Unless you are Neil Young, the D45 is not a gigging guitar… the average musician would never risk $9,000 by bringing a D45 into a bar full of “imbibers”. So, the D45 is essentially a couch guitar for the very wealthy collector. If you gig, buy a D12, replace the electronics with an LR Baggs Anthem, and you have a very capable stage guitar for around $1,000. I am not a multi- millionaire, and I do gig, so the choice is simple… I need a tool for the job. The D45 sounds amazing unplugged, but most of us play plugged into a board, so a D45 and a D12 both with Anthems, would sound virtually indistinguishable…That being said, I hope that everyone that can afford / buys a D45 truly enjoys it… I never begrudge success!
@John Woodsrd Well sir, I hope that it served you well. I acquired my first Washburn about 10 years later, a Tanglewood. I finally got a D18GE about 2004 and I actually have played them each today. Great story. I remember the '70s mostly with fondness.
Really interesting hearing comparison. What really stood out to me was the tone quality of the high end sounds. The D-12’s high end sounded so thin and flat compared to the full, resonant sounds from the D-45
I bought the D13E with cirrus back and sides and love it. I switched over to 12's and added bone bridge pins. Build quality is also very good. Saving up for my dream guitar, the HD28
Great comparison and explanation guys. I bring my D41 out regularly. IMO, musical instruments like this are meant to be shared with the world and not hung on a wall somewhere to be played 3 times a year. These fine instruments are a symbol of incredible American craftsmanship and history and blow people away when played live, even through something like an SM58. As I've gotten older I just choose places to play where drunken idiots are not going to stumble over my guitar. Brew pubs in the afternoon are a way better options for me than bars for acoustic sets. Nursing homes are also a great option and really bring joy to some folks who could use it.
You know, I've never owned a Martin, I don't think I've ever played on one. But for YEARS I played on an old Alvarez Regent series (or equivalent) guitar. Last New Years a buddy's step dad gave me his old PD series Alvarez ... holy cow did I not know what I was missing out on! It's not even a Yari and the difference is vast. Many of the guitar brands have respectable entry level guitars, but stepping up to something outside of the entry level is always worth it!
OOF, you guys are murdering that D-12. I don't have one, but wow. I'm no expert. I know, I'm not. But if I was a guitar shop dealing in Martins, I'd take it for granted Martin customers already know the score, and so I'd hold my fire in a comparison like this. Because there are a multitude of Martin aspirants out there who would come to buying a Martin D-12 knowing full well it doesn't compare well to a D-45, but want it anyway, for the name and the quality it does offer. Thar's gold in them thar aspirants. But this almost seems to diss those aspirants with $ in their pockets before they even walk in the door. And as you said yourselves, "it's been forever since we had one of these D-45s in here." Given all that, I don't think I'd be so hard on that modest D-12. It's likely to be someone's perfect jewel - MANY someones.
If you need that to hear the difference, put the $9000 difference in your pocket. Case in point, both of these sound great and the D-45 is an “investment guitar”.
I'm absolutely delighted you used a car metaphor to talk about the D-45 - because you were so right about it ; Very good video with great explanations. Merry Xmas !
29:00 I know exactly what you're talking about. It's like the time I picked up a Martin in a music shop having played nothing but cheap acoustics for thirty odd years. I was swept ecstatically along in a river of music, time went all funny, and people were standing around watching, me oblivious to all but the lovely sonic properties of this guitar and the ease at which the music seemed to flow from subconscious to fingers to guitar to music. The thing played itself.
@@IRequireMedication What a warming comment to read before settling to sleep. Thank you. do you play? Playing is very much like a romance. The urge to express, communicate, to feel immersed and truly connected. All inhibitions, self doubt and other ego issues dissolved. Fulfilled. Complete.
Wow! Two weeks ago I was privileged to be in a high end acoustic shop to pick up my repaired 00 Martin. They had a D12 and a D41 custom shop hanging on the wall. I used to own a D12. They allowed me to play both. I had the same reactions Chris and Cooper had. The D41was so easy to play, it came through with a much lighter touch. It gave me goosebumps! The D12 required me to dig in more. I am a big Martin fan and If I could afford the D41or D45 I wouldn’t hesitate. But since I can’t, we’ll…. But someone else commented on other guitars for the money. Because I finger pick the D12 didn’t give me the sound I wanted. I found an Eastman E20DSB that is really great sounding, particularly because it worked well for my style. Chris and Cooper made so many good points in this video. It was fun for me since I personally just played two very similar Martins. Thanks guys.
I gotta say, the D12E is no slouch - I hate Richlite, but the whole package and tone value, very nice at the price point. Sounds exactly like a Martin should, with negligible shortcomings. Cool comparison for sure and I'm sure being there in person really captures the nuances more than laptop speakers ever could.
Before watching the conclusion I'll say the Martin Road series is one of the best values in the guitar world. As far as there being an 8-9,000 dollar price difference, if the road series is all you can afford then it's a great value, but if you could afford an HD-28, you'll get 90% of what the 45 gives you for a 3rd of the cost.
💯 I understand VTS (torrification) costs extra, but I'm surprised a $9K+ D-45 Standard doesn't have Waverly tuners and hide glue construction. Also, you'd think Adirondack might be the norm.
@@gui-texzan7477 absolutely, the Martin Custom shop really is the way to go, u can get everything u want and nothing u dont need. I love my CS Martin, bec its got Addy top, VTS, and I prefer no extra ornamentation and hog back and sides and it was less than half the price of a 45 w/better specs imo. If I wanted to spend 9-10k I would get Bourgeois/Collings/Santa Cruz, even the Martin authentics look great. But the 45 series should have the best of what martin has to offer(VTS, hide glue, waverleys, addy top etc.)
I think if you get a D-45, you’re over paying. At the end of the day, it’s a factory mass produced instrument. I played a handmade dreadnought from an independent luthier, it blew any factory made instrument out of the water. Lots of projection with a light touch. The max I would spend on a factory instrument is $3000. After that, go handmade. There is a substantial jump in tone. Factory instruments just get more fancy inlays
Well said. The $3000-$4000 price range will truly get you to 90% of what $10000-$15000 will get you. That being said, if my disposable income allowed such a purchase, I might be inclined to purchase that additional 10% of tone because of the craftsmanship and aesthetics behind it.
Great comparison and Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah. One set of specs you didn't mention is the neck profile! Each has a bit different feel. Yes the D-45 sounds best to my ear, but can I play it? Short scale 12 fret guitars are my playing/singing friends. I have also been told I sound better with a Adirondack and/or torrified top. I would reccomend getting the best sounding playable guitar one can afford. Without to much glitz.. Playing for 50 years, I've learned a few things about guitars and helping friends/relatives find a nice guitar.
My D16RGT.... is a joy to play. Martin’s secret guitar. Primarily I’m a 12 String player and my Martin 12 just fits me, like a shroud.... and a guy asked me how it sounded with amplification... so I got the pick out of my jeans pocket and showed him. One word Volume
I bought my first Martin, a D 41 nine years ago. I also bought a second hand D 42 that was two years old and hardly played - mint, for a very good price. The construction quality of both are immaculate. One thing not mentioned about the upper end Martin’s is that they are great investments if cared for properly. Quality wood, quality labor, is going up in price and difficult to source and will only become more so. I’m glad I bought when I did because the prices have nearly doubled
I also have a Yamaha FG830 that punches way above its pay grade. Not the same. A good technique and good strings you can do quite well. Maybe another Martin one day. Do love the Road Series.
D-45 sounds great. There is a reason D-45's and Guild D-55's cost so much. But as stated not a guitar I would take to the jam or a gig. It would be great for recording, that guitar is so clear.
I'd love to see a comparison between a D16 and a D18, or D28, that would be a more realistic comparison, and probably more helpful for most people who are stretching to buy a D28. BTW, I have a Collings D2H and I'd put it up against a D45 all day.
I have a 1973 SD-45 and a D12-35 that I bought in 1970. I had an HD-28 but gave it to a friend in San Diego when I moved to Texas last summer. In 1973 the D-45's were $1650.00. Two years ago Martin was listing the D-45 as 12.000.00 but you could get one from a dealer for around $9,000.00. Mine was custom made with a 12 string neck and additional inlay on the headstock. A few years back I sent it to Martin for some warrantee work and when I came back from the factory there were some cleats (defects) in the finish on the lower bout probably caused by heating the guitar to remove the neck for the warrantee work. Comparing the D-45 to that other guitar is like comparing a Royals Royce to a motor scooter. For those who may be interested, Wiki Pedia has a list of all the owners of Pre-WW2 Martin D-45. I am not a professional musician but enjoy playing with Old Time Fiddlers or other such groups and I'm 86 years old.
I had a D-16GT I gifted to a friend (my first Martin) when I bought my D-28. When I visit...he plays the D-28...and I pick up the D-16...It sounds so damn good...a $2000 price difference...maybe it is playing on an old friend...but I kinda miss that D-16.
On the D 45 , Under the so-called bling surrounding the top and back are time consuming hand carved channels that allows the top and the back to vibrate freely for extra tone. It’s definitely a work of art.. I have an HD-28 and they are both worth every penny!
Well just bought a Mexico d12e to add to my collection..think it will be be more than good enough! Have of course a Gibson L5CES which stays home! Had to have a martin to add to my collection!
I'd love to hear a comparison between the D-45 and, say, a D-28 Modern Deluxe, to see how much there's a guitar sound difference with the VTS top and the Hyde glue. Is the extra cost for the D-45 really an ornamental investment or is it in any way better than other expensive, thousands less high-end D-28 with the same tonewoods?
i own the d12 and love it.. its good for church.. its a great guitar and he is right, its hard to get the d12 to respond, u just gotta get used to it.. for $9,000 id buy a motorcycle Lol
Great review - I'd love to see a comparison between the D28 (any version of it) & the D-45. I think that would be a real good comparison as they're more comparable against each other than the road series - and the price is still significantly different. Thanks!
Depending on the type of bracing the standard D-28, D-41,D-42,D-45 share quite a bit with the big difference being the inlays and binding. The odd balls are the D-35 due to the 3 piece back and the D-18 due to the sides and back being mahogany instead of rosewood. The type of bracing and wood type and quality selection is what will make the biggest differences. There are vintage and modern manufacturing and different neck shapes. I don't think there is a one size fits all since there are so many variables. The biggest difference most people will notice is the sound difference of Rosewood back and sides and mahogany back and sides. If your a more serious player you would be set with a D-18 and a D-28 which would give you the best of both tone worlds
I have a 00012 and a 00028 1937 Authentic. They are both good but the 28 is utterly amazing, expressive, light, and generally wonderful. The 12 is incredible when compared to sub £1000 guitars but it’s clearly not anywhere as good an instrument as the 28.
My exact response and I got crap for saying it. It makes no sense to compare rosewood vs mahogany for this comparison and the D-28 is way way cheaper than a D-45 and they are both rosewood. The guy that responded to my post just didn't understand that. :(
I'm saving up for a Martin HD-28. I might buy a Road series I like the sound of them. I own 2 X Series Martins, one dreadnaught and one concert body. They perform well for me. That D-45 Cooper is holding is beautiful good luthier work went into it. I like the D-12 Chris has too. Thanks for the informative video Chris & Cooper.
Well, you are comparing a sapele back and sides ,which emulates mahogany mostly, with a rosewood B and S; so ,one would expect a significant difference in mid range emphasis. Listening through headphones, and if I had been blindfolded, I would have preferred the D10 tone. The D45 is a truly wonderfully ornamented instrument and a great bluegrass choice. It works less so for studio and singer songwriter duties.The resale value on a D45 is probably pretty high and that might warrant that choice over a competitively priced boutique instrument .
The D45 wins hands down. Very good reason why people pay a lot more for that guitar. I got to play a HD35 a few years back and it sounded and played wonderfully. Martin makes the best acoustic guitars. I have played many brands and none ever come close to Martin.
I wonder if this video could be revisited with a set of the titanium strings on the D-12? They, I'm sure would make a substantial difference in the sound. I love the sound of Sapele, very much like mahogany and not at all like Rosewood with all the overtones. So right off the bat, price not withstanding, is kind of comparing apples to oranges. And no, not a $9,000 difference between these guitars!
Where’s the sweet spot in the Martin line up? Where do you stop paying for sound and playability and start paying for ornamentation? Maybe the answer is subjective, but I would think the sweet spot is around the 18s and 28s. What do you guys think?
I completely agree. If you prefer the sound of mahogany stop at the 18. If you like the sound of the rosewood the 28s and 35s are it. HD 28 and HD35 both have scalloped braces. I had always thought I liked the 28s and 35s . Until I played D18. Now I prefer it. Richard Hoover of Santa Cruz Guitars once told me that the guitar maker actually has more control over the sound of the guitar than the type of wood used(with in reason).
I love all your videos. I’ve lived in Tennessee and now Florida, so I won’t be dropping in to see you, but I’m glad to see and hear you. I was in San Antonio a few years ago and I made it a point to come to one of your locations. I was looking for a D28 or 35 but my wife found a used DM mahogany for $500. I love that guitar! I really understand what you’re saying about how great the high end Martin’s are but that the lower end ones are too. Thanks, you explain it so well and your playing is wonderful.
I'm honestly really shocked at how much better the D45 was compared to the D12. It was almost painful to listen to the D12 after the D45. In isolation I'm sure the D12 sounds perfectly acceptable but in the company of the D45 it struggled.
Excellent playing guys! Very educational. I believe Marty Stewart plays a 1941 D45 he got from Johnny Cash, who got it from Hank Jr. One thing to mention, the Richlite used on the bridge and fingerboard of the cheaper guitar is actually a pressed paper/epoxy/glue product. It supposedly has a similar tonal quality as ebony.😳🥴🧐 I guess if it works! I’m having a really tough time with made in Mexico Martins. It seems to be watering down the brand. I wonder what Hank would say?
I thought Martin uses veneer abalone as the real stuff is harder to find according to a Martin factory tour video. I think buying an older d45 would be better with real abalone 🐚, compared with a new one. I thought the d 45 has adaronkack top? Great video
I purchased a new D-45 in 1986 and figured I’d keep it forever. Over the years it went back to Martin a couple of times for various fixes- some under their lifetime warranty others not. About 2 years ago I noticed the binding was coming detached from around the waist area and the top was beginning pull behind the bridge. The repair by Martin included a new bridge, flattening the top, a neck reset, a wedge under the fretboard and fix a cracked brace! Not bad for a virtually un-played guitar, my fault and maybe the real issue. I usually stored it in its case, de-tuned and humidified. I really cherished that guitar but the cost of keeping it outweighed my desire to keep it. It’s value had increased over time and I hope its new owner enjoys it as much as I now that it’s perfect.
Gotta get the cheapey hpl dx guitars. I have a dx1 with a solid Spruce top, hpl sides and back, stratabond neck,micarta neck and bridge, in the case after 4 years was still in perfect tune. Played it everyday 15 years prior. Never any issues and sounds phenomenal. Back to playing again now. 20 years guitar still perfect. It's discontinued but a Similar model now would be the dx2e. Different neck and bridge materials and is now made in Mexico no longer USA, but has a pickup and built in tuner. They now use katalox a Mexican hardwood on bridge and fret board .
I had to give up my D45 because of my shoulder. I've had two. They're Steinways. I ended up with the White signed Eric Clapton martin. Smaller in size, beautifully built and my pride and joy. My shoulder loves it too.
OMG! Both sounded very good but... What a moving, powerful, exquisite sound from the D45! Cooper usually seems to shine the brightest but the big guy blew it out on this one! Virtuoso performance and that shimmering sustain! I'll be listening again and again. Magnificent! (What mistakes? The overall impact of thr performance made them irrelevant.)
Are you kdding me? The sounds are surprisingly different. The d45 has a massive body tone with shape and character. The D12 is quite thinner yet somewhat brighter. If they used a km184 along with that condenser to record this video the difference would stand out even more.
Chris, it's always good to hear Cooper play, but you are very special in your own way. I came back to hear you. I am a mahogany guy but both of these are good enough. I am happy that I am not into bling but... I have spoken of you to Doyle Dykes and I hope he calls. Last time, he popped in and you were not there. Oops Yes, how sweet that sound.
It was worth it making car sized payments for over 2 years to get my D-45. It's an heirloom level instrument. I realized that I paid $1200 for a Taylor guitar that I played for 20 years and in that time went through several cars that I paid more than a D-45 for. I spend more time playing guitar than driving a car ..so might as well go all out. I understand it's not for everyone...but if music is your life and career get the best. If you do get one... Get insurance on it.
I thought Martin shipped all the standard guitars with the the long life strings which I read somewhere were designed to stay fresh over the she shipping and storage period which can last up to a year or more from manufacture until you take it home. But then the less expensive guitar actually had more of the sound I associate with Martins and their 80/20 strings. I would feel like I should wear white gloves to pick up a 45 series. However the logo has to be the coolest one on Earth. Sort of makes you gasp because of what it stands for.
I can't help my taste, but binding on the neck is crucial. I have a Seagull S6 Original that was lifted to me. I love that guitar, but I wish it had binding on the neck.
Chris plays the same tunes on a lot of these comparisons. It seems to me that the Taylors ring better than the Martins. i'm not referring to the tone, I'm talking about the ease of fretting. I was surprised that on this 9k Martin, it seemed like it was more difficult for Chris to make the notes ring thank on a 1k Taylor., I love the martin tone, but I find them harder to play.
Not so much sound, but the BUILDER......experienced builders Only make a limited amount per year. The rare woods also sound Better as they age. I can absolutely hear the difference between $500 and $1200+, also Feel and Action are important to some people if you're Noodling more than hitting straight chords......everyone's needs are different based on Skill and Experience.
Here in France, the D-45 is around 11 500 euros, vs. D-12, 1569 euros. That's what I paid for my 000-15M Martin made in Nazareth + hard case. Unbelievable. Thanks for the demo. Have a safe and fruitful New Year. Christmas is almost over here...🎅. 🎶🎶🎶
I’m a huge D-18 fan. I would gladly purchase a HD-28 and may eventually . Recently I added a Yamaha FGX5. The first day I thought, “This guitar cool but probably just another Clone.” By day three, I thought, “This guitar is Insanity!!” The next guitar I buy probably better bet the D45. It will take a real beast to reach FGX5’s Insanity bar 🤷♂️.
@@every5thman947 I play with Action lower than the average BlueGrass player because I am also a huge blues and heavy-metal fan. For me personally the FGX5 had fantastic set up. In contrast I purchased a blue ridge BR 163A at the same time. It was set to Martin specs. That meant for me it was virtually unplayable. I hope that helps!
I felt the difference but really you all should be using the same strings for comparisons I went from D'Addario EXP 16 to Martin Monel Nickel and my Cort feels like a much different guitar
Hi my dear friend . What you could say about D-16 M and his price Thank you very much for you lovely attention. I loved the two guitars and your performances.
The expensive one had tighter bass, more midrange, and bright treble, plus louder. The cheaper one had less volume and it sounded slightly duller with a compressed type tone. When you did the sound comparison I didn't look at the video, I put on some good headphones and I wanted to only listen to compare the tone. For some reason I ended up choosing the cheaper one every time and I wasn't expecting that. I shocked myself. The expensive one sounded pure and raw and the cheap one had a "produced" sound and I think I got fooled by that.
That D12 is much more than okay... especially for a Martin #$$$$ Whit the D 12 you get much more for the price then that D45. Sure it sounds better, it would be a crime if it didn't. But 10 times better??? Hell no. I love Martin because there history, looks and tribute to guitar world. The name is a statement! But they all are just crazy expensive. If I would buy a Martin it would be a "road series" or even a "DX". Simply because all the others ones are overpriced if you compare them. Period. + there are brands who are much cheaper in price and give much more in sound, finish, look and materials.
When you get the chance I'd like to see a demo video of the Martin D-12E with the Koa back option. Awesome playing BTW. You sound great and the guitar helped a little. The best guitar doesn't sound good unless you know what your doing with it.
The 911 analogy was spot on. A Honda Accord is a great automobile, drive a 911 and you understand the difference in engineering immediately. A Seiko will tell time, a Rolex Oyster Perpetual will make you appreciate time.
I recently bought a Martin D-13e, so I was intrigued by this comparison. Using headphones, it sounds like the D-45 has a stronger low end, and fuller tones. The D-12 sounds good, just a little jangly in comparison. was it the superior quality top of the D-45, the difference in the back and sides, the difference in the strings? Maybe all three. Will the D-12 open up over time? Probably, but so will the D-45. I think if I had the $$$ to burn, I might buy a D-45. Why not, eh? Back here on earth, I don't regret my recent purchase at 1/6th the price. Good is good.
@@pavelfeoktistov3217 I play my D-13 almost every day, and I am very satisfied with it. I have not seriously considered purchasing a more expensive Martin guitar, although I have played my Son-in-law's D-28, and that is also a wonderful guitar. For the price, I consider the D-13 to be a great value.
IF you can afford it, Buy the D-45, it will be a better investment. You will most likely be able to sell it for more in the years ahead while the D12 may depreciate or stay the same, value wise. Just my two cents.
Gotta love Martin's 💘, no matter what model or price range. I have a 61 000 15. This thing is my Willy Nelson, camping 🏕 guitar, complete with duct tape to repair large hole!
I’d spend the cash on a d45. But tbh furch have ruined me. My green DCSR with Martin flex core 13 gauge is the best sounding and playing dread I’ve ever played in 30 years. As well as my yellow masters and red deluxe lol I’m hooked on furch
I have a D12E and I loved it until I saw this video. Lol. Really though, the D12 is a killer option, especially once the stock strings are changed and you plug it in.
The special 16 style I just got for christmas is the best deal Martin has currently. Has everything a D28 has minus a couple of tiny things and it's way cheaper. There's almost no videos of it on the internet it would be cool to see you guys break it down because it's definitely the most bang for your buck Martin has to offer. It's a Guitar Center and Musician's friend exclusive though so I understand why you don't.
Bought a previously owned 000-16 yesterday. Been waiting for the new ones for a year. Went to music store to kill time yesterday and this one had just come in on consignment two hours before. Wow! How about that for a Christmas present. Bought it on the spot. This is a 16 from 2019 12 frets and open headstock. I'm in love. It's like bringing a baby home.
Thanks for the comparison. I'm headed back to The Martin factory in August. Looking to get a D-10, D-12 or D-13. The HPL feels like plastic. I would stay away from that.
To my surprise, I enjoyed the sound of the D-12 over that of the D-45. Coming through a microphone, the D-12 came across as more articulate. Yes, I've played a rather resonant D-45. The difference that I can discern is how the D-45 is likely to feel, both in the hand and against the ribs. The 45 will feel so much better than the 12. The question becomes, why are you purchasing the guitar that you are? Is it for an audience, or for yourself? If for yourself, get what you please. For an audience, please take a second trained ear with you to give you feedback and play the instrument to see what it feels like on the audience end of the instrument.
Honestly just get a 1990s martin d-16r or T model it has tortoise for binding beautiful guitar sounds great very good quality build wise. Just play practice and enjoy!
Ok, heres my take: I think of the guitars like a spaghetti sauce with the exact same ingredients, except one is right out of the pot and the other is out of the fridge after a day of gelling… the gelling sauce has a uniformity and smoothness of flavor that's better than the same sauce you had last night, but most people are not prepared to pay 9K more for the fridge sauce…
