The Collings does have a lot of clarity in the higher frequencies, but I do think the Martin is warmer and more balanced. Martin for me, but there is no wrong answer!
I suggest you try Takamine EF75, there are some variants too but I don't know all, only that it's a great guitar at least comparable to these here.. At a reasonable price too.
To my ears the Martin sounds a bit more "woody" and more mid rangy, which I prefer. The Collings had more sparkle on the high end and a thinner sound - again, to my ears.
Well done, good recording and playing. Both guitars have character , enjoy both and BE graceful for having them during your lifetime.Abo! Cheers from Berlin!
The Collings was noticeably better for fingerstyle to me, or at least clearer. With a pick I was actually pretty surprised how close they are. Collings has a clearer bell like tone, Martin has a woody fundamental and deeper tone with a pick. Both are great. I've always like Martin, but would pick the Collings for single note runs or maybe solo recording. The Martin would fill out a mix better I think, more frequencies there.
A better comparison would have used a Collings OM2H vs a Martin OM-28 as opposed to the 000-28, as they both have the long scale length. In this video, I am left feeling that we are hearing differences in scale length more than anything else. Beyond that, it was still a good comparison. The Martin, with its Dovetail neck join, sounded better to my ear. The Collings sounded too modern, and a little pale to me.
I think this is one of the best back to back comparisons of any 2 guitars I have seen. I see 2 years have gone by, so I don't know if you monitor this video, but FWIW, I got a Colling CJ (basically their take on the Gibson J series slope dreads) a little while ago second hand from 2005 (or pre-loved, as I think people like to say these days) and your video prompted me to play it back to back against my Martin D35 and Martin J40 (both from 2013). They are all great guitars. The Collings is cleaner, with greater note separation. The D35 is the classic Martin growly bass and both it and the J40 have more integrated sound, which I think is like what people mean when they say warmer. The J40 is sort of somewhere between the other 2, but there's no doubt the Collings is very clean sounding, and, in consequence, unforgiving of any fluffs. I'll probably use it more for instrumental stuff than the other 2, but I won't be getting rid of any of them. They are all great guitars - the differences are subtle but worth having. Thanks a lot for getting me to do that.
Apart from the scale difference, the Martin sounded like it had been played in longer, the Collings sounds like a new guitar, rerun the comparison when the Collings has been played in for a couple of years.
I did pretty much the same comparison between a Martin 12 fret, sloped shoulder & a Collings OM2 Cut. They were so incredibly close but the overtones from the Collings were cohesive and decayed beautifully while the Martin's overtones degraded and clashed. Subtle differences to be sure. I found the Collings to be more versatile for my needs. YMMV.
I’m a Collings guy (OM2H, 002H), but I preferred the Martin in this comparison. The Collings starts to warm up after about a year of playing, so I’m guessing it sounds even better now if you still have it.
The Collings compares more to the Martin 000-42 or the Martin OM-42. The three guitar's have similar colours and flavors of each note blending together evenly. At the end of the day I would definitely choose Collings!
I noticed on that F each time you played on the martin there was a bit of struggle to hit that chord right. My question would be nut width same on both? Playability sounded better with collings, chords and notes had clarity.
If you like a more open brighter and maybe a bit more articulate sound the Collings is that guitar. However it you want to go for more of a smoother strummer and a somewhat more softer fingerpicker the Martin is that guitar. As others have said the scale length may play a small part in the difference but certainly not the only one. If playing a fingerpicking solo the Collings wins hands down. But having a nice blended strumming background the Martin might be better. It certainly helps to have both.
Thanks for the time and effort you put into this video! I liked the Martin better for everything except for your fingerstyle playing. The Collings is a brighter instrument and since you pick with your fingertips instead of your nails, the Collings added a brightness that enhanced the playing. Interestingly enough, I liked the bell like tone of the Collings when you did "fingerstyle" with your flat pick at the end of the arpeggios. I would keep both guitars, as they will provide different colorization for your recordings.
Great video! I am a recent Martin owner (D-18), and am really very happy with the fit, finish, and tone of it, but my goodness… that Collings is so incredible sounding! It’s like each note you played is it’s own bell! I really could not believe my ears, so I’ve listened to this 3 times, and I get more impressed with the Collings each time. Do you think the longer scale-length has anything to do with the clarity of those notes?
I’m curious what years both guitars were made? I imagine the tones mature and the instruments can become more resonant with age. Thanks for the comparison!
The Martin sounds more weathered/warm/settled as compared to the snappy jumpy bite of the Collings. Were they both equipped with brand new identical strings? however it's apples to oranges due to scale length, the Collings is expected to have more jump in the sound due to string tension so, keep them both working! 😆
I too think that the Collings is a bit too trebly in the upper highs. The lille OOO has a nicer warmer voicing especially in the plain strings. It sounds more musical if that makes any sense. I got two fabulous Martin dreads but currently I'm in the difficult process of deciding which guitar to purchase for the couch and finger style. Your nicely made video definitely helps during my journey. Thanx bunches
I really have to say that my ears with good headphones like the Martin much better. The Collings, I don’t know what it is, is a bit muddier. Less clarity. Less sparkle. A bit less of everything. Initial thought was, if you put a bucket over the soundhole? I really like the Martin much better. Good recording by the way. A bit much talking at the beginning. Maybe switch the music and talking parts?
I have a Collings OM2H and compared it to my Martin M36. Same woods, but the size is a little different. They both sound amazing, but have different applications. Martins to me sound more scooped with a bit more bass and highs, but less mids. The Collings on the other hand is very even across the spectrum to my ears, but very focused and cuts through the mix. They're both wonderful, but I use them where they will shine. Strum to fill a mix, use a Martin. Delicate fingerpicking with nuance, try a Collings OM2H.
Great description of the differences I heard here and also when comparing my own Colling CJ and Martin HD35. Obviously both mine are dreads, but the still fingerpick really well.
Also, you were hearing the difference between a triple low, which is a shortest scale instrument versus M, which is a longer scale instrument. To me OM in general are a little bit snappier ooo in general are more slinkier more for bending
Both sound great! The Collings sounds brighter but not surprised since it has a longer scale length. To my ears Martin sounds warmer more ‘aged’ and Collings brighter more crisp. Money no object, own both lol
I couldn’t hear much difference with the pick. As for finger picking, I thought the short scale might have an advantage, but I gave a slight edge to the Collings. I’m wondering if the strings are newer though. As for workmanship, it’s hard to fault the Collings. There is a difference.
Hey now...enjoyed that! I've had an OM2H for awhile that I pretty much do love but have always threatened to pull the trigger on a 000-28 so yeah...enjoyed this, well done!
I would be interested to see how you get on recording in the mix with the collings. From the examples - you may find the Martin sits in the mix better as it cuts through. Solo, finger picking guitar, the collings imo is far better. However - yeah have loads of fun and look forward to hearing and seeing more =!v
It would be interesting to hear how the Collings stacks up to the Martin 000-28 Modern Deluxe. Of course I realize that he doesn't happen to have that one, maybe I can find a comparison somewhere on TH-cam? Anyway, well done on the video, both outstanding instruments...
It’s funny looking back at all the comments…. Just goes to show how different our ears are! To me the Martin sounds warmer and more balanced. The Collings maybe a little more defined but a bit brittle sounding.
This. And you're not hearing things. Collings are always brighter than Martins. That's just a fact. Add on that the Collings is a long scale, and the Martin a short and it's absolutely going to be brighter. Need to compare two OMs or two 000s
I really have to say it is very close. I have both and the sustain here at my home is better on the Collings but this might be because of the LR Baggs in the Martin. I need to look into this. In you video Collings might have an advantage when fingerpicking. When you play both at the end where you make a gapless change of songs I hardly can keep them apart. It‘s nuances. They are both great. No one should worry…
Thanks, Jason. For reference, listening on my Lenovo ThinkPad "Full Blast" lol - I'll give another take on my HS8s later but "for the average listening experience" review, I hear a bit more overall "body" with the Collings, but both guitars sound pretty similar (and fantastic). The Martin has more top-end from what I can tell, but I'm getting more lows/mids from the Collings. I wonder what the Collings will sound like in 10 years after the instrument has settled in...
Follow Up: Comparisons on my HS8's distinctly give the Collings a more "full" sound - the low end and mids are more prevalent on the Collings, but again, I wouldn't kick the Martin out of bed for eating crackers lol.....
Well this was very, very good - thanks for creating such a worthwhile comparison. I own a 2018 OM2H and love it, it’s a great guitar. I have great respect for Martin guitars but I’ve never owned one because they make so many guitars - some great, some apparently not so great - and I just don’t trust my ability to pick a good one. In this comparison (played through a good system) I thought the Martin sounded fantastic - deep, rich, balanced and the epitome of that wonderful American acoustic sound we all know and love - and I’m British btw! But I thought the Collings was the better finger style guitar in this case - which is what I do - but I really want to play a few more Martins now for sure - thanks!
With Martin, you really definitely have to be prepared to try a few and maybe wait till you find the one for you. Collings are known for their consistency but very pricey - I got mine 2nd hand, and I think that's the way to go, because people who pay out that kind of bread (for Martin, too, actually) are likely to take care of them. I can't comment on Collings but I can say Martins are usually set up very stiff and take a while to reach their potential.
Tough one as they both sound equally wonderful in their own way. Martin sounded brighter . Collings sounded deeper and richer with great resonance. Can’t go wrong with either one. My pick I think would be the Collings
I have a Bourgeois OM. I love it. I think it is similar to the Collings. I have to say though, your clips made the Martin sound sort of wet, and the Collings sort of dry. Hmmm. I am considering getting a new OM. Not sure.
it's seems to me like the martin sounds better alone (more balanced tone) and the collings would sound better in a mix (has some mids frequencies more). Anyway: 2 really cool instruments... Martin giveaway? 🤣
If i recall, i owned a 000-18 and the scale was shorter. Apologies if i missed you saying that, but its a pretty important difference when you are picking between these two. After owning Taylors, Martins, Larrivees, i settles on a collings OM2H and a bourgeois OM.
@@sc12100ecause they're completely different guitars? Why not go try a Martin OM? Big deal of the scale length is different? That's like saying bid deal if the car engines have completed different horsepower 😂
@@el34glo59 He’s comparing two different guitars - that’s it. Big deal. You either like the comparison, or you’re one of those “nit pick” every little detail and try to break it down to a science - when it’s not. Enjoy the video and hush up.
Hi Jason, I currently have a OO-18 martin and just love it. However, what one or two things draw you closer to the Collings? Is the body the same as the OOO-28? Thanks so much for sharing
Beautiful Guitars ... cool video Definitely a case of each to thier own .. id be happy with either... 😎 I'd love to see a maton in the mix .. 🙃 Great comparison.. Greetings from Ireland 😎 🎸 🇮🇪
I am a Collings D3 owner and it has blown every Martin guitar out of the water when it comes to sound fit and finish but I have to give this one to Martin I like the deeper sound and it’s more balanced the Collings was a little bit too bright good video
Sound and tone is always going to be subjective as is the case with these 2 fine instruments. I was more interested in the feel and playability which was not given enough due attention, imo. I find that shorter scale necks play & feel better but there are certain combination of other factors that may have a bearing on this also.
I am completely blind. Did you play the Collings first, or the Martin? Whichever one was the first one you played when comparing the two, sounded the best to me.
I liked the Taylor one the best... Then the Martin and lastly a tie between the Collings and the Yamaha... jk... that Collings is precious! I'd love to hear it next to a Martin OM42. I think they would sound quite similar to each other...
The Collings is bright and has bell-like overtones. The Collings in general will be easier to record a track that has to sit with other instruments and voices. The Martin that you have has lots of all frequencies but accentuates mid-bass, though even the trebles are rich. The guitar has tons of harmonic overtones. To me, the Collings sounds thin compared to the Martin. But for getting the right mix with other instruments the Collings will be easier. That is why I have owned both for years. Many D-18’s are great in the mix, too, though some need to. EQ the bass/mids. I played a Collings D1A for years in a bluegrass band and a rock band (along with a PRS) while playing my preferred Martins at home. Context, context, context!
@@JasonSadites Hello Jason, Thank you for this great comparison video ! it was real informative and recorded well to show the difference. I wonder after this time period since you filmed it, if you still like the Collings(Do you still own the Collings? ) more then the Martin as said in this video? How do you find the difference between the necks(as the Collings have a 'V' neck shape ? Thanks' , Roi.
Very surprised. I think I hear something from the Martin that I prefer.. both are beauties.. 😃 Could the Martin be "opened up" with more play time than the Collings?? My voice and what I hear has a better path with the Martin. Surprised.
I've been playing for over 60 years... long time pro...cache of Martin's and Gibson's... I finally snagged a Collings (CJSB), 3 years ago... and if I'm going for a flat-top, never uncase the others these days. The Collings are just a level up from the big production legacies of Martin and Gibson. I've played dozens of Collings thru the years and every one is a spectacular gem! Bill Collings is an American Treasure and one-man legacy!
I'll take the Martin 000-28 custom authentic 1937. Use that one. You'll be blown away. Btw one is long scale here so.. Why not chose a Martin om? Or Collings 000 Btw I disagree with some comments saying that the Collings was clearer here. Brighter, thinner? Yes. At least not depending on what you finger picked. Some songs Collings clearer. Some Martin. That Martin sound clear and full at the same time. Collings a little compressed and bright. The Martin sound is it for me though so maybe I'm biased Alot of this is the Collings being full scale. Again why not get a Martin OM to compare to your 000? Both great guitars but for solo work, the Martin just sounds more beautiful. In a mix, the Collings would stand out. Preference definitely. I absolutely prefer Martin. Some Collings are super stiff too. I'm shocked to hear that it plays better. I'm not hating, as I love both brands, but Collings imo is more for standing out in a group. But they have a beautiful fit and finish. And don't get me wrong, both are great guitars. You should absolutely try a Martin 000-28 Custom Authentic 1937 though. Best of both worlds
To me the Martin has more upper bass and lower midrange energy, while the Collings has more mid and upper midrange energy. The Collings seem clearer in the treble. To me, the Martin is a better strum guitar, while the Collings is a better finger pick guitar. I want both.
Great comparison - well done for trying to remove all non-guitar differences. Two lovely guitars! But it would be the Collings for me, for the better clarity and note separation.
A few of the commenters here need to relax with the comparison. He’s comparing two similar guitars - not two of the “exact” same models. There’s a scale length difference - so what? If we’re gonna get picky, one has a bolt on neck and the other is a dovetail. So we can’t compare them then right? He could have compared different tone woods and it still would be interesting. Which guitar do you prefer - that’s all this is. Great demo!
@@el34glo59 Scale length is a big difference, that’s why he’s comparing them.Where did I ever say the a bolt on and dovetail were the same thing ? He’s comparing two acoustic guitars - that’s it! God forbid someone compare two similar, but not identical guitars right ? Relax - Enjoy it…….. Or let it completely ruin your day.
Play nice, boys. It's all taste at this level. There again, I don't have good enough ears to tell a 24.9 from a 25.4 or a dovetail from a bolt on sight unseen, so there you go.
Can’t beat the woody Martin base but if you want a Taylor brightness and comfortable neck the Collings is terrific. If you want a bolted neck brightness go with Collings. If you want the classic earthy woody no nut and bolt neck then buy an American made Martin. The fit and finish of Collings is fabulous but it can’t touch the Martin sound. Have both … FACT
Gotta laugh really about the "...expect it to probably have a little bit better fit and finish...". Honestly, if I'm spending over 3 grand on a Martin I'd expect the fit and finish to be absolutely perfect!
Collings is a better instrument. New Martins don't do it for me and for the cost of a pre-war I can buy a house. I'm getting a custom OM2HA with a pickup installed tomorrow. I'm trading in my 000-18 MD as well. Good riddance. I wish I had kept my old Martins, at least one of them, none newer than 1963, but as prices exploded I sold them and bought a condo that's doubled in price, and i lease it out. The only thing with Collings that's an unknown is how they will do as an investment. Most people are delusional about Martin quality and that myth has kept them in a bull market going on 2 centuries. Musicians know Collings are better in every way than NEW Martins, but it will take many decades to see how the market prices them in. I never bought guitars as an investor or collector, but at these truly insane modern prices, I see no other way to look at it. And I'm way too old to make bad decisions or delude myself. Tomorrow's costing me over ten thousand but that's just the price of business if you want a guitar that sounds good. At current prices, all new guitars are crap, a few pieces of wood that cost nothing. Collings makes the least crappy piece of crap. For 10 grand the store should pick me up in a limo and put me up in the best hotel in town for a week, plus get me a few hookers.
Just prefer the Martin. A mate has a OM2H with a cutaway. Lovely guitar and a dream to play but a good Martin has a kind of ‘growl’ that I love and which I don’t often detect with a Collings or a Taylor.
Wrote all that to say nothing. Also Martin and Collings guitars don't even close to avg 10 grand. And to say Collings gives you more when they're much more expensive for a guitar with a bolt on neck, no hide glue etc, is ridiculous And saying you need to spend 10 grand to get a good sounding guitar is absolutely hilarious 😂. Martin is in a second golden era of thief guitars. Just a standard d18 is a steal. An authentic will blow away your 10k guitar btw And you don't need to buy a dam prewar lol
The Collings does have a lot of clarity in the higher frequencies, but I do think the Martin is warmer and more balanced. Martin for me, but there is no wrong answer!
I suggest you try Takamine EF75, there are some variants too but I don't know all, only that it's a great guitar at least comparable to these here.. At a reasonable price too.
To my ears the Martin sounds a bit more "woody" and more mid rangy, which I prefer. The Collings had more sparkle on the high end and a thinner sound - again, to my ears.
Short scale length on 000 vs long scale length on OM makes a different. 🎧 love your demo and presentation.
Well done, good recording and playing. Both guitars have character , enjoy both and BE graceful for having them during your lifetime.Abo!
Cheers from Berlin!
The Collings was noticeably better for fingerstyle to me, or at least clearer. With a pick I was actually pretty surprised how close they are. Collings has a clearer bell like tone, Martin has a woody fundamental and deeper tone with a pick. Both are great. I've always like Martin, but would pick the Collings for single note runs or maybe solo recording. The Martin would fill out a mix better I think, more frequencies there.
A better comparison would have used a Collings OM2H vs a Martin OM-28 as opposed to the 000-28, as they both have the long scale length.
In this video, I am left feeling that we are hearing differences in scale length more than anything else.
Beyond that, it was still a good comparison. The Martin, with its Dovetail neck join, sounded better to my ear. The Collings sounded too modern, and a little pale to me.
Well he’s doesn’t have an OM28 with him does he.
@@sc12100Then wait to do the video
Wait for what?
I think this is one of the best back to back comparisons of any 2 guitars I have seen. I see 2 years have gone by, so I don't know if you monitor this video, but FWIW, I got a Colling CJ (basically their take on the Gibson J series slope dreads) a little while ago second hand from 2005 (or pre-loved, as I think people like to say these days) and your video prompted me to play it back to back against my Martin D35 and Martin J40 (both from 2013). They are all great guitars. The Collings is cleaner, with greater note separation. The D35 is the classic Martin growly bass and both it and the J40 have more integrated sound, which I think is like what people mean when they say warmer. The J40 is sort of somewhere between the other 2, but there's no doubt the Collings is very clean sounding, and, in consequence, unforgiving of any fluffs. I'll probably use it more for instrumental stuff than the other 2, but I won't be getting rid of any of them. They are all great guitars - the differences are subtle but worth having. Thanks a lot for getting me to do that.
Apart from the scale difference, the Martin sounded like it had been played in longer, the Collings sounds like a new guitar, rerun the comparison when the Collings has been played in for a couple of years.
I don't know but to my ears, the Martin won every comparison.
I did pretty much the same comparison between a Martin 12 fret, sloped shoulder & a Collings OM2 Cut. They were so incredibly close but the overtones from the Collings were cohesive and decayed beautifully while the Martin's overtones degraded and clashed. Subtle differences to be sure. I found the Collings to be more versatile for my needs. YMMV.
I’m a Collings guy (OM2H, 002H), but I preferred the Martin in this comparison. The Collings starts to warm up after about a year of playing, so I’m guessing it sounds even better now if you still have it.
The Collings compares more to the Martin 000-42 or the Martin OM-42. The three guitar's have similar colours and flavors of each note blending together evenly. At the end of the day I would definitely choose Collings!
Thanks man, appreciated
I noticed on that F each time you played on the martin there was a bit of struggle to hit that chord right. My question would be nut width same on both? Playability sounded better with collings, chords and notes had clarity.
If you like a more open brighter and maybe a bit more articulate sound the Collings is that guitar. However it you want to go for more of a smoother strummer and a somewhat more softer fingerpicker the Martin is that guitar. As others have said the scale length may play a small part in the difference but certainly not the only one. If playing a fingerpicking solo the Collings wins hands down. But having a nice blended strumming background the Martin might be better. It certainly helps to have both.
Thanks for the time and effort you put into this video! I liked the Martin better for everything except for your fingerstyle playing. The Collings is a brighter instrument and since you pick with your fingertips instead of your nails, the Collings added a brightness that enhanced the playing. Interestingly enough, I liked the bell like tone of the Collings when you did "fingerstyle" with your flat pick at the end of the arpeggios. I would keep both guitars, as they will provide different colorization for your recordings.
Great video!
I am a recent Martin owner (D-18), and am really very happy with the fit, finish, and tone of it, but my goodness… that Collings is so incredible sounding! It’s like each note you played is it’s own bell!
I really could not believe my ears, so I’ve listened to this 3 times, and I get more impressed with the Collings each time.
Do you think the longer scale-length has anything to do with the clarity of those notes?
Thanks for the comparison. Very much appreciated.
My two favourite guitars though I went for the OM2H in the end. Nice job.
Great comparison! May I ask what the model of microphone in your video? The sound is very restored.Looking forward to your reply.
I bought my Larrivee D50 at the 12th Fret back in 2008. 12th Fret is a Great place!
I’m curious what years both guitars were made? I imagine the tones mature and the instruments can become more resonant with age. Thanks for the comparison!
Bravo, nv.. that what I surmised..
The Martin sounds more weathered/warm/settled as compared to the snappy jumpy bite of the Collings. Were they both equipped with brand new identical strings? however it's apples to oranges due to scale length, the Collings is expected to have more jump in the sound due to string tension so, keep them both working! 😆
I too think that the Collings is a bit too trebly in the upper highs. The lille OOO has a nicer warmer voicing especially in the plain strings. It sounds more musical if that makes any sense. I got two fabulous Martin dreads but currently I'm in the difficult process of deciding which guitar to purchase for the couch and finger style. Your nicely made video definitely helps during my journey. Thanx bunches
You probably won't regret choosing a Collings. Mine isn't as zingy in life as the one on this recording. The trebles are bell-like, not shrill.
@@robertnewell5057 I finally went w. a Bourgeois 00-12 'Coupe. Amazing guitar w. a huge range of dynamics. Very touch sensitive.
I really have to say that my ears with good headphones like the Martin much better. The Collings, I don’t know what it is, is a bit muddier. Less clarity. Less sparkle. A bit less of everything. Initial thought was, if you put a bucket over the soundhole? I really like the Martin much better. Good recording by the way. A bit much talking at the beginning. Maybe switch the music and talking parts?
I have a Collings OM2H and compared it to my Martin M36. Same woods, but the size is a little different. They both sound amazing, but have different applications. Martins to me sound more scooped with a bit more bass and highs, but less mids. The Collings on the other hand is very even across the spectrum to my ears, but very focused and cuts through the mix. They're both wonderful, but I use them where they will shine. Strum to fill a mix, use a Martin. Delicate fingerpicking with nuance, try a Collings OM2H.
Great description of the differences I heard here and also when comparing my own Colling CJ and Martin HD35. Obviously both mine are dreads, but the still fingerpick really well.
Also, you were hearing the difference between a triple low, which is a shortest scale instrument versus M, which is a longer scale instrument. To me OM in general are a little bit snappier ooo in general are more slinkier more for bending
Both sound great! The Collings sounds brighter but not surprised since it has a longer scale length. To my ears Martin sounds warmer more ‘aged’ and Collings brighter more crisp. Money no object, own both lol
Exactly. One is long scale. It's always going to be brighter, but not better. Idk why he compared an OM to a 000
I couldn’t hear much difference with the pick. As for finger picking, I thought the short scale might have an advantage, but I gave a slight edge to the Collings. I’m wondering if the strings are newer though. As for workmanship, it’s hard to fault the Collings. There is a difference.
What is the nut width on the Collings? They do both 1-11/16” and 1-3/4” on the OM2H.
I liked how the Martin sounded actually. jmo though. Cheers from Oz.
Hey now...enjoyed that! I've had an OM2H for awhile that I pretty much do love but have always threatened to pull the trigger on a 000-28 so yeah...enjoyed this, well done!
Congrats! Best Regards and Best Wishes!
I would be interested to see how you get on recording in the mix with the collings. From the examples - you may find the Martin sits in the mix better as it cuts through. Solo, finger picking guitar, the collings imo is far better. However - yeah have loads of fun and look forward to hearing and seeing more =!v
It would be interesting to hear how the Collings stacks up to the Martin 000-28 Modern Deluxe. Of course I realize that he doesn't happen to have that one, maybe I can find a comparison somewhere on TH-cam? Anyway, well done on the video, both outstanding instruments...
The Calling had a lot more depth in the notes to me, more rounded sounding.
It’s funny looking back at all the comments…. Just goes to show how different our ears are!
To me the Martin sounds warmer and more balanced. The Collings maybe a little more defined but a bit brittle sounding.
This. And you're not hearing things. Collings are always brighter than Martins. That's just a fact. Add on that the Collings is a long scale, and the Martin a short and it's absolutely going to be brighter. Need to compare two OMs or two 000s
I really have to say it is very close. I have both and the sustain here at my home is better on the Collings but this might be because of the LR Baggs in the Martin. I need to look into this. In you video Collings might have an advantage when fingerpicking. When you play both at the end where you make a gapless change of songs I hardly can keep them apart. It‘s nuances. They are both great. No one should worry…
Thanks, Jason. For reference, listening on my Lenovo ThinkPad "Full Blast" lol - I'll give another take on my HS8s later but "for the average listening experience" review, I hear a bit more overall "body" with the Collings, but both guitars sound pretty similar (and fantastic). The Martin has more top-end from what I can tell, but I'm getting more lows/mids from the Collings. I wonder what the Collings will sound like in 10 years after the instrument has settled in...
Follow Up: Comparisons on my HS8's distinctly give the Collings a more "full" sound - the low end and mids are more prevalent on the Collings, but again, I wouldn't kick the Martin out of bed for eating crackers lol.....
Well this was very, very good - thanks for creating such a worthwhile comparison. I own a 2018 OM2H and love it, it’s a great guitar.
I have great respect for Martin guitars but I’ve never owned one because they make so many guitars - some great, some apparently not so great - and I just don’t trust my ability to pick a good one.
In this comparison (played through a good system) I thought the Martin sounded fantastic - deep, rich, balanced and the epitome of that wonderful American acoustic sound we all know and love - and I’m British btw!
But I thought the Collings was the better finger style guitar in this case - which is what I do - but I really want to play a few more Martins now for sure - thanks!
With Martin, you really definitely have to be prepared to try a few and maybe wait till you find the one for you. Collings are known for their consistency but very pricey - I got mine 2nd hand, and I think that's the way to go, because people who pay out that kind of bread (for Martin, too, actually) are likely to take care of them. I can't comment on Collings but I can say Martins are usually set up very stiff and take a while to reach their potential.
Tough one as they both sound equally wonderful in their own way. Martin sounded brighter . Collings sounded deeper and richer with great resonance. Can’t go wrong with either one. My pick I think would be the Collings
I can't tell from this video. Looks like I will need to buy a pair to try out myself!
I have a Bourgeois OM. I love it. I think it is similar to the Collings. I have to say though, your clips made the Martin sound sort of wet, and the Collings sort of dry. Hmmm. I am considering getting a new OM. Not sure.
Both wonderful guitars however to my ears the Martin is slightly warmer sounding, whereas the Collins is clearer sounding.
it's seems to me like the martin sounds better alone (more balanced tone) and the collings would sound better in a mix (has some mids frequencies more). Anyway: 2 really cool instruments... Martin giveaway? 🤣
If i recall, i owned a 000-18 and the scale was shorter. Apologies if i missed you saying that, but its a pretty important difference when you are picking between these two. After owning Taylors, Martins, Larrivees, i settles on a collings OM2H and a bourgeois OM.
2:31
He’s comparing two guitars - that’s it.
Big deal if the scale length is different.
@@sc12100ecause they're completely different guitars? Why not go try a Martin OM? Big deal of the scale length is different? That's like saying bid deal if the car engines have completed different horsepower 😂
@@el34glo59
He’s comparing two different guitars - that’s it.
Big deal.
You either like the comparison, or you’re one of those “nit pick” every little detail and try to break it down to a science - when it’s not.
Enjoy the video and hush up.
Hi Jason, I currently have a OO-18 martin and just love it. However, what one or two things draw you closer to the Collings? Is the body the same as the OOO-28? Thanks so much for sharing
OM body is identical to a 000. Where they differ is the scale length. OM is longer so it is a bit more string tension when tuned equally.
Beautiful Guitars ... cool video
Definitely a case of each to thier own .. id be happy with either... 😎
I'd love to see a maton in the mix .. 🙃
Great comparison.. Greetings from Ireland
😎 🎸 🇮🇪
Give it a couple years for the initial body tensions to relax and for the guitar to dedampen and open up. Major changes for the better.
I am a Collings D3 owner and it has blown every Martin guitar out of the water when it comes to sound fit and finish but I have to give this one to Martin I like the deeper sound and it’s more balanced the Collings was a little bit too bright good video
The Martin is great. The Collings is spectacular!
Sound and tone is always going to be subjective as is the case with these 2 fine instruments. I was more interested in the feel and playability which was not given enough due attention, imo. I find that shorter scale necks play & feel better but there are certain combination of other factors that may have a bearing on this also.
I am completely blind. Did you play the Collings first, or the Martin? Whichever one was the first one you played when comparing the two, sounded the best to me.
A good guitar friend, Dreadnaught for my ear in 1960's,comparison review here is reserved for live room later, just the way my ears work live.
I liked the Taylor one the best... Then the Martin and lastly a tie between the Collings and the Yamaha... jk... that Collings is precious! I'd love to hear it next to a Martin OM42. I think they would sound quite similar to each other...
000-28 is a HD28?
TBH the martin sounded better to my untrained ear. More Natural, and more earthy sounding.
The Collings is bright and has bell-like overtones. The Collings in general will be easier to record a track that has to sit with other instruments and voices. The Martin that you have has lots of all frequencies but accentuates mid-bass, though even the trebles are rich. The guitar has tons of harmonic overtones. To me, the Collings sounds thin compared to the Martin. But for getting the right mix with other instruments the Collings will be easier. That is why I have owned both for years. Many D-18’s are great in the mix, too, though some need to. EQ the bass/mids. I played a Collings D1A for years in a bluegrass band and a rock band (along with a PRS) while playing my preferred Martins at home. Context, context, context!
Collings for me! Of course who wouldn't want a Martin❤
Was this a very "Happy Birthday to You" gift to yourself?? Great choice Jason. Good luck with it bud. Sounds great.
It wasn't meant to be, but I guess it was 😁 Thanks John!
@@JasonSadites Hello Jason,
Thank you for this great comparison video ! it was real informative and recorded well to show the difference.
I wonder after this time period since you filmed it, if you still like the Collings(Do you still own the Collings? ) more then the Martin as said in this video? How do you find the difference between the necks(as the Collings have a 'V' neck shape ?
Thanks' ,
Roi.
Both great sounding guitars and I don’t have a preference.
Very surprised. I think I hear something from the Martin that I prefer.. both are beauties.. 😃 Could the Martin be "opened up" with more play time than the Collings?? My voice and what I hear has a better path with the Martin. Surprised.
To my ears that Martin sounds perfect. The Collings is a bit "warmer" and I hate to say it but perhaps even a bit muddy.
I've been playing for over 60 years... long time pro...cache of Martin's and Gibson's...
I finally snagged a Collings (CJSB), 3 years ago...
and if I'm going for a flat-top, never uncase the others these days.
The Collings are just a level up from the big production legacies of Martin and Gibson.
I've played dozens of Collings thru the years and every one is a spectacular gem!
Bill Collings is an American Treasure and one-man legacy!
I'll take the Martin 000-28 custom authentic 1937. Use that one. You'll be blown away. Btw one is long scale here so.. Why not chose a Martin om? Or Collings 000
Btw I disagree with some comments saying that the Collings was clearer here. Brighter, thinner? Yes. At least not depending on what you finger picked. Some songs Collings clearer. Some Martin. That Martin sound clear and full at the same time. Collings a little compressed and bright. The Martin sound is it for me though so maybe I'm biased
Alot of this is the Collings being full scale. Again why not get a Martin OM to compare to your 000?
Both great guitars but for solo work, the Martin just sounds more beautiful. In a mix, the Collings would stand out.
Preference definitely. I absolutely prefer Martin. Some Collings are super stiff too. I'm shocked to hear that it plays better. I'm not hating, as I love both brands, but Collings imo is more for standing out in a group. But they have a beautiful fit and finish. And don't get me wrong, both are great guitars. You should absolutely try a Martin 000-28 Custom Authentic 1937 though. Best of both worlds
Bracing and scalloped are different. Collins sounds much clearer and better overall, more like the martin 40’s series
To me the Martin has more upper bass and lower midrange energy, while the Collings has more mid and upper midrange energy. The Collings seem clearer in the treble. To me, the Martin is a better strum guitar, while the Collings is a better finger pick guitar. I want both.
The Collings. Not even close.
The Martin. Not even close. But I pick with my fingernails..
I own a Collings so I pick Collings. 😃
Great comparison - well done for trying to remove all non-guitar differences.
Two lovely guitars! But it would be the Collings for me, for the better clarity and note separation.
Oh no… now I want a Collings
Sorry about that 😃
@@JasonSadites was already several times at this point. Somehow everything always leads to exactly this guitar in the end. Life is short. Will get it!
A few of the commenters here need to relax with the comparison. He’s comparing two similar guitars - not two of the “exact” same models. There’s a scale length difference - so what? If we’re gonna get picky, one has a bolt on neck and the other is a dovetail. So we can’t compare them then right?
He could have compared different tone woods and it still would be interesting.
Which guitar do you prefer - that’s all this is.
Great demo!
Thank you and I could not have said it better 😀
Scale length is a pretty dam big difference man. Saying bolt on vs dovetail is the same thing is ridiculous.
@@el34glo59
Scale length is a big difference, that’s why he’s comparing them.Where did I ever say the a bolt on and dovetail were the same thing ?
He’s comparing two acoustic guitars - that’s it! God forbid someone compare two similar, but not identical guitars right ?
Relax - Enjoy it……..
Or let it completely ruin your day.
Play nice, boys. It's all taste at this level. There again, I don't have good enough ears to tell a 24.9 from a 25.4 or a dovetail from a bolt on sight unseen, so there you go.
Can’t beat the woody Martin base but if you want a Taylor brightness and comfortable neck the Collings is terrific. If you want a bolted neck brightness go with Collings. If you want the classic earthy woody no nut and bolt neck then buy an American made Martin. The fit and finish of Collings is fabulous but it can’t touch the Martin sound. Have both … FACT
Martin all the way!
Gotta laugh really about the "...expect it to probably have a little bit better fit and finish...". Honestly, if I'm spending over 3 grand on a Martin I'd expect the fit and finish to be absolutely perfect!
Both sounded fantastic but at a push ..... the Collings
At this level it’s just a matter of taste but I prefer the Martin and it’s $2000 cheaper.
The Martin sounded much better to me. I own 4 Collings and no Martins.
Both are great guitar, but (in my opinion) Collings better!
had to skip through a bit of talking but great comparison
I own Taylors and i think the Martin sounded better all around..
Looks like an Adirondack top
Martin has more depth
Collings sounds considerably better.
I wonder if it’s too late to go to dental school …. 13:42
Yikes....
OMs just sound better
Collings is a better instrument. New Martins don't do it for me and for the cost of a pre-war I can buy a house. I'm getting a custom OM2HA with a pickup installed tomorrow. I'm trading in my 000-18 MD as well. Good riddance. I wish I had kept my old Martins, at least one of them, none newer than 1963, but as prices exploded I sold them and bought a condo that's doubled in price, and i lease it out. The only thing with Collings that's an unknown is how they will do as an investment. Most people are delusional about Martin quality and that myth has kept them in a bull market going on 2 centuries. Musicians know Collings are better in every way than NEW Martins, but it will take many decades to see how the market prices them in. I never bought guitars as an investor or collector, but at these truly insane modern prices, I see no other way to look at it. And I'm way too old to make bad decisions or delude myself. Tomorrow's costing me over ten thousand but that's just the price of business if you want a guitar that sounds good. At current prices, all new guitars are crap, a few pieces of wood that cost nothing. Collings makes the least crappy piece of crap. For 10 grand the store should pick me up in a limo and put me up in the best hotel in town for a week, plus get me a few hookers.
Just prefer the Martin. A mate has a OM2H with a cutaway. Lovely guitar and a dream to play but a good Martin has a kind of ‘growl’ that I love and which I don’t often detect with a Collings or a Taylor.
Wrote all that to say nothing. Also Martin and Collings guitars don't even close to avg 10 grand. And to say Collings gives you more when they're much more expensive for a guitar with a bolt on neck, no hide glue etc, is ridiculous
And saying you need to spend 10 grand to get a good sounding guitar is absolutely hilarious 😂. Martin is in a second golden era of thief guitars. Just a standard d18 is a steal. An authentic will blow away your 10k guitar btw
And you don't need to buy a dam prewar lol