Imagine what a guitar owned by John Chapman would go for. Carter’s had two 1937 D-18’s. One looked like rats had chewed on it. Screws, cracks, hole in the headstock, overspray everywhere. Other was near perfect. The ugly one sounded 10 times better. Both were priced the same. My buddy made a bid based on the condition. They wouldn’t take it. When we pressed them they said the price was on sound not condition. We couldn’t argue. We didn’t even think about the pretty one after playing the ugly one. I still think about that guitar.
My ‘41 has almost a complete overspray, done years ago, but it sounded better than many (some older) I played over the course of buying it. Better to judge each guitar on its individual merits, not on what others tell us it SHOULD sound like. Nearly 10 years ago I probably paid high dollar, but today it’s a steal.
The 40' A is slightly brighter and clearer while the 43' B is slightly warmer with maybe slightly more bottom end presence.. One identifying characteristic of pre war Martin's is the clarity and definition. The 43' is most likely lighter in weight due to the lack of metal on the tuners and truss rod which does have an impact on the sound/tone etc.
I would take a. Although they both sounded incredible. I’d love to play either one. I’ve got a d18 myself that I haven’t played in a while. I really need to get it out and tune it up.
These are just Gorgeous.. The sound to me is virtually identical... there was "One" run on the 43 that caught my ear, as just a tad bit crisper and cleaner... you guys is damn lucky to be holding them guitars. They are Top Dollar, Professional instruments.. The Old Dog looks great. I prefer a cleaner guitar! I always wipe down my d28 Custom..
Guitar B had to my ears a slightly more rounded, more mellow quality. Guitar A sounded a bit brighter, a bit sharper in tone. Overall though, not much between them.
I played a 1949 00-17 ‘bag’ guitar (much like Clarence White’s situation) that Chicago music exchange had pieced back together. I was a fool and did not buy it. One of the best sounding and playing guitars I’ve ever had my hands on. I am more excited for vintage instruments that have been maintained and repaired according to modern Lutherie I was pleased to find out that my biases are not far off base in finding John’s much better of a sound to my ears.
They don't sound less or more good, just different. Martins don't ever sound "bad". The difference may be caused by the choice of strings? I think the D-18 mahogany looks quite dark, probably because of aging. My D-28 (1979) with the supposedly somewhat darker rosewood looks quite similar to these two. Just my thoughts. By the way, I'm a finger picker Chet Atkins style using 10-41 Thomastik Infeld strings giving a bright tingling sound not being bass heavy. I don't use a thumb pick. With a plastic pick it would sound "crisper". An afterthought. I have several records of the great Doc Watson playing a D-28. These guys sound remarkably similar to him soundwise. Hard to hear any difference. Very good.
Love to own either one, and beat up and ugly doesn't bother me any. I definitely don't dislike Johns, but I think I like the 43' a bit better. Just a bit. 😁
I didn’t hear much difference except I could tell which one John was playing you obviously are smoother sounding on your 40 Martin lol. Here’s the deal with me tho I am pretty deaf but the D-18 doesn’t sound as loud to me as the 28’s. To me a 28 is like it’s mic’d up without a mic. I could be wrong and just deaf good video yall
John for today only I'll trade you my Martin d16rgt for that D18 and I'll even throw in a Keyser capo and snark tunner you better act fast this offer expires soon .lol😂😂😂 . seriously they both sound amazing I did favor your guitar it has a little more bass and roundness to the notes that's an amazing guitar you have
34th LIKE of this 174th view - TBH - neither sounded BETTER than the other - both sound great and of their own character... to these Martin D1-GT owner and old-guy ears. B seems to have a bit more brightness; a smidge more clarity - if that's your taste. Your mileage may vary. If I had to choose only one - B would go into my toolbox.
Close but definitely A. Thanks for sharing.
Imagine what a guitar owned by John Chapman would go for. Carter’s had two 1937 D-18’s. One looked like rats had chewed on it. Screws, cracks, hole in the headstock, overspray everywhere. Other was near perfect. The ugly one sounded 10 times better. Both were priced the same. My buddy made a bid based on the condition. They wouldn’t take it. When we pressed them they said the price was on sound not condition. We couldn’t argue. We didn’t even think about the pretty one after playing the ugly one. I still think about that guitar.
My ‘41 has almost a complete overspray, done years ago, but it sounded better than many (some older) I played over the course of buying it. Better to judge each guitar on its individual merits, not on what others tell us it SHOULD sound like. Nearly 10 years ago I probably paid high dollar, but today it’s a steal.
The 40' A is slightly brighter and clearer while the 43' B is slightly warmer with maybe slightly more bottom end presence.. One identifying characteristic of pre war Martin's is the clarity and definition. The 43' is most likely lighter in weight due to the lack of metal on the tuners and truss rod which does have an impact on the sound/tone etc.
As Mother Gump would tell you, "pretty is As pretty does!"
Both are amazing.
They sound very similar to me , at points I thought A maybe sounded a bit clearer and brighter , but it is slight.
It’s amazing how similar they are. Did B have a little more volume? Sort of seemed that way, but a big maybe on that. A sounded more broken in to me.
I would take a. Although they both sounded incredible. I’d love to play either one. I’ve got a d18 myself that I haven’t played in a while. I really need to get it out and tune it up.
Nice I’ve got a 1949 D-18 I can’t wait to play again it’s in the shop! Bone saddle ivory nut!
Nobody would be hurting my feelings. If Jeremy would have let me buy the '43, I would have. Incredible guitar. One of the very best I've ever played.
These are just Gorgeous..
The sound to me is virtually identical... there was "One" run on the 43 that caught my ear, as just a tad bit crisper and cleaner... you guys is damn lucky to be holding them guitars. They are Top Dollar, Professional instruments..
The Old Dog looks great. I prefer a cleaner guitar! I always wipe down my d28 Custom..
Guitar B had to my ears a slightly more rounded, more mellow quality. Guitar A sounded a bit brighter, a bit sharper in tone. Overall though, not much between them.
I played a 1949 00-17 ‘bag’ guitar (much like Clarence White’s situation) that Chicago music exchange had pieced back together. I was a fool and did not buy it. One of the best sounding and playing guitars I’ve ever had my hands on. I am more excited for vintage instruments that have been maintained and repaired according to modern Lutherie
I was pleased to find out that my biases are not far off base in finding John’s much better of a sound to my ears.
They don't sound less or more good, just different. Martins don't ever sound "bad". The difference may be caused by the choice of strings? I think the D-18 mahogany looks quite dark, probably because of aging. My D-28 (1979) with the supposedly somewhat darker rosewood looks quite similar to these two. Just my thoughts. By the way, I'm a finger picker Chet Atkins style using 10-41 Thomastik Infeld strings giving a bright tingling sound not being bass heavy. I don't use a thumb pick. With a plastic pick it would sound "crisper". An afterthought. I have several records of the great Doc Watson playing a D-28. These guys sound remarkably similar to him soundwise. Hard to hear any difference. Very good.
The last scene reminded me of Laurel and Hardy's way of making us laugh 😂
I'd also like to own both. I would need a 4th job. I did like A better, but playing one is different than hearing one. Carry on gentlemen!
Awesome video!
What a great guitar John! If the wood isn't cracked or the neck isn't warped LEAVE IT ALONE! All those wear marks just give them character!
Well, I was wrong with my guess in the short. John's is a killer.
Definitely A for me. Prefer it's brighter sound.
Love to own either one, and beat up and ugly doesn't bother me any. I definitely don't dislike Johns, but I think I like the 43' a bit better. Just a bit. 😁
I didn’t hear much difference except I could tell which one John was playing you obviously are smoother sounding on your 40 Martin lol. Here’s the deal with me tho I am pretty deaf but the D-18 doesn’t sound as loud to me as the 28’s. To me a 28 is like it’s mic’d up without a mic. I could be wrong and just deaf good video yall
A the winner !
John for today only I'll trade you my Martin d16rgt for that D18 and I'll even throw in a Keyser capo and snark tunner you better act fast this offer expires soon .lol😂😂😂 . seriously they both sound amazing I did favor your guitar it has a little more bass and roundness to the notes that's an amazing guitar you have
They have nearly the same voice, but A was a tad more open sounding.
What pins in the 1940?
34th LIKE of this 174th view - TBH - neither sounded BETTER than the other - both sound great and of their own character... to these Martin D1-GT owner and old-guy ears.
B seems to have a bit more brightness; a smidge more clarity - if that's your taste. Your mileage may vary. If I had to choose only one - B would go into my toolbox.
I am ugly and I sound bad to be honest 😞
Both Phenomenal… my ear likes A better.
I CHOOSE B… HONEST.
B had better string separation and clarity. Not by much though.
Like A better.