolded.