Well, legend has it he started to play 2 centuries ago, when a witch put a curse on him and condemned him to eternal reincarnation until he becomes the best guitar player of all time. 🤪
One of the great parts of this is how Ben picks up a guitar, hears what it sounds like from one strum, and then is inspired to play something different on it that makes it shine. As soon as he heard the Alvarez, he went into blues mode and it sounded fantastic with that guitar's tone.
Great vid. Ben is a force of nature. Such a superb guitarist. I tried that Alvarez when I was in the store on Saturday. Lovely guitar but, I came away with a Sire Larry Carlton A4, which is another guitar that punches well above its price point. Never been a better time to be a guitar player. So many good guitars out now at very affordable prices.
Of all the musicians who play on this channel Ben is imo the most talented. I suppose I feel that way because if I try hard enough, I can do what the other guys are doing- I can't do what Ben does. I can come close to it- and if I had of stuck with acoustic and not started playing electric I think I would've gotten there but- it would've taken a lifetime. You don't have any wicked bends or pinch harmonics to hide behind, you can't crank the gain to smooth it out- it's like a manual typewriter, you get out exactly what you put in and that's it. That makes playing lead a whole new ballgame. It's melody in its purest form. You can't just noodle- which most of us do at least a little here and there.
My first acoustic was a $400 Alvarez dreadnought, and I never felt like the instrument was holding me back. Certainly I never could have articulated why it was good because I was ignorant and was deep in learning the basics, but I had such a good experience with it that it’s easy to recommend Alvarez!
These blind-fold tests a re a lot of fun, even just to watch and listen. I do love my Alvarez. Definitely a better guitar than the price suggests. :) Thanks..
Yes indeed a great comparison, and my choice was exactly as the player, the Martin was Definitely the best, why, simply because it ( to my ears anyway- through e/ phones) had the greatest Dynamic range 😊😊😊
First time I got them all right! Hooray for me. That Martin was a no brainer, head and shoulders above the pack. Rich, full notes with great dynamic range. Wish I had it, in fact, I'll take two please. One in rosewood and one in mahogany. 😊 Thanks for this gentlemen.
Interesting results from here, listening on a bluetooth speaker, I had more trouble discerning the first and the fourth one but the Martin was easily the best from the moment he started playing. Such a good sound, impressive how the low end came clean even in a cheap speaker.
I would think, by now Ben should be able to tell what is what, with a simple rap with a knuckle. The resonance of the instrument is built in through the quality of materials or precision of build.
The Martin has that classic tone, and did sound the most expensive, but I preferred the Alvarez as I think it presented different and more interesting creative possibilities.
thanks, for the comparative. Playing also a Martin Spruce/rosewood 28series, it could have sound better in our headphones ! 😉 a comparative of guitars with a great player, in a music shop, deserve at least two mics! 😁..
Brilliant playing from Ben.....and great review too that shows you don't need to buy the most expensive guitar on show here to get a wonderful sound...!!.
I have an Alvarez that my dad passed down to me and it is the best feeling and sounding acoustic that I have ever played. Better than any $2,000+ big name . Just my (subjective) opinion.
I played along (watching minimised at work!). I thought cheapest, most expensive, second cheapest. Then I looked at the end and realised there were 4 guitars, not 3! Proof I was guessing.
The Martin won the dreadnought blindfold hands down too - but then for those prices, it should. I tend to buy value for money, but if I've ever got several grand to spare, I'm definitely getting a Martin!
Could we have a shootout of the 500-1000quid mark please? I'm interested to know how the "budget" Martin's compare to the likes of the Faith & Alvarez.
Great video. Not sure why those "expensive" guitars seem "better" to people. I've had my Alvarez 12-String Dreadnought about 40 years and it sounded great when I got it and sounds even better now. Played a lot of different guitars back then and this was the one for me. It's more than brand for me. I think I played 8-10 different Alvarez 12-strings that day and this one "spoke" to me. Told me to take it home. Some of my favorite guitars I have are not top end brands, but they're mine. LOL!!
Interesting video. Alvarez is a great brand. My daily player is an MPA66ESHB. I had a Faith Jupiter jumbo and thought it was powerful but somehow "wiry".
Specs would be useful (I know I could look them up, but I'm not in the market for a medium sized acoustic at the moment). Are they all spruce tops? What are the back and side woods? Solid wood or laminates? Scale length? I ask because I thought the Alvarez sounded noticeably better than the Faith. The Alvarez had a greater depth and richness of tone, to my ears. So, why does the Faith cost more? Having bitched a bit, I still think it's a great video. I lplay electric and acoustic, and love to fingerpick, so I'm glad to see stuff that is of interest to hard-core acoustic players!
He got it right: that Alvarez sounds better than that Faith. Down to the particular guitar, sure, but in this test, that Alvarez held its own with the Martin. I always miss the midrange on a Martin, which I guess is why I play a Taylor.
1:54 every time I hear Ben play like this, I think of the Super Mario World athletic theme lol Also, once again, these videos are reaffirming that I NEED a Martin 😍
For me the sound of the more expensive better made guitars is just more coherent. I'm not exactly sure what that means. Maybe it means it's harder to perceive a string skip tonally. They definitely have some quality that just mixes the various harmonics of each string better than the cheaper ones which don't react as neutrally across the strings??? Very hard to explain what I mean.
I compared an Álvarez against a Yamaha A3R and ended up choosing the Yamaha because of the mic modelling in the pick up that did away with all of the "quack" that I heard on hard plucking through a flat amplifier. I don't regret my choice, but I do wonder why Andertons never compare the audio output from the pick up from the various acoustic guitars.
It would be interesting doing the same test on someone who is very new to playing guitar. Someone who doesn't have a lot of experience playing a wide range of guitars
I would like to see the same test with the same make and model guitars but with not the same guitars to see if he would still pick the same as some guitars that are identical as each other to look at don't sound the same ...
Couldn't resist a blind test so I turned my screen off. I concurred with Ben easily, but the biggest single step up in tone was between numbers 2&3 for me, at least from your room via YT to mine.
here's a suggestion, instead of an acoustic blindfold video, do an acoustic earmuff video! earmuff Ben so he can't hear, then cover only the headstocks (like with a sock or a golf club cozy) and let Ben get as much info as he can from pure touch, sight and vibration. then have him order them from most expensive to least.
I had a friend that had a Alvarez in the mid to late 70's when I was older teen and he played the crap out of the guitar and it sounded great. I always wanted to get a Alvarez, but what I really want is a D-28, but I can afford one now. Anybody have any clones to the D28 that are maybe half the price or less? Like $1500 or less. I really like these kind of videos Andertons! Been a rocker all my life, but have really been getting into acoustics and flat picking and alternate picking the last year or so.
I managed to get an Eastman E20D, which is a blatant D28 clone, used for like $700, though they are about $1600 new. Eastman acoustics are all hand-made with proper good timbers, and I've liked every one I've played. Definitely check it out.
That Alvarez is truly a nice guitar in person, I have the version with the walnut top as well as b&s, and it’s been a balanced sounding, reliable workhorse for me
Most guitarist can play blindfolded- even if they don't play as well as Ben. You send so much time playing you can't help but develop a feel for the fret board really. I would assume pianist are the same way and can play without looking as well. Ppl who play stuff like the sax or other wind instruments- they can't really see their hand while playing- they have to just train their fingers where to go by feel. The best instrument simply disappears in your hands- it just becomes part of you- which I realize sounds cliche but- it's really true.
I'm flabbergasted watching some of things Ben can do on the guitar .. must be thousands of hours of practice .. oh, and talent too ..
Well, legend has it he started to play 2 centuries ago, when a witch put a curse on him and condemned him to eternal reincarnation until he becomes the best guitar player of all time. 🤪
One of the great parts of this is how Ben picks up a guitar, hears what it sounds like from one strum, and then is inspired to play something different on it that makes it shine. As soon as he heard the Alvarez, he went into blues mode and it sounded fantastic with that guitar's tone.
Man that Martin sounded fabulous in Ben's hands! Love these. Thanks
Great vid. Ben is a force of nature. Such a superb guitarist. I tried that Alvarez when I was in the store on Saturday. Lovely guitar but, I came away with a Sire Larry Carlton A4, which is another guitar that punches well above its price point. Never been a better time to be a guitar player. So many good guitars out now at very affordable prices.
That Clapton model is one of the best acoustics (mass produced) I've ever heard, just delectable.
I personally prefer the standard 000-28, but yes, outstanding guitar!
Bloody hell Ben’s good! Love my Alvarez. Definitely one of the best value acoustics out there
Of all the musicians who play on this channel Ben is imo the most talented. I suppose I feel that way because if I try hard enough, I can do what the other guys are doing- I can't do what Ben does. I can come close to it- and if I had of stuck with acoustic and not started playing electric I think I would've gotten there but- it would've taken a lifetime. You don't have any wicked bends or pinch harmonics to hide behind, you can't crank the gain to smooth it out- it's like a manual typewriter, you get out exactly what you put in and that's it. That makes playing lead a whole new ballgame. It's melody in its purest form. You can't just noodle- which most of us do at least a little here and there.
Aside from the Martin, the Alvarez sounded great and his playing seemed inspired.
Martin …all the way. Sounds fantastic.
My first acoustic was a $400 Alvarez dreadnought, and I never felt like the instrument was holding me back. Certainly I never could have articulated why it was good because I was ignorant and was deep in learning the basics, but I had such a good experience with it that it’s easy to recommend Alvarez!
I was happy to see that the Alvarez came in above it's price point.
These guitars are impressive!
What a playing, at 07:00 onward, incredible blindfolded!
These blind-fold tests a re a lot of fun, even just to watch and listen. I do love my Alvarez. Definitely a better guitar than the price suggests. :) Thanks..
Ben is so good at playing guitar it's unreal. bluegrass master
Yes indeed a great comparison, and my choice was exactly as the player, the Martin was Definitely the best, why, simply because it ( to my ears anyway- through e/ phones) had the greatest Dynamic range 😊😊😊
Would love to have heard a Larrivee OM in the mix. Thanks. Good video.
First time I got them all right! Hooray for me. That Martin was a no brainer, head and shoulders above the pack. Rich, full notes with great dynamic range. Wish I had it, in fact, I'll take two please. One in rosewood and one in mahogany. 😊 Thanks for this gentlemen.
Even blindfolded, Ben kills it! 😎
Would love to see another faith video! I cannot choose between a Venus blood moon or a Venus eclipse 😔😔 the natural ones sound awesome too
Interesting results from here, listening on a bluetooth speaker, I had more trouble discerning the first and the fourth one but the Martin was easily the best from the moment he started playing. Such a good sound, impressive how the low end came clean even in a cheap speaker.
Brilliant video and Ben is one of my favourite guitarist's along with Wizz and Tommy.
I would think, by now Ben should be able to tell what is what, with a simple rap with a knuckle. The resonance of the instrument is built in through the quality of materials or precision of build.
Yeesh, that Martin just sounds expensive from the first chord! Fantastic playing Ben!
noch nix gesehen, aber Ben wieder da!!!!!! Great guy and player
The Martin has that classic tone, and did sound the most expensive, but I preferred the Alvarez as I think it presented different and more interesting creative possibilities.
most expensive two shouted out n were fairly easy to pick. the cheapest was a challenge!
Martin's volutes would give this away straight away
thanks, for the comparative. Playing also a Martin Spruce/rosewood 28series, it could have sound better in our headphones ! 😉 a comparative of guitars with a great player, in a music shop, deserve at least two mics! 😁..
I had the Martin as last. I guess I'm looking at different stuff when it comes to ranking acoustics. I thought the Alvarez was perfect
Brilliant playing from Ben.....and great review too that shows you don't need to buy the most expensive guitar on show here to get a wonderful sound...!!.
I’d like to see a blindfold video of the full range of acoustic/electro guitars between £700 and £900 from Andertons :)
I have an Alvarez that my dad passed down to me and it is the best feeling and sounding acoustic that I have ever played. Better than any $2,000+ big name . Just my (subjective) opinion.
I played along (watching minimised at work!). I thought cheapest, most expensive, second cheapest. Then I looked at the end and realised there were 4 guitars, not 3! Proof I was guessing.
The Martin won the dreadnought blindfold hands down too - but then for those prices, it should.
I tend to buy value for money, but if I've ever got several grand to spare, I'm definitely getting a Martin!
Beautiful playing. Right on.
Could we have a shootout of the 500-1000quid mark please? I'm interested to know how the "budget" Martin's compare to the likes of the Faith & Alvarez.
After getting the Alvarez parlor based off your other video the brand is underrated!
Wonderful playing as ever, Mr Smith. You don’t half make them sing.
Bens blindfold skills are unreal
How in the world is he finding harmonics blindfolded... wow... he's incredible.
maybe the martin is the nicest in the room, but that alverez sounds nicest through the mic to me.
Great video. Not sure why those "expensive" guitars seem "better" to people. I've had my Alvarez 12-String Dreadnought about 40 years and it sounded great when I got it and sounds even better now. Played a lot of different guitars back then and this was the one for me. It's more than brand for me. I think I played 8-10 different Alvarez 12-strings that day and this one "spoke" to me. Told me to take it home. Some of my favorite guitars I have are not top end brands, but they're mine. LOL!!
think you should add text with prices, maybe add a pointy graphic with the order ie add layer of info and clarity to the challenge
I believe Ben was playing a riff very similar to the Bruce Cockburn tune 'Mamma Wants To Barrelhouse '...Ben?
Interesting video. Alvarez is a great brand. My daily player is an MPA66ESHB. I had a Faith Jupiter jumbo and thought it was powerful but somehow "wiry".
Thanks fellas enjoyed anothern!
Semper Fi
Specs would be useful (I know I could look them up, but I'm not in the market for a medium sized acoustic at the moment). Are they all spruce tops? What are the back and side woods? Solid wood or laminates? Scale length? I ask because I thought the Alvarez sounded noticeably better than the Faith. The Alvarez had a greater depth and richness of tone, to my ears. So, why does the Faith cost more? Having bitched a bit, I still think it's a great video. I lplay electric and acoustic, and love to fingerpick, so I'm glad to see stuff that is of interest to hard-core acoustic players!
I think the first actually sounded the moat pleasing to the ear. The tone just was smoother and less abrupt
He got it right: that Alvarez sounds better than that Faith. Down to the particular guitar, sure, but in this test, that Alvarez held its own with the Martin. I always miss the midrange on a Martin, which I guess is why I play a Taylor.
Just further proof that Alvarez deserves to be on anyone's bucket list of acoustics 🫠
Awesome, I've been looking to finally upgrade my old cheap Yamaha to something little better. Great timing for the video!
Alvarez. Price Performance winner.
To my ear, the Martins blew the others out of the water on this and the Dreadnaught comparison. Way more better.
That Martin is sofa king warm and good
1:54 every time I hear Ben play like this, I think of the Super Mario World athletic theme lol
Also, once again, these videos are reaffirming that I NEED a Martin 😍
For me the sound of the more expensive better made guitars is just more coherent. I'm not exactly sure what that means. Maybe it means it's harder to perceive a string skip tonally. They definitely have some quality that just mixes the various harmonics of each string better than the cheaper ones which don't react as neutrally across the strings???
Very hard to explain what I mean.
Ben needs that Martin
No Taylor _14CE included?
I compared an Álvarez against a Yamaha A3R and ended up choosing the Yamaha because of the mic modelling in the pick up that did away with all of the "quack" that I heard on hard plucking through a flat amplifier. I don't regret my choice, but I do wonder why Andertons never compare the audio output from the pick up from the various acoustic guitars.
I’m not an alverez guy, but that one sounded good..
The faith SOUNDED cheap… the rest seemed like your not getting your moneys worth as the price increases…
Also… kinda noteworthy that, although he doesnt know the lower ones for sure, he RARELY misses the top one… usually doesnt even have a doubt.
It would be interesting doing the same test on someone who is very new to playing guitar. Someone who doesn't have a lot of experience playing a wide range of guitars
Of the Faith and Alvarez, not only did I prefer the sound of the Alvarez I think it looks way nicer too...and £500 cheaper.
its the Martin for me !
How do you think the Sire Larry Carlton a4 would compare?
Can you guys include yamaha acoustics too please🙏
The chappers of acoustic guitars, but he can hear it, not only smell it, -- and he can play like hell. Thanks Ben!
I guess Anderton’s doesn’t need to sell acoustics anymore? Acoustic videos seem to have been reduced. Bummer.
Semper Fi
Oh the grace of a Martin.....
I would like to see the same test with the same make and model guitars but with not the same guitars to see if he would still pick the same as some guitars that are identical as each other to look at don't sound the same ...
Couldn't resist a blind test so I turned my screen off. I concurred with Ben easily, but the biggest single step up in tone was between numbers 2&3 for me, at least from your room via YT to mine.
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I thought Ben got it right, it was my order too.
Would be interesting with high end guitars
Grodd is powerful but apocalypse is more comparable to someone like Despero in power, Apocalypse wins maybe mid diff at most
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Love the way Lee does not use the word "cheap" but "more affordable" instead 😉
here's a suggestion, instead of an acoustic blindfold video, do an acoustic earmuff video! earmuff Ben so he can't hear, then cover only the headstocks (like with a sock or a golf club cozy) and let Ben get as much info as he can from pure touch, sight and vibration. then have him order them from most expensive to least.
What is the pick that Ben is using ?
I wanna see chapper's do this too, make him try acoustic...I did not like the most expensive one at all, sounded dull to me.
I had a friend that had a Alvarez in the mid to late 70's when I was older teen and he played the crap out of the guitar and it sounded great. I always wanted to get a Alvarez, but what I really want is a D-28, but I can afford one now. Anybody have any clones to the D28 that are maybe half the price or less? Like $1500 or less.
I really like these kind of videos Andertons! Been a rocker all my life, but have really been getting into acoustics and flat picking and alternate picking the last year or so.
I managed to get an Eastman E20D, which is a blatant D28 clone, used for like $700, though they are about $1600 new. Eastman acoustics are all hand-made with proper good timbers, and I've liked every one I've played. Definitely check it out.
@@Smitty_Werbenjagermanjenson I certainly will and have heard of that company before and some of the quality they do. Thank you
And here I am listening to this on my phone with 15$ earphones on. Still can tell the difference though
Let's have one such video with budget guitars.. around 100-300$ only..
Hey guys ...
My money is on Ben will pick the Martin .. 😎 🎸 🇮🇪
Where do i get them conductor chairs from
Did not like any of these, not even the Martin, if I had to pick one, I'd probably go with Alvarez.
That Alvarez is truly a nice guitar in person, I have the version with the walnut top as well as b&s, and it’s been a balanced sounding, reliable workhorse for me
Compare the ALVAREZ MD 70 to a MARTIN D28!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THEY ARE CLOSE.
I'd put my Martin 000-28EC up against anything on the planet.
i want to see a 12 string version of this. just to see Ben play them
I recently had my hearing checked because all TH-cam Acoustic guitar comparos sound the same to me... 🤣😂🤣😂
Wot! No 12 fret.
16:50 unfortunately this is true. Nothing anyone can do about it.
mid size or mid range?
Don’t be sorry, Ben. This Alvarez owner thinks you have great taste.
You could probably just smell the wood and know how expensive they are.
This would be better if one guy played and the other chose based on sound.
How can somewhone with normal sight can play so blindfolded???????
Most guitarist can play blindfolded- even if they don't play as well as Ben. You send so much time playing you can't help but develop a feel for the fret board really. I would assume pianist are the same way and can play without looking as well. Ppl who play stuff like the sax or other wind instruments- they can't really see their hand while playing- they have to just train their fingers where to go by feel. The best instrument simply disappears in your hands- it just becomes part of you- which I realize sounds cliche but- it's really true.
Okay? Okay?
Thought the Faith had the poorest tone.
You mean, Benny Hill 🤷♂️
He has to talk more otherwise it’s just a concert