Martin 000-42 vs. 000-28 | Do They Sound Exactly The Same?

These two guitars are the same shape, scale length, and tonewoods-- so why do they sound so different? Take a listen to our comparison of the 000-28 and the 000-42 and let us know your thoughts.

0:00 Intro/Specs
9:06 000-28 Demo
10:40 000-42 Demo
12:13 Final Thoughts

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[biagiocauso]

The difference is huge, I didn't expect this difference, high grade wood is everything

[ronmoore]

$6400.00 puts us in the realm of a custom guitar built by a luthier to our own specs and preferences. Both were beautiful sounding with the 42 seeming brighter and clearer to me. Like the difference between Elixer nonoweb compared to D’Addario XS/XT strings. Great guitars, but I’d go custom for that much money.

[BobDorfman]

For much less extra money, you can get a 000-28 Modern Deluxe (or the OM version) that will also provide more articulation, balance, and “chime” at the high end. With the MD “upgrade”, there are additions for which you can attribute the differences in sound.

[Searider]

The 42 was definitely more resonant, more sustain, brighter. Listened to your demo on my Bose headphones and was easy to hear the difference.

[ironhead]

I played 3 different HD28's when I purchased mine and all 3 sounded different out of the box. The one I chose is amazing I get compliments all the time on the sound coming from that instrument. Great video

[jasonhinson]

Nice picking. I personally think you could put a Luna in this guys hands make it sound like a $3000 guitar. They both sound excellent!

[leftyjcw]

The 42 sounds a lot more open. Nicely played. I own a D28, 000-28 EC, and a D45. The 45 is far and away the best. I believe they are worth it.

[TheNewRevolution]

I'm 44 and a little old school. I still think the best way to buy a guitar is to go into a shop and actually play the guitars. This is the only way you're going to get the best guitar for you. I've literally played 100s of guitars. One thing I will say about Martins is that their processes must be spot on. Over the years, I've noticed that almost every time you pick up the more expensive, higher quality model, they sound better. The other companies have come a long way, but I've picked up Taylors, Takamines, Gibsons, etc. Where cheaper, lower graded guitars were more resonant and sounded better. That almost never happens with a Martin. I've played tons of them. I know people bitch about Gibsons QC but I think they're probably on the second tier. The others are on the third tier. As far as this argument goes. I've played Gibson Doves, Hummingbirds, SJ-200 that sound as good as any Martin. The few Country Weasterns I've played sound as good as the old Martins I've played. I'll be honest, I don't really like the sound of Taylors, so maybe I'm biased. I do think Takamines sound good, but I prefer the classic acoustic sound. If you're going for that, you have to buy a Martin or a Gibson. I've played some custom builds from Luthiers that sound as good as any guitar at any price. But I've had friends order high end custom builds and the guitar not turn out like they wanted them too. And those are not cheap. Once you do that, you're kinda stuck with it. They're hard to get rid of if you don't like how it turns out. You will almost surely take a loss. The best guitar will always be the one you pick up to play and don't want to put down. These purchases are important. Don't settle for anything less than the guitar you know is the one for you(as long as you have the money to get that guitar, of course). Really, if you want the music any guitar will do. But there's also something to be said for having that guitar that will outlast you and become a family heirloom. That's what these Martins are. You'll never be sorry you bought one. It'll be worth more when your grandkids sell it because they have no interest in playing than you paid for it, after you're gone. 😂

[martyk]

When purchasing my OM-28, I compared an American Sitka Spruce top to a European Sitka Spruce top. Both OM-28’s. The European Sitka was louder and a bit brighter. My guess the difference we heard in the OOO-28 and OOO-42 is due to the wood and not the inlays. (Oh yeah, I went with the European Sitka spruce top).

[philcottone]

I heard a slight difference. Would I still hear the same difference if you played 5 of each? I don't know. The difference isn't significant enough to justify the cost difference as I don't like all the bling on the higher cost Martin's. 28 is Martin's sweet spot. High end enough to get top quality wood and construction but additional money not wasted on bling.

[mylerism]

Weird how much the 000-42 stands out in this video. What a lively guitar. I wonder if heat/humidity is affecting the 000-28 differently. Who knows

[michaelspringer]

I do own the 28 and love it. It is so resonant and super easy to play. I do hear the difference between the 2, and it is significant but I don’t have the extra 3 grand so I am very happy with the one I have. Thanks so much for the comparison, I have wondered about the difference and you brought it in to perspective.

[ElMcMeena]

Great video guys - and playing. I've noticed big differences among the OM-21, -28, -35 and -42. The -42 sounds more hollow than the -28, Heaven knows why!

[JasonKrut-sc]

42 had a greater clarity to it. Both sounded great, if I had the unlimited funds, I would go with the 42. BTW, just missed out on your used OMJM by day. Always enjoy your videos.

[LawrenceWolofsky]

Hey Cooper, I just want to say that you played a magnificent demo on these. Thanks!

[BobDorfman]

I especially enjoyed your discussion about what factors could be responsible for the difference in sound.

[MarkJVSomers]

Lovely guitar playing as usual. Both are great.

[aqualung]

Cooper... you are an incredible player - I loved listening to you play both guitars!

[Rebel]

Between these two particular guitars there was a clear winner in the 000-42. But as many have stated the price tag is quite a bit 😅, but the 000-28 i bought from you guys was so phenomenal that the sales rep really thought the 000-28 i bought was the custom one yall had in the store. It turns out it was just standard 000-28. Thats how good it sounded 😁😁😁😁😁

[yourtubisfilled]

I wached this with pretty great monitor speakers and the difference in the highs and mids is remarkable. Would love to see the comparison with the 000-28 Modern Deluxe.