Corey Congilio compares the Martin M-36 vs. J-40 at Willcutt Guitars 

The tone of the J-40 is so rich, so sumptuous, and the guitar has incredible sustain, when lightly strummed or picked, is sounds almost like a 12-string guitar. An incredible instrument.

Without a doubt the J-40 for me! It had me smiling right away. What a lovely, resonant guitar. Thanks for the comparison.

Late to the party, I just bought a J-40, and its wonderful. I went in the store looking for a D-28. The J-40 was there. It was "that" Guitar, I was looking for many decades, (since the 70's). I didn't play it a lot in the store, because my hands just fit this guitar like an old friend. You know it when you know it. From the first strum, I knew it. I learned that you don't need to play it for an hour... you should know right away. (Not taking anything away from the D-28). The J-40 was brighter, and projected very well. It gets your attention. Proving once again, you cant go wrong with just about any Martin (Hand made) Guitar.

each guitar is amazing. Great to see them compared side by side and have uniqueness of each simply explained

You hit both guitars with very heavy percussive strumming between the bridge and soundhole for maximum volume. Try picking single strings on the J40 lightly over the soundhole right near the end of the neck. That is where the guitar truly sings with resonance like a choir of angels. It is like a different instrument entirely. I discovered this technique while playing at night and trying not to awaken my wife in the other room.

Phewww ! Tone Monsters !! i personally love my standard OOO-42 as it's warmer and perfect for finger style. these two are wonderful for sure , I would tend toward the J-40 though for the bit of extra cash , cause it's a deeper body on the OOOO , and two piece back and not quite as bright tonally as the J-36. either way you just can't go wrong with any Martin high end models ❣❣ i also personally would take a Martin Custom Shop guitar any day ; i have two CS OO-12 & D-12 and they're insanely beautiful instruments ❣❣ 💓

I had an M36 years ago and enjoyed it; tone was just a little weak especially the low end for me. Eventually ended up with a J40 two years ago which is now my main acoustic. I got the J40 for the great tone; better low end and love the comfort playing it: neck shape, body shape. I did find for me the J40 is very particular about which strings you use. First time I tried mine in the shop I was unimpressed even though it appeared to have fresh strings (but what were they?) Went back about a month later and the guitar was still there but this time sounded great. Turns out they’d restrung it but couldn’t recall what strings they’d changed it to. I bought eight sets of different strings. And over just two days I went through trying each set (doesn’t take long to tell if you like the sound or don’t and for a $3,500 guitar spending another $100-200 if needed to settle on the perfect strings was easily justified.) FYI, for my personal taste I found Elixir 80/20 Bronze, Light (.012-.053) strings to sound great. I’d always tried different strings over long periods and most often found a string I’d like and so would use them for every guitar I had; but this taught me the importance of matching the strings to the guitar to your playing style. I wished I’d have tried other strings on the M36 years ago, maybe I’d have a beautiful vintage Martin now. But, I sure do love the look of the J40’s J45-style headstock I have on my J40.

M-36 is my next Martin💯 Love it

I own an M36 and absolutely love it but one day will find my way to a J40.

I have the m36. Very balanced with strong volume when fingerpicking.

O.k. Here we go...

For fans of these guitars, there is now a Facebook page dedicated to this Martin "sleepers" -- the M-36, M-38 and the J-guitars. Check us out.

Hey from Pittsburgh

They both sound great, although to my ears the J-40 is more defined.

Borat both guitars sound good.

J 40 is my favorite, only a Martin guitar can do the job .

M-36 is my new favorite guitar (sounds so much better than OM-28 & OMJM).

1988 Frank Zappa called from the grave.......he wants his look back..........

would be great to make the Grand Jumbo.....

Wish the same thing was played on both

Aloha Cory! I play kinda like your style (boy do I wish I did! LOL) and wonder what would be a good pickup for the J40. That M36 sounds great to and also wonder if you have a pickup recommendation as well! I have an LRBaggs Para Acoustic DI Preamp box I could use with it. Great playing and always enjoy your videos! Happy New Year! Cheers!

I would buy a J40 imediately if they offered it with the mod. low oval neck with standard taper and 1 11/16" nut. I find the current neck they're putting on most of their guitars very uncomfortable. I'm in the market for a new guitar but it won't be a Martin.

4:11

Bottom line after this video: get the M36 is you want more accentuation. Get the J40 if you want more fullness.

J 40 was bigger sound to me

J40 has much more thump.

Borat plays martin!

M36 actually sounds a little better to me. They’re both great guitars though.

Your playing style favors the 36

Corey is a very good player but in all of his videos he just beats the heck out of the guitar and I can't tell anything about them.