Just received my D13E. Been playing on and off for 40+ years and have played everything from low end Asian to high end American made guitars. Not only is this guitar one of the best sounding, the build and finish is top notch. And for those cork sniffers out there, richlite finger board is awesome. 😊
I am visually impaired, blind I want to ask you, is the D 13 E, the first one he starts playing, and of course is a D 28 the second one he starts playing, if you can get back at me with a message I would really appreciate it.
Hi, I’m a cork sniffer and I agree with you. Richlight is top notch and will not shrink or warp due to humidity drops like real wood. Plus it’s top tier quality. Mexican guitars are just as good. It won’t have that traditional vibe but sound wise, they are top tier level.
I'll throw my 2 cents in about Richlite. Absolutely love it . My X series special is a phenomenal guitar. The Richlite fingerboard is the best I've ever played.
I live in South Korea and play in the evenings in a Live Café here in Daejeon. I became tired of carrying my go to guitar a 1969 D-35. I also worried about it being damaged when enthusiastic customers wanted to play it. I decided to purchase a Martin guitar and give it to the café. I tried many martins and ended up with this D-13E because it had good action, was solid wood, and also had an very good balanced tone. It is now the guitar I play at the beautiful café and I do not have to carry my D-35 on the bus there. I am amazed at the action and tone and the owner, who also plays flat top style, loves playing this guitar too. I highly recommend the purchase of this guitar. It even reminds me on my father’s 1945 D-18 for the punch and projection. I am still in shock that this Martin made in Mexico would be one of the best martins I have never played in my 68 plus years!
As a girl with a Martin D28, I will always pick that over anything. My mom’s 66 D28 is a treasured part of my guitar family. I have other guitars for the sole purpose of preserving mom’s guitar, including a mexican 000x1 that I picked up for very little. For special occasions and safe no people around picking, I use mom’s guitar, for anything where I have no control of the environment or people there, any of the others.
The D-13 sounded brighter, but thinner with a little less sustain. On the other hand, because it has electronics and depending upon the amp, a player might be able to thicken the sound of the D-13 with a touch of reverb, for example. The D-13 sounded a little like a mahogany backed guitar. The D-28 is quite simply the ultimate dreadnought and sounded like one: dark, heavy, resonant with a lot of natural volume and sustain. Some people won't appreciate that thick of a sound.
I have both of these, and while sound is subjective, they both play and sound great... But different nonetheless. The highs on the 13 are crisp, while the low end depth of the 28 really shines full
You know, if you take all the guitar snobs and make recordings and have them tell you which one is made in America,they won’t have a clue. Those old blues guys had whatever guitar they could find, they were very poor. And everyone loves to hear them (their guitars were old crap.) Mexico has been building guitars for over 450 years, because the Spanish invented them. The “poorly manufactured” foreign guitar is in the past. I don’t like expensive guitars. Years ago, an old picker told me, “ Anything beyond an American Fender is fluff!” Nowadays, it’s any guitar that cost over $500 is fluff. Go ahead and spend $3000 and brag to everyone, “I only own guitars made in USA. Good for you, but unless you are a studio musician, you need to sing too. That $3000 guitar won’t help your voice. You can’t spend money and buy talent, either.
I’ve had my D13e for three weeks now, and it is AWESOME!!! The tone is deep, rich, crisp and balanced. I saw a comment that it has no soul in this video. Two things to rebut that comment. One, countless guitars that are put up against the D28 will sound soulless. Two, I got a D13e that clearly had not been played (Right out of the box), but after a couple weeks it has begun to really open up! ONLY A COUPLE WEEKS!!! And yes, it most certainly has a soul. The playability is incredible, and the neck feels PERFECT in my hands. I have sat down and played Martins all the way up to a D41 (My dream guitar), so yes, I know the difference. But, I am not rich or a snob, and as far as it being made in Mexico...the quality is TOP NOTCH!! Last thing!!! I want to give a big shout out to my boy AJ from Alamo Music!! This is the second guitar he has sold me, and he is a great dude! Some guitar techs are freakin lame, but AJ is on the level...and the ENTIRE Alamo Music Fam!! That’s my place for life!!
I decided to listen to this with a pair of high end over the ear headphones instead of watching. My first Martin was a D45, since then I've had the D28 and D18 models. After listening carefully to this audio twice through I was surprised to find that the D13e resonated better with me. Ordered mine.
Great video, just bought a Martin D13 E from PMT in Cardiff, very happy. I am a gigging musician and this is perfect for me. When i retire with my millions ill get a D28 to play round the fire for the grandkids! Great video as always, thank you
Agreed ... the clarity difference was heard even though all the electronic bits being compressed and reassembled... so obvious.... and you can be sure that's ten fold in a real life open air comparison.... The reason for the lightness is because of the solid wood and the finish ... laminates have heavy resins binding them together... Nitrocellulose laquer is thinner .. lighter, and takes a long time to apply and a longer time to cure before you can even buff it out .. which makes it so expensive....
My son just purchased the Mexican manufactured Martin. I have been playing for years, and other than the place of manufacture, I'm telling anyone out there the sound is superb and the fingering wonderful.
They both sound great. But to me the 28 just had a richer sound to it. By itself the 13 sounds wonderful but played back to back you can hear the superior sound of the 28.
I respectfully disagree. I’ve played the new D-13 and her tone is lush, sustain incredible, plays like butter. I’m not impressed by the D-28 in this video. The D-13 is also one gorgeous looking guitar
@@StephenLyonsMusic Still I get the feeling he plays more careful in a way that doesnt make the D-28 show its true self, so the demo of the more expensive one wasnt the best, but regardless, the new D13 sounded really interesting. Gotta try it to know for sure. But it kind of has the same wild sound like my D16GT. More boom boom and not as polished and compressed.
Yeah, I say tone is a little like when you go to buy a new tv. If you don't see a decently priced tv next to a higher model then 99 percent of people will have no idea the price/quality. But there is a reason stores put the nice tvs next to the discount ones, so you see that there is indeed a difference. Well, guitars are like that to me. The D-28 is definitely more pronounced, but for most people they wouldn't notice any major difference if you just played the Mexican made one. That's why guitar buying is so hard hah. We hear the difference in the store, but he question is is it worth it? For most people probably not, but many of us have convinced ourselves we want the best. So maybe it is? hah
Yea man I've been playing professionally for 32 years and I can tell you the sound difference in the guitars are almost identical. The D-28 is a tad and I mean just a tad richer but unless these guitars are played back to back you'd never know the difference. You're a lier if you say you could. And the price difference is just not there. You're paying for the material difference not sound. The D-28 sounds more "broke-in". That's the only difference.
D13e is a nice sounding guitar but sitting here listening on a lap top wearing high end headphones there is not even the slightest question of which guitar sounds better ... looks better .. is better ... but is it $2500 dollars (give or take) better for the average home guitar player ... probably not ... D28 if you're an artist serious guitar player who can afford it ... D13e for me.
Very logical view, Kip. The important issue is that the instrument will provide enjoyment-and that’s exactly what the D13E would do for me. Now if I ever get a recording contract or sell a song...maybe I’ll think about the D28!
Most folks who get a D-18, D-28 and up the ladder are bluegrass pickers who always wanted a Martin standard series Naught but can only play open cowboy cords with their singing. You only go through life but once and I say if you want one and can afford one, get it.
You really think because you're wearing high end headphones you can hear the nuances? TH-cam videos are already compressed. You can hear certain differences but you still have to hear the guitar in real life.
To me the recording and equalization are cutting the D28's low end and richness of sound. As another guy commented previously, in real life there is no comparison at all, they are 2 completely different guitars (I tried them both). The D13 sounds really nice, although... you get what you pay for.
I think you could write music that could change the world on either one. I'm leaning towards a road series or the X1e while I save for the fancy smancy US version. I want something that I can bang around on anyway. Mexico rocks! Thanks for the video, it helps a lot.
Акустична гітара це настільки цікавий інструмент, в плані звуку, що вибирати її краще в магазині, а не через інтернет, в зрівнянні з електрогітарою, в акустиці на звук впливає буквально все, мені попадалися гітари які коштували 50 доларів а звук був кращій ніж у гітар за 800 доларів, (беремо до уваги тільки звучання), і в данному випадку чуємо теж саме, гітара майден Мексіка (яка я впевнений коштує на порядок дешевше ніж USA) звучить краще ніж американець. Автору подяка, гарний обзор.
I have a 10e and a new HD-28....I love them both with obvious favor towards the 28....I does have more sustain fuller on all highs and lows. The 10e is suprisingly a much better sound than most competetors in that price range. Get both!..:-)
I have both a D28 and a road series. The D28 is so mellow.... beautiful. The road series is brighter and a joy to play. I find the action on the road series is better for my level. (Beginner)
Great comparison! It’d be interesting to know what my Mexican compatriots would be able to achieve if they were set to build a top of the line (Mexican) version of the D28 - with the same materials and reduction time as the US version. Fender has done similar things with great results and lower prices.
First off, Heche en Mexico. Cheaper labor that a beginner can learn on and is more affordable. I do hear better quality sound. Great definition. To each his own. But, for playing, D-28 and my recent HD12-28 for 50 years, I love it. Don't give up playing!
The difference in sound is very apparent and for live I'd want the D-28, however in a recording session the D-13 might actually be a better choice as it would "cut through the mix" better. Definitely easier to mic and avoid "boominess." My recording guitar used to be a 1968 D-35 because it had a nice balance. Now I use a 1996 Taylor LKSM-6 and a 2012 Taylor 456CE 12-string (formerly I used a 1970 Guild F112). Thanks for the great videos.
I'm a Gibson man but I also love a Martin so I've added a little bit of Mexican fire with a D-12e and I absolutely love it. The D-28 is a pipe dream for now.
D13E sound throaty and has good sustain, string come in very balance and clear. This is another winner right from the first model DRSGT when the Road Series was introduced. The D13E is closer sounding the original straight braced D28. Easily can be mistaken for the pre-imagined and would have been a better comparison instead.
I really like my D-10 spruce model. The sapele adds punch and more high end than mahogany. Of course you would want to compare it to a mahogany guitar, not a rosewood one.
Gostei do som dos dois violões da Martin. O D28 tem um timbre mais definido, mas gostei também do timbre mais grave do D13e. Sendo o D28 ou D13 me atende muito bem. Comparação muito boa. Parabéns.
When I went to the Martin dealer here, I was essentially looking for a d18 . I wanted mahogany back and sides. I had a solid rosewood guitar already. This, the D 18. And I should say this; the only Martin in the shop that I couldn't afford was the 45. So I played the 18 and I didn't like it. it sounded plane or unimpressive. I played almost all the Martins looking for something I would be happy with. Then I played the DRSG and the hair on the back of my neck stood up! No lie. I play mostly country music so I played on it for a while. Bought it, then saw that it was made in Mexico. But you know what? The bar is so high that I think they try harder to please in Mexico. I've had it since '18 and its opened up beautifully with the top taking on a darker, warmer colour. Call it whatever you want, it's a damn Jewel and everyone who plays it wants to buy it! But that ain't happening. Cheers from Ontario Canada.
Another good video Chris. The D13 holds its own in my opinion. Yes the D28 is fuller and more complex in its tone but look at price point between the two. I own a Road Series Martin and I love it. I’m not a full time acoustic player so I’d go with D13. In time when the D13 opens up it will be killer.
Great demo Chris! So my big dilemma is actually between the D-13e and the new DC-13e. I cannot make up my mind. I absolutely LOVE the tone, feel, look of the D-13e but they don’t make it in a cutaway. The D-13e uses a siris back and sides vs the DC-13e which uses mutenye back and sides. There is quite a tonal difference. The DC-13e is a little more bottom and mid range and the D-13e a brighter sound overall. If they made the D-13e in a cutaway I think I’d be sold
Well... you sir have a new subscriber. This is excellent. I have sat down many times and did similar experiments and the fact that I can hear the differences, IN A VIDEO, to me tell me you guys are doing it right! I’ll be watching your other stuff now for sure! Thank you!
Both sound awesome. I think the D-28 edges it though with a more rounded sound. The bass to me on the 28 sounds tighter and not quite as "boomy" but still has some good grunt to it. The 28 also seems to be a bit more refined and brighter in the mids and highs. The D-13 does have more sustain though after you let up as you mentioned which is a happy little good quality added to it. It really surprised me how much sustain it had. The 13 is still a really good guitar though for the price too. I'd be happy with either one depending on what my price range was.
D-28 has more a more defined bass with the mid/ treble sounding smoother and more predominate. The D-13E however sounds great too at that price point. Just buy a Martin and enjoy it for a lot years to come ! I own a D-16 RGT ... love it 9 years later.
I bought a Martin dx1 a little over a month ago and it’s an entry level Martin but sounds great. My 20 year old fender with new strings and the Martin side by side sound so much different. I can’t even describe the difference but I can feel and hear it when I play if that makes sense.
I've only got one problem with it it's made in Mexico we only buy USA Chronixx since we've had all this trouble with exchanging things with other countries it's nice to know that Marvin is Cubs tradition in America I have to Martins made in the USA that's where I stay the guitars a little bit hollower from Mexico build a little bit cheaper everybody can see that the D-28 is a monument to the great workmanship that Martin put into their guitars thank you I love Martin guitars USA all the way
Not even close.. Had to wait until my late 30's to finally afford a Martin, and it is now one of my great joys in life. Will never part with my 2019 D28, nothing else short of a D18 or the D40's even come close. Martin is king.
The D-28 is warmer and more resonant, but the 13 is a little more articulate, maybe better for finger picking. You can't go wrong with either one. I own both Mexican and Nazareth Martins and have gigged with both, they all perform well.
Both! I'll take the D13 now and in a year or so I'll have enough for the D28, and then the D13 can be my D Standard guitar. There we go. The D28 sounds a lot fuller, but I really like the top (and the price tag) of the D13. Thanks for this upload!
I'm having a bad week. My favorite guitar had a bad accident today. It was a gift for surviving stage 4 cancer. I've played for decades. Playing relaxes me.
I personally have been playing the d13e for about a week now, the only thing I have not been able to get used too is the fretboard. Is does not feel the same when bending strings and has some kinda gritty feel to it when sliding. As all things go you have to very slightly adapt. Personally is becoming my favorite acoustic to jam on. Excellent guitar
The sound differences are down to tonewoods, not differences in quality. I liked the deeper bottom end of the D28, but then I'd look at a GPC-11e that uses sapele and was a closer tone profile.
I have the D12E, which is close to the same guitar but with Sapele back and sides. It may not be the exact caliber of a D28, but it comes dangerously close. When considering price differences, I gotta say…..the Road Series knocks it out of the park. I will say this…..it has excellent playability and great sound. At a gig nobody would ever know any difference. And the player may not notice much either.
In 2012 I tried several Martin's. I went with the one that sounded and played the best. I didn't look at the price until I decided which one played and sounded the best. I went with the DRS1. The neck is a Stratobond and no matter what people say about it, I love it. The DRS1 is a Road Series that is Sepele with a satin finish. The Fishman pickup sounds amazing. However, Martin cheaped out on the fretwire. I'll be getting a fret job soon. Martin lacks consistency and just because a D-28 cost more, it may not sound better. My guess is that if you try 10 D-28's, one will outshine the rest. And, my DRS1 came with a real Martin case... not a bag. Martin cuts the wrong corners.
At first it doesn't seem really fair becouse they're such different instruments geared to different audiences, but looking back i'm glad you made this video, becouse it does prove that the mexican made Martins are good guitars on their own. I own a d12x 12 string from Mexico and it plays and sounds great
I listened with my eyes closed and not knowing which guitar would be played first. From the first strum I knew it was the D13E, which was definitely confirmed when the D 28 was played. The D13E lacks the classic Martin sound heard through the D 28, but it sounds fine!
The 28 sounds better to me, just all around. The D13 sounds amazing too, if I wanted a 28 and didn't have the cash I would have no problem settling for the D13.
I bought the D-13 but replaced the plastic bridge pins, the Corian nut, and the TUSQ saddle all with bone like the D28. The highs seem warmer. I'm wondering if that's what makes the D28 sound better.
What I notice right off the bat is the tone. Characteristic of two build phosphines, and the use of separate materials in their construction. The D-28 exhibits a lighter, sweeter sound whereas the D-13E has a heavier, more dense quality to it's overall tone. In my opinion, it's the same overall sound I've experienced from my old Mexican DX-1AE Martin, so my ear understands it. Which is better? That's like asking if a Cadillac rides better because it has leather seats as opposed to cloth. They are both excellent guitars at two separate price points. In my conclusion I'll simply say this; Your ego might prefer the D-28, while your bank account will love the D-13E. The guitar that you really ever want is the one that sings back to your soul when you play it! :)
I’m going to get a Martin next, and I’m leaning towards a D28 or a D18. On the other hand, I’d probably be perfectly happy with the D13 because I’m not a professional by any means, though I do care about quality. I am familiar with the Mexican made Martins as I have a very high quality Martin T1k tenor uke, and it’s very well made and sounds great.
That guitar from Mexico is pretty good sounding guitar, I have a smaller Martin guitar from Mexico, and I like it, although I would love to have the d28 !
Either one will work out fine in a professional setting...I like the D13's lighter, airier sound. Sounds more like a D18 which I have always preferred over a D28.
Thanks for the video Chris.. I'd like to know why most of the cheaper guitars are heavier in weight than expensive or high-end guitars. Can you maybe make a video on that?
You do realize that every acoustic sounds different. If these were the same two guitars, they could easily sound this different. I really comes down to looks and feel. The “feel” and the two guitars are something that we can’t judge one TH-cam, but I feel are equally important as sound. ...
I play a D13e great guitar..put retro strings on it..sounds great...D28 Is a Martin classic..but I just bought new Martin dss-17 slope shoulder. Amazing guitar!!
Amazing value the D13e...plays easier than my Taylor 814ce and sounds big! I think I must have got a good one as it sounds deeper than the one in the video. Be interested to see a test of the same guitar model and the differences in sound.
There's a reason the D28 costs $2k more. D13E is still a great guitar. I have one as that was my price point. Great neck and fingerboard. Solid wood construction. When I played it in the store, I knew had the one for me.
I am left handed. When I bought a Martin, I had to have it made for me, so it was made in mexico. The neck is a composite neck, it is made of wood slats bonded together. It is a piece of crap. The back of the neck is so rough that you can file your fingernails with it. I also have a Taylor, a T3/B but even though it was made for me, it was made in the USA. It is well made, beautiful in fact. It sounds great and Taylor guarantees that they will make any of their models left handed at no extra charge. Needless to say my next acoustic is going to be a Taylor, my Martin is most likely going to be donated to charity. It would take a major finish re-do. And in case your wondering, all of my guitars are in my music room, with an automatic humidifier set on 50% RH.
just buy b13 and just before i tried about 25 guitars between one thousand and 4 . Not easy sometime to make a choice but i think it is all about your personnel feeling
Really the only thing us boils down to with me is whether I want a Martin made in Nazareth or Mexico. I found a D13 on reverb that has a multi colored inlay around the sound hole which I've only seen on the custom shop.
I agree that the 28 is fuller, more balanced. Like lots of other guitars though, they both seem to suffer the slightly sharp F# when playing an open D.
I think for playing alone the D13 would be plenty nice and probably a very affordable guitar.. But as for playing on a bluegrass stage with other pickers. I would rather be playing the D-28. I believe it can cut through the other instruments better. That is just from my own experience.
to state the obvious, it's all very subjective, strings, temperature, humidity, nails, picks - your mood. all guitars, even two made from he same batches of wood will have a different feel, either do what i do, buy as cheap as possible from ebay and be happy to try another guitar, be a bit disappointed, sell it on and gain experience, or ideally go to as many stores as you can and try as many guitars as you can until one grabs you and won't let go. i have a USA HPL martin OOOX1 that is the best guitar i ever played (finger picking) £350 with case, looks horrid but a real keeper.
Just received my D13E. Been playing on and off for 40+ years and have played everything from low end Asian to high end American made guitars. Not only is this guitar one of the best sounding, the build and finish is top notch. And for those cork sniffers out there, richlite finger board is awesome. 😊
I am visually impaired, blind I want to ask you, is the D 13 E, the first one he starts playing, and of course is a D 28 the second one he starts playing, if you can get back at me with a message I would really appreciate it.
@@moisesperez4605 yes, you are correct. The D 13 E is the first one. The D 28 is the second.
Hi, I’m a cork sniffer and I agree with you. Richlight is top notch and will not shrink or warp due to humidity drops like real wood. Plus it’s top tier quality. Mexican guitars are just as good. It won’t have that traditional vibe but sound wise, they are top tier level.
I'll throw my 2 cents in about Richlite. Absolutely love it . My X series special is a phenomenal guitar. The Richlite fingerboard is the best I've ever played.
I live in South Korea and play in the evenings in a Live Café here in Daejeon. I became tired of carrying my go to guitar a 1969 D-35. I also worried about it being damaged when enthusiastic customers wanted to play it. I decided to purchase a Martin guitar and give it to the café. I tried many martins and ended up with this D-13E because it had good action, was solid wood, and also had an very good balanced tone. It is now the guitar I play at the beautiful café and I do not have to carry my D-35 on the bus there. I am amazed at the action and tone and the owner, who also plays flat top style, loves playing this guitar too. I highly recommend the purchase of this guitar. It even reminds me on my father’s 1945 D-18 for the punch and projection. I am still in shock that this Martin made in Mexico would be one of the best martins I have never played in my 68 plus years!
As a girl with a Martin D28, I will always pick that over anything. My mom’s 66 D28 is a treasured part of my guitar family. I have other guitars for the sole purpose of preserving mom’s guitar, including a mexican 000x1 that I picked up for very little. For special occasions and safe no people around picking, I use mom’s guitar, for anything where I have no control of the environment or people there, any of the others.
I would marry a woman with a '66 D28 just to be in the same room.
@@TermiteUSA I recommend marrying Diane Ponzio. She’s an expert on Martin guitars and owns vintage stuff of the era.
@@ramencurry6672 🤣
The D-13 sounded brighter, but thinner with a little less sustain. On the other hand, because it has electronics and depending upon the amp, a player might be able to thicken the sound of the D-13 with a touch of reverb, for example. The D-13 sounded a little like a mahogany backed guitar. The D-28 is quite simply the ultimate dreadnought and sounded like one: dark, heavy, resonant with a lot of natural volume and sustain. Some people won't appreciate that thick of a sound.
Couldn't said it better. The D-28 has just enough of that extra bass and crisp treble to always win.
I have both of these, and while sound is subjective, they both play and sound great... But different nonetheless. The highs on the 13 are crisp, while the low end depth of the 28 really shines full
5:46 sound comparison
D-28 is noticeably better
I bought a dcrsgt a few years ago and I love it! I just keeps getting better every time I play it. Thanks Martin!
Sound is subjective. Both sound great. Both winners. :-) IMO
You know, if you take all the guitar snobs and make recordings and have them tell you which one is made in America,they won’t have a clue. Those old blues guys had whatever guitar they could find, they were very poor. And everyone loves to hear them (their guitars were old crap.) Mexico has been building guitars for over 450 years, because the Spanish invented them. The “poorly manufactured” foreign guitar is in the past. I don’t like expensive guitars. Years ago, an old picker told me, “ Anything beyond an American Fender is fluff!” Nowadays, it’s any guitar that cost over $500 is fluff. Go ahead and spend $3000 and brag to everyone, “I only own guitars made in USA. Good for you, but unless you are a studio musician, you need to sing too. That $3000 guitar won’t help your voice. You can’t spend money and buy talent, either.
Later, when I got home and smoked a bowl. Anybody can buy any guitar they want. Jeez, what a rant!
I’ve had my D13e for three weeks now, and it is AWESOME!!! The tone is deep, rich, crisp and balanced. I saw a comment that it has no soul in this video. Two things to rebut that comment. One, countless guitars that are put up against the D28 will sound soulless. Two, I got a D13e that clearly had not been played (Right out of the box), but after a couple weeks it has begun to really open up! ONLY A COUPLE WEEKS!!! And yes, it most certainly has a soul. The playability is incredible, and the neck feels PERFECT in my hands. I have sat down and played Martins all the way up to a D41 (My dream guitar), so yes, I know the difference. But, I am not rich or a snob, and as far as it being made in Mexico...the quality is TOP NOTCH!! Last thing!!! I want to give a big shout out to my boy AJ from Alamo Music!! This is the second guitar he has sold me, and he is a great dude! Some guitar techs are freakin lame, but AJ is on the level...and the ENTIRE Alamo Music Fam!! That’s my place for life!!
I decided to listen to this with a pair of high end over the ear headphones instead of watching. My first Martin was a D45, since then I've had the D28 and D18 models. After listening carefully to this audio twice through I was surprised to find that the D13e resonated better with me. Ordered mine.
As a non musician with little experience playing the guitar, I like the sound of the D13 better. It sounds more familiar for some reason.
Great video, just bought a Martin D13 E from PMT in Cardiff, very happy. I am a gigging musician and this is perfect for me. When i retire with my millions ill get a D28 to play round the fire for the grandkids! Great video as always, thank you
the first 2 pieces he plays it was hard to tell but on the 3rd I could really hear the quality of the D28 coming out
I could hear the difference right away.
Agreed ... the clarity difference was heard even though all the electronic bits being compressed and reassembled... so obvious.... and you can be sure that's ten fold in a real life open air comparison....
The reason for the lightness is because of the solid wood and the finish ... laminates have heavy resins binding them together...
Nitrocellulose laquer is thinner .. lighter, and takes a long time to apply and a longer time to cure before you can even buff it out .. which makes it so expensive....
Mart-ene . . . instant like and subscribe. Been watching for a while and not sure why I haven't subscribed until now, but that was awesome.
I'm using headphones and think both guitars sound incredible.
They’re both good. All Martin guitars whether cheap or expensive sound fitting depending on the mix and song.
My son just purchased the Mexican manufactured Martin. I have been playing for years, and other than the place of manufacture, I'm telling anyone out there the sound is superb and the fingering wonderful.
That Martin vs Martine joke earned you a like, my friend. Lol
Martín
They both sound great. But to me the 28 just had a richer sound to it. By itself the 13 sounds wonderful but played back to back you can hear the superior sound of the 28.
I respectfully disagree. I’ve played the new D-13 and her tone is lush, sustain incredible, plays like butter. I’m not impressed by the D-28 in this video. The D-13 is also one gorgeous looking guitar
@@StephenLyonsMusic Still I get the feeling he plays more careful in a way that doesnt make the D-28 show its true self, so the demo of the more expensive one wasnt the best, but regardless, the new D13 sounded really interesting. Gotta try it to know for sure. But it kind of has the same wild sound like my D16GT. More boom boom and not as polished and compressed.
Yeah, I say tone is a little like when you go to buy a new tv. If you don't see a decently priced tv next to a higher model then 99 percent of people will have no idea the price/quality. But there is a reason stores put the nice tvs next to the discount ones, so you see that there is indeed a difference.
Well, guitars are like that to me. The D-28 is definitely more pronounced, but for most people they wouldn't notice any major difference if you just played the Mexican made one. That's why guitar buying is so hard hah. We hear the difference in the store, but he question is is it worth it? For most people probably not, but many of us have convinced ourselves we want the best. So maybe it is? hah
Yea man I've been playing professionally for 32 years and I can tell you the sound difference in the guitars are almost identical. The D-28 is a tad and I mean just a tad richer but unless these guitars are played back to back you'd never know the difference. You're a lier if you say you could. And the price difference is just not there. You're paying for the material difference not sound. The D-28 sounds more "broke-in". That's the only difference.
D13e is a nice sounding guitar but sitting here listening on a lap top wearing high end headphones there is not even the slightest question of which guitar sounds better ... looks better .. is better ... but is it $2500 dollars (give or take) better for the average home guitar player ... probably not ... D28 if you're an artist serious guitar player who can afford it ... D13e for me.
It's great for someone who doesn't want to bring their $3000 guitars out to gigs but still wants the Martin sound
Very logical view, Kip. The important issue is that the instrument will provide enjoyment-and that’s exactly what the D13E would do for me. Now if I ever get a recording contract or sell a song...maybe I’ll think about the D28!
Most folks who get a D-18, D-28 and up the ladder are bluegrass pickers who always wanted a Martin standard series Naught but can only play open cowboy cords with their singing. You only go through life but once and I say if you want one and can afford one, get it.
You really think because you're wearing high end headphones you can hear the nuances? TH-cam videos are already compressed. You can hear certain differences but you still have to hear the guitar in real life.
Very well said.
Couch jammers=d13
Neil young=d28
To me the recording and equalization are cutting the D28's low end and richness of sound.
As another guy commented previously, in real life there is no comparison at all, they are 2 completely different guitars (I tried them both). The D13 sounds really nice, although... you get what you pay for.
..... and at a gig.....your audience doesn't know any difference. :-)
I think you could write music that could change the world on either one. I'm leaning towards a road series or the X1e while I save for the fancy smancy US version.
I want something that I can bang around on anyway.
Mexico rocks!
Thanks for the video, it helps a lot.
Акустична гітара це настільки цікавий інструмент, в плані звуку, що вибирати її краще в магазині, а не через інтернет, в зрівнянні з електрогітарою, в акустиці на звук впливає буквально все, мені попадалися гітари які коштували 50 доларів а звук був кращій ніж у гітар за 800 доларів, (беремо до уваги тільки звучання), і в данному випадку чуємо теж саме, гітара майден Мексіка (яка я впевнений коштує на порядок дешевше ніж USA) звучить краще ніж американець. Автору подяка, гарний обзор.
I have a 10e and a new HD-28....I love them both with obvious favor towards the 28....I does have more sustain fuller on all highs and lows. The 10e is suprisingly a much better sound than most competetors in that price range. Get both!..:-)
I have both a D28 and a road series. The D28 is so mellow.... beautiful. The road series is brighter and a joy to play. I find the action on the road series is better for my level. (Beginner)
Wait your a beginner with a D28? You lucky duck
This is easy, the Mexican Martin only plays songs in Spanish while the American Martin only plays bluegrass.
...cracked the code.....
Orale.
😆😁
Awesome
Oook
Great video, subscribed! As a bassist and hack guitarist, the 13E is probably more for me, but the D-28 did sound just a touch better.
Great comparison! It’d be interesting to know what my Mexican compatriots would be able to achieve if they were set to build a top of the line (Mexican) version of the D28 - with the same materials and reduction time as the US version. Fender has done similar things with great results and lower prices.
We are currently working on a D33 Here in Mexico. It will be the highest quality guitar ever created from Martin. Hitting the market on 1Q of 2023!!!
@@diegocervantes4977 D-33? Tell us more.
@@Hulkhoagie1 I can’t say much cause it hasn’t been announced, but it will be the new top dog in the martin lineup on the first quarter of 2023!
First off, Heche en Mexico. Cheaper labor that a beginner can learn on and is more affordable. I do hear better quality sound. Great definition. To each his own. But, for playing, D-28 and my recent HD12-28 for 50 years, I love it. Don't give up playing!
Got the D28 already but I'd like a D13 e as well now.
The difference in sound is very apparent and for live I'd want the D-28, however in a recording session the D-13 might actually be a better choice as it would "cut through the mix" better. Definitely easier to mic and avoid "boominess." My recording guitar used to be a 1968 D-35 because it had a nice balance. Now I use a 1996 Taylor LKSM-6 and a 2012 Taylor 456CE 12-string (formerly I used a 1970 Guild F112). Thanks for the great videos.
I'm a Gibson man but I also love a Martin so I've added a little bit of Mexican fire with a D-12e and I absolutely love it. The D-28 is a pipe dream for now.
WOW I was blown away by the sound of the D-28...
D13E sound throaty and has good sustain, string come in very balance and clear. This is another winner right from the first model DRSGT when the Road Series was introduced. The D13E is closer sounding the original straight braced D28. Easily can be mistaken for the pre-imagined and would have been a better comparison instead.
The D28 sounded better but the D13 sounded amazing. The D13 is a great sounding guitar, that earns the Martin name. Great video.
I really like my D-10 spruce model. The sapele adds punch and more high end than mahogany. Of course you would want to compare it to a mahogany guitar, not a rosewood one.
Gostei do som dos dois violões da Martin. O D28 tem um timbre mais definido, mas gostei também do timbre mais grave do D13e. Sendo o D28 ou D13 me atende muito bem. Comparação muito boa. Parabéns.
Hard to compare A guitar to something three times the price but the d13e held it's own.
When I went to the Martin dealer here, I was essentially looking for a d18 . I wanted mahogany back and sides. I had a solid rosewood guitar already. This, the D 18. And I should say this; the only Martin in the shop that I couldn't afford was the 45. So I played the 18 and I didn't like it. it sounded plane or unimpressive. I played almost all the Martins looking for something I would be happy with. Then I played the DRSG and the hair on the back of my neck stood up! No lie. I play mostly country music so I played on it for a while. Bought it, then saw that it was made in Mexico. But you know what? The bar is so high that I think they try harder to please in Mexico. I've had it since '18 and its opened up beautifully with the top taking on a darker, warmer colour. Call it whatever you want, it's a damn Jewel and everyone who plays it wants to buy it! But that ain't happening. Cheers from Ontario Canada.
I have no prejudice, but I played both recently and my EARS told me the D-13e was nicer - sounded more broken in, more mature.
I like the D13e. I'm more of a folkie than a bluegrass player, and that tone would work better for the music I play.
I too like the D13. I just ordered one.
Another good video Chris. The D13 holds its own in my opinion. Yes the D28 is fuller and more complex in its tone but look at price point between the two. I own a Road Series Martin and I love it. I’m not a full time acoustic player so I’d go with D13. In time when the D13 opens up it will be killer.
Great demo Chris! So my big dilemma is actually between the D-13e and the new DC-13e. I cannot make up my mind. I absolutely LOVE the tone, feel, look of the D-13e but they don’t make it in a cutaway. The D-13e uses a siris back and sides vs the DC-13e which uses mutenye back and sides. There is quite a tonal difference. The DC-13e is a little more bottom and mid range and the D-13e a brighter sound overall. If they made the D-13e in a cutaway I think I’d be sold
Dread cut-aways look terrible, why d'you need one anyway?
Martin USA plays C, D, E, F, G, A, B.
Martin Mex Plays Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Si
Hajahaha
This made me laugh. Perfect comment!
lol yep
Well... you sir have a new subscriber. This is excellent. I have sat down many times and did similar experiments and the fact that I can hear the differences, IN A VIDEO, to me tell me you guys are doing it right! I’ll be watching your other stuff now for sure! Thank you!
Both sound awesome. I think the D-28 edges it though with a more rounded sound. The bass to me on the 28 sounds tighter and not quite as "boomy" but still has some good grunt to it. The 28 also seems to be a bit more refined and brighter in the mids and highs. The D-13 does have more sustain though after you let up as you mentioned which is a happy little good quality added to it. It really surprised me how much sustain it had. The 13 is still a really good guitar though for the price too. I'd be happy with either one depending on what my price range was.
Marteeeeeen haaaaa
FLUFFYYY
Playing the "Tony Pelecastro" riff
That's "Polecastro" but I'm sure Tony would love the call out. :-)
D-28 has more a more defined bass with the mid/ treble sounding smoother and more predominate. The D-13E however sounds great too at that price point. Just buy a Martin and enjoy it for a lot years to come ! I own a D-16 RGT ... love it 9 years later.
I bought a Martin dx1 a little over a month ago and it’s an entry level Martin but sounds great. My 20 year old fender with new strings and the Martin side by side sound so much different. I can’t even describe the difference but I can feel and hear it when I play if that makes sense.
I've only got one problem with it it's made in Mexico we only buy USA Chronixx since we've had all this trouble with exchanging things with other countries it's nice to know that Marvin is Cubs tradition in America I have to Martins made in the USA that's where I stay the guitars a little bit hollower from Mexico build a little bit cheaper everybody can see that the D-28 is a monument to the great workmanship that Martin put into their guitars thank you I love Martin guitars USA all the way
Wow, the difference is bigger than I was expecting. MUCH more bass and volume from the D28.
Not even close..
Had to wait until my late 30's to finally afford a Martin, and it is now one of my great joys in life. Will never part with my 2019 D28, nothing else short of a D18 or the D40's even come close.
Martin is king.
I do know they take pride in what they do in Mexico and you get quality from that factory!
I hear the difference (D28 deeper) but nice blues licks (thanks Chris) on both Martins 🎵🎵. Cheers!
Both guitars are beautiful. It’s like comparing Marylyn Monroe to Elizabeth Taylor.
The D-28 is warmer and more resonant, but the 13 is a little more articulate, maybe better for finger picking. You can't go wrong with either one. I own both Mexican and Nazareth Martins and have gigged with both, they all perform well.
Both! I'll take the D13 now and in a year or so I'll have enough for the D28, and then the D13 can be my D Standard guitar. There we go. The D28 sounds a lot fuller, but I really like the top (and the price tag) of the D13. Thanks for this upload!
I'm having a bad week. My favorite guitar had a bad accident today. It was a gift for surviving stage 4 cancer. I've played for decades. Playing relaxes me.
I personally have been playing the d13e for about a week now, the only thing I have not been able to get used too is the fretboard. Is does not feel the same when bending strings and has some kinda gritty feel to it when sliding. As all things go you have to very slightly adapt. Personally is becoming my favorite acoustic to jam on. Excellent guitar
Probably needs a fret level, dress and polish. I'm sure they didn't do a good job on that.
The sound differences are down to tonewoods, not differences in quality. I liked the deeper bottom end of the D28, but then I'd look at a GPC-11e that uses sapele and was a closer tone profile.
I have the D12E, which is close to the same guitar but with Sapele back and sides. It may not be the exact caliber of a D28, but it comes dangerously close. When considering price differences, I gotta say…..the Road Series knocks it out of the park. I will say this…..it has excellent playability and great sound. At a gig nobody would ever know any difference. And the player may not notice much either.
Another great demonstration of two very good guitars. Thanks
I have a Mexican martin and I would say it's great guitar it sounds great
In 2012 I tried several Martin's. I went with the one that sounded and played the best. I didn't look at the price until I decided which one played and sounded the best. I went with the DRS1. The neck is a Stratobond and no matter what people say about it, I love it. The DRS1 is a Road Series that is Sepele with a satin finish. The Fishman pickup sounds amazing. However, Martin cheaped out on the fretwire. I'll be getting a fret job soon. Martin lacks consistency and just because a D-28 cost more, it may not sound better. My guess is that if you try 10 D-28's, one will outshine the rest. And, my DRS1 came with a real Martin case... not a bag. Martin cuts the wrong corners.
I have the DRS1 or D10E Mexico made.... it's fantastic....
I'm kinda curious if the reaction would be the same if it was a blind react
At first it doesn't seem really fair becouse they're such different instruments geared to different audiences, but looking back i'm glad you made this video, becouse it does prove that the mexican made Martins are good guitars on their own. I own a d12x 12 string from Mexico and it plays and sounds great
Why would they not be?
Curious if both guitars had the same strings I know they come with Martin mediums.
Surprised the 13 has such a focused tone similar to mahogany guitars, yet not as dry
I listened with my eyes closed and not knowing which guitar would be played first. From the first strum I knew it was the D13E, which was definitely confirmed when the D 28 was played. The D13E lacks the classic Martin sound heard through the D 28, but it sounds fine!
The 28 sounds better to me, just all around. The D13 sounds amazing too, if I wanted a 28 and didn't have the cash I would have no problem settling for the D13.
This comparison makes the 13 sound a little thin, but still cuts out the rich boominess of the 28.
Haha the intro is awesome! Martin vs Martín
I bought the D-13 but replaced the plastic bridge pins, the Corian nut, and the TUSQ saddle all with bone like the D28. The highs seem warmer. I'm wondering if that's what makes the D28 sound better.
What I notice right off the bat is the tone. Characteristic of two build phosphines, and the use of separate materials in their construction. The D-28 exhibits a lighter, sweeter sound whereas the D-13E has a heavier, more dense quality to it's overall tone. In my opinion, it's the same overall sound I've experienced from my old Mexican DX-1AE Martin, so my ear understands it.
Which is better? That's like asking if a Cadillac rides better because it has leather seats as opposed to cloth. They are both excellent guitars at two separate price points. In my conclusion I'll simply say this; Your ego might prefer the D-28, while your bank account will love the D-13E.
The guitar that you really ever want is the one that sings back to your soul when you play it! :)
I’m going to get a Martin next, and I’m leaning towards a D28 or a D18. On the other hand, I’d probably be perfectly happy with the D13 because I’m not a professional by any means, though I do care about quality.
I am familiar with the Mexican made Martins as I have a very high quality Martin T1k tenor uke, and it’s very well made and sounds great.
The fret work looks great on that D-13e.
This comparison just proved that you cant fake it. The D-28 blew me away of course!
I have the Mexican Martin D-X2E 12. It sound full and lush. I will always wonder if the D-28-12 sounds that much better. Now I kind of have an idea.
That guitar from Mexico is pretty good sounding guitar, I have a smaller Martin guitar from Mexico, and I like it, although I would love to have the d28 !
Great video as usual , thanks 😊
I played a GPC-13e Martin guitar and I thought it felt better than the D-28 that I played could just be how much I have improved since
Either one will work out fine in a professional setting...I like the D13's lighter, airier sound. Sounds more like a D18 which I have always preferred over a D28.
Thanks for the video Chris.. I'd like to know why most of the cheaper guitars are heavier in weight than expensive or high-end guitars. Can you maybe make a video on that?
Some of the newer tone woods are heavier than rosewood and Mahogany
You do realize that every acoustic sounds different. If these were the same two guitars, they could easily sound this different. I really comes down to looks and feel. The “feel” and the two guitars are something that we can’t judge one TH-cam, but I feel are equally important as sound. ...
Great comparison video!!
I play a D13e great guitar..put retro strings on it..sounds great...D28
Is a Martin classic..but I just bought new Martin dss-17 slope shoulder.
Amazing guitar!!
The Martin Retro strings are awesome, especially on an overly bright guitar. They really calmed down the top end on my guitar.
I love your intro words!!! Martin vz Martín.
Amazing value the D13e...plays easier than my Taylor 814ce and sounds big! I think I must have got a good one as it sounds deeper than the one in the video. Be interested to see a test of the same guitar model and the differences in sound.
I feel the American made one sounds warmer. I like a bright tone more so this is prettty sweet to me : )
Cheaper guitar it is!
Thanks for sharing!
The D28 is just a bit cleaner /brighter sound but I guess the big question is what is the difference in price? They both sound good.
Both sound great, I personally love my road series Marteeen but I’m definitely looking to buy a d28 at some point
There's a reason the D28 costs $2k more. D13E is still a great guitar. I have one as that was my price point. Great neck and fingerboard. Solid wood construction. When I played it in the store, I knew had the one for me.
I am left handed. When I bought a Martin, I had to have it made for me, so it was made in mexico. The neck is a composite neck, it is made of wood slats bonded together. It is a piece of crap. The back of the neck is so rough that you can file your fingernails with it. I also have a Taylor, a T3/B but even though it was made for me, it was made in the USA. It is well made, beautiful in fact. It sounds great and Taylor guarantees that they will make any of their models left handed at no extra charge. Needless to say my next acoustic is going to be a Taylor, my Martin is most likely going to be donated to charity. It would take a major finish re-do.
And in case your wondering, all of my guitars are in my music room, with an automatic humidifier set on 50% RH.
Which Martin guitar are you talking about. I'm left-handed and just ordered a D18. Thanks.
just buy b13 and just before i tried about 25 guitars between one thousand and 4 . Not easy sometime to make a choice but i think it is all about your personnel feeling
Really the only thing us boils down to with me is whether I want a Martin made in Nazareth or Mexico. I found a D13 on reverb that has a multi colored inlay around the sound hole which I've only seen on the custom shop.
I agree that the 28 is fuller, more balanced. Like lots of other guitars though, they both seem to suffer the slightly sharp F# when playing an open D.
THE D13 SOUNDED A LITTLE MORE ENCHALATAIE TO ME.
I think for playing alone the D13 would be plenty nice and probably a very affordable guitar.. But as for playing on a bluegrass stage with other pickers. I would rather be playing the D-28. I believe it can cut through the other instruments better. That is just from my own experience.
to state the obvious, it's all very subjective, strings, temperature, humidity, nails, picks - your mood. all guitars, even two made from he same batches of wood will have a different feel, either do what i do, buy as cheap as possible from ebay and be happy to try another guitar, be a bit disappointed, sell it on and gain experience, or ideally go to as many stores as you can and try as many guitars as you can until one grabs you and won't let go. i have a USA HPL martin OOOX1 that is the best guitar i ever played (finger picking) £350 with case, looks horrid but a real keeper.
And what about the new model D13e with ziricote ? Does it sound more vibrant, more volume or it is the same ?
Thank you for the comparison, what are the prices for each ?
Using audio technica m50x headphones they both sound amazing