Hi Terry, strangely, I've been thinking about a classical lately, back about a century ago I knewctwo lovely ladies who each hd very fine Levin classicals, and on occasions I look on the places where one might be for sale - not sure where I'd keep it though. I once had a Martin 2-17 wich had t go in the early '70s to pay for a months mortgage repayment. If I ever got a hog top it would have to be that. Obviously I'm aware of Willie's Martin gut string guitar and its story. I also played at Luckenbach once! Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the video! Really interesting to hear the differences between these guitars. It's not until you play them side-by-side that you really understand loud vs projection and the way that comes across in terms of what sound you're after.
Thanks for inviting us to see your workshop utility room. How do you deal with humidity changes in protecting your guitars when they spend so much time out of their cases?
Hi Sannojo, well they don't live in my workshop ! they either live in cases or in various parts of my house. I have pretty good hygrometers in most rooms which I monitor. The worst tie is the depth of winter of course, and should I need to hydrate them, I use guitar Nomad sound hole units.
Your friend and mine, Frank Fichtmueller, suggested that I try a 12 fret slothead to see if I'd like it. I found and bought a Martin 0000-18S Sinker Mahogany Custom, 12 fret slothead. I like it a lot, and I'm having a lot of fun with it. Mark me down as a new member of the UMGF Slothead Club. Thanks for the nice history lesson on these great guitars!
Hi Eric, Yes I know of Frank from his many contributions to the UMGF. I see his Geburtstag is 2 days and two years after mine! I don't know if there IS a UMGF slothead club, but it sounds like a fine idea and I'm delighted that I was instrumental in your getting new guitar!
Stefan Grossman is (and always has been) a master of tone and projection. In his workshops he gets people to play without a thumb pick or fingerpicks so that they have to get the sound out with bare flesh on the right hand. He makes a huge sound! Then he puts picks on and it sounds like he’s amplified. I’ve seen (and heard!) him play unamplified in churches and large halls and he fills the room right to the back. I can’t recall any of his contemporaries ( especially the UK contingent) being able to do that. I agree with everything you say about the instruments but I have to say that Stefan is a very specific and unique example to cite. Regards
Excellent as always. Clearly the acoustics of the venue would also impact upon the projected sound too. Fascinating stuff, and I agree your summary. I have a beautiful small bodied Gibson J200M and it projects very well, and is certainly not boxy
How do you know all these things old man? I'm glad that at least I'm able to understand you. I wish to be like you when I'm old but I know you're one of a kind. Cheers old man!!!
Cool Video SM👍 Beautiful Array of Acoustic Guitars. Boy your one Brave soul with all those Beauties on stands in that tight Room! I would for sure have knocked one over-and Started a Domino of Wonderful Guitars onto the floor 😜👍🇺🇸
Great comparison! Yes the 00 and 000-28e really project. My Martin Custom Shop 00-28 I got to honor my departed Dad really has a lot of projection, balance & sustain. It has hide glue construction. Recently tried a Taylor 914ce with Engelmann Spruce and it also possess the same qualities. The best for my retirement home folks has been a D28, although I may look into a 0000-28. So yes I sing and play acoustically. Thanks again.
I guess if we ever get the opportunity to gig again, I'll still prefer my dreads, but my 000 and my Waterloo have become my preferred guitars at home and for my online teaching.
I love the history lesson and explanation on sizes as well as projection vs loudness, Happy Thanksgiving! By the way, I love your Honorary Texan sticker.
Thank you! You too! We don't do thanksgiving here in the UK, but thanks for seeing my honorary Texan sticker given to me when I played at a Texan only festival in Sherman in 2004! They appreciated my love of Texan singer-songwriters.
Hi again Adam, I confess to guitar related nerdism - its my ting, but I think it is helpful to understand the whats/whens, and whys of the different designs.
@@SillyMoustache It’s a lot smarter than me going to a show where they say, “This is great for fingerstyle!” or worse, “This one is the Swiss Army knife of guitars!” I reckon it’s all about details which is why we have guitar collections.
Revisiting this, I acquired a heavenly projecting Showalter 00 Custom with Sycamore top, Osage Orange back and sides, Butternut neck, soft V neck profile and ebony fret board (1-15/32 nut). Fantastic little guitar mostly all Virginia tone woods. My Recently acquired Martin Custom Shop D-28 12-fret and Eastman E20 OM MR TC are my most used. The 00 holds its ground and has a hand- rubbed French polish finish. Thanks Andy
thankyou again.Mr Moustache,i can't bring myself to call you silly moustache.lol. particularly when you are such a knowledgable gent. I think loudness and projection are two distinct ,but related,concepts.A guitar can be loud{ to the guitarists hearing} but not project well.increases to body size usually results in a louder guitar[as a general statement] however the most striking differences are those of tone/'character'. If the wood is ok quality, in my experience ,it is the bracing which brings out qualities of tone and translates that to projection.This is also a result of the guitars construction.contrast flat top V arch top acoustic steel strung guitars. Your 'o' size guitar was not quieter than your dread.they both projected well because they had both been made by competent builders- who knew how to brace the top ,and to a lesser degree the back and sides, to pull out the desired tone and projection from a piece of carefully chosen wood which had been reduced to an optimal thinness in order to mantain a lively tap tone: a lively ,balanced ,tone.which is reflected back by the relatively hard back +sides.[also about 25% tone added/changed/emphasised] This is how i understand these ideas,there is a defined physics or science to guitar building- although i consider it more of an art, an act of inspired creation because every piece of wood every guitar is different and a creative genesis is needed to create the kind of guitars that collings ,or for that matter Eastman , make. Anyway,sorry about that i got carried away.yep,i'm definately a guitar Nerd ! Thankyou for replying to my comment and as always thanks for the great videos. Tim whistler.
Hi Tim, thanks for your observations, and i couldn't argue aganist any of what you wrote, but the main pint is - I don't know what it is that makes a guitar project ,but there is one or more aspects of what you mentioned that contrives to work...or not. As Yul Brynner once said "'tis a puzzlement!" Great fun to ponder though eh? thanks for watching and for your input.
Extremely enjoyable, but you really shouldn't say the 000 was the largest guitar Martin made till 1931. They began MAKING dreads in 1916, except that they were branded for the Ditson company. They even celebrated the 100 year anniversary of the dread in 2016. They simply changed the marketing in 1931 and brought out the dreads under their own name. Otherwise really interesting to hear a conversation about projection v loudness. Also, I was amused to hear you commenting about Stefan's guitar style. I had the pleasure of being taught by him on many occasions and he really whacks it (even when he's playing quietly - if you follow me). Thanks a lot.
@@SillyMoustache hi Andy Not sure if you have covered Parlour size 12 fret short scale guitar size previously But Can you offer a guide & recommendation please I am considering a parlour size guitar purchase and currently undergoing research Many thanks in advance Hope all is well with you ✌🏼😷
Another great video and based on the cabinet I see there on the right, I would like to bestow upon you the title of Honorary Georgian. I have no standing with which to do the bestowing, but bestow it I will.
Good Spot Darryl! I was taken unsuspecting to a festival on Texas, near Sherman, and told that I would be playing ! But as it was "only" for Texans, I had to undergo a short giggling induction ceremony. They were very kind to me , apart from the necessity to wear spurs in bed!
I love that "Honorary Texan" decal. As an American Southerner, I would pay to see the look on southerners faces when they hear that great EAST "texan" accent of yours hah. I bet you never feel so appreciated than in the States. We love the accents across the pond. Did you have a chance to go to any concerts or festivals when you were in the States? If you ever have the chance to visit the East coast, Virginia area, I think you'd love the guitar playing up there. Would suit your style of playing greatly. I had the pleasure of attending graduate school up there and let me tell you some of the best players I've ever heard. Absolutely gorgeous part of the country not too terribly far from DC if you ever have a chance to visit. Huss & Dalton is in the region if you know those guitars. Excuse my rambling, just got me thinking. :)
We had two weeks in Texas in 2004, mostly staying with friends met through a Yahoo group. We returned in 2005 and drove from San Francisco to Dallas stopping alnog the way to stay with old and new friends. and yes, I did play at one concert (in Sherman TX) and another friend a professional singer-songwriter staged a house concert for us with other performers. Whilst I have visited the east coast NH, Mass, Boston etc., I never got down south, and sadly, my health will not permit any more travels, but I have a high regard for Appalachian roots music, and as an old bluegrasser, I have met many from that area. I have owned a Huss and Dalton but sadly the experience was less than positive.
@@SillyMoustache Thanks for responding. Sorry to hear about your health! I'm glad you have your guitars to bring you joy. Also glad you got to experience the US! I have never actually played a Huss and Dalton, at the time I was exclusively a Taylor man (now I'm all Martin and own 1 Gibson). Your love for Collings has made me really want to try a few :) Thanks, my friend.
Always helpful videos, the one thing I've noted is you referring to Martin for this and that, and Gibson also, but you haven't any examples of either..odd that your collection wouldn't have one.
Hi Ken, I had, and relied on a Martin D35 from 1975 to 1995 (ish) Back in the day I had a J50 for a while and an old '50s SJ200, but my Collings replaced my Martins as Martin no longer make the 12 fret models I sought for so long. (I have my rebuilt Martin D12-20_. I've looked to buy Gibsons (Jackson Browne, and L-00 ) but frankly the cosmetic and build quality simply wasn't up to scratch, hence my Santa Cruz and me Waterloo. I do have my '34 build L-4! Thanks for watching.
I suppose that Mr. Grossman's concert was probably saved by a good acoustic of the concert hall. Many theaters, opera and concert houses are built to have a specific acoustic so that you can hear what happens on stage on every seat of the room, without amplification.
Yes, that would well have been something to do with it, but I still think that nowadays we assume that dreads, or amplification is a necessity, and that smaller guitars are wimpy.
@@SillyMoustache I have to admit, I was lured into buying a particular loud guitar (Faith Mars slopeshoulder cedar/mahogany) although it should not matter much as I do not need to fill a concert hall with it :) Although my interest is more in fingerstyle I did not want to accept that I should buy a smaller body size.
Hi Keith, I used to lug a large p.a, with 10" speaker cabs. but pretty soon decided that I didn't enjoy pub gigs. I don't do "open mics" much either - too loud, too disorganised. Last one I did I insisted on not plugging in just using two house mics. By half way through the 1st verse, I had them in the palm of m hand. By the third song I even had the guys from the bar billiards room coming in to listen/watch. I've been using a Bose L-1 at y club until July, but in a newer venue I'm going back to fully acoustic.
Would love to jam with ya...LOL Can't see anyway to cross the pond and the BS Covid has hurt local jams here also. Will have to keep playing with the Trio " Me, Myself, and I". Here praying for better times ahead! Happy Thanksgiving my Friend.
Yup, same problem here, I decided to close my club in March - just before the gov't ordered total lockdown, and had whilst my trio and I managed to get together in a garden /backyard fr a while in August, it faded out as the weather cooled. However I now give online lessons, via Zoom mainly to folks from the US -so I have a reason to use my guitars. I have some spaces btw.
@@SillyMoustache LOL.. Don't know if I have anything to teach ya. We are pretty much at the same lvl. But boy I know we could make some music.. I did get the song "Streets of London" worked out and applied my style to it and is now part of my warm-up. Don't know how I missed that song growing up but it is a big world. It is very soothing to listen to and play.
Kelly, a dreadnought is a Martin design, and a jumbo is a Gibson design. The volume (cubic capacity) of both is similar, however a Gibson Jumbo (j45 etc) is a shorter scale = less string tension = less volume. However, many brands make dreadnoughts and the projection/volume is infinitely variable. The more you pay - the better then chances of good projection. I hate to say it but most buskers tend to "plug in" to some sort of small battery driven combo or p.a. system. Obviously you don't get a great acoustic sound but most people seem happy with that. I don't busk so I'm not the expert in the amplification options available.
Thanks for the response. I really enjoyed your video. I have a HD-28 and it seems loud. In fact, I can only play it for 90 minutes because it is so loud. My db app reads up to about 93 db. I am getting ready to play an acoustic guitar in a yoga class and a small party, and was looking at acoustic amps. But after watching your video, I am wandering, if money would be better spent on a nice guitar over a cheap PA, mic, etc.... It's a lot of extra stuff that may not be helpful. I am guessing your D-28 is really loud because of the bracing it projects more than a HD-28. And yes, you are probably right about the quality of projection with different guitars. I would like to find a sub 1000 dollar acoustic to gig. I don't like taking my HD-28 into the "wild." @@SillyMoustache
Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge and research! I started as a viola player and have recently begun a journey on the acoustic guitar. It is interesting to me that Violin/Violas are spruce tops and maple back and sides, but you really only see maple on acoustic guitars in the super-jumbo size? it seems counter intuitive that parlor acoustics should be maple as well?
Hi Paul, thanks for watching and for your kind comments. Regarding maple - almost all archtop (jazz) style guitars and IIRC hollowbody electrics are made with maple. Whilst it is not used on flat-tops as much as mahogany or rosewood, both of which add a little something to the tonality, I see maple as pretty neutral but excellent for projection (hence its use on acoustic archtops. FWIW I also have one flattop with maple B&S which is a "tribute" to an old prewar Gibson style -see: th-cam.com/video/ehduEGhbjmU/w-d-xo.html Regards,
Thanks for taking on the subject. I think it's a bit difficult to hear the different qualities on a YT vid unless you have some idea what to listen for because a mic in a room can't ever pick up the stuff our ears hear. I give you an example.. I was at an estate sale a few months ago... last day, The person had been a music teacher at some point in the past. Various instruments around, a couple guitars, 6 string and 12 string slot heads, no brands leaning on chairs sunbathed by western rays so not in good shape. I picked up the 6 string, dang if it wasn't nearly in good tune. Easy strum a cord, and finger pick a few notes and this modest 12 fret 15" body guitar filled the entire room with sound. Not loud, just full.. the air was vibrating. From a guitar that has open seams and a couple of cracks!. That's what projection is like. It came home, and the 12 string too. It was similar. Labels inside I couldn't read for the dust the indication of their origin, but who cares.. when they speak that well, you know you're holding gold. Paid literally next to nothing for them. What remained was going to the donation truck. They dug out an old Gibson alligator cardboard case for one and an inexpensive soft case for the other. They need work. It's it worth it financially? I don't know. I can't afford it. But at some point it'll get done somehow. I started on violin as a young child. A concert quality small instrument can project over an orchestra to fill the hall with sound. Skill of the player? absolutely! But the instrument itself is the source and when it's right, the projection and presence feels effortless. Hope that helps explain it. It's surprising. It's a WOW moment. You don't want to stop playing. I guess that's how I'd describe it.
@@SillyMoustache We'll have to figure that bit out. :) Both are from Mexico. The. 12 string is by Jeronimo Amezcua Reyes so it's 1950s or older. He was a key luthier in developing the Paracho, Mx guitar industry. descendants are still making guitars. The 6 string is Lombardo Garcia from Acapulco. His descendants still make guitars at the same shop at the same address. This one around 1930s His guitars were very highly regarded. Reyes may have apprenticed under Garcia.
Most interesting - thank you for the lesson. Have you any thoughts on how to select an instrument for projection - it is really a two person experiment? Does good projection correlate with the performer not being able to hear their own instrument clearly? (I had sound-holes cut in the upper bouts of my instruments so that I could hear them - presumably that energy has to come from somewhere.)
Hi Bruce, in my humble opinion, it is not easy to predict the quality of projection in any particular instrument. It is also a factor of who/how it is played. I've met a number of my Zoom lesson clients who do not use their picks in the most efficient ways - in some ways, I guess you could equate it to teaching someone how to throw a cricket ball - minimal adjustments can have an appreciable effect. Also the "room" has an appreciable effect. there are hard rooms (with reverberation), and soft rooms (lots of carpets, complex wall surfaces and such which can deaden sound. Human bodies also soak up reverberation/resonance whatever. Most would prefer a dreadnought for projection but they all vary. I have three and one projects far more than the other two. All are from the same noted company.
Happy TG My understanding is that the SCGC RS sounds great to the audience but not so much to the player. For that reason I’ve not considered one, although I have not been able to play one. Your thoughts on that opinion.
I agree. Whilst only a fraction of an inch deeper in body depth than, say a dread, it does seem to remove the sound from the player somewhat. The solution is to sit with it facing up in order to re-assure yourself that it IS powerful and full and to resist over-playing when performing. I love it!
Hello, recently discovered your videos which I have enjoyed very much. I currently have a large body Lowden and a small Fylde Goodfellow. The smaller guitar is more comfertable but the Lowden sounds better. I was thinking of a small bodied Martin but having heard some Eastmans I am thinking I probably don`t need to spend Martin money. Would appreciate any comment
Of course, the major factor in sound production from and acoustic is the player. You sound like you regardless of the guitar used. True some have differences ie the flkattop versus the archtop, but I think it is the player first and foremost...
Hi Joel, of course that is a factor.I know a great bluegrass player who seems to kill his dreads, sound in some way, but my point is that smaller guitars might mnot be as loud, but they can project.
You've mentioned Gibson but I don't think I've seen you play one! Which model (s) Gibson are you referring to? My J35 is a real joy to play and it was a bargain......
@@SillyMoustache , true , the headstock inly and inlays on the fretboard are almost identical to those on my 1934 L-7, and I did have one of the earlier round holed L4s which is a great guitar
Hello Mr. Moustache, When playing at home for personal enjoyment, do you find yourself reaching for one of your smaller-bodied guitars or a dreadnought? After 15 years of strictly playing dreadnoughts with no interest in smaller bodies, I acquired my first 00 and cannot put it down--- and it's been that way for almost a year now. The comfort, ergonomics and convenience factors are just too good to ignore without much of a sacrifice in tonal qualities.
Hi, thanks for the question. I have three dreads, and always use them for gigging, performing, but all that stopped dead this March when we went into lockdown. I used them less and less for making these videos. In July, I was asked to give Zoom lessons and have used my 000 almost exclusively. I also now have two Eastmans, a size 0 and a have a month ago a size 00, so I expect you'll see more smaller guitars in my videos.
I want an acoustic base loud enough to contend with the sounds of the great outdoors. Talking, a rushing river, a crackling fire, etc. Acoustic bass come with a higher price but don't stand a chance in a natural environment. I know....bass players get no respect but they are an essential part of keeping everyone together. Supposedly bass notes are perfect for this job because the notes travel further yet I see more bass players getting portable amps just to compete. An upright is better but they're huge and have no business around a campfire. Buyers remorse can be a real bitch when there's no amount you can pay to get what you want. Would a horn bell on a bass project better? The coolest thing about the campfire jam is NOT having all the tech crap. If the bass player brings an amp...then the guitar wants to, then the drummer wants a full kit and a stage built. All of that comes with generators which will be used by the kids to run a game console and a flat screen and the camping experience is ruined because tech spoiled it...any suggestions?
This was filmed in my workshop/utility room where there are two freezers, two refrigerators and a washing machine. The noise came from a freezer. My videos are made wherever I can in my small British house and I don't ask for payments. I make them to share information only. Sometimes I record in a conservatory when it is raining -It is the UK - it rains. I probably recorded in this room because the rain was too heavy that day.
Great video. Very informative, However my Guild OM 30 is by FAR louder than any Dred I own. It literally scares me with how LOUD it is. It almost make me shutter!
I commend you on your collection. As you have shown you have most everything, and I don't think anyone wants you to fill in the gaps in your collection. Here are a couple of guitars to consider -- you don't need to buy these. The first is a classical guitar used in a country setting. Merle Haggard and Chet Atkins have loads of TH-cam footage with classical guitars. I think the most famous guitar is Willie Nelson's Trigger, which began its life at a Show-Bud dealer in Nashville. They installed an ace pickup -- I believe by Baldwin, and the guitar has endured several rebuilds to reinforce the hole dug into the top by the plectrum (pick as we say). This guitar is a Martin Classic made with Brazilian rosewood. The second guitar is a Martin acoustic, with Mahogany top, back and sides, and steel strings. You will find that one of the Milk Carton Kids uses the mahogany guitar for all of his lead work. His is quite old. I ended up selling a bunch of steel string guitars and settling on a fairly new Martin. This all mahogany Martin sounds good as a parlour guitar -- whatever that means. It is also mid-ranged, not too bright, so in theory you could record yourself without much equalisation. Greetings from across the Pond.
Strangely, I have been thinking of a classical lately. Back in the '70s I had two lady friends who both had Levin classicals and I loved them (the guitars mostly) If I could find a Levin, I might be tempted.
Hi Serge, well, not really, the right hand side is my total workshop area but shared with food storage (onions, garlic, marrows etc., and on the left of screen its kitchen rolls, cooking dishes, a freezer and my wife's "other stuff" and cat food supplies. The white cupboards on the right store house cleaning stuff and our vacuum cleaner/charger. Behind the camera is a large fridge/freezer our washer/drier and another fridge - so not entirely a man cave! (I wish)
Loudness vs projection? Where is the science? Where is the decibel meter at various distance and angles.? Jeez..15 mins of opinion and examples of Martin/Gibson designs + more opinions w/o proof. C'mon...so weak
Hi C Scooter, thank you for your observation. Where is the science? I wish I knew. My initial example was my witnessing smaller guitars projecting through a theatre, when some might "plug in" fr a small club. However, please advise me of your thoughts about this.
@@SillyMoustache observation is nice but science is better. Get a decibel meter and put it a various distances and angles vs the guitars. W/o that you have proved nothing other than you can make a 15 min vid of opinions that may or not be valid.
This was more about the designers thinking behind the different models and not about scientific testing. As such, it was very well presented, as usual.
What is misleading about the title? It’s free content for you and well thought out by Andy. Great video, excellent opinions and wonderful history about some beautiful guitars.
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What a great video. So full of wonderful guitar information, and so well demonstrated. Thank you, Mr. Moustache!
Thank you Tubadylan I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Terry, strangely, I've been thinking about a classical lately, back about a century ago I knewctwo lovely ladies who each hd very fine Levin classicals, and on occasions I look on the places where one might be for sale - not sure where I'd keep it though. I once had a Martin 2-17 wich had t go in the early '70s to pay for a months mortgage repayment. If I ever got a hog top it would have to be that.
Obviously I'm aware of Willie's Martin gut string guitar and its story. I also played at Luckenbach once! Thanks for watching.
The « sound » of history reverberates through your guitars! what a precious gift
Thanks for watching and your comment, Ancient Traveller.
Thanks for the video! Really interesting to hear the differences between these guitars. It's not until you play them side-by-side that you really understand loud vs projection and the way that comes across in terms of what sound you're after.
You bet! I'm s glad that you found it of interest.
Thanks for making this and explaining the history.
Glad you found it useful ... or at least interesting.
I have been deep diving into your channel and videos! What an engrossing journey so far! Really great👏👏👍🥃
Hi Hugh, tanks for watching this old limey codger.
Thanks for inviting us to see your workshop utility room. How do you deal with humidity changes in protecting your guitars when they spend so much time out of their cases?
Hi Sannojo, well they don't live in my workshop ! they either live in cases or in various parts of my house. I have pretty good hygrometers in most rooms which I monitor. The worst tie is the depth of winter of course, and should I need to hydrate them, I use guitar Nomad sound hole units.
Your friend and mine, Frank Fichtmueller, suggested that I try a 12 fret slothead to see if I'd like it. I found and bought a Martin 0000-18S Sinker Mahogany Custom, 12 fret slothead. I like it a lot, and I'm having a lot of fun with it. Mark me down as a new member of the UMGF Slothead Club. Thanks for the nice history lesson on these great guitars!
Hi Eric, Yes I know of Frank from his many contributions to the UMGF. I see his Geburtstag is 2 days and two years after mine! I don't know if there IS a UMGF slothead club, but it sounds like a fine idea and I'm delighted that I was instrumental in your getting new guitar!
Stefan Grossman is (and always has been) a master of tone and projection.
In his workshops he gets people to play without a thumb pick or fingerpicks so that they have to get the sound out with bare flesh on the right hand.
He makes a huge sound! Then he puts picks on and it sounds like he’s amplified.
I’ve seen (and heard!) him play unamplified in churches and large halls and he fills the room right to the back.
I can’t recall any of his contemporaries ( especially the UK contingent) being able to do that.
I agree with everything you say about the instruments but I have to say that Stefan is a very specific and unique example to cite.
Regards
That's most interesting. Thanks.
Excellent as always. Clearly the acoustics of the venue would also impact upon the projected sound too. Fascinating stuff, and I agree your summary. I have a beautiful small bodied Gibson J200M and it projects very well, and is certainly not boxy
Glad you enjoyed it! Always good to hear from you, and thanks for watching.
How do you know all these things old man? I'm glad that at least I'm able to understand you. I wish to be like you when I'm old but I know you're one of a kind. Cheers old man!!!
Hi Dilip, Thank you for your kind comments. Age brings many thing apart from aches and pains. You never stop learning.
“ Honorary Texan”. Love it!👍
Yup, I had to undergo an initiation before I was allowed to get on stage! All great fun.
Cool Video SM👍 Beautiful Array of Acoustic Guitars. Boy your one Brave soul with all those Beauties on stands in that tight Room! I would for sure have knocked one over-and Started a Domino of Wonderful Guitars onto the floor 😜👍🇺🇸
Well, it was just for your entertainment for the duration of the video! Thanks for watching!
Very interesting video. Thanks for sharing 👍
Thanks for visiting
Great comparison! Yes the 00 and 000-28e really project. My Martin Custom Shop 00-28 I got to honor my departed Dad really has a lot of projection, balance & sustain. It has hide glue construction. Recently tried a Taylor 914ce with Engelmann Spruce and it also possess the same qualities. The best for my retirement home folks has been a D28, although I may look into a 0000-28. So yes I sing and play acoustically. Thanks again.
I guess if we ever get the opportunity to gig again, I'll still prefer my dreads, but my 000 and my Waterloo have become my preferred guitars at home and for my online teaching.
Love your collection, my kind of workshop.
Thank you very much!
I love the history lesson and explanation on sizes as well as projection vs loudness, Happy Thanksgiving! By the way, I love your Honorary Texan sticker.
Thank you! You too! We don't do thanksgiving here in the UK, but thanks for seeing my honorary Texan sticker given to me when I played at a Texan only festival in Sherman in 2004! They appreciated my love of Texan singer-songwriters.
Wonderful. I love learning the history about the evolution of the guitars.
Hi again Adam, I confess to guitar related nerdism - its my ting, but I think it is helpful to understand the whats/whens, and whys of the different designs.
@@SillyMoustache It’s a lot smarter than me going to a show where they say, “This is great for fingerstyle!” or worse, “This one is the Swiss Army knife of guitars!” I reckon it’s all about details which is why we have guitar collections.
@@Oklatucky_Guitarman Preeeecisely! It give me a way to justify my GAS!
Thank you for sharing your insight. I enjoy your anecdotes.
Thanks for watching!
Revisiting this, I acquired a heavenly projecting Showalter 00 Custom with Sycamore top, Osage Orange back and sides, Butternut neck, soft V neck profile and ebony fret board (1-15/32 nut). Fantastic little guitar mostly all Virginia tone woods. My Recently acquired Martin Custom Shop D-28 12-fret and Eastman E20 OM MR TC are my most used. The 00 holds its ground and has a hand- rubbed French polish finish. Thanks Andy
Thanks for watching and comments.
thankyou again.Mr Moustache,i can't bring myself to call you silly moustache.lol. particularly when you are such a knowledgable gent. I think loudness and projection are two distinct ,but related,concepts.A guitar can be loud{ to the guitarists hearing} but not project well.increases to body size usually results in a louder guitar[as a general statement] however the most striking differences are those of tone/'character'. If the wood is ok quality, in my experience ,it is the bracing which brings out qualities of tone and translates that to projection.This is also a result of the guitars construction.contrast flat top V arch top acoustic steel strung guitars. Your 'o' size guitar was not quieter than your dread.they both projected well because they had both been made by competent builders- who knew how to brace the top ,and to a lesser degree the back and sides, to pull out the desired tone and projection from a piece of carefully chosen wood which had been reduced to an optimal thinness in order to mantain a lively tap tone: a lively ,balanced ,tone.which is reflected back by the relatively hard back +sides.[also about 25% tone added/changed/emphasised] This is how i understand these ideas,there is a defined physics or science to guitar building- although i consider it more of an art, an act of inspired creation because every piece of wood every guitar is different and a creative genesis is needed to create the kind of guitars that collings ,or for that matter Eastman , make. Anyway,sorry about that i got carried away.yep,i'm definately a guitar Nerd ! Thankyou for replying to my comment and as always thanks for the great videos. Tim whistler.
Hi Tim, thanks for your observations, and i couldn't argue aganist any of what you wrote, but the main pint is - I don't know what it is that makes a guitar project ,but there is one or more aspects of what you mentioned that contrives to work...or not. As Yul Brynner once said "'tis a puzzlement!" Great fun to ponder though eh?
thanks for watching and for your input.
Nice demonstration.
Thank you!
Extremely enjoyable, but you really shouldn't say the 000 was the largest guitar Martin made till 1931. They began MAKING dreads in 1916, except that they were branded for the Ditson company. They even celebrated the 100 year anniversary of the dread in 2016. They simply changed the marketing in 1931 and brought out the dreads under their own name. Otherwise really interesting to hear a conversation about projection v loudness. Also, I was amused to hear you commenting about Stefan's guitar style. I had the pleasure of being taught by him on many occasions and he really whacks it (even when he's playing quietly - if you follow me). Thanks a lot.
Well, OK, they made 18 dreads for Ditson between 1916-1930, so I guess you are correct.
Really interesting! Thank you for the comparisson
My pleasure! Happy New Year!
Thanks Andy interesting data and listening 👏🏾
My pleasure! Glad you found it interesting.
@@SillyMoustache hi Andy
Not sure if you have covered Parlour size 12 fret short scale guitar size previously
But
Can you offer a guide & recommendation please
I am considering a parlour size guitar purchase and currently undergoing research
Many thanks in advance
Hope all is well with you ✌🏼😷
Another great video and based on the cabinet I see there on the right, I would like to bestow upon you the title of Honorary Georgian. I have no standing with which to do the bestowing, but bestow it I will.
Good Spot Darryl! I was taken unsuspecting to a festival on Texas, near Sherman, and told that I would be playing ! But as it was "only" for Texans, I had to undergo a short giggling induction ceremony. They were very kind to me , apart from the necessity to wear spurs in bed!
God I love his accent ❤
Thank you ! South eastern English! Born, bred and buttered!
I love that "Honorary Texan" decal. As an American Southerner, I would pay to see the look on southerners faces when they hear that great EAST "texan" accent of yours hah. I bet you never feel so appreciated than in the States. We love the accents across the pond. Did you have a chance to go to any concerts or festivals when you were in the States? If you ever have the chance to visit the East coast, Virginia area, I think you'd love the guitar playing up there. Would suit your style of playing greatly. I had the pleasure of attending graduate school up there and let me tell you some of the best players I've ever heard. Absolutely gorgeous part of the country not too terribly far from DC if you ever have a chance to visit. Huss & Dalton is in the region if you know those guitars. Excuse my rambling, just got me thinking. :)
We had two weeks in Texas in 2004, mostly staying with friends met through a Yahoo group. We returned in 2005 and drove from San Francisco to Dallas stopping alnog the way to stay with old and new friends. and yes, I did play at one concert (in Sherman TX) and another friend a professional singer-songwriter staged a house concert for us with other performers. Whilst I have visited the east coast NH, Mass, Boston etc., I never got down south, and sadly, my health will not permit any more travels, but I have a high regard for Appalachian roots music, and as an old bluegrasser, I have met many from that area. I have owned a Huss and Dalton but sadly the experience was less than positive.
@@SillyMoustache Thanks for responding. Sorry to hear about your health! I'm glad you have your guitars to bring you joy. Also glad you got to experience the US! I have never actually played a Huss and Dalton, at the time I was exclusively a Taylor man (now I'm all Martin and own 1 Gibson). Your love for Collings has made me really want to try a few :) Thanks, my friend.
@@RogerThat902 Hi, thank fr watchg and for the kind comments..
So good.
Thanks.
Appreciate the history
||Thanks for watching Andy.
Always helpful videos, the one thing I've noted is you referring to Martin for this and that, and Gibson also, but you haven't any examples of either..odd that your collection wouldn't have one.
Hi Ken, I had, and relied on a Martin D35 from 1975 to 1995 (ish) Back in the day I had a J50 for a while and an old '50s SJ200, but my Collings replaced my Martins as Martin no longer make the 12 fret models I sought for so long. (I have my rebuilt Martin D12-20_. I've looked to buy Gibsons (Jackson Browne, and L-00 ) but frankly the cosmetic and build quality simply wasn't up to scratch, hence my Santa Cruz and me Waterloo. I do have my '34 build L-4! Thanks for watching.
@@SillyMoustache Ah! Well, that explains that then..I figured as much..thanks.
@@kenschachsieck1357 You are welcome.
I suppose that Mr. Grossman's concert was probably saved by a good acoustic of the concert hall. Many theaters, opera and concert houses are built to have a specific acoustic so that you can hear what happens on stage on every seat of the room, without amplification.
Yes, that would well have been something to do with it, but I still think that nowadays we assume that dreads, or amplification is a necessity, and that smaller guitars are wimpy.
@@SillyMoustache I have to admit, I was lured into buying a particular loud guitar (Faith Mars slopeshoulder cedar/mahogany) although it should not matter much as I do not need to fill a concert hall with it :) Although my interest is more in fingerstyle I did not want to accept that I should buy a smaller body size.
Thanks Andy
any advice on amplification for noisy pub
open mic nights
thanks again ✌
Hi Keith, I used to lug a large p.a, with 10" speaker cabs. but pretty soon decided that I didn't enjoy pub gigs.
I don't do "open mics" much either - too loud, too disorganised. Last one I did I insisted on not plugging in just using two house mics. By half way through the 1st verse, I had them in the palm of m hand. By the third song I even had the guys from the bar billiards room coming in to listen/watch. I've been using a Bose L-1 at y club until July, but in a newer venue I'm going back to fully acoustic.
@@SillyMoustache Thanks Andy
appreciate your time answering 🙏
@@keithskelton4914 Most welcome.
Andy, very informative. Thanks for all of your videos. George in Montana
Thanks for watching! Hi George, Good to hear from you! stay safe!
Would love to jam with ya...LOL Can't see anyway to cross the pond and the BS Covid has hurt local jams here also. Will have to keep playing with the Trio " Me, Myself, and I". Here praying for better times ahead! Happy Thanksgiving my Friend.
Yup, same problem here, I decided to close my club in March - just before the gov't ordered total lockdown, and had whilst my trio and I managed to get together in a garden /backyard fr a while in August, it faded out as the weather cooled. However I now give online lessons, via Zoom mainly to folks from the US -so I have a reason to use my guitars. I have some spaces btw.
@@SillyMoustache LOL.. Don't know if I have anything to teach ya. We are pretty much at the same lvl. But boy I know we could make some music.. I did get the song "Streets of London" worked out and applied my style to it and is now part of my warm-up. Don't know how I missed that song growing up but it is a big world. It is very soothing to listen to and play.
What would be the loudest acoustic guitar for busking (dreadnought, jumbo, etc ...)? Thanks I enjoyed you video.
Kelly, a dreadnought is a Martin design, and a jumbo is a Gibson design. The volume (cubic capacity) of both is similar, however a Gibson Jumbo (j45 etc) is a shorter scale = less string tension = less volume.
However, many brands make dreadnoughts and the projection/volume is infinitely variable. The more you pay - the better then chances of good projection.
I hate to say it but most buskers tend to "plug in" to some sort of small battery driven combo or p.a. system. Obviously you don't get a great acoustic sound but most people seem happy with that. I don't busk so I'm not the expert in the amplification options available.
Thanks for the response. I really enjoyed your video. I have a HD-28 and it seems loud. In fact, I can only play it for 90 minutes because it is so loud. My db app reads up to about 93 db.
I am getting ready to play an acoustic guitar in a yoga class and a small party, and was looking at acoustic amps. But after watching your video, I am wandering, if money would be better spent on a nice guitar over a cheap PA, mic, etc.... It's a lot of extra stuff that may not be helpful.
I am guessing your D-28 is really loud because of the bracing it projects more than a HD-28. And yes, you are probably right about the quality of projection with different guitars. I would like to find a sub 1000 dollar acoustic to gig. I don't like taking my HD-28 into the "wild." @@SillyMoustache
Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge and research! I started as a viola player and have recently begun a journey on the acoustic guitar. It is interesting to me that Violin/Violas are spruce tops and maple back and sides, but you really only see maple on acoustic guitars in the super-jumbo size? it seems counter intuitive that parlor acoustics should be maple as well?
Hi Paul, thanks for watching and for your kind comments.
Regarding maple - almost all archtop (jazz) style guitars and IIRC hollowbody electrics are made with maple.
Whilst it is not used on flat-tops as much as mahogany or rosewood, both of which add a little something to the tonality, I see maple as pretty neutral but excellent for projection (hence its use on acoustic archtops.
FWIW I also have one flattop with maple B&S which is a "tribute" to an old prewar Gibson style -see: th-cam.com/video/ehduEGhbjmU/w-d-xo.html Regards,
Thanks for taking on the subject. I think it's a bit difficult to hear the different qualities on a YT vid unless you have some idea what to listen for because a mic in a room can't ever pick up the stuff our ears hear.
I give you an example..
I was at an estate sale a few months ago... last day, The person had been a music teacher at some point in the past. Various instruments around, a couple guitars, 6 string and 12 string slot heads, no brands leaning on chairs sunbathed by western rays so not in good shape. I picked up the 6 string, dang if it wasn't nearly in good tune. Easy strum a cord, and finger pick a few notes and this modest 12 fret 15" body guitar filled the entire room with sound. Not loud, just full.. the air was vibrating. From a guitar that has open seams and a couple of cracks!. That's what projection is like. It came home, and the 12 string too. It was similar. Labels inside I couldn't read for the dust the indication of their origin, but who cares.. when they speak that well, you know you're holding gold. Paid literally next to nothing for them. What remained was going to the donation truck. They dug out an old Gibson alligator cardboard case for one and an inexpensive soft case for the other. They need work. It's it worth it financially? I don't know. I can't afford it. But at some point it'll get done somehow.
I started on violin as a young child. A concert quality small instrument can project over an orchestra to fill the hall with sound. Skill of the player? absolutely! But the instrument itself is the source and when it's right, the projection and presence feels effortless.
Hope that helps explain it.
It's surprising. It's a WOW moment. You don't want to stop playing.
I guess that's how I'd describe it.
Hi Mike, your new/old guitars sound like a magical find. I'd love to see/hear them at some point, all the best for '24.
@@SillyMoustache We'll have to figure that bit out. :) Both are from Mexico. The. 12 string is by Jeronimo Amezcua Reyes so it's 1950s or older. He was a key luthier in developing the Paracho, Mx guitar industry. descendants are still making guitars.
The 6 string is Lombardo Garcia from Acapulco. His descendants still make guitars at the same shop at the same address. This one around 1930s His guitars were very highly regarded. Reyes may have apprenticed under Garcia.
Most interesting - thank you for the lesson.
Have you any thoughts on how to select an instrument for projection - it is really a two person experiment?
Does good projection correlate with the performer not being able to hear their own instrument clearly? (I had sound-holes cut in the upper bouts of my instruments so that I could hear them - presumably that energy has to come from somewhere.)
Hi Bruce, in my humble opinion, it is not easy to predict the quality of projection in any particular instrument. It is also a factor of who/how it is played. I've met a number of my Zoom lesson clients who do not use their picks in the most efficient ways - in some ways, I guess you could equate it to teaching someone how to throw a cricket ball - minimal adjustments can have an appreciable effect. Also the "room" has an appreciable effect. there are hard rooms (with reverberation), and soft rooms (lots of carpets, complex wall surfaces and such which can deaden sound. Human bodies also soak up reverberation/resonance whatever.
Most would prefer a dreadnought for projection but they all vary. I have three and one projects far more than the other two. All are from the same noted company.
Happy TG
My understanding is that the SCGC RS sounds great to the audience but not so much to the player. For that reason I’ve not considered one, although I have not been able to play one.
Your thoughts on that opinion.
I agree. Whilst only a fraction of an inch deeper in body depth than, say a dread, it does seem to remove the sound from the player somewhat. The solution is to sit with it facing up in order to re-assure yourself that it IS powerful and full and to resist over-playing when performing. I love it!
Hello, recently discovered your videos which I have enjoyed very much. I currently have a large body Lowden and a small Fylde Goodfellow. The smaller guitar is more comfertable but the Lowden sounds better. I was thinking of a small bodied Martin but having heard some Eastmans I am thinking I probably don`t need to spend Martin money. Would appreciate any comment
I think that many are coming to a similar conclusion.
Thank you.
You're welcome!
Of course, the major factor in sound production from and acoustic is the player. You sound like you regardless of the guitar used. True some have differences ie the flkattop versus the archtop, but I think it is the player first and foremost...
Hi Joel, of course that is a factor.I know a great bluegrass player who seems to kill his dreads, sound in some way, but my point is that smaller guitars might mnot be as loud, but they can project.
You've mentioned Gibson but I don't think I've seen you play one! Which model (s) Gibson are you referring to? My J35 is a real joy to play and it was a bargain......
I have a 1934 L-4 f-hole Archtop.
I thought you were to make some measurements from a distance, hence the larger distance than usual.
No, just socially distancing (!) HNY!
33-34 L-7, best guitar ever made
Hi My Gibson is an L-4 but L-4s and L-7s are confusingly similar. Thanks for watching.
@@SillyMoustache , true , the headstock inly and inlays on the fretboard are almost identical to those on my 1934 L-7, and I did have one of the earlier round holed L4s which is a great guitar
Hello Mr. Moustache,
When playing at home for personal enjoyment, do you find yourself reaching for one of your smaller-bodied guitars or a dreadnought? After 15 years of strictly playing dreadnoughts with no interest in smaller bodies, I acquired my first 00 and cannot put it down--- and it's been that way for almost a year now. The comfort, ergonomics and convenience factors are just too good to ignore without much of a sacrifice in tonal qualities.
Hi, thanks for the question. I have three dreads, and always use them for gigging, performing, but all that stopped dead this March when we went into lockdown. I used them less and less for making these videos. In July, I was asked to give Zoom lessons and have used my 000 almost exclusively. I also now have two Eastmans, a size 0 and a have a month ago a size 00, so I expect you'll see more smaller guitars in my videos.
I want an acoustic base loud enough to contend with the sounds of the great outdoors. Talking, a rushing river, a crackling fire, etc. Acoustic bass come with a higher price but don't stand a chance in a natural environment. I know....bass players get no respect but they are an essential part of keeping everyone together. Supposedly bass notes are perfect for this job because the notes travel further yet I see more bass players getting portable amps just to compete. An upright is better but they're huge and have no business around a campfire. Buyers remorse can be a real bitch when there's no amount you can pay to get what you want. Would a horn bell on a bass project better? The coolest thing about the campfire jam is NOT having all the tech crap. If the bass player brings an amp...then the guitar wants to, then the drummer wants a full kit and a stage built. All of that comes with generators which will be used by the kids to run a game console and a flat screen and the camping experience is ruined because tech spoiled it...any suggestions?
I am sorry, but I cannot advise you on acoustic bass instruments.
i almost turned this off because of the continuous tone sound here. it stopped just before i switched away. not very smart.
This was filmed in my workshop/utility room where there are two freezers, two refrigerators and a washing machine. The noise came from a freezer. My videos are made wherever I can in my small British house and I don't ask for payments. I make them to share information only. Sometimes I record in a conservatory when it is raining -It is the UK - it rains. I probably recorded in this room because the rain was too heavy that day.
Great video. Very informative, However my Guild OM 30 is by FAR louder than any Dred I own. It literally scares me with how LOUD it is. It almost make me shutter!
Thanks for sharing
This is what TH-cam is all about.
Hi Michael, thank you for that. Thank for watching my videos.
I commend you on your collection. As you have shown you have most everything, and I don't think anyone wants you to fill in the gaps in your collection. Here are a couple of guitars to consider -- you don't need to buy these.
The first is a classical guitar used in a country setting. Merle Haggard and Chet Atkins have loads of TH-cam footage with classical guitars. I think the most famous guitar is Willie Nelson's Trigger, which began its life at a Show-Bud dealer in Nashville. They installed an ace pickup -- I believe by Baldwin, and the guitar has endured several rebuilds to reinforce the hole dug into the top by the plectrum (pick as we say). This guitar is a Martin Classic made with Brazilian rosewood.
The second guitar is a Martin acoustic, with Mahogany top, back and sides, and steel strings. You will find that one of the Milk Carton Kids uses the mahogany guitar for all of his lead work. His is quite old. I ended up selling a bunch of steel string guitars and settling on a fairly new Martin. This all mahogany Martin sounds good as a parlour guitar -- whatever that means. It is also mid-ranged, not too bright, so in theory you could record yourself without much equalisation.
Greetings from across the Pond.
Strangely, I have been thinking of a classical lately. Back in the '70s I had two lady friends who both had Levin classicals and I loved them (the guitars mostly) If I could find a Levin, I might be tempted.
looks lie dream like men cave!
Hi Serge, well, not really, the right hand side is my total workshop area but shared with food storage (onions, garlic, marrows etc., and on the left of screen its kitchen rolls, cooking dishes, a freezer and my wife's "other stuff" and cat food supplies. The white cupboards on the right store house cleaning stuff and our vacuum cleaner/charger. Behind the camera is a large fridge/freezer our washer/drier and another fridge - so not entirely a man cave! (I wish)
Loudness vs projection? Where is the science? Where is the decibel meter at various distance and angles.? Jeez..15 mins of opinion and examples of Martin/Gibson designs + more opinions w/o proof. C'mon...so weak
Hi C Scooter, thank you for your observation. Where is the science? I wish I knew. My initial example was my witnessing smaller guitars projecting through a theatre, when some might "plug in" fr a small club. However, please advise me of your thoughts about this.
@@SillyMoustache observation is nice but science is better. Get a decibel meter and put it a various distances and angles vs the guitars. W/o that you have proved nothing other than you can make a 15 min vid of opinions that may or not be valid.
This was more about the designers thinking behind the different models and not about scientific testing. As such, it was very well presented, as usual.
@@grahamhaynes4284 Then change the title and content...it misleads
What is misleading about the title? It’s free content for you and well thought out by Andy. Great video, excellent opinions and wonderful history about some beautiful guitars.